K 20 n 17 o t
Th e
Knot. An ambivivalent symbolism since all powers of binding also imply those of loosening, of restraining but also uniting; the harder it is pulled, the firmer it becomes and the greater the union. Knots also represent continuity; a connection; a covenant; a link; Fate; that which binds man to his destiny; determinism; the inescapable. Knots can also be instruments of the enchantress, magician or witch, in which the tying of knots is the power and weaving spells. Loosening knots is freedom; salvation; the solving of problems. Cutting a knot denotes the taking of a short, steep path to salvation and realization Buddist: Knots are also associated with infinity and eternity. Chinese: Longevity; binding the good and an obstacle to evil. Christian: The three knots in the monastic girdle are the three vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Hindu: The mystic knot of Vishnu depicts continuity; immortality; infinity. Iranian: The sacred cord, kosti is knotted twice in front and twice behind.
HOLLYWOOD HILLS HIGH SCHOOL
THE KNOT reboot
2016-2017
The Knot A Hollywood Hills High School Literary Magazine Hollywood Hills High School 5400 Stirling Road Hollywood, Florida 33021 Sponsor: Bryan Trimas, M.Ed., NSDA coach Intern Principal: Dr. Jacqueline Smith Published by Hollywood Hills High School under the aegis of the School Board of Broward County Copyright c 2017 by Hollywood Hills Highschool. First world rights only. All individual works remain solely the property of their creators. Infringers will be hauled into the depths of infamy and oblivion! The words within these pages reflect the opinions, aesthetic tastes, and voices of their creators--- at times logical, at times emotionally charged; at times joyus, and at times bleak... Because these are the best of times, and these are the worst of times. Printed by B&W Offset, West Park, Florida, owned and operated by Ron Adler
This Year’s Editors! John Corredor: is the Editor in Cheif of this publication and is known around the school for shouting “submit to lit mag whilst wearing flip-flops and cargo shorts. Barista, Anarchist, Ex-Longboarder, Anchor, GravityAgresore; extrordinare. Too-Long standing Editor of this magazine and bridge between the Clark-Trimas Era
Fay Roman: is the Art-Editor for the magazine and as such draws what John passive agressivly ask her to
so that the magazine may come close to his vision of what it could be. Shes the STV Co-President and has an amazing ability to detect tone through text messages. Link between Hey Man and Humanity
Nicolette Schneider: is one of two Next-Gen-Junior-Editors tasked with running The Knot following John’s departure from the publication. Posseses amazing sticky-note-hiding abilities and closet-demolishing skills. She will help us fight off the debaters that constantly raid and prank our closet.
Giovanni (“Gio”) Grinovero: is one of two Next-Gen-Junior-Editors that has vowed to fill next year’s
issue only with love poems and depressing monologues. Gio loves to rearrange all the writing piles in the closet so that we have to redetermine what’s “Knot-Quatily” and what’s “Not-Quality”. Gio invented the John Cat.
Special Thanks To… Theressa Olah: for Establishing the first literary magazine at Hollywood Hills Highschool “Gentle Revolution” Deborah Clark & John Landers: for Reestablishing the Lit Mag in 1984 as “Who is James Joyce” and maintaining the publication through 2015, and for agreeing to Participate in my WISE project as my Mentor(s) Bryan Trimas: Agreeing to Sponsor “The Knot” in its time of need and putting up with rescheduling deadlines multiple times. Thank you for giving this magazine a new home. The Creative Writing Classes: for allowing us to share in your agonies, your victories, your personal anecdotes, your wildest fantasies, and the occasional misplaced Chemisty Homework. We could not have done it without you. Everyone Who Participated in SPAMM: For helping us fund this great magazine. Ms. Eager and her art Classes: For supplying us with art despite our seemilngly random visits to your art room and your planning of an art show Rebecca Saltzman: for your continuing support for me and this magazine well after your graduation and for the years of recognition for your contribution to this publication that you didn’t properly receive. Zak Myers: For weekly wednesday meetings, and spliting the price of Adobe CC with me Amanda Geisler: Coming back to Hills to teach and giving us a glimps into The Knot’s Editorial past Ron Adler: for faithfully printing our literary magazine year after year after year after year after year after year after year after year after year after year after year after year after year... after year after year.. after year.... Every Person Who Has Ever Contributed to This Magazine in Any Shape or Form: Thank your for passing the torch as far as you had. The Reader: For giving us an audience that can connect and relate to the Human Experience.
Undeniably inimitable and alluring, this year’s literary magazine holds the sun; a star that fuels the life of each word and the commencement of each page. As an editor, I have had the opprtunity to connect with another’s expansive ideas and profound thoughts. Reading, typing, and analyzing has also increased my understanding and knowledge on those around me. Since the eighth grade, I have always written poetry. The mental process it requires (I feel) is cognitively pacifying, for many grammatical rules can be abandoned, while still maintaining a beautiful piece. If given enough time, I am someone that could easily write on the daily. Writer’s block would be an imponderable and extinguished condition unknown to my memory. With every experience life gives, I see not an incapability to produce a message that sings, a picture that soars, or a story that flies. Finally, I am thankful for the other editors. Their hardwork and dedication is truly admirable, and I can not wait to share, with them, the success of the magazine. -Nicolette Schneider
If your reading this that means we have successfully published the 2017 lit mag and if all went as planned I'll be sitting in my mansion in Norway. Nothing could be possible without the help of my fellow editors and the talented youth that are the students of Hollywood Hills. I would like to especially thank Johncat for the experience and motivation to get me through the year. That's all folks . -Gio
This is my 6th attempt at writing this year’s editor’s note and the truth of the matter is that I have too much to say about The Knot. It has been the embodiment of my high school experience and will probably be the most difficult goodbye upon my graduation from Hollywood Hills High School. I have thrown myself into the composition and publishing of this magazine since I first got involved my freshman year. Through working on this magazine, I have made connections and relationships that will last a life time. If I had not gotten involved with The Knot, chances are that I would be a completely different person. Inevitably, I have grown whilst work on this magazine, and I hope that The Knot has grown from my working on it. The Knot has been the catalyst for both my social life and my career decisions, and as such I will be forever indebted to its existence and the roll it has played in my life.
The Knot is Important not just to myself, but has been to so many others before, and
will be, I hope, after me. This literary magazine is an outlet for creativity unlike anywhere else in the school, and although our membership has dwindled over the years our passion has grown. I want to preserve this magazine’s legacy not just in the pages between its covers, but also in the lives and passions of others. Within the past year, I have produced two S.P.A.M.M.s to fund this year’s issue, (almost) completed our archive of previous issues of the magazine (I will find you 1968 and 1991) to preserve our previous successes, worked with elementary schoolers to promote literary excellence in the community with the hopes that they will develop a passion for writing that they can bring to the school and this club for years to come, and finally created a documentary to uncover and preserve the history of this magazine’s creation and establishment. -John Corredor, Editor-in-Chief
Table of Contents
60’s cover Art by Fay Roman 1 Race- Nevelisha Francis 2 Wild Child 3 Art Roxanne Bernard 3 Water- Cleo Burch 5 Photography- Anonymous 5 A Friend is Like a Flower -Jeff Klee 6 Art- Sam Beckwith 6 I Would Like to Share Something With You - Damon Pierce 7 Photography- John Corredor 8 The Loot of Lutes -John Corredor 9 Photography- John Corredor 9 Melody- Nicolette Schneider 10 Luna’s Loneliness -Cleo Burch 11 Art- Ozzy 11 The Sun- Jenna R. 12 A Whole Year Later- Sasha Ortiz 12 Photography- John Corredor 12 70’s Cover Art -Fay Roman 13 Photography- John Corredor 13 An Inspiration -Breana Russell 15 Photography -John Corredor 16 Art -Christian Gadea 17 Art -Carlos Santana 17 My Forbidden Poem -Gavin Louis 18 If I Could -Florencia Grosito 19 Phtoography- Aixa Leguiza 19 My Hair Changes but I won’t -Adria Evangelista 20 Art -Fay Roman 20 Animal Aspirant -Nicolette Schneider 21 Art -Fay Roman 21 The Knot -Nicolette Schneider 22 Art -________ 22 Pencil -Jade Gilther 23 Ink -John Corredor 23 Art -Fay Roman 23 The Knot -Nicolette Schneider 24 Art -____ 24 Burned -Gabriela Ferreira 25 Art -Fay Roman 25 Gypsee’s Eye -Nicolette Schneider 26 Art -________ 26
The Tree -John Corredor 27 Tree -Christian Tyne 27 Phtoography -Paul Gray 27 80’s Cover Art -Fay Roman 28 Photography -Aixa Leguiza 29 I Fell in Love -Nicolette Schneider 30 Star Forager -Cleo Burch 31 Photography -John Corredor 31 Home -Adria Evangelista 32 Photography-John Corredor 32 Ryan’s Tanka- Ryan Ray 33 Photography -John Corredor 33 Heart Breaking -Destiny Ayus 34 Art -_________ 34 The Potter -Adria Evangelista 35 Smell of Deadly Air -Emilio Rivera 36 Skyscrapers -Florencia Gorosito 36 Photography -___________ 36 90’s Cover Art -Fay Roman 37 My Brain -Gabriel Lindo 38 Art -John Corredor 38 Sports- Fay Roman 39 Art -Fay Roman 39 Tallents -Christian Gadea 40 Art -Fay Roman 40 When Your Partner Dies -Adria Evangelista 41 Art -Jimmy Honord 41 Who Am I? -David James 43 Sanity -Casandra Burton 43 Art -________________ 44 Fantasy -Delange Calixe 45 Art -Giovanni Grinovero 45 Subtle Signs -Adria Evangelista 46 Friends -Amanda Alonso 47 Art -Edgar Escatal 48 2000’s Cover Art -Fay Roman 49 Life of a Homeless Man -Jolina Montalvo 50 Photography -John Corredor 50 Stranger in the Streets -Nicolette Schneider 51 Art -John Corredor 51 Granted -Anonymous 52 Art -Fay Roman 52 Hikue -Randy Wilson 53 Fello -Gabriel Lindo 53 Photography -John Corredor 53
Cynical ‘Fridge -John Corredor 54 Pillow -Melissa Kuntzman 54 Fear -Jolina Montalvo 55 Oblivion -Gabriela Ferreira 56 Art -Edgar Escatal 56 Six -Sophia Lanza 57 Currsive -Amanda Alonso 57 School Fun -Shoval Pinhas 57 Photography -Fay Roman 58 School Stress -Nicolette Schneider 58 I am from My Mother’s Warm Brown Eyes -Aixa Leguiza 59 Art -Fay Roman 59 Last Nothing -Cleo Burch 61 Art -Carlos Santana 62 The Road Not Taken (Parody) -Alexandra Marquez 63 Photography -Fay Roman 64 10’s Cover art -John Corredor 65 Game of Thrones -Amira Al-Madi 66 Importance of Vaccinations -Alexandra Marquez 67 Photography -John Corredor 67 My Home -Jalene altrech 69 Art -Sara McLean 69 Time Waits for No One -Christian Gadea 71 Art -Fay Roman 71 My King Commanded -Jadon Polydore 72 Art -Fay Roman 72 Natural Fish -Fay Roman 73 SCUBA -Isabella Santiago 73 Endless -Nicolette Schneider 73 Photography -Fay Roman 74 Blue Tang -Cynthia Alvarez 75 The Cold -Anonymous 75 Snow -Nevilisha Francis 75 Holiday -Breana Russel 75 Photography -John Corredor 75 Freshly Fallen Snow -Amanda Fowler 76 Santa is Coming -Fay Roman 76 Art -Fay Roman 76 On the Way -Nicholas Jentzsch 77 Art -Fay Roman 77 Arrogance -Gabriel Lindo 79 Art -Fay Roman 79 If the Shoe Fits -Colon Cameron 80 Insidus Jokus -Staff 91 __________-_________ 93
This year’s theme, reboot, was inspired by the fact that this is the 50th year that Hollywood Hills High School has been open. Within the past year our Editor in Chief, John, set out to create a documentary about the creation and establishment of a Literary magazine at Hills. Throughout John’s researching for the documentary he came across a magazine that he hadn’t previously known existed, the Gentle Revolution. This magazine’s first issue had been published in 1968, the second year that Hills was open. After sitting down to read each and every issue since 1968 (except 1991), and interviewing many past members of the club, he decided that the theme should showcase each decade that the magazine had gone through (60’s-10’s). Each decade brought forth new challenges and new advancements, yet the experiences that students wrote about seemed to be very simular with just a different take on the subject across the board. This years theme takes Running gags from older magazines, like the indidus jokus or being hauled into the depths of infamy and oblivion. and puts them all together in this magazine. This year’s issue of The Knot is divided into 6 sections: The 60’s known for the civil rights movement and the counter culture era this was when the Gentle Revolution was first published. The 70’s Emergance of Disco and Punk Rock. The 80’s brought forth a new love for sifi and redemption stories; when the thought in the back of everyone’s mind was about George Orwell in the year 1984 the Students at Hills reestablished a literary magazine after a 4 year hiatus and named it after a diferent writer. Who is James Joyce? was later renamed Inklings for 2 years in the late 80’s. The 90’s saw the end of the cold war and the evolution of Hip hop and what, by the end of the milenium, would come to be known as Grunge. The magazine was Warning in 1990, Caveat Emptor in 1992, Says it All in 1993 and has remained The Knot since 1994. In the early 2000’s we saw the growing movement of environmentalism and watched as the war on terror was declared. Poppunk Flourish and teen angst was in its prime. Now in the 2010’s we are experienceing a modern civil rights era with the LGBTQ+ comunity campaigning for their rights and the BLM movement in full swing. We have made greater strides toward equality but our work is not yet done. This year’s issue of The Knot is in dedication to Art and Literature giving everyone a platform to fight for what they feel is right. for giving us all an oprotunity to express ourselves, and for giving us all a chance to participate in the Human Experience
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Race Black, White, Hispanic, or Asian Disrespect always thrown at each other Hurtful worlds exchanged everyday Love is somewhere far in the back Race doesn’t matter one bit We all bleed red We are all the same.
- Nevilisha Francis 2
Wild Child The question is, what do you want to accomplish in your life? I’m not asking about where you want to go to college or about your career. I’m asking if you want to read as many books as you can in your life. Or do you want to see as many places as you can before you die. I want to know how many foods you want to try and if you ever worry about all of the movies you’ll never get the chance to see.
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And if you were to ask me where I see myself 10 years from now, my best response would be “not here.” Every day I realize more and more that I can’t picture myself staying in one place forever. I see myself here, and there, and over there. I see pieces of myself scattered everywhere. I crave to see, to feel, to meet, to get lost, and to become found. Over and over again. I want to see the moon from different countries, and when the sun rises I want to see what colors the sky turns in different states. I’m hungry for life. No actually, I’m starving. And I just want it to swallow me in my entirety. -Simone Hubert 4
Water
Unto the vast amounts of wonders scattered throughout our universe.
However there is one thing that sets it aside from all others-- not mater how mediocre it might appear to be.
Water; It has the cataclysmic yet beautiful ability to breathe life into
the world--yet take it, as well. It is this simple compound that leads to complex civilizations and dense forests. It is water that keeps birds airborne and our veins pumping.
When it comes down to it, religion or no, it is water that has gotten
us to where we stand now. Water is no benevolent substance, nevertheless. For when it does run out and our time does come to an anguished end, we shall return to the stars once more; scattering to ask to think about what we had wrought.
-Cleo Burch
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A Friend Is Like a Flower A flower is like a flower, A rose to be exact, Or maybe a brand new gate, That never comes un-hatched A friend is like an owl, Both beautiful and wise, Or perhaps a friend is like a ghost, Whose spirit never dies. A friend is like a heart that Goes strong until the end. Where would we be in this world, If we didn’t have a friend? -Jeff Klee
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I would like to share something with everyone, and no, it may not be considered a poem by many of you, but a great poet once told me, “don’t lose the meaning of your words for the sake of rhyme.” But what i came to share with you today is the meaning of life....it will at some point come to an end, that is the inevitable truth. The question I have is why are we afraid? Why do we fear death? Who decided that passing the torch was sad? I see death as an honorable mention. The closest representation of life that can be expressed through words would be that life is like a pencil, every day you write another page in order to fill a book, but here’s the edge, you’re not meant to fill the book, you only meant to add a chapter to a never ending novel, because your experiences will further the meaning of that book. That book is life, it is when that pencil we cherished runs out that our chapter must come to an end and we then pass the torch. This isn’t meant to rhyme, nor is it meant to derive any emotion, its only meaning is to make you think, because that is something that does not end, your thoughts will not come to pass, it will only one day end up within another’s written word as a quote, forever honoring your breath. So the meaning of death is to remembered as a legend that once walked the earth, but can no longer be seen, only touched by the words written in what was once paper...turned into concrete which paved the roads we walk today. So, write like a poet, talk like a poet, work like a poet, because no one writes as much as we do, no body expresses life like we do, and no one appreciates life like we do....so the key to success is not to live like you’ll die tomorrow, or to take every chance because you only live once, the true key to success is to live like a poet. Thank you. - Damon Pierce 7
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The Loot of Lutes I popped a string I think I may cry my instrument will no longer sing I have nothing Extras I can’t afford to buy I popped a string It will no longer ring No matter how hard i try my instrument will no longer sing Joy I cannot bring, To my music career I say goodbye I popped a string I’ve been invited to play at the royal fling The reason, I know not why my instrument will no longer sing I can’t play for the king He’ll make sure I die I popped a string My instrument will no longer sing -John Corredor 9
Melody A melody starts the day And rings throughout the hour Without a rule to obey An instrument can play A tune to soothe the sour A melody starts the day The high notes choose to stay Though a deep voice will empower Without a rule to obey Most flowers bloom in May When the rain begins to shower A melody starts the day Last spring’s musical display Cured the undesired glower Without a rule to obey There was a beautiful bouquet That sang for its young vower, “A melody starts the day Without a rule to obey.” - Nicolette Schneider 10
Luna’s Loneliness Sometimes when the moon is full, I gaze up at her with sad eyes. They’re sad because she must be so lonely. The only time she sees her love is at brief moments in the evening And early in the morning. It must be hard because I’m sure she longs for him. On the rare occasion that they cross paths during an eclipse, I smile because I can sense their loving embrace. It fades as soon as they part, I know they miss each other. I don’t think he cries, But I know she cries oceans. The tides always become slightly more violent And could sweep anything in their path away. The sun always burns a little bright, causing droughts And fires where there should be none. It’s out of sorrow, So I understand. But I was they had the chance to be together. Perhaps when their sorrow comes to a close, Ours will too.
-Cleo Burch 11
The sun is coming Rising up into the sky For the morning light -Jenna R.
A whole year later And it is still cold in here Turn up the heat please -Sasha Ortiz 12
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An Inspiration Photographers have always been of interest of mine. From Vivian Maier to Joel Meyerowitz. Something about how they can capture something that nobody else can see and they turn it into art. Street photographers in particular are known for going out into the world and looking at things that people wouldn’t usually pay much attention to and capturing it on there cameras. Not all of them have a very exciting story though. Vivian Maier for example was a nanny her whole life. She would take her pictures when she would take her children for walks around the bad parts of whatever town she was in. Bruce Gilden had a slightly more exciting life, going to a school of visual arts. He took close up photos of some interesting people including gang members, prostitutes, mobsters, and the homeless. The most interesting of all is Diane Arbus. Diane Arbus was born in New York on March 14, 1923 to a rich family. Growing up she went to a prep school and when she turned 18 she married her childhood lover Allen Arbus. They had two Doon that became a writer and Amy that became a photographer. Diane and Allen started a photography business together and photographed for huge magazines like Vogue, Seventeen, Glamour, and Harper’s Bazaar. After a few years of being called mediocre they both quit the business in 1956. Later in 1956 she went to the New School which is where she found her style which most people are familiar with today. At the New School she did photography for Esquire, Harper’s Bazaar, and The Sunday Times Magazine in 1959. That same year she separated with her husband, but they dint get divorced until 1969. She had done a lot in her life until 1971 where she was found dead in her home were she committed suicide. Most people know photographers for being expressive and having feelings in there work, that was what Diane Arbus did and I think that’s why so many people still like her today. She has been and always be an inspiration for everyone. -Breana Russell 15
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Art My interpretation Is just a representation Of my imagination I give it all my heart To create the art T h a t s e t s m e a pa r t Without hesitation This is my connection -Christian Gadea
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Writing feels like exposing yourself, lying bare, vulnerable, every thought out there for others to read, it feels raw, it feels real. Writing feels powerful, a few strokes of a keyboard transport you to a world of your own creation, you can shape it how you want, you’re a genie of your own making. You can make people laugh, you can make people cry, you can make them feel something. It feels like magic. It feels like your heart racing, it feels like ideas pouring, it feels like creating. By putting ink on paper, you can create characters, you can create conflict, you can mold stories that mold people. With a few simple words, you can change a person’s perspective. A lot of times that person is yourself. Writing feels like empathy, you can put yourself in other people’s shoes, you can walk a day in their life, you begin to understand where they come from and you realize there’s something pure in all of us that is too often tarnished by the world around. So, you pick up a pen and you write what’s pure, what’s tarnished and you try to figure out why. Writing feels like frustration, it feels like sleepless nights and chapters that’ll never end, it feels like sentences that just don’t feel right. Days stretch into weeks, weeks stretch into months, it feels endless, it feels forever. It feels daunting, it feels painful yet you just can’t stop. Writing isn’t something you want to do, it’s something you have to do. It feels as natural as breathing air or drinking water. So you let your mind wander and you write it all down. You write the pain, you write the heartbreak, you write the happiness and the love. After all, when you don’t write your stories, they escape and wither away, untold. -Hajra Azeme 18
If I Could If I could scream like the wind, And fly like the sky, I would do it all in one instant. I’d run like the fi re, I’d cry like the rain. All these feelings surround me, Trying to let them g o. Trying to free myself, And let them free. Let them fly, Let them scream, Let them run, Let them cry… -Florencia Gorosito
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Animal Lover She was tired of being a chameleon: Blending in with the crowd. Turning shades of dull greys, To become a night storm’s cloud. She decided to be a cow, Yet felt smaller than before. Only loved when killed and cooked, She couldn’t take it anymore. She was tired of being a dog: Complying to every command. Falling deeply in a ditch. Trained to always need a hand. She decided to be a bird, Yet felt caged up on a shelf. Now realizing what is best, She decided to be herself.
-Nicolette Schneider
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Rus s i an R oule t te T he c h amber is se t . T he se ats are plan te d S i x sit in the c i rc le , ten se . B e t s are made T ension is r is in g M e t al on fles h C lic k! S af e S i g hs ech oed through out t he ro om R ou nd after r oun d T he c h amber spin s . U nt il final ly A s ound: B AN G ! R e d paints the w alls an d floor s A n d f ive winne rs re main - A man d a F ow le r
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PENCIL The biggest weapon doesn’t make much of a noise no boom no immediate destruction. Speaks thoughts, but not verbally. Sitting down with this weapon and it’s paper counterpart, can evoke emotion, change, and revolution. Simple letters can change a whole perspective Contributes to growing education, and ideas. Never ending exploration and recording of new information Pencils are the biggest weapon - Jade Gilthner Write hard Die Free
Ink Black goop seeps out of me You found me on the floor Don’t be discouraged, i’m only A pen -John Corredor
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The Knot Innocence was my only thought A hate I failed to see Now watch as I untie the knot For seven years, we strongly fought My love you’d always be Innocence was my only thought Anger is what the Stamp Act brought The taxes made you flee Now watch as I untie the knot You kiss and tell of twisted plots This voice – a lock and key Innocence was my only thought The smuggling’s hard, so you’re distraught A black heart torn in three Now watch as I untie the knot I feel my efforts led to naught It seems that you agree Innocence was my only thought The proclamation’s rifle shot No reciprocity Now watch as I untie the knot You gave away the things you sought And one of them was me Innocence was my only thought Now watch as I untie the knot - Nicolette Schneider
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Burned The sage is lit And it burns through the night Just as the moon, the sun, the stars We make up the fire that burns the sage And like a star One day we’ll be put out‌ -Gabriela Ferreira 25
The Gypsy’s Eye He longs to know the future As he turns, with envy, green.
Hoping to find the gift
Of seeing the unseen.
A self created curse.
A sickness deep inside.
Nothing seems to matter Except the Gypsy’s eye.
She senses all the pain
As he drowns in all desire.
Watching his only flame
Become a raging fire.
Her heart now met with silver.
A body without breath.
Those eyes must be an omen,
For his future was death…
- Nicolette Schneider 26
The Tree When I was seven We moved; You were my only friend Climbing you was as close as I could get to heaven How far could I ascend When I was eight I’d stay out late
Tall high above
To climb your wooden arms I didn’t think I could be harmed
Roots below the ground
When I was nine
Everyone loves the leaves
I landed on my back
Evergreen
But I was fine Except for that small panic attack
When I was ten I still hadn’t broken a bone But I moved back home; I never saw you again. -John Corredor 27
-Christian Tyne
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I Fell in Love I fell in love with you At least I think I did I fell in love with the romantic dates we took. Walking on the beach, and going to the fair together I fell in love with the extravagant actions you did The bouquets of roses The love letters Those late night drives together I fell in love with you Your smile Your strong arms Your everything But no matter how hard I tried I couldn’t fall in love with you I fell in love with the fairytale romance One that doesn’t exist That's why I couldn’t stay with you I loved the concept more than I did you
-Amanda Fowler 30
Star Forger In a distant nebula, a different time, he can be seen, birthing starts from his own lifeforce and shining a ndw light onto dark worlds. A blue, clawed hand is raised, and two specs of light dance together in a romantic act of celebration. Then they are cast off; much to the Star Forger’s mercy, they side by side. “ Blaze on my children, for this i the last time you’ll see me until I return for your rebirth.” The Forger bellowed, already drifting away by the time the stars had the ability to protest. It almost seems cruel, how he creates these ethereal beings and leaves them to their own devices so quickly. They understand, however, that he is busy giving where there is none to give. Betelquese was perhaps the most hateful of his creations. He was one of the largest and even one of the loneliest of them. His hatred clouded his abilityto understand, creating a tumultuous ignorance that rattled his galaxy to the core. This is why most seem to think he called for the creator, demanding the Star Forger to atone for his negative feelings. “ I want him to feel as I have felt all this time, it isn’t fair!” Betekguese cried, hoping to hear the Creator’s favor.
ensued was heart throughout the entire universe. It held such agony that even Betelguese faltered in his intentions. The shackles that bound the Forger were smithed from the void itself. In the distance, the Star Forger could see his most cherished creations glare and he knew, it was his doing. The Forger could feel his power waning, even though he wasn’t done creating. He steeled himself and placed his claws together, between them formed a small bu intensly birght star. “ Listen closely, little one, you are my legacy. give these barren planets not light, but life so that I may be reborn again!” With those words, the Star Forger was reduced to star dust and scattered across all his creations. The Sun, the Star Forger’s lost son, wept for a father he never knew, but dearly missed. Right then, he vowed to fulfill the Star Forger’s legacy, as well as one of his own. Earth was the barren planet he chose, thus he shone his ever brightening light onto it.
In the years that followed, basic life formed. First in tiny cells, then in towering trees. Slowly, but surely, he cultured this world until it was able to care The Forger, who was light years away, felt for itself, successfully doing what he had been told. very uncomfortable. A tightness was expanding All he could do then, was pray fo rthe Forger’s safe around his wrists, dark circles forming around them, return. blocking out the Star Forgers own llight. The roar that -Cleo Burch 31
Home is when I’m right there with you I come alive here in the dark because nobody else can see me. But I will survive with you by my side. The only person who can reach me. You ask me where I want to go, I say it’s better to be home, because home is when I’m right there with you. I’ve seen the light deep in your eyes. I swear you’ve lived a thousand lives And I think that I’ve fallen for you, but you don’t think I speak the truth You ask me when I’ve gone insane I’ve always hated playing games, but meeting you was more than fate. You think of those who broke your heart I think of you as a work of art. Let me show you off. I come alive here in the dark, because you left a candle burning. And I will try to keep you alive because you’re the only person worth saving. You ask me where I want to go; I say it is better to be home. I think it’s better to be home. I fall asleep right next to you, Instead of one, now there are two. Because home is when I’m right there with you. - Adria Evangelista 32
Ryan's Tanka Guitar squeals frightened Drums pounded faster than light Bass startles the crowd Too much noises causesa a fright Singer trips and passes out
-Ryan Rey 33
Heart Breaking It’s so heart-breaking when you realize
Your daughter
You will always be the black sheep
It is about support
The one that has problems
I am worth way more than 5 dollars for Christmas
While everybody goes on with their lives You will sit in the past Reminiscing on What you could have Or should have done But how could I have known You did not care about me How did I really know you didn’t Want to be in my life I could not even begin to tell myself Somebody that has 4 children Does not want anything to do with Any of them It’s so sad You’d rather smoke ganja Than take care of your children My mom has everything handled But an extra hand Couldn’t hurt I will always be the one out of all my friends To not have a male to guide me To teach me That these boys don’t want me That you are going to get your heart broken To teach me the ways So I don’t get played Every time And being a father is not just about teaching
You cannot buy my love You cannot tell me my mother Is the reason you are not here You can’t tell me You don’t feel the need to wonder To wonder if you made a good child You sure did not raise me But while you were in my life You didn’t wonder if you made an impact on me And impact on my soul That’s right You don’t care You just care about yourself I get that from you And the whole I’m going to hurt you Before you hurt me Type of thing I do that Very well I carry you With me everywhere You are not my father You are a sperm donor So I will Not beg you for a relationship -Destini Ayus
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Smell of deadly air Brings asthma and heart disease We pollute and shrug‌ -Emilio Rivera
Skyscrapers are tall‌ In the night, they glow and shine Like stars in the sky -Florencia Gorosito 35
The Potter Life is inevitable, and being born is unavoidable. Forced into hardships that shape Us into who we are now. Like clay from a pottery wheel, She try not to make a mistake. But sometimes the potter wondered why She was creating in the first place. And one day she destroyed her work. Feelings are inevitable, And being hurt is unavoidable. The potter desperately tried To find a sense in belonging. The vase she had destroyed Had turned into a ghost that followed Through most of her lifetime, reminding her of what She failed to become: human. -Adria Evangelista 36
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My Brain All these thoughts in my brain Will cloud more and more They’re the cause of my pain I’ll evade to stay sane Or should I just roar All these thoughts in my brain Thinking has become the bane Of my long empty lore They’re the cause of my pain I’d think what I could gain If I succeed to ignore All these thoughts in my brain They’re silent in the rain As it chills down to my core They’re the cause of my pain My consciousness they have slain So they have forced me to adore All these thoughts in my brain They’re the cause of my pain -Gabriel Lindo 38
There are many things That I do not understand Especially sports -Fay Roman 39
Talents Everyone has their own talents Whether it be sports Playing on the court Or maybe they can sing Everyone has their own thing. And if you ask out about me Well you see.. Does playing video games count? -Chrstian Gadea
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When Your Partner Dies
Two years after you died, I blamed you for my unhappiness.
When your partner dies, You’re expected to grieve, Cry, let out all your heartache. When you died, I let out all My heartache into a wet pillow. When your partner dies, You’re expected to grieve And cry at their funeral. At your funeral I didn’t cry, For I wore my tear ducts Out an hour before entering. A year after your partner dies, You’re expected to be healing, Going out and blocking them out. I tried to block you out With self-destruction and Random encounters, but I could Hear you scolding me. 41
I blamed you for dying And leaving me alone in this world. Three years after you died I stopped being angry. I didn’t stop grieving, However. Four years after your partner dies, You’re expected to move on. I met someone great, but the thought Of someone new touching my skin terrifies me. Six years after you died, We got married. I was finally happy, I think. 10 years after your partner dies, You’re expected to have moved on. I love my new. I mean my new partner with all my heart.
But I’m not the same person I was When you were alive. I love my partner with all my heart, But you’re hidden in the back of my mind Along with all the other things. I never got to say, and will never say. - Adria Evangilista
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That question always rambles my mind Am I a nice caring guy who does all that good? No I’m that rascal that never does what he should
?
Even when I feel I did right I end in the wrong
I ask another question was I worth you or should I be gone? I look into the mirror and see no time
There is just a little boy who is just so so blind I told you I wouldn’t make you hurt again But come back around and repeat the same old steps There is no doubt in my mind that I’m not that guy When everytime I do something you despise my sight As I stand in the mirror there is that thought in the mind Who am I?
The guy you really love Or just some other guy I stand alone
Only thinking about u
But the only thing I know
Is that I am not worth your time I am just some random guy Who is just making u cry Who am I
- David James
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?
Who am I?
Sanity
The anger in his eyes Didn’t scare me Didn’t make me flinch Or want to hide They made me want to know What caused The venom In his words The power In his fist The hunger The inflicted pain That was buried in his heart The blood on his knuckles Didn’t sicken me Didn’t make me wonder How twisted He must be It made me question His threats His violence His sanity My sanity Our sanity The bruises on his face Didn’t make me back away Didn’t make me look at him In shame They made me Short of breath Scared of what would come
Casandra Burton-
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Fantasy So often you say you love me, Yet you seemingly don’t know I cannot live in fantasy fog Always in the blurred drug of dreams I need the clear, crisp light Found in reality’s realm of day Not the darkness of meere existence -Delange Calixte
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It’s the subtle signs that tell all. The wistful stares outside. Those faded marks all over You may not know what your saying. But I do. Even when you stare at the small bottle in hand And shamefully put it back. It’s hard to miss But deny it all you want You’re not ready to die yet. - Amanda Fowler
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Friends Friends is an American television series that began in the year 1994 of September and sad-
instantly being nominated for 62 Primetime Emmy
ly ended early May 2004 that went on for ten sea-
Awards, winning the Outstanding Comedy Series
sons. The creators David Crane and Marta Kauff-
award. Friends ranked number 21 on TV Guide’s
man became well known by this show because of
50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time and number 7
the popularity it gained from many people, around
on Empire magazine’s The 50 Greatest TV Shows
the nation and around the world as well. The cast
of All Time. In 2013, Friends ranked number 24
of the show however became well known for the
on the Writers Guild of America’s 101 Best Writ-
characters they played by getting into the show.
ten TV Series of All Time and number 28 on TV
Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Matthew
Guide’s 60 Best TV Series of All Time.
Perry, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, and Lisa Kudrow started to gain lots of fame due to their characters; Rachel Green, Ross Geller, Chandler Bing, Monica Geller-Bing, Joey Tribbiani, and Phoebe Buffay.
Since then, the show been put onto Netflix and played on many channels such as MTV, TBS, and Nick @ Nite. Many people re enjoyed the memories and also the younger generation is beginning to enjoy it and even compare their life to
The filming was in the setting of New York
the episodes. It became more popular and gained
City, but actually was filmed in California, Warner
more fame even in 2015 the show was nominated
Brothers Studios, which is still there today to visit
for most binged watched show. The actors and
during the Warner Brothers Studio Tour. The show
actresses still gain fame and get asked questions
involves the 6 characters which are in range of 21-
about the show and behind the scenes moments in
32 year olds living in Manhattan, New York find-
the year today having it end 13 years ago.
ing their way around love, working, and their life 47
trying to survive. Friends became very popular
- Amanda Alonso
48
49
A Life of the Homeless Man Every day and every morning, An old homeless man would get up And sit on the street curve to get money. Some ignored it and some thought it was annoying But he didn’t care not one bit. As long as he got something from it.
Every day he would see this happy, skippy, and Cheerful little girl past by, and she Would always give him whatever she could. Her mother disliked the old man, but to her daughter, He was her only friend.
After school she would bring food and games, Just so she can see the old man smile again. When the mother found out what she was doing, She forbidded her daughter from seeing him again.
Years and years flew by, and the Old man wondered if she had Forgotten him because he certainly had not forgotten her. One early morning, as he sat at that curve, a Tall beautiful woman with food in one hand, a board game In the other sat next to him and said with a smile, “No, i did not forget.” -Jolina Montalvo
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Stranger on the Street A stranger on the street Wanted to make his own religion. Though with passion he explained it, He was greeted with derision. Each day he simply stood Waiting for a cryptic sign. But the people just ignored, asking, “Are you sure you’re fine?” Life taken by the sun, He looks distressed and worn. No longer wanting to be fed A soup of petals and of thorns. This stranger on the street Soon began to yell, “Why believe in heaven If you’re greatest fear is hell?” - Nicolette Schneider 51
Granted Don’t take words for granted, The ones who say them might not always be here. Feelings fade, smiles fall, and people drift. Cherish them while they last, Tell them you appreciate them, Let them know you care. When all is still at night, And you still wish they were there, Regret not telling them thank you or that they were enough. Ask yourself Why? Why did you do that? Why didn’t I do that? It all becomes a blur of “Why?” The blurs turn into the faces of loved ones, Only to blur again. They’re all the same. They cause the same hurt, Sorry means nothing. Do away with the apologies, Tell me you love me. 52
Th W ere o ‘T ho w nce i W l alo as k was An ho s ng c now a h o a n a d t r m se n e to o alo w n r id hol nam g s l h e e sid er r a ed i s r e he n d Fel e r b a e low ll l y l o q w u ite -G me a br llow i e l L i nd o
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great e r a u ik a H Some ke sense a m ’t n o d y es the But sometim on Refrigerator -Randy Wils
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Co r re
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Fear I am something you can’t see but you can definitely feel my presence. I come in an instant, and leave after death I can fill even the strongest men’s with shock. I bring screams, I bring tears to your eyes, but tell me this, what am I? I’m something your friends dare you to face, but when you approach me, I’ll leave your face with a devastating expression. I want to drive you insane until we finish this silly game. I’ll wait for you to answer my question “what am I?” I am something only some can conquer, but only very few want to. I enjoy boxing you in and watching you turn away everyone you love because you can’t trust them. But, what am I? They say that you can conquer me, they say you can get rid of me, but are you really ready to go against me? Maybe you can, but everyone is different. - Jolina Mantalvo 55
Oblivion To fear oblivion is like fearing to grow Up or to eat; it’s inevitable. One day We won’t be here, and that is okay. We Have all created wonderful memories, We’ve experienced emotions, and saw Nature at its finest and worst. We all Will be gone, but for what it’s worth, We lived a hell of a life. - Gabriela Ferreira
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Alarm rings, reads ‘6’. Is it worth itAto get up? Just five more minutes... -Sophia Lanzana
Cursive Teachers said you will need it Parents say it’s useful I learn how to write in it And then learn to STOP -Amanda Alonso School is very fun I wake up every morning To learn and succeed -Shoval Pinhas 57
School Stress
My tired eyes and insides weep From all I’ve cried and my loss of sleep The crowded hallways say it allWe’re pushing through just to not fall My teachers see the zombie states From those that wish to graduate A forceful drive to stay awake With dreams filled of the next school break An ocean fish trapped in a tank Still knowing there’s someone to thank For the burden carried on our backs And increased risks of heart attacks Oh I love to learn and go to school But this car is done and out of fuel So I will fill it up again With promised nights well after ten My crowded mind space says it allI’m pushing through just to not fall
- Nicolette Schneider 58
I Am From My Mother’s Warm Brown Eyes I am from my mother’s warm brown eyes. From her petite nose and dark locks. I am from her radiant smile and joyous laugh. 59
I am from my father’s incredibly defined jaw. From hearing “ wow you can cut diamonds with that.” I am from his love for music and art and science. I am from flowery meadows buzzing with honey bees, And snowy mountains in Argentina. I am from the strings on my father’s Carlo Robelli guitar, And the black and white keys on my spinet piano. I am from staying up all night doing homework Because these days we are taught that failure is unacceptable And will get you nowhere. I am from dark circles under my eyes. From not being able to focus in class. From not even wanting to get up in the mornings anymore. From stressing so much that my hairs turn gray. I am from a tired mind, Tired eyes, and a tired heart.
-Aixa Leguiza
60
Last Nothing Flutters in the breeze Whispers in the wind, Can you still feel me? Caretaking warmth, Guiding you through the night with promises of sweet nothings. You don’t see me, no. But I know that when my phantasmal hand clasps yours, You feel as if a star is being reborn somewhere. Save your tears, For I am not truly gone, my darling. My true death will come the last time my name enters your mind. -Cleo Burch 61
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“The Road Not Taken”
The road not taken Two roads split into the food court, Convenient you can’t travel both And be one eater long, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in different foods; Then took the other, as just as fair, And they had perhaps the best burgers. Because it was fresh, the better buns; Though as for the fries sat there
stomach Equally appetizing Oh, I bought the food again that day! Yet doubting how the nuggets tasted, I doubted if I should ever come back. Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged into the food court, And I took both, And that made no difference.
Had smelled about the same And both that day equally sat in a 63
-Alexandra Marquez
64
s ’ 0
1 65
Game of Thrones When winter comes, you’ll hear no lions roar The Song of Stark shall fade just like the spring Ned’s head was placed on a sharp pike of ore Thus, leaving home not with a rightful king All kings fall dead and let the Queen take hold But she is evil and lacks a fair soul Thus, now the throne is bound in crimson gold To watch kind folk in pain is her life goal But from the narrow sea comes the true born She comes with a whole fleet to wage a war The battle left both sides in state of worn We saw the bodies tumble to the floor The Throne of Iron they seek awaits try The Game of Thrones you either win or die -Amira Al-Madi 66
Importance of Vaccinations
The necessity of mandatory vaccinations for children is of crucial importance. Considering all the deadly diseases vaccines have prevented, it comes to quite a shock parentss would want to withhold this from their children. Vaccines have managed to not only drastically decrease the amount of children getting the disease, but wipe out various diseases in all. Due to all the good that has come from vaccines, they should be mandatory everywhere. All children should be vaccinated to prevent these dangerous diseases from spreading amongst more children. Parents who choose not to have their children vaccinated are not only harming their children, but putting other children in danger as well. In an article, “Should vaccines be required for Children?” the author states, “ Some legal experts believe that parents who do not vaccinate the children should be subject to criminal prosecution if their unvaccinated children infect and harm other children who are too young to get vaccines, exposing the to the many illnesses; older unvaccinated children are harming those kids. Parents should not 67
have the option to harm other children, this should not be a decision. Unvaccinated children can catch many illnesses, though it doesn’t stop there, it will continue to spread on to other children. Diseases will continue to spread if these parents choose to be careless. In the article, “ Immunizations: A Parent’s Choice”, Chris Klicka says, “ It is long recognized as a general principle that parents act in the best interest of their children, and as a result make the best decision for their children.” Though parents who choose not to vaccinate their children are not making the best for their children, exposing them to fatal diseases. Many parents are uneducated on how vaccines actually have helped the community. Alhough there are beliefs of
vaccines being harmful to children, this has been proven to be false. In 1998, Andrew Wakefield attempted to prove that vaccinations were linked to causing autism and other illnesses. Though it was later discovered Wakefield’s reports were falsified for income. The article, “ Should Vaccines be Required for Children?” states, “Wakefield received over $674,000 from lawyers and that, of twelve children examined, five had development problems before being vaccinated and three never had autism.” There has never been any factual based evidence that vaccines cause autism nor learning disabilities. On August of 2010, the courts ruled there had been no link between vaccinations and autism. Vaccines have have reached many experts attention,
some professional choose not to see unvaccinated children. Due to the little know knowledge parents have on this matter, the decision should not be left in their hands. Aside from protecting children from deadly diseases spreading, they help rid diseases completely. According to the article, “Vaccinations for Children, Why and When”, “Until the middle of the 20th century, smallpox was one of the most devastating diseases the world has ever known....Twelve years later, small pox was wiped out.” A harmful disease that millions died from, no longer exists. Vaccines have also massively decreased the amount of children with diphtheria, measles and polio paralysis. Vaccines should not be up to anyone but professionals. Parents with little education on the matter should not be able to put the lives of other children in their hands. Vaccines should be mandatory throughout all states. The risk of not vaccinating children are far more important than parents feeling the need to have to say. -Alexandra Marquez 68
My Home It has been many years since i have been home Watching people walk through your home Day after day Listening to the little ones running And crying While holding to the skirts of their mama They look at me, they take pictures They marvel at my beauty But they do not even see me They forget who I am Just wait and see They will soon see Who i am And remember my name -Jalene Altrech
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Time Waits For No One Don’t let the past Hold you back Because time goes too fast For you to keep track Don’t let the future Make you wonder Because time isn’t forever For you to ponder But let the present Have your attention Because time should be spent Without apprehension - Christian Gadea
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The King commanded
a gift given can be idolized
Look At me son
The very things I aspire to write should be always applied to my life
Look Father I just wrote you another one Look at me son I’m almost done, I’m almost done *grasp*Look at me my son Father I am sorry... I’m stunned Look what poetry has done Lord God I been writing a ton For You and Your kingdom I still pray that it comes But there has to be a balance in teaching and reading Sometimes I know my time ain’t adding up what can I do but subtract me and multiply You I got the drive but the Spirit need fuel too I know exactly what I need to do this poetry has hindered me so I need more of You Wait I said this poetry has hindered me so I need a moral view Me as a believer, I need to stop neglecting the gift that I have and start looking back up to see the truth
And every step I take should be closely examined to see if it’s aligned with God and His Word So as of right now I’m in a process of rebuilding the very foundation I set to write A foundation like never before, The scriptures are going to be the floor boards, the pillars are going to be the time use studying, but this couldn’t stay afloat without Christ being the Cornerstone I pray that Christ is the center every line Passion, sweat, and tears I’ve cried To set an example, even to those who don’t run with the same stride And I know maybe this isn’t important to others But it sure is well a true confession to God, you all, and my brothers and sisters This shows haven’t been focused I pray that God continues His work in my life My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe So I write and I write
I need to literally start looking back up to see the truth
The Blood of Jesus is my ink
Father I’m supposed to immerse myself in these things so all may see my progress
So God bless the page I put this pen across
Your Word doesn’t say all may see the performance, all may see punchlines, or all may self glorification God what have I been doing this whole time Zoe I guess my experience gives a new meaning to how poetry changes lives Poetry used to be a way I used to spread the truth of the gospel And vent to y’all the biblical views of life I never thought poetry would find a way to intrude in my mind While my thoughts were supposed to be fixed on the beauty of Christ What I learned from My brother Tesey is that such
So it can cleanse my sinful nature And what I think nobody else could pay the price that this Pentecost Christ put in work And poetically you can say I’m cheating I was gifted this by the Holy Spirit So I give God the credit for it So forevermore I thank God for these synonyms and metaphors And God send em here That’s what he meant it for I know most poets can’t relate but these lines were constructed from the Holy bread that I ate -Manna 72
Natural Fish
Paying me no mind,
There’s something about
I am a scuba diver,
This talking fish That seems so ethereal And so unnatural, Yet I can’t quite put my finger On what it is
Observing the fish -Isabella Santiago
Maybe it’s the way Its shiny, slimy scales shimmer, Or the way its fishy fins flutter, Or maybe it’s the fact that this fish Speaks The English language with so much ease… No, That couldn’t possibly be The reason for my fascination I may never know What I thought was so Extraordinary About this perfectly normal fish, But I do know That it’ll make an excellent dinner - Fay Roman
Endless
The ocean kisses the shore And whispers to the shells To open up the door And undo the deep sea’s spell A cryptic land below A darkness that enraptures The beauty just may grow With every eye it captures -Nicolette Schneider
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Blue Tang The blue tang fish we all have grown to love Returns along with her new family Who will not change them even for a dove She never stopped till she lived happily She dreamed and dreamed of the great deep blue sea Which lead her right to sweet destiny Her journeys goal is to set her parents free She searched and searched and turned out restlessly With help from her friends Nemo and Marlin They both came forth and helped their friendly fish As if they were looking for Sir. Norlin Dory finally got her greatest wish To be reunited with her parents Along with a house full of present’s. - Cynthia Alvarez
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The Cold
Snow
Shivering, goosebumps, lips tinted blue. It’s the cold whispering, “I’ve got you.” A never ending chill flows through my body, Begging for warmth. Fingertips cold to the touch, Teeth chattering constantly, Getting harder to breathe, The cold invades my lungs.
Sleep threw the dark snowy night
cold and shivering.
nice breeze ready to sit and
read, breath, and live.
Once a year winter comes around and
The cold, a constant feeling Refusing to go away. The chill of air blowing through my hair. The cold stinging my eyes.
hot chocolate is passed out.
Winter my favorite time of
I look into the sky And see a ray of sunshine. A smile hit my face As the warmth took over.
year, but not long lasting. - Nevilisha Francis
The sun is out. No more cool-breeze. The cold is gone, I am now pleased. -anonymous
Holiday
Horrible days that people us as an excuse to exchange gifts Originally used to celebrate events in history Longest days of the year, that you have to pretend to like. Ignoring the fact that you are just using synonyms for “Happy” Dressing up because your mom wants to pretend you never argue Aunts and uncles that never talk to you the rest of the year tell you how big you’ve gotten You become happy even though you’re actually dyeing inside because your shoes hurt your feet -Breana Russel 75
Freshly fallen snow
Santa is coming
The trees have become barren
That chubby, jolly old man-
Winter has begun -Amanda Fowler
Better bring me gifts -Fay Roman
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On the Way Have you heard that peace is coming? ing the last Nelson Mandela Peace is on the way? The last sly warden whistle, racist judge smirking, Jim Crow Proceeding after one feather falling last shriek Peace is on the way. One last scream, one last shout The final breath of capitalism pushing the last city One last clashing of into poverty swords The last murder mechaThe noise of that final nism manufactured boot trekking The last bullet only Heartbeat thumping, molded to take the lost searching through the soul demolished buildings The last poet never listened That once housed a thousand to and painter misunderdreams stood Peace is on the way. The last voice for justice One last soldier pillaging, The last cop trigger raping happy at racially proOne last child stripped filed suspects from innocence The news broadOne last person enslaved due cast echoing to United Nations relief efforts over the last radio station One last child first to stitch Nike’s and Polo’s The last day we state that Peace is on the way. money will grow The last plane flying in the on trees last sky But the last tree still The last flame burning in the breeds food diseased last protest and strike The last day that we The last fist thrown, gun slung will grow violence CIA agent committing worldbecause we wide 9/11’s to install puppet can’t grow flowers dictators The last jail cell slamming incarcerat- The last person to scream that “peace 77
is for cowards!” “Survival of the fittest!” But I say you will only survive if you’re willing to commit killings The last day I can see you, but not myself Because a broken mirror helps hide the pain of us wanting be like someone else The last day of our hearts and blood being the same yet complexion makes us different The last day we will see that there are no other races except the human race The last day will we realize that the sun and moon were all of ours The last day we will ponder, what defines rich or poor? Less or more? Who sleeps more somberly? The more we believe we are greater or lesser than any prince or pauper The more we realize how similar that we are Images are only imaginations we hide in
The words describing the image is what makes it reliant So have you heard? That peace is on the way? The last charity around the world; two hands One for the giving which is going directly to the bankers Who’re dropping the last bomb and conducting the final invasion Concluding in the final breath of humanity If only I could dream a little longer, then I could find the cure Except I woke up, living in the middle of it all. Peace is coming, peace is on the way. -Nichoals Jentzsch
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Always Rushing, Running never thinking Only acting Going, never stopping Always losing Never winning Celebrating false victories Elating over unreal success
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