The Palette Volume VII 2018
Artwork by Maggie Lange
St. Luke’s School New Canaan, Connecticut, 06840 stlukesct.org
Cover Artwork by Emilia von Lilien-Brockmeyer
Foreword See the lines. Absorb the colors. Contemplate the symbols. Consider the meaning. Whether it’s a sleeve of watercolor paints that has been opened, or a digital file on a computer, you can be sure any medium will capture and represent the talent, imagination, and character of St. Luke’s middle school students. In these pages, you will find poetry, fiction, paintings, drawings, multimedia collages, sculptures, cartooning, digital art, and photography that conveys the infinite imaginations of our 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. For seven years now, The Palette has been where middle school students showcase their work in and out of the classroom, exhibiting the techniques they learned in art, the poetry forms they learned in English, and the elements of creative projects from a broad range of subjects. What you see here could also be the product of inspiration sparked at home and fulfilled there. It doesn’t matter where the idea catches you; what’s most important is that you express how it makes you feel, see, or act.
See the colors. Absorb the lines. Consider the symbols. Contemplate the meaning. Appreciate the artist and author. A huge thanks to Jeorge Yankura, whose passion for the work ductions. Special shout-outs to Mr. Wieland, Ms. Zurkowski, Ms. Olsen, Ms. Wulfman, Ms. Sarno, Mr. Lynch, Ms. Tobler, Ms. Westerberg, Mr. Carroll, and Mr. Henson for their dedication in teaching expression.
Artwork by Marissa Kramer
and generosity with her time has led to much improved and artistic pro-
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Artwork by Marissa Kramer
Writing by Mary Catherine Besgen
Originality Of My Personality
Joyful and mischievous When I used my mom’s lipstick on my face I was just 2 years old She knew it was ridiculous Happiness and curiosity That’s my philosophy Wild and full of adventure Climbing like a monkey I’m an outdoor junky
Artwork by Lexi Brady
Accident prone Breaking bones Too much fun, I’m never done All these battle scars Don’t try stopping me Cause I’m wild and free
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Writing by Isabella Gaumer 6
All She Is She is a lion,
She is the gold hiding a mine
Full with pride
So rare to find
Walking with a strong stride
She shines so bright, and she is mine.
She is a wolf
She is a Christmas present
Stalking her prey.
Waiting under the tree
never giving up any day.
Oh, what glee she is to see.
She is a cloud
She is a colorful rainbow
As soft as a pillow
Vibrant purple, pink, orange, and blue
But never broken
Fluorescent highlights with some hue.
She is an ocean
She is a palm tree
Rare, aqua blue,
Swaying in the breeze
Swells and valleys of energy
Rocking with the boats in the harbor
She is the sunset to everybody’s day
She is a mountain
orange and pink happiness rays
confidently standing
never dull and gray.
Against blizzards, and avalanches.
She is the monkey bars on the playground
She is a goldfish
Swinging with joy
With short-term memory loss
Contagious, optimistic play
Nostalgic about her childhood.
Artwork by Rose Lauren Schultz
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Writing by Tatum Lemkau
What Amazes Me The waves in the ocean just coming in and going out They never stop, how do they never stop. Some big, some small.
It’s equivalent to my breath going in and coming out. I’m not trying to breathe my body just does it for me.
Incredible: coming in and going out, over and over again, waves.
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Artwork by Ava Waldman
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Artwork by Alex Hol tzapffel
If he were weather, he would be a sun-shower. Mostly nice, sometimes not. But always liked by many.
If he were a candy, he’d be a Salted Caramel. Salty and sweet, all at the same time. Delectable in its own way.
If he were a movement, he would be a shooting star. Speeding and flashing through the atmosphere getting where it belongs.
If he were an article of clothing, he’d be mittens. Helping you through the cold, making you feel warm inside.
If he were a holiday, he’d be Christmas. regularly excited when it has come, Many people’s favorite.
If he were a building, he would be the Empire State Building. Towering over, Always seen by many.
If he were a car, he would be a Porsche. Snazzy and slick, Always keeping his cool. If he were a celestial object, he would be a star. Gleaming like a stage light on a dark stage, Standing out in the crowd.
Writing by Ali DeFilippo
Ryan
If he were a boat, he’d be a motorboat. Zooming from the dock to an island Forming waves in the cerulean sea . If he were a playground toy, he’d be a slide Climbing to the top anticipating fun, And at the bottom, wishing you could do it again.
Artwork by Teddy Balkind 11
Artwork by Ella Thomas
The One And Only Water You can go two weeks without food but only three days without water. Here is why water is so important: First, you need water to stay hydrated. It is perfect for quenching your thirst and it tastes like a million bucks when it is cold and fresh. In addition, it helps you stay clean. I know this because water helps you brush your teeth
Writing by Connor Mannix
and you need water to take a shower.
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Also, without water you wouldn’t be able to refresh yourself on a hot summer’s day, because no water means no pool. Finally, everyone needs water, especially me
The most important thing about music is that it makes a sound.
Writing by Jessica Heine
Why My Love for Music Matters It makes a harmonizing note like a birds tweeting song. A bird’s song can sound different to anyone. It can lighten the darkest, dampest room with it’s beautiful unique sound. It fills the room with its radiant light and gives warmth to the room. Anything could be music if you think about it. Just go ahead and take a closer look at it. But the most important thing about music is that it makes a sound.
Artwork by Daniel Clavelli 13
Writing by Leia Mitwalli
The Adventures of Emily Specks Chapter 1 The Idea
flimsy dress murdered her husband and is going to fetch her large bounty that her husband left for her
Emily Specks was fifteen when she left her
in his will. That old man over there is an evil scien-
parents. You might think to yourself how absurd!
tist going to a lab to conduct evil experiments. Emily
Why would she leave her warm, kind home? On top
walked through the dense crowd onto boat that was
of that, her parents, Mr. and Mrs.Specks, were the
made of lumber, wondering what she would accom-
richest people in New Canaan, Connecticut. Why
plish on this journey. She sat down on the boat and
would she leave? The reason is that Emily wanted
heard the captain yell , “We are off to England! May
to learn. She wanted to explore the world and be a
I have your tickets, please!” Uh oh! Emily thought
writer and a reporter. At that time women weren’t
to herself, “I forgot to buy a ticket.” Then she spotted
thought of much but housekeepers, and certainly
something on the ground, a ticket. “Guess I have a
not learners! Men had a better education than wom-
guardian angel,” she thought to herself. She picked it
en. It was hard for Emily because her parents were
up and then handed it to the captain. The boat set sail.
cruel to her. Always discouraging her. Never letting
Emily stared at the horizon hoping that this journey
her open her wings and soar. One night she had an
wouldn’t be a waste. She knew that this voyage would
idea. The one that told her to leave the house! The
be significant to her life, she just didn’t know how.
next night she packed boots, a coat, socks, candles and matches, food, water, a map, a heap of money
She entered her room on the boat. It was a
and a blanket. She also brought some books. She
single bed. It was next to a window and you had to
walked out into the darkness. She dared not light
climb a ladder to reach the bed. Next to the bed was
a candle so her parents wouldn’t spot her.
She
a single cupboard to put your bags in. On the oth-
walked further and further away. Emily Specks did
er side of the room there stood a desk and a chair.
something heroic: she decided to follow her dream. Her first night was dreadful. She was seaChapter 2 The First Adventure Emily stood at the harbor, staring at everyone. Marveling at the diversity, she made up stories about each one of them. The woman over there in that
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sick. When she woke up from her restless slumber, she felt like vomiting. She sat down on her chair and studied her map. Then she looked out of her window and saw only open ocean. She started to feel better and she realized she was hungry.
Artwork by Reese Kubick
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She entered the dining room and ordered
woman that because she felt like she could trust her.
sausages and beans. When it arrived at her table she gobbled it up. The next few weeks on the boat were
“Lil girl ye come and live with thee,” and
uneventful. Finally one morning, Emily stared out
so she did. Emily met Emmeline’s daughter, Phoe-
of the window and saw England. Finally the sight
be. There was an extra room that Emily stayed in.
of England terminated her anxiety about the future.
Phoebe played games with Emily. She also taught her how to mimic voices. Emmeline taught Em-
When the boat finally docked the crowd was
ily how to climb trees and how to cook. She loved
so unwieldy that she couldn’t get off the boat for a
it with Emiline and Phoebe but one day she decided
long time. When she finally exited the boat, a disgust-
to look around England. Then when she was tasting
ing smell filled her nostrils. She walked to a inn and
some free samples of food outside of a cafe, a man
got a room. Then she slept there for the night, hop-
crept up behind her and knocked her unconscious!
ing that she would never wake up from this dream.
He saw that she had money and wanted to steal it.
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Ye Olde English People
The Hero
One day Emily went to the market.
She
Emily woke up in a house.
She was tied
bought some cloth to sew a map, some veggies and
onto a table. She quickly untied herself. Then she
some books. She was surprised to see a woman selling
heard voices. She crept toward the scene. She act-
books because woman weren’t considered smart. On
ed like a spectator and stared at them. Then she
top of that it was a writer selling her own books! The
turned away and silently crept up the stairs. When
woman said, “Ye want to buy books. Thy has never
she reached the top of the stairs she opened a door.
seen a wee girl like you interested in me books. Girls
She walked through the door and in the door was a
ye age are never interested in any books. Well let me
safe. She took a pin out of her hair and picked the
introduce meself. Me name be Emmeline Pankhurst
lock. When she opened the safe she found a lot of
but ye can call me Emily, what yers?” Emmeline was a
money in a bag. She grabbed the bag and didn’t re-
plump sweet woman who was dressed as a housewife.
alize that the bag was attached to a string that suspended from the ceiling. Emily pulled and pulled
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“Emily Janice Specks is my name. I ran away
but the rope was attached to the bag. Then Emily re-
from home. I live in America.” Emily told this
alized that she had to undo the string. She did just
that and then escaped the house by jumping out of
meline I must leave. I am an adventurer. I love to
the open window. Emily ran to the police depart-
travel. I will write everything I promise. I must
ment and told about the people who had kidnapped
leave. Goodbye Aunty, goodbye Phoebe, I love you
her. Then she went back to Emmeline and Phoebe.
both.” They hugged and cried. Then Emily walked out of the house, her bags in her hand, her hat on
Emmeline then realized what potential Em-
her head. After she walked about two feet and then
ily had to become a writer and taught her. She stayed
turned around, tears streaming down her face. With
with them for a year. Then on Emily’s sixteenth
one last wave she turned around again and walked
birthday Emmeline gave her a journal. It was navy
away. When she got on the train she said quietly,
blue with gold lettering that said Emily Specks. Em-
“Goodbye England. Maybe we shall meet again.”
ily smiled and then cried. She said, “Aunty Em-
Artwork by Jack Chuhta 17
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Artwork by Avery Zakowich
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Writing by Leia Mitwalli
Lake Voices The water waving swallowing the bank The rain kissing the clear water sounding a steady heartbeat a stick rolling around hitting a rock, constantly agitated the stone crushes the stick the trees droop solemnly dancing to the waves a duck splashes a fish splooshes wind whispering fluttering the leaves
Artwork by Avery Zakowich
voices everywhere
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Artwork by Jack Chuhta
Artwork by Jake Fox
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Artwork by Fiona Mueller
A Family Made of Love By Sarah Marshall
The most important thing about a family is that it has love. A family is your best friend; you can tell them anything.
Writing by Sarah Marshall
A Family Made of Love
A family is like a safe that locks up your secrets. A family is a lie detector. They tell the truth and can see when you lie. A family is like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. You need the peanut butter and jelly so it will stick together. But the most important thing about a family is that it has love.
LEADERSHIP Leadership LEADERSHIP IS NOT FOLLOWING PEOPLE HE MOTIVATES PEOPLE TO DO WELL AND HELPS THEM REACH THEIR DESTINIES LEADERSHIP SAYS “FOLLOW ME TO VICTORY.” IT IS THE RESPECT THAT FOLLOWS YOU
LEADERSHIP BELIEVES IN PEACE FOR ALL
BY: KAYDEN SOARES
Artwork by Kayden Soares
HE COMES IN DIFFERENT SHAPES AND SIZES
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Writing by Lucy Collins
Tomorrow Every morning, I wake up and think. If only I wasn’t sold off like a piece furniture. If only I had meant something to someone. If only I wasn’t growing up alone, scared and depressed.
If only. But this is the reality. I might as well be a broken machine in a factory full of them. I might as well be a chair on its last leg. I might as well be a piece of trash, I am kicked around and no one cares one bit.
My life is hopeless. Just a ticking time bomb. A car heading straight for a dead end. At this point I don’t even care. I am just trying to get through each day.
Every hour working, Every toxic fume inhaled, Just one step closer to the end.
But every night, I tell myself, Things will get better.
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Artwork by Marissa Kramer
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Writing by Ainsley Glenday
The Wait January 15th Seven twenty AM My toes are cold. I should have worn my fuzzy socks, You know, the pair with the purple hearts? Those socks are awesome.
Seven thirty AM My toes are really cold. I should have worn my big boots, You know, the ones with the blue stripes? Those boots are fantastic.
Seven forty AM My toes are freezing! I should have worn my big boots and my fuzzy socks, You know, the ones with the purple hearts and the blue stripes? Those guys are marvelous.
Seven fifty AM The bus is here! January 16th Seven twenty AM My toes are cold.
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Under the moonlight, above the stars, there is a person waiting on a platform.
Writing by Jack Silverman
Watchman
That person on the platform is a watchman. He wears a blue cloak, and waits for one special visitor, an owl. You see, this owl is unlike any other. He is magical. This watchman with his binoculars waits and waits until he arrives. It’s now midnight and the most majestic barn owl appears out of the forest. The watchman looks at the owl, and does this every night, but one day after a very bad storm, the owl comes back no more.
Artwork by Sarah Marshall 27
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Artwork by Nailah Profit
Every morning, the spiderweb Sits suspended between two trees having held up the night once again
Writing by Lexi Brady
Spiderweb
Its dainty thread sparkling With morning dew, a Kaleidoscope of watery jewels
The wind comes in Blowing leaves away The diamonds sparkle but stay up
With the wind comes a Little moth who shoots into The web thrashing furiously
The black spider emerges On spindly legs Entangling her breakfast.
Artwork by Mary Catherine Besgen 29
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Artwork by Lucy Collins
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Writing by Sofia Staikos
Sing It In The Cells “What are you doing here?” I was angry and It’s been five days and no one has picked me up. Know one cares for me since I’m in jail. Yeah I know,
heartbroken that he couldn’t have came sooner, but I kept that in because I’ve always hated Charlie.
how’d a 14 year old girl get into jail. It’s a long story. “I came to give you a taste of my new life. What I was caught sneaking in a house. It was really a mistake. I was coming home from a party… and I walked
did you think I was here to pick you up? Hahahahahahahahahaha. No.” I could see his devil look in his eye.
into my neighbor’s house. I went to “my” bedroom. It “What, when I’m in jail, you’re gonna brag about
didn’t get pretty after that.
your life and how rich you are, since you started dating It’s hard for me because my parents just got
another hot rich chick,” I say with some attitude.
divorced and I don’t get attention. My dad is always kiss“Actually, yeah. Sucker! Your in jail. Your in jail.”
ing his girlfriends. He’s 50. Anyways, all of his girlfriends are the same age as my horrible older brother, Charlie.
Charlie begins to sing this over and over.
He’s 25. He’s from a different man, who was married to I interrupt, “Get out before I rob your girlfriend,”
my mom before my dad. Charlie’s the same as my dad. And my mom. Well, I don’t ever get to see my mom. She’s
I scream through the bars. This seemed to scare him
not a great person either. I’ve meet her. She’s crazy. Noth-
away. He’s such a baby. Fourteen year old girl scares a
ing like me. I’m known as the normal one. Of course...
twenty five year old man, I mean twenty five year old
me
baby.
*********************************************************
“Hey Karin, who was that, they sound fresh, want me to beat them up for you, because I will. I will,” Trish
Lunch break, the disgusting food they serve, hey
says cupping her fists.
I can’t complain because it’s nothing worse that I get at home. Everyone is about thirty or older there’s only one
“It was my brother. He’s the rudest thing that ever
other women who is really nice, she’s only twenty. Her
happened to me, I sometimes think he’s not my brother
name is Trish. Ever since I got to the “cells” she’s been
because he’s so bad. But it explains a lot since I’m in jail.
like a mother to me. Trish’s cell is right next to mines so
For doing something bad,” I said.
we talk a lot. She really like music, too. I forgot to point that one out. Music is my life. It’s mostly my only friend, along with Kim. My best friend at school.
“Oh. That stinks. Me and my brother are best friends. Have you tried to be nice to him, even if he’s not nice to you?” She said this in a smooth voice.
After lunch, I become bored so I start to break out some tunes on my bed stoop. A voice interrupts me. “Whatcha doing spot?” I didn’t even have to look up to know that it was Charlie. My older brother.
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“No, not really. But who cares anyway. For a woman who got arrested for hurting someone bad, it is shocking that you just said that, Trish,” I say.
“Thank you, thank you very much!” She says, hysterical. We both laugh. “Let’s go sing out some beats,” I say jumping up
good beat and know it, and you probably can’t show it. Ay, ay, ay…..” I stop when I realize the cop is staring at us. “Ladies. Come with me,” The cop’s voice is low,
for the bench outside. I’m trying to figure out where since
which scares me. Bad. Trish and I look at each other and
it’s recess. Oh, the basketball pole looks neat.
back at the cop.
“Coming,” she said. “Boom boom pop, ba boom boom pop. Cho cho
Now!” he screams, so we follow. *********************************************************
cho cho cha!” Trish gives the beat and I begin to sing. “Ms. Cross, Mrs. White, what you have done is “Ay, so I’m in jail here, trying to have some fun,
not tolerated, here at Shirlem County Jail,” the boss said.
making some noise on this basketball pole yeah! It’s got
We call her the boss because she’s the head and in charge
Artwork by Coleman Mercé 33
of everything. She’s a scary little lady with brown hair and a couple missing teeth. The first thing you learn here,
“Trish, do you think that cell phone thingy works?” I say.
never mess with the boss. “Probably. Here’s twenty five cents,” she hands me “I didn’t know you were married, Trish,” I say. “I was. So why do you…..” she was paused by the
a rush gold quarter. I begin to dial my home phone.
boss. “Enough! I will not be treated like this. Throw them into the dungeon, Ralf,” she says to the cop that is
“Hi. This is Kathy! How may I help you?” A young woman says through the phone.
standing beside her. “Umm. Hi this is Karin. I live here,” I stuttered. “Yes, Sir. I mean ma’am. Sorry Sir, I mean ma’am, come on Ralf,” he talks to himself.
“Ohhh. Myyy. Goshhhhhh!! It’s you! Hahah! Sorry. I’m Kathy. I’m your father’s girlfriend. Him and I are in love. Did you know your father is so hot!!” She says, “Baby….
“Just go, Dumbhead,” Boss says. ********************************************************* “Your new home, for quite a while,” Ralf directs us to the back room.
come over here!” I can hear my father kissing her. “Your daughter is on the phone,” she says. “Hi Karin. You should come down stairs. You’ve been sitting up there for days now. Do you want pasta for dinner?” he says. I expected this.
“What about food, or recess?” I question. “So dad, I don’t know if you heard but I’m in jail. “You don’t have any more recess, but I’ll come around when it’s time for you to have food, if your
the dumbest person in the world!” I scream through the
lucky… Kidding,” he jokes, but I’m not laughing.
phone. Trish gives a good laugh.
********************************************************* Later that night, I was sitting in my bed thinking about my parents….. dad’s probably at work, mom at home making dirt pudding. “It’s healthy” she would say. But it’s not. I don’t say anything because if you’re fresh with mom, it won’t end up well for you.
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Wake up and smell the ocean. How does it feel? You’re
“What!! How??” He screams “Well, first of all, have the Sinno’s knocked on our door anytime this week?”
Artwork by Marissa Kramer and Abby Thomas
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Artwork by Sarah Kate Alford
Her words echo in my head carving into my skin like knives. I look around me and I see her everywhere, I see her mouth form those hateful words just for having different colored skin. I wipe away the tears that are streaming down my face. I am hurt, and confused. why would she do that? Why would she hurt me?
Writing by Eliza Schwartz
Words Hurt
The words I say peirce her skin, they hurt, they cut, I see the tears well in her eyes. But I do not stop. I know the words I say are hurtful. But I do not stop or regret a thing I said. The words I hear make me want to cry. There at my locker, at my perfect school, or so I thought. My school is no longer perfect. And neither am I. I shake my head in guilt, guilt is drowning me. Why couldn’t stand I up to her? Why must I be such a coward, why?
Artwork by Josephine DeMarco 37
Artwork by Josephine DeMarco
What’s Inside My Head My first island is superstar island,
They make me laugh, they make me almost cry,
it makes me happy as could be.
When I get bad grades I think I’m going to die.
Joy and Fear created it and it’s only just for me. The island carries my passion, hopes, and dreams,
My most important island oh really, yes indeed,
Which are singing and acting for everyone to see.
Is friends and family island because they are the
The island grew when I went on AGT,
people dearest to me.
And keeps growing every time I sing.
These people made me the boy I am today,
Writing by Joe Derr
Along with a little help from Sadness and Joy.
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I have another island Joy and Fear made for me,
My grandma died I miss her to this day,
Education island is where you can usually find me.
It was the first time I lost someone it was really,
I go to St. Lukes School,
really tough.
And my friends and teachers are really, really cool.
The Tulips were all satisfied with their
rant known to flowers! Then he threw anyone who
lives. They had decent homes and more sunlight
tried to overpower him or who was defiant to any
than any Tulip in the world had! Then, a new Tu-
of his orders, in the vase. They would play dead
lip was planted. But when it grew up, they knew
when he was awake and they would stop pretend-
something was wrong. He was a light and subtle
ing when he went to sleep, in fear of being killed
pink, not bright and vibrant oranges and yellows.
or exiled. We can’t see a happy end for these poor
He was bullied for years, until the all-father fed
Tulips. They are facing dark times and their futures
the Albino Tulip. Finally he grew and overthrew
look bleak. That is the story of the Mutant Tulip.
Writing by Carys Gardner
The Mutant Tulip
the Tulip government and became the worst ty-
Artwork by Carys Gardner 39
Writing by Anna Yavenditti
My Brother He’s like the wind, Breezy, Cool He’s like the sun, Bright, Cheery He’s like the ocean, Fast, Fun He’s my brother, Sweet, Kind, And not mean Most of the time.
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Artwork by Ali DeFilippo
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Writing by Jack Chuhta
Why I Love My Dog The most important thing about my dog Arlo is he has a bent tail. When Arlo sees us, he is like a fish out of water. When the car pulls in, Arlo is as happy as a child on his birthday. It is rare to see Arlo in the mood to play. But, when he is alone, he plays like it is his job. Arlo is a snuggler; he can snuggle for a million hours. Arlo is the type of dog who would beg to snuggle
Artwork by Mary Catherine Besgen
with you. But, the most important this about my dog Arlo is he has a bent tail.
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Artwork by Scarlett McRoberts
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Artwork by Jack Sullivan
Artwork by Rose Lauren Schwartz
The Cycron The Cycrons and their horrible packs, dead humans strapped to their backs. They run around and kill and steal and unlucky people are their meal. They shriek and roar and wail all night, their dark red eyes fill you with fright.
and kill any living thing they see. Suddenly you hear a creature’s cry, it is a Cycron, so you will surely die.
Writing by Carter Lightburn
They destroy every house and tree
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Writing by Angad Sethi
The Half Story of the Roman Battles
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And now after a whole month of prepara-
on and attack Macedonia. The Romans lay down
tion, the Roman army was ready to attack Greece.
to sleep. At midnight, a strange ghostly moaning
Though there was still one problem, which all Ro-
started echoing in the sleeping camps. About five
mans knew about. The myth, in which it says: “All
minutes later, loud and eerie screams were com-
who pass land not theirs at this very part of of the
ing from camp west. Immediately, all the Romans
year shall disappear with no notice and a day later
woke up and brought whatever weapon-like thing
the body would be found dead and cut in half.” But
was next to them and charged into camp west. But
this was the only window the Romans had to attack
all they found were cut off fingers and a trail of
because bad weather would come soon and by then
blood. In some parts of the camp, they found small
the Greek army would be well alerted of what was
pieces of black rags. But no bodies. The Romans
going to happen. So, they marched. The man in
cried, “The omens are true, we’re all gonna die!!’’
charge was Julius Caesar himself. He was not going
Some said that they should turn back. When Julius
to let any bad omen touch any of his men. There-
Caesar saw what he saw, he was shocked at the sight
fore, he was going to keep close supervision on his
but said that they would not go back. So they went
men. After a very successful day of attacking, the
back to sleep. Two hours later, there was some more
Romans had taken Thrace and were going to move
screaming, but this time no one got up.
Artwork by Chris Corcoran
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Artwork by Joe Derr
Writing by Lexi Brady
A Storm of Words Words The kind smiles that go with some Brighten your day But it’s the evil ones That break you down Smirks and glares Pass over the speakers’ faces Like a stormcloud They tear at you The first ones are a drizzle Not so bad, but annoying Then the crowd comes People catch on Not caring that they would be as angry And teary eyed as you If they were in your position That’s when a storm of words comes Booming Cackling Mercilessly pounding on your shoulders Till you hunch to the ground And yell The storm stops In shock at your temper Because no one cares That the storm has beat you to the ground They only care what you said to this storm The worst type A storm of words.
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Writing by Eliza Patty
Footsteps Vanessa Curington finally sat down, on her bed, watching The Office. It was raining outside. She could hear the rain going drip-drop-drip-drop, and somewhere she thought she heard a screeching of wheels. She ignored it, wanting to know what happens next in The Office.
Artwork by Rose Lauren Schwartz
She thought she heard someone scream, so she jumped out of bed onto the cold tile floor, making her feet tingle. She ran to her door yelling, “Really guys, can’t you turn your movies and video games down.” Then she remembered her older brothers were at sleepover party and mom and dad were at a cocktail party. Her second thought was her
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younger brother, Alex, was playing on the Xbox. She went to his room to check on him and Alex was snoring hard and asleep. Her third thought was that the tv was accidentally left on. She went down stairs to the tv room and saw it was on, playing a horror movie. So she turned it off and went to get a glass of milk and was going back upstairs to her room. She heard footsteps. She went back to the T.V. room and the tv was on again. Creeped out, she turned it off and was on the stairs heading to her room when she heard the squelching of wet shoes. She spun around only to see a trail of wet footprints on the floor...
Artwork by Sara Minuesa
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Writing by Ella Thomas
New Year’s Eve When the night is late When it is cold outside When lights are on trees When the sun went down long ago The Sullivan family is having a party. Cheers to feasting on pork and gravy Cheers to taking pictures Cheers to watching the ball drop Cheers to singing our hearts out at karaoke Cheers to Auld Lang Syne
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Hiss ! The Tower is Still there
Writing by Grady Millones
The Tower
The wind Whipping Around it Dwelling In the Dark it waits Waiting For any soul To set Foot in The old Tower of doom You will Perish if You encounter The beast In the tower The eerie tower
Artwork by Sasha Bakhramov
You will Be gone In an instant Boo!
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Artwork by Avery Zakowich
(an excerpt from a novel of the same name) Horizon had never seen the ocean. In fact,
Horizon was amazed at the different colors
the largest body of water she had ever seen was the
of fish that swarmed her face. She looked around.
oasis, which had a huge city around it, so she had only
There were so many colors, especially at a coral reef
caught glimpses. But her parents had promised her a
like this. She noticed a shiny orange shell in the sand,
vacation for her birthday, and she had wanted to see
and she picked it up. Horizon knew how much Gold-
the kingdom of the Sea. Horizon was a Sandwing, 5
enrod liked anything orange or shiny. This shell was
years old, and had pale yellow scales. She had a scar
both. Horizon let out a small stream of bubbles and
running from behind her ear up to her horn. The horn
swam to to surface. Her parents were sitting on a rock,
was tattooed to continue the scar. Horizon had a sis-
looking at their children with a soft expression. Hori-
ter, Goldenrod. Goldenrod was 6 years old, and had
zon flew over to Goldenrod, and handed her the shell.
scales the color of sand. She also had golden scales
She was about to say something, when a whirlwind of
around her talons, eyes, and horns. She was wearing
green tackled her. She was submerged, and she saw
her amber amulet. All of a sudden, a desert of blue
her parents spurt fire where she had disappeared. Ho-
arose in front of Horizon. It was the ocean. She had
rizon saw Goldenrod next to her, struggling against
never seen so much water in one place. She whooped
green scales. Seawings thought Horizon, and tried
in joy, and her sister snorted in amusement. Golden-
to lift her tail. The scorpion-like barb at the end of
rod dove into the water and shot back up almost im-
it was a trait that all Sandwings shared. “Woah, these
mediately. Horizon let out a small chuckle. Golden-
dragons work quickly,” she thought. Her tail was in
rod roared at their parents, ”Why would you take us
a tight knot or tied by seaweed. She noticed that she
to some weird salty water?! I bet it isn’t even water.”
was starting to pass out from the lack of oxygen. She
Writing by Sasha Bakhramov
Horizon and The Ocean
looked into the Seawings eyes desperately, and he Horizon let out a small sigh. have salt water, not fresh. knew
everything,”
she
“Oceans
slapped the younger Seawing with his tail. She looked
I thought you
at him confused, and he flashed some of his glow-up
added
sarcastically.
stripes. They surged upwards, and Horizon got a few needed gasps of air, when seaweed pressed against her
“I HATE THIS STUPID OCEAN, WHAT’S THE
face. She was being blindfolded, but she heard Gold-
POINT OF WATER THAT YOU CAN’T DRINK,”
enrod complaining. Before she could tell Goldenrod
Goldenrod roared. Her father barked out a laugh.
to stop wasting her air, she was underwater again…
“For the sight, and also Seawings live there,”
They stopped frequently for air, but this
he
laughed,
pointing
to
the
west.
Hori-
air was wet, and there was an echo when the Sand-
zon dove into the water for a closer look.
wings sisters breathed. Finally, they arrived as a place that seem bigger, and more full. The blindfold 55
Horizon stretched on a bed of seaweed. She wasn’t taken off though. Horizon was paraded to
wanted to talk to her sister, but she was sleeping.
another cave. It seemed dry, and it had sand. The
“Why not explore?” she thought. Carefully, in the
blindfold was taken off and Horizon saw the two
moonlight, she crept out of the room. She checked
burly Seawings. She gasped “WOW, I knew Seaw-
on Fennec, who was asleep. Horizon silently pad-
ings were blue, BUT NOT THIS blue; also, are we
ded to the edge of the cave, and saw the platforms
prisoners, and why are we...” Horizon was cut off
in the middle. She looked and saw what looked like
before she could finish her sentence when a beau-
a kitchen. She silently flew to the platform. No-
tiful Sandwing stepped into view. Her ears grew
body awoke as she landed and looked at all the
hot as the Sandwing looked at her pleadingly.
food. “Three moons, look how much food! “Horizon thought. There was a seaweed and water mush-
“Hello, little ones. I am your mother,” her
room salad, a big pie that smelled like fish, roasted
voice boomed. “But, we have a mother, and father
mackerel, whale stew, octopus dishes, salted sardines,
too. Where are they? Are they alright? And why are
roasted seagulls, fried eel, smoked lobsters and crabs,
you here?” Goldenrod sputtered. The Sandwing ex-
clam chowder, fish head soup, and two cauldrons of
plained to the shocked dragonets that her husband,
freshwater. Horizon took one look and dug in. The
their father, said he was in love with her. They had an
salad was spicy, the octopus was sweet, but it was
egg that was cracked. After that, their father never
evened out with lemon juice. Sure, she had to breath
forgave her, so he left her for their mother. “I have
fire on some of the food, but she was full by the time
learned that my dragonets are here, in the Kingdom
she had sampled everything. Suddenly, a dark shape
of the Sea. Don’t worry about your parents, they’re
loomed over her and screamed, “WE’RE BEING IN-
being located to the hotel they booked into. As for
VADED! AN UNKNOWN SANDWING IS EATING
me, well, I wanted to meet you without your parents,
FOOD FOR TOMORROW’S GUEST! HELLLLP!”
here in the Summer palace. My husband is Seaw-
56
ing royalty. We were allowed to marry for he is the
Three shapes were upon her in an instant. She
queen’s son, and I got banished from my home, but
didn’t struggle, and was dragged into what was marked
then invited back to the Kingdom of the Sand to be
“Prison.” She was thrown onto a platform, surround-
used. I said no, and here I am. Anyway, I will get you
ed by water with electric eels. Water fell around her,
a room and you shall sleep there until tomorrow. Fol-
making it impossible to fly out. She lay down on the
low me. Oh, and my name is Fennec,” Fennec smiled.
uncomfortable stone and waited for sleep to come........
Artwork by Sarah Kate Alford
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Artwork by Ava Waldman Artwork by Jessica Heine (L) and Abhi Polaki (R)
Artwork by Liv Woodruff
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Artwork by Liv Woodruff
She is the bright pink lemonade of the world The kind that makes you happy And everything is off your shoulders. She is the transition of winter to spring and back again. Stormy snowflakes everywhere in sight Then she changes to spring and it’s a peaceful night. She can be gentle rain or a tornado of anger. Fury hatred and all bad things Can return to peace. She is watercolors and legos. Tables and tables full of giant masterpieces All of which seem effortless. Kate is an architect Fidgeting with legos to make the largest sculptures Out of her endless imagination.
She is the sprinting happiness of our family Jumping, running, shouting Putting a giant grin on my face.
Writing by Will Moskowitz
Poem for Kate
She’s the sweetest aroma of Chocolate chip cookies. The smell that makes you feel in heaven And puts everyone at ease. She is the coolest and fastest Ferrari The kind that will accelerate past everyone With the shocked expressions on their faces. Kate is the newest brightest star in the Galaxy. The only one that will shine above all Forever and ever.
Artwork by McLain Boege 61
Writing by Reese Kubick
Salt and Pepper Another word for Mom is salt
Salt seasons the water for pasta Salt puts flavor on the popcorn
Another word for Daughter is Pepper
Pepper adds some spice in your life just like I do
If you just have pepper you sneeze like my pollen allergies that we both have
Like pepper and salt work together, my mom and I work together Salt and Vinegar chips need pepper to balance out the tanginess
Pepper and salt need to work together Too much pepper bitter Too much salt makes you thirsty Pepper and salt just right
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Charlie Adams
Artwork by Charlie Adams
63
64
Artwork by Anna Yavenditti
Snow rains down in a showers Every hour there are less flowers That are covered by the fresh winter magical snow
Writing by McLain Boege and Sarah Lau
A Frosty Winter Day
Created by a winter blow All the snow with big flakes While all the children are drinking hot shakes While parents are drinking hot drinks, All the kids get dressed in pink Fires crackled While the warm gets tackled I eat hot apple pie While all the trees die White bunnies blend in with the snow While people eat raw cookie dough I look outside to reveal all white Thousands of little kites The wind whistles The ice like tiny missiles The time runs out So the snow doesn’t drought The snow starts to melt The kids take off their snow pelt The hot cocoa is warm And the fire is born
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Artwork by Chris Capone (L) and Brendan Holahan (R) Artwork by Daniel Gall (L) and Callum Letters (R)
Artwork by Brian Gall (L) and Eoin Mueller (R)
Artwork by Sophia Geraci
67
Writing by Teddy Broder
The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me
When the hot Anguilla sun was shining When I was walking back to my hotel When my dad said, “Teddy, you were accepted to St. Luke’s!” My life had changed I smiled like I won the lottery I realized the rest of my family was coming I beamed proudly I rocketed down the sidewalk to tell them the good news I took a breath to calm myself down I shouted “Mom I’ve been accepted to St. Luke’s!” I worked so hard for this I cried tears of joy As I thought about What lies ahead For the next 8 years Of my school life My journey has begun
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Artwork by Peter Corcoran
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Artwork by Abby Thomas
Writing by Juliet Geraci
Kindness Kindness is following people everywhere. She is the one giving you a compliment. She is the one that makes you feel like someone cares about you. She comes up to you and says,� Hi, how was your day?� Kindness quickly jumps into your heart. When you go to school, kindness fills up the room. Every day, kindness stops at your door or walks by your house. Every day try to act like kindness.
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Writing by Lexi Brady
Rivers Are Thoughts Rivers are thoughts,
put them to use,
Ebbing and flowing,
before the chance slips away.
rushing and growing.
These rivers of thoughts flow,
White foam
pounding
stretches like vines
in your ears.
over the river,
Until, BAM
Holding
they hit a dam,
in the thoughts,
all the energy
Until
in the river of thoughts
one breaks free
stops,
Glimmers
As
of ideas
all life drains away
Leap,
Killing
like precious fish,
The river of thoughts
Artwork by Avery Zakowich
Through the water,
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Artwork by Sara Minuesa
The Emotion Others stare into space too But can’t stop They can’t focus When it’s gone you probably missed something important You are back in the zone You are out of your thoughts and back in the room Out of your headspace And back into the room Like a fish out of water Escaping your comfort zone And your thoughts
Writing by Brynn Cunningham
My emotion makes me think It’s the feeling when you want to know more Or you don’t know what your birthday presents are And you want the answer It smells like fresh peppermints It sounds like people whispering secrets It tastes like white chocolate It makes a mystery And you stare into space And deeply close your eyes You think about life and how it started You take deep breaths in and out
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Writing by Kieran Carbin
Just A Poor Boy I’m just a poor boy I mean no harm All I want is to be loved Not for hate to run free I did nothing to you Why do you have to hurt me You have no regret All I need is help The gardner is there But he doesn’t care Just snipping flowers Here and there
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Just ‘cause you’re rich Doesn’t mean anything We should all be treated the same No matter our name, class, or brain That’s how it should be For you and for me No reason for bullying No reason to harm I’m just a poor boy Money doesn’t mean anything To hurt someone like me For no reason, apparently I’m just a poor boy
Artwork by Avery Zakowich
When you think it’s okay
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Artwork by Grace Wearing
Police State Sacrifice The government sent two men in white coats,
no matter what we have to do,” as he tried to grab
we knew who they were based on their badges, they
Peter. I could not lose him, he was connected to me
went by the name of National Cleansing Organization.
so with one swift arm movement I knew he could be
According to the government and the NCO “only by
safe, I knew I would not suffer through life think-
eliminating the weaker ones will there ever be progress
ing I could have done something different. I might
in our nation.” We all knew who they were here for af-
suffer, just not thinking of Peter. I knew they had
ter all - only one of us was not living up to expectations.
room for one more person in their vehicle. Peter could have enough time to run to Darsmith, where
Peter the Pumpkin head is what they call
there is no government, no NCO. With that thought
my brother. Let’s just say he is always picked last for
in my mind I clenched my fist and threw a punch
dodgeball. They were going to take him to the gas
right in between one of the men in white coat’s eyes.
Writing by Fiona Mueller
headquarters and we would never see him again. I
76
couldn’t lose another family member, I couldn’t let
They have to take me now, they have to leave
him go. As the men in white coats came to the door.
Peter, they have to. My mother stepped forward and
I pushed Peter behind me, so my 6 foot body would
spoke with a very soft but meaningful voice that I
block his 5. They asked for Peter. I replied sternly, “ I
had never heard before. “Take Peter he is our weak-
will not let you steal my family because you want to
est he deserves to go, not Justin. He is a straight A
get on the government’s good side.” One man stepped
student and is the captain of the football team.” My
forward and said with a fierce tone, “We will take him
mother had always treated us as equals, she had nev-
er shown her embarrassment for Peter. Why now? I
come in exactly sixty minutes, and with a grin the
don’t have to see, we know where my future is go-
second guard turned and said “you better start pray-
ing, but Peter has the rest of his life to be who he
ing. ” I wanted to turn and say to him that at least I
wants to be. I was forced into the typical good boy
am going to a better place and not where he’s going
of society. I remember when I was young I wanted
to rot with the devil, but I sat still with my mouth
to practice ballet but instead I forced into doing
closed for I knew they can speed up the process and
football all because my parents didn’t want to get
make it more gruesome than I could ever imagine.
embarrassed by their son. I couldn’t let that happen to Peter, so after I punched a member of the NCO
I looked around and saw a girl the same age
and my mother said not to take me, I took mother’s
as me and I just stared. She turned around and said,
hot coffee and poured it over the other member.
“If you keep staring I’m gonna kill you before that juice does.” I told her I hadn’t drank the juice than
I was taken to the truck and when I was say-
she said neither did she, she poured it in her shoe. She
ing my goodbyes I whispered in Peter’s ear to leave,
laughed when I told her where I put mine. I asked her
not to save me but to save himself. He refused, but I
why she was here and she said she was caught spray-
convinced him by telling him, “Better one than two.”
ing graffiti on her school with her friend. Her par-
We hugged for the first time and the last. My mother
ents turned them both in, but the boys father was the
was upstairs, too sad and upset with me to say good-
mayor and had connections and she said her parents
bye, and my sister went upstairs to study so she would
couldn’t wait to find an excuse to get rid of her. I said
never have to go through what I’m going through.
I was caught shoplifting in case she turns in Peter and
They shoved me in the car and locked the door.
doesn’t have to go herself. I could tell she knew I was lying but she moved past it also knowing I was lying
They had no sympathy for me or for anyone
for a good reason. I loved that about her and we only
else. All through the car ride I wondered what went
had known each other now for about five or so min-
wrong in their life that brought them upon this life
utes. I felt I could really trust her even though other
with no emotion, no sympathy, no love. We got to
people would tell, I could feel she wouldn’t, that she
the headquarter, they gave me some sort of juice
was nice and selfless in a way. I think I was in love with
and told me I had to drink it. I knew it was poison
a girl I had just met. She captured me with her eyes
so I took it in my hand and when the guards weren’t
and the way she smiled it was like I had chosen a dif-
looking. I poured in into my pants, they turned
ferent path. How I could choose to be a man following
and I said I was scared and they didn’t give me a
his passion to perform ballet in the nutcracker, like I
chance to relieve myself. They allowed me a trip to
was me the real me. I should have been true to myself.
the bathroom and a clean pair of pants from the lost and found. They said the effects of the juice would
77
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Artwork by Sasha Bakharamov Artwork by Leia Mitwalli
Writing by Mary Catherine Besgen
Artwork by Watson Meyer
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Artwork by Katherine Howe, Maggie Lange and Sylvia Samardzija
The girl who will someday own a mansion
The girl who is an atomic fireball
The girl who will become famous
The girl who is a fierce and roaring fire
The girl who will be on Broadway
The girl who is the splashing fish in the still, calm
The girl who wants to be a pop star
stream
The girl who leaps and twirls through the air
The girl who plays with her dolls
The girl who break dances at any given time
The girl who laughs like a witch with her friends
The girl who blasts her music
The girl who plays the cello
The girl who makes my family go crazy
The girl who wears gigantic bows
The girl who roots for the other team
The girl who wears dresses
The girl who makes everything interesting
The girl who loves bling
The girl who is a ball of fire
The girl with the crazy brown hair
The girl who is a tornado,
The girl with hazel eyes
hurricane,
The girl with the awkward smile
Writing by Avery Zakowich
Kendall
thunderstorm, sunny day,
The girl who manages to get chocolate ice cream or
cloudy day,
frosting in her hair
rainy day,
and all over her face and clothes
and snowy day
The girl who is obsessed with sweets
all in
The girl who is always eating chocolate or ice cream
one The girl is my sister The girl who is a sweet and sour candy
The girl you will never forget
The girl who is the rainbow sprinkles on the huge
Kendall
chocolate ice cream The girl who is the chocolate in the chocolate chip cookies
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Writing by Griffith Crouse
The Endless Blue Like a melted gem The deep deep blue a diamond in the rough Those beautiful waves Crashing into the golden ground Your feet sinking into the smooth and calming sand The sea can be a ruthless monster Or a calm and gentle creature It just depends on how you treat it The sea is a sanctuary To all who render themselves to it To some it is their home Or to others Their burden All the animals you think are coming after you But to them you are a monster And you are intruding into their home You are just a dot
Artwork by Eric Millar
Wandering the endless blue
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Artwork by Leia Mitwalli
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Artwork by Henry Stimpson Artwork by Kieran Carbin
Artwork by Ryan Moore
A Toast and Farewell to Ben McAdoo boiling water until it erupted like a volcano’s fiery red
the now former head coach of the NFL New York Gi-
lava. What other coach goes from a playoff season
ants, through the eyes of a Cowboys fan. Sir, this year
to just two sad wins? Eleven wins in 2016. Two this
has been such a gift to me because of you. Who else
year. Congratulations. Lastly, when I started writ-
would have benched a two time Super Bowl winning
ing this, Ben McAdoo was still employed, but he got
MVP? By not starting Eli Manning, a first ballot hall
fired (half-way through the season). So, I wish him
of famer, you showed that you have completely given
a happy retirement and thank him for making this
up hope. Just being a Manning should have secured
Cowboys fan feel so much better about himself this
his place over Geno Smith, the guy who was the back-
season by being the worst coach ever. Cheers to you,
up to the backup to the backup Jets’ quarterback. On
Ben McAdoo, and to many, many more Giant losses!
sports radio that week, the fans’ anger bubbled like
Writing by Charlie Adams
I’d like to give a non-toast to Ben McAdoo,
85
Writing by Rose Lauren Schultz
The Edge Of The Cliff
Standing tall On the cliff Balancing on the edge The edge of the rift I fight every day I fight every night Still I pray Still I stay Upon the edge of the cliff
Artwork by Sasha Bakhramov
A sweet voice behind me Dragging me away A high voice Full of happiness and delight But it is short lived And so I return As I always return To the edge of the cliff
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Artwork by Rose Lauren Schultz
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Artwork by Claiborne Beurle
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90
Artwork by Rose Lauren Schultz
My mom is a clear, island paradise, blue sky with a double rainbow in its shadows
She is The concealer To my eye bags and acne
She is The christmas lights To my ugly christmas sweater
She is The highlighter On your matte-finish cheeks
She is The shiny penny In my Starbucks change
She is The homework pass To my 10-page paper due tomorrow
She is The final bell To my stressful school day
She is The shoelace to my shoe Tight and double-knotted
She is The brush To my messy hair
She is The marshmallow To my s’more
She is The alarm To my nightmares
She is The smile To my tears
She is The sneakers To my uncomfortable dress
She is the butter To my popcorn To my movie
Writing by Tatum Lemkau
My Mom, My Hero
Artwork by Jake Silver 91
Writing by Liz Fleischer
Untitled
All I see is darkness. Pure, untarnished darkness. Oh yes, and pain, I feel that now. A headache, and a bad one. Then again as I dive deeper into my brain I realize I don’t have much recollection of any other headaches to compare it to. Or anything else at all. I sink into my brain, nothing? I feel no spark of memory. Only this headache and darkness. Panic fills me and my eyes snap open.
Artwork by Chris Corcoran
My world of darkness expands as I take in the room I’m in. I’m lying on a beige couch, the floors carpeted an almost white grey. The walls are an ugly yellow color and the overall mix of colors makes me want to vomit. I observe the pictures on the sickly yellow walls. All photos, some candid, a soaking boy in his early teens restraining snicker and a younger looking around eight years old girl holding a garden hose and hysterical with laughter. The image makes a smile creep across my face despite my confusion. Other photos line the wall. The same boy from the previous photo holding something that looks vaguely like a chocolate cake, he looks at it with suspicion, seeing the odd shape of the cake I don’t blame him. I scan the other photos, all the same boy, two girls, one from the garden hose picture, making an occasional appearance as well. With every photo my panic and confusion grows, where am I?
92
I’m almost at the point of hyperventilating when I hear the sound of glass shattering from behind me. The girl from the garden hose picture stands there, older, around ten, but still recognizable by her braids and tan skin. I look over the couch and on the floor next to her lies the remainder of a vase. “Sorry! I was trying to sneak around to see if you were awake but my arm like moved and hit it! By total accident!” She turns toward the hallway where she came. “Mom! He’s awake!” I stare at her in absolute confusion feeling a strong urge to scream. She turns toward me, her honey colored braids swooshing. “So! You probably have questions.” She giggles at something I’m oblivious to. “And I get to answer them! Or mom and Jerusalem do, but I get to stand here and
Artwork by Isabelle Doré
know the answers to!” I’m still at a loss for words, I need to get out of here. I’m so overwhelmed and my head feels like it was the baseball in an intense game. The girl extends her hand . “I’m Tacey. Nice to meet you! Again…” The “again” was muttered, but I heard it, and all it does is add to my utter bewilderment. I don’t shake her hand though she stubbornly keeps it awkwardly extended in the air. “Your name is Far.” It takes a moment for me to realize she’s talking to me. She points the boy on one of the many pictures on the wall. “That’s you two years ago when you were fourteen.” I do the math, I’m sixteen then. Judging by the photo, I have mundane looking light brown hair and tan skin similar to Tacey. In total I seem pretty average. Tacey suddenly looks back at the hallway. “Ok! Hi Mom!” A woman walks up with her hair pulled in a tight bun and puts a hand on
Tacey’s shoulder. She gives me a smile that I don’t return. An older girl that I also recognize from the photos joins her and they all stare at me in silence. Then the woman Tacey referred to as ‘Mom’ steps forward. “Hello Far,” she says with another smile and a laugh. “You must be confused.” She sits next to me on the couch and I move away from her. “You’re always confused, not that I blame you.” Another laugh. “I’ll say the same thing I said last year, but maybe try to hurry this up a bit. You see Far, you have a condition.” She says it so lightly, ignoring the hitch of my breath, I’m getting answers but they might not be the ones I want. “Every year, every single year since you were born, you… forget. Everything and everyone. You live a year and then forget that year then live another and forget that one.” I stare at her in disbelief. “That’s why I have so many photos,” she gestures to the wall of pictures again. “It’s the only way to-to 93
preserve your memories in a way.” Her voice breaks for a moment before she resumes her cheery tone. “That is mostly it. Would you like to see your room? You have today to digest this.” I nod mutely. “Jerusalem, take him to his room.” The older girl beckons for me to follow her. Her brown hair is braided in an intricate fashion and even in a braid it almost reaches her waist. I stand shakily off the couch and follow her as she winds down the hallway and up a set of stairs. Unlike Tacey and her, my mother, she says nothing, only shows me the door to a room. Its walls are painted with jagged slashes of blue paint ranging from sky blue to the deepest shade of the ocean. The floor is also dark blue giving the room an oceany vibe. Jerusalem leaves me and I close the door still in a state of shock. The bed is pushed into a corner and has unsurprisingly blue sheets. I sit on it trying to see if anything sparks recognition. This room might as well belong to a stranger. These people who say they’ve known me my whole life might as well be strangers. My head still hurts fiercely and I lie down on the blue bed not bothering to pull up the blanket. I wait but sleep doesn’t find me and my head just hurts even worse. Finally I sit up and look around. There are two doors in my room I haven’t explored yet.
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Upon opening one, I find a closet. Old clothes hang from the ceiling and dust covers the floor. I lock it from the outside and open the other door. It revealed an average sized bathroom and I immediately go to the mirror. I had seen what I looked like at fourteen but in those two years I had changed. My hair was shaggier and even darker than before, my face also now had more of a circular shape to it, while in the picture it had seemed more oval. If it was possible my eyes seemed darker as well. I stared at myself, it was odd, as if I was seeing myself for the first time. Most striking was the purple bruise on my forehead as if I had fallen or been hit with something. I suspected this may be the cause of my headache. I half wanted to know what caused it but my want for Advil was stronger. I stumble back into my room and lie back down on the bed. I wait but I’m simply not tired. I wish I was, so that I could get a break from the pounding inside my head but I give up on sleep. Sitting up, I see things in my room I had missed before. A laptop on a white desk, a bookshelf, sketches littering the floor. I pick one of the drawings up, it’s not bad. Am I good at art? I place it back on the floor where I found it, scared I had disturbed some kind of order.
Artwork by Sasha Bakhramov and Emilia von Lilien Brockmeyer
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Writing by Jack Winalski
Will My brother is the leaves of fall Red, orange, yellow, brown Always surprising The fly in flying Soaring, diving, swooping Darting up the stairs My brother is slap shots Blocking, clearing the puck Pads, gloves, socks, skates, with the aroma of hard play My brother is a whirlwind of activity The tornado of Hidden Meadow Lane Dashing from dinner to homework to hockey He is lost inside of a book Struck by Percy Jackson’s lightning He is as tiny as a fiat As a mini cooper too He is fresh baked bread With the poppy seeds on it He is the darkness in black He always finds his way to the light He is a firework He is the explosion in the fire work He is a lion He is the mane in the lion He is a mighty maple tree With the sap buckets filled with joy
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Artwork by Freya Young
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Artwork by Nailah Profit