Panola College Intaglio 2015 2016

intaglio 2016 2015-2016 - Panola College Literary Arts Magazine

“The Trap”

a narrative poem by Kirsten Mayfield It was the year 1917 Out on old County Road 233 There lived a young family of three Their names: Andrew, Doc, and Adeley Over the years, they believed they were being stalked Andrew, Doc, and Lil’ Adeley decided to go for a walk They built traps and searched for clues, But they never found anything new They set out on their search and into the woods they went They brought food, clothes, and their homemade tent For they would have to stay the night Hoping to capture what stalked them by daylight It was close to dusk when they reached their first trap And what they found gave them a big gasp!

They found a pair of shoes and a note They picked it up and it read below: “You’ve found your first clue. Look for me on the nearest boat.”

Andrew, Doc, and Adeley headed to trap two For it was there, they’d find their next clue They had reached Tom Sawyer River To find a little canoe afloat, But there was not a soul in sight on the small-sized boat Andrew, Doc, and Adeley noticed something on a nearby tree For it was there, they’d found clue number three It was a picture of three little faces They resembled the faces of Andrew, Doc, and lil’ Adeley It had reached night time when the trio set up their tent They ate their dinner and discussed how their day went Just when they’d begun to rest They heard a noise that came from the west For they weren’t sure what it was Andrew and Doc left the tent to go see They found something not far from the tent It was another clue the stalker had pinned to the tree “Hey you three, look for me by the front door For that is where you’ll find clue number four” The two returned back to their tent Adeley had gone missing, And there was no sign of where she went

Ctd. from “The Trap,” by Kirsten Mayfield They packed their things and hurried home There was no sign of where lil’ Adeley had gone Andrew and Doc finally reached their front door For it was there they found clue number four They read the note posted to their door “You’ve followed very well, But where to find little Adeley, I’ll never tell.”

Out on old County Road 233 There once lived a young family of three One had gone missing, and two still remained The stalker left no more clues And where Adeley had gone, no one knew.

One day out in the woods Andrew and Doc noticed words carved into the bark of a tree “You know the whole time it was me,” And signed were the initials A.D.

Brittany Bartek Going to the Movies By: Kirsten Mayfield Diamonte Poem Movies Exciting, fun Listening, flirting, watching Friends, dates, popcorn, Coca-Cola Enjoying, satisfying, entertaining Suspenseful, Humorous Motion Pictures

Love Goes On Forever By: Kirsten Mayfield

It is said that Hope springs eternally Hatred burns infernally And Love goes on forever It is said that Sadness is as dark as night, And Joy comes in the morning light Love goes on forever Peace can flood your soul like a river Fear can cause your heart to shiver, And Love goes on forever

Kimberly Maxey

Doubt can tear your soul apart Faith is founded in the heart, And Love goes on forever Despair can weigh you down Optimism can create a smile wherever there’s a frown, And Love goes on forever Grief your soul can wring Happiness can cause your soul to sing, And Love goes on forever Forever is a concept hard to conceive Love is a splendid thing that one is blessed to receive Love goes on forever

(Free verse)

Angie Lopez

A Dog who lost his Bark

Earth’s Nightlight

Limerick

Shape Poem

There once was a dog that was very sharp One day he lost his bark in the park He broke his leash He ran right up the tree, And retrieved his bark

It’s made of cheese It’s in outer space It’s Earth’s Nightlight Each night is never the same It’s constantly going through a new phase

Samantha Fairless

Samantha Fairless

Theme Parks

Time

By: Kirsten Mayfield

By: Kirsten Mayfield (Quatrain)

Theme parks in the summertime Filled with rides of different kinds There’s cotton candy and Bar-B-Que In theme parks there are many interesting things to do

By: Kirsten Mayfield

By: Kirsten Mayfield An acoustic poem Time It never misses a beat Measuring our lives Every second of everyday

Sunshine

By: Kirsten Mayfield Cinquain Effulgent, warm Streaming down through the trees Illuminating the earth with Radiance

Hannah Buckner

Rose Petals

By: Kirsten Mayfield Haiku The rose petals fell Slowly and calmingly like A winter snowflake

Naudia Waters Strange Flower By: Kirsten Mayfield Tanka I’m a strange flower Layered with many petals I am filled with life I’m no ordinary rose Wind blows, my petals follow

Claribel Sanchez

Amanda Brittain

Halfway

by Mari Garcia I wish I had the guts to tell him how I feel, If I were to compare it it’d be defined as unreal.

He knows my feelings without me having to say, It’s scary to think that he is now part of my day.

I wish I had the courage to tell him myself, But until then my feelings are put on a shelf.

I’d tell him that he drives me crazy, And ever since we started talking my life is no longer hazy.

I’d tell him that there’s a reason why I stare, And when I’m with him I feel like I’m running out of air, I’d tell him that he makes my words go away, And the only thing I’m asking for is for him to stay.

I wish I knew where we stood, Maybe then my feelings would be good.

I wish he’d tell me that it’s okay to feel this way, But at least my skies are no longer grey.

Maybe one day I’ll have the courage to say, Exactly what I’m feeling from day to day.

Maybe one day I’ll have the guts to say, And we won’t be standing halfway.

-mcg

February 18, 2016

Marriage

By Karen Bielicki 1. A marriage is supposed to be strong and pure.

2. A bond that’s forever for loneliness’ cure.

3. Vows between two people 4. Are made to be kept.

5. From the heart of one to another 6. Are to be richly in-depth.

7. Not to be broken for what else comes along 8. To the one that you vowed to, you are to belong.

9. The soundness of promise should be thought out before 10. If one cannot keep it, the other’s heart will be tore.

11. So if you vow to another please do not forget 12. The life you have taken, you also beset.

13. So when you are ready to say “I do” 14. Remember to not make the significant one blue.

15. And if you can’t give a heart that is pure 16. Don’t be quick to marry if you cannot endure.

17. It’s better to live a single man’s life 18. Then to have and to hold someone else’s wife.

19. Remember as well that there’s two to maintain 20. If your plan is to make marriage a couple’s gain.

Rachel Poland

Mother’Nature’s’Cry’

By Ericka McBurney

Earth’gave’so’much’to’living’things,’She’did’not’mind.’

Living’things’took,’The’ones’called’humankind.’’

Humans’took’from’earth’‘Till’there’was’no’more.’’

There’was’less’and’less’than’there’was’before.’

Once’there’were’fish’that’swam’in’the’sea.’

All’the’fish’were’happy,’Happy’as’can’be.’

There’were’plenty’of’fish’even’some’looked’the’same.’

There’were’so’many’fish’some’had’no’name.’

Humans’loved’fish,’But’only’to’eat.’’

So’they’took’and’they’took,’Fish’were’such’a’treat.’

Humans’caught’dolphins’in’their’nets.’

Dolphins’were’smart;’You’d’want’them’as’pets.’’

Humans’did’not’eat’dolphins,’They’made’them’into’bags.’’

Humans’bought’dolphin’bags’with’hefty’price’tags.’

Dolphins’were’used’for’entertainment’and’lost’their’habitat.’

Now’there’are’no’more’dolphins.’Can’you’believe’that?’

Humans’made’trash’and’put’it’in’the’sea.’

The’trash’piled’up,’The’fish’could’not’flee.’

Because’of’human’s’choices’and’what’they’didn’t’see.’

There’are’no’more’fish’to’see’in’the’sea.’

Once’there’was’rhinos’with’big’giant’horns.’’

Rhinos’were’gorgeous,’As’gorgeous’as’unicorns.’’

They’roamed’the’earth,’As’big’as’can’be.’

Rhinos’grazed’on’grass’with’a’fly’on’their’knee.’’

Humans’wanted’rhino’horns’for’their’own’special’needs.’

Humans’took’the’lives’of’rhinos’despite’others’pleads.’’

Rhinos’were’becoming’less’and’less.’

There’are’no’more’rhinos’i’regret’to’confess.’’

Once’there’were’icecaps’as’far’as’the’eye’can’see.’’

They’were’cold’but’beautiful,’You’would’agree.’’

Earth’was’getting’warmer’every’single’year.’

The’humans’were’warned’but’they’didn’t’want’to’hear.’

The’icecaps’melted’and’deeper’were’the’seas.’

Gone’went’the’icecaps’and’a’few’countries.’

Once’there’were’rainforests’with’big’tall’trees.’

With’lots’of’cute’animals’you’would’just’want’to’squeeze.’

There’were’toucans’and’frogs’with’poisonous’skin.’

Even’silly’monkeys’that’would’make’you’grin.’

There’were’thousands’of’ants’that’d’give’you’a’fright,’ And’cute’little’lemurs’that’even’took’flight.’

Humans’needed’land’so’they’chopped’down’the’trees.’

Not’a’care’in’the’world’and’with’so’much’ease.’

There’are’no’more’rainforests,’No’big’tall’trees.’

Gone’were’the’cute’animals’you’would’just’want’to’squeeze.’

The’rainforests’were’earth’s’lungs,’She’needed’trees’badly.’

So’did’the’humans,’They’didn’t’listen,’Sadly.’’

Now’the’humans’do’not’exist.’

The’humans’were’warned,’But’they’couldn’t’resist.’

Without’the’environment’there’is’no’humanity.’

But’humans’acted’as’if’they’lost’their’sanity.’’

Earth’gave’so’much’and’humans’should’have’given’back.’’

But’all’humans’did’was’attack’and’attack.’’

To’help’themselves’grow,’They’killed’themselves’too.’

Humans’never’knew’the’damage’they’d’do.’

There’was’less’and’less’than’there’was’before.’

Humans’took’from’the’earth’‘Till’there’was’no’more.’

Living’things’took,’The’ones’called’humankind.’

Earth’gave’so’much’to’living’things,’She’did’not’mind.’

Britney Everitt

Rogelio Gonzalez

Senior Poem

by Sydney Ritter

It’s my senior year.

I’ve had my last first day, I’ve played my last home game, I’ve taken my last class picture And I’ve walked my last homecoming.

They tell you when the year begins Don’t waste this time Don’t blow this off Soon it will be over And you’ll wish you had it back.

I laughed at them Who would miss school?

Who wouldn’t want the freedom That comes after this last year?

I was excited for my new beginning.

But as time passes on And the end grows near I wish I had one last home game Or one more first day.

Or even one more year.

Samantha Fairless

Shackles of Addiction

By Taylor Edwards

1.

The feeling of loss comes not only underneath a gravestone.

2.

He feels out of reach behind the walls he built on his own.

3.

The emotions of desperation and grief can swallow you whole.

4.

A loved one has sentenced himself to life in prison within his soul.

5.

By the hands of his parents he was forever changed.

6.

The jigsaw puzzle that God created him to be was drastically rearranged.

7.

They didn’t care that his scars would never heal completely or fade.

8.

He learned from them how to hide his emotions behind their elaborate charadej.

9.

These scars on a child would provoke immense compassion.

10.

The same marks on a grown man generate the opposite reaction.

11.

Very few people have sympathy for others struggling with addiction.

12.

But looking back at how these habits formed prove their contradiction.

13.

The war on drugs has become a war on damaged individuals.

14.

They’re seen as nothing more than liars, thieves, and criminals.

15.

On the inside he is a broken child that sees no other way to stop the pain.

16.

On the outside his pride keeps him from breaking the chains.

17.

His family prays for him every day to be the man he was meant to be.

18.

He does his best to create a life that will become his new reality.

19.

Day in and day out he accepts this new cookie cutter routine.

20.

To improve their lives he fought his daemons for almost two years clean.

Debra Dickerson

The Changing Door By: The single mom

As the alarm sounded, her mind filled with dread.

This day would forever change her for the life ahead.

She took her time, assembled her things and got into the car.

Knowing it was too late to turn back, she’d come too far.

All of the coaching and planning did not ease her mind.

Today the life she’d always known, she was leaving behind.

She arrived at her destination, took a deep breath and grabbed the door.

Shaking she entered through scared, alone, broken and poor.

After hours upon hours of tears and pain, the deed was finally done.

The tiny bundle of completeness was here, all the planning and coaching had won.

You brought love, joy and change upon your timely arrival.

No more doubt, fear set aside, What remained now was grit for survival.

As she came upon the same door as a terrific girl once before.

She held her head high, smiled and walked through the door From the other side.

Sadie Edmiston

Vision From Heaven

by Morgan Hamilton Life with you...

Is a vision from heaven Life with you is full, Full of love, Full of life, Full of memories.

You bring greatness to my life.

You bring… laughter, peace, grace, And adventure as a vision from heaven.

The smile you bring to my heart is a vision.

Your touch takes... takes my breath… takes my nerves… takes my stress…

I am a better person now, With you I am.

A gift from God you are, You are… not a prize, not a reward.

You are my gift from heaven.

I looked all wrong before.

Before you looked at me this way, before you touched me, before you kissed me, before I loved you.

I looked all wrong.

I see it clearly now.

You are my vision from heaven.

Andi Seals

Walking to the Future

by Ana Carolina Oliveira Learning walk again, Walk with my own feet.

To the future that I expect, And knowing the people who I never met.

Struggles are real, No one cannot deny.

But the matter fact is, Everybody have a chance to survive.

Samantha Fairless Sometimes, it is hard to identify, Who is in your side, Who is not with you.

But the time will be essential to show with whom you can rely.

I cannot know Many things about life.

But if I never had the first step, I could not felt alive Learning walk again, In the bad days I go through.

With positive thoughts and the Heavenly strength, I feel more close to the dreams that I always knew.

What Will It Matter

by Sara Sellers

What will it matter, when we’re all gone The size of our houses, the kind of cars we own Did we climb to the top, did we give in To chasing the dollar, or the world’s latest trend Did we have all we needed, or did we want more Tell me what in the world are we living for?

What will it matter, when we’re knocking on Heaven’s door.

All this time we spend keeping up with the Jones’ This high society sure has its price We spend our hard earned money and then some, Impressing people we don’t even like

Living hand to mouth sometimes isn’t easy But wearing the designer clothes sure makes me cool Some folks say it’s just the high price of fashion But if you ask me, I say it’s living like a fool

It’s the latest, greatest gadget, and I’ve got to have one It will simplify my life or so I’m told For thirty days no interest, I can own it And for the price I’ll pay, I hope it’s made of gold What will it matter, when we’re all gone The size of our houses, the kind of cars we own Did we climb to the top, did we give in To chasing the dollar, or the world’s latest trend Did we have all we needed, or did we want more Tell me what in the world are we living for?

What will it mater, when we’re knocking on Heaven’s door.

Innocent Wanda

by Kayla Longoria

In a small border town in Texas, Wanda sat handcuffed daydreaming of the events that had taken place the night

before. Her eight to five shift as a cashier at the local grocery store left her feeling dead inside. She had worked at that same store and used that same register for five years, and never missed a day of work. Looking at Wanda from the outside no one would ever guess what she was capable of.

Wanda had been married to her best friend Earl since high school. All the towns people knew Earl had an eye for

other women, but none had the heart to tell Wanda. It appeared as if all Wanda did was take care of Earl and work. She was too innocent the town’s people thought she just couldn’t handle it. No one knew yesterday, after Wanda clocked out she drove out to Perez Fork, a known hangout for thugs and thieves.

Once she was there she was greeted by her lover Jack, a man with an arrest record as long my arm. Jack was a

handsome, sweet talking guy who had a way with women. Jack greeted Wanda with a big sloppy kiss and said “baby, tonight is our night, tonight’s the night we will be free.” Wanda giggled as Jack handed her a loaded .44 Magnum. Jack winked at Wanda and said “you know the plan right babe?” Wanda nodded and took off down the road leaving a trail of dust flying behind her.

Wanda’s first stop was the lovely country house her and Earl shared, she packed a duffle bag of clothes and let off

one gun shot. Her next stop was the local grocery store, which she had just clocked out of hours earlier. There she collected $2000 cash, and let off two gun shots. Wanda made it back to Perez Fork just in time to meet Jack who was ready to go, but when he said he wanted to hold the money, she let off another gun shot. Wanda was unstoppable or so she thought until she was surrounded by cops just 1 mile from the Mexican border. Wanda was captured and charged with killing four men, including her husband and lover.

Associate with No Association

by Macie Boyd

We are all working, working for not ourselves. It is cold. We are tired and hungry. Can we not stop for just a

pinch of time? Do we always have to please these people? Do we not have anything to look forward to, except for work?

All our lives consist of is working. Everything else we do is condemned.

My name is Addison James. I am fourteen years old. I am too young to have a job of my own, but I try and help my

family as much as possible. I am the middle child of three. My brother, Kenton James, is nineteen years old. He virtually works on old run down computers. Even though he doesn’t understand the concept of what he is doing, he has to try because it was his assigned job. My sister, Colliyn James, is seven years old. She sits around the house and tries to understand what is happening. She is like that of a newborn child being born in to the world, unaware of what is going on around it.

We stay in our homes at all times; we are not allowed to leave unless we are deadly ill or approved by the coun-

cil. Yes, the council. We are being controlled by a so called free government. All we know is our families, the members of the council (who come check on us and makes sure we are doing our job), and the delivery guys, which aren’t allowed to associate with anyone. We have never seen anything outside the walls of our home. Never have we been able to leave.

Isolation felt within the collective.

All of what we are able to do and understand is electronic. Jobs are all computerized except for the “lucky ones”.

They get to deliver and there are very few of them. There is very little sound of communication because we aren’t sure how. It is also punishable. The members of the council have taken away all education except for chosen people that they hand pick. The council has to have some of the younger generation for the future, right? I wish they would choose me, but that is beside the point; it will never happen. As soon as I turn fifteen, I can apply to the member of the council to try and further my education. We only have five chances to apply. I would love to be able to further my education; many more possibilities would be available to my family and me if the council would just choose me! I could help change the world and get my family out of this misery. Maybe if I had enough impact, I could change the council! I better keep dreaming.

My family doesn’t want me to get my hopes up. Kenton has applied every year and hasn’t been accepted yet.

Technology is the key to our lives. Without it no one knows where the collective would stand. All we can do is

wonder. Wonder about life outside of the collective, dream about what could be on the outside of our house. What could it be? Would it be better than living the way we are now? Could we communicate and have other people than just our family? As of now, no! Technology is the only way to survive; computers read to us, and we speak back to the best of our ability. This is one of the very few times we are allowed to speak without being punished.

Everyone in the collective is scared to stand up and try to make a change because the fear of prosecution. How are

we going to change the world if we are always afraid? Nothing will ever change if no one takes a stand! My goal is to at least attempt to make a change and be heard in the council!

“Check it out” (Rap) By: Kirsten Mayfield

(Check it! Check it! Check it out!)

My name is Kkay, and I know I’m ‘bout to kill it We’re so fresh We’re better than the realest Drop the beat, And get on your feet It’s 2-0-1-5 Let’s get it!

(Check it! Check it! Check it out!) (Repeat 2x) We’ve got the brains, the swag, and the looks We’ll make you step back and take a second look When we show up, we show out!

It’s the class of 2015 Say it with me now!

(Check it! Check it! Check it out!) (Repeat 2x) It’s the class of 2015, And we’re comin’ at you now!

“Erie, Erie, and We out!”

Kelley Edwards The Lady on the Dock By: Kirsten Mayfield Couplet There’s a lady who lives on the dock She spends all her time on the water skipping rocks

Tayler Wilson Proverb

By: Kirsten Mayfield Not having an attitude is the best attitude to have. - KM

Black Friday

by Steven English

We arrived home from my grandma’s around six o’clock Thanksgiving evening. The second part of the day’s plan

was about to start. I picked up my cell phone to text my friends Hannah and Mason to let them know to meet me at Subway to get a bite to eat then make our way to Shreveport.

Neither Mason nor I had ever been black Friday shopping in our lives. The only one who was experienced was

Hannah. She had been going since she was little with her mother. As I walked into Subway, I heard my name being yelled across the room. It was Mason sitting with Hannah and waving. I ordered my sandwich and went to sit down with the two. Hannah started telling us the whole game plan. “Okay, so I say we start out at Best Buy, get the iPads and iHomes then make our way to…” Hearing the way she had it all planned seemed like she knew what she was doing. But, if you knew Mason and I, we wouldn’t care if she didn’t, we were just glad to be out and about! Mason and Hannah left their cars in the parking lot at Subway and we hopped in my Mom’s suburban. It seemed like the appropriate vehicle for the night.

As we arrived into Shreveport on I-49 we began to see traffic to start thickening and it got worse on Youree drive

where the majority of the stores we were going to hit are located. I looked at the dash for the time and it read 7:45. “This is going to be a long night,” I said. “You don’t understand”, Hannah, replied, “you’re going to see some crazy stuff happen!”

Finally getting a parking spot at Best Buy, we walked up to join the long line of people. After standing for about

an hour or so we finally got in. We all three went our separate ways to get what we needed. I couldn’t believe that I was actually able to find what I was informed to get before Hannah. I was the first back at our meeting spot. After getting all we needed, we checked out and threw our stuff in the car. Lucky our next couple of destinations were in walking distance.

About 6 o’clock the next morning we were on our way home. Hannah and Mason had fallen asleep shortly after

we got in the car and I was the only one up. For it to be my first Black Friday, I found it to be very successful!

“Brokenhearted”

by Destiny Hart

The pain I feel as my heart rips in two; my eyes fill with tears just thinking of you.

A precious son the Lord did give to me to teach him how to live.

To raise, protect, and show God’s way; simple instructions given that day.

Where’d I go wrong and fail him so?

This precious gift from God, I don’t know.

Did he not feel love or cared about?

Did I scare him each time I would shout?

I should have given more love, more time.

For now he has taken to committing a crime.

The Lord gave me more than one precious gift, and to protect one I am forced to create a rift.

A tear that I know may never heal, and causes me sorrow and feelings of ill.

God please forgive me for what I have done.

For failing You and my dear, precious son.

The guilt that I carry and the shame on my face, I cannot imagine deserving Your grace.

The pain will ease up and the tears will cease, but never again will I feel at peace.

I am so very sorry for the pain I created.

I can only pray now that forgiveness is generated.

Casi Shadowens

Choosing

By Cara Frazier

When you start college though you start brand new You make new friends but can still keep old ones You start paving the path for your new life It all depends on the path you will take To determine what kind of friends to have There are the ones that will help you in life And there are ones that will destroy your life It is up to you to make the decision Of what path that your friends will take you down Nobody can force you to do anything Everything that happens is on you Since you are in college you are an adult Responsibilities come with college Some won’t be able to handle all that That’s why you have to grow up at some point

Amanda Brittain

There are those certain people that will not Because they are afraid to be an adult They should not be afraid of growing up They do not want to lose the friends they have You have to think of your future life though

I am a student with a job Going to school full time also Along with a theater scholarship I barely have anytime for a life Most of my friends are in theater too I still talk to some of my high school friends We don’t get to hang out a lot right now When winter break starts we will be able to I miss hanging out with them all the time

Samantha Fairless

Clique

By Johnny Odom

Big money big paper we stacking me and all my boys walk around this thang straight acting I walk around

quiet please don’t come at me wrong or impolite cause I won’t hesitate to knock out your lights anit to many out there messing with me and my clique we’ll find you and shake you just like a red nose pit my clique my clique big money big paper I walk up on you and your girl and straight up take her god’s son gods child god’s gift to this green earth killillumanti yeah that’s my calling ever since birth no sleep not a peep we see him we pop him not everybody out here messing with me or my partners I’m talking clique clique clique big paper big money when I see your girl that’s why she acting funny johnny johnny johnny johnny johnny lee yeah that’s right dog trust me you done heard about me right? I come around town swinging in my four door and we all know that my system is way better than yours my clique got my back as I got theirs I’m the brains my 3.4 Gpa could

Samantha Fairless

never be compared you the hater I see how you move I peeped your game you should just

become the word lose my clique the exact opposite all we do is win come on now we all know who all my boys is as I walk through the crowd I hear hey or what’s up but once I see you already know what’s up I keep going straight as you move to the left me and all my boys make sure we get respect at its best people show me love give me doubt but bet that I’ll be the one that comes out your mouth I see that hate as you stare and claim that you don’t care but we all know I’m the one whose name will be shouted through the air I’m Jordan I’m 23 I’m Nike at the most your nothing but a hyphen I could help you I would help you but I won’t because its people like you that make me shine the most I love my fam. I love my boys I love how we be stunting because without my clique I would be nothing

COMMITMENT ISSUES

by Cherise Beatty

“You look like Hell,” Corey told Jeannette as they opened the pharmacy for the day.

She rolled her eyes. “Thanks, butthead.”

“I love you too, Jeannie,” he laughed and then asked, “So what’s the problem?”

She turned to the counter and exhaled sharply. “Lydia got married yesterday,” she said, knowing and hating how

bitter she sounded over her own sister’s happiness.

“Ah,” he said slowly. “And you’re upset that Eric hasn’t proposed yet.”

“It’s been two years. You’d think he’d know by now if he wanted to get married.”

“Then maybe it’s time to move on.”

Jeannette spun around. “What? No, I can’t do that.”

Corey looked at her and said, “Why not? If he won’t take the next step, then you’re going to be miserable until one

of you breaks it off.”

Jeannette pondered her relationship for a minute as a customer approached the window. She met Eric a little

over two years ago when he came in to fill a prescription and they’d hit it off so well that he’d asked her out immediately.

He was romantic and charming, always bringing her flowers, making her dinner, and walking with her along the lake as they watched the sun set. During more intimate moments, he held her close, running his fingers through her hair and told her every day that he loved her. Those things had never changed, but neither had their dating status and it wasn’t until her youngest sister had gotten married that she’d realized she was unhappy.

She quickly took the order and waited for the customer to walk away before she turned back to Corey and sighed. “I

wish I could talk to him about it.”

Corey was thoughtful for a moment before he said, “If you can’t talk to him, then there’s no point in staying

together.”

“You’re right,” she whispered, and decided to take his advice.

Several hours later, Jeannette came home to her small apartment that she shared with Eric and set down her purse

on an end table.

She walked into the kitchen to find Eric laboring over a pot of boiling pasta and humming off-key to something that

sounded like a song from a musical. He looked up with a genuine smile of affection and crossed the room to encircle his arms around her. He held her close for a moment and whispered into her ear, “Hey, love. How was your day?”

“Busy,” she murmured.

Eric pulled away and studied her. He frowned. “What’s wrong?”

Jeannette tried to pull away, but Eric didn’t release her. “It’s nothing,” she lied, unsure if this was the time to

confront him over their relationship. “I’m just tired.”

Continued from “Commitment Issues” by Cherise Beatty

He shook his head. “No, it’s something else. You look upset.”

“You’re burning the food,” she said in a weak attempt to change the subject.

Eric promptly let her go to turn off the stove and move the pot to another burner. Then he turned and leaned against

the counter with his arms folded across his chest. “So are you going to talk to me like I’m your boyfriend or keep ignoring me?”

“Why aren’t we married yet?” she blurted out.

His eyes grew wide and his mouth fell open. “What?”

Jeannette looked up at the ceiling as she took a deep breath and gathered her courage. “Why isn’t our relationship

going anywhere?”

Eric’s arms fell to his sides and he shook his head, saying, “Just because we aren’t married doesn’t mean we’re not

going anywhere. Marriage is just a piece of paper. Being happy together is what’s important.”

“But couldn’t we have a traditional ceremony if it’s important to me?”

Eric walked back to her and looked into her eyes. “I had that with my first marriage, remember? We had the fancy

party and everything else with it and she still left me a year later for someone else. You’re everything that she should have been and I don’t need to be married to you to prove that I love you and want to be with you.”

She put her hands on his chest and looked at him imploringly. “Eric, I know how much it hurt you to get divorced,

but I need this. I want to exchange rings and take your last name. Is that so bad?”

Eric closed his eyes and swallowed. When he opened them again, they were filled with regret. “Jeannette, I’m not

ready to get married again.”

“Do you think you’ll ever be ready for that again?”

“I don’t know,” he said honestly. “Right now I’m happy just being with you.”

Tears began to splash down Jeannette’s cheeks and her throat tightened. She kissed him gently on the lips and

slowly pulled away. “I love you,” she said between sobs. “But you’re thinking about you and your fears instead of us and how you and I can be happy. If you can’t get over that, then we can’t be together.”

Jeannette turned to leave, but Eric grabbed her hand. She turned and saw for the first time since she’d known him,

he was crying too. “Please don’t go,” he begged.

“I’m sorry.”

This time Eric didn’t stop her when she walked away. She shouldered her purse and reached for the door, each step

more painful than the next. She reached the door and stopped, blinking back the tirade of tears that threatened to overcome her. If he would just change his mind, they could be together, but now there would be no future with them. Two years were completely wasted just because he refused to compromise.

She pulled the door open and walked out without looking back.

A Day On The Lake

By Abbie Dierkes

The wind was blowing through the air And the ranger was darting on the lake So fast the passengers wouldn’t dare To stick their hands in the wake As the ranger began to slow The water came over the boat Everyone jumped out below And then began to float A snake came across the water So fast the passengers scurried away He was only going for a bobber But they swam all the way to the Bay The passengers were lost Finding their way back to the ranger Instead of swimming across They ran a mile while in danger

Casi Shadowens

The sun lookedas if it was afloat And the passengers started to care So they found themselves back on the boat With the wind blowing through their hair

FALLING

By Hope McDaniel

Not Sturdy!

Uncompromising!

Hurts me Broken Promises No Mercy Not able to stop!

Unravels, pretending not!

Absolutely No more, Forever.

Let go, Falling Somebody stop me Not an option Hurt me. not sturdy.

Fallen

Samantha Fairless

Finding God’s Grace

By Jeffry Oney

Tucked away in the United States.

It’s hard to really get a taste of who God is or what He can do.

It’s hard to see his power, too.

But step outside, yes, come with me.

Come and see what God can be.

I’ll show you people who’ve been beaten dead.

Yet, they’re still alive and raise their head.

They will tell you, “I didn’t scream.”

“No, I didn’t feel a thing.”

Casi Shadowens

They’ve gone without food.

Gone without friend.

Yet, they stay strong to the end.

Take a glance, at that happy face.

You’ll know without question, they know God’s grace.

You’ll never guess what he’s been through starved, then beaten, and burned, too But though his body, ismore than gone.

His faith will always, always stand strong.

Casi Shadowens

And see her sitting right over there Men have pulled out all her hair.

But, she is rejoicing.

No fear in her soul.

Because she knows God’s in control.

I’ve always said, “I am strong.”

But now I see I might be wrong.

First Day of School

By Bailey Reistad

On the first day of school, students usually have uncontrollable thoughts going through their head such as,

what they look like, is their outfit “cute” enough, and constantly trying to make themselves look perfect, and I can relate to that. Having to go through those days will leave you with unforgettable memories that one will be thankful for later in life.

Once a student walks through the big double doors to the inside of the school, the nerves will either get

better or worse, depending on how well one can control their emotions. Friends will come and greet friends their smiles, hugs, and even those code handshakes. By then, if one still haves nerves, he or she must be really nervous.

The bell will finally ring for one to go to their first period class. The teacher will greet the students with a

smiling face of joy and after the last bell finally sounds the teacher will explain the goals he or she may have, and get ready for the fresh start of a new year. The students will laugh and make smart remarks towards each other. They will dread the homework assignments and the never-ending study sessions that will come along later in the year.

They will get mad, be happy, but their friends will always find a way to lift them back up. The students will create bonds with people, and won’t realize how meaningful those bonds are until they lose them. But that’s part of going to school; Getting prepared for the “real” world.

My first days of school always seemed to go in that order. I would always be nervous, but my friends never

failed to make me feel better. When people would tell me those would be the moments I would cherish. Looking back now, I see what they meant. I didn’t believe them at the time, but now I really do cherish those moments. Seeing younger kids getting ready for the school year, with their uncontrollable emotions, reminds me how I was when I was younger. So, when I tell kids to enjoy those moments, I hope they want be oblivious to the fact that they will miss those moments, and there’s no going back,

From Where I Stood

By Morgan Wedgeworth

From where I stood he was nothing less than a giant,

But even though his size, my strong will sometimes caused me to be defiant.

His arms could reach the sky, with shoulders that carried the world,

But when they held me in an embrace my worries unfurled.

His appearance from my eyes one would think would be fear,

But I always felt safer when he was near.

For his love for his family was his driving force,

A passion that would not change no matter his course.

Cross that line and his strength would be shown.

For he would make sure his loved ones were left alone.

Even those who looked this giant in the eye,

Knew they had better not let him catch them in a lie.

He was honest as honest could be,

Ashley Lucas

But a prankster at heart you definitely would see.

To some he was known as Alligator Tom or Montana Slim, No matter the name used, he was just him.

As I grew up his stature seemed to diminish,

But his ability to aggravate seemed to replenish.

He guided my path as far as he could,

Even now from Heaven I knew he would.

He touched so many lives and he will never stop,

No one will ever be able to forget my “Pop�!

Head up and my chest out

By Braylon Tatum

Head up and my chest out No mistakes lessons, lessons learned so I stand proud Any one of my bad decisions Im in debt with my sins that’s the price of living Nothing is ever given, never catch my hand out Stand alone so I tend to stand out Don’t need a friend or a girl to prove what I’m about Your beautiful you, you only see it when your body half out Gazing at your assets, in that sundress Hoping by the sunset on the floor it may rest I caress your flesh, your man I can’t be it Cause a future with you, I can’t really see it So she relocate to try get her life right Find the next man but she excludes her past life this goes to show Love is patient With patience comes love And when it comes you’ll never know.

Joumana Tabsch

Homesick

By: Debra Lauren Shepherd You were a fighter all of your life

We are left with great sorrow

One of the strongest I knew

Confused to say the least

Would never back down

Answers are needed

Your word was always true

But Some can’t escape the beast

Everything changed that day

I know your chains were heavy

He called your name

I can relate

There was no time to say goodbye

But you knew who to turn to

We didn’t know who to blame

Instead you took the bate

Tell me what it is like

I will see you again some day

I hear there are streets of gold

That’s one thing I know for sure

No more tears, no more pain

I guess you were homesick

I assume that’s what had you sold

Homesick for the cure

Jessica Alexander

Mom

By Gennie Patterson I wake up to their smiling faces most days, To the grouchy cries on the others.

I sweep the floors and wipe the tables down more than I care.

My house is never spotless, And I get excited when all the clothes are clean.

I have kissed boo boos, read bed time stories, and I am the piggy back champion.

I take care of them when they are sick, And help with homework every night.

I love the few moments of silence, But I also fear the silence.

I have spent many nights in the ER, And have shared many of tears.

I deal with the whining and the fighting, And cherish the uninterrupted showers.

I push when I know they can do better, And brag about all 3 constantly.

I am always sleep deprived, And I never have time to be sick.

Who am I you ask?

I am mom.

Joshua Renfro

Shelby Dorchester

More than Just a Game

by Justine Luis More than just a game

The hours become worth it

It’s life, passion, and play,

As I learn what it’s all about.

I still have lots to gain

A teammate, a sister, a friend

It has changed me in every way.

We always have each other’s back

Coaches yelling this and that

Until the very end

I try to give my very best

They keep me on the right track.

Hoping they’ll get off my back

More than just a game

Whenever I finally pass the test.

Learning to be better in life

Practice makes perfect

To lose would be a shame

Day in and day out

I will succeed with all my might.

Old Friend: Lizzie, My Cat By. Margo Hooper

It was a lifetime ago And yesterday When first I thought no And then a weak okay You, I strove to ignore Distance I tried But your eyes would implore Only, my heart was filled with pride Still you were there The first time my heart ached The death was more than I could bear The grief was never faked Slowly, slowly you brought me round Soon I was your captive My love you found I was eager, no longer passive I longed for those rainy days When you would curl next to me Your feelings you couldn’t say But your devotion I could see That tragic night There was a noise

Laura Lindsey

Your body lay prone in my sight Not daring to breathe, I had no poise Taking you carefully in my arms Terrified beyond reason You have befallen harm Your death should not be the season If loving words and frenzied strokes Could halt your soul departing Then heart-wrenching tears evoke The sound of my breaking heart

Breannan Pittman

Pests

By Baylee Griffith I once saw a rat running down the hall.

I grabbed a broom and chased him right into the wall.

And much to my dismay, he would not come out.

No, he didn’t budge, despite my loud shout!

So, I walked away from the hole, forgot all about the pest, until I went to bed that night to take a little rest.

Then, I began to hear him chewing in the night.

He chewed and chewed and chewed until the morning light!

Yes, he kept me awake til morn, and that’s when my hatred was born.

This dirty little varmint was a pain, and I wasn’t doing this again.

So, I went and borrowed m neighbor’s cat.

And let’s just say there is no more rat!

Katy Morton

Katy Morton

Poems

by Robert Schmidt Fishing: Water all around Fishes in the deep Everything around But nothing asleep Bait on the line I wait for the strike And the feast If the fish is caught I will be at peace.

The Sad Fight: The fight is won The time has come to go home Home is not the same after what was done Done in the night for the fight Things where thought as they fought That’s why the home I know Changed that night from the fight..

Light King: Light from above shines on my face A humble feeling warms my body with his grace The lord above shows his face From the light above is his grace And as he smiles I grow warmer And frown as I get colder As he leaves I’m filled with joy I met the king of light and more.

Kimyonia Bowman

Tales of East Texas

by Avery Tindol

It was almost noon when I left my home,

Well Kelly Williams was the old man’s name

Looking for a familiar place to roam.

Compared to other’s he wasn’t the same,

It had been a while since the last time

From what I know, the old man told no lies.

I spent a dollar or even a dime

I also thought ol’ Kelly might be wise.

In the town of Center, where I grew up.

For he did not drink, wouldn’t touch a beer.

I called my friend Marshal, and said what’s up?

But he kept a rolled joint behind his ear.

Then I told him to call up the old gang

He claimed that it was his medication,

Because I would be in, and we could hang

Which was also good for meditation.

Out while we catch up and have a drink.

He was lower than middle class indeed

It had been at least seven years I think,

Maybe because he never showed greed.

Since I had seen the courthouse on the square,

He just didn’t mind helping someone out.

Or smelled the scent of pine trees in the air.

Car dead? He’d jump you off without a doubt.

I wondered for a moment if things had changed But within minutes our plans were arranged.

If he had money, he’d give you a loan.

On Saturday we would meet at the bar

Some people call him a lousy stoner,

And catch up on how we were doing so far.

Who would probably die a loner.

While some viewed the man as a criminal,

Saturday came and I left on my way

Others saw a skilled individual

Dressed in my apparel, suited for May.

He could easily take a car apart,

But I forgot that in Shelby County

Put it back together and make it start.

The weather would change and show no boundary.

This is the truth. I am not a liar,

There just so happened to be a cold front

But I’ve seen him use two twigs to start a fire.

Moving in on East Texas, like a hunt.

So there he stood with his hand extended.

I got out my car and I felt like ice

We shook hands and then the greeting ended

Then I sarcastically said “This is nice.”

At the arrival of Marshal J. Gates

I walked into the bar and took a seat

Who sold insurance at really low rates.

And saw the first pal I was here to greet.

But in his spare time he liked to get drunk

Continued On Next Page

And complain about how democrats suck.

But she was our friend’s wife, what could we do?

I guess you’d say he’s opinionated.

The next guy we met, was in real good health

He loved to let you know what he hated.

He was by far the loudest in the room

And the best thing on his side was his wealth.

Going on about America’s doom.

A Cambodian man who owned the bar,

When we were young, he was somewhat decent,

Meet my good friend Tommy Chowson Zuear.

But Marshal changed, maybe it was recent.

But back in school we called him “Zue” for short,

He used to be tall, now he’s just as wide

Back when Mindcraft and debate was his sport.

But now his craft is in local business.

And he really looks awkward from the side.

He owned all the beer stores you could witness.

Even though he was sort of obnoxious

He always dressed in a sharp suit and tie,

His wife was way worse, that was obvious.

At the country club, he looked more fly

She was a big ol’ woman, which was clear.

Than any “old wealthy, tasteless white guy.”

The poor bums hid their food when she was near.

Well at least that’s what he told the ladies

Macy Gates was the name of the old hag

Who were out of his league, Hot as Hades.

I bet at home, she did nothing but nag.

Zue was rich but if you asked him his tricks

She was more confident than she should be

“Easy for Asian in town full of hicks”

And she criticized at high velocity,

Is what he would respond in sarcasm.

She liked judging the clothes that others wore

His jokes were all over, like a spasm.

And gossiping about “who’s the real whore.”

We were having a good time catching up

She’s the person on Facebook you can’t stand,

Then someone brought up playing the cup,

Preaching “the word” with a drink in her hand.

Which is where we all throw cash in a pit,

She spoke of how Obama screwed the nation

Compete, and the winner takes all of it.

And “fag rights” were an abomination,

Since there’s not much to do in your forties,

Then spoke of how love was so iconic.

We can just see who tells the best stories.

That was one comment I found ironic.

To be honest, I just didn’t like her.

And as long as no one would hold a grudge,

I had views for insects that were nicer.

Zue promised to be a really fine judge.

She also bugged Kelly, I saw that too,

Sara Gunter

Sadie Edmiston

Katie Griffin

Summer Musgrove

That Cowboy Rides

By Brittany Carbo

That cold winter wind, is blowing again.

Up in the mountains, legends told.

That there’s an old cowboy, that lives in those snows His legend still lives with everyone who knows, Of this cowboys final drive.

The story is told, and passed down the pride.

To all who go up there, that come down alive And this is how the story goes.

He spent his life, trying to survive.

His only love, was the love of the drive.

And to this very day, he’s still alive.

The fire that he burns lights up the sky.

Just as sure as the dark follows the night.

That cowboy rides.

Late one stormy night, he went for a ride.

Headed out all alone, some say he was headed back home.

But what really happened, to this day is unknown.

But out from the darkness, they heard a cry And he said “I will be here till the last cowboy rides!”

That Old Round Pen

by Jake Choate

Growing up my father trained horses for a living. I remember how I would sit on the fence of the round pen

watching as he could connect with those horses. It was as if they could understand his body language because he never said a word aloud. I learned a lot of things sitting out there on that old wooden fence. How to handle a young horse that is scared and is not sure what is going on. He would tell me the horse can tell when you are nervous, scared, happy, or mad.

So you need to always keep a calm disposition this makes the horse comfortable. Then when you make him comfortable his trust for you is gained, and he is ready to do whatever it is you ask of him. Those little lessons are what helped me become a pretty decent horse trainer.

The life lesson I learned in that round pen will stick with me forever. He would tell me how the right thing to

do is not always the easiest. You should always stand up for what you believe in and never stay away from who you are.

I also learned that life is going to knock you down from time to time, and that is a promise. Getting knocked down is what makes you stronger; it is how you overcome it. So try to always see the good in every bad situation. Try to remember, it could always be worse. Take the time to notice the little things in life instead of just the big picture. I used to just sit there hanging on every word he said. He was the definition of what a man should stand for in my eyes. I would never trade that time with my dad for the world. I have lived my life based off of what he told me so long ago. Keeping true to myself in the way I live in every aspect of life.

That old round pen is weathered and just barley standing these days. My father and I have grown apart over the

years, and barley seeing eye to eye. Though every now and then I’ll go stand out in the middle of that round pen. Just replaying the memories in my head wishing I could go back to when I was a boy. The best times of my life are far behind me now. I often wonder if I made him proud of the man I have made of myself. I just look in the mirror and see a spitting image of my father. That is proof enough for me to know I have done my best. You will only be the person that you strive to be nothing more nothing less.

The Dark

By: Margo Hooper They wait Out beyond the light

Who is it that waits

With understanding as the bait

Out beyond the light

Always out of sight

Should I let the fates Keep me from my fright

They call Out beyond the light

Or should I flee

I only fall

Out beyond the light

Instead of putting up a fight

Away from me Into the deep, dark night

It’s them Out beyond the light It’s them Who caused my plight

Samantha Fairless

Beatriz Miranda

The Love You Took From Me

by Arielle Garcia

You have taken back the love,

Or hanging overhead?

That you once gave to me.

In the yonder blue sky?

It was as broad as a blue sky above,

If the answer is no,

And as deep as any ocean or sea.

Would you mind telling me?

You took it back.

Just where it went,

And I really didn’t know why.

And why did it flee?

Was it something I lacked?

If the answer is yes,

Or forgot to show.

Don’t let it drift no more.

Now my heart cries for your love that fled.

Bring it back to the happiness,

Is it drifting by and by?

That you once knew before.

The many things that make me happy

by Ana Kiso

How can I explain this to you?

I like that you and me act like kids, That we argue about senseless things, That we watch scary movies, That we have just our things, That we enjoy boring football games, That we walk on clouds, That we wish for the same things, That we play card games, That we enjoy happiness, That we hold each other hands, That we have blessed days, That we have a lot of memories, That we write in our diaries, That we swim in the same waters, That we are best friends, That we love our imperfections, That we love our kids, That you tell me that you love me, That I tell you that I love you, There are many things that make me happy, Maybe I’m crazy, but I love everything That makes you, you.

Samantha Fairless

Yellow butterflies

By Braden Richardson They question why she didn’t ask for help, They say she seemed fine, They wonder how this could have happened, She was silently screaming for help the whole time.

Her siblings were annoyed, Her children were gone, Her parents tried to help, But in her mind she was done.

There was no turning back, There was no way to save her, She had already decided, She would be her own savior.

Selfish decision.

We are all so mad.

Unfair choice.

No time to be sad.

Whitney Hay

Now we just sit, We sit and we wonder, We question and wish, That one of us would have helped her.

But there are moments in the spring, We can all go outside, And be greeted by her presence, In the yellow butterflies.

.

Hannah Buckner

A look upon nature

by Quintarious Graves

Like a comet gazing across the evening sky,

Like the sun that shined so bright after the ringing,

Faded away within the blink of an eye.

And to hear the beautiful birds singing.

Like the stars that shine so bright,

Like the clouds that looked like big balls of cotton,

How I can sit and stare all night.

Remembering something that can never be forgotten.

Like a beautiful rainbow after the rain,

Like admiring all that mother nature brings,

Here to take away all the pain.

Especially here in the spring.

Like the moon that gave me a sense of hope,

Now to come to an ending,

Quickly went away and I could no longer cope.

Still reminiscing about the beginning.

Like a shadow in the midnight,

In time it all will reveal,

Was like hearing a voice whispering goodnight.

Then you will understand all that I tell.

Majestic 12

By Ryan Shelton Special Thanks to M. Wright

In 1947, after the Roswell incident the then president Harry S. Truman formed a committee of the world’s greatest scientist, military leader and other government officials to make the recovery and investigation of alien spacecrafts easier. This group was called Majestic 12. However, in recent history UFO sightings have become so common that the committee was forced to be retooled in order to help keep control of the public. Now there are agents all over the world under the Majestic 12 name, but this time they allow aliens to stay as long as they abide by the rules. This is the story of two of these agents.

“I don’t know, what are you going to get?” Agent Locke asked.

“What I always get when we are waiting for order,” Agent Jackson replied.

These two agents both in black two piece suits always come to the same coffee shop, sit in the same spot and just talk.

“I don’t get it. We’re located in Roswell! You think we would get nonstop action all the time!” exclaimed Locke.

“I guess extraterrestrials would rather go somewhere else besides this town in the middle of nowhere,” explained Jackson.

“True, the only ones we get are like elderly Xilheilis, you know species that either need arid climates or extraterrestrials that are clamoring for the good old…” said Locke.

“Wait, we got something. A lead on the Jiralgok mafia turns out they’ve been running guns and drugs in a small shack in the middle of the desert,” interrupted Jackson.

“Alright, let’s roll!” Locke said excitedly.

They pulled up to the cabin, the scorching desert sun mixed with the arid desert air made sure nothing could survive here for a long time; it was the perfect hiding spot.

“Man, the Jiralgok sure know how to hide, the Jiralgok mafia must have been able to get a private contractor to get this built no questions asked. We might want to get our gas masks on, the sandstorm is one thing but god knows what they have stashed in there,” said Locke.

“Copy that. How do you think we should get in though?” Jackson asked.

“I say we kick the door down, then we will tell them what we want. We don’t want to start a firefight unless we have...”

Before Locke could finish, the door blasted off. The Jiralgok spotted them.

“Or we could go in guns blazing.” Jackson added sarcastically.

“Why am I always getting interrupted?” Locke retorted.

They both got on different sides of the door frame.

“We are Majestic 12 agents, lay down your weapons!” yelled Locke.

“We will when you’re dead!” yelled one of the mobsters.

“I think I know how to speed this up. Do you still have those explosives from the Balgoy bust?” Locke asked.

“Yeah, why do you ask?” replied Jackson.

“Let’s put the explosives around the shack and it will come tumbling down,” explained Locke.

They rushed to their vehicle and grabbed the entire supply of explosives and placed the explosives around the shack.

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Jackson asked.

“It’s the greatest idea,” replied Locke.

All of the sudden the once rustic shack began collapsing. The roars of anger coming from the Jiralgok mobsters were silenced and the only thing left was rubble.

“Ahh, another successful mission. Now let’s go back to the coffee shop. I’m craving a chocolate chip muffin,” Locke said.

Andrea Cordero

Modern World

By Anna Crumbie

There’s a billion things to do, but only time for twenty. Is this not the dilemma of most of the modern world?

We find relief in distraction, yet don’t face the problem. Hence our lives build up to the breaking point. When really we only break when we look inside.

It’s ok. Broken things can be made better. You may not really be broken at all. Even if you are, God can fix you.

‘Cause that’s what He does. So take a break from the distractions, don’t be afraid to feel broken. God will pick you up.

By Anna Crumbie A roar of anger shakes heaven. No longer will God hold back His rage at the sins of this earth. Each wrong thing we have done the Holy God is aware of, and He cannot ignore them any longer. They stare Him in the face, mocking Him.

“Look” they say “We have chosen pleasure over justice, we have chosen our way over yours. Who are you to

know what we need? We have chosen lies over truth. We have chosen the presence of other gods over yours. We have misused your name, both in word and deed. We have killed, over and over, those whom you knew before they were born.

We have done all of this and more.

“Do what you wish, send your only Son to die for us. We’ll make sure He dies a horrible death. Then, day after

day, we will choose to ignore this greatest cry of love man has ever heard.

“You have given us the power of choice, and we choose to spit in your face.”

The Holy God cannot stand this any longer. He strides toward us in His anger. Better to end these lives now

than to let them continue as they are.

With a quick step the Son runs between us and the Father. Holding up nail scarred hands He receives the Fa-

thers anger.

“Your children Father, the ones who have chosen to receive my protection, do not destroy them. I have done

what is needed to save them, do not forget.”

The Father looks past the Son. His blazing eyes take in the people of the earth. He still cannot stand the sin that

is there, but as the Son stands between Him and us He accepts what His Son has done.

“Father, look at those who have chosen to believe in us and accept my gift. You have promised them that they

may enter Your presence as fearlessly as sons and daughters. You have promised to be their Father.”

Again the Father looks to earth. His eyes soften as He sees those who have accepted His Sons gift. But He also

sees many who have rejected this gift.

“Oh my Son, why do they not choose to accept our gift? In not doing so they have chosen to face my wrath.”

A tear falls down the Sons cheek. “Yes, they have.” He says, “But I long for them to choose differently before they must face it.”

Showing of Me

By Anna Crumbie

Why are we so scared of what we can’t see?

Of people’s opinions and what they might be.

We hide who we are and put on a mask To hide from the questions people might ask.

Why are we ‘fraid of letting them in?

I guess we don’t want to go through ‘it’ again.

To go through the hurt, to go through the nubs To be the third wheel whom nobody loves.

We’re afraid of rejection, afraid to feel pain.

Afraid to have someone break us again.

Destiny Hart

So we hide who we are and go with the flow.

If we do hurt, no one will know.

So we’re all alone in a world of ‘best friends’.

And nobody knows where the phony you ends.

That’s going to change, one step at a time.

Quiet Buzz of a Bee

By Anna Crumbie

I’ll see what it means to step out of line.

Have you ever felt dirt against your bare toes?

Won’t happen at once, this showing of me

Or the brush of a flower as it passes your nose?

Changes like this come about gradually.

Have you ever stopped by a running creek?

First I open up here, and here I will stop.

And looked for tadpoles which are so meek?

Sooner or later out I will pop!

God give me the courage to be who I am.

To be who I’ll be and not just a sham.

Have you ever sat ‘neath a whispering tree And listened to the quiet buzz of a bee?

Have you ever watched little red ants crawl Across a twig which to them is so tall?

I hope you have done at least some of these things That all men can do from peasants to kings.

And if you have not I really must say These things must be done before your last day.

For a life without pleasures of this simple kind Is one you can’t live with I’m sure you will find.

So take time today to sit under a tree And sit back and listen to the buzz of a bee.

Only a Question Away

By Anna Crumbie

Those who face persecution, the orphans with their love starved eyes, the widows working day and night, the betrayed teen who’s lost all hope, all cry for more. More love, more faithfulness, more light to work in.

All these things seem impossible.

Who could make the day longer?

No person is faithful forever.

Is there such a thing as true love?

What would it be like, to be loved beyond imagination, to never be left behind, to have perfect provision? It is beyond our comprehension, past our understanding, greater than we could imagine.

Will that ever be found?

A human who will not fail us?

A perfect spouse to love us forever?

If there is a person out there who could fulfill me completely, or a solution to the worlds problems thought up by the greatest minds, a program to fix broken homes, a pill that makes us live forever, where is it? How much would it cost? What would I have to do to get it?

The problem is this: This world will never fix us, never fulfill us, never keep us safe.

Why then do I live?

Because my hope is not of this world.

What I live for does not change with time, although it does change time. My Father never leaves,

never dies. The Hope we can share will not fail us.

But, you have to find it first. It’s only a question away.

“What? What is it?”

Who, not what, he is Christ.

“May I know Him?”

Yes, all you have to do is ask.

Summer in the Country

By Anna Crumbie

A bright blue sky The sound of the wind in the trees Crickets buzzing Birds Singing Sun on my face Watching the grass sway in the breeze The flowers in the sun Dry grass under bare feet Good ‘ole dirt A wasp a few feet away A couple of lazy clouds floating across the sky Butterflies Cattails Stinkbugs on passion fruit, isn’t that ironic Branches swaying in the wind A lonely dragonfly An ant crawling across my hand Oh the joys of summer in the country

Jacilynn Carlisle

Randomness in Poetry

by Anna Crumbie

I am writing just to write.

It makes my day oh so bright To see the words grow on the page And be glad I’m without phage.

To watch my screen go white to black With each little tippy tap Of my keyboard grey and black How many rhymes can I make Before this class I have to take?

We will see, yes we will Just how great is my skill Just how silly I can be When I rhyme crazily For words are there to make sense But sometimes they just can’t since They have to fit in the space That makes them flow with grace For in rhyming you will see A blend of real and the whimsy This blend of truth is the reason Rhymes are cool in every season For in our ho-drum day to day We need some thoughts from far away From never land, from make believe So that we don’t simply grieve With the boredom of some days And the monotony of our ways A little mix of real and fake A happy day for me does make For days without day dreams end to me Like a night without sleep, unhappily So take some time with me today To board a plane and fly away To the land of make believe And join with me while stories weave

Jake Craig

FOR I AM BUT A GHOST

By Jessica Nicole Gehrts

Shelby Dorchester

Nobody talks to me Nobody listens to me So therefore I don’t exist I am but a ghost forced to roam the land.

People ignore me.

And nobody can hear me.

What am I to do?

For I am but a ghost, a wandering spirit.

I open my mouth to speak, but no words come out.

All I can do is listen.

For I am but a ghost.

Nobody notices me People walk through me.

Nobody knows I am there listening to every word For I am but a ghost.

I try to reach out for comfort But I can’t speak So I cannot ask for comfort I try to reach out to get your attention But you can’t hear me or see me You don’t know I am there listening to every word you say.

I feel like I have dropped off the face of the Earth.

For I am but a ghost Since I am but a ghost ALL I can do is wish you well from afar.

I bend over and whisper in your ear.

(Please remember me) For I disappear into a mist A lost soul It is lost I shall forever be.

END

Summer Croley

Magdalene Yoerger

Casi Shadowens

Summer Croley

Kelsey David

Casi Shadowens

Brooke Wilson

Maddy Youngblood

Casi Shadowens

Maddy Youngblood

Brooke Wilson

Brittany Ramsey

Magdalene Yoerger

Maddy Youngblood

Brooke Wilson

Nicole Ellison

Paola Rangel

Cover Photo and Back Cover Photo by Katie Griffin

1109 West Panola Street * Carthage, Texas 75633 - www.panola.edu Intaglio 2016: A production of the Panola College Literary/Art Organization Faculty Advisors: Ann Boland, Teresa Beasley, Jeff Brooks Editor: Anna Crumbie Assistant Editor: Ryan Shelton Assistant Editor: Jake Craig Design: WD Design

Panola College is an Equal Opportunity Institution that provides educational and employment opportunities on the basis of merit and without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status or disability.