THE WAYFARER
Hello and welcome to this year’s edition of The Wayfarer! We are so happy to be sharing the talent and hard work of Edgewood High School students despite a doubly challenging year. Because we did not put out an issue for the previous school year, we wanted to include pieces from both the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years. Many of the pieces you will see are from students who have already graduated. As exciting as it was for us to include their work, it also meant twice as much editing during a time when the pandemic was giving us plenty of obstacles. Many meetings were held virtually, and editing was done both at home and in the school building. Despite all this, we were able to come together and put out a great issue for your enjoyment. Thank you for all of your support! Sarah Cook Editor-In-Chief
Staff Executive Staff Editor in Chief
Copy Editor
Sarah Cook
Natalie Ring
Editorial Staff
Layout Staff
Eleni Sklavos Natalie Ring Sylvia Patterson Florisa Patterson Catherine Polet
Erek Gilbertson Audrey Masciopinto Florissa Patterson Natalie Ring
Advisors & Consultants
Cover Artist
Ms. Natalie Koblenski Ms. Rebekah Hewitt Ms. Martha Doherty
Sarah Dunn
Table of Contents Art Pieces
Literary Pieces
Echo Mountain: Sylvia Patterson * 500 Seconds: Sylvia Patterson Sunbeam Seed: Natalie Ring * Anomalous Meterological Phenomea: Joshua Jerisha Blink and You’ll Miss It: Natalie Ring Antonio: Lizzy Skiera The Little Yellow Flower: Natalie Ring Time with Someone You Love: Frankie Masciopinto Journey: Frankie Masciopinto The Beach: Sergei Mundt * A Safer Place: Jahlil Kozek Una Memoria: Jasper Allaman * Ode to Smiling Through Tears: Scarlett Bruno * Valentine Heart: Natalie Ring Strawberries: Katie Ferrari * Orecchiette: Frankie Masciopintoo * Time: Florissa Patterson The Lighthouse: Florissa Patterson Life: Lizzy Skiera * Adoption Day: Olivia Moore Never Will I Settle Down: Anna Reid The Turn of the Seasons: Sylvia Patterson Untitled: Frankie Masciopinto *Sunrises at Croix: Fay Darga Compass: Natalie Ring Goodbye Christmas: Natalie Ring New Light: Natalie Ring Taco Bell Hot Sauce: Marcus Thelen Hell Has No Fire: Finn McIntosh Lost and Found: Natalie Ring Dungeons, Monsters, and Ice Cream: Phillip and Hanna Silbert Afraid and Alone: Natalie Ring Fall of Illshad: Sylvia Patterson * The West: Florissa Patterson *Miss Fortune’s Voyage: Sylvia Patterson *Denotes writing contest winner
4 5 7 8 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 34 35 36 37 38 40 41 42 43 44 46 49 50 51 52
Natalie Ring: 4,13, 23, 25, 39, 41, 51 Natalie Carrol: 6 Sarah Cook: 7 Therese Shiring 8, 42 Jakob Jensen: 10 Grace Imhoff: 11 Suzannah Kirchner: 12, 27 Maggie Sanders: 14, 16, 20, 26 34, 37, 45 Erek Gilbertson: 17 Roman Menocal: 18 Irene Kim: 19 Lauren Johson: 21 Sylvia Patterson 24 Alaka Leske 35 Kathryn Albright 36 Willow Walker 40 Benjamin Roe 43 Phillip Fabian 46, 49 Leo Shleck 50
Echo Mountain On the slopes of Echo Mountain, A lonely figure stays his course, Against the driving wind and snow, He battles to the source.
Oh Echo Mountain, I will come, Nothing can stop me now, A hundred terrors I have faced, I’ll brave a thousand more, I will get there, If I have to pass through hell. For at the peak of Echo Mountain, All Will Be Well”
To the call, he must answer, When she beckons, he must come No ominous words can him deter, Nor pleading tear him from, This loner’s, madman’s, hopeless quest, Sense, he will hear none. At the base of Echo Mountain, All his treasures left behind, He set out in the darkness, The light, what he must find. At the summit of Echo Mountain, Though the path does twist and wind, One thought propels him forward, One thought but in the mind.
On the slopes of Echo Mountain, A traveller cloaked in white, His footsteps cease to fall, He stares up at the night. To this day suspended in the frozen air, His words: Beware of Echo Mountain.
He cries out in the blizzard “Oh Echo Mountain, hear my plea: That which I have come for, May I but live to see. All my life I have been searching Until at last I came to thee I know my vision will come clear, If I but find the key. I came at your bidding, I came at your call I came to be set free.
Sylvia Patterson (12) Artwork by Natalie Ring (11)
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Art By: Natalie Carrol
500 Seconds Sylvia Patterson
When the sun went out, it wasn’t like they said. One day, the day came, the day for which we had prepared for throughout the last millennium. Now that it was here, it felt strangely anti-climactic. Most of the earth was abandoned by then, but the few of us remaining were there, like we always were. It was a sunny day. We rose at 7:00 as usual, but today there were no chores. At 11:31, the sun went out. A great still came over humanity. On earth, in space, everyone paused. Everyone stopped and pondered for that second the crushing gravity of what had taken place. Somewhere in space the sun was no more, but a dimensionless chasm of darkness where the center of our solar system had once been. But on earth the sun still shone. The sun! The light, the golden warmth, the life-giver, the one we depended on for so long. The one beacon of constancy in our ravaged planet. The sun who rose in its blazing glory in the east of with the dawn of every day, the sun that slumbered at night in the far west. The one that shall rise no more. There would be no life on earth if it were not for the sun. And now, with no sun, there will be no more life. “Everyone, we must enter the Haven!” someone yells. “Hurry, get in”. But the light still reaches earth. How can it be gone? Is it really gone? 500 seconds they say that it takes light to reach the earth. Five hundred fleeting seconds to bask in the last light our planet will ever know. How strange that the sun is dead, but its light still falls on earth. The other children file into the passageway leading to the underground shelter. A great dark metal thing with cramped tunnels and the crushing earth above. There is food and power there to last for several decades, but not forever. The same goes for those who went to space. Someday they will crumble out in that black wasteland of outer space. It is not forever. If we are to perish anyway, would it not be better to die on the earth we know? Across the planet, people stand, like me, reveling in these last moments of light, gazing fondly on the cheerful face that is no more. They stand with the earth, they will not move when it is over. I will not move. I will glory in these last eight minutes of light. Such is the fate of those left behind. “Lucy, we must go, now!” Let them go. I cannot move, I cannot step away out of the sun. Is it really gone? The headmistress screams at me. There are five minutes left. The doors are closing in 10- 9- 8-... In the years leading up to the sun’s death, it seemed to shine with all the more intensity, I remember those scorching summers, the boiling rivers. It shone as if it knew the end was near, as if to burn as brightly as it could before the end came. And now it has burned itself out. Burned through all the fuel that had sustained it since the dawn of time. Now, the sun shines as I think it used to in the days long ago, when the planet was yet young. Gentle sunlight, a blue sky. The epitome of blue. 5
Across the yellow field, I see a figure standing out like me in the middle of the field under the old snag. And suddenly, I am running through the dry grass, stumbling across a wasted field to the only other human left. Something primordial in me cries out for human connection. Behind me, the insulated steel doors of the Haven close. There are 200 seconds left. I didn’t realize how far it was. The field unfolds before me, the hollow grass waving in an empty breeze. The sky is blue, the sun is above us. I run, feet falling one in front of the other, my heart pounds, my mind soars. For those 200 precious seconds, I am no longer an orphan at the brink of darkness, 100 seconds, I am a girl from the days of old, running carelessly through a field of gold and sunshine. Birds and insects sing around me in feverish ecstasy. 50 seconds, I am the field, the earth, the sun, it is all one! 5, 4, 3, 2 seconds. Then, I reach him. 1 second. It is over. But it goes on. The world has ended, but we’re both still here, standing together in a dark cold abyss of time and space. It is so dark, darker than the deepest moonless night. There is no up, no down, no light, no dark. My knees give way and I collapse to the earth. Falling up. Rising down. I stay there for an indeterminable amount of time, staring up at the heavens, and to my surprise, I can see the lofty sky above. The stars are so distant and yet brighter than they have ever been before. The suns of other solar systems, light-years away. The mighty milky way flows on its course across the sculpted dome of sky. The river of stars culminating in the spiral of our galaxy in which we are but an empty, barren planet orbiting a star that is no more. How they shine! The stars above us. A falling star streaks across the sky in a final arch of glory before it disintegrates in the atmosphere. It is all worth it. Just for this. I lie there, lost in the infinity of the universe, I don’t even feel the coldness setting in upon the earth. Then, above me, in the light of the stars, I see a hand reaching out to me. I take it and in that clasp there is something I had long forgotten. Hope.
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A Sunbeam Seed The sun still shines Even if no one is watching. The flowers will always bloom Through the darkness. The clouds of fear are broken By her ever-shining light. A being of fortitude, Broken only by those Who are unwilling to fight Through their own darkness. She stands before us as a promise, A hope for all of us To become our own light And to shape our own futures. She has always fought for others. In a way, I hope she will always fight for herself. To lift herself from the beaten path others may put her on And to become her own unexpected. For everyone has this opportunity, But only a true hero Will take it. Natalie Ring (11)
Artwork by Sarah Cook (11) 7
Artwork by Thérèse Shiring (10)
Anomalous Meteorological Phenomena Joshua Jerisha (12)
(Inspired by Steven King’s Under the Dome & Ray Bradbury’s Invasion of the Body Snatchers) July 14, 20xx Unionville, Clark County, United States Silence. An eerie, biting stillness marked that fateful summer evening. During the early twilight hours, the anomaly emerged, seemingly in an attempt to make itself known to the sleepy town that was not yet at rest… It started innocuously enough. At the onset of dusk, a cloudless sky belied a feeling of benign normalcy. Then, without warning, a collimated ray seemed to appear out of thin air. Its color was that of a smartphone screen, though its nature remained wholly unknown. On the street where it first materialized, the diameter of the beam seemed to oscillate every few seconds, as if controlled by some ghostly aperture in the upper atmosphere.
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The Stone family was the first to take notice after their youngest came rushing into the house with a bewildered look on his face. Soon enough, the entire family was in the street, stunned by the spectral flicker of the beacon. The father warned the rest to keep their distance. Soon enough, the next door neighbors spilled out into the street in an attempt to understand the commotion. It didn’t take long for suspicions to mount. No source in the sky. No source on the ground. No aircraft in sight. Was this contact from extraterrestrials? Maybe a government experiment? A warning from some higher power? Or was it just as it seemed, a harmless little beam from a flashlight? Word travels fast in small town America. In short order, panic and suspicion worked their primal hooks into the uneasy populace. The local sheriff was summoned as people grappled with the fading sense of order and security that previously defined their hometown. Unlike what many older residents asserted, this
was not the work of the Communists. The Cold War had thawed out decades prior. It seemed as though the greatest threat to rural Clark County was fear itself… The throes of apprehension were not alleviated by what came next. Sheriff Davis briefly returned to his squad car to contact the next town over. In the process, he turned on his radio, filling the street with sounds that haunt me to this day... Three abrasive tones, then an ethereal pitch, followed by a sibilant, inhuman voice. “This message has been transmitted on behalf of the United States Government: At 9:17 PM on Friday, July 13th, civil authorities detected unknown atmospheric phenomena in the airspace above the rural Midwest. These anomalies are currently under investigation by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the North American Aerospace Defense Command. The U.S. Department of Defense has issued a shelter in place warning for Clark County, effective immediately. Lock your windows and doors. Avoid the use of any electronic devices besides shortwave radio. Keep a radio on your person at all times. Do not look into any mirrors or respond to any calls from the outside, no matter how human they may sound. Remain calm. In the event that you encounter anomalous meteorological phenomena, do not interact.” “Anomalous meteorological phenomena.” The ambiguity of those words was more unnerving than premonitions of known disaster. Was the government unaware, or was this faux-ignorance all a pretense? What could one make of it? Well, that was up to the town. No air raid sirens sounded in the distance. The sky did not fall. Only the beam of light and the gathered crowd remained. “Don’t touch it!” scolded old Mr. Johnson. “That’s one of those Communist death rays I’ve been warned about! A vestige from the ‘80s when Reagen tried playing Star Wars with the Russians!” he elaborated fearfully. “Well, if we’re not going to stick our hand in it, what do you propose we do? Walk away like nothing happened? This thing could move! It could find its way into someone’s home at night! I’m going to throw in a newspaper, no one’s leaving until we figure this out!” replied an incredulous Mrs. Stone. Sheriff Davis pulled a newspaper out of his squad car’s door before tossing it into the collimated ray. Nothing. A harmless spot of light appeared in a similar fashion as a small laser pointer. “See! A death ray! Made by Communists in
the 1980s! Heaven knows what’s gotten into you two these days…” murmured Mr. Johnson’s wife. “We’re burning daylight here, the sun passed below the horizon at least 15 minutes ago, it’ll be pitch black out here if we keep arguing,” Sheriff Davis responded. “Didn’t you hear the radio broadcast! We’re in mortal danger! I’ve got to get my kids inside, and we’re dallying out here playing with newspapers like flashpaper!“ exclaimed a panicked Mrs. Stone. “Mrs. Stone, didn’t you see what I saw? That dry old newspaper, not even a hint of smoke” Sheriff Davis answered calmly. “Why do you think we’re supposed to keep away from mirrors and windows?” one voice abruptly called out from the crowd. “We’re all getting irradiated just by standing out here! It’s another Chernobyl! Someone get a Geiger counter!” another shouted. Soon enough, a muffled roar began to erupt out from the mass of people. “I’m calling the National Weather Service, this is ridiculous!” Sheriff Davis bellowed. “You think the weathermen can help us! The feds are warning us to shelter in place! We’re going indoors now, before the flying saucers and black triangles come out to abduct us!” yelled a man at the back of the mob. As a man of law and order, Sheriff Davis was the only authority figure who could reel in the town. Though he could not declare the bizarre light to be dangerous, he knew that mass hysteria was all too real of a threat… As the commotion reached a fever pitch, two military fighter jets flew overhead. A nearby Air Force base frequently ran training exercises in the early evening. During a normal summer night, no one would bat an eye. But this was no ordinary night. One particularly shaken man cried, “Dear Lord, it’s the beginning of the end! It’s the apocalypse! Get to the storm shelter!” Despite the outspoken doomsayers, most members of the community appeared concerned yet confused. Reason could still persuade these men and women. Their fears could be tempered. Tension could be diffused. The pall of chaos could be lifted. “Just got off the phone with the NWS, they claim to be as baffled as we are. Their weather equipment picked up a luminosity spike above Unionville. Their reports are in line with what we’ve observed. The radiation falls within the visible light spectrum, 9
nothing ionizing. Seems pretty harmless but I still recommend exercising caution” explained Sheriff Davis, evidently the most level-headed of the crowd. The phone call seemed to pacify a good portion of the town, though skeptics raised their voices, as they always do. “That’s a blatant lie! This whole thing’s a cover-up! We’re being experimented on by the military! We’re all just some black project lab rats!” shouted one woman. “This is a repeat of Oakville! That light is going to sicken us, just like those clear blobs that rained down in Washington! Our own government is waging biological warfare against us! Mark my words, everyone’s going to fall ill soon!” yelled another. The channels of communication began to break down. Sheriff Davis attempted to restore order to no avail. His shouts were almost entirely inaudible over the dissonant mob. Panic had drowned out the only voice of reason… Ironically, it was the federal government that dispersed the crowd. Civil authorities had been dispatched to enforce the lockdown order and investigate the luminosity spike. Around 9:45 PM, they arrived. National guardsmen in multiple Humvees ordered residents to return to their homes until the scene was declared safe. Fifteen minutes later, two military transport helicopters arrived with a handful of bespectacled men and women. Evidently, they were scientists of some sort, likely meteorologists and geologists. Unionville did not take kindly to this presence. The townsfolk seemed to have found the perfect scapegoat in the federal government. Little did they know, the government was at as much of a loss as they were. The scientists and guardsmen were only human after all. This instance of “anomalous meteorological phenomena” was just that: anomalous. The true nature of the light was wholly unknown to all parties involved. Up until this point, I had managed to keep my head above water. The tide of the crowd did not sweep me away, though I soon found myself being corralled indoors by men in uniform. As a single man, I was left alone with my own thoughts. To some, this prospect would have proven horrifying. At times, I feared the doomsayers were right all along. I was determined to control that sensation of dread, bringing me to write this entry in my journal. That’s where today’s account ends. I am currently sequestered in my basement. Men in Mylar 10
suits have set up camp around what’s become known as “The Anomaly”. The residents of Unionville have lost contact with our neighboring towns. It is currently unknown if our situation is unique, or even if The Anomaly is hazardous at all. If my entries stop here, either the worst has come to pass, or the all clear has been called. If anyone finds this entry, just remember: all we have to fear is fear itself. A beam of light is what you make of it: a harmless ray or an anchor for humanity’s deepest fear: the unknown... Artwork by Jakob Jensen (12)
Blink and you’ll miss it Every once and awhile She walks past the door A little yellow dress and big smile The sound of her shoes on the floor Sometimes she comes in to talk What a kind little girl A bright mind with hands covered in chalk She jumps and dances, until her legs curl
And yet, I feel she’s dark and heavy Behind her smile her eyes fade Could her mind be there already Playing a constant game of charades No one will know she thinks Farther from herself she sinks
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Natalie Ring (11) Artwork by Grace Imhoff (10)
Antonio Lizzy Skiera (‘20) Oh Antonio, poor Antonio Upon the rocks thy heart did break Those fateful shores of Illyria Where you were once known great
Oh Antonio, lost Antonio This is not he He knows you not Look not towards his love
Upon the sea by home bound shore A storm did surely reap For there upon the wave tossed sea A man caught in its wake
You took his place, in irons then were bound Calling out for him He denies your love But offers you Samaritan’s hand
Oh Antonio, lost Antonio Keep your heart locked away from him His heart was shattered by that ship His sister, twin, in the deep does sleep
Oh Antonio, poor Antonio This is not your Sebastian fair That golden shaft that struck Has pinned you to the ground
For therein lies your problem While nursing back this man Upon that fair cheeks, deep icy seas, For all his thoughts are drownéd
You see two apples, two creatures None were more alike than they You see Sebastian married Gone away
Oh Antonio, sweet Antonio Wherever he goes you follow Back to hostile Illyria, landlocked lost Illyria They yet search for you, your face is known You see him there, that man you love Against uneven odds You take his place at your own risk For without him all is lost
Artwork by Suzannah Kirchner (10) 12
the little yellow flower Natalie Ring (11)
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om, th oment, one go rough the window until al, da ngling just out ’t stop of reac y do n e h h. My e t er, yes so f To notice my dog lay ixed on that little flow ing on t he floo r, her h ead resting on my feet. Or m y mother reading her book on the lovesea t, Her face il lum inated by the one flickering lamp o n t he tre e tr un I never saw the sto th ne fi em re p antle l ac stained e, from y ears of ch ildp lu r oo tter fi n ed cor g ner that used W ith the happines to s s of pa m is rk m
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Artwork by Natalie Ring (11)
singular throw pillow
dad ’s o ld gu
wit hb ro k
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en was the l tasse saw ittle I ls. yell ll ow flow Acr er, oss the livi ng r oom, through the window. 13
Time With Someone You Love Frankie Masciopinto (Grad ‘20)
Time with someone you love Is never wasted Those moments can never return They need to be treasured Because all too soon Life gets in the way And it pushes them out Or, they leave you And you start to regret Those moments can never return But they are not wasted If spent with someone you love
Artwork by Maggie Sanders (Grad ‘20) 14
Journey Frankie Masciopinto (12)
His name was already filled with endless possibilities and hard work, hard times, and positivity. Like his mom already knew, his struggles would fix others, and his life would inspire. The stage is his home. Once one word escapes his mouth, the rest flow. Listen, learn, change. His message is controversial and important. No fear of offense but hope that it resonates. Because if you change one life in that sea of people, the world is better than when you started. He speaks for himself and for anyone who will listen. A voice of love, experience, and honesty, Ready to show us That you need to work if you want to grow.
Artwork by Anonymous
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The Beach Sergei Mundt (12)
The sun shines brightly in the sky, To say goodbye, It might just make me cry. The beach, the sand, the water, I just can’t really bother. I know I must come back to the real world, But why? It might just make me cry. Minutes turn to hours, tans turn to burns, But yet there is a part of me which still yearns. Yearns to lay down, To let troubles float away, But I’ll be okay. The time will come again, When all worries will be at bay.
Artwork by Maggie Sanders (Grad ‘20) 16
A Safer Place By Jahlil Kozek
The world is full of danger in my mom’s eye. She only lets me go on the internet for an hour on Saturday. Which kinda stinks. “There are a lot of creepos out there!” She is always saying. But I really need to meet new people. And the Internet is the best place to do it. I seriously can’t think of a better way.
We decided to meet at the junkyard at 12:00.
I made a pretty good use of my hour last Saturday. I have a new friend. His username is TheWatcher22. He is 14 as well. His mom won’t let him use the internet often either. When I logged onto The Web earlier, I was worried he wouldn’t be online. But he was, so we texted for a while. We didn’t use our real numbers, I am way too smart to give him my real number. We used the chat box on The Web. We have SO much in common, he likes all the same stuff I like.
He nodded slowly. “Tundra?”
Mom would be asleep, it would be easy for me to sneak out. I could run there. I couldn’t wait to meet him.
I got there early - like 11:50 - but someone was already I use this site called The Web. It is a site for people who here, standing in the shadows away from the light. I walked toward him until I was at the edge of the shadlike horror and strategy type video games. My userows. I wanted to make sure he could see me clearly. name is TundraWave14. I try not to let any personal information slip. My real name is Abby, but the “14” “Watcher?” I asked. part is kinda true.
“Uh-huh” “I’m not 14,” he said. “That was a little lie” I guessed he wasn’t a kid since I first met him. Something didn’t add up. It didn’t feel right. But I stayed calm. I knew I had to. “I’m 14,” I smiled and added, “centuries.”
I found out that he lives in Cedarville, the next town He looked at me weirdly, like I was an idiot. I knew he over from mine. I didn’t tell him the name of my town, wasn’t worried. His heart was beating pretty fast, but it but I did tell him I lived close to his town. wasn’t racing. Yet. TheWatcher22: I wish we could talk online more TundraWave14: Ya, same here TheWatcher22: Maybe we could meet up? TundraWave14: Totally, sounds fun TheWatcher22: Do you live by Al’s Junkyard? We could meet there. TundraWave14: Yea, I live by the junkyard but my mom would NEVER let me go
“Thanks for coming,” I tilted my head so he could see my fangs shining in the light. I love this part. Now his heart was racing. I wondered if I should finish it quickly, or chase him around the junkyard. But, he did say he likes horror. So, I know exactly what his last 15 minutes would be like. I stepped toward him. He yelped and ran to the exit gate of the junkyard. I ran past him in a blur then stopped so he ran smack into me. He screamed in agony and fell down. He scrambled up quickly and ran in the other direction.
TundraWave14: I don’t know…
I know mom hates the internet. But I like it. I can’t think of an easier way to meet the right people. I am making the world a better place. And a safer one.
TheWatcher22: Don’t be such a wimp
Artwork by: Erek Gilbertson
TheWatcher22: Sneak out
TundraWave14: Fine, I’ll sneak out 17
Una Memoria Jasper Allaman
Hace ocho años que mi familia y yo viajamos a México. Volamos en un avión de Chicago a México D.F.. De México D.F., tomamos un taxi a Cuernavaca. Cuernavaca es la ciudad adonde viven los amigos de mis padres, y nos quedamos con ellos toda la semana. Cada mañana, nos despertamos y hacíamos yoga con nuestros amigos. También recuerdo de jugar fútbol con mi amigo. Un día, fuimos de excursión a las montañas de Toluca. Esto fue muy divertido. También visitamos algunas ruinas Mayas. Vi tantos lagartos allí. Un día, condujimos todo el camino a una playa para ir a bucear. Recuerdo que no me gustaba mucho la comida que comíamos durante el viaje, pero sólo tenía siete años, espero que haya mejorado mis sabores desde ese tiempo en esos años nunca quería tratar nada nuevo. ¡Que triste vivir en esa manera! Una cosa que siempre voy a recordar de este viaje, es que no se puede tocar los perros de la calle ni beber el agua del grifo (lo aprendí de manera difícil!) Planeamos volver pronto. No puedo esperar para experimentarlo todo de nuevo. 18
Artwork by: Roman Menocal
Ode to Smiling Through Tears Scarlett Bruno (11)
Smiling while crying, It’s therapeutic, very calming. It clears your mind and Smells like independence and Sweet and honey, Like forest and campfire. Soft hands brush my cheek and Comforting needs, she hugs me with a Need to make me sure that I’m complete. We laugh and laugh, and it’s all a mess, But she sticks beside me. The drives and laughs, The hugs the mess, its all A part of life and a small, Unappreciated one. the tear It falls, followed by a flood of more, I couldn’t keep it in anymore. she Understands and wipes the small river of sadness Away, her motherly way, Calm, perplexed, and Ready for what’s next. She makes me smile Through tears.
Artwork by Irene Kim (10)
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Valentine Heart Natalie Ring (11) Artwork by Maggie Sanders (11)
doors open. I hear the clicking of my heels on the empty church floor.
how he would always ask the same two questions, and give the same response when I answered them.
my gaze travels, across the empty seats until they finally land on the altar.
Christmas eve, Thanksgiving, Birthdays.
his spirit burning, the sounds of Ireland linger in the background.
standing here now, his compass in my hand. staring at his face. a culmination of paint and water. creating a remedy for our sadness. watching waiting as people fill in the seats one by one then it begins. the sound of bagpipes fills the air the flood gates open as we sing his soul back home
I remember all the trips we took to France. running wildly through the bedroom, grabbing his compass to guide the plane. standing on the red dock. just talking about all that lies ahead. giving my speech at graduation the hug he gave me and the words he said
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Strawberries Gazing into an endless field of red I realize I am not alone While your being may have vanished Your soul is deep in these roots This field reminds me of you most You have never been here
Katie Ferreri (Grad) But your soul enriches the soil Your deep disgust towards its beauty And your sour face towards its sweet fruit You have never set foot here But I know you are with me
They say losing a child is the worst pain To be torn from your roots and slaughtered from your stem Although you are not my seed We sprout from the same soil We are one of the same race
Although you are not my flower You were apart of me A laugh, a nose, a mother All the things we shared Cut from the same stem I bled for you in this field
In this endless field of red You are not here But I wish you were Artwork by Lauren Johnson (10) 21
Orecchiette Frankie Masciopinto (Grad ‘20) Orecchiette is the best kind of pasta—an opinion I must defend every Sunday when my family prepares our weekly pasta dinner. Challenge any Italian on their favorite noodle and watch out for flustered hand gestures to match a 20-minute diatribe. My sisters are no exception: we’ve had many fights over la pasta suprema. Over the years, I’ve sharpened my staunch opinion to prove my pasta is best. Orecchiette has many redeeming qualities, most notably its adorable ear-like shape (orecchiette is Italian for ear). Though obscure, it’s small, easy to cook, and has the perfect design to complement any sauce: bolognese, pesto, olio, even ragu. Orecchiette isn’t basic and boring like spaghetti nor complicated and difficult like gnocchi (though I do love fluffy gnocchi). Best of all, you can make orecchiette with your own two hands; what other food has your thumbprint on it? Despite my well-reasoned affection for orecchiette, its poor reputation with the rest of my family means I usually end up losing the great pasta fights. In this I’ve learned to savor my favorites when I finally win and that, really, the most important ingredients in a great pasta dish are the people you share it with.
Artwork by Natalie Ring (11) 22
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TIME By Florissa Patterson(11) Gray is the color of time slipping out of the past falling into the future into an ocean vast A sea of years An ocean, a sky, a whisper
of endless days
of gray
of seconds slipping by
an endless march of dawn into day
of memories passing in a daze
of day into night
and fading into sky
and night into dawn Carried by the wings of time then swallowed by its jaws
Everything fades
centuries fade and vaporize
and then is gone
obeying nature’s laws
everything fades
When fate says “come” But Time goes on.
all must go all must heed its call all must follow its silent demand
Artwork by Sylvia Patterson(12)
into a rapid fall 24
The Lighthouse With glistening stripes of red and white, With gleaming bricks and cheerful door, And paint that glows in morning light, The lighthouse stands upon the shore. Above the waves, below the sky, Beneath the yellow sun, Beneath the clouds drifting slowly by, The lighthouse stands the only one. Through summer’s blue, winter’s gray, And autumn’s crimson tree, Through arching waves and ocean spray, The lighthouse stands against the sea. Kept company by stars at night, And wheeling gulls by day, Through rising moons and evening light, The lighthouse stands beyond the bay. Summer storms cause birds to flee, And winter blows the beach’s grass, But by the bay and against the sea, The lighthouse stands as seasons pass. Now, with fading stripes of red and white, With weathered bricks and shadowed door, And peeling paint that once was bright, The lighthouse stands upon the shore.
Florissa Patterson (11) Artwork by Natalie Ring (11) 25
Lizy Skiera (Grad ‘20)
Life
Life. It is extraordinary that it ever came to be in the first place. Water and atoms smashing against each other, warm ocean vents, or even a meteorite bearing nucleic acids, whatever it may have been that started life as we know it. From organelles to organisms, life is beautiful and complex. It is a puzzle that grasps at the imagination, asking what is possible and why we live the way we do. How a blueprint in one’s genetic make up becomes eyes and ears, which with a few different nucleic acids could have become pistil and stamen. Biology is studying the usual and the unusual. Looking at the dew and seeing tardigrades, finding that platypi can sense electrical currents. Biology is also distinguishing the difference between what we can do and what we should do. Life. With life comes consciousness. History is storytelling, the story of the human consciousness. I am fascinated by cultures that, even so distant from my own, are understandable. I like seeing that while different laws and stereotypes have affected people from every generation, there are common factors, something undeniably human. Mothers will be mothers and brothers will be brothers. There is nothing but the veil of culture separating us. I love learning about what has and has not worked for the people of the past. Agriculture and husbandry, science and medicine. History can also be hilarious: Who could imagine the king of France would be foiled in his escape by currency? History is the voice of humanity, our echo and our story.
Artwork by Maggie Sanders (Grad ‘20)
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Adpotion Day by Olivia Moore CHARACTERS MARLEY A six year old male yellow lab. Is somewhat shy at first but then warms up to people. He has been at the Humane Society just about his whole life. He hopes and longs for the day that he will get adopted, but he is not optimistic that it will happen. He serves as a father figure to the group. COCO A three year old female goldendoodle. Is very energetic and loves to go on long walks. She is confident in herself and likes attention. She tries to be optimistic and is a good listener. She really looks up to Marley and respects his advice and wisdom. DAISY A two year old female Persian cat. She is very sassy and has an attitude. The others call her a diva and she isn’t the smartest in the group. She really dislikes being in the shelter. She thinks highly of herself and thinks she should be living in a mansion. BELLA A three year old female Siamese cat. She loves to socialize and play with toys. Has a sister-like relationship with Bella and they don’t always get along. She is always full of energy and is very optimistic. She isn’t afraid to show her true colors. OLD MAN He is in his early seventies and is looking for a dog to be his companion. He is lonely because his wife died and so he wants a friend to keep him company. He has always talked about wanting to get a dog but he has never owned one. FAMILY OF FOUR A husband and wife couple in their mid thirties. They have two children and are looking for a family pet. They are searching for the right fit for their family. Their children really want a pet but they are not convinced that they should get one. CRAZY CAT LADY A single woman in her mid thirties who appears to be rich. She is crazy about cats and she can never have too many of them. She has a unique sense of style and she is in love with cats. YOUNG COUPLE A young couple in their mid twenties. They recently got married and have enjoyed their life without kids. They are looking to expand their family so they thought they would get a pet first to get some practice at having to take care of a pet. 27
SETTING This play takes place at the Dane County Humane Society in the city of Madison, Wisconsin. It is a hot Saturday afternoon in the summer. It is the first adoption day of the summer, which means that there are going to be lots of visitors coming in to look at the pets. SUMMARY It’s a hot Saturday afternoon at the Dane County Humane Society in Madison, Wisconsin. It is adoption day and the dogs and cats are feeling very excited because new faces come in who are looking to adopt. The play follows the pets’ point of view as they make judgements on the new people coming in. The pets get excited and hope to be adopted by someone good. The pets share with each other their ideal homes, and make expectations of what they want in the person who’s going to adopt them.
Scene 1: Dane County Humane Society in Madison, WI The curtains open and the lights turn on. It is early afternoon at the Humane Society on a hot summer day. There are two cats in a playpen on the left, and two dogs in a playpen on the right. There is a litter box in the cats’ playpen, and a water bowl and food in each playpen. There is also a toy in each playpen. DAISY. Ahhh. I am so excited because it’s the first adoption day of the summer! As you all know it’s my first time experiencing this and I’m glad I get to go through it with you guys. BELLA. (Wags tail.) I know, I cannot wait! (To Daisy.) And I will be by your side. DAISY. (To Bella.) Thanks girl! COCO. We’ve all been looking forward to this day for a while and it’s finally here! MARLEY. (Sullen.) Guys don’t get your hopes up. I’ve been here for years and still haven’t been adopted.
Artwork By Suzannah Kirchner
COCO. Marley, why you gotta be such a Debbie Downer. MARLEY. I’m just sayin’. I try to be as optimistic as you, but sometimes it’s hard for me because I’ve spent most of my life here and haven’t been adopted. COCO. Yeah I understand. I wish someone would adopt me too.
DAISY. I hope a crazy cat lady comes in today. When she lays her eyes on me she won’t be able to resist. (Bats eyelashes.) BELLA. Oh Daisy. You just can’t get enough of yourself can you. DAISY. (Sighs.) It’s destined to happen. MARLEY. (Looks up as if he were dreaming.) We all have our own destiny but it is out of our control. We can dream and fantasize about our futures, but ultimately our fate is not up to us. Our fate is beyond our control and we must let life happen. Everything happens for a reason and we are all here, at the Humane Society, for a reason. We all have a purpose. Even though we might not have found our purpose in life yet, we still have one.
MARLEY. Anyways, so what do you guys think it would be like to be adopted? COCO. I think it would be fun and exciting because you would have someone to hang out and play with. MARLEY. Yes, that would be nice. I mean who wouldn’t want that. DAISY. I want my owner to buy me a giant cat tree.
COCO. Marley with his words of wisdom once again. (To Marley.) You are so wise. How did you learn all of this stuff?
BELLA. Same, and I want someone to cuddle with. MARLEY. (Walks in a circle around the playpen.) I just want to go on long walks and see what it’s like out in the real world. There is so much that we haven’t seen. I want to explore and discover new things and experience what it’s like outside of this playpen. COCO. You are so right Marley and I agree with you. One day we will all find a new home and be able to do those things. MARLEY. Let’s hope.
MARLEY. Well my father taught me a lot, and when I was taken away from him it was really hard for me. But his words of advice have always stuck with me, and I will never forget him. We are only on this Earth for a short period of time so we might as well enjoy every moment of it no matter what happens. We cannot sweat the small stuff and when things don’t go our way, we must learn to move on from them. During the time I have spent here at the Humane Society, I have learned to find the joy in the little things. That is the best advice I would give to you guys.
COCO. I have faith in us. I just know that it’s going to happen. I try to be positive and look on the bright side of things.
COCO. Wow Marley, you are so inspiring.
MARLEY. Yes you do and that’s why I admire you.
BELLA. Whoever adopts you is going to get a good one that’s for sure. COCO. Yup you got that one right Bella.
COCO. Aww thanks Marley. I don’t know what I would do without you.
MARLEY. I try my best.
MARLEY. If I get adopted.
Marley kisses Coco on her head.
COCO. I know it’s going to happen Marley. You have so much to give, and you deserve someone who is going to take great care of you and love you endlessly.
MARLEY. So what are you guys looking forward to today?
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MARLEY. Thanks Coco, but I’m just being realistic. I have been here for years and no one has adopted me.
MARLEY. (Laughs.) Ok Coco, you keep telling yourself that. I had high expectations when I first got here. I wanted a young family with kids who could play with me and spoil me. But then I realized that my expectations were too high. Now all I want is someone who is going to love me and care for me. So all I’m saying is not to get your hopes up too high.
COCO. (With assurance.) You will get adopted one day, and you are going to make someone very happy when that day comes. I just know it. I have faith in you. I have faith in all of us. MARLEY. Coco, you always find a way to look on the bright side of things and that’s what I love about you. COCO. Aww. You always give the best advice and that’s what I love about you.
(Coco stares blankly into Marley’s eyes. The couple gazes into the cat and dog playpens. They smile and chat amongst themselves while looking at the pets.) COCO. See Marley, they’re smiling at me. They think I’m cute.
DAISY. Alright, alright enough with the sappiness.
MARLEY. I mean they’re not wrong. But I’m cuter.
BELLA. (To Daisy.) Just let them have their moment will ya.
COCO. (Rolls eyes.) Okay okay, we’re both cute. (Looks up at couple with puppy dog eyes.) Oh please pick me. Pretty please. How could you not?
DAISY. There is no time for that. Ladies and gents we’ve got our first visitor!
(The couple approaches the dog play pen. The husband pets Marley and the wife pets Coco. Meanwhile in the other playpen, Daisy and Bella meow as if they want the couple to give them attention as well.)
(A young couple in their mid 20s walks onto stage. Coco and Marley wag their tails in excitement. Daisy and Bella perk up and keep their eyes on the couple as they walk toward center stage.)
DAISY. Ugh. Why don’t they come over here to the cat playpen.
BELLA. Looks like a fun young couple to me. I wonder what they are looking for. COCO. I wonder if they have kids. Cause if they don’t then I don’t want them to adopt me. I want little kids to play with me. Kids are always so full of energy and that’s exactly what I need. MARLEY. (To Coco.) Jeez, who would ever want to adopt you. It’s not about you wanting them, it’s about them wanting you.
BELLA. Yeah I know right. They’re really missing out. (After the couple pets the dogs, they approach the cat playpen. They lean over the playpen and pet Daisy and Bella.) DAISY. Now this is what we like to see. We’re the real party animals.
COCO. (With confidence.) I know who would want to adopt me. Someone who wants the cutest little fluffy puppy. That’s who. And who wouldn’t want that, are you kidding me.
BELLA. Yeah and they’re just a young couple trying to find the life of the party. (The couple stops petting the cats. They look at each other and mumble a few words. They turn and exit the stage. They did not find the right fit for them.) MARLEY. Wait, where are they going? COCO. Come back! Oh please, oh please come back! 29
MARLEY. (To Coco, Bella, and Daisy.) And that is why I told you not to get your hopes up.
DAISY. Yes, I’m being serious. You just wouldn’t understand because you’re a dog.
BELLA. I’m still hopeful. I just know that one of us will be welcomed into a new home today.
MARLEY. Ok whatever. If this woman is a crazy cat lady then I sure don’t want her picking me.
COCO. (Sigh.) We’ll see. Marley might be right.
COCO. (Chuckles.) Yeah you said that right.
DAISY. Guys are you serious? Stop being so pessimistic.
DAISY. Oh no need to worry about that, it’s obvious that she’s going to pick me. I mean how could she not?
BELLA. Yeah Daisy’s right. We need to be more optimistic. We still have the whole day ahead of us. That means there will be many more visitors and potential people who are going to adopt us.
(The woman reaches into the cat playpen and tries to pet Daisy. Bella runs over to Daisy’s side and nudges her to the side.) DAISY. Watch it Bella, she’s got her eyes on me can’t you tell.
COCO. Alright, we’ll see what the rest of this day brings. I’m not going to give up.
BELLA. Oh please, you’re such a diva.
DAISY. That’s the spirit!
MARLEY. (To Daisy and Bella.) If you two keep it up with the arguing then she won’t want to adopt either of you.
BELLA. Speaking of more visitors … look, someone is coming! It’s time to turn on the charm! DAISY. My charm has been on since I was born baby. (A woman wearing flashy clothing who appears to be rich walks onto stage. She goes right towards the cat playpen.) DAISY. Now this is what I’m talkin’ about. This lady is right up my alley. Check out her dress!
(The woman turns and glances over at the dog pen, tosses her hair over her shoulder, and proceeds to exit the stage to the right. At the same time a family of four enters the stage from the left. The children appear very happy to be there.) COCO. Hey look, we have more visitors! They are a family with kids and this is just what I’ve been hoping for!
BELLA. Do you think she’s one of those crazy cat ladies?
(The children run towards the dog playpen and their parents follow slowly behind them. The parents exchange a few words amongst themselves.)
DAISY. I don’t know but by the looks of her it seems like she’s rich and that’s all I need to know.
DAISY. Hey Coco, settle down little kids can’t resist a cute kitty cat like me.
BELLA. Oh Daisy, money isn’t everything. It can’t buy you happiness.
COCO. Oh please. Daisy you don’t stand a chance.
DAISY. Uhh yeah it can! Money can buy catnip and that’s pure happiness.
MARLEY. Would you two pipe down.
BELLA. (Laughs.) Okay you’re so right about that one.
DAISY. Just take a nap Marley. BELLA. (To Daisy.) Dogs really do think they’re all that.
MARLEY. (Not amused.) Are you two serious right now?
DAISY. (Laughs.) Oh yes they do. 30
(The children lean over the playpen and pet Coco. Coco wags her tail in excitement.)
MARLEY. (Laughs.) Yeah you’re right. But they are just as deserving as us in being adopted and when that day comes I will be happy for them.
COCO. (To Daisy and Bella.) See I told you so. This is a family that wants a dog, not some little smelly felines like you two.
COCO. Yeah me too.
BELLA. Once they get a whiff of you they’ll change their minds right away. MARLEY. (To Coco, Daisy, and Bella.) Alright chime down now. You all need to behave yourselves or else none of you will get adopted today. (The parents of the children pet Marley. The children are joyful and they squeal in excitement.) COCO. (With excitement.) See Marley, they want one of us. Today could finally be the day. The day that the two of us have been waiting for. The day that we move into our new home with our new family. Can you believe it? MARLEY. I’ll believe it when I see it. I’m not going to get my hopes up just to have them be shot down. I have been there before and don’t want to go through that again. Since I have been here at the Humane Society I have learned to not get my hopes up too high just to have them get crushed. COCO. Yeah I understand that. But that shouldn’t stop you from getting excited about adoption day and the new visitors coming in. BELLA. Well since the family isn’t interested in us beautiful and adorable cats for some odd reason, I’m going to take a nap.
(The parents mumble something to the children. The children appear to be disappointed. The parents walk off stage to the right and the kids wave goodbye to the pets and slowly follow behind.) MARLEY. (With frustration.) I just don’t understand. As I get older I feel like no one is going to want to adopt me. (Short pause.) I’m going to be in this shelter until the day I die. COCO. Marley, that’s not true don’t say that. Someone out there is looking for someone just like you. I know it. Today might not be the day but that doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen. One day someone is going to want you and they are going to happily welcome you into their home. MARLEY. That’s my dream. A dream that I hope will come true, but I am not very hopeful. (There is a period of silence between Marley and Coco. All of a sudden Daisy awakes from her nap.) DAISY. (Yawns.) What did I miss? (She nudges Bella to wake up.) BELLA. Ow Daisy. That is not how I like to be woken up from my beauty sleep. What’s going on? Anything exciting? If not then I’m going back to sleep. COCO. (With sadness.) The family just left. I guess we weren’t good enough for them.
DAISY. Ughhh. This is so frustrating. Why wouldn’t someone want to adopt me? I just don’t get it. I’m so tired of this.
MARLEY. I think it might be time for me to take a nap too.
(Bella and Daisy lay down and close their eyes.)
BELLA. The day is not over yet. Remember it’s adoption day so there will be plenty more visitors coming in to look at us.
MARLEY. (To Coco.) Looks like the cats are getting their beauty sleep.
DAISY. You’re right Bella. There will be more visitors who are going to admire my beauty.
COCO. They’re just jealous that the family is more interested in us. 31
COCO. Not everyone will be fooled by your good looks. DAISY. (Confused.) Fooled? What’s that supposed to mean?
(The old man takes Marley out of the play pen and starts to pet him. Marley felt as though he were dreaming. He doesn’t believe what is happening.) MARLEY. (Surprised.) Pinch me… am I dreaming?
COCO. Beauty on the outside does not show someone’s true colors on the inside.
COCO. Nope it’s really happening. I had faith in you Marley.
DAISY. Ouch. Somebody woke up on the wrong side of the playpen today.
MARLEY. (With excitement and relief.) Finally. I feel like I’m on cloud nine. I have been waiting for this day for a long time and it has finally come!
COCO. I’m just being honest. MARLEY. Pipe down. I think I hear someone coming.
COCO. I’m so happy for you, Marley. Thank you for being a father to me. I’m really going to miss you.
DAISY. We have another visitor!
MARLEY. Thanks Coco, I’m gonna miss you too.
COCO. Oh please let it be another family with children.
BELLA. I’m just glad I didn’t get picked up by an old guy. So thanks Marley for not letting that happen to me.
(An old man in his early seventies walks onto stage from the left.) BELLA. He’s too old for me. I want someone who is going to play with me until I get tired, and take me on long walks. COCO. Bella, you’re a cat, you don’t go on walks! BELLA. Just cause I’m a cat doesn’t mean I don’t want to go on walks too. A girl’s gotta stay in shape ya know. DAISY. (Shakes head.) Gosh you’re so weird. (The old man walks past the cats’ play pen and goes over to look at the dogs.) COCO. (To Marley.) He’s a little too old for me. I love to play and go on long walks and I don’t think he would be a good fit for me personally. Marley ignores Coco and looks up at the old man. They hold a long stare at each other. It’s like love at first sight. The old man smiles and Marley lights up inside. MARLEY. I think today is the day… could it finally be my turn?
MARLEY. (Laughs.) No problem Bella. DAISY. I’m really gonna miss you Marley. I hope you have the best life in your new home. MARLEY. Thanks Daisy. Take care. (To Coco, Daisy, and Bella) And remember to always find the joy in the little things in life, and don’t sweat the small stuff. You all have a bright future ahead of you and I know you will do great things. Bye for now. (The old man and Marley walk offstage. The lights dim and there is a moment of silence amongst the pets.) COCO. (With tears in his eyes.) Alright who is cutting onions in here? BELLA. (Chuckles.) Awe Coco, it’s okay. We’re all going to miss him so much. COCO. I think I’m going to miss him a little too much. DAISY. We are all going to miss him so much but I’m so happy for him because he has been waiting for this day for a long time. 32
COCO. Yeah I know and I’m happy for him too. But I’m just really going to miss all of his wisdom and good advice. He is certainly one of a kind, and cannot ever be replaced. He will always have a special place in my heart.
DAISY. Of course he will. He is definitely one of the sweetest dogs I know, and that says a lot because I don’t really get along well with dogs.
BELLA. Marley will always be remembered. I am truly happy for him because he deserves a better life than living here at the Humane Society.
COCO. Yes Marley has a beautiful soul and his new owner got very lucky.
BELLA. I can second that.
COCO. Yes I agree with you on that one. (Short pause.) I remember when I first came here a few months ago and met Marley for the first time. I remember how welcoming he was, and he really opened up to me. I knew right away that he was going to be someone that I could look up to and that he would always be there for me. He was so caring and loving and he always knew the right thing to say. He is my father at heart and I will never forget him. BELLA. Dang someone really needs to stop cutting those onions. COCO. (Chuckles.) I know right. DAISY. I’m really going to miss Marley’s great stories. He was such a good storyteller and his stories always taught a life lesson.
BELLA. Yeah and we are all so lucky to have known such an amazing dog like Marley. COCO. Yes we are and I am so grateful that he has been a part of my life even though it was only for a short period of time. I’ve only known him for a couple months but it feels like I’ve known him my whole life and that really shows the impact that Marley had on my life. (There is a long pause amongst the pets. They are processing all of their thoughts and feelings that are going through their heads. They feel sad that Marley is gone, but also happy that he finally got adopted. Now they don’t really know how to act without him. Coco takes a drink of water and then lays down in the playpen by herself. The cats also lay down in their playpen.) DAISY. (Yawns.) What a day it has been. Now I can chalk up my first adoption day in the books. BELLA. It has been a pretty long day.
BELLA. Yeah I’m going to miss that as well.
COCO. Yes it has and I am feeling exhausted.
COCO. Me too.
DAISY. Same here.
BELLA. Even though Marley was such a great dog to be around and to have known, we must not dwell on the sadness of him leaving but we should rather celebrate and be happy for him.
COCO. (Sighs.) Well we better get some sleep now because we have another long day ahead of us tomorrow. BELLA. Yeah you’re right.
DAISY. I agree.
COCO. (To Bella and Daisy.) Goodnight.
COCO. Yeah it’s just hard ya know.
DAISY. Goodnight. BELLA. Goodnight.
BELLA. We can be sad now but eventually need to learn to move on.
(The pets rest their heads on the floor and close their eyes. The lights dim and the curtains close.)
COCO. I know that Marley will be happier in his new home and the thought of that is comforting. And just like we will always have a special place in our hearts for him, he will also hold a special place in his heart for all of us.
The End 33
Never Will I Settle Down Anna Reid (Grad’20) Never will I settle down, leave the void, give up the crown. Never will there be an apple not worth the trouble, never will Icarus fly away from the sun for adventures made from trouble, and the trouble’s half the fun.
Never shall I hate for what one chooses to believe. We are in this world for now, but too soon must we leave. I think we made it all up, the worst and the best, so take what you will and leave the rest. Never will I understand and always will I grieve when laws are set in stone, and men must fall like leaves.
Never will I stop my abnormalities, imagination is the only weapon in the war against reality.
Always I will love simple as a pigeon and purse as a dove. And if blood ties us together, Purple stripes and golden swirls, the world is never will I break the tether. spinning, and the chorus in my head is always singing And my bleeding, bleating heart shall never silver songs for shadows black as night, stop. and never will they give up the fight. Always glowing like neon, glistening with rain drops. Never, I think, will I entirely know what I And if, for hearts or stars, I must die, mean either. never a tear shall I cry. There is Black and White and then there’s neither, Always I’ll live on, when it hurts most to not gray like the smoke but alive like the fire. breathe, and always, I think, I’ll wear my heart on my And never will I ever explain my rambles. sleeve. If I wished for light I would bring out candles. Always will I believe in magic and madness and impossible things, and when I wish upon the stars I will hear the stars’ respondents sing. Always will I see the dragon in the clouds. Always will I dance before forgotten gods’ shrouds. Artwork by Maggie Sanders (Grad ‘20) 34
Sylvia Patterson (12)
The Turn of the Seasons
A crystal blue sky, an edge to the air. The scent of cinnamon, cloves, no spice spare. Apple trees laden with their ruby gems, Chrysanthemums bloom, ruffles trimming stems. In the fall breeze that bears a scent of smoke, Acorns fall from each gnarled ancient oak. Ahead—the rolling forest bursts in flame Red, yellow, orange, the once-green they claim.
The rosy sun rises soft but still bright. Liquid gold beams herald the shift to night. In a swatch of velvet blue shines the moon Whose light over sleeping farmland is strewn. In those frosty nights when the owl calls, Squirrels gather food for the coming squalls. Horses canter in their pastures of straw. Dogs sniff the chill air with a pointed paw. Leaves cloak the ground, a carpet of snow That the North Wind promises soon to blow. Pumpkins oranging on the twining vineYes, it is now here, the harvest time.
Mist rises from the purple mountain haze. Animals note the shortening of days. Above gilt fields of corn the black crow cries. Here—the days of pumpkin spice, apple pies. Artwork by Alaka Leske (Grad ‘20)
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Let’s go to the beach
And find our freedom in the waves
Rolling out to the horizon, to the unknown
Don’t you wish they would take you?
Nothing would hold you back
The energy of an entire world, a whole
Ocean
Surging in you
by Frankie Masciopinto (Grad 20) Artwork by Kathryn Albright (10)
Sunrises at Croix Artwork by Maggie Sanders (Grad ‘20) It’s cold. My hiking boots collect dew as I walk through the grass. It’s still dark out, but you can tell by the pale tint rising in the sky that the start of a new day isn’t far off. I’m tired, but excitement keeps my legs moving: Moving to the cabin, into the van and finally to the first step of the fire tower. I put my feet out one after the other and begin my climb towards the top. The stairs are steep, and I am still tired, but soon I am at the height of the tall branches, then above them, as if I was gliding across treetops. Up and up we finally reach the top. Breathe. Look. Listen. Feel. Breathe. Breathe in the fresh air and the gentle breeze. Breathe in a new day. Breathe in life and hope and breathe out pain. Now look. Look at how far the earth stretches. Look at the wispy clouds and colors. Look at the fog and vibrant green trees below. Look at your world. Now listen. Listen to the birds, to the wind, even to the silence. So much can be found in silence. Listen to your heart, at peace and ease. Now feel. Feel light touch your fingers as the sun rises. Feel the cold air hit your cheeks. Feel your heart open wider and wider until it feels full. The sun pokes out little by little. On the other side, blues and purples melt with the clouds. Hold them in your hands and feel them fall through your fingers. The world you love is held before you in your very own hands. Faye Darga (Grad ‘20)
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Compass Natalie Ring (11)
She
He
Hearts beating, It flows in every direction. She is pulled This way and that With no understanding of her power. She holds true As she drifts Farther and farther from her beginning. She is a force Only so as to go unnoticed Until another ever so slightly Lifts her up. She falls in love With the light He has brought into her life. The light that she could have never dreamed But he helped her to see it. He was the strength, The power she needed To reach for the stars As he had protected all the stars and stripes That had come before her, That now stand behind her. In her confederate union She has become stronger. With every visit, With every story, And with every word He has gifted her a power, A strength That has no limits. She will follow in his footsteps To a better understanding. One that keeps on singing
Gone. Everything he knew, Everything he was. Every moment he felt lost Like a snowflake Floating through the wind. Ever so detailed, Never more fragile. He fought harder than any man Through battles And empty fields. He fought for her freedom, Even if she was lost. Stronger than he ever was before, He fought through battles That seem to go unnoticed But never went unfelt. Inspired, He continues to share his Strength, Compassion, And ever so slightly His light. He loves her More than she knows, And with every Visit, Story, And word He feels her. He loves through her, He encourages her to dream bigger. Every direction, Every step, He guides her. His story will live on in her
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As she follows the steady guide Of his compass.
And keeps on fighting No matter what she faces. She will always follow the right path, As she will always know The right direction. For within her She holds his strength And she follows the arrow Of his compass.
Artwork by Natalie Ring (11) 39 39
Goodbye Christmas Natalie Ring (11) Artwork by Willow Walker (9)
She tosses and turns in her sleep Eyes closed mind racing She feels the soft touch of her sisters hand their eyes lock and smiles widen This day of wonder and magic Has finally arrived The girls run upstairs The hallways dark like a midnight sky A sky with only one shining star Turning the corner Their eyes light up just as the purple and white strings do Together they wait Suspense so tight you could cut it like a string Some moments never end The door begins to crack open Her world starts to spin again So fast she could fall over Finally Christmas morning can begin Everyone smiles, for there is nothing else to do Until her sister grabs a small box labeled From Santa Clause Beginning to open it More excited with every tear From deep within A balloon animal Blown from glass Tied on a string Dangling from her sisters hand One look at it and she knows Dark clouds roll through her mind Memory betrays her Belief suspended forever In one moment The little girl within her died Christmas changed forever All because of one ornament She picked out From Pottery Barn 40
New Light
(a poem about Mae Carol Jemison) I’m a black woman in a white man’s world. Natalie Ring (11) Doing things white men don’t even dream. I live in a big checkerboard Where white moves first, and white always wins. I wanted to see the sky, The big black sky. My uncle taught me well. He taught me no matter how dark it gets, look up. Look up at the world and there will always be, new light. I looked, looked for my new light. I studied, and I studied hard. After years, I found it.
In a world I thought so far away. Like dreams, never recoverable. But now, I get to see the big black sky. I get to recover what my people have yet to see. I get to find it, Not just for me, But for all of us. I get to find New light.
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Taco Bell Hot Sauce By Marcus Thelen (Grad 20)
What do Taco Bell hot sauce packets have to do with climate change?
hours educating myself on the subject, I was able to see into the future, and envision the impacts that those clouds coming out of the smokestacks could have on the entire earth. It was just like my hot sauce disaster: One little packet had thrown a balanced minivan into absolute mayhem. Since then, I have done a lot of thinking. I know that from the outside it may look like I am a big, fearless football player who is unfazed by everything and has no worries about the future. I have a perfect life, a loving family, straight A grades, and supportive friends... What could I possibly fear for the future? Well, I fear climate change and how it will affect my future, the future of my friends and family, and the future of the world.
I was crammed into the backseat of my Toyota minivan next to my obnoxious little brother on a six-hour car drive from Michigan to Wisconsin. We had reached the less glamorous part of Chicago, and I could see smokestacks releasing thin streams of clouds. At the time, all the ten-year-old me could think was “Wow, they must not get much sun around here.” My thought was abruptly disrupted when the Taco Bell hot sauce packet I had been squeezing out of boredom burst all over the car ceiling. The aftermath of the explosion was devastating. Who knew that a packet of hot sauce could turn a peaceful car into a warzone? After about five minutes, my three brothers were finally satisfied with the number of punches they had thrown at me. I quickly released myself from my signature armadillo-style fetal position and decided I wasn’t done defending myself yet. Being a middle child in a large family, I had to hold my ground; so I threw up a “Hail Mary” in hope of clearing my name. However, my argument that I should actually be thanked for changing the car scent to something a little more spicy was batted down at the line of scrimmage.
However, the future has not happened yet, and I refuse to let this fear paralyze me. I don’t want to just sit on my couch feeling good about myself after switching my TV to “energy saving mode” because, honestly, that is not good enough. The earth is not headed in the right direction, and we need to get it back on track. I want to help in the fight against climate change by innovating, designing new technology, and creating new solutions to the problems posed. When faced with the problem of extracting the hot sauce from the minivan, I removed the stain by applying strips of masking tape covered in baking soda to neutralize its acidity. If the ten-year-old me can get hot sauce out of the car ceiling, why can’t the twentythree-year-old me help find a way to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?
Once peace and quiet had finally fallen upon the car again, something in my mind kept relating the hot sauce packet and smokestacks, and I formed a hypothesis. My hot sauce packet started out as a seemingly small and harmless amount of sauce, yet when it burst, it proved to have the power to cover the entire ceiling of the minivan. Similarly, the smokestacks were releasing only a small stream of clouds, but those clouds spread out, covering the sky making it cloudy. Wanting to confirm this idea, I decided to do some more research. My mind was blown when I went on an “Internet Adventure” that night. I Googled “smokestack,” and kept clicking in wonder as my curiosity grew until I found “climate change.” Climate change really stuck in my mind, not only because it interested me, but because concepts like rising sea-levels and stronger storm patterns legitimately scared me. After spending
Artwork by Therese Shiring(10) 42
Hell Has No Fire Finn McIntosh (12)
Hell has no fire Hell is the numbness of losing everything you had to give Hell is the hollowness that you try all your life to fill Hell freezes every tear you shed and stabs you with ice Hell is the weight that drags you to the abyss Hell is the guilt that plagues you long past your sins Hell is the cold you feel in your heart when you know it’s all over Hell is the show that blinds you to love Hell is the hail of uncertainty pounding on your back Hell is when you forget how to cry Hell is knowing how you die Hell freezes off your arms so you can never hug Hell is falling asleep without knowing why you wake Hell has no fire And hell is knowing what comes next.
Artwork by Benjamin Roe (10) 43
Lost and Found Natalie Ring (11) Artwork by Maggie Sanders (Grad ‘20) Lost and Found are standing behind a large white sheet. Their silhouettes light up when they speak and the lights turn off when they are not talking. Lost and Found should face each other when talking. Stay in one place but gesture as the director wants. Lost speaks more in a happy way and Found in more of a sad way. Found: The translation from who he was to who I am plunged me deep into the drowning depths of the quicksand of life. Lost: It has always been strange to me, the people who don’t accept. Found: Every step sinking farther, taking more effort than I’m willing to give. Lost: I’m who I want to be, but others’ secrets are still being kept. Found: Every day thinking of giving up. Thinking how much more I suffer now than I ever will once it’s over. Lost: I have been told to live life in the present because there won’t always be a tomorrow. Found: I hide for the thought of what they will do if they uncover the true me. Lost: Fluidity is and will always be me. Found: They say life is like a tree. Your roots keep you grounded, while above ground you branch out, exploring all that life has to offer. Lost: I see many others crumble, but when my leaves fall it only makes me stronger. Found: But now my tree has lost all its leaves, all its branches have fallen, and now it is alone. forever alone. Lost: The him and her together like Neapolitan ice cream, and they have enjoyed all the flavors of my life. Found: My safety net of supporters has a hole wide enough that I am no longer safe, not at all. 44
Lost: I smile at the sun and the grass because I know I might not see them tomorrow. Found: Branching out is not an option for if I fall there is no one there to catch me. Lost: I feel enlightened by all the joyful noises that life has provided. Found: Crying my way out of all that is wrong with the world. Lost: Then I see you Found: Staring at me Lost: And I feel Lost: Lost { At the same time} Found: Found Lost: I smile at the sun and the grass because I know I might not see them tomorrow. Found: Branching out is not an option for if I fall there is no one there to catch me. Lost: I feel enlightened by all the joyful noises that life has provided. Found: Crying my way out of all that is wrong with the world. Lost: Then I see you Found: Staring at me Lost: And I feel Lost: Lost { At the same time} Found: Found
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Dungeons, Monsters, and Ice-cream
“Hey girls, what’s up,” asked Elizabeth, a bubbly brunette with long straight hair and emerald green eyes. “If I get another tardy, I’ll be suspended,” said Vivienne. We call her Viv. Viv’s the rich bad girl type. She’s almost always skipping school and doesn’t care that others think. Viv has long blond curly hair with emerald green eyes. I almost forgot to introduce myself. I’m Mia, a ginger. My friends tell me I have silver eyes. Apparently I’m a nerd, I mean I do usually have my nose in a book so maybe they’re not wrong. Whoosh!! “Watch out,” I said, as James and Charlie enter the scene. “Hey,” they said in synchronization.
By Phillip(11)& Hanna Silbert
Artwork by Phillip Fabian(11) 46
OK, here’s a quick background. James and Charlie have been friends since day one. James, the popular boy hanging with the misfits, AKA us, and James the popular jock’s BFF.
Not only did we appear in a cave wearing costumes, but something big was running straight at us. It was a nine foot tall ogre. It had big hairy legs and arms, a long green beard and an enormous axe held high above its head. Viv is never one to stand still. She draws her sword, lowers her head and charges as fast as she can straight at the ogre. As she closes, she rolls forward and on the way up, grabs her sword with two hands and chops at the ogre’s knee. Within moments, the ogre starts wobbling and can’t carry his weight on the wounded leg. All nine feet begin to topple straight toward Viv. Like an acrobat she rolls to the side, and the ogre falls face first into the ground. She jumps on his back and shoves her sword into the nape of his neck. The ogre roars, thrashes so hard she is thrown off and disappears.
“Hey yourself,” Viv says. “What’s with the rush,” Elizabeth asks. “Haven’t you heard, school’s out early, and I want to check out a new video game shop. You guys are coming with me,” said James. “Really? No thank you, I just started reading a new book and it’s much more educational than video games,” I said, annoyed.
Luckily James catches her just as a war band of goblins turn the corner. They see Elizabeth, let loose a frightened war cry and charge her. Elizabeth sees them, bends down at the knee and begins to change. Using her druidic magic Elizabeth transforms into a ferocious giant dire wolf! Realizing they’ll be in trouble, the Goblins trip over each other, trying to stop and avoid the huge fangs ready to bite them. In their haste, they drop shields, spears, and a leather tube with shining metal caps on each end.
“Come out. It’ll be fun,” Elizabeth says. “Get your head out of the books,” says Viv. “Ugh… fine,” I say, still annoyed they’re pestering me. And here we are, in a cave. Why, you ask? Because someone needed to try out the newest video games. Let’s go back a few seconds… Long story short, the video game James bought had a glitch in it, which transported us to cave (in real life). Somehow, the game gave each of us powers. I became a mage who can cast magical spells. Elizabeth is a Druid, she can cast nature spells and speak with animals. Viv and James became paladins - holy warriors. Charlie is a wizard like me.
After they run away, I walked over and pick up the scroll. “What do you have there,” asked Charlie? Good question, I look at the tube and am curious. I walk back to Elizabeth and Charlie.
“So what just happened,” Elizabeth said confused. 47
“Great job, Elizabeth,” I say and pet her enormous dire wolf head. Can you change back and help us figure out what this is? Charlie waits as Elizabeth transforms into a lovely young lady. We then sit in a circle, trying to understand the scroll in the tube.
In a moment, clouds fill the room. We can still see, but it’s hard. The dead warriors start to move. This is frightening for all of us. Viv and James pull out their swords, praying and saying magic words to turn the undead. Some of the warriors, now zombies, run away in fear to the back of the room. Unfortunately, too many start moving toward us, their swords drawn. We can hear the dark cackle in anticipation.
“Turn it upside down,” Charlie says. “Why,” the two of us ask.
“This thing always happens in video games,” Charlie responds. Elizabeth turns the paper upside down. “It looks like a map,” Elizabeth says. “But what is it of?” she asks?
But we have magic of our own. Charlie and I raise our hands and start casting the same spell. Within seconds, fire leaps from our fingers in sending the the remaining zombies up in flames. Our hands shake as wave after wave of fire splashes all the remaining zombies until they start to turn black like coal.
“A dungeon of course!” states Charlie.
“We can use this map to get out of here faster,” states James frankly. I’m still annoyed; not only am I not reading my book, but I have ogre guts on me. I forgot to mention that Viv’s final thrust into the ogre sent blood and gore splattering us all.
Realizing his army has been cooked, the dark wizard raises his hands to cast a new spell, but he’s too slow. “No you don’t!” yells Elizabeth. She waves her hands and vines sprout from the stone floor and tangle the wizard. In a flash of light, the dark wizard disappears and so do we.
“Weren’t you the one who said you wanted to buy this game,” I asked, feeling annoyed that his game caused us all so much trouble.
“Yes, but this is different. We’re not playing a game, we’re in the game!” explained James. I’m still annoyed.”
It takes a moment for our eyes to clear, as we found ourselves back in James’ basement.
“Guys, fighting won’t solve anything,” says Elizabeth. “Let’s go!”
We look at each other and realize we’re no longer in character - no more swords, armor or cloaks.
We follow the map to a passageway leaving the cave. We walk along until it comes to a new chamber. Scattered across the floor are a dozen dead warriors and right in the center, standing tall with his hood over his face, is a dark sorcerer. A shimmering dark cloud surrounds him. He turns his head and looks at us. “You shouldn’t be here,” he says, annoyed we defeated the ogre and goblins. “It doesn’t matter - I can use you as well.”
Elizabeth asks, “who wants ice cream?” We certainly worked at an appetite and headed out. Everyone rushes to the stairs and runs up, Elizabeth last. As they walk up, no one notices, but Elizabeth’s long dire wolf tail swishes back and forth in excitement as we head out.
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Afraid and Alone Natalie Ring (11) When something unexpected occurred Mind can’t comprehend the absurd Until one thing was heard Standing in a constant rewind Circling when the church bell chimed Hoping she knows what to find Walking through the rows unstable She listens as they speak of fables Would leave if she was able Bodies leave all in succession Who is she to question Parts of her wish it was still in session Slowly forward, heart fast flying Wrestling with the thought of denying Could always go on lying Up ahead the story awaits Not ready to hear their constraints She walks back out the gates
Artwork by Phil Fabian (11) 49
The Fall of Illshad~ Part I of VI
Sylvia Patterson (12)
The sun set for the final time on Illshad, Though stars would spin in murky skies, Eternal night had fallen on Illshad, The sun again would never rise.
Alas, the moon showed not her lumin face, And waters deadly calm did seem, Blessing the thrust with blighted double grace, Bright swept the ever-guiding beam.
As the light faded from that fateful day, There marked an omen in the West, Where sun blazed up in fiery display, Red as with fever ‘twas possessed.
Alas, the keeper of the light was blind, So darkness masked the coming fleet, ‘Till he could hear the very timbers grind, And the thunderous war drums beat.
Vales, villages, were cloaked in dreams that night, Bliss, ignorance in minds of most, But in the few played visions rank with spiteSuccess delivered to fell host.
Dark the lamp! But the ships cleared craggy way, With plunging heart he calls his son, “Go my child, warn the city in the bayThe dread invasion has begun.”
Artwork by Leo Schleck (10)
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The West In a chariot of gold, Across the open sky, The sun has gone since days of old, To rest its weary eye. Along the way, it paves a road, With bricks of yellow light, That since the start of time has flowed, Onwards into night. Crowned by a thousand burning rays, And cloaked in flaming red, The kingly sun lowers its gaze, And bows its fiery head. Then captured by the reaching hands Of shadow-shrouded trees, The sun goes on to distant lands, To shine across their seas. Now the sky, devoid of light, Besides a silver arc, Is swallowed by the violet night, And doomed to hours of dark. Not till rising sun of dawn, Will day wake from its rest, For now the king of light has gone, To somewhere in the west
Florissa Patterson (11) Artwork by Natalie Ring (11) 51 51 51
Abuela: These waters are evil when they want to be… turning back now and risking the reef in breakers like this would be even more dangerous. We’ll have to ride it out.
Miss Fortune’s Voyage By: Sylvia Patterson (An excerpt)
Boy: It seems to drive us out toward that very island… Look! How the sky swirls above us.
Cast of Characters
Abuela (aside): The ocean will have its way. Yet I can feel, it is time, there is something, some closure it seeks.
Crew of the Miss Fortune Stephan Clemens- Captain of the Miss Fortune Ernest Lees- his nephew Nedward Finnegan- Shipmate A steward Camila- a maid Rita- a maid Assorted crew members Passengers of the Miss Fortune Ione Juneau Emmeline- her aunt Pherb Phemon A man Chad Erlinger Turdy Erlinger Harmony Brunt Lellie Munn-Quagg
The ocean continues to swell and the clouds rotate, hurricane-like. Suddenly, out of nowhere, an enormous wave rises up, a rogue wave, headed directly for the tiny boat. Riding the swell of it is a weatherbeaten ship, its many widows lit from within by an eerie light. On its side in chipped lettering is the ship’s name: Miss Fortune. The wave catapults towards the sailboat, the spektral cruise ship now nearly vertical. Then, unexpectedly, the wave swerves, veering to the left where it crashes. A tower of water explodes into the sky as the wave connects with the sea. The ghost ship disappears in its trough. A wayward gust of wind secures the sailboat in its clutches, thrusting it ruthlessly forward-- suddenly, all is ominously still. The sky above is blue and clear, but on all sides are twisting masses of clouds. It is the eye of the storm.
Prologue
Boy: Abuela, what was that ship?! Why did it make my heart race in panic, yet my blood run cold?
Setting: A remote beach.
A boy and his Grandmother walk to a pier, get into a sailboat. They launch it into the clear turquoise waters. The sun shines on the sea as the sailboat travels along. The boy controls the sail and the grandmother steers. As they head further out to sea, an island is just visible in the distance. Boy: They say that island is cursed… There’s an abandoned military base there, on La Isla de Nadie! As they sail, dark clouds race across the sky, the winds rise. A storm is on the way.
Abuela: That was the crucero, La Miss Fortune, que vimos. Boy: ¿Que tiene de malo?... Es tan… antinatural. Abuela: My child, let me tell you a tale, a tale of perception versus reality, of fate versus free will, and most of all of human nature… The tale of the Miss Fortune. It seems just yesterday that she set sail in these very seas…
A ship’s whistle is heard in the distance… the cheering of crowds echoes as a sleek new vessel sets sail in pristine waters… 52
Act I
Lees: No, uncle, I was truly in earnest.
Scene 1: The deck of the Miss Fortune, the Bermuda Triangle
All: A highly selective, most coveted voyage! Welcome say we of Miss Fortune’s employage!
Enter: crew Crew (singing): Welcome aboard the ship of your dreams Come, sail away on waters like sapphire Blue, ever-clear, rippling, the sun gleams As the crested dashing wave-heads expire Against our Miss Fortune’s sparkling white hull Cutting her three-sided course ‘cross the sea! Come, the fortunate, let your cares become null Let your troubles spin away, this our plea: Forget your past, forget all your trouble Your good health, good fortune, you’ll soon retrieve Once you enter the ship’s charméd bubble Trust that you’ll never want to leave! A voyage, a chance, you will not regret, A phenomenon you’ll never forget!
Enter: passengers Trudy: We were so lucky to get first rate cabins… (winks) Chad: Oh yes, well it doesn’t hurt to have some friends in the admissions. Trudy: It’s Harmony Brunt! And Lelli Munn-Quagg! Chad, you really are too good. Chad: Naturally. Annie: Trudy!!! Lelli: Well, I guess this trip won’t be too annoying.
Captain: Our first priority, to make you at home
In another group:
Maid: With luxury cabins when at night you retire
Aunt Emmeline: Come, Ione, our cabins are this way.
Steward: So you’ll lack no comfort when these decks you roam
Ione: Can’t we explore first, auntie? I want to go look at the ocean.
Shipmate (Finnegan) : A strictly disciplined crew we did hire
Aunt Emmeline: No, we’re going to our cabins pack and then I have a reservation at the spa.
Captain: Esteeméd passengers from across the seas,
Ione: Can I come?
Shipmate: Lees! Where is Lees!?
Aunt: No, Ione. This trip is about me, remember?
Captain: Esteeméd passengers from across the seas, Shipmate: Lees! Where is Lees!?
Ione: (aside) This is going to be a long voyage…
Standing at the rail and the stern of the ship, and continually waving a white handkerchief even though land is now out of sight:
Enter: Lees Lees: You’d better be silent if you displease! Finnegan: No! Your line was: ‘ Come sail with us and be at ease’ Captain: report to me later, Ernest, you do mock our performance
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Pherb: My name is Pherb Phemon. I journeyed far For this opportunity <coughing>... I left all behind My mountains, the cold air that left its scar… And yet I prefer that to what I find… The scorching, blazing sun, rays bearing down Heat-heavy air fills the atmosphere’s dome
The wild oceans make me fear to drown I cannot help but wish I stayed at home But I could not reject your sacrifice, My family, you sold all your worldly goods So that I might live on, you paid the price Yet I long for those peaceful snowy woods Something about this superficial ship Seems deeply wrong to me, <coughs> an ill-starred trip….
Finnegan: Who goes there? No crew members are allowed outside after curfew, unless on watch like myself. Camila: Sir, we were just going to get some fresh air and look at the stars--Finnegan: I do not want your excuses. You will be laid off the next time we dock.
The scene shifts back to the boy and grandmother in the sailboat again:
Rita: It was her idea, not mine
Abuela: It was about a week since the ship set sail when it happened, the fateful event which forever altered the course of the Miss Fortune’s voyage…
Camila: Listen, we need to talk to the captain, you see, we saw something…
Scene 2: night, the deck of the Miss Fortune
Finnegan: Whatever you need to tell the captain, you can tell to me
Enter: a man, stumbling onto the deck in a fit of coughing
Camila: A man was out on deck, coughing. He collapsed and I fear he is dead.
Enter: two maids
Finnegan: Dead?
Camila: Look, Rita, that passenger does not seem well.
Camila: A man was out on deck, coughing. He collapsed and I fear he is dead.
Man: <coughing>
Finnegan: Dead?
Rita: Sir? Oh no! Are you ill?
Camila: Most likely.
The man collapses and moves no more
Finnegan: Did you go near him?
Rita: Ah! He’s dead!...
Rita: Not so very near…
Camila moves toward him
Finnegan: It could be contagious. We must take precautions. Wait here. I must report this most grave incident to the captain.
Rita: Camila, stay back. You do not want to catch his sickness. Camila: I suppose you are right. We must tell the captain, get a doctor… Rita: Yes, oh, most unfortunate event! A death on the very decks of this perfect ship. Exit: maids
Rita: Contagious?...
Enter: Finnegan, exiting cabin
Finnegan (aside): How this unfolds I’ll wait and see Oh, me who second mate was e’re assigned Could this here be the opportunity To open eyes of those so very blind? I feel a change of tide is most needed Then perhaps my advice will be heeded…
Enter: maids, running
To be continued...
Scene 3: outside the captain’s quarters
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The 2021 issue of The Wayfarer, volume XXXV, was typeset, and the layouts were produced using Adobe InDesign Creative Suite 3 and Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite 3. Thysse Printing Service was responsible for printing 150 copies of The Wayfarer. Past and present issues of The Wayfarer can be found online at https://issuu.com/edgewoodhs/stacks.
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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 XXXV Spring 2021