An Ode to Hillsdale
Written by Victoria Kelly
Flowers bless the landscape; it’s Hillsdale in the spring!
Little patches of wonder face the library, Lane, and Benzing.
In fences, somewhat hidden, and in front of Central Hall,
Are myriad colors and forms, all along the paths I walk.
Too often I forget to truly notice what is here
Too busy in my studies, gleaning knowledge from yesteryear.
But Hillsdale is a place with so much beauty to behold
Growing both beside you in nature, and inside you in your soul.
My day often starts at sunrise and I just must stop and gaze
At that reminder of God’s glory heralding the day!
I pull my sweatshirt to me to resist the spring air’s chill
And I make my way to classes in an exercise of will.
After hours of lectures, if I have the time, I’ll walk
And see the famous sites of which friends of the College talk.
My imagination sees them with a significance inside
And as I think about this legacy, my heart feels noble pride.
I see the mighty eagle there, reaching for the sky.
Carry all our dreams with you; lift my fellows high!
If metal did not entomb his form, I think that time would bring
The sound of virtus tentamine gaudet from the beating of his wings!
And the bell’s not in the tower now, sending for a cheer
But when I close my eyes to idealize, it is its ring I hear.
My mind pauses on an idle bench where I could sit in a Narnian mood.
To learn of living, and of God, I don’t need a wardrobe’s wood.
There’s a magic here to learn about, with each person that I meet,
In this country that I cherish, with her flag flying proud and free!
Wandering to the library, there the treasures that I see
Remind me of the stories from which I become a better me—
In which marvelous adventure, and propriety of soul
Teach me about humanity, and that which makes us whole.
I don’t just carry music as I leave from weekly choir—
Chapel doors open before me, with a view that must inspire!
My steps bear me forward, and I venture into the sun
As I hear my friends call out to me, ready to have some fun.
Later bushy clouds and streaks of pink like artwork dot the sky.
It’s impossible to believe how the days go flying by!
I give myself a moment to appreciate the show of light
And am proud of that day’s little victories, as day explodes to night.
I make time for conversation and also time to rest,
To go visit the theatre, but still study to do my best.
I know that God is with me, in each challenge that I face
And I am blessed when I realize–I belong in this place.
And though I’m no gifted poet, my wonder makes me write
To capture why I love it here, as I bid my home goodnight.
Photos by Victoria Kelly and Kiri Forrester
Victoria Kelly, ’24, is a proud country girl from upstate New York. On the rare occasion she is not studying or hanging out with all her favorite Hillsdale people, you can find her debating politics, practicing Tae Kwon Do, or swing dancing, preferably outside under the stars.
Published in April 2022