Libera: Ja ja ja, the universe? Aver, espera, wait, go back to that line!
Alejandra: "Do I dare?"
Libera: Yes, that one - It's just such a funny thing to say. It sounds like the author has to ask space a question but doesn't know how to bring it up or something ...
Alejandra: No, no, that's not what it meant, that's not it all -
Libera: I'd like to go to space and ask it a few questions ...
Alejandra: Its not about "the universe" as in outer space or "disturb" as in literally pestering. Its about our existence itself, and if what we do and the choices we make matter in the grand scheme of things. Did you even pay attention to the first parts?
Libera: I did, I did, but it was a lot, and that line was the one that stuck out to me the most. It was just so straightforward. Or ... I guess it wasn't, because I didn't get it? But you really get it.
Alejandra: Well, that's what makes poetry special to me, personally; how people can have different interpretations or ideas about words or sentences, words lose or regain their meaning through conceptualization, so maybe I shouldn't be too miffed that you understood that line that way ...
Libera: Ja ja ja, what? Ale, no, I don't understand!
Alejandra: O, pues ... You got up to ask me what I was up to, I'm trying to write and look over this poem that really inspires me, but you can't understand it at all!
Libera: Well, I'm not as smart as you.
Libera: Wait, is that where it ends? Did you read it wrong?
Alejandra: No, there's still more ... But come on, tell me what's keeping you up. You always sleep when I'm writing at my desk, so what's wrong? And don't tell me it's because you want to listen to that record again. You're nervous about school tomorrow, huh?
Libera: Ja ja ja, I wouldn't mind playing that record again. I love that song. Libéra, libéra, libérame - 🎶 Um, anyways, no, I'm not nervous. Well, I do feel something, but ... I don't think it's nervous. I guess I just can't believe I'm starting high school already, it's strange. I always thought ...
Alejandra: You always thought ... What?
Libera: I don't know, that I'd be starting high school with my friends? I know I talked to mama about this already but I hate that I have to go to Thunderbird. I don't know anybody there. But it's a more "integrated" school, which might be better for me, or something. The majority of the kids there are still going to be Brown anyway, so I don't get it.
Alejandra: Are you sure you're not nervous?
Libera: Even if I was nervous it's not gonna help make things better, so it doesn't matter. I can't change anything.
Alejandra: Well, I guess that's a good start. There's no use being nervous, so what else can you be?
Libera: What? I don't know. Happy, obviously.
Alejandra: I can tell when you're upset about something. I know you can't just be happy about this suddenly ...
Libera: Alright, hijole, fine. I'll admit it. I'm nervous. I don't feel super great about it all.
Alejandra: But ... there's a blurry line between feeling nervous and feeling excited - it's just how you see things.
Libera: So ... I'm supposed to feel ... Excited?
Alejandra: Yeah. You almost have to trick yourself and how you think. You're starting high school with entirely new people. Why not be excited for all the new friends you're going to make now? It doesn't matter where you go, you can always make it exciting because something new awaits. It's an adventure.
Libera: I have to trick the way I think?
Alejandra: Kind of, yes.
Libera: I ... I guess that's worth a try.
Alejandra: You are smart, you know. You can outsmart yourself.
Libera: Do you have to outsmart yourself, too?
Alejandra: Sometimes.
Alejandra: Alright. Go to sleep. You have to get some rest for tomorrow, and I have to get back to what I was working on. I really want to get at least one more stanza out. I'll be in my bed soon, too, OK?
Libera: Fine, I'm in bed, I'm going to sleep. But - Alejandra -
Alejandra: Si, que pasa?
Libera: Can you show me the rest of that poem sometime?
Alejandra: Claro ...