It stirs restless behind the facade of lazy days and gentle winds. It shifts in the lengthening shadows of the trees. Harbingers of autumn days settle insidiously: the back-to-school sales, the increasing number of cars with mattresses passing by, the rows of backpacks staring from their ranks on store shelves, and the cooling days all augur a shift of order. Behind the passive mien of August calm, September beckons seductively, ensnaring students in its net of fresh-faced enthusiasm for the next school year.

Already, I can see it. That cataclysmic collision of torpid, paunchy summer with the bright-eyed, energetic autumn will arise soon enough. The struggle must prove epic, though summer necessarily concedes defeat with its fading breath, ousted from its throne by a young contender. Though summer's lackadaisical influence will last in those unwilling to face a new semester of books and papers, autumn's wily lures of excitement and fun, perhaps even academic challenge, will convince the less-inclined. From everywhere will students flood onto Berkeley campus and inundate Sproul will screams of delight, ritualistic hugs, and "How ARE you?"s. The scent of summer will linger with the retelling of summer adventures like the familiar but already forgotten scent of an old boyfriend's cologne. Memories fade in favor of the present.

I will miss summer. I will miss its carefree promises of fun no-strings-attached, of careless enjoyment, and of simple delight. I will miss the calm breeze brushing by Memorial Glade like the approving touch of some unknown creator, I will miss the laughter and songs in lab, and I will miss the stillness of its days.

Yet, I look forward to the cluttered schedule of fall with the eagerness of a child waiting for the cake to finish baking. I look forward to the stress, I look forward to the work, and I look forward to attending new classes.

Who knows what the future may bring? I will let it approach, carried on the wings of my hopes and anticipation, but for now, I will seize summer by its aged hands and run as though time will never end and enjoy these remaining days to the fullest.

Carpe Diem!