Tidal Currents The creative magazine of Devon Preparatory School 2019-2020
“Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine, and at last you create what you will.� -George Bernard Shaw Editor-Mr. George Sheehan Designer-Mrs. Samantha Desch
Table of Contents 1-2 Nace Barry 3 Morgan Unruh 4 Jack Duffy and Mike Collins 5 Haig Shamlian 6-10 Cole Kelly 11 Nolan Hughes 12 Matthew Sarkees 13-14 Dan Boyle 15-19 Aidan Curry 20-22 Jacob Bailey 23 Chris Supplee 24-25 Pat Dean 26-29 Creative Writing Class
Nace Barry6th gradeOriginal artwork
Nace Barry6th gradeOriginal artwork continued
Remember When the World Stood Still Windows shuttered, doors long bolted To keep that devil at bay Rooms grow cluttered, and children bothered Withheld from outside play. New canvas to paint the horizon New cries and moans of fright. While some have failed to wisen The rest have felt its might. With tender touches from those nearby Some gentle memories made. Clean and blue abounds the sky, Your newfound path fresh paved. Remember when the world stood still, When buck and doe ran free Fear may be high, keep strong your will, Not yet do We take our leave.
Contributed by Morgan Unruh12th gradeOriginal poem
REFLECTIONS ON A COLLINS PAINTING Little bee, you are so small yet, too, so mighty a force in nature's scheme. You are drawn through all times to that elegance that is the flower's beauty. I am reminded of a scene limned on sacred Sistene's ceiling that teases by its gap a connection to the Almighty. In such small spaces great power presents and creates awe that defies complacency. Have we the grace to perceive what is so evident if we but look?
Teacher collaboration piecePainting by Mr. Mike Collins Poem by Mr. Jack Duffy
Haig Shamlian9th gradeOriginal artwork
Cole Kelly11th gradeDramatic Monologue Does it Matter But does it matter? You lie on a small oblate sphere spinning at hundreds of miles an hour, orbiting along with 7 other spheres around a bright star thousands of times larger than your sphere, that as a system spins on its own around a galaxy billions of light years wide. And that galaxy spins itself around a massive hole of complete darkness that is billions of times larger than your miniscule solar system. This galaxy is among trillions of other galaxies in its own cluster, and that cluster is among trillions of other clusters that make up what we know to be the observable universe. A universe that is constantly expanding, into itself? Into nothing? Who knows? But this universe is just a bubble among trillions and trillions of other bubbles; where no two bubbles abide by the same rules. You’re a grain of sand in this galaxy, and in this Multiverse of bubbles you’re just a length, no greater than plank. Your problems grow exponentially more and more insignificant as this universe, so large that our minds aren’t able to comprehend it’s shere scale, expands indefinitely. But our minds tend to forget these facts. And we begin to establish our corner of the world as the only corner there is. The universe revolves around us after all, doesn’t it? Wouldn’t you agree? No. A human life only makes up .000000006% of the universe’s galactic history, from the big bang to now. But was the big bang even the first of its kind, or only one of a repeated vicious process of expanding, contracting, and expanding again. It may be, it may not be. We don’t know. The only thing that we know is that your problems don’t matter. So take a deep breath, and chill out.
Cole Kelly11th gradeYoda-inspired ceramics project
Cole Kelly11th gradeDramatic Dialogue “Hi, How are ya. I’m John” “Hi John, I’m Eric. Nice to meet you.” “Have you heard the reports?” “What reports?” “That 2+2=3...you haven’t heard them yet?” “Ha. Ha. Very funny. Man I can’t stand those people who actually believe that crap.” “I’m serious.”
“You can not be serious. We all
Know that 2+2=5. It’s just fac tual, it’s been known for cent uries!” “Maybe that’s so, but just because we’ve always believed it doesn’t mean we should continue to do so. Here look at this: actual evidence that shows that 2+2 does equal 3.” “Oh that’s fake, that’s just pro paganda. Fake facts. Fake math. Fake evidence. Here’s some evidence right here that shows 2+2=5. You can’t deny this stuff. The proof is in the pudding.” “Oh that’s just balony. Your evidence is A fallacy of real information. False info. False logic. False equation. Next thing you’re going to tell me Is that you’re one of those idiots who thinks Australia doesn’t exist.” “You believe Australia exists!?1? Are you dumb. A giant island with the baddest of the bad:wild crocodiles, hostile dingos, kan
garoos that know jujitsu? Ah. So scary. It’s bs. And you’re uneducated if You think it does exist. Look at the broader picture! You guys are so closed minded. Next thing you’re going to tell me Is that you’re one of those nimwits who believes there’s a secret gorilla under world that controls The United Nations!” “You don’t believe in the Gorilla Republic? I am actually convinced that you got no education. How can I even talk to such an imbecile. I can’t Be friends with such an uneducated, incoherent, Ignorant little man.” “Oh but of course you’re one Sharp cookie, aren’t ya?” “You believe in cookies!?!” 2019: Objective Truth
Nolan Hughes9th gradeOriginal Photoshop Artwork
Matthew Sarkees10th gradeOriginal poem On the Gazebo: On the Gazebo Nature screams aloud, “Come and join me! Look what I have found!” I never thought that I’d see the day When nature told me what it has to say.
Dan Boyle12th gradeSketch of Frank Sinatra’s 1938 mugshot
Mr. Mike Collins1983 Senior Portrait
Dan Boyle12th gradeSketch inspired by graduation photo above, but interpreting subject as Indiana Jones
Aidan Curry12th gradeOriginal work Your Gift I ran into your brother today. He was standing in front of your statue, talking to you quietly, sort of like how I am now. He noticed me, I think, because he tensed for a moment before shifting to his usual, enthusiastic demeanor. He waved hello with a huge grin. I think it's a facade. I don't think anyone other than me has noticed. Maybe your father has, but he may be too preoccupied, between his duties, his old age, and his own grief. It has been so long, but they still look to you for hope. They miss you so much. I‌ well, I don't know how I feel. I don't know how I felt. I wish I could give you an answer on that. I wish you had told me when you were still here, and my memories of you were stronger. I know that I miss you. At least, I think I do. I think I would have. I don't‌ this is hard, uncomfortable. I don't know. I'll just come out and say it. I don't know how I would have responded if you had asked me back then. I remember bits and pieces, but I don't know who I was. What we were, if anything. For all I know, I may not even have noticed. That seems more likely the more I think about it. So I can't give you a straight answer, not yet. Even if I didn't care for you that way, I would certainly appreciate your company right now. Ev-
eryone expects me to ride in and solve all of their problems overnight, but I just can't. I've never been good with words, you know that, but I just‌ I can't be what they
want. Maybe I was back then, but I'm not now. I can barely protect myself out there. How can I handle all of this? Of everyone I've met so far in my travels, only your brother understands. He provides a shoulder to cry on. I can only hope I'm doing the same for him. He has become almost like a brother to me as well, in a way. I'm sure you're glad to hear that. You always loved watching us play together. I'm not as strong as you were. You were always the first to answer whenever anybody needed help, and you did it with a smile every time. I'm supposed to be like that, but I wasn't there to help you when you needed me most. I couldn't do enough back then, and that just drives me crazy. For now, I guess I'll do my best. You promised you would always protect me. I can't return the favor, not anymore, but I'll do what I can. I'll try to do what you did. I will accept your gift.
Aidan Curry12th gradeOriginal work It wasn’t what we thought. We assumed it would’a been a piece of cake. It was only a little guy. What could it possibly do to us? Now three of us is in hospital beds, and the problem still isn’t taken care of. Not only that, it’s gotten worse. Turns out there’s two more at the other end of the beach. Disgusting creatures, they are. Seem so fragile, but they sure pack a punch. So we heard some kid went and got himself killed by grabbin’ this thing outta the water. Naturally, we go check it out. It’s our job, after all. Anyway, we see it just layin’ there, perfectly still, and we guess it’s probably dead. I mean, what fish can live outside of the water? So we goes over, and Frank reaches to pick it up, after a moment of hesitation, cause that thing is super disgusting. And as soon as he reaches out, guess what he does, he pulls his hand back screamin like the devil himself ripped it off. We was tryin to calm him down, see, but he just kept on screamin. We could only guess the thing was really sharp or somethin. So then Mo gets an idea, he says, “Yo, I gots an idea! What if we used the gloves?” So Larry runs to the truck, and grabs his gloves. I said I’d do it, but Larry doesn’t like people touchin’ his gloves, you
see, so he says no. So then Larry reaches down to pick the thing up, and sure enough, a second later he’s screamin’ as loud as Frank is. Speakin of him, Frank’s still yelling like crazy, so now we got two fully grown men screamin bloody murder at a public beach, and everyone’s lookin at us like we’re crazy or somethin. That or runnin away. Maybe we shoulda taken the hint. So then Mo goes like, “Maybe we can scoop it up and chuck it in the back of the truck?” So Mo goes and grabs the shovel, and carefully nudges at the creature, and after he feels nothin, he scoops it up, but in his relief, I guess he forgot to look where he was goin. He bumped into Ryan, who was just kinda sittin there after Frank got hit, musta’ given up. Anyway, he drops the thing right onto Ryan! And it hits Ryan multiple times, I don’t know how, but he somehow lasted long enough to get the thing off of him. Probably adrenaline. That stuff does crazy things to people. So yeah, now there’s three people flailing on the ground, so I says, “Mo, take these guys to the hospital or somethin! Get ‘em in the truck!” We have to work together to carry ‘em, and eventually we get ‘em to the hospital. So we tell the doctors what happened, and they all look at each other, like they think we’re stupid or somethin. The nerve! So then they says, “Do you guys even know what you found?” Jellyfish
Aidan Curry12th gradeOriginal poem One Leaves are falling, everywhere. Paths that can no longer be taken, Wilting away before our very eyes. Beauty ever foul and fair, Gone before you realize. In the springtime, we are young. Our view limited, beliefs unshaken. Branches dividing to realms unseen. Many tales forever unsung, Plenty left to choose between. Now, new autumn will arrive. Leaves are falling, ready to break in. Possibilities gone in a flash. Branches cut as others drive Ever forward in a mad dash. Choose a leaf and hold it close. Let your strength be shown, unmistaken. Hold on tight despite the pain. You can preserve what matters most, But only one can remain.
Jacob Bailey10th gradeOriginal artwork
Jacob Bailey10th gradeOriginal artwork
Jacob Bailey10th gradeOriginal artwork
Chris Supplee11th gradeOriginal poem Identity Disorder Who am I? A ruthless guy who shoots the sky, will only hang by a noose and flies In first class with a kamikaze, probably but you decide. Allow me to introduce myself by first telling you what I am not. I am not another crayon in humanity’s crayola box, I have no place in the coloring book and have no desire to assist you or your child with their Art project. Fail! Though I may not be a color, I am not transparent either. Somewhere between translucent and opaque you will see me. For we all have a light that shines through us no matter how dim, But… Why? Why do I need an identity? What is a name? What is a person? What are you? From where I stand we are one in the same. Like forces that repel each other, Yet we are also different. Neither Light nor Dark are perceived by the blind And what’s seen by the eyes neither evil nor kind Between every line’s not the people alive Or who’ve seem to have died it’s just me, you and I Me, You and I Me, You and I Breathe suicide Me, You and I
Pat Dean11th gradeOriginal artwork and poem
Weakness is Strong The World’s ablaze with plague and fear Yet those remain unmoved and plain Despite their play, they are the key To find the way and persevere.
Humans have faced plagues before Many can kill, others will hurt COVID exposes many flaws But opens wide the door to soar
We’re tough and strong like a sharpened prong Yet weak enough to cough n’ sneeze But they may know what many may not That humans are weak, and weakness is strong.
Our body fails to not be weak Illness laughs as it knows this well Although we own the best defense Our flaws inside not the physique
Our hearts are strong like bulls and deer Our minds active as long as life We learn from those who lived Our wills as firm as stars will so long shine That COVID fears what we don’t Illness flailed at the flaw in see fear The things our soul can only tell That we are weak but we are strong.
Creative Writing Class featuring Aidan Curry, Zazh Fedyk, Cole Kelly, Ziggy Miller, Jackson Rossi, and Chris SuppleeMixed gradesOriginal one-act play “Disconnect” Scene 1 INT. WYATT’S HOUSE - AFTER SCHOOL Wyatt is doing his homework, when his grandfather enters. GRANDPA Oh, hey Wyatt. I didn’t hear you come in. WYATT Hi. GRANDPA You know the weather’s getting warmer out now, and I should be able to use the grill this weekend. We could have a barbeque on Saturday and you could invite some of your friends over, if you’d like. WYATT I don’t like barbeque food. GRANDPA What kid doesn’t like burgers and hot dogs? WYATT Grandpa, I just don’t want to. GRANDPA Why not? WYATT Well, I wouldn’t really know who to invite.
GRANDPA How bout your friends from school? WYATT I’ve only been at school for two weeks. I don’t know anybody well enough. GRANDPA Ok. Well, what do you think so far, of school? WYATT It’s fine... GRANDPA No interesting people? WYATT No. GRANDPA Any interesting teachers? WYATT Not really. Pause GRANDPA What homework are you doing? Grandpa looks at Wyatt’s work. GRANDPA Hm. Equations. I struggled with math myself, but I may remember a thing or too from back in my day if you’re having trouble. WYATT No thanks, I’m fine. Brief silence.
GRANDPA While you’re working I’ll get dinner started. Any ideas? WYATT Definitely not barbeque. GRANDPA Oh well I know that. How bout meatloaf? WYATT Sure thanks. Wyatt smiles and walks upstairs. TOM I thought the barbeque was a pretty good idea. WYATT Well of course you did. TOM I’m just saying, there have been kids that have spoken to you at school. You just don’t want to invite them. I mean the real question is, now that you’re at a new school, are you going to be the same old Wyatt? WYATT What do you mean, same old Wyatt? TOM (sarcastically)Ha! You know--Wyatt Brooks, walking around school, trying to avoid all human contact. WYATT I don’t “avoid all human contact.” TOM Yeah, you practically do. WYATT It’s not my fault. I just like my space...
TOM That’s such bull, and you know it. Your space? Your space! It’s my space too. WYATT Just leave me alone. TOM That’s your answer for everything! WYATT At least I have one. All you ever do is nag-TOM I’m just trying to help. WYATT I’m fine on my own. TOM Really? Let’s look at all of the things you’ve done on your own: you’ve left two schools in the past four years, you do nothing at home, no outside activities, no nothing, and your only friend is Grandpa. That’s being “fine on your own?” WYATT It’s fine for me. TOM Of course it is.
Want to read more of the play? Click below to find out the ending: “Disconnect” continued
