The Lone Skyscraper

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma—Below me are emerald and amber patches. They cross across the flat expanse like a perfectly earth-toned quilt. Finally the sky sinks away and the patchwork earth moves closer and closer as I descend into the “heartland” of America.

Leaving behind Buenos Aires to return to Oklahoma City is like moving between two different planets. From population, to nightlife, to cars on the street, the two cities could not be more different.

However, the most striking difference is the contrast between the respective skylines. While Buenos Aires seems like an expanse of buildings that never end, Oklahoma City’s lack of buildings is evident. Upon descending, the flat blanket of earth and farmland catches my eye, as does the lack of true city life.

While Oklahoma has a strong oil and gas industry, the capital has not been transformed into a booming city, but rather still resembles the beginnings of what I hope is yet to come.

But amidst the small spattering of low buildings and small enterprises, there is one structure that rises above the rest: the Devon Tower. Until the Devon Tower was constructed this year, the lack of skyscrapers was dismissible. However, after the skyscraper took its place in the city, it is impossible not to notice.

“Have you seen the new Devon building?” the man beside me on the airplane questions. I notice the pride in his voice as he points out of the window and into the approaching metro.

As it rises out of the city, it seems to bring the promise that someday Oklahoma City will fill its skyline with more industries and jobs.

Megan B. Prasad '15, a Crimson magazine editor, lives in Eliot House.