It is often said that great art is created during troubled times, so it should come as no surprise that Barnard — well known for its alumnae writers — has seen this trend continue as the “twin pandemics” of COVID-19 and a renewed focus on racial injustice and violence sweep the world. In this new limited series, Barnard community members share poems and songs that speak to this unique moment in time. (If you would like to contribute, please email newsteam@barnard.edu.)
Today, Aria Narang ’24 performs her song “Distance.”
Distance
Tie your shoes tight love, you might trip
Oh look, you’ve already fallen
Looks cold might go for a dip
I’ve learned to walk, but I’m still crawlin’
And they never tell you how it’s gonna be
They only share all the impossibilities
And all I can say is are you kidding me?
Cuz I miss the feel of your touch
I used to feel it in my core
And I thought I lost my mind, but I found it on the floor
And we knew it would be hard
But now I’ve lost my mind and heart
But you know what I miss the most?
It’s finding little blue hairs on my table
So, if it’s not a bother at all
Could you ship some over and kiss the label?
And they never tell you how it’s gonna be
They only share all the impossibilities
And all I can say is are you kidding me?
Cuz I miss the feel of your touch
I used to feel it in my core and now I’m so sore
And I thought I lost my mind, but I found it on the floor
And we knew it would be hard
But now I’ve lost my mind and heart
And I’m gasping for air
I let out a cry
Didn’t you know you’re my oxygen supply
My lungs have gone underneath
And without you my baby I can’t
Breathe
Cuz I miss the feel of your touch
I used to feel it in my core and now I’m so sore
And I thought I lost my mind, but I found it on the floor
And we knew it would be hard
But now I’ve lost my mind and heart