MindsBehindthe Imagination Collaboration
MelanieMcDougal‘24
Co-editor-in-chief
CourtneyKenefic‘26
Co-editor-in-chief
Associate Editors
JessicaCrocker‘24
BayleighFinn‘24
LillyMyers‘24
OliviaOrmsby‘24
ClaudiaPettinato‘24
SophiaRao‘24
LucyKe‘25
VivianLipsky‘26
AbigailMatos‘26
GuiliannaTesta‘27
Ms.AnneMonsalve Faculty Moderator and Editor
Mrs.CaitlinFasanoHaug‘09 Faculty Moderator and Designer
5
6 Table of Contents Artwork SarahGiordano’25 Pg.9 Pirouettes of the Sky AbigailKolp’26……………………………………...……………………………….Pg.10 The Purple Sky JulianaPerry’26…………………………………………….……………………………….Pg.12 Artwork MeganHalstead’24……………………………………………….…………………………………Pg.13 The Best Snow Day CarolineWard’27…………………………………..…………………………………Pg.14 Artwork ClareWaropay’26…………………………………………………….……………………………..Pg.16 The Kitten on the Roof SophiaHunter’26…………………………………………………………...……Pg.17 An Ode to the Ocean LucyKoller’26………………………….….…………………………………………Pg.19 Artwork LaurenMcGloin’26………………………………………………………………………………….Pg.21 As the Seasons Change GuiliannaTesta’27………………………………………………………………Pg.22 56th Street Beach KieraHannan’26………………………………………….…………………………….Pg.24 Artwork FionaHaberstroh’25……………………………………… ……………………………………..Pg.26 Jamaica PilarPresson’26………………………………………………………………………………………Pg.27 Nomad LilianDever’26………………………………………………………….………………………………Pg.28 Artwork AllisonMacartney’24………………………………………………………………………………Pg.30 Where the Odyssey Ends MarissaBraccia’26……………………...……………………………………Pg.31 The Bridge Where We Met NatalieKelly’26……………………………………………………………..Pg.33 The Rising Star PeytonSullivan’26…………………………………………………………………………Pg.35 Artwork MollyMcCartney’24………………………………………………………..………………………Pg.37 One Thousand Wishes FrancesEdalatpour’26…………………………………………………………Pg.38
7 Out By the Sea DylanSewards’26……………………………………………….…………………………..Pg.40 Artwork AnnaSchroeder’24…………………………………………………………………………………Pg.42 The Falling Man ImaniRoberson’26………………………………………...…………………………….Pg.43 Safe Waters KathleenKudes’26………………………………………...……………………………………Pg.45 Winter Wonders RileySpurlock’26…………………………………………………………………………Pg.46 Artwork LilaMurphy’26……………………………………………………...………………………………..Pg.47 Ode to the Sun JennaLeary’26……………………………………………………………..………………..Pg.48 The Rose of Fate MiriamLemailloux’26………………………………………………………….……….Pg.50 Artwork ZaaraAbraham’24………………………………………………………………………………….Pg.52 Ray of Sunshine on a Fading Day MadelineMcFadden’26…………………...……………………Pg.53 Oh No! KierstenHasson’26……………………………………………………………………………...…….Pg.55 Childhood LucyVanHoof’26………………………………………………………………………………….Pg.57 Artwork MadelynLorenzo’26…………………………………………………………...…………………..Pg.59 The Secrets of Spring RebeccaLawlor’27……………………………………………….……………….Pg.60 Masked Wings AlliePijanowski’26………………………………………………………………...………..Pg.61 Artwork MeganHalstead’24………………………………………………………………………...………..Pg.63 The Weight of Balance MeredithHestnar’26…………………………………………………………..Pg.64 He Is the Moon MadelynLorenzo’26…………………………………………………………………...….Pg.66 Artwork AlexandraLaufer’25……………………………………………………………….………………Pg.68 Awaiting Spring EmmaLomker’26………………………………………………………………..………..Pg.69 Waiting for What? Anonymous…………………………………………………………………….…………Pg.71 Artwork ColetteRosato’25……………………………………………………………………………………Pg.73 Letting Go EllianaGrabon’26…………………………………………………………………………………Pg.74
8 Sunset
……………………………………………………..…………………………Pg.76 Artwork
……………………………………………………………………………………Pg.77 First
………………………………………………………………………….Pg.78 Basement
…………………………………………………………………Pg.80 Spring
……………………………………………………….…………………….Pg.82 Artwork
24……………………………………………………………………...…………………Pg.84
Beach DarbyBurke’26
RoseSweeney’24
Snow Day CarolineMyers’26
Horrors CharlotteBuckius’26
Poem SimretDeJesus’27
OliviaCarlo’
9
25
SarahGiordano’
Yellow,white,green,andblue,
Oh,Ihopeyoukeepmetrue.
Hintingattheyellowclues,
Inthenight,theygrew.
PirouettesoftheSky
Incircleshapes,theyforminvain.
Swirlsswiftlyswivelinmybrain.
Whilethecloudschurninpain,
Ithinkoftherain.
Thenavyskyblurs,
Astheyellowsunstirs, ButwhichdoIprefer?
Mycloudedbraindefers.
Thelittlehousessitstill,
Infrontofthehills,
Quietlyfulfilled,
Inthenighttimethrill.
Onceastarhasgoneamiss, Andaraindrop’skiss,
10
Theskyopensintoanabyss,
Leavingthesuntoreminisce.
11
AbigailKolp’26
ThePurpleSky
Underthemorningskies,sodarkandgrey,
Alittleshimmerofsun,youcanseeagreatdayonitsway.
Abirthdaystartinggloomy,
Endedupbeinglikescenesfromamovie.
Evenwiththeroars,naturestillfindsapath,
Totransformchaosintoastunningaftermath.
Slowlythestormynoisesfade,
Allowingpeacefulnesstoinvade.
LookingattheLongBeachIslandsky,
Apurplesunsetbeginstomagicallyuntie.
Sittingatthedockofthebay,
Listeningtomusicasthedaybeginstodriftaway.
Familyistheonlyonehere,
Theperfectmomenttoholddear.
Memoriesthatstartedtonight, Willalwaysbeheldinmyheartsotight.
Thenightbeginningtodawn,
Thispurplesunsetwillsoonbegone.
Endingthenight,lookingoutatthestar,
Thinkingabouthowthenextsunsetisnottoofar.
JulianaPerry’26
12
13
MeganHalstead’24
TheBestSnowDay
AstheSunappearedinthesky,Islowlyopenedmyeyes,andthebrightglare blindedmyview.Iquicklyrecalledtheannouncementovertheloudspeakeratschoolon Wednesday.“Snowday:ThisFriday!”Ithoughttomyself, What day is it? Oh yes, Friday. I triedtofallbackasleepandgetsomemorerest,whichIsodesperatelyneeded,butthe beautifulwhiteblanketlyingoutsidemywindowtoldmeotherwise.Igrabbedmyphone anddecidedtotextmyfriends.Iaskedthemtocomeoverandhangout.Theyallagreed, andIwasalreadyawaitingmyexcitingsnowday.
Ijumpedoutofbedandstretchedmyachingbones.Iswungmyclosetdoorsopen, retrievingmywarmestsnowsuit.Irusheddownmystairsandintothekitchen.Therewas mymother–wise,sophisticated,andbeautiful.Hersleek,darkredapronwaswrapped aroundherwaist.Shehoveredoverthestoveasthetastybreakfastsatinthepansontop.I rushedovertoherwithexcitementandhersmilelituptheroomassheawaitedmyhug.I jumpedintoherarmsandsaidgoodmorning.“Goodmorning,lovebug,”shesaidasshe servedmethebreakfastsheprepared:herspecialpotatoesanddelicioushomemade omelet.IchuggedmyorangejuiceasIimpatientlythoughtaboutthesnow.Ithrewonmy bootsandswungthebackdooropen.Iwasamazed.
Igotaquickoverviewofthefrostysnowandmyheartfilledupwithjoy.Irushed intotheyardandjumpedintoituntilyoucouldnolongerseeme.Itwasicyandcold.I proceededtomakesnowangelsandhavesnowballfightswithmysister.Shortlyafter,my friendsjoinedus.Weplayedforhours,andIhadablast.Thecrispairfrozemynoseuntilit waspinkandcold.Mytoeswerewet,andmyfingerswerenumb.
WhenIgottired,Idecidedtoheadinside.Mysisterandfriendsfollowedme.We removedourbootsandourwetsnowsuits,instantlywarmingup.Weheadedtothe kitchen.Thereshewas:mymother!Shehadjustfinishedworkandwaspreparingdinner: pasta,myfavorite.MyfriendsandIranupstairsandhungoutinmyroom.Whilewe gossipedandlaughed,Irealizedthatitwastheweekend.Mydaysuddenlygotevenbetter.
Shortlyafter,itwas6pmalready. How the day flies by! Mymothercalledusfor dinner.Whenwerandownthestairs,mydadwalkedinthedoor,snowonhisshoulders. Hearrivedhomefromworkwithanemptystomach,instantlysmellingthepreparedmeal.I greetedhim,andwealltookourseatsatthetable.Mother,father,sister myfriendstooof course!Wetalkedaboutourdayandwhatwealldid.OncedinnerwasoverandIdigested myfood,mymommademyfriendsandmehotchocolate.Wewalkedupstairswithour mugsandsatbythefireplaceacrossfrommybed.Wetalkedandlaughed,andoncethe timereached9o’clock,Iwalkedtomybathroomtogetintomypajamas–theadorable matchingset,withsnowmenprintedonthem.Myfriendscamepreparedandgotchanged oneaftertheother.
14
Whenwewereallexhaustedanddressedinourcozynightoutfits,wesatinacircle onmybedandplayedgamesforawhile.Mymomwalkedinsometimelaterandreminded ustogetsomesleep.Myfriendslaidontheairmattress,andsuddenly,wewerealllaying withoureyesclosed.Ithoughtbacktomyday.Deliciousbreakfast,playinginthesnow,my favoritedinner,andhotchocolatewithmyfriends.Now,I’mlyinginbedwithmyfriends surroundingme,restingeasywithnocareintheworld.Ishutmyeyesandslowlyfell asleep.Idreamofmyday thesnowflakesIadmired,thedeliciousmealsIate,thequality timewithmyfriendsandfamily.IrealizehowluckyIamtobeabletoenjoydayslikethese. Thebestsnowdaydoestrulyexist.
15
CarolineWard’27
16
26
ClareWaropay
’
Notallcreaturesaremadeforgreatness
Thesmall,theshy,theweak
Butakittencandaretohope
Tobecomesomethingmorethanjustmeek
Hewindsthroughthedarkenedalleys
Chasingasliverofstarlight,
Pushinghigher,farther,uptotherooftops,
Andintothecoldairofthenight.
Hestaresattheskyindefiance,
Andquestionsthenight’sbrightestofstar,
Askingforthekeytogreatness,
Nowthathe’scomesofar
Butheismetwithonlysilence
Andthelightfromthestreetsfarbelow.
Withthestarsandtheskyashiswitness
Helearnswhatthegreatcreaturesknow
Theworldisvastanduncaring,
Butthekeyforanyhopefuladvancer
17
TheKittenontheRoof
Istostandbeforesomethingvasterthanyourself
Anddemandthatitgivesyouananswer.
18
SophiaHunter’26
Todayshestayscalm, Smallwavesbreachingtheland.
AnOdetotheOcean
Herwinds,assoftassnow,blowoverme, Stealingstressfrommybody.
Yesterdayshewasaggressive, Wavescrashingintothesand. Herstrongwindsscreamingatme, Saltystormwatercoatingmybody.
Tomorrowwhoknowswhatshewillbe, Calm,rough,soft,mean.
Neverthelesssheembracesmybody, Onmyhardest,longestdays.
Forevertheoceanwillbemyhome,
TheplaceIgotofeelpeace. Shereachesoutherlongbluearms, Holdingmeclose,grantingmeserenity.
Forevertheoceanwillbemypast, Storingmyunforgottenmemories,
19
Myfirstsurf,myfirstswim, Jumpingwaves,beingakid.
Forevertheoceanwillbemyfuture, Holdingmillionsofpossibilities, Failing,learning,hurting,succeeding, Growingold.
Todaysheismypresent, Holdingmymemories,beingmyhome, Mypast,myfuture.
20
LucyKoller’26
21
LaurenMcGloin’26
AstheSeasonsChange
Thiswasstupid.Shewasstupid.Avawishedsherealizedthatfivehoursago.Five hoursbeforesheranintothecold,winterforest,likethat’dsolveanything.Nowhereshe was:lost,cold,andtired.
Avahadgoneintotheforestbecauseitwasalltoomuch.Herfriendshadahuge fallingoutwithherandtheworkatherjobwasconstantlypilingup.Shejustwantedtoget awayfromitall.Avahadfiguredthatgoingintotheforestforabit,justtoclearhermind, wouldn’thurt.Butnowshewasstuckintheicyforestwithnowayofgettingout.
Avacontinuedtowander,gracefulsnowflakesdriftingdownasshewalked.Would shediehere?Freezetodeath?Starvetodeath?Whatevenwasthisforest?Diditgoon forever?She’sneverseenitbefore,sowherediditcomefrom?
Herbodywasachingfromwalking.Partofherjustwantedtolaydownandsleepfor eternity,whichsheprobablywould,consideringthisweather.Sheweaklylookedup,and, lowandbehold,therewasacabin.Acabin?Inthemiddleofnowhere?No.No.No.
Absolutelynot.Thatthingwasmorelikelytokillherthananythingouthere.
Shewalkedaway,tryingtofindawayout,butsheendedupatthecabinrepeatedly, trappedinaconstantcircle.“Ughhhh!Fine!I’mtootiredforthis,murdercabin!”Ava enteredthecabin.Itwaswarm.Thecabinhadamainroom,akitchen,andanupstairs wheresheguessedabedroomwouldbe.Sheopenedthecupboards;theyhadfoodinthem. Didsomebodylivehere?Avalookedatthecouch.Itseemedsotempting.Herbonesached andshefeltlikeshewasgoingtopassout.
Maybejustabitofrestwouldn’thurt.Noonewashereatthemoment,anditsure beatgoingbackoutinthatfreezingweather.Shecollapsedontothecouchandimmediately fellasleep.
Avaopenedhereyes....Sheexpectedtoseesomeone.Lookingatthesmallclockin theroom,ithadbeenatleastthreehours.Avagotupandwasstarving.She’dleavemoney forwhatevershetook,shewasjustdesperateatthispoint.Avawenttothecupboardsand openedthemup.Closingthemshesighed.Nobananas,whatapity.Sheopenedthe cupboardsbackupand...therewerebananasthere,sittingfrontandcenter.Weird.
Sheopenedthefridgeandtherewasapitcherofwaterthere.Shepouredherselfa cup,shovingthestrangenessoftheappearingbananasaside.Avalookedoutside.Thisplace seemedwarmandcozy.Stayingherewouldprobablybebetterthangoingoutthere.
Here,shefeltmorereliefthansheeverdidbackhome.BackhomeAvahadnothing. Shehadapoorpayingninetofivejob,herparentshaddied,andshehadnooneshecould trulycallfriendsorfamily.Maybeshewasbeingstupid,impulsive.Maybeherbrainhad frozenduetothecoldbut....Shewouldn’tmindstayinghere.Afterall,wanderingforhours hadgottenhernowhere...so...whynot?
22
Thedayswentby.Thiscabinwasamystery:thefoodneverranout,therewas electricityandnoplaceforittoconnectto,andtryasAvamight,thereseemedtobenoway outoftheforest.So,shestayed,allalone,untilthingsstartedtochange.
Itstartedthefollowingwinter,withalittlegirlnamedMarie,whoranawayfrom herabusivefamily.Avahadfoundherbruisedandcrying.Shetookherinandbandaged herupbeforetryingtofindMarieawayout,tonoavail,soMarielivedwithher.Afterthat, anotherwintercameandsodidJacksen,amanaroundAva’sagewhowasrunningfromthe debthisfamilyattemptedtoforceuponhim.
Oneafteranother,everywinter,someonecame.Theybuiltmorehomes,grewintoa community,andstartedfamilies.AndAvastoodatthecenter,beingtheonetostartitall. Everywinter,peoplewouldgathertowelcomethenextnewcomer,getthemsettled in,andsharetheirstories.Everywintertheywouldcelebratethecreationoftheirhome andcommunity.Aplaceforpeople,inthemostdifficultofscenarios,whodisappear into theharshestweatherandultimatelyfindaplaceofsafety.
23
GuiliannaTesta’27
56thStreetBeach
Thewhitesandbeneathmyfeet, Layingoutinthesummerheat,
Surroundedbyloveandsaltyair,
ThememoriesofsummerIwishIcouldshare
Wavestumblingacrossthesea,
Thegreenandbluesurroundsme,
Offthewaterthelightreflects,
Crashingdownonthetinyshellspecs
Theraysofsunshinestainmyskin, Bringsmehappinessfromwithin,
Thesunshineisgoldenandbright, Fillingmewithabsolutedelight
Thevastskysoblue,whatabreathtakingsight,
Peoplebaskinginthedazzlingsunlight,
Seabreezeblowingthroughmyhair,
Makesmefeelwithoutacare.
Abreezethatkissesmyface, Withoutathingoutofplace,
24
HowIwishforanendlesssummer,
Atimeofyeartrulylikenoother.
25
KieraHannan’26
26
25
Fiona Haberstroh ’
Jamaica
Theskyisclear,andthefruitisfresh. Thewaterisblue,andthevibesarethebest. Themorningishere,andtheairiscalm. Ijustlovewatchingtheswayofthepalms. Green.Yellow.Black.
Peoplehereareverykind. WhenIgobackhomepeoplelikethatarehardtofind. Atnightthemusicisalwaysloud. Youwillseepeopledancingproudly. Green.Yellow.Black.
Onetrueloveiswhattheycallyou, Butsometimes,thinkingaboutyoumakesmeblue. Youarewheremyfamilylives. Youweremygrandpa’sfavoriteplace,somyloveforyouwillneverdie. Green.Yellow.Black.
Greenisthecolorofthetreeswhenyoulookabove Yellowisthecolorofthewarmhotsunwhichmakesyoufallinlove. Blackisthecolorofpowerthisplaceholdswithinme. Jamaica,onetruelovecan’tyousee?
27
PilarPresson’26
ItisAugustandyouareleaving.
YouhaveonlybeenheresinceJune.
Webothknowyouwillnotreturn,
Butstillyousay,“Seeyousoon.”
Travelfromonetowntothenext,
Tilltheendsoftheearth,youwillgo.
Gravitycannotholdyoudown,
NotevenIcoulddoso.
Yourheadintheclouds,
Forgettingyouhavestoopedsolow.
Whenpresentedwithachoice,youalwayssayyes,
ButwhenIaskyoutostay,yousayno.
Anephemeralconnection
That,contrarytomydesires,Icannotprolong.
Itisevidentthatyoudonotfitin.
Althoughequallyclearthat,somehow,youbelong.
Whenoneconsidersthewholeworldtheirhome, Theycannothavejustoneplacetobe.
28 Nomad
Persistwithyournomadicexistence.
Isitalifeoflonelinessorareyoutrulyfree?
29
LilianDever’26
30
AllisonMacartney’24
IsolatedI’vebeenmywholelife.
Iknewtheoutdoorsfairlywell.
WheretheOdysseyEnds
Tossing,turning,running,swimming,
WhereIcomefrom,noonecantell.
Turbulentstorms,aggressiveseas,andwildanimals,
IthoughtIhadseenitall.
Alwaysmovingandneverlookingback,
Foreigntoaroofandfourstablewalls
Allofthisuntilonefatefulday,
Imetatravelerwearingallblack.
Ithoughtthischaracterwaslikemine,
Onalonelyodysseywithoutapack.
WewalkedtogetherthroughtallItalianmountains,
Thatstretchedtotheskylikerubberbands.
Afreshsmellfilledmysenses,
Asweemergedfromthevalleysontosoftsand.
Smallbeigebuildingsstoodacrossacrystallake
Thegoldensunshoneonmyface.
31
Beautifulgreentreescastelegantshadowsoverthejoyfulvillagers.
IwonderedwhyIhadneverbeentosuchaplace.
“Theviewherenevergetsold,”thetravelersaidtome, AsIstaredinaweintotheabyss.
IthenknewIwantedtoendmyjourney, Andsettledownataplacelikethis.
“Youlivehere?”Iaskedthetraveler, “Sometimes,”hesaid. Howcouldone“sometimes”livesomewhere?
“MaybeI’minyourhead.”
“Icomeherewhenyouponderanewlife. Ileavewhenyouabandonyourdream.”
Hearingthesewords,Ifinallyknewwhathemeant: “Hereyouwillsettle,andfinallybefree.”
Wearingavibrantredskirt,awhiteshirt,andholdingsomethingoverme,
Inowwalktowardsmynewfriends. ThisistheplaceIwasbroughttobythetraveler.
ThisistheplacewhereIwillremain,wheretheodysseyends.
MarissaBraccia’26
32
Theatmosphereisgreen.
TheBridgeWhereWeMet
MyimagereflectsinthewaterasIlookdown.
Flowerscoverthealluringscene.
Onlyserenitycanbefound
Butsomethingismissing
Idonotfeelcomplete.
Iamjustreminiscing
Abouttheintimacythatisnowdeceased.
Weusedtomeethere
Onthisverybridge.
Allmiserywoulddisappear, ButInolongerfeelsuchcourage
Itfeltlikebliss
Withhishandinmine.
Ihadneverfeltlovelikethis, Sostrongithadstoppedtime
Buthechoseanother,
AndIhavebeenreplaced.
33
Hehashisloveforher,
Andisnolongerinthisplace.
Butnotme,
Isimplycannot
Iamstillstandingonthebridgewherewemet, Lostinmythoughts.
34
NatalieKelly’26
TheRisingStar
Beautifulstarrisingfromadeepblueabyss, WakingupLongBeachIslandfromitssleep,
Thewarmthofthesuntouchestheearthlikeakiss, Birdsannouncedawnwithacheepcheep
Adarknightconcealedwitheverystarinthesky
Leavesthesandcoldanddampwithanearlymorningdew.
Thebeautifulorangelightforcesthedarktosaygoodbye,
Bringingthislightacrosstheshoreinabrillianthue.
Theskylookslikeapaintingwithperfectbrushstrokes, Babybluefadingintoavibrantorangeandred.
Therisingsunissopowerfulitfeelslikeahoax,
Castdownonmeerasinganyfeelingsofdread
Thewindhowlsandthewavescrashandboom,
Buteverythingsoundspeacefulamongthesun’ssoothingpresence.
Thesmellofsaltwaterairmakestheperfectperfume.
Thisfeelingcanbedescribedasmyquintessence
Thebigbrightsunhasnowfullyrisen, Soeasilyseenevenfromafar.
35
Foreverbegratefulforthisgiftthathasbeengiven,
Saygoodbyetothebeautifulrisingstar.
36
PeytonSullivan’26
37
’24
MollyMcCartney
OneThousandWishes
Youareworthonethousandwishes, Morethananyonecouldgive, Yourbeautyisworthriches, Asiseverymomentyoulive.
Amosaicinthemirror,
Ofthegirlyou’vecometobe, Butcanyoureallyhearher, Whatcanyoutrulysee?
Magazineswillsteeryouwrong, Mydarling,youmustknow, Courageshallkeepyoueverstrong, Whiletheytrytokeepyoulow.
“Keepdreaming,wishing,”Icallout, Butyouwillneverhearme,
Abeautifulmindconsumedwithdoubt, Itcloudsyourdestiny.
Youareworthonethousandwishes, WhichismorethanIcouldgive,
38
Butwatchingfromthemirror,hopefulshestillis,
Foryourworthinthisworld,issimplyhowyou’lllive.
39
FrancesEdalatpour’26
OutbytheSea
Asthesunsaidfarewellfortheday, Wewatchedittogether,wantingtostay.
Thecolorsemergedfromthebay,
Allthewhilesailingaway
Thepinks,theblues,themomentsweshare,
Destinationuntold,sounaware
Whatwehaveshinessorare
Timecutshort,notallisfair.
Youhadtoleavemeallalone
Nexttimewemeet,foreverunknown,
Nothingcaneverjustbeourown,
Thethoughtofseparationachesmybones
Whycanwenotstayhereforever?
Hereinthesea,it’sbetter.
Theskywantsustobetogether,
Butyouchoseadifferentroute,however
Now,astheshipsetssail,
Thisdayisonlyatale.
40
Itrytorememberindetail,
ButIfindmyselfbeginningtowail.
41
DylanSewards’26
42
AnnaSchroeder’
24
TheFallingMan
Iamtrapped.
Confinedtomemoriesthatcontrolme,
Imprisonedbyacontinuouscyclethatburdensme,
Restrictedtoonlybewhatsocietyalreadythinksofme,
Iamsacrificed
Givenawaytohungrylionstoofartophysicallywoundme
Buttooclosethattheymakemyheartskipabeat,
Thump....thump....thump,
Iamfalling.
FallingfortheliesoftheonesIlovemost,
Plungingintothedeepdespair,hopebrings,
Sinkingintothecomfortingabyss,
Iamdreaming.
Fantasizingaboutafatesofarfromreality,
Knowingitissofarfrommyreach,
Mydreamsrunfromme.
Protectingmefromtheinevitable,
Iamunsatisfied.
Lookingforawayoutofmyhopelessbrain,
Searchingforalovingheart,
Remindedonceagain:
Iamstillgrowing.
43
Iamstilllearningwhotolove.
Iamstillfindingwaystotrustothers.
Iamstillhopefulofmyfuture.
Iamstillbecomingme,
ButIamstillfalling
44
ImaniRoberson’26
Rain,rain,goaway.
Darknesscoversblueskiesmadeofcottonsugar,
Greetedbyscornfullooksasitstays.
Thewaterswerenamedcloudydespitebeingpurer.
Rain,rain,cometome.
Cropsshrivelanddieinblisteringheat.
Peoplebringofferingsoffishfromthesea.
Ritualswereheldreverentlyincrowdedstreets.
Rain,rain,nowwepay.
Swollenveinsburstintocobblesquares,
Buildingscrumpleintosmallpilesofclay.
Coveredclothssentawaywithquietprayers.
Rain,rain,Idisagree.
Coldrunsandbecomesonewithskin,
Breathingslows,andyetIplead.
Tonotsosilentlytakethelifewithin.
Rain,rain,clearasday.
Youforeverholdmyheartandhand.
Dancingawaymydayswithyou,Isway,
Fornoteardropsdoyoudemand?
KathleenKudes’
26
45
SafeWaters
WinterWonders
Winter,O’Winter,howyouconfuseme.
Mymindisinshamblesduringthesemonthsthree.
Iseeprettysnowflakesfallfromthesky.
TheyblanketthegroundasItry,try,try
AsItrytounderstandwhyIamfeelingsosad,
Theskyisgloomy,theweatheriscold
Myfeelingsaboutwinternevergetold.
OneminuteI’mhappy,yetthenextIamreeling.
WhatO’Whatisthisfeeling?
Iaskmyselfthisquestioneveryyear:
Why?Why?Why?
Ineverhavetheanswer,soIjustwaituntilthenextJuly.
WhenthesummersunwarmsmyskinasIwalkalongthepier,
Butuntilthen,Iwillsitrighthere
Winter,O’Winter,confusedaboutyou.
RileySpurlock’26
46
47
LilaMurphy’26
Iliftmysoul.Iraisemyhead.
OdetotheSun
Yourwarminggleamshinesorangeandred.
Theeastgreetsyoufirst,theluckiestbunch.
Whenyousleepin‘tilllater,itfeelsasfoulasapunch.
Glowingwithpride,youradiatelight.
Youliftmywingsandbringmetoflight.
Reflectingofftheleavesandflowers
Ifloatinyoursplendorforhoursandhours.
Firmlyrooted,tall,andstrong
Treesswaysoftlyinthewind’squietsong.
Yourguidingauralightstheway.
Forallanimalsalike,predatorandprey
Thankstoyourlight,birdsexuberantlycry, “Guidingbeacon,helpmefly!”
Youneverdiscriminate,neverdecide,
Someoneunworthyofyourlight,youleadandguide.
Loweringleisurely,plungingpeacefully.
Paintingthegroundwithshadesofserenity.
Leavesfallcalmlyfromtreetops,
48
Likeyoursensationalsundrops.
Youkeepupwithnatureanditscapricioushabits.
Yourbrillianceshinesthroughcirrusandstratus.
Youshineyourraysthroughouttheland,
Yetwhenyoudepart,yourfriendtakesthestand.
Towardsthewest,yougotosleep.
Thedarknesswithoutyoupenetratesdeep.
Heshinesalmostasbrightlyasyou,
Buthewillneverovertakeyourmiraculoushue.
49
JennaLeary’26
TheRoseofFate
Shestaresoutthewindowwithherblueeyes,
Herblueeyes,brightasthesky,
Theskythatshealwayssees.
Sheonlyseesthroughherbalcony
Shewaitsalldayforatwistoffate
Atwistoffate,that’salwayswhyshewaits. Whyshewaitsismyquestion.
Myquestionshallremainaquestion.
Curiosityclingstomyconsciousness.
Myconsciencetellsmesheneedsapresence,
Apresenceotherthanherthoughts,
Herthoughtsseemtogetlost
Herblueeyestellmeshewaitsforfate, Forfatetotakeherbeyondthegates, Thegatesthattrapherinthatplace,
Thatpalacedeprivesherofahappyfate
Bang,bang,bang,herheartthuds
HerheartthudsasIclimbupthebalcony,
50
Thebalconythatkeptherfromherfate,
Herfatebroughtmetoher.
Toher,Igavetherose,
Therosethatwillbringherfreedom.
Herfreedomishernewfate
51
MiriamLemailloux’26
52
ZaaraAbraham’24
RayofSunshineonaFadingDay
Colorsofgold,pink,andbluedanceacrossthesky,
Justmomentsafteralonelycry,
Aglimmerinthemidstofsorrowduringthedarkestnight,
Guidingmyhearttowardsahopefulsight.
Thelastfewmomentsfeltlikeablur,
Passingby,makingmyemotionsstir.
Yet,ineachmoment,achancetofind,
Adropofpeaceandcomforttoeasemymind.
Memorieslingerintheair,
Ahintofsorrow,yettheyarealwaysthere,
Aroomthat’snowtooquiet,anechointhehall,
Wherelaughterusedtobouncearound,thesoundItrytorecall.
Thebrightcolorsofthesunfilledthesky,
Paintingamasterpieceshortlyafteragoodbye.
Intherealmofmelancholy,adashoflusteremerges,
Likeaflickeringflame,itsoftlyurges.
Leavingthatdaywithheartache,
Abittersweetfeelingthatishardtoshake.
53
Theoverwhelmingsilence,acanvassovast,
IwishIcouldgobackandliveinthepast.
MadelineMcFadden’26
54
Mybrother,dearbrother,
Ididnotmeantocutyourhair.
Brother,ohbrother, AsIflythroughtheair.
Ithinkofthetimeswegotalong,
Beforethehaircuthadgoneallwrong.
Iseeyoursmilefromanhourago.
Donotworry;yourhairwillgrow.
YousayI’mabum, thatIamdumb.
Whatjoythatwillcome, asIfillyourhairwithgum.
Youcancutmyhair, Togetmeback. Andwewillbeclose, LikeJillandJack.
Ichangemymind
Myhairmuststay.
OhNo!
55
Iamsorry,brother.
Icannotlosemyhairtoday.
Howhigh,ohhigh,
Iflylikeabirdintheair.
JustknowIamsorry, forcuttingyourhair.
56
KierstenHasson’26
Afeelinglikenoother,
Alookyougetfromnooneelse, YourFatherandyourMother, Laughingtogetherasyourheartswells
Childhood
Yoursiblings,
Filledwithnoise, Crayonsscribbling,drawingsliving, Yourheadisconsumedwithlittlejoys.
Yourdog, Wanderingeyesandstares,
Takingwalksinrain,sunshine,andfog, Watchinglifeasshecares Yourhouse,
Filledwithloveandmess,
Everywordfromyourmouth, Hasdecoratedthewallswithwelcome,nomattertheaddress
Yourgamescomingtolife, Cinderellaandherprince,
57
Fadingwithageandbeingcutlikeaknife, Washingaway,withagoodrinse
Weforgetthosespecialmoments, Thatonlycomeinmeasures Wecan’tlosetheircomponents, Theyarealltreasures.
58
LucieVanHoof’26
59
MadelynLorenzo’26
TheSecretsofSpring
Springtiptoesbehindtheruinsofwinter.
Thedesolateislandofwinter’slugubriousbehaviorleavesmanyofnature’sbeautiestobe reborn.
Thesunshines,andcloudsopentheirtiredeyesthathavebeenclosed.
Calmbreezessoundlikethefinalsighsofwinterastheyrustletallgrass.
Birdsbegintosingmelancholysongs
Trees’newleavesrustlewithsadness.
Flowersopenfullytorememberwinter’slastmoments.
Thetemperaturerisesasthelastbitsofwintermeltaway.
Tearsfillthebrimofclouds,fallinginspringshowers.
Asnaturemournsthelossofwinter,
Springhumssoftlyinthewindaswinterdies.
Spring’sfirstbreathoflifehonorswinter’slast
60
RebeccaLawlor’27
Pursedlipswithadisguise
Trappedbehindthebutterfly, eyescoveredtomaskdespise,
Justbecauseitiswrongtocry.
MaskedWings
Associatedwiththesewings,
Theirhugismycomfortspace.
Silencedtoallkindsofthings,
TothesesilencesIwillnotembrace.
Societysaystobebold,
Influence,teach,write,andsing
Keepinmindthestandardstouphold,
Iamabetterqueenthananyking.
Mybrainsaremybeauty.
Myvoicegoesamillionmiles
Iammorethanjustacutie,
Yetmywordsareputawayintoendlessfiles.
Orangeismythoughts,
61
Brightlikearoostofmonarchs.
Yet,nobutterfliestobecaught, Iremainbehindthismaskinthedark.
62
AlliePijanowski’26
63
MeganHalstead’24
TheWeightofBalance
AsIwakeinthemorning,Ijumpontomywire.
Nevertheless,Ifailtoinspire.
Stuckinmyhazewithnooneelsetoblame,
FromonethingtothenextIfailtoreceivetheiracclaim
Crack,crackasthewiresnaps,
Idropallthat’sinmylap.
AllthatIhavebecomewasgone,
Butmystresswasneverdone.
ThepressuretoseemasthoughI’mfine
Getsworseandworseovertime.
Iamnosavior.Iamnosaint.
Icannevergivemycomplaint
Eachdayitgetsharderandharder
Allofmystrugglesgetlostinthewater.
Withnoonetoturnto
Thelengthofmywiregrew
Searchingforareliever,
Iweepinmylonesomewithoutabeliever.
64
EachdayyouseethatIamflawed,
AsIstruggletokeepupthislousyfaçade.
Mywirenowstretchedacrosslikealongsummerday
MakesmewishIhadaway,
InwhichthatIcouldhandleitall,
Withoutworryingaboutmyimpendingfall
65
MeredithHestnar’26
HeistheMoon
Heisthemoon,
Surroundedbythedarknessofhispast, Calming,reliable,andsteady, Illuminatingtheworldwithhiscast.
Ilovedhim Ireallydid,
Butthefearoflosinghimtookover.
InevertoldhimhowIfelt, AndnowIcannotthinkofhimwithoutlosingmycomposure.
NowthatIhavelefthimalone,
Iseeallthesparklefromhiseyesdrainedfromhim.
Hewillneverbeabletoseeortouchme,
Andthatthoughtmakesmegrim.
Heisthemoon.
AndIamwithhimnow.
MyhandsdanceacrossthepianoasIplayhisfavoritesong.
Iwillplayitforaslongasmyfingersallow.
Mybodyisgone,
Butmysoulwillneverleave.
66
Iwillalwaysbewithhim,
Aslongashebelieves.
67
MadelynLorenzo’26
68 AlexandraLaufer’25
AwaitingSpring
Inaworldofdarkandgray,
Thesolitaryflowercannotfinditsway.
Springisnear,
Butit’slonelyhere,
Ablushingflowerinthestray.
Itspetalsclosedtight,
Asitdreamsofsunlight,
Shiveringinthesnow,
Waitingfortheotherflowerstogrow,
Hopingtonotgetfrostbite.
Itsheartbeatssoftly,filledwithcheer, anticipationofspringdrawingnear,
Todancewiththebuzzingbees,
Andthegentlewarmbreeze,
Asthebrightblueskybecomesclear.
Thegleamingsunhides, andtakesawaytheonlyshine.
Theflowerknowsthatitwillbloom, Oh,soverysoon.
69
Theflowerjustneedstime.
Itspetalsaglowingrose,
Likethecolorofballerinabows.
Thevibrantcolorsproudlyshow,
Theresiliencethatwithinitgrows.
Springisreallysoclose.
70
EmmaLomker’26
Thedaysgoby,
WaitingforWhat?
Hobbyafterhobby,tryingtofulfillherlife,
Anticipatinghisreply,
Shewaitsandwaitstobecomeawife.
Whenwillitarrive?
Panicstartstofillher.
Maybeheisnolongeralive?
Everythingsheimaginedstartedtobecomeablur.
Asshesitsindissatisfaction, Footstepsbecomecloser.
Appearsthemaid,whosefacedisplaysaneagerreaction, Hereyecatchestheletterthatmightprovideherclosure.
Themaidcarefullyplacestheletterinherhand
Shestaresatit,reluctanttofigureoutherfate, Waitingforsomethinggrand,
Buttheendofthelettercomesquicklyafteralifetimewait.
Stillwaitingforthewordstojumpoffthepaper,
Onebyone,fulfillingheremptiness,
71
Herimaginationwasmuchbetter,
Butshewasleftlackinghappiness.
Shehadfinallyreceiveda“love”letter,
Butshestaresattheletterinconfusion.
Shebeginstothinkthatthismightnotmakeherlifeanybetter,
Thatthestereotypeofaman’slovemightjustbeanillusion.
Afterall,shebarelyevenknowstheman,
Alifeofthinkingshemustmarry.
Littledidsheknowanewlifehadjustbegun.
Shelearnedthatlifealoneisnotthatscary.
Shedoesnotpineforlove.
Shenowlivesasatisfyinglife.
Shehaslearnedtoputherselfaboveothers,
Asshenolongerwaitsandwaitstobecomeawife.
Anonymous
72
73
ColetteRosato’25
LettingGo
Myhairistootight.
WhatIusedtoloveisnotquiteright.
Istruggletothedoor,draggingmyfeetalltheway.
IpromisemyselfIwillmakethebestoutofpracticetoday.
Myhairistootight.
Iopenthedoor,nojoyinsight.
Whatwasonceherecannotbefound.
Nothingfeelsright,butIhavenochoicebuttoacceptthesound.
Themusicoverwhelmsme.Islowlyfeelnauseous.
Isthismyfault?AmIactingovercautious?
Myhairistootight
Ipullthebowofmyskirtatjusttherightheight.
Itiethelacesofmyballetshoes.
Takeadeepbreathandfighttheblues.
Girlssnickerallaround,andmyinsecuritiesarise.
WhyamInotenough?WherecanIfindallies?
Myhairistootight.
Mychesttenses,andItrytostandtomyfullheight.
Welineup,andIseetheperfectiontheothergirlshold
IknowthatIwillneverfitthemold.
Iamabullinachinashop,
Continuouslywaitingfortheballtodrop.
74
Myhairistootight.
Nothingisright.
Nothingisright.
Nothingisright.
Irunoutofthedoor,andthewindiscalmduringastorm.
Iripdownmyhair,andthesilencesurroundsme.
Myhairisnolongertight.
75
EllianaGrabon’26
Rollingwavesofpastelblue,
Whereitstarts,Ihaven’taclue!
Overmyhead,theseagullsflew.
Peaceofmindwillcometoyou
SunsetBeach
Inthisplace,ofpleasureandlight,
Allofyourtroubleswillbeoutofsight.
Justonelookatascenesobright,
Healsthesoulsofthecontrite.
Withcloudsofgrayandskiesofpink,
Onewouldneverdaretothink
Thatallthisfadesinjustoneblink.
Forwhenitdoes,myheartwillsink.
ButasIgoaboutmyday,
Iknowmymindwillalwaysstay
Inthatplace,withcloudssogray
KnowntoallasCapeMay.
DarbyBurke’26
76
77
RoseSweeney’24
FirstSnowDay
Thedriveuptothemountainwaslong,crisp,andcold.
Itwasthelittleboy’sbirthday;hehadjustturnedtwelveyearsold.
Theygottothemountain,andhethrewonhisskis.
Hecouldnotbalanceonthem;theywerelikeatrapeze.
Heskateduptotheliftwithdiscomfortinhisheart.
Hiseyesbegantolookaroundatnature;hedidnotknowwheretostart.
Thetreeswereaforestgreen,theskiesamiddayblue.
Hestartedtoworrylessashethoughtitthrough.
Click,Click,Click,upthepeakheclimbed.
Theymadeitofftheliftinamatteroftime.
Zig,zag,ZOOM!Downthemountainheflew.
Suddenly,hefeltalossofbalanceanddidnotknowwhattodo.
Hislegsstartedtosway.
Hisbodygaveway.
Hecontactedthefreshblanketofsnow.
Hisbootsandskisletgo.
Crash,bang,plunk.Theskisslicedthroughhispinkyfinger.
Thefeelingofpain,however,didnotlinger.
Thelittleboyrealizedwhatoccurred.
Hedidnotcryorevenlethismindstir.
Silently,hethoughtthathewouldmissfun.
Duetotheinjurythatrecentlybegan.
78
Hewasright.
Hemissedskiingorplayingbasketballeveryweeknight.
Butlittlewastheboyaware.
Thefirstmassiveproblemofhislifeonlystartedthere.
79
CarolineMyers’26
