The Wayfarer 2019

T H E W A Y F A R E R

THE WAYFARER “People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don’t believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can’t find them, make them.”

George Bernard Shaw

STAFF Executive Staff Liz Cook

Editor-in-Chief

Grace Flynn Gisele Gosset

Ashley Van De Velde Sarah Wells

Erek Gilbertson Technical Editor

Art Editors

Copy Editors

Editorial Staff

Layout Staff

Helen Beneker Elizabeth Cook Sarah Cook Cameron Coughlin Grace Flynn Gisele Gosset Julia Hess Yutong Liu Francesca Masciopinto Molly Raichle Natalie Ring Brennan Russell Elizabeth Skiera Ashley Van De Velde Sarah Wells

Helen Beneker Elizabeth Cook Sarah Cook Cameron Coughlin Grace Flynn Erek Gilbertson Gisele Gosset Francesca Masciopinto Molly Raichle Natalie Ring Elizabeth Skiera Ashley Van De Velde Sarah Wells

Cover Artist

Advisors

Assembled by Liz Cook, including art used throughout the magazine

Mrs. Natalie Koblenski Mrs. Jody Irland Mr. Jim Ottney

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS Literary Pieces * Yours, Penelope: Sarah Wells I Didn’t Know Her: Grace Flynn The Heart of the Night: Sarah Wells Pillow: Hailey Poelleritzer School is Killing Me and It’s Slowly Killing You: Elizabeth Skiera * Dear Larson Edwards Calculus Textbook: William Hebl I Am From: Yutong Liu * Grand Theft Potato Chip: Maggie Johnson A Day in the Life of A Student: Sarah Wells * Normandy: Natalie Ring Empathy: Sarah Wells * Mama D: Frankie Masciopinto * Blade of Woe: Brennan Russell Haiku Collection: Joelle Browne * A Sign of the Sean Beyer Times: Sean Beyer Amsterdam: Natalie Ring Ode to the Innocent: Sarah Wells Together: Sarah Wells * Zodiac Ballads: Maryn Davenport * Goats From Hell: Matt Gilles Shoes: Sarah Wells The Watcher: Sarah Wells * The Lie Detector Test: Sarah Wells Our World: Anaka Leske Ode to Hope: Helen Beneker Swings: Katie Gorman Daydream: Frankie Masciopinto * What is Home to Me?: Helen Beneker * Senses: Holly Niu The Sound of a Train: Sarah Wells

Artwork 4 8 9 10 11

Sherlock Xia Elizabeth Skiera Shae Pigarelli Liz Cook Sophie Brooks Molly Raichle Holly Niu Cameron Coughlin Maggie Sanders Isabella Meier Lila Darragh Michael Orosz-Fagen Jade Fitzgerald Matt Close Phil Fabian Gisele Gosset Chris Imholte Liam Noel Maya Alberts Greer Wittenberg

13 14 16 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 31 32 33 34 36 42 43 44 47 48 49 50 51 52 54

1, 4, 52, 55 8 9 10, 14, 20, 47, 54 11 12 15 16, 19 17, 45 21 22, 26, 51 23, 24 25 28 31, 33, 36, 43 32, 34 42, 48 44, 46 49 50

* Denotes Edgewood High School Writing Contest Winner 3

Yours, Penelope Sarah Wells (12)

wall and set about exploring the other side. And what did I see, but a boy! A boy my age who dropped his book when he saw me scrambling over the wall! I have never been more surprised in my life, but I recovered myself enough to say “hello” and offer my hand in greeting. Perhaps that was not quite so proper, but neither were the mud stains all over my dress. Still, the boy didn’t seem upset at all. I learned his name is Hilton, and he seemed all too obliged to show me the best spots on the moor. Papa didn’t tell me the other family had a son, but I suppose they do, and a very agreeable son, too. I can’t wait for tomorrow!

Yours, Dear Diary, June 17th Penelope Today, we arrived on the moors, and it was nothing Dear Diary, June 18th like what I was expecting at all. Papa seemed to Apparently, Papa wasn’t too pleased with my know his way through moors to the small house in adventures and scolded me for dirtying my dress. He the middle of the hauntingly beautiful landscape of doesn’t really mind, though. I think he blames himself. bending grass and fields riddled with stone walls.

Mama’s death was hard on him, and even though it’s My first step inside the house made me gasp. It been over 16 years, he still blames himself for letting was beautiful. This was not the cottage that I was expecting. This was a house for the elite. Papa showed me run about and not forcing me to learn my lessons and my stitching like a good young lady. I’d much me my room even before the maid arrived and told rather enjoy the moor than any needle work, and us where to put our things. He looked at her like he besides, I promised Hilton I’d see him again today. almost knew who she was and then shook his head.

Yours, What is the meaning of this? I can only imagine. The Penelope sunshine flooded into my room, and I knew I had to see it over the waving grass. Papa might have minded, Dear Diary, June 19th but I didn’t ask him, so I technically wasn’t breaking any rules when I slipped out of the house and entered When Papa took a nap today, I slipped out of the house again to see Hilton. I can’t help that I’d rather a new realm. Of course the scenery was beautiful spend time with someone my age! Hilton showed me and everything, and you would have found this entry where he lives today. It’s such a beautiful manor. It filled with all the creatures and nature that I saw, but looks almost like a castle with its beautiful stonework, something else happened that has truly thrown me and the gardens are pristine. The flowers are blooming into a tizzy. I had walked for at least a mile (probably now that it’s June and the scent of the petals wafts more, actually) when I came upon a stone wall. Of about the paradise that Hilton seems to think is course, like any natural human being, I climbed the Dear Diary, June 15th It’s me. I’m back. It’s finally summer vacation! I wish I could be more excited, but Papa has decided that he wants some peace and wishes to rent a small house on the moors. Ugh. While all of my friends are vacationing on the sea shores or even just staying home, I will spending time with Papa and the grass.

Sounds diverting, doesn’t it? Yep, not at all, but at least Papa says there is another family nearby, so maybe they’ll prove to be somewhat interesting. We shall see.

Yours, Penelope

4

normal. Inside was just as lovely, but his mother laughed when she saw me.

4brown hair, much like my own, and was wearing

clothes like any other woman, but around her was a kind of unearthly glow. She was smiling softly, and I stopped in my tracks. I thought perhaps she was a figment of my imagination, but Hilton had stopped beside me.

“Penelope Lockwood. I should have guessed he’d come back,” she said.

I wasn’t sure what to say to that, and I can’t imagine how she knows Papa. She told me to call her Catherine and didn’t mind that I had already torn my skirt a bit. She even gave us some homemade cookies to eat before we went back outside to see the rest of the gardens. I think I might like her.

“What’s that?” I whispered.

Hilton took a hesitant breath and whispered back, “She is the lady of the moor. People say they see her at times, but I never thought…” he shook his head.

The rest of the gardens were just as luscious with the humming of bees making music with the sunshine and the petals. I can’t help but notice how the sunlight makes Hilton’s blonde hair look almost white and brings out the freckles across his nose. He really looks much like his mother.

I felt my hand reach for his in fright.

“Is she a ghost?”

“Some say she is,” he said softly, “but perhaps she is an angel, watching over us.”

He smiled lightly and waved at the woman.

I felt a strangled cry rise in my throat, but he laughed.

“She’s harmless, people say. Look, she’s waving back.”

And she was! The spectre had raised her hand in a silent greeting and was slowly wafting away. I have never been more frightened in my life! My heart is racing even as I write these words in my trembling pen. But soft, Papa stirs.

Papa was upset again when I came home for dinner.

When I told him I’d seen Catherine at the manor a few miles away, he let his fork clatter against his plate and leaned forward with excitement. He had so many questions about the house and the gardens and how things were. I tried to explain them to him, but he never seemed satisfied enough.

Adieu, Penelope

Yours, Penelope Dear Diary, June 28th I know I haven’t written in a week, but I’ve been busy learning more about Hilton and the mysterious manor that he calls home. Papa has taken to questioning the maid who cares for us and seems a bit disgruntled that she is not much of a gossip. I haven’t been around much, so I can only imagine how much he badgers her when I am gone. Today, though, something strange happened. I hardly know how to describe it. After Papa had gone to bed, I crept out of the house and met Hilton. It was beautiful night, but there was a touch of crispness in the air as I clambered over the wall and met him on the other side. He had told me he was going to show me his morning glory vine that only blooms at night, and I was excited, probably too excited for it to just be for the flowers, but… Anyway, we were laughing together as we walked towards his manor when I saw something unbelievable. I thought I saw a woman in front of us. She was tall with beautiful

Dear Diary, July 17th It rained all day today. The entire moor was a sea of undulating grass, and the rain came down in sheets, splattering the stone courtyard at Wuthering Heights.

That’s what Hilton’s manor is called, but there doesn’t seem to be anything wuthering about it. Papa wasn’t so enthusiastic when I left this morning as the air hung heavily across the moor. I didn’t mind, though, and the manor is just as fun on the inside as it is out.

Something happened though, that makes me wonder.

We found a diary hidden deep in a trunk in the far reaches of the attic. It was written by a woman named Catherine, but I don’t think she’s Hilton’s mother. In the same trunk, we found two portraits. One was of a woman who we assume was the Catherine from the diary while the other was of an entirely different man who was a stranger to both of us. The strangest thing, though, was that the woman in the portrait looked so much like the ghost on the moor that I am positive it 5

is her. Hilton wasn’t so sure, but I could see the gears turning in his mind. We sat together by the window as the rain lashed the glass behind us and read the diary start to finish. When it closed, I could not help but feel sorrow for the girl who had given up her true love for another. Hilton, however, seemed far more shaken than I.

grimacing in pain. So, here I am, sitting in front of a roaring fire, tucked in as many blankets as Papa could find, and utterly and completely banned from seeing Hilton or Wuthering Heights ever again!

Yours, Penelope.

“What’s wrong?” I shook him lightly.

Dear Diary, August 1st It’s been weeks since I last wrote, but I couldn’t bring He sighed. myself to write about the boring days I’ve spent under “My mother used to tell me that her mother’s name Papa’s doting eyes. At last, I’ve been able to walk about was Catherine as well. She told me that her mother the room, only cringing slightly when I put weight had died in childbirth because of a sickly constitution on my ankle. The maid, who I’ve learned is related to leaving my grandfather devastated. She told me of a a maid that Papa somehow knew, has tried teaching man named Heathcliff who had cheated my father’s me needlework and how to drink tea like a lady, but father and had died as swiftly as he had come. They my mind is elsewhere. Hilton came once to see how I lied, Penny. They lied about their family. About who I was doing, but Papa sent him away with a few strong am.” words, and he never came back. That hasn’t stopped He dug his fingernails into his palms and shook his us from writing, however. The maid—her name is head.

Hattie—is sympathetic to my cause and has helped us send letters through the milkman. And that’s how “The two houses. The strange story. I should have I know that tonight I am going to meet Hilton again. known.” His voice was cold and strong, but I knew I can’t wait! I’m going to be honest with you, diary, inside his world was falling apart. So, I wrapped my arms around him and tried to hold his world together and you’d better not tell anyone about the sappy words that are about to follow. Whenever I see those as the rain lashed across the moor.

It was still raining when I began towards home. Hilton laughing blue eyes, my heart jumps. His funny freckles walked beside me, skipping with false merriment in his and lopsided grin can’t help but make me smile. And when he is away, I feel it like there is a blunt blade stride. All was going well until the rain began to rush the tempo and hesitantly opened the gates of heaven’s against my heart. It needles deeper when I think about him and fills me with a hollow sense of emptiness. I store rooms. In only a few moments, it was pouring love him, diary, I really do. Ugh, just writing that has and we were soaked through. I laughed at first, but killed me with its sappiness. Enough. Wish me luck as the wind blew, my bones shivered within me. We weren’t far from home when we began to run, laughing sneaking out tonight!

Yours, as the rain chilled our bones. It was actually my fault what happened next, but Papa didn’t really care when Penelope I told him that. I lunged forward to push Hilton into a August 2nd deliciously muddy puddle on the side of the path, but Dear Diary, my feet slipped and I tumbled into the puddle myself. I don’t even know how to begin telling you what happened tonight! It was the wildest night of my Instantly, pain shot through my ankle as it gave way life. I crept out my window with success and hurried beneath me, and I could not help but cry out. There I through the clear, bright moonlight that slipped was, sitting in a puddle, crying in anguish as the rain through the warm air around me. Hilton met me by bounced off my head and pelted my clothes. It was the morning glories that opened like pale moons truly a miserable scene, but I can’t say it was as bad against the dark sky. I had so much to tell him that I as Papa’s wrath when he opened the door to find me barely noticed when we were no longer alone. The in the arms of a boy he’d only met a few times during woman had appeared again! Again! She stood looking his frequent visits to Wuthering Heights, soaked and 6

at us with a strange smile across her face, and as we watched, another glowing figure appeared beside her.

It was the figure of a tall man, his dark hair and eyes nothing like the features of any of the people I’d seen at Wuthering Heights. He stood beside the woman and seemed to converse with her for a moment before pointing at us and smiling. I stared at them with wide eyed shock until, slowly they disappeared into thin air, and I stood blinking at where they had been. I spun to look at Hilton beside me. He was smiling.

“I met them, Penny, I just met my family.”

I smiled back, and then, with courage that came from who knows where, I reached out and took Hilton’s hand. I slipped my fingers through his and watched as he tried to process what I had done. I turned slightly and looked at where the ghosts had been. I will follow my heart, Catherine, I thought with a smile. Then I turned back to Hilton.

“Come on,” I said, “let’s see these flowers you’ve told me so much about.”

He squeezed my hand slightly, and together we headed through the garden.

Oh, diary, I’m so happy.

Yours, Penelope Lockwood

This story is based on the characters and events from the novel, Wuthering Heights, by Emily Brontë.

Artwork by Sherlock Xia (11)

7

I Didn’t Know Her Grace Flynn (12)

Unexpected, Her words hung heavy in the air.

We watched them float, Then fall to the ground, Destroying any peace That used to reside in our minds.

We watched rivers run down her cheeks, And felt oceans form behind our own glassy eyes.

Broken, I saw the fragments of her heart Shattered on the ground, And I hated myself For ever having hated her.

I didn’t know her.

Artwork by Elizabeth Skiera (11)

8

The Heart of the Night Sarah Wells (12)

There are voices In the far reaches of the forest In the tunnel under the highway In a house by the railroad track.

Voices that sing in the bittersweet hours of the night.

Voices that tremble with sadness and yearning.

A wolf, alone on the edge of a ridge, A silhouette against the stars.

Howling its mournful melody of loneliness And hope.

The tunnel under the highway With eerie lights flickering against the Patterned walls.

And water dripping methodically in the puddles As cars roar across the road above Bouncing hollow melodies against the walls.

In a house, snug and sound With street lights sending soft glows Through the windows A train rushes by, Its mournful melody Lingering in the house as it passes.

The voices tell a story of loneliness and loss.

With each hollow melody The heart of the night is laid bare Beneath the stars.

As the cars hurry past, the night heaves a Sigh.

So many are there and yet none stop to Think of the heart.

Artwork by Shae Pigarelli (10)

9

PI I L L O W Most

Ful

recious thing I own. love him.

of blood, sweat, and tears. ittle faded bears.

Co

l to the touch on a hot summer night.

A

e-inspiring life span of 15 years.

Artwork by Liz Cook (11)

10

Hailey Poelleritzer (10)

School is Killing Me and It’s Slowly Killing You Elizabeth Skiera (11)

I wake up at 6 AM, knowing that I’ve slept eight hours or less. The day is to begin.

I drive to school with sleep deprived eyes and sit down in my school room chair with a fresh disguise.

It’s not just me that this affects.

I’ve seen people far worse off.

My lot’s not that bad.

I don’t have the sports or clubs I could have had.

I do not have depression, I am not suicidal, I do not have anxiety, or addictions making drugs vital.

I sit still for hours, at least six every day.

I never get to go outside into the sun and play.

In old desks and a straight backed chair, the monotony of noise is beyond compare.

College is coming.

I have essays to get writing.

A future chosen in a moment, a future of my doom.

Just yesterday I was denied when asking to go to the restroom.

In an environment that hates me and makes me sob, I listen to people talk at me like I’m some stupid blob.

The students around me are disengaged, loud, and uncontrolled.

I sit there humming because soon my head will explode.

Imagine what this is doing to society at large.

Tesla being trapped in this cubic world of ours.

There’s so much telling us what and who to be that we don’t get the time to decide what I means to me.

When I finally get home at night, I look down at my bag, homework overflowing it.

At least four hours more and lag.

Everyone is coming out like cookies from cookie cutters, shapes of us replicating, elongating images of others.

Our schools are based on the ideas and needs of a few.

School is killing me, and it’s slowly killing you.

Four hours of busy work, four hours of teachers’ plans beyond the class, four hours of silence, four hours of debating if the work is really worth it.

Finally when I am done, midnight’s nearly come.

That means school’s six hours away.

A mourning, a morning, a day awaiting me cold and grey.

Artwork by Sophie Brooks (12)

11

Artwork by Molly Raichle (12)

12

DEAR LARSON EDWARDS CALCULUS TEXTBOOK, William Hebl (12)

I know I haven’t always been the kindest to you, but that’s not your fault, it’s mine. The way I have treated you is appalling, and I understand our relationship might be undefined right now, but I need you.

We fit so well that without you, I’m a puzzle waiting to be filled, but my missing piece is gone. We’re a team, like Bonnie and Clyde, just without the homicidal tendencies. We go together better than peanut butter and blueberry jelly, and I don’t want to lose that; I don’t want to lose you. From your black cover to your little doggy ears in the corners of the pages, you’ve got it all, and how can I forget your correct answers in the back of the book. Without you I’m lost.

That other night, I was just getting frustrated. I don’t mean to give up on you and push you away, but you know that when I don’t understand something, well, let’s just say I need to rise and run away. Not understanding something is hard for me to cope with, but that’s why I have you. Our relationship pushes the limits in order to go all the way to infinity. You help me complete my assignments correctly and punctually; however, there are some times when you could be a better communicator, and I believe that our problems are derived from my inabilities to understand you. I’ve tried paging through you while looking for an answer to my question, and you give me a ridiculous blob of words that would make Albert Einstein turn over in his grave.

I think that we might need to go to counseling. I went in to get help from my teacher so that maybe I could learn to treat and understand you better, but I still worry about you. I’ve already made several appointments in order to help me address our problems, but could you come along with me? I think that he could help us work out some of the miscalculations. Not everybody knows how to find the rate of change as an airplane descends with an upward draft that changes its speed, but I still try. I want us to have a functional relationship; the range between who we are and that which we could become is too great for us to work out individually. I know you saw me with my AP English Wuthering Heights book. It wasn’t what it looked like. I promise, we’re just friends. My heart still beats with your rates and changes.

Your past and my future are so intertwined that the two depend on each other. Every number, letter, variable that your pages hold is fundamental to my understanding. With every page turn, I breathe in the sweat and determination of every other calculus student before me. All the students who have used you have returned you like you meant nothing to them, but this is not me. I respect you for everything that you are. Other people treat you like a poison that saps away their perfect 4.0 GPA, but I see you as an adorable kitten. I know you don’t mean to make people cry. The secrets which you hold beneath your exterior are an ocean of chartered depths, which have only been discovered superficially. I want to understand you, but I need your help.

Loving You Fondly, Xxxxxxxxx 13

I Am From Yutong Liu (10)

I am from my family, With my mom and my dad, With the picture of family relationships.

I am from my house, From my cozy room, With the melody of piano.

I am from homemade food, From my mom’s goulash, From the smell of fresh fruit juice.

I am from the study room, From the books and the computer games, From the soft sofa and the movies.

I am from China, located in a part of East Asia, With a flight of 16 hours.

I am from China, From 5,000 years of Chinese civilization, One of the oldest civilizations in the world.

I am from the Yangtze River and the Yellow River, From our mother river, Which has nurtured generations of sons and daughters.

I am from Xi’an, One of the most ancient cities in China, Located in its center.

I am from 13 ancient Chinese empires, From Changan, The capital from 221 to 206 B.C. I am from the Terra-Cotta Warriors, from the Bell Tower, the City Wall, and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, The art of history.

I am from the people in Xi’an, From the warmth and kindness, From Chinese fine tradition.

I am from myself, From Asia, But studying here in America.

I am from my special hair, Which looks like dark brown, With the hitting of sunshine.

I am from my hobbies, From hip-hop and jazz, From singing at the center of the stage.

I am from myself, From my name, And from my country.

Artwork by Liz Cook (11)

14

Artwork by Holly Niu (10)

15

GRAND Theft

Maggie Johnson (12)

LANCE: Mama asked me to come over and look at her insurance papers. She’s upstairs finishin’ ’em up now. And ya know, we’re not that fancy! It’s pretty good but we got a tough case coming up. (Pointing to SULLY’s chips) Say, whatcha got there?

SULLY: (SULLY smiles while opening the bag) These?

These are my salt ‘n’ vinegar chips. Got the last bag in the place. I’d offer you some, but like I said, it’s the last bag, so I’m just gonna have to be greedy. (He starts eating) LANCE: Not even just one chip?

SULLY: Not even just one chip. (SULLY gets up and wipes his hands. He leaves his chips open on the table and looks at LANCE) I gotta go ask Mama what she wants for dinner before I go out crocodile huntin’. (He points to his gun in the corner) Now don’t you go eating a single one of my chips, or I might just have to shoot ya.

Characters: LANCE: 35-year-old Florida man. SULLY’s brother.

Enjoys salt and vinegar potato chips. More successful than SULLY. SULLY: 37-year-old Florida man living in his mother’s house. LOVES salt and vinegar potato chips. Works in the same gas station he worked at in high school.

MAMA: SULLY and LANCE’s mother. Early sixties.

Very sweet. Loves both her sons very much.

JUDGE JUDY: Florida judge ATTORNEY: LANCE’s attorney ROB: LANCE’s cellmate, in jail for murder of a DMV worker GUARD: Prison guard at LANCE’s prison PARAMEDICS POLICE OFFICERS Setting: This play takes place in present time in Panama City, Florida.

Summary: LANCE and SULLY are two brothers living in Florida. SULLY has always been jealous of LANCE for being the more successful brother. The two get into a fight over chips that ends violently.

Act 1, Scene 1: SULLY returns to his mother’s house from the gas station that he works at. He walks in the house, sets his bag of chips down on the table, and takes off his shoes. LANCE walks into the room.

LANCE: Hey Sully ! How was work?

SULLY: (Grunting) It was fine. Some lady drove away with the pump still in the car but other than that, fine.

What are you doin’ here? How’s life at your fancy law firm?

16

POTATO CHIP (He says with a serious tone) (SULLY goes upstairs to look for MAMA. LANCE eyes the bag of potato chips. He scoots over and cautiously takes one chip. SULLY is still upstairs so he continues to take more. Without making a noise SULLY comes back downstairs and sees LANCE eating his potato chips.)

SULLY: Man, what the hell? I thought I told you not to touch my salt ‘n’ vinegar chips! (SULLY’S anger builds. His face gets red and he is shaking with anger.)

Why can’t you respect a man’s boundaries? Are these your chips? No! (LANCE starts backing away slowly, scared of SULLY’s intense anger. He stands behind a chair as if to shield part of himself. He slowly raises one of his hands as he tries to calm SULLY.) LANCE: Now Sully, I’m real sorry, but there’s no need to get this angry. It’s just a bag of chips.

SULLY: Just a bag of chips? (He slams his fists on the table.) These are my salt ‘n’ vinegar chips, MINE! (His voice rises) I told you not to eat them, and you did!

LANCE: Sully, I told you, I’m really sorry. I shouldn’t have eaten your chips!

SULLY: You’re damn right you shouldn’t have eaten my chips!

(SULLY turns to the corner. He slowly grabs his shotgun in one hand.)

LANCE: (Panicking) Now Sully, there is NO reason to pull your gun. They’re just chips! I’ll buy you a new bag, I promise! (In a calm voice) Just put the gun down, okay?

SULLY turns towards LANCE as he raises the gun.

SULLY: I told you, (His voice turns to shouting) THAT WAS THE LAST BAG! (A loud bang is heard throughout the house. The lights flash off and then on again. LANCE clutches his side and falls to the ground, MAMA screams and comes running down. She runs into the kitchen to see SULLY standing with the gun in his hands breathing heavily with anger.

She looks to the floor and sees LANCE lying in a pool of blood wincing in pain. ) MAMA: (In shock) SULLY! What have you done? I’m calling 911! (She reaches for the phone and dials hastily.)

Hello? 911? I need an ambulance! My son has been shot! Hurry! (She hangs up and looks at SULLY.) Son, why’d you do this to your brother?

(SULLY puts the gun down with a thud as MAMA bends down to help LANCE clot the blood. LANCE groans in pain.)

SULLY: I warned him Mama, I did. I told him “Don’t you eat my potato chips,” and he did Mama! He ate them!

MAMA: Well so what? Were they salt ‘n’ vinegar or something?

SULLY: Yes Mama , they were! You know how much I love those! (He pleads desperately) And so does he!

MAMA: You do love those chips, Sully. (She looks into

17

LANCE’s eyes) He does love those chips.

LANCE: (Slowly nods in pain and then winces. Tears are rolling down his cheeks.)

SULLY: And Mama, I told him what was gonna happen if he touched my chips. I told him I’d shoot him! But he still stole my chips, and I’m a man of my word, Mama, so I had to! I had to shoot him!

(MAMA looks down at LANCE with a disappointed gaze. SULLY grabs his bag of chips and begins eating them again. ) MAMA: Why couldn’t you just leave his chips alone, Lance? You know how much he loves them. Then maybe you wouldn’t have gotten shot!

(Sirens wail as the paramedics arrive on scene. MAMA helps them get LANCE in the ambulance and they drive away. The police come to the house and handcuff SULLY. He shows no emotion, but MAMA cries. ) MAMA: Don’t worry son! (she’s shouting as the cops put LANCE in the car) It’ll all work out! I promise.

(She sees the bag of chips on the table, grabs it, and runs out to the police car.) Wait! You forgot these! (She hands SULLY the bag.) Lance! I’m right behind you!

(The cops drive away with SULLY eating his chips in the back seat looking content. Lights fade on a three count.)

ATTORNEY: Sully, please stay on topic.

SULLY: Well then at work some lady drove away with the pump in her car, so that was a bit of a mess. Then I bought myself a bag of salt ‘n’ vinegar chips, the last bag, and I headed back home to my mama’s house.

ATTORNEY: And….?

SULLY: (In an annoyed manner) And I shot my brother Lance.

JUDGE JUDY: So, you admit it? You admit that you shot your brother?

SULLY: Hell yes I admit to it. I told him the day I shot him that I was gonna shoot him if he didn’t listen! He deserved it yer honor.

(The jury gasps. LANCE’S head drops and MAMA puts her head in her hands.)

ATTORNEY: And why do you feel Lance deserved it? What can someone do that makes it just to shoot them?

SULLY: He ate my chips! I bought the last bag of salt ‘n’ vinegar chips from BP, and I told him not to eat ‘em, and he did!

(The courthouse gasps and explodes into chatter.)

JUDGE JUDY: (Banging her gavel) Order in the court!

Order in the court people! (She turns to LANCE and gestures to SULLY) You really ate your brother’s chips?

Act 1, Scene 2: His salt ‘n’ vinegar chips? After he told you not to?

The scene opens in a courtroom. SULLY is sitting on the LANCE: (His head drops in disgrace) Yes ma’am. I did. witness stand dressed in an orange jumpsuit. LANCE is at I ate his salt ‘n’ vinegar chips. the prosecutor’s table with his attorney. He is dressed in a (The whole courtroom looks disgusted. Even LANCE’S suit that covers his bandaged wound, but you can still see attorney looks shocked. ) the discomfort he is in. MAMA is seated behind LANCE LANCE: I ate his chips! But I said sorry! I apologized! all in black. She shows no emotion.

And he still shot me!

JUDGE JUDY: I get that son, but, did he tell you he’d JUDGE JUDY: Alright, if everyone would please be shoot you if you ate his chips? seated, we can start the trial. (Chatter continues in the LANCE: (He looks defeated) Yes. He did. courtroom. JUDGE JUDY bangs her gavel.) Order in the JUDGE JUDY: So are you surprised? Are you court! Order in the court please! surprised that he shot you after he warned you?

(The room falls silent. LANCE’S attorney rises and walks LANCE: No ma’am. I am not. to SULLY sitting in the stand.)

JUDGE JUDY: Well then, there’s nothing more to ATTORNEY: Sully, can you please tell me what be decided. Sully shot you. He shot you because you happened last Thursday? ate his salt ‘n’ vinegar chips. I now declare that Sully SULLY: Well, I went to work at about 8 a.m. I work at be immediately dismissed, and you, Lance, serve six the BP just down the road from my house. (Looks at months of jail time for grand theft potato chip. (Her the jury) Stop in on Tuesdays, we have a good deal on gavel bangs three times, finalizing her decision) jerky.

Lights fade on a three count.

18

Act 1, Scene 3: Lance is in his jail cell doing pull-ups on a bar across the door while his cellmate, ROB, is lying on his bed reading.

LANCE’S six months are up in a day.

I’ll show him that.

ROB: I can see you have your mind set, and I know I can’t change that, but take it from a professional, murder is not that fun, and definitely not worth it. Especially in your position. I mean taking your brothers salt ‘n’ vinegar chips? Risky…

LANCE: Look, I get what I did was controversial, but how did I end up in jail when he was the one who put a bullet in between my ribs?

ROB: You know what, it doesn’t matter any more. you’ve done your time, now move on.

LANCE: I will move on! As soon as I get my revenge…

ROB: You’re crazy Tater Chip. C’mon, let’s go get lunch. Maybe we can get you some chips. (ROB laughs at his own joke and pats LANCE on the shoulder as they leave the cell)

ROB: (Looking up from his book) You know Tater Chip, it’s been six months now, and I swear all I’ve seen you do is work out. Why does an insurance lawyer need to be so physically fit anyways? (He says sarcastically with hand gestures) LANCE: (Jumping down from the bar with a grunt) Honestly, it started as a way to keep straight while locked up, but now, I can’t stop. And, I’ll be stronger than Sully. That’s the only thing he’s ever had on me in life: strength.

ROB: Lance, you should know that revenge brings no good to life. It’s better to forgive, move on, and find inner peace. Vengeance will come back to bite you later on, especially with family.

LANCE: (With a sarcastic laugh) Hmm… suddenly the man who killed a DMV worker is sounding like Gandhi. Wonder how that happens. (He walks to his bed, sits down, and wipes sweat off his forehead.) All I know is that Sully won’t be able to stop me now, not from eating chips, not from anything. And tomorrow,

Act 1, Scene 4: LANCE is ready to leave the prison after six months.

He walks into the transition room and begins putting on his regular clothes. A guard walks into the room to walk LANCE out.

19

GUARD: Ready to go home Tater Chip? (He laughs) LANCE: (Putting on his shirt) Never been more ready for anything.

GUARD: Well let’s go then. (The guard turns to the security camera) Open up! Time to let this potato chip out of the bag!

(The doors open and harsh daylight hits LANCE’S eyes.

His mother is waiting for him outside her car. She runs up to LANCE with a hug as he approaches.)

MAMA: Lance! My boy! I’m so happy. How are you?

Did they treat ya good? Did you get enough to eat?

You look so strong! Did they keep you safe? Do you feel like a new person?

LANCE: Whoa Mama, so many questions…

I definitely feel like a new man, but I’ll tell you everything when we get home. Say, where’s Sully?

MAMA: Oh, he’s workin’ at the gas station, same as six months ago. Do ya wanna go visit him? I’m sure he’d be glad to see you as a changed man.

LANCE: You know Mama, I would love to, but now’s not the time. Let’s go home so I can re-adjust, and

then maybe later I’ll stop by the gas station.

MAMA: Okay sweetie, but remember, I have to drive you, you can’t drive yourself until three months after bein’ out of jail.

LANCE: Yes Mama.

(They get in the car. SULLY turns to his mother while she’s starting the car, and with one swift movement, knocks her out cold. He then moves her body to the back seat, and hops in the driver’s seat.)

LANCE: Sorry Mama, some things just need to be done. You’ll understand in the end. (He starts the car and heads for the gas station) The lights fade on a two count.

Act 1, Scene 5: At the gas station. Old country music is playing quietly on the radio.

SULLY: My, my, my, look who it is. How ya feelin’ Lance? Feelin’ changed? You hungry? We got some chips.

LANCE: Yeah, Sully, I am hungry. But not for some damn potato chips. I’m hungry for revenge.

(LANCE turns around and locks the door with a devilish grin on his face.)

SULLY: Woah, Lance. What is all this talk about revenge? Mama said prison changed you!

LANCE: Mama’s right. Prison did change me.

Changed me into a man with some dignity! I served my time, I paid my dues. Now, it’s time for you to do the same.

(LANCE slowly walks towards SULLY as SULLY tries to protect himself behind the counter.)

SULLY: (In a light tone trying to distract LANCE) Hey, where is Mama anyways? Is she with ya? Let’s get her in here.

LANCE: Mama’s asleep in the car. I didn’t want her to see this.

(LANCE walks closer to SULLY.) SULLY: What do you mean, Lance? What don’t you want Mama to see?

LANCE: This. (He pulls out a gun.)

SULLY: Lance! No! (The music stops. There’s a bang. The stage goes black.

As the lights turn on, everyone is back in court. JUDGE JUDY is banging her gavel while guards are coming to grab LANCE. LANCE stops his daydream. ) JUDGE JUDY: (Trying to get LANCE’S attention while he’s obviously daydreaming) Lance, Lance, do you accept these terms? Six months for Grand Theft Potato Chip? I think this time will really help you plan your life out.

Tiptoe Through The Tulips begins to play.

LANCE: (Nodding with a devilish grin) Yes, your honor, I do too.

Lights fade and the curtain drops on a four count.

FIN Artwork by Cameron Coughlin (12), Maggie Sanders (11), and Liz Cook (11)

20

Another day, Each day the sun rises.

The birds sing.

I stumble out of bed like a zombie out of its Grave.

Backpack on my shoulders, check, Lunch box in hand, check.

Me alive and awake, sort of check but it counts.

Sprinting into school as the bell rings.

What is the integral of xsecx2(3x)?

Brain explodes.

There’s the bell again.

How was your weekend? Good!

It totally wasn’t.

Panting up the stairs.

Are you ok? Yes. No, I’m dying inside. Just kidding.

Another turkey sandwich. Bleh.

Bell rings. ¿Como estás? What’s the word for “I’m going to say bien, but I’m actually falling asleep?”

Yeah, Idk. Barely heard the bell that time.

Got to run.

What is the symbolism of summer?

It’s where I want to be right now.

Falls asleep.

But not actually because I have to take notes.

The final bell rings.

I find myself in the car Dinner Homework Time for bed.

Life sprints and I’m being dragged along By a rope.

If only I could slow down.

If only I could breathe.

Just breathe For a moment And maybe I’d change the world before It started spinning again.

A Day in the Life of a Student Sarah Wells (12)

Artwork by Isabella Meier (9)

21

Normandy Natalie Ring (9)

We walk across the sand Remembering.

Drawing lines behind us.

Attempting to show light, In endless black.

We think About all who have gone, And those who are Forever lost.

We drive, Watching the now peaceful land As it passes by.

We wander back to when It was no more than Death, And we watch And it changes.

We can always know But never, will we Be able to truly Feel.

Artwork by Lila Darragh (11)

22

Empathy Empathy.

Yes, empathy.

What a curse to bear!

It keeps you in a cage, defenseless.

Your heart burns, each tear for another, each hollow sound of despair, grips you, wrenches your soul.

Yes, empathy, my dear friend, sitting on my cage, looking out beside me.

What a curse to bear!

As I feel it, feel everything, while no one cares.

Why is it that those I care for most, do not care for me at all?

Empathy, Dear empathy, do you want to watch me fall?

Sarah Wells (12)

Artwork by Michael Orosz-Fagen (11)

23

Mama D Frankie Masciopinto (11)

It was her fire Suicide of flames A way to escape the drugs, The depression, the loneliness It gave her patchwork skin And a lifetime of struggle Remembering basic skills Surviving on the streets Searching for a family Working for a home Trying to earn the simple respect She deserved in the first place

It was her fire That took her crushed spirit And turned her into a diamond An independent, strong woman With an honest voice A vibrant personality And compassion for everyone Trying to help others at her weakest Filling the room with love It was her story Completely unique She told us at the Boulevard

Artwork by Michael Orosz-Fagen (11)

24

Brennan Russell (10)

BLADE OF WOE

The blade that hides its illest intent is the blade that strikes with most contempt.

Through piercĂŠd heart and torn flesh, man can be laid to rest.

When we die, do angels cry? or do the demons take our side?

In this crisis we can’t comprehend, Madness doth begin to bend.

Artwork by Jade Fitzgerald (10)

25

Haiku Collection Joelle Browne (10)

Cherry blossoms bloom Growing in the sunlight dim Blowing in the wind

Artwork by Lila Darragh (11)

Leaves fall from stump trees Lying on the ground helpless Blowing through the streets

Branches swing softly Through the breeze’s quiet song Leaves fall from its limbs 26

A Sign of the

Sean Beyer Times Sean Beyer (10)

The sun rises softly over the gray, overcast sky. Seagulls soar over the boisterous, bustling crowds of the municipality of Sean Beyer. Brittle streamers and bright confetti are scattered across Sean Beyer Boulevard. On the corner of said boulevard and Beyer Street sits the serene, blissful building of the Sean Beyer Cafe. Within its fine walls, Sean Beyer takes a slow sip of his scalding coffee. He slides his cell phone into his soft side pocket as he checks the time on his watch. 7:26. By golly, it’s almost too late. Sean has 4 minutes to zip over to work, yet he stays put. Sean scoots down the booth, stands up, and looks over to the black basket stocked full of piles of freshly pressed newspaper. He scoops up the daily post and takes his seat once more. Every day, Sean used to read the paper at his desk. He gives off a great sigh, as he reads the title:

- - The Sean Beyer Times - As Mr. Beyer searches for the sports page, he spots, out of the corner of his eye, some people giving odd glances his way. He finds the sports page, and swiftly snaps the black-and-white in front of his face, blinding the searing glances of others. He reads, “Local Sean Beyer Gets Big Start in Super Bowl” and “BrandSpankin’ New Baseball Facility Brings New Energy to Sean Beyer.” Another sigh slips between Sean’s lips. He stops at the biggest article on the page. The bold title reads: Bright Future for Sean Beyer Area School District’s Sean Beyer Memorial High School Graduates.

By Sean Beyer Sean pans his eyes to the meat of the article and begins reading.

The class of 20XX at Sean Beyer Memorial is certainly impressive. The District has always upheld our town’s school to the highest of standards. The star of the volleyball team, Sean Beyer, led the winningest team in State history, as its fearless captain. The team went 57-0 in every game this season, with 0 points allowed in half of the sets. Academic genius and prodigy, Sean Beyer, who received the first ever 37 and 1700 on the ACT and SAT respectively, is going on to attend Oxford, Stanford, Harvard, Yale, and Princeton simultaneously, via the Holo-Communication Projector that he invented and patented at age 6. The last student who is extremely noteworthy is Sean Beyer, the philosopher. This student is credited for the ‘cure’ to the human condition. His book, The Human Solution, hits store shelves this July, and is highly anticipated by many. Principal Sean Beyer spoke on these and the many other great students of Sean Beyer Memorial High School. He said, “The quality of our student body is our highest honor here at Sean Beyer Memorial. This class of 20XX fully exemplifies what we expect from all students, and maybe even more.” Dr. Sean Beyer has been the principal of Beyer Memorial for 1X years, and has numerous doctorates in advanced education and psychology. When asked if he had anything to tell the people of Sean Beyer, he responded, saying, “Watch for these young people in the news. Believe me.” u

27

Artwork by Matt Close (12)

Sean shuts his eyes, and opens them with a shudder down his spine. He wets his fingers and turns the page to the left.

With a short scoff, Sean brought back to memory, his own days as a student: “Yes, Mr. Beyer” said Mr. Beyer, the American Political Systems teacher.

Sean lowered his hand. Before speaking, he analyzed the large headline once more.

The flickering projector couldn’t blemish the big, black text scrawled across the scratched chalkboard.

Sean Beyer is Elected Mayor Over Strong Challenge From Incumbent Sean Beyer— Chaos and Riots Plague the Streets of Sean Beyer

By Sean Beyer

Had such a menial event as an election flipped a switch deep within people, snapping their most animalistic instincts into swift, shocking reality?

“With violence coming from all sides, who is to blame, and who are the ‘good guys?’” Mr. Beyer stared at the young student, and blinked sparingly.

Sean continued, “I mean, when the dust settles, how will people learn to adapt to their new leaders? If people are so stuck up about their candidate not winning, how will they accept anything? Has such an instance been seen in past circumstances?” Mr. Beyer shook his head and said, “I don’t know. Everything has changed so fast, and is still changing.” Mr. Beyer looked at the clock, and then back at Sean. “Maybe you will have to see, and perhaps set things right.” Suddenly, the school bell sang its melodic song once more, and the busy students rose and started to blitz the school hallways with the sounds of bustling and scurrying...

Sean snaps from his daydream. He scoops up his stained mug and brings it slowly to the barista.

He sets it down, and sulks back into his booth. His Sunday paper sits open on the table. A soft breeze swoops in and turns the page once more.

28

The next article reads: New Restaurant Breathes New Life into Dilapidated Industrial District.

By Sean Beyer Everybody knows that feeling when you drive through the Industrial District of Sean Beyer. The empty factories and worndown warehouses leave much to be desired, yet also leave much up to your imagination. Well, this might not happen for very much longer. A man by the name of Sean Beyer took it upon himself to buy out the abandoned salt warehouses and turn them into something completely new. One old building is being renovated into a brand new restaurant, bar and grill, named the Greasy Sean. The rundown aesthetic is very chic and “in” right now. As for the food, the Greasy Sean specializes in comfort food, specifically of the fried variety. Many reviews rave over the diversity of fried foods. There are a lot of distinctly different, odd foods for your tasting pleasure. Now, taking a step back, we can see the major economic impact of the Greasy Sean. The dilapidated area of Sean Beyer hasn’t had a single profitable company since the Stock Market crash of 20XX. This marks a rebound for the district, as the Greasy Sean is doing astronomically well for a new restaurant, and has many renovations and expansions planned for later this year. Manager and founder Sean Beyer is very excited, and hopes the people of Sean Beyer are as well, as the restaurant approaches its first month of being open for business. The restaurant’s strong start, and seemingly endless momentum, will propel it, hopefully, for many years to come. u

Sean sighs. His back is sore from the past week. He ate at the Greasy Sean maybe one too many times over the last few days. He remembers the days of the old Industrial District, and how unsafe it could be.

29

He remembers all of the changes, and money put in by the city to renovate it and reinvigorate development.

He hears the bells of the door chime, and he peers over his shoulder to see a man and his friend stroll in. Both glance over at Sean, and then look at each other. They whisper something softly so that Sean couldn’t hear, and then spin around, and head back out the door. Sean takes this opportunity to read the bold text on the front page.

Newly Elected Mayor of Sean Beyer Gives Inaugural Address to the Townsfolk

By Sean Beyer Just 2 days ago, the new Mayor of our wonderful town was elected. The people of Sean Beyer elected political newcomer Sean Beyer to the esteemed position of Mayor. He won in a landslide victory over the revered veteran Sean Beyer.

The race was truly a breath of fresh air for many. Pending his victory, Sean Beyer gave us a statement saying that “[He] would continue to serve the people of Sean Beyer no matter the results,” and that he would “work on the Town Board to assist in building the future of Sean Beyer if he lost.” This sentiment was not forgotten. Yesterday, Mayor Sean Beyer gave his inaugural speech. His words resonated with many, as he voiced his support for change for our town. After many years of arguably terrible reform, Beyer has been a beacon of hope when it is needed most. The crowd was ecstatic with the newfound energy that was brought to their small town. Many of us here at the Sean Beyer Gazette are looking forward to covering the future of our town. We wish the best of luck to our new mayor, Sean Beyer. u

As well as Sean thought he had done in office, he could do nothing to save the brash opinions of his people.

He was no hero. He was no saint. He most certainly was no savior. He was a demon, and a devil, and the most selfish mayor in the whole wide world. Every Sean Beyer would look away, or even cross to the other side of the street when passing him on the sidewalk. And the paper should know this. Week after week was devoid of hatred and malice from the writers and editors. Blasphemy and slander was painted in thick coats of black over the white canvas. And now, for them to sweep it under the rug after a strong victory. Revered veteran “Hmph!” thought Sean. He knew very well that his own party would fire back with the same rhetoric the next election cycle. He stuck the paper in the trash bin and placed his hat on his head. He opened the door of the cafe to hear the sound of bells that almost covered up the boisterous shouts from the small conglomeration outside. Almost.

Nothing compares to being pelted by blood red tomatoes. Sean can certainly sympathize. And maybe, just maybe, in 4 years, Sean Beyer can as well. Who knows.

30

Amsterdam Natalie Ring (9)

Colors burst from every Window, Blending together To form the most beautiful Rainbow.

Water rushing through The heart, Connecting us all.

As you wander you feel the light Behind the shadows, The person Behind the picture.

Images stir As you walk.

Flowing from one to the other Creating bonds stronger Than any man, And love Stronger than any Hate.

Artwork by Phil Fabian (9)

31

Ode to the Innocent Sarah Wells (12)

Silence, yet it is not silent, as tension quivers in the air, as the clock ticks, each second an hour, each second a prayer for another, as each heart beat thunders in the silence.

Too loud. Too loud.

As each breath shakes the air, running into the hands over your head.

As realization suddenly hits like a tsunami crashing on the sand, and cold fingers shake across the iphone keyboards, Sending texts you never thought you’d send.

“I love you.” “I won’t forget you.”

Watching the texts turn blue as resolution seeps through the cold fingers of fear.

Just survive. Just survive.

This poem was written in honor of the victims and survivors of school shootings.

Artwork by Gisele Gosset (12)

32

TOGETHER I stand in a room Alone My heart thuds hollowly in my chest Pulsing in my eyes My throat is full of sand Rising, threatening to push My tears down my cheeks.

My hands tremble.

How long can I last? Wishing for Someone to say hello?

Wishing for someone to really care?

And then, I raise my head.

The room is filled With people, their eyes filling with tears As they stare off into space.

They were always there Alone And yet so completely surrounded.

I was never alone.

I only had to lift my head.

Sarah Wells (12)

33

Artwork by: Phil Fabian (9)

ARIES Drive me down desert streets in fast red cars Watch us set fire to planet Mars Thistles may prick my fingers but I’ll raise the blood to the sky because my life needs to be more than just a couple tries

CANCER Light spears through my glass screen Scattered rainbow rays filter upon yearning palms clasp white flowers tight to breathe Drink your feelings from moon’s beams I’m as real as your crystalized dreams

ZODIAC TAURUS Venus’s moons shine down upon me Pale orange poppies settle rooted at my feet sing me tales of romance and woe Don’t blow too hard on the flowers otherwise they will shrivel to dust

LEO Step out onto the sun-stunned stage See my burning soul of fire through my brilliant marigold eyes My heart is made of onyx My soul is bred of amber

GEMINI I will follow a light-hearted calling breeze I will listen to Mercury’s myths of song I will paint the valleys with harmonic light greens and joyful yellows I will tell a lavender’s royal story and will hope my own never fades

VIRGO My dreams come in shades of gray Silver honored whispers of Morning Glories Slated green of pristine peridot hope Toss pale swan feathers so they catch the wind I pray one day to feel as free as well

34

LIBRA The air brings novels of mystic arts I take deep breaths of Venus’s promises Opal melodies carry from enchanted afars Papyrus pages and marked black words guide me to places where I bear a pink rose crown

CAPRICORN I walk the trails of Saturn’s ice ring Constellations are born from the work of my hands I make black onyx rise from the earth and have visions of indigo ambition One day I’ll be a star in the violet sky

BALLADS SCORPIO My thoughts are cloaked in russet ink red words of Pluto’s fables and keep my eyes on crimson stars Scarlet knives can pierce my skin but underneath you will find ruby bones

AQUARIUS My veins run electric blue I carve creations from sapphire stone You may see me as a turquoise statue decorated with orchids’ fragile beauty but I reassure you that my voice is a blunt wind’s truth

SAGITTARIUS Fiery sunsets fade to purple each night Jupiter gifts me golden topaz and carnations bloom from my steps Arrows dazzle a starstruck audience but a luminous night sky’s legends awe me

PISCES The stars in the inked sky are the words I never wrote I sat on the fields of Neptune Making flower crowns that only broke I spent my days wishing on water lilies holding my dreams of aquamarine

Poetry by Maryn Davenport (9)

35

Artwork by Gisele Gosset (12)

Goats from HELL

Matt Gilles (12)

Characters: LLOYD: 22 years old. Attends USC, and is in an entrepreneurship class. He lives with his best friend and roommate, HARRY. LLOYD is a clean cut guy, who is relaxed and overall has a great outgoing personality. Conducting an experiment for the class with party goats.

HARRY: 22 years old. Attends USC, and is in an entrepreneurship class. He lives with his best friend and roommate LLOYD. HARRY is a nice guy, a little more average looking than LLOYD, but he likes to hang out and has a good personality as well. Doing an experiment for the class with party goats.

BRAD JOHNSON: 23-year-old college student.

Comes in late at the end of the play and is upset. Frat member.

ALEC: Frat member, saves LLOYD and HARRY. CHAD JOHNSON: Lawyer for BRAD JOHNSON, takes the case against LLOYD and HARRY. He has never lost a case. Going for his 300th win in this case.

He is BRAD Johnson’s father.

OTHER LAWYER: Name is Darryl Cox, he is new to the business of being a lawyer. This is his first trial. He is representing LLOYD and HARRY PEOPLE AT THE PARTY: Extra people, many girls and many guys. Extras.

JUDGE: Elderly man who doesn’t really want to be there it seems. He favors CHAD JOHNSON. ANIMAL CONTROL GUYS: 2 guys who are middle age. They are weak looking and have a mean attitude.

JURORS: Made up of mostly females. Disgusted with the entire trial and at HARRY and LLOYD

Summary: Lloyd and Harry are performing a five week experiment for their entrepreneurship class. They have to see if organizations of numbers will increase in any way with any idea they have. Lloyd and Harry decided to try party goats, where they get 1-year-old goats and take them to one party a week and see if the number of people who come increases. They picked goats because they are cute and everyone loves them. They are on Week 1 of the experiment.

Act 1, Scene 1: There are 50 people at the frat party. LLOYD and HARRY walk in and behind them there are 10 goats.

The party has a huge open space for people to dance and there are couches and LED lights around the walls. Music is blasting. When people see the goats, they go crazy and have a great time.

LLOYD: (Screams) Who’s ready to get crazy!

(Everyone starts to jump up and down as the floor bounces.)

LLOYD: (Turning to HARRY) I think everyone likes the goats.

HARRY: (Happily) Everyone is going crazy, this was such a great idea. I am really excited to see if more people will come next week. ( Jumps up on a couch) Release the goats!

(The goats go running around the room and everyone loves it. The goats are interacting with people still.

Many people are picking them up and taking selfies with them.)

LLOYD: (Worried, but has a happy look) I see one problem with this idea, Harry.

Setting: HARRY: (Confused) What is that, Lloyd?

At a frat party, Harry and Lloyd are outside, with 10 goats. They are testing to see whether more people will (Goats are now jumping up and down and have completely stolen the show and has gained attention come to the frat party if goats are there. They walk in from people who were dancing to watch them.) and the play begins.

36

LLOYD:What happens if people give them alcohol or drugs?

HARRY: (Laughs, and makes LLOYD feel silly) Lloyd, brother man, we don’t have to worry about that, let’s just finish up this party and start advertising for next week.

proud of you because I know for a fact tonight is going to be a marvelous party.

(A goat lying down stands up and gives a big old bleat.)

Act 1, Scene 3: After a long day of rest, the goats are getting ready to party. It’s about 11 at night, LLOYD and HARRY are getting ready to let people in.

Act 1, Scene 2: LLOYD and HARRY are in the living room of the frat house. it’s only the two of them. They are on both on the phone with sororities.

LLOYD: (Opens door, turns to HARRY) There. Are. So. Many. People.

LLOYD: (Talking very fast) Listen here, honey, we got HARRY: (Gets in front of HARRY and sees over 200 10 party goats who like to get lit. They went to our last people and yells, very excited) Everyone come in!

Let’s have a great time! frat party and everyone loved them. I guarantee you (A storm of college kids come in the house and fill the and your girls will love them!

(HARRY gets up to get a can of soda while still talking living room of the frat house. Immediately, the house gets electrified with energy. It starts to shake and the on the phone with a sorority.) goats go nuts.)

HARRY: We’ve got the best goats in the city, baby. If LLOYD: This is so sick man! This is a huge turnout! you don’t show up, phew, you are gonna miss out on HARRY: (Going crazy) I love you man! We did it! We the best party of the year. just have to hope no one else comes or else the house LLOYD: (Puts phone down and turns to HARRY) is going to come down.

Damn Harry, I hope tonight we get a good turnout.

(There are several red Solo cups full of beer. Goats Last week we got 55 people to come. I think if we get being goats, decided to try some of it out. More people our party number up to 100 tonight that would be a have shown up.) success.

LLOYD: (Notices a goat eating a girl’s skirt) Hey! (HARRY looks at LLOYD with a big smile and puts Women, move out of the way! The goat is eating your down his phone.) clothes!

ALEC: Tonight’s party is gonna be awesome! I love (The girl screams, and now LLOYD and HARRY you boys!

HARRY: This party tonight is going to be a great one. look around and realize the goats are acting different.

At that moment, the song “Mo Bamba” plays and I can feel it! As long as our goats are on their a game I everyone starts going crazy, the house shakes and the think we will for sure get to that number 100. goats go crazy.)

LLOYD: Man, I sure hope so. I really want this to work. My dad puts so much pressure on me to become HARRY: (Worried) Lloyd the goats are going crazy man. Are they inebriated? this great business mogul, hoping I can carry on the (Two goats are eating parts of the couches. three goats family business. are terrorizing sorority girls and are trapping them in HARRY: (Confused) Bro, your dad is going to be corners, head butting them and eating their clothes. proud of you no matter what. I know it.

Three other goats jumped up on a table and started LLOYD: (Worried and sad a little bit) I don’t know man, he called me earlier this week and told me if this eating all the food. The other two goats were bleating so loud that it hurt people’s ears. All of the sudden, experiment didn’t go well then I wouldn’t be able to people started to panic and started screaming and handle working for him. running everywhere, creating chaos. ) (HARRY stands up and goes over to LLOYD and LLOYD: (Starting to freak out) Oh crap man, this is gives him a bro hug.) not good. Oh my god, oh my god. We are done. We HARRY: (Confident) Your dad is going to be damn 37

have created so much trouble.

(Now the fully inebriated goats are completely out of hand and are randomly attacking people.)

HARRY: (Ignores LLOYD and screams) Everyone calm down! You are scaring the goats!

(At this point, the goats are out of it and someone screams out “run!” Over 250 people run to leave the house by jumping out of windows and trip over people and some people even steal valuable items. After 15 minutes of people leaving, all of the goats stay in the house. some are wobbling and walking around.)

LLOYD: It’s over man. I can’t believe that happened. I don’t even know what to say…

(LLOYD and HARRY go to sit on a half eaten couch.

They look around to see holes in the walls, tables are broken, the carpet appears to be discolored, broken windows. the house is a disaster. It looks like a tornado went through it.)

HARRY: Overall, it was a success. We had many people come and I had great time until the goats got out of control. But as long as we don’t have a lawsuit, we are fine.

(A very upset fraternity member, BRAD JOHNSON, approaches LLOYD and HARRY.) BRAD: (Angry) Someone is going to pay for this!

Someone is going to pay for this! Someone is going to pay for this!

LLOYD: (Confused) What is it Brad? What the heck are you talking Brad?

BRAD: (Teary-eyed) Your damn goats ate my brand new Vineyard Vines cardigan sweater, AND IT WAS IN SEASON. (Starts to cry) Do you know who my dad is? Your going to have a big lawsuit on your hand buddy. Whose stupid idea was it to have goats here?

You guys are horrific. You are losers. No one even likes you at this frat. I hope you have good lawyers, ‘cause mine have never lost.

(Animal Control walks in with 5 members and 10 crates and BRAD shows them where the goats are.)

HARRY: (Confused) What’s going on? Those are our goats!

BRAD: Not any more buddy, they are the government’s property now. I hope it was worth ruining the house for some stupid experiment.

(All of the goats are put into crates and are taken out of the house, never to be seen again.)

LLOYD: Screw you, Brad.

BRAD: See you losers later. Enjoy tonight while you can, because my dad is going to give you a nice phone call in the morning.

(BRAD leaves, HARRY gets up, goes to a fridge and grabs cocktails, opens them up, and puts one slice of lime into each bottle. He goes and sits by LLOYD: and

Seems to me like you just wanted the goats for a low-key attack on innocent and pure people like Brad. they clink the bottles together.)

HARRY: Well, congrats man. We did our experiment in two weeks and it was a success.

LLOYD: And we don’t have to deal with goats anymore, but we now we have to deal with Brad.

(Both of the boys take a sip of the cocktails and let out a big sigh of relief.)

Act 1, Scene 4: A month later, the scene takes place in a courthouse with a pack room of lawyers and witnesses to trial ¨Johnson vs. Goats¨ while LLOYD: and HARRY sit near the jury.

JUDGE: Now we know why both of you are gathered here today. The accuser has claimed he was assaulted by the pets of the defendant. The accuser’s lawyer may speak now. Please state your name and position.

CHAD JOHNSON: (To the jury and audience and a strong determined voice) Hello everyone, My name is Chad Johnson. I have been doing the Lord’s work since I was straight out of college. I have never lost a trial in my life. If I were alive during the Salem Witch trials and I represented any of those girls who lost their lives, I would have saved them. That’s how good I am. (Beat) My son here (Turns to BRAD and points) was assaulted by farm animals that had no right to be at my boy’s frat party! Goats are for the farms and girls are for the frats!

38

(The audience and 12 jurors show empathy for BRAD and CHAD through their non-verbal communication.

Meanwhile LLOYD and HARRY look confused and angry.)

OTHER LAWYER: (To the jury) I am representing the defendants, Lloyd and Harry. My name is Darryl Cox. I am fresh out of college, this is my first trial and I know the accuser and the defendants very well because I was in their fraternity two years ago. But man, I find Brad despicable. I can tell you that this whole case is blown out of proportion and Brad is lying about being assaulted. Thank you.

JUDGE: (Looking both at the lawyers) You may now start the process of showing evidence or calling up witness to the stand. Chad Johnson, you can start.

(CHAD has a big smile on his face, as he prepares to demolish LLOYD and HARRY in this trial. BRAD JOHNSON is sitting down behind his dad and looks like he is almost asleep.)

CHAD JOHNSON: Your honor, I am calling up both of the defendants.

JUDGE: (Confused) You can only have…

CHAD JOHNSON: (Impatient and slowly) Your honor, I am having both of defendants come up to the stand… Thank you.

(LLOYD and HARRY walk up slowly and scared not knowing what will happen in the next stages.)

JUDGE: State your names, boys.

HARRY: I am Harry.

LLOYD: I am Lloyd.

(Both HARRY and LLOYD have no idea what is going to happen and are scared about the questions they might respond to. ) CHAD JOHNSON: (Speaking quickly) Anyone can answer the questions I will ask you. I will ask you rapid questions and you will answer them when I am finished, because I have many; Why did you have goats in your possession? What were your plans with the goats? Why were they at a frat party with over 500 people? Did you train them to attack people?

Did you feed them? Did you give them water? Or did you give them beer? And possibly other illegal substances? Many people have shown photographs of goats running around the house with red Solo cups in their mouths. (Chad brings out a few photos of people looking terrified while goats have red Solo cups

in their mouths and acting crazy.) Ok I think that is enough questions. can you answer now?

(LLOYD and HARRY look so confused and were not expecting an ambush like this. They look at each other to see who will take the questions and HARRY nods to signal he will take it.)

HARRY: We had the goats for an experiment. A school experiment for a class. We wanted to see if we could increase the amount of people at our parties with goats. They are called party goats. The teacher approved it and told us that we needed to treat the goats with respect and care which both me and Lloyd agreed to. Our experiment worked, and we didn’t treat the goats unfairly. They are party goats. Partying is what they do. We never gave them beer or illegal substances or anything. They acted crazy because there were so many people. That is outrageous that you think we trained them to attack people. We only had 2 weeks with them before the party.

CHAD JOHNSON: (Doesn’t look like he cares) My accuser has said that you guys had it out for him since joining the frat. Do you not like him?

HARRY: This has nothing to do with your son, Chad.

LLOYD: Yeah (Slowly) Chad. Brad is a deplorable individual. However, we would never attack anyone on purpose. That’s just sinister.

CHAD: (Confused but ready to advantage of the opportunity) Oh, so you are mentioning that you don’t like the accuser, and possibly you could have it out for him? Was this part of the plan? Just some silly prank that was covered up by a school experiment?

Seems to me like you just wanted the goats for a lowkey attack on innocent and pure people like Brad.

Good and kind hearted people don’t deserve this and the people that attack them deserve to be locked up. ( Jury starts to mumble and talk to each other and BRAD and CHAD look at each other with a slight grin.)

HARRY: (Angry) That is not fair that you are assuming…

CHAD: (Chad interrupts immediately) That is all, your honor.

(The jury reacts as if they just heard a major break through in the case. LLOYD and HARRY look nervous and their lawyer looks nervous as well.)

39

Artwork by Phil Fabian (9)

JUDGE: (Banging his gavel) Order! Order! Order in the court! The defendant’s lawyer may call a witness up to the stand.

OTHER LAWYER: I would like to request the accuser to come up. State your name please.

BRAD: (Looking disgusted, with sarcastic tone) I am Brad Johnson.

OTHER LAWYER: Brad is it true that you have done things in your past and have gotten away with it? Such as pranks?

BRAD: Of course, man. I am a prank god.

OTHER LAWYER: Have you ever lied to get out of trouble?

BRAD: (Relaxed) Yeah, it’s called being a finesser.

OTHER LAWYER: (Speaking at a rapid pace) Are you lying about being assaulted? Did the goats really

push you down the stairs and then you subsequently found animal excrement on you? Was this deliberate Mr. Johnson? Or did you just lose your sweater? Are you out to get the defendants kicked out of the frat?

Why are you lying Brad?

BRAD: (Angry) I am not lying man. This is lame. I would never lie. My fraternity friends are my brothers.

Harry and Lloyd have always had it out for me, and when I say those goats attacked me, they beat me up and eventually peed on me. I am not lying.

OTHER LAWYER: (To the jury) Based off of his past experiences, the accuser has gotten a total of 15 people kicked out of his old prep school for things they didn’t do. He is simply trying to do the same for the defendants. Please, don’t let these two boys get kicked out of the school just because someone doesn’t 40

like them. Thank you.

JUDGE: (Facing the jury) Members of the jury, you are dismissed. We await your fair and impartial verdict.

The jury solemnly leaves the courtroom to complement their decision and reach a verdict.

Act 1, Scene 5: The Jury is enters in 5 minutes. They are ready to state their verdict.

JUROR: (To the full court house) We find the defendants, “Guilty.”

We knew we were never guilty, but we made poor decisions.

(The courthouse mumbles and whispers as many HARRY and LLOYD supports are upset and start yelling. BRAD and CHAD do a handshake and then BRAD goes over to HARRY and LLOYD and stares at them. LLOYD and HARRY can’t believe what is going to happen to them.)

JUDGE: I sentence the defendants Harry Williamson and Lloyd — (As the JUDGE is about to slam down his gavel, the doors open of the courthouse.)

FRAT MEMBER ALEC: (Screaming) Wait! I have evidence that Brad is guilty! I forgot about our cameras we have in the house! Watch this video!

(The video gets plugged in. The video is playing and we see in the bottom right corner of the camera.

BRAD Johnson giving 3 goats beer. We then we see BRAD leaving the party and he never returns until after everyone leaves. The courthouse goes silent, but then suddenly erupts in mayhem. The jury goes back into the room to decide what is their subsequent plan of action. Music. Lights fade on a 3 count.)

defeated the best lawyer in the country. We beat the Johnsons. We knew we were never guilty, but we made poor decisions. I do feel bad for the goats we caused harm to. We live and we learn. At the trial, the jury said Brad was guilty of lying and animal abuse. The judge however, went soft on him. He gave him six months of community service. A slap on the wrist. Nothing bad happened to him. We, on the other hand, got two months of house arrest for animal abuse and nine months of community service. We still will graduate and live our lives, but it is bogus that Brad put our careers and lives in jeopardy. We were falsely accused of something we didn’t do. I can take one positive from this. We took down the best lawyer ever. He had never been defeated before us. He won 299 trials in his 30-year career. We didn’t let him get to 300. He retired after our case out of disappointment in Brad.

We couldn’t have won it without the video that our fraternity brother Alec brought in.

(Lights go back on) LLOYD: Hey! Come on brother, these boxes won’t move themselves!

(Both of the boys laugh.)

FRAT MEMBER ALEC: (Comes rushing into the stage) Hey! I saved you guys! Why am I not included in this!

(All three boys start laughing and hug. Music. Lights fade on a three count. Curtain closes.)

FIN

Act 1, Scene 6: LLOYD and HARRY are moving boxes out of their college house. One month has passed.

LLOYD: (Moving boxes) I can’t believe it, man.

(LLOYD turns away and starts moving them. The stage goes dark and a special comes up full on HARRY. HARRY is center stage and begins his monologue.)

HARRY: Lloyd and I are in the history books now. We 41

Shoes Sarah Wells (12)

Brown shoes Cracked and old, flaking on the edges Hesitating across the pavement.

Thick shoes Soft, light brown leather, worn but sturdy Swinging in long easy strides across the cement.

Small shoes Pink and green with strips of velcro Splashing through the mud on the playground.

Tennis shoes New and flashy, absorbing the sun Running across the grass.

High heeled shoes Polished and shining in the sunlight Clicking quickly across the sidewalk with resolute strides.

Your shoes Something different, something new, Waiting for me to try them on and Look at the world from your view.

Artwork by Chris Imholte (12)

42

The Watcher Sarah Wells (12)

I follow him with my eyes.

Each day, I stare, watching.

I know which classes he shares with me And where to sit to see his thoughtful face.

Each day, I look for him.

And when my eyes find his, I let them slide away.

It’s never the right time.

Sometimes, I just can’t shake him Off my mind.

He stays there, mocking me with his Pale face and slender hands.

As if laughing at my distraction.

Sometimes, I wish he didn’t exist.

And other times, I can not help but Smile at his cheeky face.

The bell rings.

My eyes fly to his.

Yes, it is the perfect time at last.

I smile at the clock, As I turn on my heel and head home.

Artwork by: Phil Fabian (9)

43

The Lie Detector Test Sarah Wells (12)

She lay awake in the cold bed. Her fingers twitched under the covers and her eyes roved the darkness.

Tomorrow. Tomorrow was the test. The lie detector test. No one could beat it, people said; no one could lie when they looked you in the eyes and frowned with that condescending look of half pity. She clenched her fist. No! She knew of only one girl who had beaten the test — and she knew how the girl had done it. She had lied to herself for so long that she had begun to believe it, and then it wasn’t a lie when she faced the frown and said “No.” But that girl had had all summer; I only have one night, the girl in the bed thought frantically.

She took a deep breath. I can do this. She centered her thoughts and repeated the lie that needed to be true. I don’t love her, I never did. The lie was too intense. Her thoughts ripped free and images flashed across her eyes.

“That was just swell,” she muttered through gritted teeth.

El laughed lightly then and helped her to her feet, swiping the pine cones from her knees. She grinned and gave Rin a glance before taking off in the direction of the city, listening to the footsteps of her sister pounding behind her.

She was there the day Rin had thrown the first punch. Rin had come out of the steel school building to see El shrinking in front of a gaggle of boys who had snatched her books from her hands and were laughing at the poor girl as they pulled the pages from the bindings. Rin had thrown aside her backpack and leapt into the fray. El stared as her sister emerged from the scuffle leaving the boys skulking away with black eyes. Her hair had come out of its well-kept bun and her lipstick had smeared slightly, but she just adjusted her skirt and collected her books as if such things happened every day. She flung an arm around El and meandered down the street.

“What’s that look for?” she asked with a grin.

El shook her head. “How do you do it? How are you so perfect?”

Rin laughed. “I’m not perfect. No one is. You’re just as fantastic as I am. You just need to learn to stick up for yourself.”

“But how can I ever learn to fight like you can?”

El eyed Rin’s athletic arm that was now reapplying her smudged lipstick. Rin didn’t pause.

“You don’t have to fight like I do, El. You can fight in your own way. Fight by being who you are and not listening to what they say.”

“But maybe they’re right.”

“Yeah, they’re right that you have your head in a book most days, but what’s wrong with that? When you become a millionaire, do you think they’ll be laughing?”

El smiled lightly, and Rin shoved her gently.

She was seven years old again, the wind whipped back her hair as she soared on the swings. She dared a glance at the girl beside her, straining as the wind rippled her hair.

“I can go higher than you can!” she shouted.

The girl grinned. “You wish, El.” “Well, I can jump higher than you can!” she snapped back.

“No way!”

“You’ll see, Rin.” El pushed forward. Excitement rushed through her. She smiled into the wind as she let go of the swing and jumped. For one glorious moment, she soared through the air, then tumbled onto the ground. The pine cones bit into her side, and for a moment, she wanted to cry out, but she bit her tongue as she heard a rush of air escape the girl beside her. She gingerly rose to a sitting position and regarded the older girl.

She was smiling, but her eyes were filled with pain.

Her dark hair was a wild mess about her face, but she glared at El defiantly.

44

“Hey, just know that I was your first supporter so, you know, you could send me some cash every once in a while when you rule the world.”

El grinned. “I’m not sure I should. You know, people might not like it that I’m giving money to a proper thug.”

“Hey!” Rin laughed as El took off running down the street.

“I can’t do this, Rin.” El sat facing her sister on her bed. “I’m not a soldier, Rin, why do I have to go?”

Rin took a deep breath. “There’s only one place for those who flunked high school to go.”

“But it wasn’t my fault. It was those boys who cheated off my test and got me in trouble.”

Rin sighed.

“I know. But if it makes you feel any better, I flunked out too.”

El looked at her. “No you didn’t.”

“I did. Those boys are lying in the hospital today, and the principal saw everything.”

“You didn’t.”

There was both disbelief and pride surging in El’s eyes as she stared at her sister who was fixing her bun with well practiced hands.

“I did. So... I’m going with you.” Her tone was matter of fact, but El could see her smile slightly.

“Oh you!” El flung her arms around her sister. “I love you.”

“Don’t say that so soon. Do you really think you’ll love me when I beat your ass at every part of training?”

El laughed. “I’ll always love you, Rin.”

each explosive, before disappearing as they lit up the sky. She shivered and felt the girl stir beside her. Her arm reached around El’s shoulders.

“It’s going to be alright, El,” she whispered softly.

“I’m afraid, Rin,” she whispered back, “something feels so wrong this time.”

Was it her imagination or did she feel Rin’s heartbeat quicken against her shoulders?

“Have you made sure you have everything?”

“Yes,” she didn’t hesitate.

She had already counted and recounted everything at least three times.

“Then don’t worry about it, El.” “Do you have everything?” she shot back with a half smile.

Rin smiled. “Oh wait, I think I forgot everything It was night. The wind howled around the tent, back at camp.” tugging the canvas flaps and whistling through the “Oh yeah, I totally forgot we have a super holes in the metal flag pole. The red fabric struggled important mission today.” with the wind as it was played with like a cat and “It’s not that important. It’s not like the whole its prey. El sat next to her sister in the tent. Their nation is relying on us or anything.” matching uniforms were too thin to guard against the “Not like we could die or anything.” piercing cold and each breath hung in the air in a white Rin smiled softly, then let it fall. fog. El was tired. Her limbs ached from the long march “It’s going to be okay, El, I promise. No matter through the desert. And the next day. The next day… what happens. I won’t leave you.”

She didn’t want to think about the next day. How her El turned to face her. “Thanks,” she whispered. hands would feel, scrabbling numbly against the levers And in the end, it was she who left Rin alone. It of her weapon. How her legs would feel, running, was she who broke the promise she had never had the running against time as she struggled to set each trap, strength to say.

45

her. I can do this. I can beat this test and leave this wretched life forever. I can go home! she thought. I never loved her. I never loved her. I never… memories were flashing across her eyes and she shouted inwardly. I never loved her! I never did!

She was running — running against time, running from herself. Each stride taking her further and further away from everything she had ever loved, everything she now hated. They had been caught as they had known they would be some time or other, but as the man, their captor, leered down at her, he had turned to Rin and smiled.

“Why thank you,” he had said, reaching out a hand to pull Rin to her feet.

El’s world had spun as Rin stood next to him and smiled.

“It’s always a pleasure.”

El felt her head burn. Her thoughts were colliding.

Adrenaline and disbelief were coursing through her veins.

“No!” she screamed. “Rin. It’s me, El. I’m your sister. I’m your sister, Rin.” “It’s going to be okay, El, don’t struggle.” There was panic along the edges of her sister’s voice.

The words meant nothing. El was already fighting like a cornered tiger. She flung herself free of the hands holding her and took off. She knew where each trap had been placed. She knew where each explosive was poised to strike and those who followed did not. She heard her name carried across the breeze as the sky lit up behind her. And then she was running. Running from everything and anything. Running from herself.

She was my sister. I loved her. The words pounded against her brain with each step she took. She barely heard the shouts as she entered camp or felt the arms around her as she stumbled towards the hospital. She was my sister. I loved her.

She sat across the table from a man and two women, all dressed in pristinely clean suits and expressionless faces. Her heart raced.

“I’m ready,” she whispered.

The woman on the left stirred and spoke in a cold voice.

“We know you were related to Rin Oswald. You were her sister. She betrayed you and the mission. Did you know about her plans?”

“No.” The word felt hollow in the empty room.

“What if I told you she was alive?”

El’s heart jumped.

“What if I told you she didn’t die?” The woman smiled at the look in El’s eyes. “Ms. Oswald, you must tell us the truth. If you do, you can leave through that door and earn a second chance for your labors,” she pointed to the door across the room. “If you do not, you will remain as a soldier, and exit through the door behind you.”

El nodded numbly. You do not love her. You never did.

“Alright, Ms. Oswald. We must believe you. Did you love your sister?”

“No.” The word burned her tongue, but El forced herself to look expressionlessly at the three in front of her.

The woman sighed and shook her head.

“Ms. Oswald, I told you to tell the truth. You didn’t have to lie.”

“I didn’t,” but it sounded fake even to her own ears.

“There is no crime in loving your sister, Ms. Oswald. I asked you for the truth.”

Numbly, El felt herself begin to rise to her feet. Her legs felt like lead.

“You only needed to tell the truth, El.” Realization washed over her as she turned back to the door she had closed just minutes before and stepped over the threshold.

El shook her head, looking up at the ceiling above

Artwork by Maggie Sanders (11) and Liam Noel (12)

46

OUR WORLD Anaka Leske (11)

At age seven a little girl reached heaven.

She was biking when a drive-by happened.

And at age eight a girl lost weight.

She was getting bullied every single day.

And at age nine a boy carved lines on Both of his wrists because he wanted to die.

And this is no lie. This is our lives. This needs to change.

Because innocent people will surely die, We need our world to change.

Because children are dying, and mothers are crying, And people are fighting, We need our world to change, Or else all we will go through is pain.

47

Artwork by Liz Cook (11)

Ode to Hope They contain nothing But prayers.

You are my relief.

I pray to you And ask for your strength.

You might be as present as my shadow Or as distant as a second cousin Who I only call if there is bad news.

You sir, Are Hope That holds me together, Gives me strength In pure darkness.

You are the light, Showing me the way.

You are My Hope.

I pulled you out From the shadows.

You are needed, Wanted!

You are my illusions, The invisible fence That corrals my emotions, Keeps them from charging out.

You are my wall That gives me support.

Your bricks are built on my wishes.

When all is gone, You become the handle of my life.

There is no need for a key.

Your doors are always open.

Helen Beneker (10)

Artwork by Chris Imholte (12) 48

Swings Katie Gorman (10)

“Come on! Come on!” said Amelie.

It was time to go to the park.

We were babysitting her brother Who wanted to play

“Amelie, Amelie!”

“What, Katie?”

“I’m stuck!”

There were many efforts to get me out.

“Katie,” she yelled, “how does this happen?”

“I dare you,” said Amelie, “to get in a baby swing.”

“I’ll do it,” I replied.

I got in.

We had our laughs… but then I realized I was stuck.

Working together To get me out, I got out, But no more swings for me.

Artwork by Maya Alberts (10)

49

50

What is Home to Me? Helen Beneker (10)

Home is a place, a memory, or a person.

Home is where I can leave a part of me for safe keeping, A place that can bring tears of joy and nostalgia.

Home is the place that activates my senses.

For example, the smell of grass reminds me of the flower shop down my block. I could spend hours sketching the flowers, so many shapes, sizes, colors‌ reds, purples, greens ... yellows!

Home is when I see the color yellow and remember the Colombian flag.

My country! Mi patria! The place that gave birth to my heart.

Home is when I touch silk fabric and remember the beautiful dresses that my grandmother used to make for me.

A bow would always hang from my hips.

Home is a word, the word, that activates memories, feelings, and dreams.

Home is where I feel loved and wanted.

Home is where I am the strongest and the most conscious of who I am.

Just hearing the word home sends shivers down my spine, and my heart is lit up by a bright yellow beam of light.

Home is the chain that connects past and future, heart and mind, me and you.

Artwook by Lila Darragh (11)

51

Senses Holly Niu (10)

If memory has smells, then it would be the frequency of camphor, sweet and steady, like remembering the happiness, sweet and bitter, like the sorrow of forgetting.

I remember that day. It was a rainy afternoon in late July. The air smelled like brushed, wet leaves, clean and fresh. I was walking my way back home, and then I saw her. She was sitting in the same place, just as she had before. She was smiling, smiling in the rain, smiling at everything.

People said she’s a psychopath, people told their children to stay away from her. The village seemed rather small, too small to let her in.

There were only a few people in the village who knew why she does the same thing every day, sitting beside the bridge and smiling. My grandmother was one of them. She knows the truth and pities her.

“She’s not a psychopath; she’s not mad, she’s just waiting for that one,” my grandmother said, “waiting for the one who will never come back.”

“Who?”

“Her fiancé, who died in a car accident. We all know that … but she won’t believe it, so she waits and waits.”

“But won’t she feel shame? People are calling her a psychopath.”

“Well,” she sighed. “She loves him so much, but when love became heavier and heavier, so that she couldn’t even handle it, she became lower and lower till she fell into the dust, but her heart was pleasant and love can still blossom in the dust. Some of us live on the top of the building, some in satin, some in abyss, some in gloss. Thousands are different from us, but once when you find the one who’s iridescent, and when you do love him, nothing will ever compare.”

Tribulation is longlasting, shorten its life. Love is not a regret of a lifetime, love is a tribulation of a lifetime.

Artwork by Sherlock Xia (11)

52

53

The Sound of A Train Sarah Wells (12)

What a strange sound The sound of a train Rushing through.

The wheels clattering along the track Pumping, running Faster, faster And yet all I hear far away Is the hollow cry of the engine.

It drags across the night Hesitating sadly Rushing by with regret.

The train hurries forward Always running against time Grinding steel.

While its childish heart Looks back And sighs “I miss you.�

Artwork by Liz Cook (11)

54

55

The 2019 issue of The Wayfarer, volume XXXIV, was typeset, and the layouts were produced using Adobe InDesign Creative Suite 3 and Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite 3. The Wayfarer uses the Arno Pro font family for copy. The Arial font family is used for bylines. “A Sign of the Sean Beyer Times� uses the Arno Pro, Courier New, and Segoe Script font families. Various fonts were used for titles and pull quotes. Thysse Printing Service was responsible for printing 135 copies of The Wayfarer. Past and present issues of The Wayfarer can be found online at https://issuu.com/edgewoodhs/stacks.

56

Mission Statement

Edgewood, a Catholic high school, educates the whole student for a life of learning, service, and personal responsibility through a rigorous academic curriculum that embraces the Sinsinawa Dominican values of Truth, Compassion, Justice, Community, and Partnership.

Thank You

The Wayfarer Staff expresses its gratitude to ENCORE, donors dedicated to promoting the Fine Arts at Edgewood High School.

Published by the students of Edgewood High School of the Sacred Heart 2219 Monroe Street Madison, WI 53711 www.edgewoodhs.org Volume XXXIV Spring 2019