mosaic The Publication of the Arts SPRING 2019
Student Editors
Sum Yue Guan ’19
Erika Schwerdfeger ’19 Katalina Villareal ’20 Faculty Advisor
Dr. Nancy Hunt
Staff
Dylan Barry-Schoen ’20
Sophia Lamarque ’21
Damiera Cruz ’20
Emma Leamey ’19
Hailey Boe ’20
Rosemary Lee ’20
Maddie Brown ’21
Joanna Lin ’20
Corinne Christian ’20
Ashley Liu ’21
Gracie Gaon ’21
Madeleine Nowak ’20
Molly Gilbert ’19
Ava Owens ’20
Sum Yue Guan ’19
Ari Trueba ’19
Abby Gunter ’20
Katalina Villareal ’20
Heidi Hansch ’21
Laurel Wong ’19
Christina Kwon ’21 Design & Production
Communications Office
Front Cover: Dragonfly, Sum Yue Guan ’19, acrylic on panel, 5” x 5” Back Cover: Mountains, Jessie Crump, ’19, acrylic, 14” x 14” All content © 2019 Santa Catalina School students as indicated.
5/2019-450
mosaic The Publication of the Arts
Red All Over, Damiera Cruz ’20, digital photography, 9” x 6”
SPRING 2019
The Publication of the Arts
1
Lattice, Maddie Brown ’21, watercolor, 12” x 8”
Table of Contents Art, Dragonfly.............................................................Sum Yue Guan ’19.................................Front Cover Photograph, Red All Over...........................................Damiera Cruz ’20...................................................1 Art, Lattice..................................................................Maddie Brown ’21..................................................2 Photograph, Boundaries.............................................Dana Zeng ’19.......................................................4 Poem, No Peace for Hestia........................................Olivia Gebreamlak ’19............................................5 Photograph, Cast-Iron................................................Mariana Fernandez ’19...........................................6 Poem, The Long Haul.................................................Lauren Gebreamlak ’21..........................................7 Poem, Sliced..............................................................Katalina Villareal ’20...............................................8 Art, Coiled..................................................................Nicole Korinetz ’21.................................................9 Prose, That was Then, This is Now.............................Damiera Cruz ’20.................................................10 Art, Coastline..............................................................Sum Yue Guan ’19...............................................11 Photograph, Whisk.....................................................Emma Leamey ’19...............................................12 Poem, Untitled............................................................Jane Hoffman ’21.................................................13 Poem, She is Death....................................................Corinne Christian ’20............................................14 2 mosaic
Photograph, Embers..................................................Uma Sinha ’20.....................................................15 Prose, An Afternoon Nap............................................Katalina Villareal ’20.............................................16 Art, Orbit....................................................................Holly Liu ’22.........................................................17 Prose, Surprise...........................................................Katalina Villareal ’20.............................................18 Art, Tea Triptich...........................................................Sum Yue Guan ’19...............................................18 Art, Coven..................................................................Holly Liu ’22.........................................................21 Art, Chrysanthemum..................................................Ari Trueba ’19.......................................................22 Poem, Spirits..............................................................Katalina Villareal ’20.............................................23 Prose, Duclet Tones, Sweet Repose...........................Leona Lind ’21.....................................................24 Art, Distant.................................................................Emily Oh ’21....................................................... 25 Art, Crepe...................................................................Sum Yue Guan ’19...............................................26 Art, Abyssal Hues.......................................................Molly Gilbert ’19...................................................27 Poem, Seaside...........................................................Lauren Gebreamlak ’21........................................28 Photograph, Sunny.....................................................Sum Yue Guan ’19...............................................28 Photograph, Prickles..................................................Uma Sinha ’20.....................................................29 Photograph, Fingertips...............................................Mariana Fernandez ’19.........................................30 Art, Ease.....................................................................Alicia Rector ’19...................................................31 Art, Concrete Skies..............................................................Sum Yue Guan ’19.......................................................32 Poem, Loathing Wicked..............................................Olivia Gebreamlak ’19..........................................33 Photograph, Traces....................................................Emalia Partlow ’19...............................................35 Art, Dodo....................................................................Ari Trueba ’19.......................................................36 Photograph, Floral......................................................Sarah Sallee ’21...................................................37 Poem, Terrestrial Thoughts.........................................Channing-Jaye Scott ’21......................................37 Art, Citrus...................................................................Holly Liu ’22.........................................................38 Art, One With Nature..................................................Ava Owens ’20.....................................................39 Poem, Pi-Ku Collection...............................................Multiple Authors...................................................40 Art, Overgrowth..........................................................Spencer Grace Leatherberry ’21..........................41 Art, Falling..................................................................Emily Oh ’21........................................................42 Poem, Through the Smoke.........................................Corinne Christian ’20............................................43 Art, Purple Houhai......................................................Sum Yue Guan ’19...............................................45 Poem, Didn’t You Know?............................................Joanna Lin ’20.....................................................46 Photograph, 22 N, 109 W..........................................Uma Sinha ’20.....................................................47 Photograph, Outpost..................................................Angelia Shi ’21.....................................................48 Photograph, Bold.......................................................Sofia Marquez ’20................................................49 Photograph, Cliche.....................................................Uma Sinha ’20.....................................................50 Prose, Dark Roast......................................................Damiera Cruz ’20.................................................51 Photograph, Ambers..................................................Sum Yue Guan ’19.......................Inside Back Cover Art, Mountains............................................................Jessie Crump ’19...................................Back Cover
The Publication of the Arts
3
Boundaries, Dana Zeng ’19, digital photography, 6” x 4”
Acknowledgments Ms. Meg Bradley Ms. Julie Lenherr Edson ’88 Sister Claire Sister Christine Mrs. Jaime Ball Ms. Crystal Boyd ’89 Ms. Katherine Burkhuch Ms. Jeannie Evers Ms. Beth Jones Ms. Liesel Kuehl Ms. Claire Lerner Dr. John Murphy Ms. Sarah Paff Ms. Jen Rocha Mr. Fred White …and all the students of Santa Catalina who submitted their work.
4 mosaic
No Peace for Hestia Olivia Gebreamlak ’19
No peace, you and their eyes never to meet Why traffic lights again cognizant thy head Curse you oblivious lights of city streets That thou transform so cherry blossom red The masses see your kingdom but still pass I alone, I gaze gawk enraptured rapt Peasant looking on oh mistress through glass. Do not knock on wood when lips be untapped Devotion doth sully devout Hestia In Midas rush moss is disregard. Why? If fed reprieves; gone anorexia Oh global warming not the cause to cry Next you see even thorn weed burst cement See all might thee, oh little, repent.
The Publication of the Arts
5
6 mosaic Cast-Iron, Mariana Fernandez ’19, film photography, 6” x 4”
The Long Haul Lauren Gebreamlak ’21
The brutality is misleading but not breaking news Backlash is expected, just like excuses. Kick me while I’m down and not a threat Shoot me while unarmed, a faceless mannequin whose barrel I met. Scars are seen inside my brain, a small tear to my dystopia Now’s the time to gather stitches and rid of the horrid phobia. Political minds full of ambition Many a minority that are seeking recognition Still, we are seen as a nuisance, a prop for a time or two. Once you have our vote, what next are we to do? Relinquish my tranquility and make me abandon my remorse Inject me with society and let nature take its course. Sink my ship until I drown in all the thoughts of my trespasses A nation full of dead trees and endlessly bent grasses. Our morals are known over every sea known to man One day if the tables turn, the white man may understand.
The Publication of the Arts
7
Sliced Katalina Villarreal ’20
Like dry ice, your freezing heat burns a chill into my soul. I will lie, say it’s alright as you slice my bleeding heart: I won’t mention the pain as my veins clot with my ink black blood. Take my heart and break my heart in two, I would gladly return the favor for you. But you hold me under your arms, You choke out all of my vision. I only want you, and so you slice me open, And have dinner for two.
8 mosaic
The Publication of the Arts
9
Coiled, Nicole Korinetz ’21, acrylic, 19” x 15”
That was Then, This is Now Damiera Cruz ’20
Delilah’s attention was captured by the scene outside the large bay windows; the blues of the breaking waves contrasted nicely with the greens of the course. Even though she knew that they paid handsome amounts for this view, it still surprised her how it never seemed to get old. But more specifically she was enamored with the group of teens surfing. They held themselves with the sense of valor that you had in teenagehood: the one that made you think you were invincible. They fearlessly approached the monstrous waves without another thought-“Delilah, were you watching the twilight golfers?” her fiance laughed heartily. She grounded herself back to reality. “Ha!” Pompous laughter filled the clubhouse; the lack of decorum always humored the members of the esoteric society who understood. Richard Porter spoke in a manner that hinted at his love of fine wines. “My God! Those children are ruining my view.” Delilah lapsed back into a dream-like state; she remembered when she was one of those teens. She spent so much of her youth chasing the elusive Ghost Tree much like the teens now. She remembered how free she felt when she soared on the waves; the feeling of peace when she was at one with everything. But that was then, and this is now. Now her insatiable hunger for the perfect wave had turned into a desire for the finer things of life. She now turned her nose up at the sport that had once characterized her childhood. “Yes, I can’t believe that they would allow such a thing to happen.” There was a certain sadness in her voice that went unnoticed by the others.
10 mosaic
The Publication of the Arts
11
Coastline, Sum Yue Guan ’19, acrylic, 24” x 18”
12 mosaic Whisk, Emma Leamey ’19, film photography, 7” x 5.5”
Untitled Jane Hoffman ’21
A tiresome inmate, A faint-hearted creature, The little boy came forth with vacant pockets. He was in earnest, in love, actuallyAnd people hate their wives, sometimes; but not their sisters and brothers. It looks melancholy, does it not? I could detect her raising a hand, brushing something off her cheek. “As true as I live, he’s dying for you!” Breaking his heart at your fickleness. Her features were so sad, they did not seem hers: For she was weary, her heart was clouded now in double darkness. Sitting in a sort of Elysium alone, It’s been something new to hear a voice like yours.
The Publication of the Arts
13
She is Death Corinne Christian ’20
Twirling in the dusk Spinning through the dark A willowy figure casting shadows on the pavement Dancing down the street in a world all her own. They say the heart’s on the sleeve but hers seems goneNot beating in her chest or stolen from a sleeve No, hers is not to be found. A smirk on her face but hurt in her eyes A seductive phrase with hollow tone disguised She is enticing and yet none dare chase her Welcomed by all not through acceptance but fear. The fear she loves too much for a small taste The fear misconstrued for a danger some may chase A danger like the rebellion that is out in the dusk through the dark The danger chased by a dog’s loud bark. But this is the misconstrued fear that lovers of danger truly seek Unaware of how their mighty ambitions may leak their life away. Bringing them closer to her in the dusk through the dark A poison like flower disguised by her beauty As she reaches with arms so tender and weak To dance through the night the deadly appears meek. As lovers of danger fall prey to silent calls, Giving away the life left in her cold embrace they fall.
14 mosaic
The Publication of the Arts
15
Embers, Uma Sinha ’20, digital photography, 3” x 4”
An Afternoon Nap Katalina Villareal ’20
Bump. Bump. She inhaled deeply, then sharply released the air in a tight sigh. Her breath was laced with the stress of her thoughts, humming like clockwork. Bump. Bump. She removed her arm that was hiding her eyes from the glare of the afternoon sun, streaming through her window. She squinted her eyes and turned her head to search for the insufferably insignificant noise. There it was: a fly, trapped in between the glass and the screen barrier to the outside world. Bump, bump. Bump. She wanted the fly to stop making its buzzing hum that harmonized with her agitation. She wanted the fly to be smarter and realize that the window was half-way open; it could fly out and find a different way back home. But the fly continued to tap the screen and bounce back to the glass with passive persistence. He was not 16 mosaic
aggressive or particularly loud, but she suddenly became so frustrated that her head began to throb. She sucked in a shaky breath, and closed her eyes again. She had already been laying down for ten minutes, yet the faint ringing in her ears didn’t stop or go away. She was weary. Bump. She stirred awake to the twinkling of the wind chimes hanging from the weeping bottle brush tree outside of her window. She didn’t remember falling asleep. There was a murmur hovering above the crickets, along with a familiar thudding sound; she ignored the fly. She gradually pulled herself into a sitting position on her bed, her hair messy and her clothes ruffled. She rubbed her eyes, and she noticed that there was no longer a ringing infiltrating her head. Breathing in, she slid herself off of the bed and crept up to the calm open window. There was a sweet, earthy smell that drifted in, and danced around her like spring. She noticed the quick whispering wings of a hummingbird
flying to and fro from the brush tree. She lifted her chin up to the horizon and gazed past the only field with small, white, and yellow flowers in the city.
Orbit, Holly Liu ’22, watercolor, 4” x 6”
It was beautiful: the sky was casting a lavender blue hue over every tree, sidewalk, apartment building, and hill in
sight. She beheld the full moon, cream white, glistening from space, along with his twinkling friends. The stars seemed to gleam and wink at her. She let a small smile slip onto her lips in return. A light breeze floating through the air kissed her forehead as she unhinged the window screen barrier, and the fly zipped away.
The Publication of the Arts
17
Surprise Katalina Villareal ’20
He smirked at me, his blue eyes glinting from the sunlight streaming through the cafeteria window. He thought he had surprised me. “The trick to telling a good lie is believing in the lie you’re telling. So, do you believe in what you’ve just told me?” I stared back at him, even though I ached to turn away. I don’t even have many friends; I definitely don’t have “secret admirers” like Alexander. He was only fooling with me, and I wasn’t going to fall for a second of it. I watched as his eyebrows twitched. He switched to observed the pastel pink and white tiled floor before coming up with a response.
I did not fall for his prank. Trying to make fun of me for your own entertainment… lame. All of a sudden he spoke up again, “You’re really quite interesting, you know?” I blinked, “What do you mean by that?” I changed my balance and put a hand on my hip. Glancing around the lunchroom, he started again, “Well, all of the guys say you’re an annoying smart aleck-” I cut him off there. “What guys? You say “all of the guys”, but nobody --not even you-- can be friends with “all of the guys”.” You thought I was a smart aleck before? Try me now.
I raised my eyebrows tauntingly, clearly having the upper hand now that he saw
“Alright, geez...” Alexander looked at me pleadingly, I didn’t move, “Fine. It Tea Triptich, Sum Yue Guan ’19, digital painting, 10” x 3”
“Hm, I guess not. I don’t really know...” he mumbled.
18 mosaic
Tea Triptich, Sum Yue Guan ’19, digital painting, 10” x 3”
was mainly Travis; he said that “nothing seems to surprise you”. If people try to prank you, you ignore them. Or if people try to jump out and scare you, you don’t even scream-- or react at all.” His sapphire eyes locked onto mine once again, “But I think, you’re just like the rest of us. And it’s pretty interesting that you aren’t amused by anyone’s jokes. I find it refreshing actually that you don’t care about this slightly embarrassing prank.” He had a genuine smile on his face now, like he actually meant what he said. Does he think that he’s complimenting me? That doesn’t even make sense... “Well-no-duh I’m like everyone else! I am human after all,” I retorted. He was still staring at me, and I suddenly felt flustered from being watched so closely. “Ha! Your face is red,” he laughed. Instinctively, I covered my face with my hands and turned away; he was really laughing now.
“Alright! So you can get flustered?” He said, very pleased with himself. I looked over to the microwaves lined on the far wall and cleared my throat, “I am not flustered! Anyway, it’s not like I talk to you everyday Xander, so I’m-- um… I’m grateful! I’m touched that you even had the courage to utter that terrible lie to begin with. But I am not surprised or flustered. I know that you are doing this because you’re bored, and I know that you don’t have a crush on me, which bythe-way is mutual.” “Oh, I’m sure you are grateful.” “I’m being sarcastic.” “Well, suit yourself, but I sadly fear we have a geometry class to get to. Shall we get our things?” The bell, ending the lunch period, rang through our conversation; I decided that leaving his question unanswered was the best way to escape. continued next page
The Publication of the Arts
19
Dancing figures spun around me, hurrying to get to class. I walked straight ahead to my locker, grabbed my Geometry textbook, and performed my own rushed dance. I didn’t talk to Xander, and he didn’t talk to me; Although that seemed to be more of his friends fault than his. I ignored him when he glanced at me.
“Well... as you probably already guessed, I was dared to talk to you. But, I keep talking to because I want to. I also want to apologize for following through the dare.”
The rest of the day, as well as the people in the day, went by as a blur even as I tried to focus. The usual repetitive schedule, was finally coming to an end, and I had almost forgotten about lunch. Things seemed to be leading into another perfectly forgettable afternoon.
“But, the dare wasn’t for me,” he pressed on.
Then he walked up besides me. “So,” he started, looking from me to my old, yellow, and brown bike, “The way you disappeared earlier when the bell rang was pretty shocking. I mean, I blinked; and you were already at your locker! And then ignoring me-” “Oh, and what am I now? Your friend? Let me ask you something; and be frank with me. Why are you even talking to me Xander?” I gave him a moment to realize that I wasn’t enjoying his random company. He looked down at my worn bike, and then back up at my eyes. I wondered why I hadn’t ever noticed how curious and playful his eyes were. 20 mosaic
I cleared my throat and started to fiddle with the bike lock.
I gazed up. He tried to hold my shaky glance. “You see, the dare was for Travis. I initially didn’t want to be involved, but I was fed up with Travis. So I told them that I would talk to you instead, tell you I liked you, and see what your reaction was. Surprisingly, the assholes agreed.” I looked back at my bike, not sure if I should thank him for intervening with Travis or get mad that he didn’t just stop the whole charade to begin with. But I didn’t have to respond because he kept going. “In all seriousness, I’m sorry. You’re a person, your feelings shouldn’t be set aside for their amusement. And it’s stupid to find their immature jokes as acceptable. But, that doesn’t change that most of the time I’m just nodding my head, and that I did their dare.”
I was now facing him, and genuinely interested in his words. He was saying things I hadn’t heard before. I hadn’t been apologized to in this way, and I began to feel uncomfortably happy and grateful that Xander was in fact telling me this, even though I already figured it out. “I accept your apology. Thank you for explaining.” “Hey, it’s just a shame it took so long for me to say it. And I while you clearly think of us as mutual acquaintances, I think of you as a pretty down to earth person. Would you mind giving me a chance to be your friend?”
maybe I’ll reconsider my answer. I wouldn’t mind having a friend who is honest.” He chuckled, “Well then “Miss Everyone Is Annoying”, I’ll see you tomorrow then?” I stared at him for what seemed like 10 minutes, but when his playful sparkling blue eyes stared back at my deep brown eyes, I turned and hopped on my bike. He smiled and waved. “Goodbye, Xander. See you tomorrow.” I was genuinely, very, surprised.
Coven, Holly Liu ’22, watercolor, 3” x 4.1”
I avoided his question by apologizing, “I’m sorry that I walked away earlier-- it was rude. And just so you know, you are also fun, people like you, and at least people don’t start rumors about you. I think you have good morals, so I’m glad you are choosing to not associate with those guys.” His eyes locked mine, he knew I avoided his question. “Listen, I want to get to know you, not because I was dared or anything, but because I want to. I want to be your friend. Please, don’t avoid this.” “Listen, I don’t have friends. But…
The Publication of the Arts
21
22 mosaic Chrysanthemum, Ari Trueba ’19, charcoal on craft paper, 14” x 14”
Spirits Katalina Villarreal ’20
We are not born to die, we are born to live. So we will haunt these halls, and send night terrors to your dreams. We will watch you, and you will unknowingly watch us. We are looking through the mirror, and we see you looking in. You get a chill; that was us jumping on you. No no‌ you comfort yourself and say you are alone. But we are the spirits, And we know what you know.
The Publication of the Arts
23
Dulcet Tones, Sweet Repose Leona Lind ’21
The light was streaming in through the
fused together to form a uniting force of
thin curtained windows and the golden
serenity and tempestuousness; they were
rays found themselves landing on the
the calm surface and the undertow of the
plush white duvet covering the slender
ocean. One without the other wouldn’t be
form of Blue, one chestnut colored arm
sufficient to show the power and beauty
lying limply off the side of the bed. There
of the sea in its fullness. Blue was the
wasn’t a speck a speck of dust floating
calm before the storm before the fishing
through the shimmering morning light
boats tossed and turned in the foam
and none landed on the bed either. The
of the turbulent waters. Blue was the
atmosphere was pure and she was
sand rising up before the wind exhaled
content. On her walls were draperies
and blew into the eyes of unsuspecting
and one glance at them, and one could
explorers in the deep Sahara.
ascertain that Blue was a connoisseur. These draperies portrayed figures of women in the nude. Graceful and alluring, their bodies were the colors of ink and ivory, tawny and bronze, winding around scenes of the earth, moon, and stars, emanating dominance and command.
But Blue was also a flame, and sometimes, Blue could hurt when her presence was overlooked and her existence forgotten. She was a flame that often became overshadowed by her brothers Red and Orange. She was the unsung hero that brought the warmest
She had a lover too, and her name was
feeling to the coldest stranger on winter
Pink. Brightening Blue’s lazy days with
nights. When given the chance, one
her effortless show of mirth and frivolity,
would notice that there was a fire in her
Pink called for each day to be filled
countenance that could not be doused,
with as much excitement as there was
even when rain poured upon it.
sand on the ocean floor. Blue and Pink 24 mosaic
The Publication of the Arts
25
Distant, Emily Oh ’21, digital painting, 6” x 10”
26 mosaic Crepe, Sum Yue Guan ’19, paper cutout, 3” x 4”
The Publication of the Arts
27 Abyssal Hues, Molly Gilbert ’19, digital painting ,10.6” x 6”
Sunny, Sum Yue Guan ’19, digital photography, 6” x 4.5”
Seaside Lauren Gebreamlak ’21
Sleeping city in the sand Winding roads and wilting roses Trickling dews of morning bands From peaking fog about our dozes Silent buses carry cargo just arrived Come and go like clockwork Those aboard are sleep deprived
28 mosaic
The Publication of the Arts
29
Prickles, Uma Sinha ’20, digital photography, 3” x 4”
30 mosaic Fingertips, Mariana Fernandez ’19, film photography, 10” x 6.5”
The Publication of the Arts
31
Ease, Alicia Rector ’19, acrylic, 19” x 24”
32 mosaic Concrete Skies, Sum Yue Guan ’19, acrylic, 10” x 8”
Loathing Wicked Olivia Gebreamlak ’19
Loathing wicked I stood alone Loathing wicked We are banished from our prospective homes Loathing wicked, Is to loathe the wicks that wack about, igniting the sadness in our hearts. Loathing wicked, For my fingers may move grand, but not for grand is boheme. Loathing all. All individuals that state themselves as all. Loathing all. All whom garner entitlement, born in life’s game of chess, Placed two moves from checkmate. Loathing my captivity to loathe Everytime I set it aside, it appears again a knocking, a banging, Till even clearest eyes corrupt, turn to a corrosive raging. Still those wicked few light the hair atop their candles, Thus setting their futures on fire.
continued next page
The Publication of the Arts
33
All the more a loathing loner am I. Slouching, I writhe in my awareness of decay: Like a baby my heart cries I too am at the mercy of elements beyond My mouth cannot find the suckle that should elevate myself. For us, at birth, it was never there. Now, in my agony, celebration grows, In me, a young heir to loathing wicked has been crowned Even a child would resist their hearts cries So they could sit with iron companionship under peevish sky But tears that are never hung out to dry create a must I pass this loathing of wicked, may it never rust.
34 mosaic
The Publication of the Arts
35
Traces, Emalia Partlow ’19, film photography, 5” x 8”
36 mosaic Dodo, Ari Trueba ’19, charcoal on craft paper, 12” x 14”
Floral, Sarah Sallee ’21, digital photography, 9” x 6”
Terrestrial Thoughts Channing-Jaye Scott ‘21
Being on Earth right now is a freeing nonstop race A race that everybody has entered And is feening to achieve the prize What it is, no one knows But we sprint and push Longing for the mysteries of the unknown Being on this earth is a platform That only the courageous Dare to speak upon To share points of view and to argue what’s right And what’s wrong continued next page
The Publication of the Arts
37
Being on this earth is a war Fighting each other to be among the greats, but Not knowing only a few will be chosen Being on this earth is difficult From teenagers fearing for their lives as they try to get their education To black people screaming and marching that OUR lives matter too To immigrants seeking asylum Testing the words that this country's founding fathers established this country on Being on this earth is an adventure As we might not know what tomorrow may bring But we dare and push ourselves to fight for what is right While keeping hope along the way
Citrus, Holly Liu ’22, watercolor, 5” x 3.4”
Being on this earth is breathtaking.
38 mosaic
The Publication of the Arts
39
One With Nature, Ava Owens ’20, acrylic, 18” x 24”
Pi-Ku Collection Liz Hulme
Emma Underdown ’21
Humble pi or Irrational?
What’s small and Sweet? an acute pie
Paulette Struckman
Lara Wheeler Devlin ’02
Don’t like pi How Irrational
I should learn Math Oops, it’s too late
Sum Yue Guan ’19
When in doubt I Always derive
40 mosaic
The Publication of the Arts
41
Overgrowth, Spencer Grace Leatherberry ’21, 13” x 8.5”
42 mosaic
Falling, Emily Oh ’21, digital painting, 9” x 11”
Through the Smoke Corinne Christian ’20
There’s so much I can see it Like a wall right in front of me I’m reaching out and it’s curling around my fingers But it’s not tangible It’s disappearing right as I close my hand It’s filling my lungs with black curiosity There’s muffled shouting behind me but I’m not concerned It’s not coming closer and I can’t hear what they’re saying Stepping forward it begins to envelop me and I can see black Dancing in my vision creeping in from the edges The further I walk the quieter it becomes The lighter my head grows Until I feel like I’m dancing on a cloud Until my vision disappears and my body goes limp I was running after her shouting But she didn’t hear She shouldn’t have done it I guess we all saw it coming She wasn’t supposed to get that close It was like a wall of smoke We were all shouting why didn’t she stop? She didn’t run in she took one step Why couldn’t anyone stop her? Why didn’t anyone stop her? One step turned into a run and practically a skip Then she disappeared We had to turn back because we couldn’t stand the smoke They found her body later continued next page
The Publication of the Arts
43
I don’t remember when I don’t remember what exactly they said They asked about identification and I remember shaking my head It couldn’t really be her I didn’t want to believe it when I got the funeral invitation I couldn’t believe it as we spoke about her life Her relatively short life I didn’t want to believe it then I still don’t think I believe it I don’t think I’ll ever forget the tear tracks on her face when she ran out I don’t think I’ll ever stop blaming myself So when they ask you why I guess tell them it should’ve been me in the first place.
44 mosaic
The Publication of the Arts
45
Purple Houhai, Sum Yue Guan ’19, acrylic painting, 5” x 5”
Didn’t You Know? Joanna Lin ’20
开个玩笑 嗨 大家好。 大家可能不知道， 其实这个杂志有一个外语栏目。 但是几乎从来没有人投稿，因为说是要增加 多样性可是根本就没有人在乎吧。但是我被总编辑 怂恿了，于是我上交了这一篇稿子。大家可能会发现文字排布呈梯形， 没有什么深意，我觉得好玩而已。那么我开始苦恼： 到底这篇稿子表达些什么好呢？然后我想， 干脆炫耀一下汉字的博大精深 好了。那我就开始了： 咳。饕餮，龘， 魑魅魍魉，齾和鬱 不知道到时候打印版面够不够大呢。 就这样吧，先溜了。 拜拜
46 mosaic
The Publication of the Arts
47
22 N, 109 W, Uma Sinha ’20, digital photography, 3” x 4”
48 mosaic
Outopst, Angelia Shi ’21, digital photography, 6” x 8”
The Publication of the Arts
49
Bold, Sofia Marquez ’20, film photography, 6” x 4”
50 mosaic
Cliche, Uma Sinha ’20, digital photography, 8” x 4”
Dark Roast Damiera Cruz ’20
She went through the day with a sort of cynicism; the type that seeped into every aspect of life. Well, that and an excess of espresso shots. Her annoyance was like a migraine; it slowly enveloped everything until it became unbearable. It always started the same way—something minor like the girl humming in her 1st-period class. Then, another small irritant such as a pen’s offensive cackle would act as a catalyst until everything became overwhelming. She would feign going to the bathroom to catch a break. It felt like she was suffocating in a hell of her own making. But there was one thing that would save her. 2:35 would roll around or 3:15 (on the particularly horrible days) and she would bolt out of class. She’d slip on her neoprene suit and speed off. When her feet sunk in sand, she couldn’t care if the fog was hanging over the bay or if the annoying drizzle persisted. She ran straight into the waves; throwing her board in and paddling into the unknown.
continued next page
The Publication of the Arts
51
There was something alluring about flirting with death. Knowing that conditions could change and she’d be gone was comforting in a way. So she challenged death, edging closer to the rocks each time. Yet, luck seemed to be on her side; she’d always cutback at the last second and be back in the embrace of safety. Her body would tremble from the adrenaline, and she’d go right back at it. She rode until the sun had given up on working; the waves were mushy white water. But until then, she was alive; she wasn’t a cog. It made her feel like she could bear another sip of her concoction of exhaustion and real life.
52 mosaic
Ambers, Sum Yue Guan ’19, digital photography, 5” x 3.5”
1500 Mark Thomas Drive | Monterey, CA 93940-5291 | 831.655.9300 | santacatalina.org