Reflections-2007-2008

Reflections 2007-2008

Archbishop McNicholas High School 6536 Beechmont Avenue Cincinnati, Ohio 45230

Table of Contents Writers Ashworth, Amy Bachmann, Tom Beatty, Misha Bowen, Kelsey Braun, James Buchheit, Matt Bush, Meghan Christmann, Nate Cook, Peggy Cranley, Jill Custer, Lucas Daly, Maggie Daoud, Natalya D’Netto, Michael Dumont, Emily Fagin, Stacey Feldmann, Justin Ferris, Veronica Ford, Megan Forgus, Leah Glaser, Lizzie Hain, Mike Hayes, Emily Hehemann, Evan Horan, Alex Jenkins, Ashley Johnson, Kevin Keri, Biz Klump, Amanda Knopf, Julia Lockard, Nate Magness, Sarah Maloney, Sara Mayer, Jacqueline Meisman, Tim Murphy, Amanda Murphy, Jessica Neltner, Rachel Panzeca, Nick Paquette, Marie

Pages 10, 14, 20, 48 30 7 12, 15 9, 12, 29 41 21, 40 7 16, 28 51 35, 45 13 8, 10, 20 30 30, 48 10, 21 30 19, 31 18, 32 36 18 7 6, 42 19 26 25 34 14, 46 11, 33, 37 45 23 17, 40 4, 8 31, 47 30 5, 7 15 24 24, 42 25

Writers Pearce, Carly Pieper, Anna Pope, Kyle Pritchard, Emily Rice, Morgan Ruhe, Jill Sandmann, Joey Scheidenberger, Joe Scheidler, Jessica Schoolfield, Hannah Severyn, Jenny Shifflett, Sarah Shumrick, Celeste Sun, DongWoo Tabet, Aline Thole, Andrew Trauth, Audrey Uhlenbrock, Melissa Vennemeyer, Marilyn Weir, J.T. Zofkie, Andrew

Pages 41 6 34, 38, 40 50 39 27 39, 44 36 34, 43 4 23, 49 19, 22, 43 36, 41 4, 32 22, 27, 51-56 14, 22, 37 26, 35, 38 11 5 11 24

Chief Editor: Jill Cranley Layout Editors: Emily Hayes Amanda Klump Aline Tabet Staff: Kelsey Bowen Maggie Daly Sarah Shifflett Creative Writing Class Moderator: Meloney Feldkamp

2

Artists Aicholtz, Hannah Berning, Sarah Brown, Amanda Burke, Brian Bush, Meghan Cmar, Emily Fellinger, Maureen Fitzpatrick, Haley Ha, Nhan Kaising, Jessie Kaising, Sarah Knopf, Julia Laube, Ava Markins, Tiffany Mayer, Jacqueline

Pages 19 26, 30, 45 13, 38 43 56 24, 27 4, 9, 10, 14, 23, 32, 34, 36, 37, 38, 46, 51 6, 39 3 40, 41 21 45 5 18, 29 cover, 12, 15, 17, 20, 25, 29, 31, 35, 37, 47, 49

Artists Miller, Regan Paquette, Catherine Richardson, Brianna Roeding, Andrew Schaller, Rebecca Schoettelkotte, Anne Schoettelkotte, Joey Tomblin, Katie Tucci, Sam Waits, Nicole

Pages 11 40 48 41 50 1 18, 22 42 8 33

Reflections is a co-curricular publication of the English and Fine Arts Departments of Archbishop McNicholas High School, 6536 Beechmont Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45230. It features original poetry, formula poems, reflections, a short story, artwork, and photography of students in grades 9 – 12.

Archbishop McNicholas High School does not necessarily endorse the content of any of the writing, artwork, or photography, but offers the magazine as a vehicle for creative expression.

Fifty Years From Now

A Smile From You…Oh What a Joy!

In 50 years will we even think about choices we make today?

Should we stop and take a moment to wish our cares away?

Are our worries all for nothing or are they truly valid cries?

When we wake up in the morning should we even open our eyes?

Should we hide under the covers, the refuge from our fears?

Or should we keep on living each day to create life for hopeful years?

The minute one day ends, a new one always begins.

This endless cycle continues and no one can ever win.

The building up of stress and worry gets worse with every day Until all you feel is nothing, a numbness that always stays.

There’s no such thing as future, present stands alone Because you’re afraid to look beyond, to the trials still unknown.

The judging eyes of others cast their glances on your face But you still walk through their fire, your mask firmly in place.

The mask is always confident, it’s strong and brave and true.

It keeps the constant questions at bay and hides the weakened you.

In 50 years, I have no doubt that things will be the same.

A world of careless people only after personal gain.

There may be gentle changes where all seems light and breezy To remind that we have to keep living, because dying would be too easy.

I raised my head and saw you there Across the room from me.

A smile had started in your eyes And it was good to see.

One moment, then it reached your lips And lingered for awhile, I wonder, do you know the joy That traveled with your smile?

A smile is such a little thing, And used so sparingly, Sometimes, it’s awfully hard to do, But, Oh! It’s good to see.

When I feel tired or low within As I often do, It’s good to look across the room And have a smile from you.

Hannah Schoolfield

-Sara Maloney

Memory We have several types of memories.

Most memories you have might be either awesome or awful; they happened that you had in your life.

Did you ever think about that if we don’t have any memories It’s going to be really sad?

Memory makes people happy, makes them think about what they did before in their life, and people were proud of themselves sometimes, or sometimes they were regretful of what they did.

So, I’ll do my best every single day to make good memories as much as I can with people who are around me.

And I’m going to keep them till I die.

4

DongWoo Sun

What One Did For Love Upon a time in olden days ’tis told There was a brave and most courageous knight Who saw a maid with hair like yellow gold And when he did, he loved her at first sight.

Said he, “Oh maiden, fairest of them all, I pledge to thee my deep undying love.

For in my heart I know our union true Was pre-ordained by God our Lord above.

To prove my faithful loyalty to you And earn your loving kindness in return, I’ll slay the vicious dragon by the sea, And set his wicked lair afire to burn.

I’ll scale the highest mountaintop for thee To prove my love, a love of boundless measure.

I’ll swim the deepest ocean for your sake, Return to you with jewels and buried treasure.”

Then said the maiden fair with yellow hair, “Dear sir, I thank you for your kind attention.

Your pretty prose is more than I deserve, Perhaps this is the time for me to mention I love another…your best friend’s brother.”

Said he, “I would have giv’n the world to you But now I see I needn’t even bother.

Forget my pretty promises in verse, I think I will just buy you from your father.”

Marilyn Vennemeyer

The Wall of my Heart I let you in, I let you close: I gave you my whole heart.

But you walked away, and my heart shattered.

I stitched the pieces together again with a shaky hand, My heart may be mending; ne’er will it be the same.

The wounds will heal, but the scars remain.

Never again will it be left out, for anyone to take.

It will be kept safe, hidden, Protected by a wall of grief, Until the right one comes along: The one with the strength to break down the wall of my heart.

5

Amanda Murphy

My Life Is A Mess My life is a mess.

I don’t know what to do.

My dog died today.

And I can’t find my left shoe.

My grades are low and I can’t concentrate.

It would be a lot easier if I wasn’t taking classes I hate.

My parents are mad because I won’t pick a college.

But I don’t know if I want all that knowledge.

My room is a mess.

And so is my hair.

And to top it all off my boyfriend says we don’t make a good pair.

I have a DT and work after school.

And I know at my play audition tomorrow I’m gonna look like a fool.

There’s not much I can do.

Just play it by ear.

Hopefully my life won’t be like this all year!

Emily Hayes

Take a Look I take a look in the mirror and what do I see?

A familiar face glaring back at me.

I look into those eyes, Endless words are expressed up to the skies.

Those eyes that I see, They enclose every feeling contained in me.

Deep into the grey and green I find that my soul is waiting to gleam.

Every hope becoming bold With my every life desire my eyes turn my heart to gold, Within the eyes that I behold All of my dreams unfold.

Anna Pieper

6

Head Over Heels Head over heels Butterflies in my stomach A twinkle in my eye Summer love was in the air You took me by surprise Head over heels The first hug The first kiss The beating of my heart Our hands intertwined Head over heels Saying goodbye Saying I miss you Long distance calls You not being here But still head over heels The first fight The first break up Not speaking to you Hating you But still head over heels Our reconciliation Our promises to each other Being with you every day And loving every minute I’ll never stop being head over heels.

Misha Beatty The Smile Inside I never saw a smile light up his eyes.

I never saw his shield crumple and fold.

Yet know I the warmth beneath the ice And what love his touch must hold.

I never ever will forget him, Nor will I ever leave his sight.

Yet certain am I of just one thing: As if my world has been made right.

Amanda Murphy

Just Because Just because I’m different Doesn’t mean I don’t know how to have fun, Doesn’t mean we can’t be friends, Doesn’t mean we are different from one another.

Just because I’m different Doesn’t mean I’m weird, Doesn’t mean I’m shy, Doesn’t mean I’m stupid.

Just because I’m different Doesn’t mean I hate everything, Doesn’t mean I’m serious, Doesn’t mean I’m a loser.

Just because I’m different—let me take my own path.

Mike Hain

Light Up the Sky Dad, I need to thank you For making me who I am today, For making the sun shine And the birds sing wonderful songs.

I hope that you will never leave me And that you will always love me.

And when you are gone, Know that I will carry on your memory.

For without you I am lost.

And I know that it kills you to see me struggle, To waste all that I have, But I will try to be better so that you can look at me and light up the universe with your smile.

Nate Christmann 7

Fairytale As the world around me swells with laughter, I realize this isn’t my happily ever after.

You aren’t my prince and never will be.

The clock struck twelve, and you still don’t love me.

My glass slipper shattered, my heart began to break.

Letting you in was a fatal mistake.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, Why didn’t you tell me how hard I would fall?

Your kiss did not wake me from my sleep, And your apathy toward me cut way too deep.

From rags to riches my new life had begun, But once upon a time was not what I had won.

I won the chance to have a new broken heart And the task of finding someone to fill the part Of my knight-in-shining armor, my shelter from the storm.

But I found somone who will keep me safe and warm.

Not all fairytales can have a happy ending, But this princess was saved before she was too far beyond mending.

-Sara Maloney Strength is something that is so unique Sometimes it could be physique.

Every person has some kind of Strength inside, whether it’s physical Or mental; People should use it actively.

Strength could be to have the courage To do something outrageous, or even something That is very little As long as it is strength, and to fight For something that you want.

That’s all that matters because You will find strength in the end.

8

Natalya Daoud

How it will be The pain takes over and the hope dwindles away.

How can I escape? I don’t know what to say.

My heart aches more than ever before, My smile turns down, edges to the floor.

The tears that she brings fill up the holes, The emptiness kills as the raindrop rolls.

No one can see but my best friend and mate That the hole in my heart is affecting my fate.

The rain keeps coming when the sun is out, My mind keeps moving but no words come out; I will keep trying till my time runs out.

Never did I think I could do this though.

How is it possible for your mother to be your foe?

No one feels the loneliness when you walk through the door And there is nothing but boxes on the floor.

I awake from a nightmare into a real pain-filled day, It’s so hard to keep going when I feel this way.

The glass heart that I have is chipping so fast This agonizing strife is a reflection of my past.

(Just wanna get away, away from all the pain; I hate the way I feel when I am alone.

It is like talking, but no one listens, on the phone.

I hate how I feel the tension inside And no one sees how deep the pain resides.

The tears that fall, fall for a reason.

I don’t feel alive; you help keep me breathin’.

Please stay and help me through; I have put all my trust in you.)

Until the day we meet again and the hate goes away I will still love you even though I’m away.

I won’t forget the stories or the things that you did But the love in my heart will never be dead.

It may be dented or scratched on the outside And cold from your words and actions inside, But never will the passion leave to satisfy your need.

I miss the little books that we used to read, And I hope when you grow old you realize That my eyes are yours and yours are mine.

My blood came from you and my smile did, too.

The love that I have will always be here for you So take your money; I don’t need it; And take your better ways that consist of no me.

But when you get older and falter, I will be there for your needs.

I will carry you to bed if your knees give out And I will read the same books that came out of your mouth.

(Just wanna get away, away from all the pain; I hate the way I feel when I am alone.

It is like talking, but no one listens, on the phone.

I hate how I feel the tension inside And no one sees how deep the pain resides.

The tears that fall, fall for a reason.

I don’t feel alive; you help keep me breathin’.

Please stay and help me through; I have put all my trust in you.)

How long does it last?

The pain from the chipping glass…

Only a couple days have passed And I feel so alone.

The tears from the miles that separate friends, A sister in need of someone to confide in.

There is no greater a feat than to conquer your fears But I conquered them all, and all it brought was tears.

Inside you can’t see what it’s really like, The throbbing of failure in your own mother’s eye, The pulse within the skin that beats for a reason With the tenderness of thought of family treason.

I hate how I can’t trust the people that I love; Maybe soon there will be a day when I can rise above.

I know one day I will fall, but maybe I will fly And maybe then I can be content with the look in my mother’s eye.

Until that moment I wait for her to see That there is so much pain that she instilled in me I can’t tell her I love her because she won’t respond.

The relationship is over; we never really had a bond.

Continue to pursue whatever you’re lookin’ for, Mommy.

I just hate how your happiness doesn’t involve me.

(Just wanna get away, away from all the pain; I hate the way I feel when I am alone.

It is like talking, but no one listens, on the phone.

I hate how I feel the tension inside

And no one sees how deep the pain resides.

The tears that fall, fall for a reason.

I don’t feel alive; you help keep me breathin’.

Please stay and help me through; I have put all my trust in you.)

Never forget that you were my mother Because people still ask, “How do you love her?”

It won’t change through the years…

Through the pain it never has, But the time of my hope subsiding resides in the past And one day you will see as I lay you in your bed That the love in my heart never left.

James Braun

9

Fighting Love

Indescribable So hard to talk about, I’m not sure where to start– How to explain a parent?

How to explain my heart?

My mom is my best friend My dad, my trusted guide But there is more to them…

There’s so much more inside…

Fighting is like freedom, A freedom from feeling Feeling is like unhappiness In Prince Charming’s Kingdom.

Who would want to feel great, For the greatest feeling is love?

But love makes us worry And cry and disintegrate.

My mother is so scared That life will treat me wrong– So scared that I will try and fail– So scared I will be her…

I don’t know how to handle All the things she feels for me.

She wants more than I can give, Though out loud she asks nothing…

Stacey Fagin

The man who made me be Is not here today.

Instead I love another Who gives me hugs and his time.

And though the man who made me be Is not here today…

I try not to cry over him And the insecurities he left for me.

The only thing he left for me– For the man who brought me here Brought me and nothing else.

He left before I truly came He left us all alone– But one day my daddy came, He dried tears and did laundry.

I love him and the man

Sitting here with my friends Laughing loudly till the end This is just a way of having fun, Especially hanging under the sun.

Friends are people whom You have to have because They are like brothers and sisters

Though sometimes I do not know why…

I feel I’ve said so little But how to tell any more?

Parents are hard to describe…

All I know is that I love them…

That’s all I know for sure…

That you have never had.

Can’t wait till the week’s over Because the weekends are the best part – Hanging out with friends and just having a Good time.

Natalya Daoud

Amy Ashworth

10

Shadows There’s a shadow behind me in the back of my mind of another place, another life, another time, of who I used to be and why my life once was, but that’s all different now – only reason is just because.

I find all my writing is now the same, one dark metaphor after another.

I sometimes wish my life was different

Not there What would I do, if you were not there?

It’s so hard to imagine because you’re always here.

You’ve been with me all the way, And I just don’t know what to say.

You are the only sister I have ever had And it never made me sad.

We are not as close as I wanted us to be But time will heal everything, you will see.

Melissa Uhlenbrock

and oh, just to be someone else…

But I’m lucky, I know, to have the blessings that I do.

There are many less fortunate than me, but still I sit and wonder… what if I could only see?

So I’ll try and stay positive, make the outcome of my day my own, because my attitude affects it all.

But mostly, I remember that I’m

All at once

not alone.

Amanda Klump

Love, hate, nothing.

All at once It all comes flooding back, I overdid it Just that once…

I’ll never get her back.

If I believe in nothing Then nothing should I fear, And everything I once did dread May simply disappear.

11

J.T. Weir

Together Sometimes to get through we try to forget Sometimes we hide under a shield or a blanket.

But to lie to yourself is not really fair And I am one of the many that truly care.

I know your life has thrown you curves But somewhere along the way we learn to swerve.

The tears will be replaced one day The pain will be gone, gone away.

So don’t ever shut off, my friend; Together we are broken, together we’ll mend.

I know it’s hard to see God in hell And to get back up when you just fell.

But take my weathered hand; I’ll be by your side.

Together we’ve shattered; together we’ve cried.

No memories can tell how I feel No past letdowns hurt because this is all that’s real.

I know through plain eyes we can’t tell, But remember, my friend, even Jesus fell.

Never give up; never give in.

Together we’ve lost; together we’ll win.

Time

Time Is a human necessity.

Time Is the hands ticking on the clock.

Time Is of the essence.

Time Is something we all have.

Time James Braun Is something we all want.

Dedicated to a special group member of K-63 Time Is something we often take for granted.

Time Is something we all have equal amounts of.

Time Is viewed as obsolete in heaven.

Time Is just a man-made creation.

Maybe it is time We stop putting so much Stock Into time.

12

Kelsey Bowen

Stand Up, Stand Out Sin-free.

Flawlessness.

It’s all a continuous challenge, a never-ending idea shoved and forced into our heads.

Perfection.

Superiority.

We are pressured and poisoned with unachievable conquests Until we finally POP! Letting our emotions be released freely, in a fierce flow of feelings.

SMACK! Goes reality as it knocks us off our feet and onto the cold, heartless ground as it hits us relentlessly in the face.

Weakness.

Tears.

Coming down our face like water falling off the Niagara, Accepting our problems and soaking in the truth like dry, brittle sponge absorbing water.

Silence, Sitting.

Stillness, aimless. We work our minds, asking them for all the answers.

Stand.

Face the Facts.

Be different than this colorless, changeless creation called the world.

Rebel as you prove to our constant, cowardly civilization that I am different and decisively myself.

Maggie Daly

Those Things We’ll Never Do Those things we’ll never do, those thoughts we’ll never say – If we let time get ahead of us, we can kiss them all away.

Those thoughts that are kept inside us, All bottled up inside our head, Suffocating, looking out at us And hoping to be said.

Those things we’ll never do, those paths we’ll never take – We may find out our true desire, but it may turn out too late.

When given the choice of this dirt path or that, Do you step upon the trodden one Simply because it has more footprints than over there with that?

Or do you take the less trodden soil, Even if the end is not within your sight Because it is your true desire, And you may find the light at the end to be much more bright?

But if you chose the trodden one, the path that wasn’t true, Do you wonder – what would have happened had I taken the right?

Those things we’ll never do.

Biz Keri Hostage to Her Own Humanity Wishing to be excellent Left crying on the floor, Why is she so average?

Why can’t she be something more?

She’s that typical teen Not like ones who live on screens But the girl who lives next door The girl who is what she seems.

Why can’t she be mysterious?

Why can’t she find more depth?

She’ll spend hours being who she’s not Trying to make someone catch their breath It’s hard being so ordinary So hard being like the rest, Excellence left beyond her grasp She will never be the best.

Amy Ashworth

14

Special Something You confuse me more Than anyone in this world, Why is it that I am still with you?

I love so much about you, But I am annoyed in the same amount.

I love talking about you, But I hate being with you.

The thing is, I AM STILL WITH YOU. We have been through the good times and through even more bad times.

It’s funny to think that even though So many bad things have happened, Even when we have had The worst days together, We still HAD THEM TOGETHER! And even at the end of those days, When we are ready to call it quits, We still have that special something.

Something that no one can take away.

Something that distance will never change.

Something that not even God could take.

And whatever happens, Whatever comes our way, We can take it. ’Cuz I know, at the end of the day I can still always say “I LOVE YOU.” Andrew Thole

Challenges God throws people challenges every day, Not to hurt them, Not to make them lose faith, But to prove a point.

To make them become stronger people, To see if they will rise to the occasion, And overcome the difficult feat set before them.

God’s tragedies are just tests, Tests to make a group of straying people Come together as one And make a difference for the greater good.

Kelsey Bowen Kindergarten Kindergarten is waking up early on Monday morning, anxious to see your teachers and your friends.

Kindergarten is sitting on your own carpet square during reading time, and standing up reciting the Clough Pike Cougar pledge.

Kindergarten is moving your name from “Absent” to “Not absent” and hoping to be the V.I.P of the day.

Kindergarten is playtime.

Kindergarten is going to do your daily activities, and drawing pictures that you think look like something good.

Kindergarten is going to your assigned seat and waiting for the teacher’s rule and if you were good, you got to pick a prize out of the box.

Kindergarten is pacing down the halls when it’s your birthday to a get a pencil from the office, and running back to show your classmates.

Kindergarten is when your favorite song is the “ I love you song” on Barney and always going home and watching the same episodes.

Kindergarten is no homework!

Jessica Murphy

15

What’s this new taste of reality that I’ve come to find?

I’ve found a whole new perspective of everything, And it’s been so much easier to leave you behind.

I’ve awaken from my slumber, And outstretched my newly created self.

I’m viewing everything as I would have done for the first time.

The burden of distressing has been released from my mind, And this formidable situation has been overpassed.

I try to count how many times I was defenseless against your words.

My mind couldn’t constrain the weight of your actions.

I was vulnerable to humility, And that’s no one’s fault but my own.

I tried to push you away so many times, And right back you would fall into my arms Until the meaning of “no” became unremitting and meaningless to your ears.

Look what we’ve become; A forceful capacity of love can’t endure this torture anymore.

So I held you just so you could be happy.

How those words, so simple and meaningless to some, Created such an enormous impact on myself.

I carried with me those words you spoke to me, the ones of you and me.

I believed in you so much, But was too naïve and irrational to realize what reality had come to, And I’m still trying to sustain this new life without you.

I’ve had an easier time than you thought I would.

Releasing you the last and final time was the easiest of all.

For now, I only have immoral memories of us, And your face has become vague to my mind.

Confidence is a new thing that I’ve become to understand, And what it’s like to be liberated and not endure the pain you inflicted upon me.

I’ll watch you now, And realize what it’s like, life after love, Or a petty lust as others may consider.

I try not to remember either of the terms when I think of you.

Bitterness would describe this relationship in a clearer view of how I feel now.

So the next time that you’re down at my feet, Groveling and so deeply hoping to regain my acceptance, You can watch as I walk away, like you did to me so many times.

And you can reminisce in our lost memories, That neither of us wants to remember.

16

Peggy Cook

This is Me Most people know me as Sarah, The smart one who never messes up And God forbid, if she does, The world must be coming to an end.

I want to learn and be fluent in four languages, Not including English: Greek, Spanish, French, and Italian.

I have never liked who I am.

My brother has always put me down.

“You have no friends!”

“Get a life!”

“You’re ugly and worthless!”

I would cry myself to sleep some nights, Thinking and believing what he said.

There is a part of me that sometimes...

Only sometimes...

Still believes what he says, And that he was right all along.

I don’t like to stand out in a crowd, Or disappoint anyone.

What people don’t know is that I like to scuba dive, And read books that take me into another world.

I like to spend time with my family, Especially my mom and grandma.

I love art, Mostly photography, But also drawing with oil pastels.

I love to sing (Of course, when no one else is around).

And I love to dance!

I sometimes wish I was a famous Spanish dancer...

Mambo...Salsa...

Merengue.... Cha-cha!

I didn’t always want to go straight to college, But instead, wait a few years.

I want to travel the world, See amazing sights, Work on a catamaran in the Caribbean, And see a giant panda in China.

I work hard, Try hard, and yet Every day, the people I see don’t Know anything.

All they see is Sarah, The quiet one or the smart one.

They don’t see me.

Sarah Magness

17

“If there were no light in the world, and therefore no animals with eyes, we should never know it was dark” –C.S. Lewis

Transparent lies in transparent eyes Who’ve shared my dreams and pillow When dusk and summer’s gone away When oceans lose their sweeping billows When green is blurred by salty tears An elegy to imperfection Who’ve kept my secrets safe and silent When my failures need protection

A touch of reality

Who’ve stared across an empty field Whose choices none can so contest Who’ve drawn a thousand sinners’ faults Who’ve seen the worst but think the best

See those clouds passin’ by With a subtle breeze And smell the sweet flowers Beneath those swayin’ trees.

Mysteries scold the honest heart Integrity builds futures bright Falsehood attacks youth’s independence Innocence stolen by the night

Drink it up, sweet child, For who knows what tomorrow brings?

But don’t look back, you hear, just Fly on now, or soon learn why that caged bird sings.

A tiny price, a brief distress For what was lost is never found A head held high a head bowed down Who’ve seen the victors and the drowned.

Now just keep livin’ and learnin’ and lovin’ with all your heart.

No, don’t give in just yet; In this world you’ll soon find your part.

The head is blind to what the heart Should never have to see A year’s gone by since I saw them cry Yet still, those eyes, they know me.

And late at night as you lie Counting those candles in the sky, Don’t let go of your dreams As the moments pass you by.

Lizzie Glaser

Yes, keep them as the fire in your heart.

Keep them close, hold them dear, And somehow I promise they will get You through those moments of fear.

18

Oh my dreamer, one fine Day those dreams of yours won’t seem so far away.

Now, we’re not the only ones, or So they say, so go on sweet child, and dream away.

Megan Ford

Haunting Camp Craig

One Can Only Imagine

Trees sway with the cold wind While faint voices speak into the night.

Voices who have wrongfully sinned And hurt the innocent only out of spite.

There was a girl who was a nerd, Her head always in the books.

And there was a conceited boy Who was always worried about his looks.

Shadowy figures lurk in the distance, Only silhouettes visible in the moonlight.

Difficult to believe in their existence Until seen in person this creepy sight.

He made fun of her every day, But she always let the insults go.

He called her names like “four eyes” But she never stooped to his low.

Hurrying back to our empty cars In a race to flee the chilling place.

We escape without any new scars, The dreadful memory we try to erase.

He caused some serious trouble And was forced to be in the school play.

He acted beside this girl And finally heard what she had to say.

Sarah Shifflett

He asked her out And after begging, she said yes.

They went on dates And surprisingly it wasn’t a mess.

Just For You Near or Far Wherever you are, When we’re together or apart, The thought of you warms my heart.

When I doze off into space, I can just picture your lovely face.

Every time I see your smile I hope we stay together for a while.

I can’t see myself with anyone but you, And thanks for all the things you do.

When I look into your beautiful eyes, I hope our friendship never dies.

You’re always there because you really do care.

I just want you to know, I never want to let you go.

Evan Hehemann

One day the boy said he loved her And she began crying.

He didn’t know what to do but kiss her.

Then she told him she was dying.

From then on they spent every second together, Even decided to wed.

He never left her side; He was there at her hospital bed.

The once very different two Learned to love each other very much.

They lived happily until she passed Cherishing their love until the last touch.

Veronica Ferris 19

If Only…

There once was a beautiful ocean Splashing, loving, free.

Her reach was known worldwide She had seen everything there was to see.

There once was a small rock A strong but simple thing Who had made her way down To hear the ocean sing.

“Hello there, little rock.

And how are you today?”

“I suppose I could be better.”

“Why do you choose that to say?”

The small rock thought a moment.

“Well,” she said in a deep tone.

“I happened to notice your beauty, And just realized I had none of my own.”

The ocean began to laugh “What a silly thing to think!

I may be very beautiful But being me is not as wonderful as you think.

“I move around all day I never get to rest I am so easily swayed At least you are more dependable than the best!”

At this the little rock Cracked only a small smile.

“I may be very strong But that is not so worthwhile…

“Look how small I am There is no majesty in me…

Now look at graceful you, You are the most wonderful thing to be…”

The ocean merely frowned “I’d be happier if I were you...”

To this, the rock only whispered “If only I could be you…”

Amy Ashworth

Sometimes I love you, but This has got to stop.

Sometimes I just want to drop.

You treat me like a princess, but You sting like a bee.

Sometimes I feel like you don’t love me.

You call me bad names, but then you say You love me.

Now I see that it’s all just a game.

Natalya Daoud 20

Life’s Fairy Tale It all started With once-upon-a-time.

The glass slipper chose not to fit, That mirror on the wall Told me I was not The fairest of them all, I never got that kiss From Prince Charming To wake me from slumber Or the magic carpet ride To escape from harsh realities.

I never had a fairy godmother To turn my life into an enchantment.

Life is filled With the stronger elements, The evils, The witches and dragons, Those evil kings and queens That believe they rule the world.

Living to control the mind Steer in the wrong direction The cold reckless mentality That hinders the thought Of right and wrong.

There will never be A happily ever after As long as they live To dominate the mind, thoughts The actions.

Those little roadblocks Occurring every day, Though we may not realize That they exist, Present in all of our lives Keeping us from winning, Destroying the fairy tale, The happily ever after.

Nothing seems to change; It began with once-upon-a-time And it stays that way.

Meghan Bush

Forbidden Love Once upon a time in a far away land lived a beautiful princess and a beautiful man.

The princess lived in an elegant castle and the man watched her from afar.

One day they met face to face and all they could see were stars.

The two fell madly in love, but the king did not agree.

He forbade his daughter to see the man, so the beautiful couple had to flee.

They escaped to the land known as the beautiful island of Saruzee.

They lived happily with each other and their beautiful child, Aurora Leigh.

Stacey Fagin

21

Figuring it Out?

The Thrill

Why can’t I figure it out?

Why is it so hard to understand?

I stay up at nights To think about what I’m feeling.

But, I can’t seem to place my thoughts.

Why do my thoughts confuse me?

It’s weird to think that I can’t figure out my own thoughts.

And yet, there is hope.

Not from me, however, But from others.

Some know me better than myself.

It is they who keep me here.

They keep me alive.

They can figure me out.

But why can’t I figure it out?

Softball is a fast-moving, slow-paced sport with innings lasting from very long to short.

The pitcher is the one, who gets things done, striking out the vulnerable, weak ones.

Next is the catcher, who takes charge of all, calling the plays while controlling the ball.

The basemen have to be on their toes, where the ball goes no one knows.

As for me I prefer to be one of the three; farthest from the plate is where I like to be.

I can see all of the field and goings on, when someone steals a base I yell “gone.”

The ball comes flying through the blue sky; In a split second I’m off with a really big cry, “I got it,” I yell and run the race of time, hoping to get there before its prime.

After the play, the adrenaline starts to kick in, hearing my teammates cheer I get a big grin.

People ask why I like it so far from the hill, Ireplywiththissimpleanswer,“It’sthethrill!”

Andrew Thole

Aline Tabet

Writer’s Block Blank page without a thought No words come to my mind Not a single line rhymes Crumpled up notebook paper Lays skewed across the room Every possible line dismissed Stanzas impossible to form I give up and walk away Wretched writer’s block Holds me in her trap.

Sarah Shifflett

22

In Unity Sparkling pearls dangle from your eyelashes; Green spring melts and into winter splashes, Down your freezing cheeks yet of softness.

Your lips quiver slowly, “How did it come to this?”

Sparkling pearls dangle from your eyelashes; Green spring melts and into winter splashes, Down your freezing cheeks yet of softness.

Your lips quiver slowly, “How did it come to this?”

We barreled, tired, through thick muck and mire, Our fingers crossed and interlocked, With hearts not beating but stampeding, Knees giving way to the world and its weight, Still never dying, and yet always trying, Sometimes bleeding, but ever breathing, Inunity.

Feelings drift away on waves That lap onto empty days Without you by my side.

Nothing slips through my veil, Ionlyfadealittlepale, But you just cried and cried, And I did too inside.

Sparkling pearls dangle from your eyelashes; Green spring melts and into winter splashes, Down your freezing cheeks yet of softness.

Your lips quiver slowly, “How did it come to this?”

Itwasunity, Our last unity.

We barreled, tired, through thick muck and mire, Through the state of hurt, warped hate, Our fingers crossed and interlocked.

With hearts not beating but stampeding, We soared across a fulfilled cause, Sometimes crying, sometimes trying, Sometimes bleeding, but always breathing, Inunity;

Our voices carried so contrary To the state of hurt, warped hate.

With hearts not beating but stampeding, We soared across a fulfilled cause, Never crying with ceaseless flying, Never bleeding and always breathing, Inunity.

Inunity.

Jenny Severyn

Walls The walls are up.

The inspiration is down.

The half empty cup, The talk of the town.

The impenetrable force, The unbreakable border, No need for divorce, Beyond the walls there is no order.

Chaos is all around.

They’re safe inside their town.

One by one they all gather round, One by one they all fall down.

Nate Lockard

23

Gods and Fire The nights are longer as the days are thinning, By the eve the trees are burning.

All the kids are sleeping out back, The kids in the desert waiting to attack.

The gods of men, they cry and they fight, Dear fire, be our ally tonight.

A deep orange glow reflects in the eyes, In the night air we feel so alive, Love the electronic scream vibrating in our ears.

I’ve since grown tired of counting my years.

The gods of men and their indifferent stare, I want to set ablaze the night’s air, Dear fire, keep me warm, with care.

The summer sky, it cools a deep blue, How long’s it been since I’ve seen you, Without care, running through the forest?

Your favorite song plays through my head.

The leaves ignite as they touch the ground, The gods of men are not around, Dear fire, you will be found.

Nick Panzeca

My Paranoia I walk the same path every day, Knowing that everything will always be okay.

I walk with pride and not with fear, Knowing my home is very near.

My four-legged friend leads the way.

With him I follow, so closely I stay.

But today the air blows a bit eerie, I suddenly begin to feel a bit weary.

Shadows and silence fill all around.

I quickly turn back, now homeward bound.

The strange feeling of being followed, Overwhelms me and makes it hard to swallow.

I pick up the pace, Just to be safe.

The crunch of the leaves beneath my feet…

My heart rate increases to the point where I can hear each beat, Faster and faster I move my feet As they pick up the pace and slap on the street.

I so much desire to be home in my safe bed Where worries are no longer formed in my head.

Our sight Our sight is one of our greatest gifts.

It is hard to imagine life without it.

Being blind and always needing a hand Is too much for us to understand.

We can see everything in the world, Anything we turn our eyes to is its own image.

We never appreciate how lucky we are, To be able to see near and far.

We can see pictures to bring back memories, Or travel the world to see new sights.

We can see things from mountains to big trees, Huge bodies of water and new species.

Whether we see what we like or what we don’t like, Our sight is a priceless gift.

Andrew Zofkie

24

Rachel Neltner

Throw it away You’re throwing it away You’re wasting your life, You’re too young to know What decisions to make, You’re too stupid to tell What opportunities to take.

You’re just a teenager, Too rebellious and wild To think You’re on the brink Of falling over the edge.

Be cautious Right now, You’re on the ledge.

I’m trying to help So don’t raise your voice.

It’s not your choice Anymore, You must do as I say.

You can’t have your own way, You don’t know what you want, You couldn’t have it anyway, You can’t have your own dreams.

But here, Have mine.

She takes a deep breath and walks in alone Deciding whether or not to pick up the phone.

The room is cold and she is weak, So many there, yet no one will speak.

She wishes she could turn around, go home and leave, She thinks about the person she said she would never be.

As they call her name she starts freaking out, Knowing that later she will soon doubt.

With no one there to tell her no She follows the lady, and to the back room they go.

They start questioning her, asking if this is her desire.

She starts sweating and shaking as if on fire.

A few minutes longer and she nods her head yes, Her heart beating faster and faster within her chest.

They take her back, and before she knows it they’re done.

She wants to hide, go far away and run.

With nothing left to do she goes home, Crying and crying still all alone.

She goes to bed with her heart torn, Knowing that her child will never be born.

Ashley Jenkins

I couldn’t live my life to the fullest So I’m going to make yours The dullest.

Don’t waste your life Or throw it away Because you’re living it for me…

My way.

Marie Paquette

25

Chance

Love > Pills

Don’t you leave me without saying goodbye.

I know there’s not a lot of time left, but you have time now, so listen up; You are quick-tempered, tough talking, and irritating beyond measure; To accomplish anything in this world you must control yourself – learn to smile at others and to be grateful when someone smiles at you; You have a natural gift for making people laugh: use it. ’Cause here’s the thing boy, you only get one shot at this, one chance.

This is all there is, so enjoy, make the most of it.

And go, knowing that I’ll miss you every day you’re gone.

I don’t know how, but I’ll manage. ’Cause you deserve that chance, Deserve to find true happiness.

You step out that door and don’t you dare look back, ’cause boy, there are no regrets.

You leave this place knowing that you did your best here, and that someday, I’ll leave too.

So see you soon boy, I’ll watch you when you go.

My mirror must be broken ’Cuz that’s not who I am.

My rainbow’s fading black And I can’t force a smile.

When did I sink this low?

I hate the world I’m stuck in And I hate myself for that.

Please please someone save me If I’m worth saving at all.

When did I sink this low?

Now I see light Through the darkness In her golden blonde hair, And inch-by-inch I’ll crawl.

Well my mirror must be fixed – I don’t remember the last time I felt this good.

Alex Horan

by audrey trauth dedicated to alex trauth, the best big brother ever.

26

I Can’t Write Here I sit and try to write A poem that describes my frights.

I can’t think of much, only that My neighbor has the cutest cat.

My sentences, no matter how hard I try, don’t flow; I am beginning to sound like Edgar Allen Poe. My rhyme is off and I can’t seem to get it right, I think I might take a break and head home for the night.

This should be easy for I have written so many, What I have now isn’t worth more than a penny.

I try to calm my inner most self, Thinking of nothing but the books on the shelf.

Maybe, I think, my inspiration will come If I pop in a piece of chewing gum.

Chewing, again I sit here and think, Willing myself not to think like a shrink.

I tell myself that I will be all right, All I have to do is turn on the lights.

This seemed to help, for a voice in my head Told me to look down at the paper on my bed.

I slowly glanced down at the page that I knew to be blank, For there had been nothing that I wrote since I had gone to the bank.

To my shock I found a most welcome surprise, All my thoughts I had thought had been organized.

This way they were was a poem that rhymed.

I couldn’t believe that this whole time I had been writing a poem that was decently good, I realized I had written the best I could.

For it is when I think too much nothing appears, Now, I can begin to write about all of my fears.

Aline Tabet

Time

Time is ticking…

Have you made your life worthwhile?

Have you accomplished all your goals?

Time is ticking…

Have you made your name known?

Have you made a difference in the world?

Time is ticking…

You cannot turn back time; it is your time to shine.

Make your time the best of times.

27

Jill Ruhe

You contradicted yourself with words you never meant to say.

It was a scene of discontent And mainly dishonesty.

Insecurity and my heart beating too fast changed the outcome of this situation.

You can’t see me cry.

I’ll cover my face with my hands And hold in my last breath I begin to take.

Count for me and see how long this air can stay in my bones Rushing through me and changing the way you think of me.

I can’t stand up to you, and you know I’ve never been able to.

I knew you always had a thing for girls with two faces, And their selfless immaturity.

You can’t get out of the rut you are trapped in.

It was an honest mistake that you didn’t believe, Mainly because you just didn’t want to.

Pull your face away from mine And feel the wind now beneath your hand Since you don’t have mine to grasp any longer.

Such a beautiful liar you are, a wonderful one with a mind That moves too fast for your own good.

Your eyes tell the real story As you become defensive now with each word you mumble.

You hypocrite.

You’re the epitome of everything I’ve always hated.

Yet I can’t make myself leave you behind Even though I know I need to.

You hate me; I know you do.

And I hate you back almost as much, too.

Yet I save you; you still need me even though it’s somehow killing you.

We wished upon those shooting stars together, And our wishes came true.

You wished for me, and I wished for you.

Except it’s a love hate relationship that we can’t understand now.

There’s no such thing as second chances, And I know you never want to be like me.

I’m the bad habit that you can’t seem to drop And I’m the lie that became reality even though you can’t admit it.

You’ll get what you deserve; it’s a simple thing called karma that I’ll introduce to you.

Regret nothing, even though you regret each word of hate you say to me.

I know you’re not sorry as you roll that word off the tip of your tongue.

Breathe deeper now as you realize that your dream has become a reality And your secret has been exposed to me.

But I’ll keep it from the rest of the world And I’ll do you the favor of helping you hide your true self from people.

I remember each lie you said to me.

Your friends have even turned their backs on you now.

Sleep in a remorseful lie full of ignorance and oblivion.

And as the mourning comes to you, lie to yourself again.

And maybe this time you’ll be the fool who seems to fall too hard For words that you never meant to say.

Peggy Cook

Broken I’m not going to lie; I want you with me.

But if it means not being happy, then leave.

Don’t run away because if you’re running from me you’re insane.

All I can say is inside, you make me feel like a kid.

It’s like I am walking down that old foot woven trail.

My heart is being carried by the wind in its sails.

Have I told you that you hold the keys to my heart?

You have the power to tear me apart.

Here I am on my knees now A tear falling as the rain comes down.

I am hoping you stay, but I know it’s hard To be let down so much you’re permanently scarred.

I won’t leave your side ever though, And even now as you’re walking away, my love grows.

With your back turned to me and your heart towards him, I am still yours.

Maybe you’ll return someday to me.

It’s like I am walking down that old foot woven trail.

My heart is being carried by the wind in its sails.

Have I told you that you hold the keys to my heart?

You have the power to tear me apart.

So there you go away from me.

He isn’t a good man, but neither am I. He is drowning you in his power sea.

But has he ever shed a tear for you from his eye?

Well I guess it’s time for me to say I miss you more every single day.

I loved you always and I always will, This was the final straw for my heart, the last kill.

It’s like I am walking down that old foot woven trail.

My heart is being carried by the wind in its sails.

Have I told you that you hold the keys to my heart?

You have the power to tear me apart.

She looks up with those beautiful brown eyes and asks, Wrapped in my arms, “Can we be together again?”

Baby I told you I would never leave, I was with you even when you weren’t with me.

Of course we can baby; you’re all I dreamt about, The one I waited for, the one I can’t do without.

I know, I know, you were lost and confused.

I’m not mad darling; you’re mine now it’s true.

While you were gone I was still here Stuck in frozen time with only one real fear: That you wouldn’t be happy wherever you went.

If you leave. I’ll stay and cherish the time that we spent.

29

James Braun

Maytag In the chivalric village of Chicago, Illinois, A corpulent woman of great success Had recently conquered, with the aid of her acclaimed chef, her nemesis, Maximus Adiposis.

The victory, however, was not without cost: Enduring the torture of healthy fruits, wholesome grains, even vitamin-infused vegetables Suffering through strenuous exercise – soaked with sweat.

Oprah eventually rejoiced in her newfound figure.

Adiposis, however, would not admit defeat: Continually haunting her dreams He transformed visions of pleasant interviews into horrid nightmares of gluttonous reverie.

Celebrities transformed into tantalizing treats.

His presence was overpowering, her mind consumed with thoughts of indulgence.

Sleep became a restless riot – a fight for a fat-free figure.

Mounting defenses against the treachery of her own mind, She installed security systems on her refrigerator and posted guard dogs on the pantry But to no avail.

One night, after a particularly savory dream, she snapped like a toothpick.

Donning her battle armor (pink bunny slippers, leopard-spotted robe, lobster-emblazoned bib) And selecting her armaments (a black-handled serrated knife, and her favorite sawed-off spork) She prepared to raid Maytag, her loyal protector of all things edible.

She attempts stealth, but upon sight of the sparkling refrigerator, her reason is overpowered.

She charges the heavily guarded sanctuary of nourishment, Her drooling mouth alike to a monster of epic proportions.

In a fit of desperation, she lunged at Maytag, ripping off his door in her haste.

Eviscerating the refrigerator, she devoured its delicious entrails.

The next day, to his utter dismay, the Maytag man caught sight of the horrible deed.

A simple door hanging from its hinges invoked the paternal rage of the repairman.

Drunken with fury, his abhorrence is avenged: A simple flick of a wrench and an incantation from the instruction manual, Forever-cursed was Oprah to fat-faced fame The victory of M. Adiposis was complete.

Tom Bachmann Michael D’Netto Justin Feldmann Emily Dumont Lingering He was gone, without even saying goodbye.

The memories linger and flash in front of my eyes But yet I am still blind and cannot see him.

Sitting in the kitchen waiting for him to come home to eat, The minutes just go past as if nothing has happened…

Waiting for him to come in, the plates of food are getting cold.

All the lingering memories in the house The pictures, the birdhouses, the clothes, all of his things…

I would do anything to just spend one more heartbeat with him.

Tim Meisman 30

Up all night.

Couldn’t sleep right.

Gonna be late, Just great!

Bad news: Wrong shoes!

Most annoying thing: John is starting to sing.

Books on the floor.

“Get out the door!”

Keys in my room, Saturday school doom.

Running here and there, Why do I still care?

Start to go, Then, “Oh no!”

Car is stuck!

Just my luck!

“Dad, help!

Help! Help! Help!”

Yay it is free!

What ’bout me?

Note, please.

And give back the keys.

“Love you” “Love you, too!”

Jacqueline M. Mayer

Childhood Is… Childhood is true innocence.

Childhood is never thinking about the future, but just wanting to make each moment the best.

Childhood is trying as hard as you can to hit the piñata, no matter how many times you miss.

Childhood is dressing in your same, favorite outfit every day, BECAUSE YOU CAN! Childhood is crying forever, when you discover you can’t fly.

Childhood is sneaking a stray cat into your room, without your parents knowing.

Childhood is cutting your sister’s hair, snip, snip, because you think it looks better that way.

Childhood is not caring about the outside of people, but who is on the inside.

31

Veronica Ferris

What Is The Success?

Smile to people as many as you can, Win the respect from a wise person, And receive love from your children.

Get praise from an honest critic, Overcome the betrayal of friends, And find the best thing out from someone.

You give birth to a reality child.

Cultivate flowers in the garden, Trying to make social environment better Or make the life better to live before you die.

darkness

If you make people’s life happy Or at least one person, That’s the real success in your life.

darkness. Playing such a deadly game of hide and plead not to be sought. falling deeper, with each lost footing I will never be caught by the wings of that promised guardian, who missed the call again too busy to hear the lost tears in that dreary den.

DongWoo Sun

oh Darkness, you maverick of despair, tender tormentor of the heart, swindler of the mind, such a hold you keep on the fair and feeble kind. lost and forsaken, abandoned and forlorn, sweet darkness, this silly game, you and I will play on, only to bring me crashing waves of shame. where did you go, darkness? I seem to have lost my way, and all because of you. Standing alone, I see, once my friend, you are now a fiend. my soul now yearns for the light of day. stumbling farther with each step, for you my heart now burns with disdain and now in darkness I must stay, forever more falling deeper into your trap of pain.

Megan Ford 32

Black Roses And I sing a silent song to match the black roses that grow on my heart.

And with each tear grows another black scar, This torture is tearing me apart…

The night is cold and the air is still, I’m just sittin’ Watchin’ where you fell.

The snow falls down along with my tears ’Cause tonight it hurts, all over Again.

And I’ll…sing my silent Song, Hum to the black roses that litter the snow,

The silence, it kills me to watch where he stood.

And I, I can still see the Hate.

’Cause that’s all that grows here now.

It’s that black pain that graces My snow.

And everything now is falling again, ’cause Tonight with the stars in the sky…

Yes, tonight it’s cold where the black roses grow over the spot that you fell.

Shivers up my spine, Goosebumps on my arm, I’ll just lie and I’ll say that I’m fine.

And I sing a silent song To match the black roses that grow on My heart.

Still I’ll sing my silent song And watch the black roses that grow on my heart, And I’ll hum my silent tune.

And I hum that silent tune, And my tears fall down.

And my tears they fall down And it snows.

Rest in peace, my friend, and know that I’ll see you again.

It’s comin’ up you see, the day, it is coming where I’ll have to face it Again

Till then…

I’ll sing my silent song to match the black roses that grow on my heart.

And I’m not afraid.

See it’s not pain that I fear, But the darkness that grows deep inside.

33

Amanda Klump

Key to Be… Stepping up is the key to success, We all strive to be the best, Not letting fears get in the way, We never know what will come the next day.

Being there for others For sisters and brothers, Finding that special path, Watching out for God’s Wrath.

With all this said and done, The many stresses weighing a ton.

What really is the key to success, Praying no one thinks any less?

Trying to fight society’s whips, You take many dives and dips.

You lash back With a single whack.

One chance on this earth, Trying to figure out what you’re worth.

So fall forward And hold the world.

Kevin Johnson (grade 12)

Regret Left Numb What I’ve seen and what I’ve heard What I’ve done, to be put in words.

I’ve found love in places I never knew could exist And made friends in people I thought I’d resist.

All the tragedies I endure and the fears I face I can never even dream of being able to replace.

I take it all in with arms open wide, I’ll take the pain and never choose to hide.

There’s so much I’ve seen, but still much more to go, But I’ll stay on path, because happiness I’ve come to know.

When friends, family, and lovers surround me My mind is at ease and my wondering heart is set free.

Even with all the mistakes, sadness, and pain I endure I see peace and love that I can’t possibly ignore.

So now I leave this place with regret left numb Because I’m leaving knowing the best is yet to come.

Kyle Pope 34

Bedridden Chills run through my body, Fire burns inside my chest, Tears fill up my eyes, And I can’t get any rest.

My stomach churns, I might throw up.

I need to go sit down ’Cause I can’t stand up.

My head is so heavy It might just fall off.

My throat is burning And I have a horrible cough.

I feel faint, I might pass out, My legs can’t hold me, I want to shout.

My nose is running But I don’t have a cold.

My body is weak, My body feels old.

My bones are shivering, My body – froze.

It’s hard to think And I can’t feel my toes.

My body is numb And my smile is gone.

My heart is slowing.

I might not make it to dawn.

It’s hard to keep my eyes open, The world is closing in.

My body lay colorless And is as cold as tin.

My mind can think, These tears can fall.

My heart is aching, But I can’t move at all.

Jessica Scheidler

Changing Colors Life was dull and gray until you came and colored it.

Things happened quickly, like red fire from spark lit.

The Moon’s Touch

Being with you felt as if I was in a colorful dream.

The moon she shone so beautiful and strong, Two colors perpetually mixed as one, it would only seem. giving way to all reason for treason and wrongI saw her that night But colors faded as the time went by.

You didn’t even seem to want to try. so glorious with might and asked her in a smallish tone: When lives became busy, keeping together became difficult.

“Who do you love, O Guardian of Dark, Looking back on everything, was it really your fault? on whom have you left your wondrous mark?”

Sudden changes turned colors blue.

I thought but I never really knew, How much of me truly needed you.

Lucas Custer

Ah how the Moon, so great and wise, looked down upon me with caring eyes, and said in a voice so sweet and tender, “I love all that is touched by my light.”

Without a sound, I looked around, and saw that all was lit by her light, “How is that so?” I asked in great awe, “You can’t have enough love for everything, you can’t love Us all” “Oh but you’re wrong, sweet little child, for love is not tame, it is free and wild, and there is no set amount for each person, So when you run out, and are filled with doubt, all you must do is create some more.”

“So,” I asked, “then we control, either half or whole, how much love we have to give?”

“Yes little one, you see it’s easily done, to love everyone and everything I see, And when it’s all gone, oh let me tell, I make a little more love, so I can love everyone I haven’t met as well.”

Audrey Trauth

35

Arc O’ Gold Flowing like a river Straight into a bowl Ah, Liquid takes its toll.

Standing like The Colossus Or Sitting like The Thinker, Dreary at the sight of Rosy Dawn Shake off the last few drops Like crystal dew upon a grassy lawn.

Yawning at the night, Oh, so misty blue, Stand and be proud For there goes the last rays of golden hue.

Joe Scheidenberger

Her Sunrise On the corner of Grey Street, darkness waits, Hoping to bring about her final demise.

Took hit after hit, unwavering and strong, She was waiting for her sunrise.

There was an emptiness inside her. She Did anything to fill it in. All the lies, She drank them till every last drop was gone.

She was waiting for her sunrise.

Then fear finally took hold of her heart.

The fingers of darkness slowly wrapped and tied.

Ready to give up this fight, take her last breath, She was waiting for her sunrise.

She was slipping away but then there came, A pull from above and she opens her eyes.

As she clings to his hand, a warmth fills her veins.

She was waiting for her sunrise.

He changed her life using colors bold and bright.

His smile spread such light and his eyes seemed so wise.

He knew her pain and her past, yet he still came.

She was waiting for her sunrise.

As they walked off together, her smile grew in size.

She knew she was done waiting, he was her sunrise.

Empty Promises Leah Forgus You left me; you left me for a full bottle and empty promises.

You told me you loved me and you would always be there.

Where are you now?

I’m broken and bruised and have nowhere to turn.

I’m boxed in and haven’t got a clue to where I belong.

This house is not a home.

I will not let you bring me down.

I will not let this torture me.

And here I am defeated once again.

Your frantic stumbles and slurred words mean nothing to me now.

Your never-ending thirst for more may never be quenched now.

I’m here to let you know that I will not falter; I will not forget this.

You left me; you left me for a full bottle with empty promises.

36 Celeste Shumrick

My life is a book, Chapters pop up and grow, like flowers in the spring. They develop independently, a product of my subconscious.

Stories are written where I didn’t even know there was writing.

Scribbled in the margins, as if by magic, words formed by the page.

It is a fantasy, a memory, even a love story.

Where do they come from?

My life is a book, and sometimes I have to look at previous parts to understand the story now.

Sometimes, I even have to go back to the beginning, because restarting is the only way to understand.

You must think me a lazy, lax writer.

I’ve been working on my story for 18 years!

(And still, I’m not finished!)

Who knows how long it will be before it is published, Or if the publisher will deem it worth reading, for that matter.

Certainly, I’m certain, the story is glimmering gold, a magic masterpiece, but have I convinced the reader?

I am constantly editing, continually creating, Incessantly crafting, But the story doesn’t always seem to get better as it goes.

See, my life is a book.

My Box Should it be a proper work of nonfiction?

I feel trapped I must write the real reality.

Inside this box.

Beware reader, I find many ways to get out, this story has monsters!

But it pulls me back in.

Darkness often accompanies the light, I give up everything to get out. and when the demons attack at dusk, I sacrifice all my emotions How dost thou judge me?

And receive nothing back.

Am I Worth Reading?

It’s hard to move Amanda Klump Without hitting the side.

37

For if I hit the sides, The box hits back.

The box is cruel and unusual.

It makes me want to curl up And wither away, but I AM STILL HERE, in this box, Moving along as I grow.

And one day I will grow out of that box And need a new box to stay in.

A better, nicer box.

I form myself for that new box, I dream every night for it.

For that box will be easier to get along with.

Andrew Thole

Only Truth A wall cannot be a window, but a window can be a wall, and if a window can be a wall then so too may the eyes, for the eyes are the windows to the soul.

And so, in this way, the eyes may be walls to the soul.

Walls protect, give shelter, block out the unwanted.

You are unwanted by my soul and so my eyes are walls to you… but walls get cracks.

Without care, walls will break and crumble, they will give way under pressure; and they will fall, leaving in their place a door.

And damn you, for you have climbed through that crack that is a door, which had once been the walls that were my eyes, who are the windows to my soul.

Now you have crossed through all: wall, window, and door alike, And you have touched my soul with yours, Though not just touched, but joined.

You have joined with my soul in a way that no longer may I call you unwanted.

No longer may I doubt your trust.

Heart to Break No longer may I fear your love.

All This Time I’ve Been Searching.

For the walls are all gone, For all too long I’ve been hurting, and in their place they have left only And I’ve locked my heart in a room: truth.

A safe and strong, but lonely tomb. audrey trauth And I’ve kept it silent Because my loneliness I can’t relent, So this one time, this chance I’ll take To unlock those doors and let it wake.

But every time I’ve held a rose, Its thorn lets out the blood which flows.

Every day my heart wonders in fear, Whenever you’re gone, I miss you here.

So take this sad man, tear him apart, Because I’m yours; you have this heart.

I can sleep willingly until I wake Because you can have my heart to break.

38

Kyle Pope

Monday Mornings Monday mornings never seem to start how we want.

The alarm clock goes off And you wish it would stop.

Sitting up, You realize it’s Monday.

You forgot to do math homework, due today.

Mondays are rough enough, And now you have to rush.

You race around the house Trying to get ready for school.

You find your shoe in your dog’s mouth, covered with drool.

“Great,” you think, “Another problem to add to my day.”

Breakfast has to be quick Because there’s a quiz in first bell That you forgot about until just now.

“What a day,” you think, And it’s only been an hour since you’ve been awake.

Time to go to school – Maybe the day will get better, But on Mondays it’s always hard to concentrate.

Morgan Rice

The Captain’s Quest For thirty-five years, the captain sailed.

He searched all the land and the sea.

The ancient gold of the Mayan gods, He hunted vigorously.

With his crew gobbled up and his ship destroyed, The Captain threw his head back and cried, “Great demon, you may take my life, But don’t let my request be denied!”

He had used every riddle and map, Had gone through every clue.

He couldn’t find the treasure there, And doubt spread among his crew.

The beast reared its huge head and opened its mouth, (The blast of breath was quite smelly) Lo and behold what the sea Captain saw, The treasure was in the beast’s belly!

The doubt was quickly gone, though, Once they came across the beast.

The guardian of the Mayan gold Invited Captain and crew to feast.

In the end, the Captain got his request.

Though he had to get used to the smell.

For now, the Captain will forever rest Where the Mayan god treasure doth dwell.

39 Joey Sandmann

A Fairytale in the City She lived in a loft in the city, amidst the chaos of town.

She knew something was missing, Oh, where would her true love be found?

This princess felt trapped and lonely, in this city of gray.

Daydreaming over coffee, her prince charming walked in one day.

They both looked up and their eyes met, it was love at first sight.

They knew it was magic, their hearts fluttered, soared, and took flight.

Best Days of Our Lives

In high school my days have been long Many run short, but all are where they belong.

Over the intercom his words, sharp like knives…

He says, “These are the best days of our lives.”

The city became their kingdom, It doesn’t make sense, simply just words, their love melted the chill But the meaning behind them I find so absurd. and the gray disappeared.

High school to me was the worst in my eyes, Now their dreams of love were fulfilled.

These really aren’t the best days of our lives.

Sarah Magness There’s no life in these days, no glory to be won, These painful days somehow are gold to some.

In Need Just fear, pain, lust, and unrewarding strives – A cry of hunger These truly can’t be the best days of our lives.

But some treat them that way and grow up in shame, A cry for help Wondering why life can’t always be the same.

Those without a home, So they grow up unhappy, believing the lies litter the dark alleyway.

When the man says, “These are the best days of our lives.”

A cry of loneliness Kyle Pope A cry for compassion

Dressed in rags with no shoes to wear huddled on wooden benches in the park.

Nowhere to go.

Nothing to eat.

No one there to care for them.

Can we help?

Found dead next to dumpsters plagued with hunger and frostbite eating leftovers from the garbage cans.

Nowhere to go.

Nothing to eat.

No one there to care for them.

Can we help?

Meghan Bush 40

I Remember I still remember wishing he would never leave.

I still remember the glassy fury in his eyes, The tears and the screams.

I still remember watching him drink away my childhood.

I still remember wishing I could call this home.

There are things that refuse to escape me.

I still remember the love in your eyes, The kindness in your soul, the compassion in your touch.

I still remember wishing this would never end.

The laughs of happiness, the cries of sadness – I still remember holding on.

There are things that refuse to escape me.

I still remember the cold touch of her hand.

I still remember letting the pain surround me.

The ocean seems like one big pool and I’m just dying to jump in.

I still remember that I can always remember.

There are things that refuse to escape me.

I still remember the ground enclose you.

There are some things that refuse to escape me.

Celeste Shumrick

My Key to Dream My past is my past; let’s leave it at that.

I did hurt, I was depressed, I felt like crap.

Power Ranger Blues I had no voice; I didn’t love myself.

I remember as a little boy, I hated who I was, but always by myself.

Constantly wanting to destroy.

Locked behind emotion, in a tight cage, Thinking I was a Power Ranger, Having moments of sorrow and fits of rage.

Left everyone in danger.

But something happened; I just woke up As I walked door to door, Screaming at my nightmares — just shut up! the bodies hit the floor.

I searched my soul and found the key, Innocent civilians dropping like flies, Unlocking the cage and setting myself free.

The little red Ranger letting out battle cries.

I took control of who I wanted to be, I socked ’em in the face, Learning to love others, learning to love me.

Then hurried back to base.

What I felt is still in my heart, I remember it so well, They used to tear me down and rip me apart.

The day the Power Ranger fell.

But now I write them for the world to read, As I returned home, Planting a seed of hope for someone in need.

My mom was on the phone.

No longer will I shed another hated tear.

She told me the end was here, For my dreams start now, and they start right here.

And took away my Power Ranger gear…

Carly Pearce Matt Buchheit 41

LEAVE ME Leave Me Be. Why Can’t You See I Need Time For Me? The tears are pouring out And you want to know what’s wrong, But the fact that you’re here right now Creates feelings so strong.

Do you think this lecture is gonna be long?

I’m tired of being labeled as the “bad one,” And the things you ask me to do add up to a ton.

Leave Me Be. Why Can’t You See I Need Time For Me? I just wanna be alone, And don’t call me on my phone.

If you’re not gonna leave, I guess I’ll just tell you the deal.

I DON’T HAVE ANY INDEPENDENCE, YOU WON’T LEAVE ME ALONE, EVERY TIME SOMEONE CALLS, YOU’RE LISTENING ON THE OTHER PHONE! I’M EIGHTEEN, YET EVERY TIME I WANT TO DO SOMETHING ON MY OWN YOU SCREAM! Basically I’m tired of you.

If you still don’t understand, ask again, and I’ll make it so clear It’s impossible to see through.

The Cult Rites and words, Tens of thousands of years old.

Catacombs of secrets, So much there goes untold.

I doubt these walls could speak, Pale stones, so empty and so cold.

Leave Me Be. Now Do You See Why I Need Time For Me? Emily Hayes

Chants and songs, Echo through the room, Nothing more than a wolf, Just howling at the moon.

Vines crawl up these ancient gates, I doubt they will fall soon.

42

Please don’t throw me a stone, For simply asking why.

I wonder will your words live on, Or will they float into the sky?

Is there another place to go, Or should I live before I die?

Nick Panzeca

Rockettes Getting dressed up Is half the fun, Doing make-up And getting your hair done.

Different costumes For each routine, Crazy and hectic It’s never serene.

Stretching, practice, Must make it perfect, Facials and sharpness Every move you must hit it.

Holding hands, Time to pray, Do our best in every way.

Now in character Heart beats fast, Left foot first Save the best for last.

Doing my best Not thinking a thought, People cheering And clapping a lot.

I don’t remember What I just did, But our coach is crying…

So proud of her kids.

First place, regionals, then at state, If we keep trying I know we’ll do great.

My sisters combined have so much soul Because we all strive for Nationals!

Jessica Scheidler

Growing Up Red roses gradually fade as the sun sets And time ticks on just as before, My whole existence a series of regrets Something I have always tried to ignore.

So many unspoken feelings build up inside As I struggle to forget what happened long ago, Others attempting to help, only to be denied, I am not interested in your selfish quid pro quo.

True friends almost impossible to acquire With compassionate gestures absent from the days, For something to care becomes my greatest desire But I am dismissed as “going through a phase.”

Growing up becomes a feasible task For no longer am I so desperate and alone, Nevermore will I hide behind a misread mask My true self prepared to appear and be shown.

Sarah Shifflett 43

The Ballad of Chi-Chung Out of all the history that has been forgotten, All the heroes that have gone unsung, One story forever in your mind shall dwell: The adventure of Sir Chi-Chung.

Without a word, Chi-Chung grabbed his sword.

He strapped on his armor and shield.

He set out to win his Lady so dear, Her life, he would not yield.

The warrior’s origin was not well known, In fact, no one knew for sure.

All that he knew was he faired from the East, But of that land, he only knew lore.

Deep into the forest, he trekked for days, Through the dark and damp maze of trees.

Until finally he stood in an eerie clearing, He heard a roar and dropped to his knees.

As a lad, Chi-Chung did not fit in With soft brown skin and almond eyes.

But his thirst for knighthood and legendary status Would not allow him to stray from his prize.

Before him towered the terrible troll; Its lumbering mass grew tense.

Its pale skin twitched and it bared its fangs, Swinging arms, so bulky and dense.

Many a night, he’d dream of his home, A home that he could never see.

For his soul was lost and his heart was sore, To belong is all he wanted to be.

Chung sprung to his feet and swung his sword high, And so, the battle began.

Flesh cut away as blows were dealt, Which no normal being could withstand.

Chi-Chung’s first love was a lady fair, Whom he spotted one day outside town.

Her sunflower dress and her rosy pink cheeks Were as gorgeous as her immaculate gown.

An eternity passed and the forest grew still, One man stood surrounded by mist.

His bloody, battered body was of no concern; The Lady’s well-being was his wish.

To the letters he sent, she did not write back.

His gifts earned him no reply.

He had all but lost hope when the message was brought: Something had gone terribly awry.

He discovered the Lady not far from there And gently loosed her bind.

The Lady gave him all of her love, A love that would last for all time.

The lady had been snatched up in the night!

No trace left but a foul smell; The stench of a troll that hails from the wood, A true demon from the depths of hell.

The warrior found for what he had searched, And won it, no matter the cost.

He at last had a home and a love so true, His soul was no longer lost.

Joey Sandmann

44

The Wall This wall stands before me like a lock with no key.

Outside of it lingers new ideas, a world to be free.

But that’s not the place he wants me.

For I’d be more open-minded, smarter, you see.

He’d say I’m crazy, that I’ve lost my mind.

But deep down inside, he’s afraid of my kind.

He built it to keep people like me under control.

To give us no imagination, no thought, no soul.

It starts with visions, men who are desperate and needy but it only takes a little power to make man greedy.

This made him want to control it all.

And that’s the very reason he built the wall.

Lucas Custer

Standing Still I close my eyes, Watch the whole world pass me by, There is no time To take control of what is mine.

I feel as if My life is slipping away off my fingertips…

Seeing you cry, Asking myself why, How am I the cause?

While my life is set on pause, Waiting for someone to push play.

When I think about running away, As he decides, I’m being pushed aside.

You make my day Whenever you have something to say.

You say those words, Asking myself if I really heard, You say I love you.

I laugh when you say I’m your boo.

Even though you make me smile, You can only stay for a little while.

As I say good-bye, I watch my whole world pass me by, Thinking if there is no time, How do people take what is mine?

Then I realize That life is the prize.

If you let it slip away You will surely float away.

Then I look into your eyes, So innocent, to my surprise, No longer saying good-bye, But now – hello.

- Julia Knopf

45

Waiting for Love along the Way Medieval Ballad by Biz Keri Young Thomas lay amongst the grasses thick When yonder came down the lane A fresh-faced lady in a light-green dress, With wind whisping through her golden mane.

His hate for Young Thomas was more than his want For Lady Adela, who loved only the boy.

Now he gripped in that fist a blade, cold and cruel, Eyes dancing now with revengeful joy.

The shepherd boy sat abrupt and gazed At Lady Adela, pretty and pure.

His heart full of love, his eyes full of awe – Such feelings he could not deter.

When Lady Adela strolled next down that path, Young Thomas, her eyes surely sought.

His figure not approaching, his gaze not showing – Amongst the grasses, the shepherd was naught.

From thence every day, at a little past noon, Her step upon that path did trod.

He’d gaze while his heart grew and grew, And she’d grant him a smile and nod.

Her heart beat with loss, her eyes brimmed with tears At the sight of the field so alone.

She waited ’til dusk for the face of Young Thomas, Then turned slowly her heel toward home.

And Lady Adela, with blushing cheeks so bright Could travel a shorter way, But chose to stroll past Young Thomas’ gaze For her own love for him could not stray.

Now, to this day, at a little past noon If in foolish Young Thomas’ field doest thou stand, Daily can a woman be seen approaching, Walking that path – no hand in her hand.

Walking that path – no hand in her hand.

But alas, Young Thomas was a fool, indeed For Adela was already Sir Reynard’s prize – Whose pockets were full and his pride fuller still, And he intended to make her his bride.

But Young Thomas could think only of Adela, And he plucked her a daisy from the land.

She grinned as she peeked from beneath her eyelids.

And they walked down that path hand-in-hand.

And they walked down that path hand-in-hand.

Everyone noticed how her color grew brighter, And Sir Reynard asked, “Why all the time, doest thou smile?”

He suspected, indeed, that she did love another, And followed behind her along that mile.

When he saw, from a distance, their hands clasped together, And how much their eyes filled with love, His own eyes narrowed and his heart filled with wrath, While his hand gripped a fist in its glove.

46

A Letter to My Future Self I do not know what will happen, or how my life will be, When the years have passed and time has aged me.

I hope that I am well – that this letter finds me healthy.

It does not matter if I am even wealthy.

Have I earned a degree in economics yet?

Have I graduated school without much debt?

Am I a lawyer as I had planned?

Is that a case-file or a binky in my hand?

Please tell me success has come my way – That I have had many a “very good day”.

I imagine myself single, a young twenty-eight…

About getting married… I think I can wait.

Maybe I am older – a mom – a wife too.

I wonder who my husband is, what he’ll do.

Am I organized yet – that would be fine.

Do I have a clean house – one I call “mine”?

If I’m not a graduate, give me good reason why.

Make sure I do lots of cool things before I get old and die.

Remember when you were me? Wow, it was long ago!

I have so many dreams, ideas, but what do I know?

Well – I know that I have a purpose for sure: I know for all I’ve done, I can do more!

Future self, don’t let me down – I plea.

My future is bright, as far as I can see.

If things have been tough, I’m sorry and sad.

But chin up, there is hope, soon you’ll be glad.

God Bless and stay well – we will meet again.

Someday I’m sure there’ll be a time when I will be the reader of this silly note Reading all the silly things I wrote.

And all those things this girl has ever known, Are parts of the woman – this girl full grown.

Jacqueline Marguerite Mayer (aka Jacque Mayer) 47

Trends

Waking I’ve been wishing all this time I’ve been wanting my whole life, And now I begin to wonder Why I can’t see that this is enough.

While walking through the world that God has blessed me with to live on, I’m inflicted with naivety that results in heavy burden.

I can see what others have I can see sparkling dreams, But I refuse to see the beauty Of the gifts I’ve already been given.

I’m surrounded by the cries of others protesting a war While watching mothers buy them goodies from almost any store.

Under the cloak of night With only stars to see by I get lost in a world Of fairy dust, Rhymes, And a life I’ll never know.

As I listen to my lessons on respect for all God’s children, Abusive whispers of His children make the lessons almost hidden.

I’m blinded by these wishing stars I’m blinded by my wants Until nothing is enough for me There is no happiness in the dark.

As voices scream with sorrow over effects of drunken mistakes, The same sad voices roar with laughter as they break the legal intake.

But eventually the dawn will break The sun will soon reach out Until her glow shines within all And my eyes will finally open.

After hearing stories of how much fun it is to smoke the pot, The story tellers fail to say what fun they had when they got caught.

I will see the gift of time I will see the gift of love I will see the gift of living And I will be able to rise above.

While I admire God’s miraculous work and praise His holy name, I’m surrounded by so called atheists who take God’s name in vain.

No more will I be caught up In what everybody else wants.

With sunlight’s warm hug around me And wishes evaporating in the light I will find happiness at last.

Amy Ashworth

Frustration builds and boils and courses within my veins At these things that prove to be so obviously insane.

The raging frustration is relieved and brought to a quick and solid end When I look at the others surrounding me with the strength not to fall for ridiculous trends.

-Emily Dumont

48

Evolution Carefully I wound my legs underneath me as I slumped to the damp, stale-smelling earth, lacing my hands together delicately as rareness slipped across my face in the form of a smile. “Hey, Angel. How are you doing? Me? I’m as horrible as ever. But hey, I was remembering some times that weren’t so horrible. Like when we first met. I had just moved to the city and enrolled in your school, and my eagerness to meet you was overflowing because your infamy, even to a newcomer like me, was well known. Smashing car windows, breaking and entering, vandalism, fistfights—and you were only eight. A regular juvenile delinquent prodigy. And I was so impressed seeing those dark blue letters splashed behind you on our shack of an elementary school, with you standing there cross-armed and slack-shouldered and hateeyed. You had punched me in the arm and rolled your eyes, saying, ‘Ain’t you ever seen the f-bomb before?’ As I laughed, you smiled, and rapped your fist against your hip.

“We started hanging out, which you insisted was because you knew my skinny hide couldn’t handle itself, but we eventually became so inseparable that I clandestinely was aware of the word between us, a sweet secret: friendship. You continually would hit me anyway, you know? Like that time we were twelve and were wandering around your neighborhood and started arguing about…I don’t know, but something ludicrous, I’m sure. You just reeled back your arm and—slam! —whacked your rock fist into my face, making my teeth slice my tender inner cheek, and I bled, remember?

You sprinted inside your house blunderingly, and I sauntered after, watching you scrub down your hands at your sink and shake your head and sputter incoherencies. Strange impulses overrode any sane ones within me; my body started quaking, and then the snickers came, and finally the full-fledged laughs. Contagious, isn’t it? And you started smiling too, kept scrubbing, but smiled, and water splashed onto your grimy hardwood floor as you started smacking your fist against the pocket of your fraying jeans and laughing and crying all at once. It was complete strangeness. A sociologist would have been in heaven.

“Do you remember all this, Angel? Oh, what about that time that pathetic excuse for scum started mocking our names? ‘Corn and Angel,’ he trashed, ‘sound like names for illiterate lap-dancers.’ Admittedly I abhor my name, and it’s plenty of things, but it ain’t womanly. Man, this guy got what was coming to him, and then some. You screamed so loudly that some passer-by phoned the police, who chased us down in their car, you remember? The bloody thrill of it! Barreling through those deserted back streets and narrow alleys, scarcely avoiding escape, and hiding out in some abandoned warehouse. We huddled in that cobwebbed supply closet forever, camouflaged by the discarded mops and cleaning supplies and garbage, and you were quivering and cursing and spitting on your hands to clean them, muttering about soap. How much did you wash your hands after that, dude? Man, who knew a couple of thirteen-year-olds could outrun the cops, right?”

Melodic jingles vibrated through the air, and I half-jumped, gaze averting to my pants pocket, from which I produced a sleek, black cell phone. “Hm. Someone’s calling, Angel. I mean, this isn’t mine, but maybe I can have some fun with it.

I’ll see you around, right?”

As I unfurled myself into a standing position, I smiled fleetingly once more and flipped open the cell phone.

“That secret word, Angel: friendship. That’s what this finally evolved to. I did like it better when you responded, though…brother.”

Gradually my expression melted to a frown, and I reached my hand out to gently finger the ornately curling, engraved letters in the cold tombstone in front of me.

Jenny Severyn

49

There’s A Man There’s a man, I think his name is Bert.

It doesn’t really matter Every day I see him, In a blue button-down shirt.

How many places I saw He’s the maintenance man at my gym, And how many times I would see them And it’s true that I have a crush on him!

And how many people would walk my same steps.

He’s married though.

They would never change He’s a little too old for me also.

You see, Bert’s a little older than 60.

As long as I kept them with me, He has big blue eyes, In my mind and out of the rain With glasses too big for his head, And under my covers as the thunder came.

And with his shirts he always wears ties.

With what’s left of his hair, he combs to the side.

The seasons would never change.

I like to think of him as Frankie Blue Eyes himself.

Bert has that nature.

In my mind it would He’s as cute as can be, Always be summer And he walks with a little wobble. Oh golly gee!

Or spring Bert will probably never know I like him in this way Or winter Because of the fact that I’m too shy to say.

After his shift he works out, Or fall.

And you know when he’s in there, The leaves would never change So am I, without a doubt.

And never fall.

He winks and I smile, say hi, then turn around and blush.

There you have it; now you know about my little crush!

Places I have been

I just want to be able To see these places Anytime I want, Whether it’s during class Or in my dreams.

I want to be on the London Eye again I want to see the Rocky Mountains again I just want to see the places I have been.

Emily Hayes

And when it’s time for Me to go, I want to tell people How they should have been me, To see what I saw And tell them I would give them my eyes So they can see the places I have been.

Emily Pritchard

50

Evil villains are never given a chance.

Cruella de Ville just wanted a coat.

Medusa just wanted a friend and a hairstylist who rocked.

Scarface only wanted a plastic surgeon that would help, and Magneto only wanted world domination and the ability to cook spaghetti without the pot sticking to his hands.

All Captain Hook wanted was to be able to open a can of peaches While Darth Vader wanted to be included in the family photo.

Sandman only wanted a little water to help hold him together.

The Joker just needed someone to take him seriously While the wicked witch just wanted people to stop taking her shoes.

Good guys never seem to be in the wrong.

Spiderman really leaves a mess of webs to clean up While Superman never seems to be able to fly without busting something.

Peter Pan took kids from their homes to Never-Never-Land without their parents’ permission.

Luke Skywalker wouldn’t go to family counseling to help with his anger problems.

Hercules had that ego problem While Batman just seemed to have too much money and time With Tinker Bell never wanting to share her flying power.

So next time you try to blame the villains, just think of the superheroes and how they really are.

Jill Cranley

A Widow’s Walk

By Aline Tabet October 1692 It was a cool day in the middle of October. The leaves had changed colors and were starting to fall. October, according to Elisabeth Daniels, was the most beautiful time of the year. She was a young woman of 20, and she had been married to Jacob Daniels for almost three years. He was a nice, handsome seaman who traveled for long periods at a time. He would leave around July and return early to mid October. To make sure that Elisabeth would never miss his arrival, she would always go up to her roof and check the sea’s vast horizon for any sign of his ship. She loved to stand there and feel the salty breeze hit her face.

Well, this particular day, Elisabeth woke up with a bad feeling. She couldn’t really describe it, but she did know that whatever she was feeling wasn’t a good one. As she did her morning chores, she did them with caution. Every little movement she made was done with thought. While she was doing her chores, she wondered to herself what it must be. At first she thought that it might have something to do with her husband because it was the middle of October and he wasn’t back yet, but she quickly dismissed that thought. Then she started to think about the witch trials that had been going on. One of her friends had been accused of being a witch just because she was reading. She was found guilty of witchery and was sentenced to be hanged. They will convict anyone who is either accused or seen doing anything out of the ordinary. Ever since her poor friend Martha Corey was hanged, she made sure to fit in as much as possible.

The day went on fine with no bad signs or any unusual happenings. That night Elisabeth had dinner and went on with her evening routine. After she finished eating, she went up to the roof to scan the horizon for any ships. She would also go up there to relax and breathe in the cool sea breeze. It had only been a few minutes when she heard hushed voices from below. She looked down and saw two men walking. When she realized that they were headed for her house, she got down quickly. She didn’t want them to suspect that she was doing anything strange. Not many people at the time had walks on their roof; her husband had made it just so she could watch the sea for him. She made her way back into the house and downstairs.

She got to the door just as they started knocking. She gained her composure and opened the door. “Hello gentlemen, please come in, won’t thee?” The two men walked in. They looked around for a long, long while. Elisabeth broke the silence by asking, “Who are thee who have cometh to visit on this lovely night?”

“Hello, I am Peter Cruse,” the bigger of the two guys said, “and this is Stephen Miller.” He tipped his hat and stayed silent.

“Well, it is a pleasure to make thy acquaintances. Would thee like anything to drink?”

“No thank thee, we are here on official business.” Elisabeth tensed up, and she could feel that ominous, dark feeling looming overhead again. “We have cometh to tell thee that there have been accusations brought against thee.”

“What kind of accusations? I haven’t done anything wrong.”

“Oh, on the contrary, thee have. It has been brought to our attention that thee have been practicing the art of witchcraft. I need to ask thee questions, and I need thee to answer with truth… Do thee live unwed?”

“No, my husband is a seaman and is out at sea now.”

“I see…What have thee been doing up on thy roof?”

“I have been looking out at the mysterious sea. I find a peace up there, and I search for my love’s arrival.”

“I see, and last week thee were reading?”

“No, I was praying with my Bible.”

“Ok, thank thee for thy patience and time. Good Night.”

“Good Night sirs,” Elisabeth said with confusion. She led them out the door. When they were gone, she just sat down and cried. She couldn’t believe that she was accused of witchery. She just hoped she could get out of it and survive. She willed herself to go to sleep and put her mind off things. She eventually drifted off to a deep sleep.

The next morning she went up to her roof and looked out to the sea; she knew that she would soon not be able to search for her Jacob. She began to wonder if his second love of life had taken him and kept him selfishly to her. The day went by with no signs of anything. She was anticipating the moment they came to her house and took her away.

Weeks went by and still nothing from the two men who visited her — or from Jacob. One night in early November she went up to her roof, and she knew that the time had come. Her Jacob was gone, and she felt that those men would be back for her that day.

She sat on her roof, locked herself up there, and cried for her love and her dastardly life. After a while she realized that the two men were there. They called up, “Elisabeth, thee are charged with the usage of witchcraft. Cometh down in peace.”

“My life is over. I’m not a witch and thee won’t listen to my truth. Thee will kill me for my sins. I would rather perish under my own hand. I wait here for my Jacob, who is gone forever.”

“Cometh down and we will listen to what thee has to say.”

“No, thee won’t listen. I will take my life and join my beloved Jacob again. I will forever stay here, watching and waiting for his return.” With those words she drank poison from a vile she had taken with her. As the poison set in, she sat and looked out to sea.

The one that had been friend to her betrayed her in the end. She would always be there, planted on that spot waiting for her beloved Jacob to return, knowing she would prevail in the end. As one tear formed and ran down her cheek, she breathed her last.

October 2007 The sun was already out when Sarah Cooper woke up that morning; she could tell that it was going to be another comfortable day. As she got out of bed, she kept telling herself that this was the last New York fall day she could enjoy. Sarah’s life was a really good one; she was 25, had a new husband, John, and graduated with honors from NYU. John was 28 and was an engineer, which required him to occasionally travel. They were moving to Salem, Massachusetts, to get away from the hustle and bustle of New York life.

As she got the last of her belongings together for the move and waited for John to arrive with a U-HAUL truck, her mind wandered to the first time they had seen the house. They had fallen in love with it immediately. The house was a beautiful Georgian. It had a wrap-around porch and had a widow’s walk. The inside was just as pretty as the outside. The real estate agent had told them that the house was built around 1690, and the owner was the first to build a walk on top of the roof; he was a seaman, and he wanted to let his wife have a way to watch for him out at sea. The style had caught on, and that’s why there are widow walks. Sarah thought that it was romantic and fell even more in love with the house. Sarah’s thoughts were interrupted by the telephone, “Hello.”

“Hey, guess what?”

Sarah didn’t even have to ask who it was; she knew that it was John. “Um… What?”

“Well, if you look outside you will see that a chariot awaits to whisk you away to your dream housing destination.”

“Great, you’re here. I’m almost done packing. I’ll be out in a sec… and I’m hanging up now because I find it totally pointless to talk on the phone to someone who is only ten feet away.” With a chuckle, she hung up and went outside. “Now, you can make yourself useful and start loading up the truck!”

“Geez, I can never catch a break. Can I?” He jokingly complained while he started to load up the truck with their precious valuables. An hour later, they had all their things packed up, and they hit the road. “Time to start anew!” John cheered.

“Hoorah to that!”

The ride was a nice one and took about four and a half hours. They arrived there about dusk. As they turned up to their driveway and parked the truck, they saw the house, and both let out a sigh of relief and happiness. They got out of the truck and walked hand in hand up to the house. As they opened the door John said, “Home sweet home.”

“Touché, this is going to be great!” They were both exhausted from the day and only unpacked a few necessities. They sat down and had their first dinner in the house. After dinner they went up to the walk, looked out to the ocean, and breathed in the sea air.

“The view is amazing. I’m really gonna like it here.”

“Yeah, I am too.” They stood there for a few minutes taking in the view.

After a while John turned to Sarah and said, “What do you say we call it a night? We’ll finish unpacking in the morning?”

“Sounds good to me.” With that they both went to their room and fell asleep right when their heads hit the pillow.

In the dark of the silent night the ocean’s movement could be heard. It was soothing, but if one were to listen closely, one might hear a softly faint sound of crying from someone who had lost one to that same fickle sea that was helping others to a deep slumber.

Sarah awakened many times during the night. Either it was the sound of floorboards creaking that had awakened her or the moaning of the wind through the house. When she heard the wind go through the house, it took her a few seconds to calm down. She could have sworn that it had been someone weeping, but had to quickly toss that thought out of her mind. She knew it would take awhile for her to get used to the sounds.

The next morning, John woke up at seven. He went downstairs and made coffee. When that was done, he went upstairs and woke Sarah up. “Hey… Hey Sarah, wake up.”

“Huh… oh hey… morning.”

“Good morning… I made some coffee, and I was thinking that maybe you would like to go with me and take a stroll on the beach.”

“Okay, I’ll be down in a few minutes.”

“Take your time; no need to rush.”

Sarah was downstairs in fifteen minutes. John handed her a cup of coffee, and they went down to the beach. They walked along the shore’s edge hand in hand. “The ocean is so beautiful. I love it here,” Sarah said.

“Yeah it is, isn’t it? I’m really glad we moved here.” As they walked back to their house, Sarah couldn’t help but wonder if her life was too perfect. She tried to push the thought out of her mind, but she kept coming back to it. She remembered the song by Nelly Furtado, “All Good Things Come to an End.” In one way or another the good things in life tend to fade. Throughout the rest of the morning while they were unpacking, she couldn’t shake the feeling that her whole world was going to come crashing down.

“John, I’m going to go into town and buy some groceries. Do you need anything?”

“No, do you want me to with you?”

“No, I’ll be fine. I’m also going to see if the law firm has an opening.

“Okay, that will be good.”

Sarah walked into the warm breeze and set off. She drove into town and went to the market. It was a small place with a friendly atmosphere, and there weren’t too many people there. She was able to find everything she needed easily.

“Is that all?” the cashier asked.

“Yes,” Sarah replied.

“The total comes out to $54.63. So are you a newbie or a vacationer?”

“We just moved into the Daniels house yesterday.”

“Oh, the Daniels house – interesting,” he said with surprise in his voice. “A newbie, well if you ever need help with getting used to life around here, I can help ya.”

“Thanks, actually I was wondering if you knew how to get to Martha’s Law?” “Sure, you take a left out of here and continue straight for about two miles. It is on the right; you shouldn’t miss it.”

“Thanks a bunch; see ya later.”

“Bye,” the cashier said. As she left he couldn’t help but wonder about her and the Daniels house. He had grown up his whole life knowing that no one stayed there for more than a year. There had been sightings and stories of strange things that happened there, especially around October and November. He had heard stories of people who had gone up to the widow’s walk on a dare and could feel the presence of someone up there crying, but yet when they turned around no one was there. Other times there had been seamen who’d said that there was a mysterious light coming from the house that helped them get home, but when they got ashore it was gone. Not to mention that there had been lots of suspicious deaths in that house and they occurred when someone lived there. He just hoped that it wasn’t this woman; she seemed so nice.

As Sarah pulled up to the office, she knew right away that she had found the place. It was tiny, but it had a homey feel. She walked in and saw the secretary’s desk was right in front of her, and there were two offices on either side of that. The waiting area had a few chairs and a corner table with outdated magazines. An older, nice-looking lady came out of one of the offices; Sarah assumed that it was Martha.

“Hello, how may I help you?”

“Hi, my name is Sarah Cooper and I just recently moved here. I was wondering if you had any job openings.”

“I see; come into my office and have a seat. Can I get you anything to drink?”

“No, I’m fine; thank you.”

“Okay, well Sarah, I will need a resume.”

“Here you go.”

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As Martha looked through her resume, Sarah looked around the office. She noticed that Martha had a lot of pictures of old houses and a very old sketch drawing of a young woman. Sarah’s gaze lingered on this sketch, and she could have sworn that the young woman had blinked.

“Well,” Martha said, interrupting Sarah’s thoughts, “I think that you would be good around here, and I could use a helping hand.”

“Oh thank you so much; I really appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome. How soon can you start?”

“Whenever you want me to, I can start whenever.”

“Okay, how about this? How about you start Tuesday; that way you can settle in a little. Your hours will be from nine to five, and your days Tuesday to Friday. Does that sound reasonable?”

“Oh, yes very. Thank you so much. Good-bye.”

“Bye.” As Sarah left, Martha couldn’t help think that she had seen Sarah somewhere before, but she couldn’t quite place it.

Not to mention, Sarah had just moved into the Daniels house. She knew that no one had lived there in a while. She had heard the stories and just hoped that Sarah and her husband wouldn’t become a part of them. All Martha knew was that house wasn’t normal in any way, shape, or form. As Martha sat there thinking of this, she remembered something she had heard once. The house was owned by the Daniels, Elisabeth and Jacob; he was lost at sea and she was accused of being a witch. They say that she killed herself and is waiting for his return, that she will not move on until she and her Jacob are together and that nothing is going to stand in her way. It had been years and no one had come out well, but Martha just had a feeling that this time was going to be the worst yet. Suddenly, she got a cold chill and tried to think of something else.

As Sarah was driving home she was excited. Not only was her life amazing, but she now had a perfect job to top it all off.

She turned the radio on and started to sing along with the songs. She was almost to her house when she realized what song was on: “All Good things come to an End.” She quickly turned the station. She was trembling when she pulled up to her house, and she couldn’t shake the feeling the song had left her. She wondered what it meant, but couldn’t come up with a satisfying reason. She tried to tell herself that it was just a song, but it wasn’t working.

“Hey, how was your job hunt?” John asked.

“Great! Actually, I found one and I am going to start working on Tuesday,” Sarah said, trying to sound happy.

“That is amazing. I say we celebrate tonight!”

“Yeah, that sounds fun.”

“Oh, and tomorrow morning I have to go to Boston for a day. Work called and I couldn’t get out of it. I hate leaving you here because we just moved in, but I have to go.”

“That’s fine; I understand. So what time do you have to leave?”

“I have to leave at seven.”

“Okay, where are we celebrating tonight?”

“I thought we would go into town and eat at the inn.”

“Sounds fun; let me go change and we can leave.” As Sarah got ready for dinner, she was still thinking of that song. She didn’t want John to go off to Boston, not now at least, but she knew that he had to go.

That night dinner was good, but Sarah couldn’t be herself; she just needed to get to bed. After dinner John asked, “Do you want to go for a walk on the beach before heading up to bed?”

“Sure,” she responded, forcing a smile.

As they were walking and watching the water’s edge rise to the shore, John could feel that something was bugging Sarah, and he had felt it ever since she had come home that afternoon. “Sarah, what’s the matter? Is it my leaving for Boston or the move? What is it?”

“Nothing, I’m fine.” Sarah knew that John knew something was wrong, but she was hoping that he wouldn’t pry.

“Oh, it just seemed like something was bugging you.”

“No, honestly I’m fine. Go to Boston, have fun working, and don’t worry about me.”

“Okay.” They walked back to the house hand in hand. As their house came into view, they saw a bright light coming from the widow’s walk. “Did you leave a light on upstairs?”

“No, I don’t think so. Did you?”

“Not to my knowledge.”

“Well there has to be some explanation; we probably accidentally turned one on and forgot to turn it off.”

“Yeah, probably.” As they looked back up to the house, the light was gone, and they both stood there shocked. Sarah looked at John with a look of disbelief. They both knew what each had seen, but they didn’t voice it out loud. It wasn’t an illusion; they had seen it, but it was gone.

They both went upstairs and tried to sleep. It took a while, but they finally fell into a deep sleep. The next morning, John left at seven. “Bye,” John said. “I love you; I’ll call you when I get there.”

“Okay, I love you, too.” Sarah decided to finish the unpacking and set up the rooms to her taste. She worked most of the morning, and by afternoon she was exhausted. She had rearranged the living room and organized the kitchen. The bedroom was now

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complete, and the living room was the one she had pictured when she was a kid. This house was now a home, and it screamed Sarah and John.

After lunch, she took a walk on the beach. She loved standing at the water’s edge and taking in the ocean’s smell and feeling the cool water wash up onto her feet. She found a sense of calmness from the ocean, but she also felt a sense of destructiveness about it.

When she got back to the house, she decided to go up to the widow’s walk. This was beginning to be her favorite spot of the house. She felt a strong sense of longing up there, like a longing for something that is unseen and unrecognizable. When she was up there, the feeling she felt was stronger than it had been. She felt a heavy dark foreboding, the feeling that comes when something bad will happen.

As she stood there looking at the ocean, her mind went to the sketch in Maratha’s office. The young woman in it looked realistically sad, like the drawing was alive. It reminded her of the pictures in the wizarding world from Harry Potter; they were the actual person, moving, smiling, talking, and living.

It was starting to get dark, and Sarah decided to go downstairs and make dinner. While she was making dinner, John called.

“Hello,” Sarah answered the phone.

“Helloooooo,” John said.

“What’s up? Get to Boston okay?”

“I sure did. Sorry I didn’t call earlier; it took longer than I thought, and I had to go straight into the meeting. Did you get everything accomplished that you wanted accomplished?”

“Yes I did; the house looks perfect and you’ll love it!”

“That’s great; I know I will.”

“Are you all right?”

“Yes, I promise you that I am fine, and I am getting ready to eat dinner and go up to bed.”

“Okay, have fun; I love you.”

“Love you too; good night.”

“Good night.” With that they both hung up the phone. The truth was that Sarah really wasn’t fine. That picture was bugging her; it had given her the feeling of longing she felt on the widow’s walk. She couldn’t quite piece it together. She ate dinner in contemplative thought. She hardly even noticed that she had finished her dinner. She cleared the table and decided to call it a night. As she got ready to go to bed, the feeling she had was worse; it was almost to the point of fear. Fear of what she wasn’t sure, but she was sure that whatever it was would show itself tonight. She managed to go into a very light sleep.

Sarah had been asleep for about an hour when she heard a creaking sound coming from above. She woke up in a cold sweat.

“I’m just dreaming; it is nothing; it’s all in my head,” she tried to tell herself, but it wasn’t working. All of a sudden a huge moan went through the whole house. It shook her to her very core. “This can’t be happening; nothing is wrong; I’m just paranoid.” With that, she put on her robe and went to go calm herself by making sure nobody was there. “Hello, is anybody there?” she said into the dark abyss that had swallowed the halls. Sarah could hardly see her hand in front of her face. She felt around for the light switch. She went to turn it on, but when she flipped it, nothing happened. “Oh great, on top of everything else, the lights decide to go out.” She went downstairs, her heart pounding. She managed to find a candle and a match. She lit the candle and looked around. The house was normal, or so it seemed. She decided that it was all in her head and went back up to bed.

As she climbed the stairs, she was starting to calm down. She reached the top and was about to go into her room when she heard a person weeping loud and clear, “Jaacoobb, is that you? I have waited soooo long. Finally are thee home?” Sarah stopped right in her tracks; her heart felt like it was going to burst out of her body. She thought it was coming from upstairs, so she decided to follow it. When she got to the door leading out on to the roof, she saw a white glowing light and was hit with an overwhelming sense of sadness and longing.

She cautiously opened the door and looked out. At first she saw and heard nothing, but she soon felt someone standing behind her. She could feel a presence close to her. She didn’t want to turn around; she was afraid of what she would find. All of a sudden, a voice behind her said, “Sarah, thy time hath come. My Jacob hath come back to me, and thee are in the way. I have waited a long time for this. Thee will not stand in my way.”

“What are you talking about? Who are you?” Sarah asked, as she finally got the courage to turn around. As she saw what she was looking at, she froze and stared in disbelief, “It’s you, from the firm…” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As Martha was getting ready for bed, something was bugging her. She had been thinking about Sarah ever since she left the office the other day. She couldn’t quite place what about Sarah intrigued her. Sarah seemed so familiar to her. That Daniels house is the answer; she knew it. She just couldn’t think what about it really gave her a bad feeling. As she turned out the lights, she remembered.

“That’s it,” she said to herself. “I have to get over there before it is too late.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “But why? I don’t understand; why are you after me?” Sarah couldn’t believe she was standing in front of a ghost this whole time, not to mention a ghost who wanted to kill her. She knew that sketch in Maratha’s office had struck her as odd; now she knew why.

“Thee hath brought me my Jacob and are now in the way,” the ghost said.

“But, he isn’t your Jacob; he is my John,” Sarah protested, knowing it would be useless. Just as Sarah said that, the ghost of Elisabeth came towards her. Sarah tried to move out of the way, but Elisabeth came too fast. Sarah was knocked down and hit her head hard. Sarah knew that she had to stay conscious; if she didn’t, she wouldn’t be alive. She had to do it for John. Sarah staggered up to a

standing stance, holding on to the side of the railing for help. Just as she did so, Elisabeth came towards her again and this time pushed her over the railing. Sarah was now dangling from the side of her house. She hung there praying that this was a dream and if it weren’t that she would get out of it alive. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Martha was rushing to get to Sarah in time; she knew that it might be too late, but she had to try. She felt bad that she hadn’t thought about it before. The signs were all there; she just didn’t put it together. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Elisabeth came around to Sarah and looked at her for a long while. “In a few moments, I will have what I have been waiting for, for over three hundred years: my life and my Jacob. Farewell Sarah Cooper.”

As Elisabeth was coming towards her for the third time, a car pulled up to the house. Elisabeth stopped in her ghostly tracks and looked down. Sarah would have looked if she weren’t clinging on for her dear life. Out from the darkness a voice sounded, “Elisabeth Daniels, you are finished. Your Jacob is gone. He has been for over three hundred years. Leave this place and move on; you aren’t wanted here. If you refuse to go, your house will be destroyed and your Jacob will never ever come home.”

With that Elisabeth let out a wail of anguish and desperation, “Noooooooo,” and left.

Martha ran into the house and up the stairs. She had called the cops on her way to the house, and they could be heard in the distance. She went up to the roof and hoped that she would find Sarah alive. “Sarah are you up here? Sarah are you there?”

“Hello,” Sarah managed to get out.

Martha ran to her and said, “Sarah it’s me, Martha; you’re going to be all right, I’m here and the police are on their way.” Just as she said that the police arrived and they managed to get Sarah up.

While Sarah was sitting on the couch in the living room, she asked, “Martha, what happened, and how did you know to come?”

“Well,” Martha started, “it all began with you coming to the office. I knew that I had seen you somewhere, but I couldn’t quite place it. Then tonight, I was getting ready to sleep when it came to me: the sketch in my office. You look exactly like Elisabeth Daniels. I knew that the spirit of Elisabeth haunted the house, and it is the time of year when she had originally killed herself. She has been waiting for Jacob to return, and you bore such a resemblance to her that she knew John was her Jacob. I knew that you would be in grave danger, and I had to get over here as quickly as possible. So here I am.”

“Wow! I just don’t believe it,” Sarah said in shock.

“It’s a lot to take in. Now I think you should get some sleep; you look exhausted. I’ll stay here with you until John gets back.”

“No, you don’t have t…” but Sarah was already asleep.

The next morning Sarah awakened and couldn’t believe the night she had. She decided to go upstairs and take a shower before John got home; she knew that it was going to be a long day.

John came home around noon. As he walked up the drive, he saw the aftermath of last night and hurried in the house. “Sarah, are you here? Are you all right?”

“I’m fine now,” she replied.

“What happened?”

“Long story – why don’t you get comfortable and I’ll explain everything.” As he changed, she made some coffee. She told him the whole story, and he just sat there in disbelief. When she was finished she said, “Everyone around here was helpful, and there is no need to worry anymore. I’m fine and she is gone.”

“Yeah, I’m glad you’re fine, but I say that we move into a different house. It might be best.”

“That’s fine; Martha said that she knows a house that will be great. I am sorry I didn’t tell you about everything. I just thought I was being paranoid.”

“It’s fine. I just want you to know that you can tell me anything. I love you.”

“I love you, too.” With that they sat on the couch wrapped in each other’s arms, not wanting to let go.

Sarah and John moved out and into a nicer house, a little closer to town. Even though the spirit of Elisabeth is said to have vanished, some say that on foggy nights around October and November one can see a faint light coming from the widow’s walk of the Daniels house leading those to a safe return from the sea.

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