It was one of the most formative moments of my life. I was sitting in a cold, drab oxford lecture room in my first year of university waiting for my prof, Marxist thinker Erik Swyngedouw. He finally burst into the room with a cup of coffee in his hand and asked in his distinctive Belgian accent, “Can you see this coffee?” The obvious answer was, “Yes, of course I can see the cup.” What, I wondered, was this guy getting at?
But it soon became clear that this wasn’t going to be my usual dazed and drowsy experience wallowing at the back of the lecture theatre. “You can see the coffee, but can you see the fields of Guatemala? Can you see the EU tariffs? Can you see the coffee workers’ pay slips?” I soon realized what he was getting at. The world as it is didn’t just happen. It is the way it is because of people, because of laws, because of attitudes.
Then Swyngedouw asked, “So, how many of you want to work in the Civil Service when you’re older” I thought for a second. The idea appealed, but my arms didn’t leave my side. It was strange: as if by some magnetic force I was being kept in the system, the one that – for now- ruled the room. No other arms were raised; the question seemed absurd. “So, how many of you want to go work in the City: invest, trade, move money and make money?” Arms shot up all around me. It all became painfully clear: Why, oh why, would anyone want to contribute to society when they could focus on making money?
I think Swyngedouw’s aim was to show us we don’t have to give in to the system, and the accumulation of money in our hands doesn’t automatically lead to happiness. He told us the ratio of raised arms would have been reversed in the 1970s, but people’s mindsets had changed. It seems that we’re all looking out for ourselves, convinced somehow that profits will bring economic benefit to us all. Mind you, I don’t see accumulating money in itself as an evil act. Work hard, make money, sure – but don’t make it your idol. Don’t screw everyone, don’t screw up the planet, don’t isolate yourself, don’t become an island. We’re in this life together.
Luke Sherlock
Oxford, UK
Baby I miss you so.
This is too painful, for you and me.
I promise, we will never be apart.
This is the first, and the last time.
We will be together, always.
the fb status says glaringly:
in a relationship _______
with who?
almost seems like an illusion
i can do anything for you,
why cant u juz change for me?
pain in my heart…
the weight is weighing down on my shoulders.
sometimes i long for those carefree days.
so love is never strong enough to cure anything.
after all, you still decide wat u want to do, and i have no influence.
all the stereotype about love is false.
love changes nothing, it moves nothing.
true love is just as true as this.
your are breaking my heart.
when i say it, i mean it.
you broke my heart countless times.
i cry alone.
u cant see my tears.
can u feel it?
I know I am nothing. I am not good enough. You are not dating someone you want to marry.
Words, no matter how well intentioned, hurt like knives.
If not for you, I dont even want to be rich.
I was standing
all alone against the world outside
you were searching for
a place to hide
lost and lonely
now you’ve given me the
will to survive
when we’re hungry
love will keep us alive
don’t you worry
sometimes you’ve just
gotta let it ride
the world is changing
right before your eyes
now I’ve found you there’s
no more emptiness inside
when we’re hungry
love will keep us alive
I would die for you,
climb the highest mountain
baby, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do
I was standing all alone
against the world outside
you were searching For
a place to hide
lost and lonely
now you’ve given me the
will to survive
when we’re hungry…love
will keep us alive
when we’re hungry…love
will keep us alive
when we’re hungry…love
will keep us
alive
Lying here with you
Listening to the rain
Smiling just to see the smile upon your face
These are the moments I thank God that I’m alive
These are the moments I’ll remember all my life
I found all I’ve waited for
And I could not ask for more
Looking in your eyes
Seeing all I need
Everything you are is everything to me
These are the moments
I know heaven must exist
These are the moments I know all I need is this
I have all I’ve waited for
And I could not ask for more
I could not ask for more than this time together
I could not ask for more than this time with you
Every prayer has been answered
Every dream I have’s come true
And right here in this moment is right where I’m meant to be
Here with you here with me
These are the moments I thank God that I’m alive
These are the moments I’ll remember all my life
I’ve got all I’ve waited for
And I could not ask for more
I could not ask for more than the love you give me ‘Coz it’s all I’ve waited for
And I could not ask for more
I could not ask for more
you probably dont know that you have really hurt me this time.
you probably think that i am just throwing tantrum. But I am really disappointed. Do you really dont understand what I am upset about? Do you care at all how I feel?
Why is it that when you walk away, someone goes after you, but when I walk away, I walk away alone.
Why is it that when you are upset, someone tries their best to cheer you up but when I am unhappy, you say it is my own business. Do you know how hurtful your words are.
You say I am angry for nothing. Do you really not know the reason? You say I did not tell you the reason. Have you been listening to what I said for more than half an hour while you just keep silent. When I am angry you just pretend like nothing has happened and what I am reading is that you are not interested. Your silence tells me “I dont give a damn”. You say when you are angry next time it has nothing to do with me and I dont have to be concerned. I dont know why you are saying this. How you are feeling at any moment has a direct effect on me and I dont know why it does not affect you? I am sorry I have to walk away this time. I have to do this. There is nothing else I can do. I have already done everything I could while keeping my own self esteem.
I half anticipated that someone will grab my arm from behind. It was a long walk home.
My last day of 2009.
