The narrator reflects on a time of distress while humorously noting their obligation to write a paper on Rimbaud, drawing a stark contrast to their current serene surroundings. Amidst nature's vivid imagery, such as the blossoming daffodils and the lively mountain stream, the passage evokes a sense of peace and balance now, unlike the past's chaotic experience of intertwining life and academia. The juxtaposition highlights personal growth and the passage of time where moments of struggle have evolved into an appreciation of life's beauty.
I don't have time,' I told myself, 'to kill myself: I have to write a paper on Rimbaud.' Those were the days I could hardly tell the difference between hospital and classroom and walking the dog at 1 A.M. seemed the only way to preserve an illusion of balance.
Such different tempi now: as Joel prods the slow, private smolder in the pile of damp brush, releasing wisps of blue smoke to waver in air, the mountain stream pelts over stones, wrinkling silver, frothing lace, ripping laughter out of its own current.
In the daffodil spears thrusting up through dead leaves, each stalk swells with the pulse of a blossom-to-be.
Well, that was a long time ago. Those were the days I could hardly tell the difference between hospital and classroom.
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