Anyone who has frequented the UofA is likely familiar with HUB mall - the long corridor of greasy fast food joints and cupboard-like student residences. Originally, a skylight stretched the length of the roof, but it has since been covered over. Here's my haibun-reflection on the space at night:
HUB Mall, 8:17 pm
Upward, there are halogen projections in place of the sky:
dim purple. The northern lights are brighter – did the architect know that? Did
he title his display “dim borealis”? Did he also know that northern lights, in
these parts at least, are usually green? That they usually move? The only green
under the static purple light is the lacquered insides of cupboard doors; the
only movement is that of people crossing from neon fast food signs to laminate
tables. They look down. There’s nowhere else to look, really. The few exterior
windows are made mirrors by the dark outside, so that all I can see is my own
face, skin a purple tint.
light glances
from the glass face of my watch
a star
