BitterSweetLife

The last couple days I’ve been battling with—and losing to—Spring Break Languor. At least I think it’s the Spring Break genus. The association might be artificial, in which case I can begin feeling better about myself. It’s possible I’m suffering from Spring Flu Languor, a related but quite different species.

In any case, all the symptoms are there. The chronic sleepiness, recurring tendency to sprawl out on the futon, lack of curiosity about the world at large, and, with few exceptions, aversion for focused activity.

The dreaded Languor results in a perception of reality that is fuzzy around the edges. Yesterday I shook off the sedentary beast long enough to write a page and a half of a paper, and then collapsed in exhaustion. I willfully cleaned up in the kitchen, and then relapsed violently, beating the computer in successive games of hearts. I tried to conceptualize a blog post, and the mere idea caused a nervous reaction; an extended reading session was necessary before I could regain equilibrium. Yes, the Languor is making its presence felt.

But a ray of light shines through the mental cloud cover.

More perceptive readers will have inferred, from the fact that I wrote this post, that circumstances have begun to change. To an extent, you’re right; I have foiled the Languor, but for how long, I can’t say. As I write, I glance over my shoulder, and guardedly take another swallow of Kenyan coffee. That’s right, the medicinal benefits of coffee have once again become apparent.

But how strong is this coffee? And how strong is the Languor? For the moment, the various aspects of my life—books, chores, assignments, blog—have resolved themselves back into sharp focus. I have escaped, but for how long?

I take another wary sip, and survey the apartment. Somewhere, a beast lurks in the shadows. The futon lies rumpled, books strewn randomly, bed unmade—his marks are everywhere. I shake my head, shivering, despite the indolent warmth of the air.

Today, my game will be evasion.