creative writing class poetry book spring 2015
The Beauty
Of Baseball by Alex Aller
As the first pitch is thrown, the Batter awaits ready to Crush the ball Down in the count, 0-2 Everyone in the stands waits, then the Fastball comes, “Foul Ball!” Growls the ump. “Hey, I want you to bunt here, I know it’s a weird situation, but I believe in you, Just get it down.” Knuckleball: a pitch thrown using your knuckles, the Lack of control is why it’s as good as it is. Michael stood in the box, his legs were shaking Nervously. What kind of coach gives a bunt sign On an 0-2 count to a Pinch hitter. Most people think this would be a Questionable call. But, Michael, a typical Right-handed pinch hitter that usually Swings freely when called upon. Not This time. He Used his piece of aluminum to Violently hit a pitch over the fence for a game Winning home run. Coach Xavier couldn’t believe it. He blew him off and then went Yard! He Zoomed around the bases for the walk-off win!
Battle Ride by Carter Parker
Alright Men, Lets do this Blood may be spilled Defeat, for the opposition Eternal victory for our side Fight for your life Glory after the dust settles Honor on our side Infiltrate their walls Javelins will fly Kill or be killed Live to fight anorther day Many lives will be lost No opposition will go free One by one People will remember our names Quick and powerful Run away and you will die Stab to kill There will be glory Unitl the flag is flown Victory! We will scream With honor! Xystons will fly You will embrace glory Zain horses ride!
Take a Look By Courtney Hurt
Are you and Mom going up to visit Grandma’s? I Bet she would adore your Company. Did I tell you she got a new Dog? She named him Elvis. Do you remember Mom and I talking about the musician? He was her Favorite singer. We would go on walks and your Grandma would tell me all about him and I’d Help her do chores. I would help Grandpa with the cattle Just like you will someday. I Know you’ll be a hard worker, just Like you’ve always been. Maybe someday you’ll have your own farm, you Never know. Or maybe you’ll be a rich doctor, one of the most Poised in the country. A Queen maybe? You could be Recognized as a national icon. You can be whatever you want Sweetheart. Take your time. Don’t rush but Understand the Very life that’s going on around you. Why do you need a hula-hoop? I don’t want you to need an X-ray tonight if You end up falling on your face and break something. A Zebra honey, that’ s a Zebra.
creative writing class poetry book spring 2015
The Beauty
Of Baseball by Alex Aller
As the first pitch is thrown, the Batter awaits ready to Crush the ball Down in the count, 0-2 Everyone in the stands waits, then the Fastball comes, “Foul Ball!” Growls the ump. “Hey, I want you to bunt here, I know it’s a weird situation, but I believe in you, Just get it down.” Knuckleball: a pitch thrown using your knuckles, the Lack of control is why it’s as good as it is. Michael stood in the box, his legs were shaking Nervously. What kind of coach gives a bunt sign On an 0-2 count to a Pinch hitter. Most people think this would be a Questionable call. But, Michael, a typical Right-handed pinch hitter that usually Swings freely when called upon. Not This time. He Used his piece of aluminum to Violently hit a pitch over the fence for a game Winning home run. Coach Xavier couldn’t believe it. He blew him off and then went Yard! He Zoomed around the bases for the walk-off win!
Battle Ride by Carter Parker
Alright Men, Lets do this Blood may be spilled Defeat, for the opposition Eternal victory for our side Fight for your life Glory after the dust settles Honor on our side Infiltrate their walls Javelins will fly Kill or be killed Live to fight anorther day Many lives will be lost No opposition will go free One by one People will remember our names Quick and powerful Run away and you will die Stab to kill There will be glory Unitl the flag is flown Victory! We will scream With honor! Xystons will fly You will embrace glory Zain horses ride!
Take a Look By Courtney Hurt
Are you and Mom going up to visit Grandma’s? I Bet she would adore your Company. Did I tell you she got a new Dog? She named him Elvis. Do you remember Mom and I talking about the musician? He was her Favorite singer. We would go on walks and your Grandma would tell me all about him and I’d Help her do chores. I would help Grandpa with the cattle Just like you will someday. I Know you’ll be a hard worker, just Like you’ve always been. Maybe someday you’ll have your own farm, you Never know. Or maybe you’ll be a rich doctor, one of the most Poised in the country. A Queen maybe? You could be Recognized as a national icon. You can be whatever you want Sweetheart. Take your time. Don’t rush but Understand the Very life that’s going on around you. Why do you need a hula-hoop? I don’t want you to need an X-ray tonight if You end up falling on your face and break something. A Zebra honey, that’ s a Zebra.
The Situation By: Danielle Craig
The Camden Yards Monday night, We were as comfortable as we could be in the situation. We were just trying to protect Duquette, like a mother protects her young. And now, We’re taking percautions behind closed doors. Hidden from society. We decide, that it’s best to flee to Florida so that the situation is postponed.
Splinters Emily Martin
The gravel crunches beneath our loafers Coffee starts to sink into the cracks of our paper cups You complain of your sore feet, but the rusted ‘welcome’ gate interrupts you Our favorite bench tilts on the uneven earth causing slivers of wood to creep into our skin The bench vibrates from our speakers, humming a mix CD filled with our favorite songs You stare at me, looking at everyone of my features on my face Outlines of my traits scatter on the coffee stained napkin Black ink bleeds through, staining your white pants
All About Eric By: Eric Millers
Eric Millers. Son of Randall. A student of West High School. Courageous, driven, arrogant. Who loves social events, apple pie, and online battleship. Who needs clothes, money, and women. Who gives honest answers, constructive criticism, and love. Who fears snakes, catastrophe, and clowns. Who’d like to see the Statue of Liberty. Who dreams of making millions, but feels anxious about the future. Milla Killa.
Yearly
Update Required
by Eric Nash
ALERT you must update your computer Before the update can be downloaded Close all your opened applications Download will begin shortly Estimated time left 5 minutes Final download begining stand by General loading time under 4 minutes Have a valid email ready for activation Initial download begins in 9 seconds Just verifying e-mail address... Keep this window open at all times Limited connection retrying download Make sure all documents are saved Next install in approximately 7 seconds Only 3 Minutes left Please do not close screen or Quit and any recent pop ups Restart computer if computer does not System reboot in 1 minute Turn your computer off Utilities check reboot in progress Verifying administrator access Windows authentication in 10 seconds Xerox copy system shut down Yearly update complete in 5 seconds Zero seconds, download failed, please close and retry
Win by Grace Tafolla
People want to live every day But not everybody can Can we live forever? One may ask Can we choose our own plan? Don’t we all, but sometimes we need to listen Every day is a new beginning, we can create our own mission Flash created his own, to Win The Day Flash did this, every single day God called him home, to his kingdom where he crossed home plate He has a plan, as hard as it may be right now I have to believe in it, we all do Just remember the impact he has on us too Kicking cancer’s butt each day, focusing on now, not the future or the past Live your life like each day could be your last Never be mean, be nice in your own way Obviously be accepting because you never know what somebody is going through that day People come and go, that’s how it is, but be the one that stays Question your purpose in life and if you’ve made the world a better place Rule each day and make it your own See the positives in everything once you reach home Tell your love dones how much they mean to you Unveil your true self, set yourself free Visit the sick and visit the healthy What matters in life is love, happiness, and never giving up X marks the spot, our final destination, wherever is may be You never know what may happen in life, so enjoy each day and night Zephyr winds pass by like each day does, but no matter what comes our way, we will continue to Win The Day
American Sniper
Jacintha Thomas
The sun is bakes down on me as I crouch further into position. My muscles are aching, my brow furrowed in concentration. I taste the sweat as it drips down my face. I never expected to end up here. I never pictured spending every waking moment exhausted and alone and constantly seeking out my next victim. I let my gun fall into position once my target is within range. My finger moves to the trigger, My heart pounds in my chest. They call me an “American Hero,” so why, in this moment, don’t I feel like one? In this moment, I’m just as bad as they are. In this moment, we are the same, because in this moment, I’m a murderer; I’m the one taking a life. As my breathing slows I do everything in my power to prepare myself. I’ve been at this so long that it’s as easy as flipping a switch, and as soon as the command comes through, my humanity, my morals, my emotions, are all turned off. Everything, gone. With one last inhale, I slowly pull back on the trigger. I let myself count back from three, praying that I won’t be seen. Three… Two… BANG!
Finding Bigfoot by Joe Scott
A long day ahead for Greg he Better bring his Compass so he doesn’t got lost. Downlee Park Enjoying life in his tent Far from his home that he can’t get help right away Gone for a whole day to find it He brought his equipment to find BigFoot I’ll find him trust me Join if you want but he wants to be on his own Knock on the trees Lingering smell around the Park Mountains all around Greg No one can be seen in sight Only him and BigFoot he thinks Pulling all his equipment along the walk Quality equipment needed to find it. Running through the woods Seeing a furry bear up ahead Trees covering view to see him Used his equipment to see closer Violently running away Walking slowly closer and closer X-rays through the trees to see him Yelling through the woods Zoning at him as BigFoot runs away
, t r i , D eat w S th l i F
by Luke Barta
Dirt, Sweat, Filth Back breaking work Wanting to go home To see my family, Spend time with my children. Not have to bust my hump everyday Just to survive another week. Slowly getting promoted Slowly climbing up the ladder, Ive had it, im done! Putting in my two weeks when he told me, I’m retiring and I want to pass it on to you‌ My best worker. Life was good, I worked hard. Dirt, Sweat, Filth
Spoiled Milk by Maggie Smith
At first, It’s regret But then, It’s betrayal The pure unprecedented disgust A brink of despair Like a ghostly fiend Grasping the throat of its next victim It waits, Past due Expired Never again will I venture
An Untold War
By McKenzie Mellecker
The clock starts Counting the minutes to death In this untold war. The knight moves his way forward Countering the enemies each step And with their last words they perish. Riding his gallant steed The knight raises his sword For he has reached the end.
Checkmate.
Catching Feelings
When I was born in Germany I was 1% German, When I moved to America I felt like I was 1% American. When I eat a cheeseburger and fries i feel 10% more of an American. When I drive my mom’s Buick I feel even more American. But lately i stopped being American, Im driving an Hyundai, and I love it.
Waking UP Molly Breitbach
Waking up is the worst part of my day. The moment my eyes open I instantly dread what is to come. I slowly lift my legs out of bed. They feel as if they have two grown elephants sitting on them. “Just breathe. You’ll get through it”, I tell myself. Putting one foot in front of the other I tiredly trudge to the bathroom. After brushing my teeth I stare at myself in the mirror. Today is going to be a long day.
A City on Edge by Naomi Shilyansky
as evening fell, police lined up shoulder-to-shoulder, and kept close watch on 1,000 people. some of the worst violence was about to take place.
worst violence in the U.S., a tragedy for a city. damage done to neighborhoods, the community they are destroying, the destruction didn’t make sense.
looting, arson, and bottle throwing, rioters broke out. a 25 year old man suffered a fatal spinal cord injury while in police custody, and an unarmed 18-year old was shot by a police officer. they were just two of the many victims of the riot.
the city was under an emergency curfew, night and day. scattered arrests after dark.
a city on edge, 1968. another outbreak of rioting troops, law officers, and racially charged violence, stealthily creeping up in some of the city’s poorest neighborhoods.
Cousins Who Make Bad Choices by Natalie Childs
Don’t start. Leave me alone! Why? I don’t know, maybe because I told you? No! Geez, Em, seriously? Quit. That’s dumb and you know it. Right, because you would know? Just stop. I don’t care Make better choices. Forget it...
West High Runners Overheard Before a Track Workout
By Noah Brase
Are we going to have a workout today? Becareful what you say or Coach might over hear you. Don’t stop running before the finish line. Eating those Crackers isn’t a good idea Jeff. Finish strong or He’ll Get on your case. Hold on a second I thought we had a workout yesterday. Just stop thinking about it. Kill me now. Let’s start warming up Maybe we’ll just have another easy run. No way, now start stretching. Okay. Pick up your feat on those strides. Quit goofing off guys. Run faster! Sleep sounds so good right now. This is gonna suck. use your arms. visualize success What was the answer to number 3 in chem? Xenon... I think. Yeah that was it. Zip on over to the starting line and let’s get going.
The Life of Eric by Omar Gonzalez
People describe me as a cool kid I collect stamps when im not tearing up the track I have changed since freshman year My happiest moment was being born The most important person in my life is Erin Kurt Getting home is the best part of my day, especially when I get to see Erin I can almost say the ABC’s backwards
AlexAller by Parker Wetherell
My name is Alex I go by Big Al I want to be a world renowned business man Striving to be the best I can be In the end I want to island hop Or maybe be a cop I really like the Colts So my favorite color is blue If you are a criminal Im coming for you
MEMO by Sam Tinkey
My name is Mehmedalija But I go by memo I dont like to do much But to be a gym rat. People describe me as two different ways tall rude and obnoxious or tall and nice. The worst experince I have had is gettting surgery on my teeth. What makes me the happiest is my home land of BOSNIA!
A Girl by Zainab Makky
Emily I live in Iowa Traveling, music, photography I live for the arts “Everything happens for a reason” I live for the future Yet, I yearn for the Californian 90’s I live for others My father’s death, my mother’s strength I live for equality Open minds, open eyes, open hearts I live for individuality The flexibility of my body, the elastic tongue I live for myself Sarcastic, trustworthy… Emily
Albarra
Sadigahmed
Basking in the sun Assured that this will keep SAD at bay I need this to feel alive, the thrill, like hitting a homerun Love the feeling but I hate the burn of the UV ray on my bare skin Estranged from me by the winter Mr. Sun Your warm stare has been missed, now that it’s back, yay In your company children play with water guns Life was so gray before Oh how I miss you when you are gone sun Verily we are the best of friends, judging by the way you stare at me Easy for you to leave, have fun with your other friends on the southern hemisphere
You good for nothing backstabbing star, no need for you to stay Oh no sun what have I done Unwavering is our relationship, we will always find a way
The Situation By: Danielle Craig
The Camden Yards Monday night, We were as comfortable as we could be in the situation. We were just trying to protect Duquette, like a mother protects her young. And now, We’re taking percautions behind closed doors. Hidden from society. We decide, that it’s best to flee to Florida so that the situation is postponed.
Splinters Emily Martin
The gravel crunches beneath our loafers Coffee starts to sink into the cracks of our paper cups You complain of your sore feet, but the rusted ‘welcome’ gate interrupts you Our favorite bench tilts on the uneven earth causing slivers of wood to creep into our skin The bench vibrates from our speakers, humming a mix CD filled with our favorite songs You stare at me, looking at everyone of my features on my face Outlines of my traits scatter on the coffee stained napkin Black ink bleeds through, staining your white pants
All About Eric By: Eric Millers
Eric Millers. Son of Randall. A student of West High School. Courageous, driven, arrogant. Who loves social events, apple pie, and online battleship. Who needs clothes, money, and women. Who gives honest answers, constructive criticism, and love. Who fears snakes, catastrophe, and clowns. Who’d like to see the Statue of Liberty. Who dreams of making millions, but feels anxious about the future. Milla Killa.
Yearly
Update Required
by Eric Nash
ALERT you must update your computer Before the update can be downloaded Close all your opened applications Download will begin shortly Estimated time left 5 minutes Final download begining stand by General loading time under 4 minutes Have a valid email ready for activation Initial download begins in 9 seconds Just verifying e-mail address... Keep this window open at all times Limited connection retrying download Make sure all documents are saved Next install in approximately 7 seconds Only 3 Minutes left Please do not close screen or Quit and any recent pop ups Restart computer if computer does not System reboot in 1 minute Turn your computer off Utilities check reboot in progress Verifying administrator access Windows authentication in 10 seconds Xerox copy system shut down Yearly update complete in 5 seconds Zero seconds, download failed, please close and retry
Win by Grace Tafolla
People want to live every day But not everybody can Can we live forever? One may ask Can we choose our own plan? Don’t we all, but sometimes we need to listen Every day is a new beginning, we can create our own mission Flash created his own, to Win The Day Flash did this, every single day God called him home, to his kingdom where he crossed home plate He has a plan, as hard as it may be right now I have to believe in it, we all do Just remember the impact he has on us too Kicking cancer’s butt each day, focusing on now, not the future or the past Live your life like each day could be your last Never be mean, be nice in your own way Obviously be accepting because you never know what somebody is going through that day People come and go, that’s how it is, but be the one that stays Question your purpose in life and if you’ve made the world a better place Rule each day and make it your own See the positives in everything once you reach home Tell your love dones how much they mean to you Unveil your true self, set yourself free Visit the sick and visit the healthy What matters in life is love, happiness, and never giving up X marks the spot, our final destination, wherever is may be You never know what may happen in life, so enjoy each day and night Zephyr winds pass by like each day does, but no matter what comes our way, we will continue to Win The Day
American Sniper
Jacintha Thomas
The sun is bakes down on me as I crouch further into position. My muscles are aching, my brow furrowed in concentration. I taste the sweat as it drips down my face. I never expected to end up here. I never pictured spending every waking moment exhausted and alone and constantly seeking out my next victim. I let my gun fall into position once my target is within range. My finger moves to the trigger, My heart pounds in my chest. They call me an “American Hero,” so why, in this moment, don’t I feel like one? In this moment, I’m just as bad as they are. In this moment, we are the same, because in this moment, I’m a murderer; I’m the one taking a life. As my breathing slows I do everything in my power to prepare myself. I’ve been at this so long that it’s as easy as flipping a switch, and as soon as the command comes through, my humanity, my morals, my emotions, are all turned off. Everything, gone. With one last inhale, I slowly pull back on the trigger. I let myself count back from three, praying that I won’t be seen. Three… Two… BANG!
Finding Bigfoot by Joe Scott
A long day ahead for Greg he Better bring his Compass so he doesn’t got lost. Downlee Park Enjoying life in his tent Far from his home that he can’t get help right away Gone for a whole day to find it He brought his equipment to find BigFoot I’ll find him trust me Join if you want but he wants to be on his own Knock on the trees Lingering smell around the Park Mountains all around Greg No one can be seen in sight Only him and BigFoot he thinks Pulling all his equipment along the walk Quality equipment needed to find it. Running through the woods Seeing a furry bear up ahead Trees covering view to see him Used his equipment to see closer Violently running away Walking slowly closer and closer X-rays through the trees to see him Yelling through the woods Zoning at him as BigFoot runs away
, t r i , D eat w S th l i F
by Luke Barta
Dirt, Sweat, Filth Back breaking work Wanting to go home To see my family, Spend time with my children. Not have to bust my hump everyday Just to survive another week. Slowly getting promoted Slowly climbing up the ladder, Ive had it, im done! Putting in my two weeks when he told me, I’m retiring and I want to pass it on to you‌ My best worker. Life was good, I worked hard. Dirt, Sweat, Filth
Spoiled Milk by Maggie Smith
At first, It’s regret But then, It’s betrayal The pure unprecedented disgust A brink of despair Like a ghostly fiend Grasping the throat of its next victim It waits, Past due Expired Never again will I venture
An Untold War
By McKenzie Mellecker
The clock starts Counting the minutes to death In this untold war. The knight moves his way forward Countering the enemies each step And with their last words they perish. Riding his gallant steed The knight raises his sword For he has reached the end.
Checkmate.
Catching Feelings
When I was born in Germany I was 1% German, When I moved to America I felt like I was 1% American. When I eat a cheeseburger and fries i feel 10% more of an American. When I drive my mom’s Buick I feel even more American. But lately i stopped being American, Im driving an Hyundai, and I love it.
Waking UP Molly Breitbach
Waking up is the worst part of my day. The moment my eyes open I instantly dread what is to come. I slowly lift my legs out of bed. They feel as if they have two grown elephants sitting on them. “Just breathe. You’ll get through it”, I tell myself. Putting one foot in front of the other I tiredly trudge to the bathroom. After brushing my teeth I stare at myself in the mirror. Today is going to be a long day.
A City on Edge by Naomi Shilyansky
as evening fell, police lined up shoulder-to-shoulder, and kept close watch on 1,000 people. some of the worst violence was about to take place.
worst violence in the U.S., a tragedy for a city. damage done to neighborhoods, the community they are destroying, the destruction didn’t make sense.
looting, arson, and bottle throwing, rioters broke out. a 25 year old man suffered a fatal spinal cord injury while in police custody, and an unarmed 18-year old was shot by a police officer. they were just two of the many victims of the riot.
the city was under an emergency curfew, night and day. scattered arrests after dark.
a city on edge, 1968. another outbreak of rioting troops, law officers, and racially charged violence, stealthily creeping up in some of the city’s poorest neighborhoods.
Cousins Who Make Bad Choices by Natalie Childs
Don’t start. Leave me alone! Why? I don’t know, maybe because I told you? No! Geez, Em, seriously? Quit. That’s dumb and you know it. Right, because you would know? Just stop. I don’t care Make better choices. Forget it...
West High Runners Overheard Before a Track Workout
By Noah Brase
Are we going to have a workout today? Becareful what you say or Coach might over hear you. Don’t stop running before the finish line. Eating those Crackers isn’t a good idea Jeff. Finish strong or He’ll Get on your case. Hold on a second I thought we had a workout yesterday. Just stop thinking about it. Kill me now. Let’s start warming up Maybe we’ll just have another easy run. No way, now start stretching. Okay. Pick up your feat on those strides. Quit goofing off guys. Run faster! Sleep sounds so good right now. This is gonna suck. use your arms. visualize success What was the answer to number 3 in chem? Xenon... I think. Yeah that was it. Zip on over to the starting line and let’s get going.
The Life of Eric by Omar Gonzalez
People describe me as a cool kid I collect stamps when im not tearing up the track I have changed since freshman year My happiest moment was being born The most important person in my life is Erin Kurt Getting home is the best part of my day, especially when I get to see Erin I can almost say the ABC’s backwards
AlexAller by Parker Wetherell
My name is Alex I go by Big Al I want to be a world renowned business man Striving to be the best I can be In the end I want to island hop Or maybe be a cop I really like the Colts So my favorite color is blue If you are a criminal Im coming for you
MEMO by Sam Tinkey
My name is Mehmedalija But I go by memo I dont like to do much But to be a gym rat. People describe me as two different ways tall rude and obnoxious or tall and nice. The worst experince I have had is gettting surgery on my teeth. What makes me the happiest is my home land of BOSNIA!
A Girl by Zainab Makky
Emily I live in Iowa Traveling, music, photography I live for the arts “Everything happens for a reason” I live for the future Yet, I yearn for the Californian 90’s I live for others My father’s death, my mother’s strength I live for equality Open minds, open eyes, open hearts I live for individuality The flexibility of my body, the elastic tongue I live for myself Sarcastic, trustworthy… Emily
Albarra
Sadigahmed
Basking in the sun Assured that this will keep SAD at bay I need this to feel alive, the thrill, like hitting a homerun Love the feeling but I hate the burn of the UV ray on my bare skin Estranged from me by the winter Mr. Sun Your warm stare has been missed, now that it’s back, yay In your company children play with water guns Life was so gray before Oh how I miss you when you are gone sun Verily we are the best of friends, judging by the way you stare at me Easy for you to leave, have fun with your other friends on the southern hemisphere
You good for nothing backstabbing star, no need for you to stay Oh no sun what have I done Unwavering is our relationship, we will always find a way
From the day i was born By: Joel Benitez When the day i was born, i believe i was brown When i grew up in Iowa, i was brown When i go into the sun at the lake, i stay brown When i run to work out, ill be brown When i sleep, i am brown When i get cold, i will be brown When its dark and i get scared, i become brown When i go home sick, i’m brown When i take a shower, my color stays brown And when i die, ill still be brown.