The Edda
First Presbyterian Day School 2012-2013
Edda Staff Faculty Advisors:
Candace Weems Cal Powell
Editor:
Grace Young
Art Editor:
Carolyn McDonald
Literary Staff: Lily Garnett Maisy McDonald Michael Money Alex Newberry Davy Priester Joseph Watwood Cover Art:
Kristin Fillingim, Class of 2013
Seasons... Winter Winter is cold marshmallows falling from the sky. Winter looks like a white blob. Winter feels like food going down your throat. Winter sounds like howling wind. Winter tastes like cold water falling from the sky. Winter smells like cold mist. Winter is building a very big snowman. -Walter Perkins, Class of 2022
Winter I see the shining ball drop at the end of the countdown on New Year’s. I hear holiday carols and bells jingling everywhere. I feel the warmth of the fire coming from the blazing fireplace. I taste the sweet burning sensation of hot chocolate trickling down my throat after a long cold winter day. I smell a strong pine scent as we pick out our brand new Christmas tree. -Kailey Bohan, Class of 2019
-Samantha Bellomo-Skvasik, Class of 2017 If I Were a Snowflake... I would feel very light. I would go everywhere! I would see trees, snowmen, and lots of other things! I would twirl all around! My name would be Sparkle because I am very sparkly. I was a lot different than all the others. I liked being a snowflake because I got to see interesting things! -Isabel Stokes, Class of 2023
If I Were a Snowflake... I would feel light. I would go to Wyoming. I would see Yellowstone Park. I would land on an elk. I would not like to land in a bear’s mouth. The only thing I would not like is when the wind blew me to Texas. -Chandler Cawley, Class of 2023
If I Lived in a Snowglobe You won’t believe what happened to me this summer. I was abducted by aliens, shrunk into 3 inches tall, and put in a huge snowglobe, but it was a really small snowglobe so I started walking around. I started to build my house when this elf came by and says I can’t stay here so I act like I’m moving, but I don’t. I run into Santa and I say, “Can I see your factory?” That’s where I met a girl (not an elf) named Ariel. Then a few weeks later we get married. Then Santa finds my house and he asks the elf if he told me to move, -Caleb Lyles, Class of 2023 so Santa sends highly trained ninja elves to come after Ariel and me. I told Ariel to hide. I go outside but Ariel follows, so we fight off the elves with her cheerleading and my big muscles. Santa comes at me with his sleigh. I push Ariel aside and stand there and Rudolph gets spooked by my 12-pack and pulls up and then all the Elves take Ariel away. I chase after them, then I stop running and get Santa’s sleigh and start riding for hours. As soon as I’m about to give up I see a light in the distance. I thought it was Ariel, but it was a frog that could talk. I ask him if he saw some elves with a girl. He said, “Yes, straight ahead.” I charge and see them. I fight off the elves and grab Ariel and we live happily ever after. -Cole Rowland, Class of 2020
Haikus Spring time comes around The flowers are blooming now It’s snowing petals Air outside heats up We’re sneaking into summer Pollen flies away Collecting harvests The leaves lose their energy The colors warm me -Haley Harden, Class of 2019
The Blue Bird The blue bird tweets songs Her white eggs are in the nest They will hatch in June -Gray Greenwood, Class of 2024 Cherry Blossoms Pink falls everywhere The petals fly in the wind A time of beauty -Maggie Johnston, Class of 2016
-Gray Simmons, Class of 2019 Frog The green frog dances He sings songs about my friend Gray He jumps in the mud -Lela Kinnett, Class of 2024
-Sara Walsh, Class of 2014 Spring Wind carrying the voice of spring Through trees of tangled lines of lace I listen while the many birds sing. Tracks of animals making a chase Lie on the ground down below Leading to the forest place. Listen to the spring wind blow Beyond the mountains and the sea Through valleys lying way down low. Birds scour over me Searching for what lies on the ground Searching as far as the eye can see. Over the hills the critters bound, Searching for that springtime sound. -Colin Humphries, Class of 2013
Summer Cool waves fun summer Surfboards in the hot water Soft sand on the beach -Caroline Niesler, Class of 2020
Patiently Waiting Warm, summer sun-kissed skin Lazy days, wind whipping in my hair. Oh, Summer, where are you? -Katie O’Quinn, Class of 2014
-Elizabeth Smith, Class of 2014
The Pursuit Sitting in the stand My rifle in my hand From atop my perch I heard What is unmistakably a deer Approaching quickly from the right I wait for it to come into sight Finally the mass appears The biggest one I’ve seen in years I take my time for there’s no rush Enjoy what God has given us Dominion over all living things From wandering creature to bird with wings I size up my prey and decide it’s time To harvest what is rightfully mine I take aim and hold my breath With the bullet’s impact comes instant death The beast lies fallen at my feet This time its efforts result in defeat The animal’s skill I must praise I have been on its trail for days But finally I overcome It’s my victory; the battle won -Bennett Humphries, Class of 2013
-Megan Sparks, Class of 2014
I Can Smell Fall in the Air Mornings are crisper and the wind has a low, frosty whisper. I can smell Fall in the air. The neon sun has less of a glare. the leaves are turning and the pumpkin lanterns are burning. I can smell Fall in the air. Shorter days are finally here. that only means winter is near. I can smell Fall in the air. -Katie Culver, Class of 2017
Food and Culture...
-Lindsey O’Quinn, Class of 2013 Untitled If I was forced to choose between food and love I would not even hesitate, for I know what I am made of Like aged bread, I am tough I have no need for love’s cuff Content with the excessive calories Forever I will be fat, happy, and at ease There is no need for stressful and exhausting relationships I am completely satisfied with my Lay’s potato chips Believe me when I say I am not trying to be silly For I am confident in saying that food will never leave me -Lindsey O’Quinn, Class of 2013
Untitled O how I adore thee So delicious and delectable You throw me in and out I never know what I want from you So many choices, I could not choose I keep coming back time after time No one knows why, but I do It’s that you’re delicious and delectable Waffles. -Sam Joyce, Class of 2013
-Sara Walsh, Class of 2014
Dance Firm like an oak tree How with the movement of the weeping willow Bend with the wind Dancing is my life -Lauren Kennedy, Class of 2017
-Tesch Jerles, Class of 2015
-Katherine Bolles, Class of 2014
Showtime! The make-up goes on; the costumes are zipped up; backstage we have vocal warm-ups; I take a deep breath and exhale the butterflies, skimming over my script out of the corner of my eye. Microphone on? Yes, now go get it checked; we don’t want any problems coming up yet. Opening night, a large, talkative crowd; getting only slightly nervous now. I walk to my place; the curtain’s pulled back. Ahh, center stage, reunited at last. -Evan Correa, Class of 2018
-Ariel Fortson, Class of 2017
Swimming Racing against the clock, Heart slamming inside my chest I can make it-Just a little longer! Finally slamming into the wall, Pushing until nothing’s left. It’s what we live for! -Brenley Martinez, Class of 2014
“Where I’m From...” I am from the country, school, and hunting. From four-wheelers, animals, barns and a pool. I am from friends, footballs, and baseballs. I am from Popa, Pop, and Dad. I’m from “Clean up your room,” and “Go take a shower.” From hamburgers, tacos, tukey, and ham. From Georgia football games, and Atlanta Braves baseball games. -Dylan Cox, Class of 2020
-Carrie Walsh, Class of 2017 Cat Meg is my big cat She likes to scratch most people She sleeps quietly -Cally Jan Hartness, Class of 2022
Dog My dog Cloey runs She likes to be near us all She lives in the yard -Cole Clay, Class of 2022
“When I Grow Up” When I grow up I want to be a pro tap dancer. This is how my day would go. In the morning I would eat Honey Bunches of Oats and do my stretches. At lunchtime I would have lunch with the team. After lunch we would practice our dance routine. At dinner time we would do one of our daily performances at the mall. It would be so cool because people would beg for more! After the show we would all go out to dinner and have a really fun time. That’s what I want to be when I grow up. -Jacie Cole, Class of 2020
-Brady Garrison, Class of 2021 The Beast With the turn of the key it roars to life The key to teenage freedom awakes the beast Yet taming the beast requires no strife The reward is nothing short of a feast
With a quiet snarl it waits at the light Hoping for a mustang to start a fight The lights turn green and the smoking tires say the rest When it comes to muscle cars, Chevys are the best -Timothy Ramdin, Class of 2013
-Lizzie Lisenby, Class of 2014 December 2, 2012 Dear Father Christmas, My name is Tate Skipper. My family and I had wonderful family time during the Thanksgiving holiday. It made me realize how blessed my family is. Others may not be as lucky. My sister and I have toys to play with, winter coats to wear, and a warm home with food. My friend Jeff and his family are struggling this year. I was hoping you would be able to help them. I know Jeff would like some Legos, a remote contol car, and winter clothes. Your kindness will lift Jeff’s spirits in many ways. I want to thank you for helping Jeff this holiday season. Your Friend, -Tate Skipper, Class of 2020
-Grace Tinkey, Class of 2013
Thoughts on Home and Country,
War and-
Peace...
The South A place where you can have all the sweet tea you can drink, A place where “y’all” is used daily, and “ain’t”acts as our verb, A place where God comes first, family comes second, and country music is always a close third. It’s where everyone knows everything about anyone in town, and where cowboy boots and cut-off jeans are a trademark. It’s where all the biggest country stars got started, and where history is always in the making. It’s a place where everyone lives and breathes country, and where the closest bonds are made, It’s the South, and it will never fade. -Kirsten Beach, Class of 2017
Going to America NO! I can’t go to America! Japan is my country! My sister is here! My friends are here! My school is here!
NO! Don’t tell me we’re going! I won’t know anybody! I don’t speak English! They won’t like me there! I’m so scared! NO! Don’t make me do it! Please.
-Yuka Yokoyama, Class of 2017
-Jonathan Hughes, Class of 2020
The City In the city I see tall buildings In the city I feel my mom’s warm hand. In the city I taste good hot dogs. In the city I smell delicious apple pies. In the city I hear lots of people talking. I love to be in the city! -Anna Foster, Class of 2023
-Pete Fennell, Class of 2020 “Words Like Freedom” You might not realize it, But maybe you would if you were in a war, Maybe you would if you Heard Freedom is a big word, Heard what they heard, Or saw what they saw, Or made the sacrifices they made, Or didn’t see your family for as long as they did, So we don’t need to take those things for granted, Or maybe you should take into consideration what they have to deal with. That’s why I think freedom is a BIG word. -Wesley Wilson, Class of 2019
I Have A Dream I have a dream that there will be no more robbings or assassinations anymore. What if a robber stole your money, would you like it? What if someone killed your child, would you be happy? So I want America to stop those crimes. Do you? -Merit Huggins, Class of 2020
Dream My dream for American would be to stop bullying. To be confident and brave, and to help others out. To start recycling more and to save the environment. For our nation to get a new economy and put most people out of debt. -Christian Crosby, Class of 2020
-Kristin Fillingim, Class of 2013
-Grace Tinkey, Class of 2013
The Platonic Federalist Democracy would work best if all men behaved aristocratically. However, because many move at the behest of every passing impulse democratically, we must concentrate a portion of power in the hands of a select aristocratic few who do not carelessly devour that which is as transient as the morning dew, who do not judge neither worse nor better, spouting equality as their defense, ignorant of their passions’ fetter, lacking a vision of a future immense. Thus we move from democracy’s liberty to an image of aristocracy, by the democratic impulses of the people made necessary. -Davy Priester, Class of 2013
If I Were President... If I were the president I would have a headache. I would have to fill out paperwork. I would have to do some at night until 11:00. I would have a big house like the White House. There are lots of guards there in black suits. I may have to preach. I would read my Bible. I’m sure we’ll have a big celebration for my birthday. I would like being president. -Layne Smith, Class of 2023
What’s On Our Minds...
-Lindsey O’Quinn, Class of 2013
Unicorns Unicorns are fun Unicorns are never done Unicorns like to play Unicorns eat a lot of clay Unicorns were never born Unicorns are made of corn Unicorns think they’re cool Unicorns swim in a pool Unicorns hate little worms Unicorns have to fill out many forms -Christian Holcomb, Class of 2016
Oompa Loompa Lies Oompa Loompas are really creepy They make squirrels attack you Sometimes they find you when you are sleepy Then they come and eat you They run around in little circles And sing scary little songs They have pets named lurckles And beat really loud bongs Kids think they’re really cute But I see underneath their lies I know they actually execute And hide behind their eyes They seem very innocent But please don’t give in They will take from you every cent And hide your body in a bin -Sam Ferro, Class of 2016
Life So short yet so long Never knowing when it ends But it is a gift -Maggie Johnston, Class of 2016
Untitled I don’t really know where I am right now. Every little blip, change of pace, emotion, perhaps even a movie affects me in such a profound way. Why? Why now? What is different than before? I find I have to either challenge myself to the brink of breaking in all parts of my life, or be that ambiguous little fly on the wall. Each day it’s a different choice. But every day starts the same. I roll out of my bed, stroll away from the all too vivid dreams, start the shower and sit. Letting the sprinkling water wash away all that came before and prepare me for all that is to come. How will this moment right here affect my day? Does it decide it or is each step just another cut on the carving block? Each cut shaping, changing what I am into an unrecognizable statue. If we are all shaped by different hands why are we all the same? Something that greatly alters me has no visible change on you. So why is no one different? We are all displayed in a studio inhabited by no one in an uninterested world. Every statue person is faced inward towards the other in one giant circle. We see the others and perhaps feel compassion towards them, but our lips and limbs are forever stone so we are destined to be alone. Then again maybe I’ve just evolved into a pessimist and cursed to be stuck in this moment as the world happily revolves on its end and the people merrily shuffle past without giving a second glance to this fly on the wall. -Connor Tolbert, Class of 2013
Johnny My name is Johnny I love walking down the street I always hear the blackbirds sing I always wear my silver ring Every day I play with my friends I feel sad when the good day ends. -Hughes Danner, Class of 2021
-Trey Mixon, Class of 2021
-Megan Sparks, Class of 2014
On Turning Twelve It’s time for me to grow And spread my wings and fly. It’s time for me to listen, And comfort those who cry. Yeah, I may still watch A Looney Tunes or two. But growing doesn’t mean I’m losing old for new! It’s time for me to realize That growing up is fun! You get to do cool things And stay up ’til the sun! So people everywhere, Don’t be afraid to grow! Cause when you’re old enough, You might not want to go! -Lilly Ford, Class of 2019
-Madelyn Kilgore, Class of 2023
-Claire Patton, Class of 2014 il a eu beaucoup de copains mais ils sont morts courageux, genereux, intellectuel, travailleur, gentil, doux il est un étudiant spécial grand et trés beau cheveux bruns et petits yeux marrons Eponime Marius yeux marrons cheveux longs et bruns elle est trés belle elle aime un bel homme triste, solitaire, drole, pauvre, gentile, douce l’homme qu’elle aime ne l’aime pas -Emily Culpepper, Class of 2016
The Girl in the Rain I am alone. I stand here in the rain without you, on my own. I have nobody to hold me. I have nobody to calm my cries. Life can be so dark sometimes. It’s just me here. Marius. Won’t you love me? No. You love her, and I shall help you find her even though my heart longs for your reciprocation. I am no light like her, but I could still illuminate your life with the unending love of friendship. You must save me from this. I hear your words to her, I see your embrace. It could kill me. Why don’t you see that I’d be yours if you’d only let me be? All’s fair in love and war.
Why don’t you see that I’m here even though I shouldn’t be? I hear the gunshots, I see the cannons. They could kill you. I must save you from this! I am no light like her, but I could still illuminate your life with the unending love of friendship. I love you, and I shall help you even though you won’t give my heart your reciprocation. Yes. Won’t you love me? Marius. You’re here. Death can be so beautiful sometimes. I finally have somebody to calm my cries. I finally have somebody to hold me. I am not alone. I lay here in the rain with you. I am not alone. -Lily Garnett, Class of 2013
-Sydney Bradley, Class of 2015 Minecraft
I head off, embarking on a mission. I spawn there, looking at the squares. It’s a simple thing, unlike nuclear fission, And it isn’t scary, nothing to give you nightmares. I start by punching wood so I can make planks, Put them in the two by two to make a crafting table. Now I’m ready to protect my flanks, I can even make signs to label. I make some sticks, I get some stone, Then make a stone sword and a stone pickaxe. I start digging down, going in alone. I’m heading steady, feeling pretty lax. Got a good start, it’s time to go deeper. No! Fell in a ravine, barely alive, And now there’s a creeper! How will I survive? I’m doomed! Tssss…. BOOM! -J.T. Bloodworth, Class of 2016
Untitled Don’t toy with me you love-drunk rattlesnake Your head embedded in the grass Not making but a sound to fill my World with dread Can’t you see what you are doing to me The paranoia on my screen I hope one day you understand And turn your back on me Till then I’ll wait silently braced For the world to come to an end For I know when I let down my guard It will be your turn to strike -Connor Tolbert, Class of 2013
-Amanda Evans, Class of 2017
-Kathryn Lyles, Class of 2013
Empty Heads
Empty heads, filled with thoughts, Spitting up what we’ve been taught, Yet, where does true understanding lie? Surely not in these empty minds.
Tell us what is right, teach us what is wrong, Tell us to be brave, tell us to be strong, Tell us what is, tell us what is not, We’ll store this knowledge in these-empty heads filled with thoughts. -Paul Young, Class of 2014
The Gun Fired Twice When I heard that John Myseelf had died I sat upon the lamb and cried I cried and cried for vacant nights That passed right by before his eyes I cried up to a God above to shower down some of his love But never did he shudder I cried upon that lamb all night While his soul through skies took flight I broke the mirrors, so not to see The reflection staring back at me And in that solemn broken night I heard that John Myseelf had died -Alex Newberry, Class of 2013
-Maggie Johnston, Class of 2016
Poem This is a poem, a poem about a poem. An odd topic, yes, one that I have chosen. It is unique that it’s about itself, A very vain poem, only about itself. It may be a bit mopey, Only one page long, Other psalms and writings are-An eight or nine page song. This poem can be joyful-Enjoying advantages of paper. Some of these are not too kind, Leaving painful cuts behind.
Its good feelings are relatable, throughout the universe-Flying in the breeze, an idea many try to use, Bringing a grin to a face-But it’s not winning in this race. This poem is like the Wicked Witch of the West, When wet, melting like my sister. Its manners are quite horrible, leaving words all over.
In the same way we like being different, so also does the poem, having different meaning for everyone. A unique idea, random thoughts and all-Different down to the dash in “A,” or “P” quite tall. -Adam Young, Class of 2017
A Rose Simple, yet complex Beautiful but deadly It's hard to find the context Of a flower someone sent to me It's a sign of passion Of love and eternity But the thorns ration An opposite paternity -Macy Pam, Class of 2013
The Programmer’s Haikus I power it on A flash of color on me A new world to see With my hands’ slight touch I can create what I want And there it lies lost A world I create May lie in another Where it may be found
A dream that I want That appears not to be real Is real of its own
And with the same touch I power the whole world off Thus my world may rest -Richon Watson, Class of 2016
The Place Watching the ocean flow to and fro, As the waves crash on the cliffs below. I am sitting with the night sky, Beaming down with its little lights. There is no greater smell than the air, Caused by a stick that I will never share. What a dream this would be, That could only be spent by the sea. -Hunter Hotchkiss, Class of 2013 If I Had $100 ... I would buy a dolphin, and with the other half, I would give it to my mama and daddy. -Lilla Simmons, Class of 2023
-Abby Whitehead, Class of 2021
-Tesch Jerles, Class of 2015
Timidity Timidity, Thou art not me With all thy frightened ways. It’s times like these When all agree Timidity’s seen his last day. Timidity, it’s time to say, In a daring and bold new way, Courage, be free today. A new life for all to see; Timidity, Thou art not me. -Mary Lanphier, Class of 2013
-Lindsey O’Quinn, Class of 2013
-Sara Lynn Slagle, Class of 2016
-Rebekah Coon, Class of 2013
Untitled There’s a man with a bleeding heart And green eyes Who drives across the country With his younger brother And the windows rolled down In a car that was never his Wearing a jacket that belonged to his father Listening to music that He used to fall asleep to when he was a young boy Riding in the same car with his father driving And his little brother curled Up beside him Head pillowed on his shoulder Breathing softly, quietly Trying not to disturb the dangerous forces Surrounding them Closing in, following them This boy with the bleeding heart Grew up Strong But Broken Living for one reason only The promise he made to his little brother sealed with a kiss to the forehead “I’ll protect you, Sammy” And he did. -Allison Lange, Class of 2013
-Megan Sparks, Class of 2014
False Facades There’s an anger that they’ll never show A feeling that we’ll never see For behind that laughing fair facade Lies a creature wanting to be free Hidden by two eyes of sky That never let the secret stray Masked by a smile, wide and bright But even that has begun to fray The monster still has fangs The cat still has its claws The snake still has its venom The creature can see its flaws It watches from the shadows The edges of the sight Waiting for that moment To go and join the fight
Heed not that silly monster Ignore the tiny cat The snake is but an earthworm The creature might crush them flat It’s vicious and unhappy In its prison all alone It wishes to see freedom To escape these walls of stone Most will never see it This creature we all hide And yet they all still know Its reach is far and wide
No person is exempted From this creature kept within But it’s hidden all the while By a happy little grin -Grace Young, Class of 2013
-Lindsey O’Quinn, Class of 2013
Love Love looks like a happy woman. Love sounds like I love you. Love smells like fresh breath. Love tastes like lips. Love feels like kisses. -Zachary Brown, Class of 2022
Dream Dreams are like clouds. They float right by. Once you have had your dream you say goodbye. Sometimes we have nightmares. We are glad when we are awakened And the horrible thoughts leave our minds. So dream, Dream, Dream, Dream. - Anna Katherine Honeycutt , Class of 2019
Dreams Dreams are like butterflies, They hold onto their beauty. Dreams are magical, Dreams are what make a kid grow. When you have a dream you feel wonderful, Like you are floating on a cloud. Keep your dreams, love them so. Keep your dreams, never let them go! - Kathryn Spinks, Class of 2019
-Kristin Fillingim, Class of 2013
Miss Yu’s Fifth Period AP Language Class We were sitting in AP English, when abruptly the lights went out, out with pure joy, all the students scream and shout. -Kathryn Kostovetsky, Class of 2014
-Emmalyne Smith, Class of 2013
Time Travel Your world goes black and white Flashing colors there in sight. Rasping winds whisper past your ear. The history of time crosses your mind. The heart is racing, while every inch of your body is throbbing. This feeling seems to last forever. Your eyes roll to the back of your head, As if the back of your head presented the past, As you travel through time. -Rebecca Leigh, Class of 2017
Our Faith...
-Morgan Mullis, Class of 2017
“This One” Light cares not where Darkness has been It all ‘luminates and shines with’n And how one begins To let Light in Is by lifting one’s eyes to the Sun -Addison Ruble, Class of 2013
At the End of the Day At the end of the day, What will you say? Have you conquered all your fears? Figured out life’s immense tears? You are but a dot in this circle, An ant in a farmer’s field. You owe nothing to the cause, Yet you are the reason for the pause. When all is lost, It is not you who humanly wishes to be found. However, One saves your mixed up soul, Which in itself is quite profound. -Abby Deckbar, Class of 2013
Bright as the Sun Bright as the Sun, Clear as the day Your love casts all my fears away Deep as the ocean Vast as the sky Your Love takes my soul up high Sturdy as the mountains Steady as the stream Your Love inspires every dream -Kristin Fillingim, Class of 2013
Numbers One. Almighty. One. Slimy. Three. Triplets. All are one. Three. Two for each other. One after Two. Seven. No seventy times seven. Perfect. Seven? No six. Just short, but just is short. Twelve.Brothers.All different.For the same. Twelve. Eleven losses. One victory. One. Betrayer. Murderer of sorts. One. The Betrayer. The Murderer. Three. Wait, wait, wait. Back again. Three. Triumph, triumph, triumph. No! Alas, no more numbers. Alas, all numbers. Just life. Just death. -Jeremy Overman, Class of 2013
-Noah Lefholz, Class of 2014
A One Stanza Thought If we spend less time, Tearing people down, We will find that-Acceptance can be found. -Kathryn Kostovetsky, Class of 2014
-Sara Lynn Slagle, Class of 2016 The Little Country Boy One day a little country boy lived in a pasture in Kansas. He lived in a house with a nice family. One day he looked out his window and saw a big house. The boy wanted to move there, so he packed his stuff and moved. Once he went in, but it wasn’t as big as it looked. The family wasn’t as nice as they looked. One day he looked out the window again and saw a better house, so he packed up his stuff and moved again. That house wasn’t as good as it looked either. He missed his old family, so he moved back. Once he got there, the family was gone. The house was for rent. The boy should have stayed. Moral: Be careful what you wish for. -Trey Mixon, Class of 2021
“How I Hear God’s Voice” I hear God’s voice when I hear people sing, or when I hear the sound of laughter. His voice is like smooth rushing waters, jumping over the mean things like water jumps over rocks. His voice shows when bad and harsh things come. His voice is like medicine for the heart. -Riley Davis, Class of 2020
“How I See God’s Light” When I wake up in the morning and look out my window and see the sun I feel like God is still with me. When the moon comes out at night and I go to bed I feel like God is still there. No matter where I am God’s light is with me. -Harrison Aulds, Class of 2020
“How I Hear God’s Voice” I hear God’s voice when my mom is talking to me. I hear God’s voice through my mom because she talks and understands and listens to me like God does. I hear kindness through my mom’s voice. I know God’s there when my mom is talking. -Kaylee Moore, Class of 2020
Unknown Artist, High School
Watching
Thinking that I had a chance Locking hope away Crushed Beneath His Feet. Putting up a front When I was Turning into dust Staying strong and then Giving into pain Losing trust Of myself; Becoming dark And Falling Down Down Down Until with a sharp cry I Hit The bottom Scarcely lit By the one Spark Inside of me All I was Coming down to a Choked Out Prayer Help me Cure me Make me new Beautiful Breathe into me Save me Love me Fix me Change me Shine in me And just like that, I became new Changed. No longer damaged. Saved. Loved. Lit with hope. Fixed. A new creation.
-Maury Saitow, Class of 2013
-Carolyn McDonald, Class of 2013
Why fit in if you want to stand out? God has a plan for good things, bad things, everything. We are held in His hand and He loves us more than anything. Satan will get inside your head but you need to flick him off your shoulder and praise our God. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me� -Philippians 4:13. -Brady Michael, Class of 2021
Inspired by English Class... Memoirs of Isak Assal Murmurs and whispers urge us to “smile.” I think back to my city, Overrun with soldiers and bloodshed. I offer a blank smile as the camera flashes, Relieved my time is spent cutting wood. My payment isn’t only blistered hands and an aching body. My payment is my life. Flashbacks of life before the war creep into my mind, Like Nazis on their rampage; they never cease. With age the memories become distorted, Old, filmy, Reminding me of better days. Beside me, My sister so solemn. She smiles, Mustering up a thin grim line. My sister, already lifeless and dead. But I won’t be bitter. I won’t reconcile with our cruel circumstances. If you were me, Would you want condolences? Perhaps reassuring lies? I say no, just live. Thanking God for each breath I take. Knowing for some the next breath will never come. -Aurora Perez, Class of 2016
-Sara Walsh, Class of 2014 The Day they Came: Buena A symphony of typewriters occupied the office creating an assortment of notes. The air was like a lake, polluted with the strong scent of coffee. It was an average day at work. Sitting at her desk, she observed her fingers move about the keys. Fluency quickly brought translations of thoughts into words. Diligence bore a state of peace for all. Serenity abruptly ended, lightning of sounds cracked at her ears. Many stood dazed like sheep without their shepherds. Voices shrieked at the appearance of the newly arrived guests. Shirts stained with the blood of loved ones. Minds consumed with evil like a drug. Life was a sliver of hope. Hope was buried underneath a tomb of darkness. -Brad Powell, Class of 2016
Worry on, Buena Lines of worry fill her face like cracks on a sidewalk. But why should she worry? She is so young. Her childhood was taken. She grew up too fast. She used to play in the day, now she worries in the night. But why should she worry? She is so young. She holds her sister and puts her to bed. She lays her down and kisses her head. Her mother used to do the same. Now nothing but memories remain. “Shh, it’ll be alright” her mother would say. The memories jerk tears. Her sleep is full of worry. But why should she worry? She is so young. Little she knows her worries are small. They’re just beginning. She shouldn’t have to worry, she is so young. But, age is a number Death doesn’t count. - Abigail Pierce, Class of 2016
Fresh Air A young couple sits under the tree Possibly to enjoy a cup of tea The picture was taken Maybe to capture the hatred On this beautiful day The husband remembers his childhood games As the birds fly and chirp The kids play and try not to get hurt Off from work and doing the dishes To get a breath of fresh air -Jack Sawyer, Class of 2016
-Nicholas Shao, Class of 2013
The Chest of Suffering Like a chest filled with treasure Though it’s not quite as great Because this chest is abnormal For it’s one that’s filled with hate A hate that burns with power And kills all love and dreams This chest alone is filled With gunshots, whips, and screams And you have received all this for you wield the key You who stood there opened the chest For you hold the key The key to the cursed chest, the chest of suffering The chest that opens with a golden silence A chest with treasures quite loud A chest with the power To erect screams from this crowd And you have received all this for you wield the key The key to the chest, the chest of suffering You all there behind a wire With faces without a grin As if you were trapped inside this place Like the golden treasure that lies within So when you were born with the key So when you were given the chest Aren’t you mad you opened it And received what’s known as prejudice Receive this and worse because, you wield the key -Richon Watson, Class of 2016
-Kristin Fillingim, Class of 2013
Oh Man Oh man, What have they done to you? Your voice and soul were once strong, But now they are filled with hate and nothingness. All you smell is each other’s filth, And all you hear is the shouting and screaming, And all you feel is the dirt beneath your feet. Oh shell of a man, Do you remember your family? All you know is nothing. They’ve taken your tears, They’ve taken your laugh And replaced it with hate.
Oh hateful man, What’s left of you? Why do I care? Because I am concerned. Something else you can’t remember what it feels like.
Oh sorrowful man, Do you want death? Do you want this all to end? Don’t wish for that! Wish for hope! And hope that one day, you’ll be revived of what they’ve done. -J.T. Bloodworth, Class of 2016
-Tesch Jerles, Class of 2015
-Rebekah Coon, Class of 2013