Eleven Rivers Review Vol. 6 (2019-2020) by Eleven Rivers Review

Eleven Rivers Review Palo Alto College Student Arts and Literary Journal Volume 6 Fall 2019 - Spring 2020 Cover Art “La Llorona” Andrew Salinas The Eleven Rivers Review is an annual student-sourced publication that highlights the creativity of Palo Alto College’s diverse student communnity. Our name is a homge to the Texas rivers from which our campus buildings take their names. The works selected for Eleven Rivers Review represents the views of the student contributors, not necessarily the views of Palo Alto College. All selections are printed with the permission of the authors and artists cited. Copyright reverts to the authors and artists immediately after publication.

Acknowledgements The Eleven Rivers Review would like to give special thanks to everyone who made this issue possible. Dr. Robert Garza, President Patrick Lee, Dean of Arts and Sciences Shirley Leija, Student Financial Aid Associate Director Tina Mesa, Dean of Academic Success Thomas Murguia, Academic Program Director Jennifer Scheidt, English Department Chair Beth Tanner, Vice President of Academic Success PAC Marketing & Strategic Communications Staff PAC Fine Arts & English Faculty

Editors Student Editors Denesha Dean Amber Esparza Gema Sanchez [Designer] Anissa Triano

Staff + Faculty Advisors Hunter Bates Karen Mahaffy Rita Ortiz

Table of Contents Interview with Andrew Salinas The Aquarian Without Love Blood Moon Forest Fighter of Fire Untitled Indomitable Untitled Memory of Place Bitter Texas in Bloom He Fades Away Numbers in Words Barn Swallow Untitled Life Substance Green? RomancĂŠ Dream Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder Half of my Soul Framed You, the Interloper Then, Now Be Different After Secret Life of Bees Another World, Another Time Lozen Dawn

5 6 5 7 8 9 10 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 30 31 32 33 34 35 37 38 39

Denesha Dean, Student Editor Andrew Salinas Joshua Cortez Maricella Flores Bridgette Martin Ryan Miller Cassandra Davis Ryan Miller Steven Markowski Natalia Rivera Maria Chavez Savannah Quinonez Abbygail Shirley Jennifer Cyrene-Aguilar Ryan Miller Marissa Valle Joe Gomez Michael Harrison Michaela Mendez Abbygail Shirley Isidro Gonzales Ivonne Rivas Dalia Villarreal-Montes Andrew Salinas Alvaro Casares Crysta de la Cruz Gabriella Falkenberg Faith Mcwalter Steven Markowski Cassandra Davis Gema Sanchez

Table of Contents Surviving You Wishing for the Beach Water’s Temper The Flash Tranquility Bridal Veil Falls I got into an altercation today... CHEERS, from Space!!! I Feel Sick America Lilypad Floral Selena As I Watch Me Frizzy Frustration I Still Believe You’re a Special Gift The Trailer Hammy Downs: (Hand-me-downs) Tables The Catch of the Day Pioneering The Beauty Around Us Show Sans Tell The Beauty Around Us Without Love Glow Photography Life is Short High School Lucha Libre I’m the Voice Me 2

40 41 42 43 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 64 66 67 69 70 72 73 74

Jessica Cantu Faith Mcwalter Chloe A McGowan Faith Mcwalter Leonardo Morin Chloe Mcgowan Darryl E Berry Jr Daniel Polendo Michael Harrison Darryl E Berry Jr Deanna Estrada Adriana Otero Cassandra Davis Crysta de la Cruz Megan Cuevas April Tallent Megan Cuevas April Tallent Jade Menchaca Joseph Almaznaai Jade Menchaca Joshua Cortez Jennifer Cyrene-Aguilar Alexis Diaz Jasmine Alvarez Analisa Herrera Aletze Airam Saucedo Castellano Andrew Salinas

Interview with Cover Artist, Andrew Salinas by Denesha Dean, Student Editor

Amid the current pandemic and the protests, the monolithic weight of our nation’s transgressions has made it hard for us to catch our breath. As we all take an involuntary moment to pause, the sudden suspension of our everyday routine has led many to a realization of just how fast the world swirls around us without our acknowledgment. This acknowledgment, or lack thereof, of pressing issues causes a surging confrontation of emotions, which can be felt within ourselves and seen through our interaction with others. This year’s cover art selection, La Llorona, by Andrew Salinas, paints the emotions of such times in vivid color. “In legend Llorona weeps for her children, and in this depiction she weeps for the world her children have inherited… La Llorona is surrounded by all the colors of the world, but the world she knew has shattered from its natural order into a world that is unfamiliar to her. In my interpretation I aimed to depict the chaos of our modern world; it is unfamiliar and unrecognizable to her, and consequently she is in anguish.” Mentored by Palo Alto College faculty like Dr. Lori Rodriguez, Javier Aguirre, and Lloyd Walsh, who helped facilitate an environment that allowed for creative synapses to formulate and thrive, Salinas became a productively involved member of our local PAC community. Salinas’ urge to take action has guided him down the path of leading students to be active in their community through the PAC chapter of Somos MAS. As a lab tech for the art department, Salinas had the opportunity to spend 30 hours a week painting, which he said was not only good for his craft but his soul. He plans to earn a master’s degree in art therapy and open an art therapy center to help others work through their heartache with art in the same way he has. “I like to believe that creation is part of the human experience, and when I make art, I am a force of nature taking elements of the earth and reforming them into new creations...reforming it in my own vision,” Salinas says. Reminiscent of a mix between Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Edvard Munch’s The Scream, La Llorona has a dream-like quality surrounding it, as if being viewed through the refraction of a crystal aura, reminding us of the obtuse reality we can find ourselves in. Inspired by the hidden, more than often, overlooked, colors of everyday life, Salinas has picked from the branches of his cultural tree and constructed this piece from

his fruitful findings. It tells of emotions, it speaks on a legacy of inconsolable grief, and in its portrayal of the whirlwind colors of the world, one can hear the many cries for reform, the cries of the people trying to discern what is most relevant or where their attention is most needed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It would seem to me that we have allowed ourselves to forget that we are all floating on the same speck of dust floating in a vast cosmic ocean. Our egos, greed, and ideologies have imprisoned us all and blinded us to what truly matters... love. It is my hope that someday we grow, to love one another unconditionallyâ&#x20AC;Ś to set aside our differences and embrace the majesty that is the human experience.â&#x20AC;? I want you to look at this piece and feel. Feel whatever your current situation evokes you to feel. And as you take note of these feelings, meditate on what has had the power to make you feel this emotion. If the emotion is despair, acknowledge what forces have had power over you and know that you are not alone. If you feel as if you are out on a limb, know that we come from the same tree and we feed from the same sources. As you thumb through the journal I hope you are able to relish what the local youth has deemed an acceptable expression of their character. Together we have all helped to conjure Eleven Rivers Review Volume 6.

The Aquarian Andrew Salinas

Blood Moon Forest Maricella Flores

Fighter of Fire Bridgette Martin

Should I walk through the fire? As I stand outside, with smoke pouring from the building and flames that seem to go on forever. I feel the heat on my face and I see people running out of the building, away from the raging fire that could swallow them up. As I’m listening to my chief hand out our orders, I heard a woman cry, “Please someone help! My daughter is still in the building! Please!” I turn to look at her, soot covering her face with tear lines under her eyes from her crying. I turned back as my chief ordered me and my team members to enter through the front with me leading. As we’re walking to the front door, the fire seems to be screaming with the smoke continuing to grow. In an instant, the doubts people have given me race through my mind. “Are you sure you want to do such a tough job?” “What if you get hurt, what will you do then?” “You should pick something more safe.” “Can you handle it?” “Are you strong enough?” The fire is still going strong and I turn to look at the women who said her daughters are still in the building. She’s crying uncontrollably into a paramedic who’s trying to assess any injuries. Asking about her daughter over and over. “Can you handle it?” “Are you strong enough?” The fire continues to scream as I turn back to look at the building. I walk through the fire.

Untitled Ryan Miller

Indomitable Cassandra Davis

Indomitable, for I am so. So strong, so quick, I live without fear. Weak, I am not. A word that is not me. To beat me, you cannot—yet you will try, Like all other foes before you, All dead by My hand—one, two, three, four-thousand. Undetectable, like the wind. Definitely not invisible, Unlike the poor ghosts of many cross dead men. How many now? One, two, three, four, five-thousand. Unconquerable, I am. But I conquer many. My soul, spirit—hard and impenetrable, Even more so than the Old Oak. My foes, their families, weep like the widowed willow. Subdued, I cannot be. No, not me. My wits—unshaken by the smartest of men. My power—like the solid wall of a hurricane. My courage—incomparable. Invincible? This must be true, for I am surely not of common blood. Lionhearted? No. For my heart is much burlier than a foolish Lion’s, As is my battle roar. A yell that is louder than any of the gods’ thunderous storms. They call me Indomitable, for I am so.

Indomitable, for that is what they call me. Physically quick, emotionally strong, I live for those who fear. Weak, a word for some, but not me. You beat me, but you do not beat me, you just cannot—yet you will try, Like all other foes before you, All Dead by my hand—one, two, three, four-thousand...may they rest in peace. Undetectable, like the wind. Unfortunately, not invisible, Like the poor ghosts of the men who have crossed me in my will to survive. How many now? One, two, three, four, five-thousand. Unconquerable, I am. But I do not wish to conquer any. My soul, spirit, hard and impenetrable like the old oak. My foes, their families— Weep even more so than the widowed willow. Subdued, I cannot be. No not me. My wits—unshaken by the smartest of men, women. My power—likened to the inebriation of a lover’s kiss. My courage—incomparable. Invincible? No. For I do not share blood with any of the gods. Lionhearted? No. For my heart holds much more guilt than that of a savage Lion’s, As does my battle cry. A yell that is louder than any burley man’s roar of arrogance. They call me Indomitable, for that is what I must be.

Untitled Ryan Miller

Memory of Place Steven Markowski

Bitter

Natalia Rivera Call me a fruit Barely hanging on to my roots Drowning in a drought My life is worth little without Someone to water my core Alone and dry, I will live no more I might be a seed Forgotten by some but mostly me My petals may be lost in an unseen current Floating along, I feel transparent Control over the speed and direction of the wind is what I desire But one thing I will never acquire Solitude is the world to me Forgotten by some but mostly me

Texas in Bloom Marcia Chavez

He Fades Away Savannah Quinonez

Numbers in Words Abbygail Shirley One word Two words Three words, four I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what to write anymore. Five words Six words Seven words, eight These thoughts I seem to amputate Eight Seven Six Five Words of kind I must align Four Three Two One Words of thought we are caught...

Barn Swallow Jennifer Cyrene-Aguilar

Untitled Ryan Miller 21

Life

Marissa Valle She rocked slightly on the rocking bench and looked up to the sky. The breeze blew gently and the birds chirped frequently, almost aggressively. The clouds looked gloomy, as they would when it is about to storm. But they never let out a single drop of rain. They just passed by swiftly. She could hear distinct chatter coming from her family sitting close to her. They went on about politics. She was too busy lost in thought to pay attention. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the life... right?â&#x20AC;? She asked herself. She dismissed such thoughts, afraid of them going into depth. She put her only focus on the caliginous clouds, as they slowly moved with the wind.

Substance Joe Gomez

I’m liftin’ this feeling by hurtin’ my kidneys Swigin’ the bottle, oh shit that one’s empty What people are sayin’ is gettin’ inside of me I don’t react, I don’t want them to tempt me Man, these people think they know what to tell me Shut the fuck up, your breath smellin’ unhealthy Always sayin’ imma end up with nothin’ You ain’t psychic and no fortune is needed The way you talkin’, always makin’ me dangerous Spinnin’ my head like a fuckin’ Tasmanian Say I won’t do nothin’, you the one who stuntin’ Game you play is hypocritical, outdated Imma be what I wanna be: famous Even if that mean I gotta make changes Out on a rage, they be speakin’ outrageous Cain’t no one ever stop the elevation Troublesome addict, addicted to madness Fuck with a tragic way to get a taste How can you cope with abusin’ a substance? You regret you were born in the first place Pick myself up then slap that shit outta me I’m hopin’ that someone is gonna be proud of me Fuck every one of you who ever doubted me Whatever I went through is gon’ make a man of me Insightful torture in my mind Rose petals sinful from the sight My pulse is fadin’ ‘cuz how much I bleed The feelin’s somethin’ you cannot believe Tastin’ venom on my tongue before I die Heaven knows that all I did was try I cannot control how much I like This battle is gon’ one day end my life

Green?

Michael Harrison

RomancĂŠ

Michaela Mendez

Dream

Abyygail Shirley I’m clinging onto things that aren’t there. Things that’ll never be there Because that’s all I have left. Let truth become lie and lie become truth. The truth hurts and it’s easy to run away in a dream. You don’t have to worry that they’re going to leave. That you’ll get too attached. In a dream, no one leaves or is left. In a dream, you can live without pain. In a dream, it doesn’t matter who you were yesterday or how you are today, It only matters that you are. Only that you’re there. In a dream, you can get lost in fantasy because reality doesn’t matter. Things can be scattered. Things need not follow rule. They just are and will be. And right now... I’ll let myself get lost in this dream. Because reality need not exist. I need only close my eyes and say my last goodbyes.

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder Isidro Gonzales

The only thing that was on my mind as I washed out the deeply stained flasks and organized the homemade disinfectants was none other than you. Your perfect doll-like face, the smell of your perfume, and your ageless brown hair. It all mesmerizes me. You, Elena, are my true love. I finish washing the last flask, lock up, and leave the Laboratory. I step onto the moist ground and become surrounded by humidity. It reminds me of how much you dread this weather, my love. Sometimes it even shows on you. “Typical Florida weather,” I thought as I approached my small house. Joyfully, I unlock the front door, enter my house, and at the top of my lungs I yell, “Honey I’m home!”. I hear no response. The house is dead silent and as I slowly maneuver towards my bedroom, it almost feels as if I’m the only person here. Just when I was beginning to panic, I pulled over the sheet on my bed to reveal you; sleeping soundly. Most days it seemed like you just slept in until I got home from work, I don’t mind however. Soon I found myself staring at you, admiring the sleeping beauty that lays still in my bed. I soon snapped out of the gaze and decided I was going to make you lunch as a surprise. I ran to the kitchen and started planning on what I could make for us. As I was getting all of my ideas together, I heard you awaken. Without hesitation, I yelled out, “What would you like to eat darling?” The response I was given after that was nothing new. “Vegetable soup please,” I heard come from your soft and almost nonexistent voice. After successfully making the meal, I prepared two bowls and brought you to the dining table, we sat, and we both dined. Today is the day. This is the day where I confront Dr. Carl. All the rumors, all the sightings, all the weird things the children have seen through the windows; it’s all going to be put to an end. Surely, half of these accusations can’t be true. I mean he did pay for the expenses seven years ago and made it seem like his life goal to save her. However, what about the key? The only damn key. Knowing these details makes it even harder and creepier to continue on but I must know. Out of all people, the damn radiologist. As I walk down the driveway, I find it hard to even keep standing at this point. Every slow and stomach-turning step I take is a step closer to finding the truth. I reach the door and gather up all the strength I have in me. I ring the doorbell.

Half of My Soul Ivonne Rivas

The doorbell rings. I wonder who could it be? Elena seemed curious as well. I’ve kept to myself ever since Elena moved in with me, mostly because she’s all I need. So I hope it’s nothing important that would take up my time. I kiss her on the cheek and tell her I’ll be back. I look through the peephole and to my surprise, Florinda is standing there. Dr. Carl starts to twist and turn at the rusted door knob, and once he gets it unlocked, he opens the door very slowly. As it opened, I felt a cold breeze escape from the house along with an extremely strong scent of perfume. He steps out very cautiously, as if I was disturbing a meeting. He

proceeds to stand in the doorway as his light-colored bony hands scratch his fuzzy aged beard. “Florinda,” I say welcomingly, “How may I help you?” She seems kind of nervous or even terrified. It also appeared that it was only her; nobody nearby to accompany her. I started to become concerned. I notice the concern on his face. I came here for one thing and one thing only, I need to get inside. Maybe I can fake my way in. I fearfully replied, “Yes, I was wondering if I could talk to you privately. It’s a serious matter.” “Why yes,” I say as I began to let her come inside. However, within a split second, I snap, and anxiously say, “Wait! Let me tidy up a bit.” I run inside and start cleaning up the mess from lunch. It wasn’t until I put the dishes in the sink that you asked me who was at the door. I replied, “It’s your sister.” The joyful look on your face told me everything that I needed to hear. I helped you get into a beautiful dress I bought you the other day and assisted in getting you all fixed up for your sister. After we finished, you were seated in the living room. What a sight for poor eyes. It’s already been about thirty minutes. I’m tired of waiting and based on what I’ve been hearing about Dr. Carl, I know I can’t trust him with her. All the rumors, they’re true. I believe them. Slowly getting irritated by the second, I tightly grasp the rusty doorknob and almost burst into the room. It was as if I had stepped into an icebox. Without paying attention to the scenery, I began shouting, “ DR. CARL, I HAVE LOST ALL PATIENCE. WHERE IS ELE-.” And that’s where I was shown. As I stood there, I wanted it to all go away. This wasn’t her. An entire wax body with the occasional patch of dried decomposed skin just laying there in the living room. Her eyes were lifeless stained glass and her hair was nothing more than clunks of random hair put together to make a wig. Metal wires penetrating out of her body in several places as if it was an oversized skeleton inside her. What pushed me over the edge, even more, was the perfume doused rags that filled my once living sister. It seemed like they filled every part of her body. The rumors were true. Seven years here. My sister was gone more than ever.

I could tell by the look on Florindaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face that it was too much. That her sister was unrecognizable to her eyes. However, you were the exact same, if not more to me, Elena. You are more alive than you have ever been and I will do everything I can to make sure we stay together because you, Elena, are my true love. As I look out the window to see your sister driving away, I smell something odd. It was time for some more perfume.

Framed

Dalia Villarreal-Montes

You, the Interloper Andrew Salinas

Then, Now Alvaro Casares

“Hey Nate, how’s life? I don’t know, it’s alright” (NF). “I’m only human after all” (Rag’n’Bone Man). “And really didn’t sleep much last night” (NF). “Every day when you get up and think you’ll never be great” (NF). “I could go to college, get in debt like everybody else. Graduate and probably get a job that doesn’t pay the bills” (NF). “Wish we could turn back time to the good old days” (Twenty-One Pilots). “No one’s around to judge me (oh)” (The Weeknd). “We used to play pretend, give each other different names. We would build a rocket ship and then we’d fly it far away.” “When our momma sang us to sleep but now, we’re stressed out.” “Sometimes a certain smell will take me back to when I was young. How come I’m never able to identify where it’s coming from” (Twenty-One Pilots). “Feels like we’re on the edge right now” (NF). “I was told when I get older, all my fears would shrink. But now I’m insecure and I care what people think” (Twenty-One Pilots). “Oh, the city’s cold and empty” (The Weekend). “I don’t wanna be alive” (Logic). “I push away the people that I love the most; why? I don’t want no one to know I’m vulnerable; why? That makes me feel weak and so uncomfortable; why?” (NF). “Could you find a way to let me down slowly? A little sympathy, I hope you can show me” (Alec Benjamin). “I’m sorry that I let you down” (NF). “Rather be the hunter than the prey.” “You gotta be so cold. To make it in this world” (Imagine Dragons). “I’m only human after all” (Rag’n’Bone Man).

NOTES: NF, “The Search”; Rag n’ Bone Man, “Stressed Out”; NF, “The Search”; NF, “When I Grow Up”; Twenty-One Pilots, “Stressed Out”; The Weeknd, “Blinding Lights”; Twenty-One Pilots, “Stressed Out” NF, “Let You Down”; Twenty-One Pilots, “Stressed Out”; The Weeknd, “Blinding Lights”; Logic, “1-800”; NF, “Why”; Alec Benjamin, “Let Me Down Slowly”; NF, “Let You Down”; Imagine Dragons, “Natural”; Rag n’ Bone Man, “Human” 32

Be Different Crysta de la Cruz

After

Gabriella Falkenberg This is it. The moment we’ve all been waiting for. Finally, after all these years, who knew I would get so emotional. After a week filled with tears of both joy and sadness, it’s finally time. As I head up the familiar steps leading to my home, I grin at the thought of being on my own. No parents or teachers telling me what I can or can’t do; being able to make my own decisions. Who would’ve thought this day would come? Just a blink of an eye ago it seemed as if it’d take a lifetime. Am I ready for this? One thing I always forget is all of the responsibilities that come with this freedom; both a blessing and a curse. Shaking this thought from my head, I begin packing and don’t stop until the only thing left in my room is my bed. My closet stripped of the clothes that kept it company all these years. After a very tiring flight, I hail a taxi to my apartment. How bizarre does that sound? I have my own apartment! I climb up the never ending stairs and finally reach my door. Room 390. It’s very quiet. Cold. Dark. I turn on the lights searching for comfort in them only to find they’ve done the complete opposite. I lit the candle my mom gave to me before I left, and put on some music. This seems to help. Sitting on my bed I begin to miss home, my family, and my friends; the routine and structure of the past. All while also anticipating the years to come and the experiences that will come with them. It’s a completely new territory and it is scary. But, if it scares you, do it.

Secret Life of Bees Faith Mcwalter

Another World, Another Time Steven Markowski 37

Lozen

Cassandra Davis No man for me, Only the ones to kill, only the ones to save. Desert sun dries my tongue, but still I will speak. Listening. Watching. Waiting. Moving. Doing. Right of my brother’s plan. Hand touches the light, to shade my people from pale face sin. Know me because you are a part of me, As I a part of you. Stealing back what is ours—taken from us. But nothing is free. Gun in hand, follow me as I ride my horse to the promised land. Take back what is ours— but is never really yours. Particles of ancient dust and air we breathe, In— Out— My patients, Not weak for wounds of sorrow. Be this. I have to be. Like our ancestors before us, Warriors of Will. Protectors of our Piece. Like me, Defender of the Apache. 38

Dawn

Gema Sanchez

Surviving You Jessica Cantu

Breathe, it will all be over soon; I tell myself this every time it happens. The sun comes up and it all starts with a little red and white can. By the end of the night I am walking on eggshells and tip toeing to make sure you couldn’t even hear a pin drop. Breathe, the day is almost over, I tell myself every time. I must have made a noise, walked wrong, or breathed too heavily, because the beast has awakened. Boom! My body fills with hurt and I fall to the floor. The sun is going down. I can see the beams shining through the window as I lay on the floor not knowing what has just happened. Bang! Another hit fills my body with hurt as I lie there, telling myself it will all be over soon, just try to breathe. Wait, what, I cannot breathe, oh, that little red and white can is being poured drowning me. SOMEONE CALL, KNOCK ON THE DOOR, SOMETHING PLEASE! I thought I was screaming, turns out I was just in my head, another Bang……. Silence. My eyes are swollen, I hear crying in the distance, and hear people but can’t figure out who. Flash, Click, Flash. Bright lights all around me and warm hands embrace me, you are going to be ok. Officers, flashing lights, and I know I am finally safe. Without a doubt in my mind that night would be the last night I ever saw that little red and white can. I stood with my skin shades of black and blue, grabbed my precious cargo who had been crying, them to breathe. It is over for good. (Being a survivor of domestic violence is part of my identity. Without it, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.) 40

Wishing for the Beach Faith Mcwalter

Water’s Temper Chloe A McGowan

Ripples skate the lake, Like shivers cold can make, The water’s temper climbs, Like swirling wind-chimes, The water’s favor swings and sways, Oblivious to the world’s wild ways, While in the shade, the water’s deep, And in the sun, the water’s clear, The one embrace you never seek, The one you fight, the one you fear

The Flash Faith Mcwalter

Tranquility Leonardo Morin

Bridal Veil Falls Chloe Mcgowan

The water falls by my feet, Raging and roaring with nothing to eat, But rushing and gushing by, Looking to all the world, as if it could fly, Hustling and bustling to get in the air, Yet jumping and laughing without a care, Still running and racing faster, and faster, But flowing and slowing ever after, Something so big, so beautiful, so brave, Plunging and diving down to its grave, This sight is something you cannot just tell, You must feel and see, and hear the bell, The bell that you hear is regal and loud, And like the falls itself, cannot be cowed, Awed are those the fall calls, So come and find my Bridal Veil Falls.

I got into an altercation today… Darryl E Berry Jr

I got into an altercation today… Guy said that Star Wars is better than Star Trek. I told him I begged to differ. Pre-Disney Star Wars, maybe. But now, hell ‘naw. He asked me what I wanna do about it. I hit’em with a one-two punch of Vulcan Logic and Prime Directive: “Logic dictates against, and the Prime Directive prevents me from, interfering with someone deciding to be so stupid.” He didn’t like that. He pulled out his light saber. I pulled out my phaser. I tried to blast him, but he blocked and parried my every phaser blast. He tried to slash me, but I called in an emergency beam out just in time. As I was beaming out, he exclaimed, “May the force be with you, asshole!” In response, I yelled, “Live long and prosper, ass wipe!” Best of friends, that one and I.

CHEERS, from Space!!! Daniel Polendo

I Feel Sick Michael Harrison 49

America

Darryl E Berry Jr Land of the tyrant. Home of the slave.

Lilypad

Deanna Estrada 51

Floral Selena Adriana Otero

As I Watch Me Cassandra Davis Me I suppose, As this is a mirror. Though I cannot place the person in it. I look and think... Is this me from before? Or new me? Perhaps the real me? Finally breaking free. Or the old me, Gradually—rising to the surface. Whichever this is, I feel fond of her. But—my eyes do not lie. These eyes are not from before, But only after. These eyes have seen much more than my brain and body can understand. These eyes, Speckled on white, Nothing special, nothing perfect. Don’t say anything—Yet say everything. About me, about we. Yes, a mirror—a reflection of deception. But the eyes—they cannot lie

Frizzy Frustration Crysta de la Cruz 54

I Still Believe Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a Special Gift Megan Cuevas

The Trailer April Tallent

From those looking-on, there was nothing special to look at. To me it was: watching TV late with my Mom, while Dad was out working. Waking up every Saturday morning with hot breakfast on the stove. Pushing my bed up against my sisterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just to be close to her. Eating dinner together at the table that was too small. Our lives were there, no matter how hard. We were loved beyond our looks in the trailer.

Hammy downs: (Hand-me-downs) April Tallent

Always been the same. Never new for us. We were grateful anyways. New to us was good enough. But, Good enough to us Wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t good enough. When they came, We tore through the tub Searching Searching Searching Searching Searching Searching Searching What can we find In the tub?

Tables

April Tallent Waiting It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hard, She did it for us. But it was the waiting that was weighing her down. Us first. Her last. Her dreams, Her goals Waiting.

The Catch of the Day Megan Cuevas

Pioneering April Tallent

We were close, yet so far. We wanted to be like them. Accepted. They didn’t care. Since we lived ‘there’ No one could accept us. We came from a bad stock. A bad lot, not to been seen with. No one carrying our burdens, Just us carrying theirs.

The Beauty Around Us Jade Menchaca

Show Sans Tell Joseph Almaznaai

It’s around 5:59 p.m., and I’m trying to get the stress from today off my back. After spending a while fixing up some snacks, I’m finally ready to watch the finale of my favorite show. This should definitely get my mind off of work, I thought. Sometimes I wonder if it’s worth it, but all it takes is a look at the family photo on the kitchen counter. Right on time for the show, I crash onto the couch, and reach for the… remote that should be right next to me. With an audible groan, I muster up the will to get up and make my way to the kitchen table where I thought I left it. It’s not there, so at this point I’m looking everywhere for it. If the TV wasn’t messed up, I would’ve just walked up to it and turned it on. I probably won’t miss much, I reasoned. Suddenly, I realized the finale doesn’t start at the normal time, it’s 30 minutes earlier. It took me 15 excruciatingly long minutes to find that thing, which was just underneath the couch. It’s still 6:45, I should still be able to catch the big moment, I hoped. Once I turned it on, I see with horror the credits. That can’t be right. There’s still 15 minutes left. Madeline walks into the living room laughing her face off. “I should take a picture, you look adorable when you’re all puffy faced like that,” she said. So many possibilities are going through my mind right now on why this would be the case. “Honey, I swear to god, if this is another one of your pranks- “ “Yup, you got me.” I couldn’t believe it. The show had been running for six years. Six years of keeping up with the story. All to miss it in this moment. “Calm down, the first 15 minutes is always filler anyways.” I work my ass off to pay for bills, to put food on the table, to get us everything we have. “Oh, lighten up, will you?” Nobody appreciates what I do. Not my coworkers, not my boss, and apparently not even my family. Nobody ever did. “Jeez, just grab a drink and cool off.” She gave me one of the sodas I got earlier. I held it in my hand, staring at it with nothing going through my mind. Nothing but the urge to let it all out. I threw the can on the wooden floor, startling Madeline.

That wasn’t enough. I ripped open the chips I grabbed too and made as big of a mess as I could. At this point, I couldn’t stop. There was a moment of clarity at some point, but it quickly faded when I realized how good it felt to let loose. After I threw every last snack to the ground, the floor was like a minefield of chips and drinks. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Robbie just came home not too long ago. His favorite show’s finale is playing today at 6:00 p.m. Little does he know I’ve moved every clock in the house forward 15 minutes while he was still in the shower. I was just waiting in the dining room for him to turn on the TV, so I could see his reaction to it, but he was taking absolutely forever. The dummy probably forgot where the remote was. After a while, I saw Robbie hauling and heaving his way back to the couch. He turned on the TV and had such a shocked face. I couldn’t tell if it was because of his show or if one of our kids fell from the roof face-first. I couldn’t hold it in anymore and laughed my face off. “I have to take a picture. Your look is killing me, all puffyfaced like that,” I said. His face quickly shot to me with his eyebrows furled up. “Honey, I swear to god, if this is another one of your pranks—” “Yup, you got me.” He looked at the TV with a grumpy face. Melodramatic as always. “Calm down, the first 15 minutes is always filler anyways.” Now he’s crossing his arms. “Oh, lighten up, will you?” He’s not even reacting. I just rolled my eyes and plopped down next to him. I grabbed two drinks from the huge tray of junk food he brought over and handed him one. “Jeez, just grab a drink and cool off.” At this point, I won’t even give him attention; it’s a bit ridiculous. I opened the soda and let the fizz out. All of a sudden, he throws his can onto the floor getting it everywhere. It caught me completely off guard. “Jesus Christ, calm down! You recorded it, remember? At this point, he’s just making a big of a mess of the snacks by

The Beauty Around Us Jade Menchaca

throwing them around. There’s no way I’m cleaning that up, but the sodas are just too much, so I grab the other two off the tray of snacks and head back to the dining room. Eventually, he just storms up the stairs getting crumbs on his feet and onto the rest of the house. This was a bit overboard, even by his standards, but give it ten minutes and he’ll calm down. “I should probably wait before calling in the kids, huh?” I said aloud. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mom made us go outside, probably to do another one of her pranks on dad. I just want to be in my room and listen to music, but I’m stuck out

here looking over Timmy. After a while, I decided to watch what Mom was doing to Dad this time through the window. “Emma, can we play toss?” Timmy asked. “Not now.” Dad’s just looking around with mom in the dining room peeking at him. Out of nowhere, he speeds up his search and sprints back to the couch. I was so focused on what was happening I didn’t even notice Timmy walk up to me. “What are you looking at?” “Holy crap, Timmy don’t scare me like that!” “Sorry, Emma. What’s happening though?” he continued. I ignored him and looked back up to find dad throwing chips all over the place. That was an interesting sight, to say the least. “C’mon, tell me already!” “Dad’s just throwing chips everywhere.” “Why?” “You got me, honestly.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mom finally got Emma to go outside with me, but she won’t even play with me. All she’s done is lean against the window to the living room. “Emma, can we play toss?” I asked. “Not now.” Man, she’s no fun. I just threw the ball in the air to myself. She’s missing out, honestly. After a few throws, I saw that she was looking into the window. I walk up right next to her, but she doesn’t even notice. “What are you looking at?” She jumped and got all scared. “Holy crap, Timmy don’t scare me like that!” “Sorry Emma. What’s happening though?” I apologized. She didn’t even respond. I hate when she does this. I’m too short to see through the window myself, and she doesn’t even say anything. I only get stuff from the short things she says and her face. Like now, how she looks confused. “C’mon, tell me already!” “Dad’s just throwing chips everywhere.” “Why?” “You got me, honestly.” That’s weird, but I’ll just throw my ball and make it look interesting enough to make her join.

Without Love Joshua Cortez

Glow Photography Jennifer Cyrene-Aguilar

Life Is Short 69

Alexis Diaz

High School Jasmine Alvarez

It’s that time of year again, Grace thought to herself as she rolled over to snooze her alarm. It’s 5:30 in the morning when she wakes up to get ready. It’s summer morning in August, which only means one thing: back to school. “Ugh, freshman year,” she said to herself as she plugged in the blow-dryer to dry her hair from last night’s shower. Time went by as she was getting ready and soon she heard her mom call her to leave for school. “Grace, honey, we need to leave or else you are going to be late for your first day,” said her mom. Grace hurried downstairs, got into the car and off she went, on to her first day of high school. The day went by in a blur. She was soon back in her mom’s car, on the way back home. “How was school honey?” her mom asked. “It was good, there are so many new people!’’ Grace replied. Once Grace got home, she ate dinner and watched tv with her family. Now, it was time to go to bed. As she was getting ready for bed, Grace looked back on her day. She thought to herself, these four years of high school are going to be the longest years of my life. “Grace, time for school!” her mom yelled. “Coming mom!” Grace yelled back as she grabbed her book bag. “Have a great first-day, honey. Enjoy your sophomore year,” her mom said as Grace was getting out of the car. As Grace walked through the school gates, a memory flashed in her head from her freshman year. She thought to herself, it seems like only yesterday I was starting my first day of high school. Now I’m here, in my sophomore year. The first day was a blur. Soon, Grace was back home eating dinner with her family. After dinner, she got ready for bed. As Grace lied in bed, she thought to herself, this is going to be a long year. “I’ll be right down mom,” Grace yelled as she grabbed her backpack and books. “So, are you ready for your first day of junior year? Next year, you graduate!” Her mom said in excitement. “Yeah, I’m ready to start college this year,” Grace said to her mom as

they pulled into the school. “Well, mom, I’ll see you later,” Grace said as she got out of the car. “Okay honey, have a nice day,” her mom replied as she shut the door. As her mom drove off, Grace smiled and thought to herself, where did the time go? Not long after that first day, Grace was starting early college. She went to college in the morning, and to high school in the afternoon. Soon, it was winter break and Grace was lying down in her room, thinking about her first semester. She had passed all of her classes and was exhausted from all the hard work she did. As she was falling asleep, she couldn’t help but think about how, soon, all this hard work will pay off. “Bye mom, I’m off to school,” Grace yelled as she walked out the front door. “Bye honey, have a great day!” her mom yelled, just as she closed the door. As Grace drove to school, memories flashed through her head about her freshmen, sophomore, and junior years. “Senior year!” she squealed as she drove. This year, she only had a half-day, she only went to college. “This year is going to go by so fast!” Grace said as she got out of her car and walked to the bus to take her to the college. Finally, Grace was home and in bed, finishing up her first day assignments from college. After she was done, she went to sleep. “Grace Smith,” Grace heard as she walked across the stage to receive her diploma. As she walked off stage, she couldn’t help but think about how time flies in high school. She wished she would have enjoyed it more instead of rushing through and wanting to get out of school. During dinner with her family, she was glad that all the hard work had finally paid off. If she was given the chance, she would do it all over again. As she was eating, she looked around and thanked all the people who pushed her to do her best. She is ready to take on the next chapter in her life.

Lucha Libre Analisa Herrera

I’m the Voice

Aletze Airam Saucedo Castellano Hello,you may not know me, but I’m the voice. The voice of a baby being born. The voice of a child’s laughter, playing in the park. I’m the voice of the teenager screaming as you take her light and then her life. And now...... I’m the voice driving you crazy in your cell as you rot.

Me 2

Andrew Salinas