I may never again live in an all-college town
I'm leaving my dear Gainesville with a half-smile, half-frown
Because for all the reasons I say I'm more than ready to leave
There are an equal number of things lost I might actually grieve
Gainesville is so supportive of creative expression
It's here graffiti art can leave a somewhat lasting impression
If you feel the urge to say "I love you" in the middle of the night
Where else can you paint your feelings on a wall and be sure it's said right?
And what will I ever do without Hippodrome plays?
No other local theatre experience could entertain the same way
Getting pizza at Satchel's is such a worthwhile endeavor
I'll not love a pie half as much if it doesn't take forever
What if the place I move has never heard of bubble tea?
If I'm forced to find a new favorite drink, what would it be?
And Veena, the woman who threads my eyebrows at the mall
Will she fly across the country if I give her a call?
What if my new city doesn't have three Moe's?
If I want a burrito and queso, how far must I go?
There are a few fun activities I know I'll yearn for when I go
Like will I never perform another perverted improv show?
Only here I can see sporting events one after another
My weekend plans were once a dream come true for my brother
If I'm being honest I'll confess that I don't even like football
But I love living in a town that can say we've won it all
I like how here transportation is a form of exercise
Made possible by Gainesville's condensed, cozy size
People are always scooting, biking, walking or running
The number of students without cars is impressive but stunning
I've sadly become accustomed to getting things for free
When I have to pay to ride a bus, do you know how angry I'll be?
What if I end up rooming with people that aren't well under 30?
Will my house still be so loud and effortlessly dirty?
And it's fun to see classmates in every store, deli, or bar
If you want to talk to a Gator you don't have to look far
Though I'm sad to have to leave where I call home behind
It'll help others and me to keep this one thing in mind
You can leave tomorrow for apparently anywhere
And when you look around you'll find The Gator Nation is there
Eating pizza, drinking a beer and talking about the game
And while you're new town is so different, it's so much the same
Carly Hallam is an advertising senior. Her column appears on Fridays.
