May 2014
Midnight Writers
Table of Contents Cover: “Tiger,” an illustration by Hecate This Page: “Coconut Lady,” an illustration by Raven “I See What You Did There,” a photograph by W1tchHunter64 Page 3: Ask Aphro & Dite Hogwarts requires some help Calypso’s Island The Lady of the Underworld recounts how she and Echo met Caspian’s Corner: SPOILERS ALERT Page 4: “House Pride,” a photograph by Bandersnatch “On the Platform,” a poem by Apollo “Killing Curse,” a poem by Zenyatta Page 5: “Silver Stormwitch,” an illustration by Hecate “The Sorting Hat’s Song,” a poem by Zenyatta Page 6: “Mail’s Here: Letter Collection,” by RisingSun Page 7: “Make a Wish,” a photograph by Aries “Wishes,” a poem by Calypso “Arabian Nights,” a photograph by The Owlish Bookworm Page 8: “The Ocean’s Child,” a short story by Calypso Page 9: “The Ocean’s Child,” continued “Another Story,” an illustration by Hecate Page 10: “Empire State in Mind,” a poem by Bellum “Bright Lights,” a photograph by Aceso “Just a City Boy,” a photograph by Aceso Page 11: “Blurred Lights,” a photograph by Bellum “Living in a Blur,” a short story by Calypso “City Lights,” a photograph by Aceso “Speed of Light,” photograph by Bellum Page 12: “Spring Blossoms,” a photograph by Aries “Cherry,” a poem by Aradia
“Garden’s Delights,” a photograph by Artemis Page 13: “Sea Sharp,” a comic by Hecate Page 14: “Sea Sharp,” continued Page 15: “Sea Sharp,” continued Page 16: “Sea Sharp,” continued Page 17: “Sea Sharp,” continued Page 18: “Sea Sharp,” continued Page 19: “See the Light,” a photograph by Artemis “Beauty,” a poem by Luna Moon Sparkles Page 20: “Abandoned,” a photograph by Japanda3 “No More Warmth,” a poem by Aradia “The Girl Who Became Nothing,” a short story by Nemesis Page 21: “On My Way,” a photograph by Japanda3 “Hope,” a poem by Glittercheese “Climbing Rainbows,” a poem by Glittercheese “Walk With Me,” a photograph by Poseidon Page 22: “Morning Workshop,” a photograph by Suzy-chan “question mark,” a poem by Bandersnatch “Living,” a poem by Aradia Page 23: “Still Fashion,” a photograph by Suzy-chan “Appeal,” a poem by Aradia “Hue,” a poem by Aradia “Rainbow Sky-Bound,” a photograph by Suzy-chan Page 24: “Jack the Ripper: A Halloween Nursery Rhyme for Adults,” a poem by Hades
“Ginza Mess,” a photograph by Suzychan “Born to Sing the Blues,” a photograph by Poseidon Page 25: “Blade,” a photograph by Suzy -chan “Glimmering Light,” a poem by Bellum Page 26: “Overlook,” a photograph by Suzy-chan “3 AM,” a poem by Aradia “Regret,” a poem by Aradia Page 27: “The German Soldier,” a short story by Oceana “Epicenter,” an illustration by Raven “Hero,” a poem by Artemis “Legend,” a poem by Artemis Page 28: “Season’s Change,” a painting by Aceso “Jungle,” a poem by Luna Moon Spar-
kles “Rant on AP’s,” a poem by Apollo “Midnight Snack,” a photograph by Aceso Page 29: “Just a New Beginning,” an illustration by Bandersnatch “Beginnings in Disguise,” a poem by Nike “Age,” a poem by Aradia Page 30: “A Sophisticated Moron,” a poem by Vivan Griselda “Just Dropping In,” a photograph by Calypso Page 31: “Summer,” a photograph by Suzy-chan “It Happens in Train Stations,” a poem by Exodus Page 32: “Market,” a photograph by Suzy-chan “Limitations,” a poem by Bellum “Welcome to the End,” a poem by The Owlish Bookworm Page 33: “Transition and Transformation,” a short story by Hephaestus “Passing,” a photograph by Suzy-chan “Stone Cold,” a poem by Aradia Page 34: “Goodbyes are so Hard,” a photograph by Junius Maltby “Fade,” a poem by Bandersnatch “My Cousin Graduates Today,” a photograph by The Owlish Bookworm
midnightwriters.webs.com midnightwriters2014@gmail.com
Ask Aphro & Dite
Dear Aphrodite, I didn’t do well on my past few Potions tests, and my parents sent me a Howler when they found out. Now everyone’s calling me the Howlette and screaming things that my mom said in the Howler at me. What do I do? Yours, The Howlette Dear Howlette, Oh dear, that’s quite terrible. However, I shall remind you that one of the Weasleys received a Howler as well, and look how he turned out! But I digress. I’d say go along with it! Yes, it’s hugely embarrassing, but if you go along with it, people are less likely to make fun of you for it. Keep your head held high—if that Potter boy is any indication, public embarrassment and future success have a direct relationship, so you’re ahead of the game. For now, stick close to your friends and tell those closest to you how you feel. They’ll be there to support you through this! Maybe get some Potions help from them to prevent any unwanted mail in the future? Keep your chin up, Dite Dear Aphrodite, As a Hogwarts student, I’m sick and tired of my entire educational career being derailed so that Harry can destroy the school. What do I do? Yours, Sick of Potter Dear Sick, Oh, lovie, I feel for you! How often have I told the other goddesses, “Those children have to put up with so much just for one student’s heroics!” It’s almost like having a little Zeus around again, but I wouldn’t stay bitter. After all, divas will always demand attention, no? Why not enjoy the side effects? With so much attention focused on Potter, take advantage of the lack of supervision! Use the secret passageways to have a bit of fun of your own! I mean, is there any other generation that will be able to get away with so much? This is, as the Muggles say, a chance to “YOLO,” is it not? Wishing you the Best of Times, Dite Dear Aphrodite, Hisss Hisssss Hissssss Yours, Nagini Dear—oh! You again! Nasty little reptile! I thought I told you to keep your hissy fits away from here! It’s not time for you to be near the heavens yet—you have to wait for the sweet boy in the cardigan to slice through you, remember? Gracious, away with you! Yes, that’s it! Don’t make me call the Potter boy to tell you off! 975% Done with this stuff, Dite
Calypso’s Island
It looks like it’s that time of year again— time to toss the textbooks and get ready for summer. Unfortunately, I can’t exactly take a vacation from being in charge of the Underworld. (I wish Hades had mentioned that in the job description.) I suppose I’ll just have to live vicariously this summer, but I’m sure Echo will have some stories to tell. Speaking of Echo, she sadly couldn’t write this month. It turns out she had a moment of self-actualization and decided to leave the forest and Narcissus behind her. For the time being, I’m letting her stay in the Underworld, but she’s leaving to travel on her own soon. After being cooped up in that forest for so long, she deserves a chance to see other forests, meet other nymphs, maybe even meet a nice demigod to get her mind off Narcissus. I’m so excited for her, and as a pre-parting gift, I gave her a vial of the perfume I wore while wooing Odysseus. I’m sure it’ll help her in the demigod department. Since she’s been so busy packing, I thought I’d share a quick story for her—the story of how we met. It was shortly after Odysseus ditched me on Ogygia and Narcissus dumped her. We were both distraught, but most of the other nymphs didn’t understand why we didn’t just go out and find some new demigod or hero to have a fling with, so none of them were very sympathetic. Ironically, it was thanks to one of those nymphs that I met Echo. After several failed attempts on their part to shipwreck another sailor on my island, they gave up, and one of them gave me Echo’s tree address. We started writing to each other, and poof—best friends ever since. I’m going to miss Echo when she’s gone, but goodbyes are never final. Not even death’s division is permanent. Granted, it’s slightly harder for mortals to reach the Underworld to see their loved ones, but it IS possible. It’s written into my contract to let them in if they’re clever enough to find a way. Either way, Echo and I will see each other again, and when we do, we’ll be able to share stories and catch up, so it won’t be that bad. It’s the longer, indefinite goodbyes that are harder to make, and unfortunately there are also several of those to be made this month. Glittercheese, Eros, Chronos, Andromeda, and Suzy-chan, Exodus, Aradia, and Junius Maltby are all leaving us this year. Luckily, we have some hellos to make as well. We’re welcoming The Owlish Bookworm and Bandersnatch to our team of editors, and Bellum, Aceso, and Janus to our team of newficers. See you next year!
Caspian’s Corner In honor of the end of the school year and of anything resembling interest in scholarly pursuits, here is the collection of the most nefarious spoilers of movie endings ever revealed in a student literary magazine. Titanic: The ship sinks. Dirty Dancing: People dance. Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom: Mandela gains his freedom after a long journey, which some may metaphorically characterize as a walk. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: Harry Potter doesn’t die and is rumored to be appearing in a sequel. Iron Man: Things explode. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug: Smaug is desolated. Possibly by a hobbit. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: Indiana Jones embarks on his final heroic crusade until the 21st century, when he returns for a noble quest for more money. Die Hard: Lots of people die, but to various degrees of hardness. 101 Dalmatians: The first two dogs get really, really busy. Night of the Day of the Dawn of the Son of the Bridge of the Return of the Revenge of the Terror of the Attack of the Evil, Mutant, Alien, Flesh Eating, Hellbound, Zombified Living Dead Part 2: I couldn’t come up with any. And yes, it’s a movie. Die Hard with a Vengeance: Even more people die, sometimes with a purpose of revenge. God’s Not Dead: God doesn’t die. Iron Man 2: Marvel makes tons of money. Taken: The female lead is kidnapped!!! Fiddler on the Roof: People fiddle on roofs, which is the only significant takeaway one is left with after viewing this dramatic musical portraying the contentious conflict between religious duty, political loyalty, and personal freedoms. Frozen: Disney makes tons of money. The Hunger Games: Some kids eventually get some food. 102 Dalmatians: The two dogs regret their decision and significantly slow their pace.
Special thanks to Sra. Steele, Calypso, Echo, Hecate, Glittercheese, The Owlish Bookworm, and Bandersnatch
On the Platform By Apollo I’m on the Platform Of the fine King’s Cross Station Yes, that’s THE King’s Cross From Harry Potter J.K. Rowling’s Epic Tale Yet I find myself… Lost, Confused, Misplaced As I slowly pace down the Cool, Stone, Empty Floors Waiting for that allToo-familiar, stone cold Solid Barrier To appear, but yet Alas no, Platform 9 and 3 quarters is all But a giant myth I try to put it past me As I step forward Emerging upward As the conductor takes my Ticket and hollers “All Aboard, matey!” And off I go, with my dreams Left behind, shattered Remaining in that All-too-familiar place Back on the Platform “House Pride,” Photograph by Bandersnatch
Killing Curse By Zenyatta
The spell then rebounded, destroyed its beholder And left just a lightning bolt where it had struck.
Avada Kedavra! And life was extinguished!
Death had not had time to crush life like a boulder
The breath that was just in their bodies was gone.
And back into shadows, embarrassed it shrunk.
Fair Life, on their bodies its hold then relinquished And left to the land that is far and beyond. The sorcerer turned on their child with malice And raised his straight wand with intention to kill. But pure mother's love built the child a palace And gave him protection from Evil's black will.
Yes, child, your parents are dead and now cold, But Life still goes on and you have to move on. You have to grow up and become brave and bold, So you can avenge those who loved you, their son.
“Silver Stormwitch,� Illustration by Hecate
The Sorting Hat's Song By Zenyatta There are four Houses in this school,
They are all great and gloryful. First, there's the Gryffindors who rule By being brave, yet merciful. Next, come the quiet Ravenclaws. But they are wise beyond their years. Their knowledge, the whole world awes And gains respect among their peers. True friendship is what Hufflepuffs
All treasure in their loyal hears. Not gold, nor food or other stuffs Will make them keep their friends apart. Last, but not least, come Slytherins. They think that cleverness is key, To gain the power that's within The soul of Life, in mystery. Thus stand the noble Houses, four, In one of them, you I will place. You know not what is hid in store. My choices are not made in haste, So do not fear, for where you land You'll find those who will be your friends!
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Dear Hermio ne, Why are you able to answ so perfect? I don’t know appened h s ’ er t if a h growing up. this or not, but I’ve heard you will be ll you w t the Potions e t e m , Y t e all about yo o e u ’ r name will ell, l rmion ly isn u end. When I e like I fo re m v d e r e Dear He s started and...w Snape obvious b t e a Hogwarts le got the lette tre e l H a r a . h o e r s g r s i a c s m fe it ed I screame w weeks ago Ter k. Profe essor Slughorn ooked him up a fese d , e m I w w y se a t s lf s so r h f oarse. I knew exme since my in my fi ymore, but Pro Cloak until I c ame potion Pro I had magic father’s a pu y s n t , i a e in l y re i r h w a -b t b e it lood and my ch, too. But mast e it’s Anyw Invisi I’ve never b mum’s a ring an e boils. I believ Potions class! a e w e w a e s n s e a x a c tr t o r e w s n m u r fi i e d c f ly e n o nervo t pers n I ca tion t n your n only admir us about getting my lett on, so I exceptio good po assigned you i ng parties. n a d e er. e w your courag e ri llo as a muggle-b e of going to sor Snap olding those bo t allowed, he a in the class. o rn . I’m so nerv Hogwarts n’ lh er ting sorted. ous about go he’s stil h first years are est potion-mak she’s still B a se in d g o n and getwhat I can te Althoug I became the b ly old now, but ny until I saw weren’t even nerv ll a b o u t y ou, you ous! I wish I o ti real fter Why were y could be lik for me a McGonagall is man could be s o u e so you. st a r , udious? Wh two boys as at was it like Professo d I didn’t know write back soon b e st fr iends and be having n e hope I have ing smarter sharp. A Flitwick! Pleas b e st th fr a ie n n r them? I d s like y Hogwarts se Professo ems like a le ours. starting soon g e fan, . Please write end. I can’t believe I wil mber on u n l be r b ack! u o Y Sincerely,
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Lilac Sinistra
Dear D ad It’s yo , wrong ur son, Albu p s Dad, I erson, pleas Severus Po tt ’m hav e send ing a g it to H er, writing. I Gryffi a nd re f r only fr or by the So at time here ry James Po Hedhurr too k tter im . I can iends h rting H ’t belie media this to the ere. at! Un I learn t v e f e ly ortuna you pl ed during m tely th it...I got put . an to l y o i u nto s g h h, Ros ort et When e is on I come me know th week here th e of m at a from y h y ou. Jam ome for Ch you killed t t you are fam ristma h known o es has e u w s ! o W s, I a rld’s m the be ost evi hen did I still f whole time en really ann m going to l wizard need a oying to his eel really w . l b o y t o t h “S f expla ?! e e way. ining whene lug Club” p ird. Why do A pparen es Pro ver I m arties? t l y f h essor S e’s have h ake a p I suspe lu is c o potion head screw tion, it’s alw t it has to do ghorn keep s ge ed on straigh ays the wor with you gu inviting me Oh, an niuses! st t? The y only o in the class! s because She’s d can you p ther ki way to D lease s oes h ds he i o to you or nvites e Mom a picky about p sending H are the ed m legible l (at lea etter back, s y handwritin hurr to deliv st that’ he mak g beca er my Hogw s l u becaus arts is great what I think es me rewrit se when I w etters? e all-ine you a s nt to s t h he add e mean all. I a got pu What e en r e s s ) s . l t s i f o o l it’s no d finding se do I not k n the Gryffi found out y t nd n o stantly it hard to be ow about yo or Quidditc u were a spe u? Eve h team ci myself compa n thou as a fir al case re me w I have h e n g to all st h n’t don e anyth you. Dad, it’ of the teach the school is year! e s g i r ng ext Write raordin hard to live u s who had yo reat, I’m back s ary ye u conp oon, t, but j to! ust you wait.
Al
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Mail’s Here: Letter Collection, by RisingSun
Wishes By Calypso Close your eyes and inhale Feel the stem between your fingers Send seeds over hill and dale As the wish in your heart lingers And just to be certain Go grab a lamp or eight, Rub it, hope the genie’s in, And then begin your wait So you wait, dreams in tow To see if your wish will come true But waiting takes time and you need to know If fate’s smiling down on you But are your wishes really heard By some power up on high? Or is it you who must be stirred To grab chances as they pass you by? “Make a Wish,” Photograph by Aries
“Arabian Nights,” Photograph by The Owlish Bookworm
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The Ocean’s Child By Calypso “Ready?” Rin asked as Sylvia, Pearl, Eleanor, Rowan, and Ash passed him. Rowan nodded, and Rin said, “You’ll be in the same squad, and you’ll be following Cas. Remember, keep your guns on stun, watch each other’s backs, and follow Cas’ orders. You’ve seen the map, right?” “A few minutes ago,” Sylvia said, swinging her arms nervously. They, along with several other squads, had been assigned to open up the water tower on the north side of the city, which was one of New Londontown’s only reservoirs of clean water. The squads with the majority of soldiers were to go first to secure a pathway, and then squads like theirs were to follow. “Good,” Rin said, hesitating slightly before patting her arm several times awkwardly and saying, “You’ll be fine. I’ll see you all later, alright?” They nodded, and he left, going to the next group to review the plan. Outside the barn, the sun was just beginning to set, leaving only darkness and smog clouds to conceal the moon. As they stepped outside the barn, they pulled up the cloth around their necks before hurrying over to the trucks that would take them close to the forest’s edge. The ride was silent; no one dared make a sound lest they be discovered. The only sound came from the dull, rhythmic thud of Ash tapping his foot. Sylvia shushed him gently, wishing that he could return to the barn. She and Rowan had argued over whether Ash should go with them, and eventually Rowan had won when he pointed out that the only alternative was leaving Ash completely undefended at the barn. In what felt like no time at all, the truck began to slow. Everyone held on as the truck rumbled over the uneven forest ground, and Sylvia steeled herself, pushing down the nausea rising in her stomach. Pearl did the same, glancing up at her sister and offered a small nod and shaky smile despite the fear in her eyes. Sylvia returned the gesture, and the truck slowly came to a stop. The merfolk jumped out into a small clearing and organized into their squads before beginning the mile journey from the clearing to the forest’s edge. Within minutes, they found themselves crouching at the edge of the forest, staring up at the stone walls of the city. A polluted river of sludge, mud, and a hint of water stood between
them and the city, and Eleanor closed her eyes momentarily, feeling the sluggish motion of the water as it struggled to fight through. Nervously, Cas glanced up, begging any force willing to listen to prevent it from raining. As the last rays of sunlight faded, the city’s smog lights became brighter to compensate, revealing the shadows of soldiers roaming the top of the wall. Cas motioned for his squad of ten—three Gifted merfolk and seven non-Gifted—to get out of the way of the squads preparing to attack first. Sylvia and the others moved quickly as the ten most experienced Gifted merfolk in their company crept forward, staying just within the cover of the trees. They closed their eyes and steadied their stances as they breathed in deeply. Several feet away, the water in the river began to run for the first time in years, flowing over the slush as it moved to gather where the merfolk directed it, creating five large circle of pure, clear water. The merfolk paused as the city guards passed on the wall, but for once, the city’s method of training their guards and soldiers favored the merfolk. The guards were trained to keep people in instead of keeping them out, and many drew their strength only from complete domination over and no chance of defiance from their opponents. Once the guards passed, the Gifted merfolk froze the top layers of the circles, and five squads moved forward, carefully stepping onto the circles of ice. The Gifted merfolk then created a stream of water beneath each circle, pushing the circles and the merfolk up through the air and towards the wall as they rode the crests of the controlled waves. Sylvia and the others watched as the merfolk reached the wall and hopped off the ice circles, keeping their weapons loaded and their senses sharp as the ice platforms descended back to the river. Above, the merfolk began to move to the nearest tower. One of the city soldiers spotted them, but he was barely able to cry out before he was hit with a stun ray. The merfolk on the wall hurried out of sight and into one of the towers, and the remaining merfolk crossed the river on ice bridges formed from the platforms. They crept along the wall towards the entrance, waiting for the others to open the gates. Just as Sylvia began to fear that the others had been defeated, they heard a clank, and the doors began to creak open, groaning as though to protest opening again so soon after curfew had begun. The rest
of the merfolk hurried inside, and Rin, who had led the first wave, whispered loudly, “Hurry! More guards may be coming soon.” Cas nodded and led his squad through the eerily empty streets. The siblings had never seen the city so still; it almost seemed to be waiting, holding back until it was ready for the full crescendo. Most people were safely locked in their homes, asleep and blissfully unaware of the rebellion standing on their doorsteps. Cas led them through the streets, and they stayed close together with the Gifted merfolk in the center of the clump. Each Gifted merfolk had been supplied with a sack of water, but each also had his or her ray gun drawn, loaded, and ready as they ran through the narrow streets, the only light coming from decades old smog lamps, most of which were flickering or completely dysfunctional. Nervous at the apparent ease of their task, Sylvia kept her eyes wide and her ears sharp as the water tower came into view. An enormous tank resting on stilts, it loomed over the neighboring buildings. A large pipe leading down into the ground had a ladder attached to the side, and Cas began to motion for them to climb when the familiar zing of a ray gun shot whipped through the air, missing them but singeing the wall beside them. Immediately, they took cover behind crates, barrels, and buildings, firing back in the direction of the first shot. Their shots lit up the dark alleyways as they hit the walls, and they could see the silhouettes of a small group of soldiers. Cas motioned for the Gifted merfolk to follow him, and they did, ducking and dodging at random to avoid being hit, creating a jerky, danger-filled dance as they ran towards the ladder. As they began their ascent, one of the soldiers stepped out of the alleyway to take a shot, but he was immediately hit by one of the merfolk. He fell back, stunned, and two more moved out to replace him. Their aim was better, and the merfolks’ shots forced them back into the cover of the alleyway, but not before one of their shots hit one of the merfolk on the shoulder. The merman cried out in pain, falling back as his body convulsed with the energy from the shot. He writhed for a few moments, struggling to hold back his screams, before he went still. At the top of the water tower, Cas and the others pulled open the door. Below, the human soldiers stepped out onto the street, their numbers larger than what the merfolk had expected. The merfolk
fired at them, but most of their shots glanced off the soldiers’ armor. The merfolk felt fear pulsing through their veins as the soldiers grew steadily closer and closer, but just as the first thought to flee, an enormous wave of water came crashing down on the soldiers, pushing them back and pinning them against the wall. Some of the water solidified, trapping the soldiers there as the rest of the water returned to the top of the water tower. The Gifted merfolk filled their water sacks and formed the rest of the water into water shields to absorb any ray gun attacks. They kept their shields up as they descended, joining the rest of the merfolk on the ground. “Come on, we need to get to the town square,” Cas said. He motioned towards two of the Gifted merfolk and three of the nonGifted and said, “You five, stay here and defend the tower. Be ready for the signal.” They nodded, and the rest took off down the street. By then, the alarm had been raised, and soldiers were flooding the streets in an attempt to cut off the merfolk squads. Making sure that each squad had at least one water shield, Cas motioned for them to split up. The squads separated, the others disappearing down side streets as Cas’ continued its way down the main street. From the town square, they heard the sounds of struggle—the familiar zap of ray guns and the shouts and cries of soldiers. Rowan and Sylvia exchanged nervous glances as Eleanor strengthened the water shield in front of them. Pearl kept another water shield covering them from behind, but she feared that she’d soon lose control despite her practice over the past few days. When they reached the town square, the cobblestone was littered with stunned soldiers and fallen merfolk and crowded with squads of merfolk battling platoons of soldiers. In the mass confusion, many of the soldiers’ shots were hitting fellow soldiers instead of merfolk, but with few better alternatives, they refused to discard their weapons. The merfolk kept their shields up and fired in return, less inhibited by the danger of hitting a peer. However, the soldiers’ sheer number kept the merfolk at a standstill as more and more soldiers poured into the square every minute to replace any soldiers who were stunned or otherwise incapacitated.
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TOC cont. Eleanor glanced back nervously as Cas, who nodded grimly and said, “Let’s go.” Rowan reloaded his ray gun, and they burst into the square as a platoon of soldier entered from the neighboring street. Rowan immediately fired at them, and they opened fire in return, aiming low in hopes of hitting below the water shields. As they pushed through the mass of soldiers and merfolk towards the tall, classical City Hall building, Pearl tripped over a discarded ray gun, stumbling into Rowan and losing her control over the water. It dropped to the ground, where it was quickly swallowed by the stone, leaving them exposed from behind. Sylvia and Rowan turned, and Sylvia pushed Pearl behind her as she began to fire at the soldiers approaching them from the back. As they reached the halfway point between the edge of the square and City Hall, their progress ground to a halt, and they focused all of their energy on avoiding being killed and dwindling the number of city soldiers in the square. Pearl erected a second water shield from the water in her pouch, and she moved it constantly to absorb attacks coming from all directions, her hands moving furiously and sweat beading on her forehead as she did. Rin and Cleo were supposed to get to City Hall, where most of the city’s elites would go as a safe haven, in an attempt to negotiate, but none saw any sign of Rin or Cleo in the square. “How much longer?” Rowan yelled at Cas over the chaos. “Just keep going!” Cas replied as he stepped back to reload. “We can’t keep this up indefinitely!” Sylvia screamed, but Cas ignored her. Instead, he fired into a platoon of soldiers just entering the fray. Suddenly, there was a shout, and heads turned to see Rin and Cleo on the steps of City Hall with their squads, sprinting up as though racing each other as they bolted to the door. They disappeared inside, and the merfolk began fighting with a renewed vigor, keeping several platoons from entering by shooting into the bottlenecks where the streets opened up into the square. However, Rin and Cleo’s success also seemed to push the human soldiers to take back City Hall, and they began to attack more ferociously as they fought to reach the steps. Inside City Hall, Rin and Cleo thundered up the carpeted stairs, following the guard who’d fled upon their entrance. The guard turned around a corner, and Rin
sprinted after him down the long hallway. The guard reached the heavy wooden door and tried to open it, his eyes widening with panic as Rin reached him, holding a ray gun to his side and motioning for him to lead the way into the room. The city’s ten leaders stood around a long, oak table, some looking out the window and observing the fighting below, others studying a map of the city. However, their attention snapped onto Rin the moment he entered the room. Cleo entered behind him, and the city leader standing at the head of the table said firmly, “Leave now, and we’ll show you mercy.” “You’ve never shown us mercy before; why would you start now?” Cleo demanded, keeping her gun aimed at the city leader who’d spoken. “We’ve both lost people. Let’s end this now.” “Very well. We’ll accept your full surrender,” the city leader said, standing up straight and adjusting his jacket and tie. Rin’s eyes narrowed, and he said, “You don’t seem to understand the position you’re in. If you did, you’d have surrendered already.” “Oh? Because our men outnumber yours, and your forces are going to dwindle to nothing eventually,” the city leader said with a smirk of satisfaction. “Tell that to your soldiers when they’re struggling to keep their heads above water,” Cleo snarled. “We have merfolk stationed at each water tower in the city, ready to unleash all of the water in the tanks and in the pipes. Your streets will flood, and your city will drown if you don’t surrender.” “You wouldn’t,” the city leader said slowly, but his brow furrowed slightly as a trickle of doubt slipped through. “You just need to give the signal,” Rin said calmly. “We don’t want to do it either, but we won’t hesitate if you force our hands.” The city leaders exchanged worried glances, and Cleo pressed, “Well? We’ll do it if you don’t give us a response soon.” “What about your soldiers?” one of the older city leaders asked suddenly, triumph sparking in his eyes. “They’ll turn, and your army will be useless!” “Why do you think we spread out Gifted merfolk?” Cleo asked, shaking her head in disgust. “We’re not stupid. We’ll be giving them a source of power—another weapon—
when we give the signal. Now, what were you saying?” The city leaders hesitated, and Rin snapped, “You’re really trying my patience. People are dying down there. Now, call off your soldiers, or we’ll drown your city.” “Fine,” the city leader at the head of the table said bitterly. “Then make the announcement,” Rin demanded, and the city leader snatched up a small device similar to Rin’s memory erasing device. He pressed the center and spoke into it. “Soldiers of New Londontown. We have come to an agreement with the rebellious merfolk. Put down your weapons,” he said imperiously into the device. Outside, the fighting continued, and Rin said threateningly, “It doesn’t look like they’re stopping. All we have to do is give the order.” “I command you to stop!” the city leader thundered over the speaker. Outside, the fighting slowed, and the mayor breathed a small sigh of relief before saying into the device, “Put down your weapons!” The soldiers hesitated, but before they could resist, the merfolk disarmed them. After a dangerous glance from Rin, the mayor quickly added, “Do not fight back!” “Good,” Rin said as the merfolk began forcing the soldiers into an orderly line. “Now, there are several additional terms to this sur-
render that I’m sure you’ll find quite agreeable.” In the square below, Rowan pushed through the crowd to find Sylvia clutching Pearl and Ash’s hands. He spotted Eleanor closer to the steps of City Hall, and he motioned for Sylvia, Pearl, and Ash to follow him. They slipped through the crowd, skirting around disarmed human soldiers and staying clear of merfolk who were shouting cries of relief and anger. When they reached Eleanor, she asked softly, “Is this really it? Did we really win?” “We won this battle,” Rowan said. “There’s still the rest of the war to come.” “And what will happen when it does?” Sylvia asked. They paused, watching the soldiers get down on their knees with their hands behind their heads as merfolk began to search for loved ones they’d been separated from during the night. For the first time in many of their memories, the skies began to clear, and the faintest moonbeams shone through the blanket of smog. Pearl reached over and took her sister’s hand, and Sylvia smiled at Pearl and took Ash’s hand despite his attempts to avoid it. Rowan ruffled Ash’s hair and said, taking Eleanor’s hand, “I guess that’s a story for another day.”
Fin.
“Another Story,” Illustration by Hecate
Empire State in Mind By Bellum The city that never sleeps. New York. My mind is New York. Always awake. Always processing; Overthinking. With its big bright lights and The quiet corners and alley ways Individually living but all coming together. It has the tourists, the artists, and the business people, All rushing to get where they need to. The shops on Time Square, and then the cafés On the corner of quiet little streets in Soho. The street-performers, the big-bold personalities The quiet personalities with their heads down Walking fast with determination and hurry. Constantly bustling with movement. Different people, thoughts, lives Seem different, misguided, disconnected, and confusing. But they somehow come together, Forming something beautiful. Something complex, diverse, and always awake. Never asleep. My mind—constant movements of thoughts, Flying through it like people down the streets of New York. Different thoughts, misguided but Somehow coming together to form beautiful things. At the speed of light, complex, bright, quiet, loud, And somehow all making sense: I have the empire state in my mind. “Bright Lights,” Photograph by Aceso
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“Just a City Boy,” Photograph by Aceso
“Blurred Lights,” Photograph by Bellum
Living in a Blur By Calypso I slow, winding down to a crawl. Blinking, I realize I am lost. Where am I? Moments ago I was speeding along, lights passing by in the corners of my eyes. Where are those lights? Everything seems oddly still. No motion, no flashes. Nothing. This can’t be right. Where’s the movement? Where’s the sound? Just moments ago there was everything, but it’s all seemed to be sucked away into oblivion, leaving only a vacuum behind. I take a tentative step forward, and for an instant, the world is in balance. Sensations flood me. Lights flashing, shouts echoing, people rushing by. For an instant, a hint of a smile tugs at my lips, not with happiness but with satisfaction in knowing that the cosmos has been righted. Then my foot falls, reaching the ground once more, and it’s over. The world is a vacuum once more. Crying out in frustration, I begin to run. Yes, yes! Everything is returning, everything is moving. The wind rushes through my hair, leaving tangles as “City Lights,” Photograph by Aceso reminders of its place in my world. The sun warms my skin, leaving small marks as reminders of the time I’ve spent in its light. My feet pound the pavement, and I’m free once more. The world is free once more, and it races alongside me. Faces, signs, trees all pass in blurred colors somewhere in my peripheral vision. No need to stop, no need to process. They’re there. That’s all. I need to keep moving, and I can’t afford to slow down and observe. No, I must stay focused. Yet something screams for me to stop. How can I stop, though? Not now, when I’m so far away from my destination. I must reach it, and I can’t delay. It’s waiting for me, miles down the road, and staying still won’t get me there. Still, my bones and muscles grow tense as they plead for me to slow, to stop. Finally, I relent. I’m lost once more. Where did the path go? Where are the lights to guide me towards my destination? The world has come to a standstill beside me, and I look at it, bewildered as to where I am. I move to take a step, but I find myself immobilized. I’m trapped here, but where is here? Finally, I realize. This is the present. “Speed of Light,” Photograph by Bellum
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Cherry By Aradia Her cheeks are the pink of the blossoms A red mouth sweet and laughing Watching the petals fall gently around her Simpering beauty and simplicity I love Cherry blossoms, with their Cherry smiles and cherry memories I watched her blossom beneath the trees I watched her slowly fade away Like the seasons as they pass on by
“Spring Blossoms,” Photograph by Aries “Garden’s Delight,” Photograph by Artemis
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“See the Light,� Photograph by Artemis
Beauty By Luna Moon Sparkles I know it's complicated to explain who you are. But that's ok because I still love you. It's tough not knowing whether you are a man or woman. I don't care I still want you. This will end in heartbreak.
I can take it. Tell me what you need.
And I'll be it. You're so beautiful I can't leave you alone. Cause you're the one for me.
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Hope By Glittercheese I was in the light I wandered in the night I saw the stars I wish I could bottle memories in jars I couldn’t let go I finally let go I swam in an ocean I wish I could concoct a magic potion I wish I could cure every disease I felt a breeze The sun shone We flown
Climbing Rainbows By Glittercheese I saw a rainbow that stretched for millions of miles I wondered if it contained millions of files That stored information in different steps Guided by a series of treasure maps What if it could solve all of my worries So that I could tell millions of stories So that I could be free from the burden And leave the spot behind the curtain
“On My Way,” Photograph by Japanda3 “Walk With Me,” Photograph by Poseidon
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When will I be free If I could ever be
No More Warmth By Aradia What a wonderful husband I have With his smiling, misty eyes And skin calm and cool A grateful smile permanently on his Grateful face As I help him get dressed in the mornings He doesn't shave often anymore, but He used to every morning Humming and making faces as he washed He doesn't hum anymore, but I am grateful He is here Silent as he may be He is just as wonderful As the day I dug him up
“Abandoned,” Photograph by Japanda3
The Girl Who Became Nothing By Nemesis Once upon a time, there was a girl with drab brown hair and an average look and average height. She was overall a very submissive young girl. One day, her parents died, and she was sent to the orphanage. As she entered the orphanage, she had a certain feeling of dread. The girl was led into a cold and dusty room filled with creaky beds. She was told that she would reside there until she was adopted. The other children stared at her coldly, and she realized that this would be a competition to earn the attention of the adopting couples. But she was a child of good disposition and disliked conflicts, so she stood behind and watched the other children vie for the attention of the adopting couples. As a result, she was thrown to the side like a dirtied rag. Over time she became quieter and became known as the wall flower girl, and one day she ceased talking and made not
a single sound. Then one day, almost miraculously, she began to fade. The process was subtle at first, and no one noticed it, but over time it became more and more noticeable. The children noticed first and laughed. “Look, she’s fading,” the children cried. The orphanage head master scolded, “Nonsense a person cannot fade; it’s scientifically impossible.” But the girl’s situation began to worsen quickly, and the next day she faded a bit more. The less attention that was paid to her, the more she faded, and by the next week, she had a transparent and unsubstantial appearance. The situation was severe, but the children and headmaster still wouldn’t take any action or notice. Then one day the girl vanished. There was no trace of her; even her belongings and creaky old bed disappeared. There was not a trace left of her. The only thing left was a dirty and lonely looking daisy on the wall. And that was that. 21
question mark By Bandersnatch Everything with you is just one big, fuzzy question mark
But i think i kind of like it that way.
Living By Aradia Living used to be a chore Life stretched on endlessly with Nothing to mar the perfect loneliness Not a name to be heard in the whispering wind Yet today Living is a luxury One that I hope to use to the fullest each day A dream that keeps me going A place I want to go It's such a shame I live no more 22
“Morning Workshop,� Photograph by Suzy-chan
Appeal By Aradia What's in a face? What's in a body at all? What are curves to A woman half starved? What is a lipsticked kiss to A girl worn out by the world? What are cheekbones to A boy with a terminal illness? What are washboard abs To a farmer hanging himself because He cannot feed his family? Why bother with the appeal? Why not let all live and let live? What is society's norm To a normal person Who is actually The norm? “Still Fashion,” Photograph by Suzy-chan
Hue By Aradia I wonder how many times I've Raised my aching feet to Step upon each tone, every shade And feel the color swell in my soul Running through my veins with every step I take up this glittering staircase My hand placed gently on the golden rail Watching stars shoot by, as Silent and curious as The chimes in the wind
“Rainbow Sky-Bound,” Photograph by Suzy-chan
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Jack the Ripper: A Halloween Nursery Rhyme for Adults By Hades
“Ginza Mess,” Photograph by Suzy-chan
Jack and Jill went up the hill To tumble in the bedsheets; Or so Jill thought ‘til Jack turned ‘round And slashed her throat in the streets. He stole her heart and fled the scene, Long gone when the bobbies came, Scratched their noggins, shrugged and left, ‘Til Mary was found the same. Mary had a little dress, Whose skirt was white as snow. But when they found Mary that night, The dress was red as Bordeaux. Now the bobbies were on edge And had trouble falling asleep. All of them were drinking coffee When they heard about Bo Peep. Little Bo Peep had lost her keys, And a nice young man offered to help. Quick as a flash he cut her chest, All before she could even yelp. The bobbies knew they had a serial, Put the case number one on their plate. They worked on it all night and day, But for Miss Muffet it was too late. Little Miss Muffet Was at a buffet When she had a bit much to drink. Along came a cabbie, Whose blade went snicker-snee, Then vanished before you could blink. Those harried bobbies Were facing lobbies From the protesting, indignant press. But they had no reply, The trail had run dry, Next victim was anyone’s guess. The Queen of Hearts, She had some smarts
And knew that next was she. Her heart was the best, Of course she’d be next; So she sat down to have tea. When the Jack of Hearts Came for her parts, She didn’t bother to plead. “At last you’ve come, To visit dear old mum. My poor boy, do it quickly.” So for the last time Did Jack do this crime, Did his blade go snicker-snee.
Jack the Ripper, Jack be quick, The bobbies were waiting In the brick. “Run, after him! We’ve got him in sight!” But Jack was too fast And vanished in the night. Little Jack Ripper Sat by a skipper In a dingy old pub. The sailor finished his ale, Said, “I gotta sail,” And left him alone in the club. Someone else took his place, Another unfamiliar face, Who put Jack on guard. “Your work got me in a lather. Let’s work together. Here’s my card.” Then he, too, was gone, Jack’s interest was on, So he gave the card a read. His eyebrows flew up, He suppressed a hiccup, And swigged his mug of mead. He slapped down a bill, Re-entered the London chill, With a grin all too sweet. If the address was real, Then he would make a deal With Mr. Todd of Fleet Street. The End?
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“Born to Sing the Blues,” Photograph by Poseidon
Glimmering Light By Bellum Sometimes going through a tough time is like a tunnel With the tough times come moments of happiness—glimmers of light. Not the light at the end, just a glimmer of hope you may have. These glimmers of light can encourage you to keep moving forward They show what is at the end. If you ever get out…
Will I ever get out? They mock you. You see the light, what you could have… If You Weren’t So Lazy. If You Just Walked Faster. But you need your time to walk this long tunnel, and you know it’s not your fault.
Stop Blaming Me These lights show you that someday the darkness will be gone.
Will it ever become brighter? But once the glimmers of light have faded everything suddenly feels worse The darkness in the tunnel becomes darker The sadness becomes sadder The bag you are carrying on your shoulder is suddenly heavier The isolation more daunting.
I thought I was getting closer to the end Things were getting better I saw light… And then, when your eyes have just started to adjust to the darkness again, You’re becoming slightly comfortable in all this misery: Another glimmer of light, a fleeting moment of happiness, And when it’s gone…everything feels worse again.
“Blade,” Photograph by Suzy-chan
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3 AM By Aradia 3am is the time I think about you "Please don't go I have so many things To tell you I have so much to say Please don't go We could grow old together and Sit in rocking chairs And talk about the stars Please don't go I have so many words In my heart Sealed up inside Waiting for you Please don't go 3am isn't the same without you It's quiet And lonely And darker than the night Please don't go" I think all these things and Yet say none of them Because I love you And I want you To be happy Without me
Regret By Aradia If I could only speak again I would tell my side all over again All would sigh in relief Yet everything I am Is stuck here, where No one speaks And all is still The end of the world? No Between each, one another
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“Overlook,� Photograph by Suzy-chan
The German Soldier By Oceana The sky was gloomy as a German soldier’s boots squeaked against the dirt floor behind the tank. His golden blond hair stuck out of his helmet while his sea blue eyes reflected the trigger of his gun. A scar stretched from his dark eyebrow to the corner of his lip. A United States flag tattoo peaked out of his sleeve, but he covered it quickly. The smell of soot filled the air, burning his eyes. The soldiers suddenly all started speaking rapid German, except for the man with the scar. A U.S military tank started to speed toward them. One of the German leaders yelled a word and all of the soldiers held up their guns immediately. The man with the scar held up his gun slowly, having a terrified look on his face for a quick second but masking it with a stern look immediately. The U.S soldiers stepped out of the tank, and soldiers around him fired while the U.S did the same. The man with the scar hesitated. It started to rain, forcing a tear down his cheek. He turned his head away, pointed the gun towards the U.S soldiers, and fired.
Hero
By Artemis He stands tall in the face of fear A one-man wall between good and evil Arms crossed, eyes narrowed He will fight to the death
Legend
“Epicenter,” Illustration by Raven
By Artemis A sword rests on the ground on a moonlit night Eerie silence settles in a blanket around the abandoned battlefield A stalemate with no one left standing Tears dry on still cheeks
He stands tall in the face of fear Refusing to give a single inch For he has people to protect People he holds dear to his heart
A sword rests on the ground on a moonlit night Villagers leave it alone as they lock up tight Crying is heard at the darkest hour Dead knights sobbing for their loved ones
He stands tall in the face of fear But problems do arise No one can stand tall forever Without darkening deep inside
A sword rests on the ground on moonlit night Its blade is rusted It is all that is left of a fateful battle A testimony to the massacre
He stands tall in the face of fear Becoming fear itself He’s lost what he’s fighting for A once hero, hero no more
A sword rests on the ground on a moonlit night A forgotten memory to the modern world But people still leave it be And one can still hear the crying of dead knights at night
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Jungle By Luna Moon Sparkles Fading sun. Damp moss. I feel suddenly alive. Despite the dreariness all around. Come hither child let us make some sound. Dance to drums. Feel the beat. Come alive in the jungle. Let's be alive in the jungle. “Season’s End,” Painting by Aceso
The Cycle
Rant on AP's By Apollo The AP Exams They've finally come Well, here goes nothing Why must we do this? Submit ourselves to higher Authority, why? We ask ourselves this Question each and every year Yet we continue
By Nemesis Life is a cycle A cycle of nothingness—like a race track It all circles back No matter how far you run you always end back where you began To cycle back again. Until death parts you from the world. Revenge is a cycle Is a cycle of violence and blood shed I wish all these cycles could stop, but I am Nemesis the goddess of revenge Fate is cruel.
To subject ourselves To assessments that really Don't even matter In the scheme of things. But despite all this, we come Again and again In the early dawn, Pencils, Pens, ID in hands, To undergo what May as well be three Hours of torture, abuse, And misery too!
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“Midnight Snack,” Photograph by Aceso
“Just a New Beginning,� Illustration by Bandersnatch
Beginnings in Disguise By Nike
Endings mark a stop, a closing, a halt to what is deemed familiar The conclusion, finale or whatever it may be called, it’s all an ending What is the secret though, that only few have found the key to? Endings are just beginnings in disguise For most, endings are a miserable pill to swallow Difficult to believe, easy to question, a suffocating part of the cycle A reason to cry, a cause for your heart to crumple and die All I ask is why? For an ending is just a beginning in disguise. Once a chapter ends, another continues the story After that book is finished, the sequel will be released If no more are written, there are plenty others to begin Plenty more adventures to dive into A door will close, but another will open A relationship may be severed, but a better person will enter What you call home will be left, but a new place will provide sanctuary A body will fail to continue working, but a soul will live on I have found that April is full of showers, or endings But May will bring new flowers, a new beginning for all You must let what needs to end be over And what is meant to begin enter your life
Age By Aradia There once was a fairy so evil She had to be sealed away, in a glass bottle With a cork stopper. "If someone opens this bottle right now, I'll grant any wish they may desire," she said. Yet no one came. A thousand years passed. "If someone opens this bottle right now, I'll grant any three wishes they may desire," she said. Yet no one came. Millennia passed like the agonizing ticking Of the second hand on any clock. The empires came and went. And yet the fairy still languished in the bottle. "If someone opens this bottle right now, I will curse that person to death." And time stretched on forever. I wonder if anyone came?
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A Sophisticated Moron By Vivan Griselda August began with a fresh, clean slate, My confidence had never peaked so high. Days filled with laughter and newfound open gates, I looked my history in the eye and finally said good-bye. October's parade of colors reminded me of the magic, Collecting colorful leaves while witnessing sweet sunsets. It seemed as if the year would never turn tragic, I gathered my knowledge and changed my mindset. But the December snow fell heavier and thicker than planned, And created new roadblocks I had faced quietly before. The pressure had grown to be too much at hand, As all of the sudden my bright days turned dull, I was searching for a way out through the back door. Thankfully, after countless nights of questioning the future, February came and made my world run a lot smoother. Before I knew it I saw April’s cherry blossoms bloom, My eyes discovered the beauty of warmth and rebirth once more. Now I know I’ll never return to that place of utter gloom, Because I’m sure this place now knows the power of my roar. I’ve climbed my mountains and fallen from the sky, Accepted the disappointments and discovered what it means to fly. My year was a whirlwind of roller coaster-like ups and downs, I guess I’ve finally learned what it’s like to be A Sophisticated Moron.
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“Just Dropping In,” Photograph by Calypso
“Summer,” Photograph by Suzy-chan
It Happens in Train Stations By Exodus Not many bother to look twice Around this lonesome station People behave as cold as ice To the rest of the population They hunt for a face, the face The one they came here for Not bothering to see the grace Of each convenience store People flow like a dam destroyed Around, between, and through Anything to be able to avoid The quickly growing queue But this is a place of destiny Where anyone can meet Or say goodbye breathlessly With tears not at all discreet
Watch as the trains whir past And the people rush on by Trying to make the farewells last Or reach home while the sun is high They do not care to see each other But each one shines so bright As one moment changes to another And they continue to hold on tight They look and only see that one And to them they are the world Each is as bright as a new sun As emotions begin to unfurl Spend your day at this station Watch the lives of people switch Witness a new future’s formation For in this place, the stories are rich. 31
Limitations By Bellum You want to come out of your “shell” Put yourself “out there” If you do then maybe, just maybe… People Will Actually Like You. But you’re… you’re… Afraid. If you come out of your shell, will you burst? Crack? Break? Will all of your insides just be lying there? For everyone to poke and mess with. Too much of yourself spilling like the yolk of an egg That was not cracked carefully. Too much out there for people not to like But just like an egg you have your limitations, It seems hard when you want to just rush into things, but if you do You might be left picking up the pieces of your broken egg shell.
“Market,” Photograph by Suzy-chan
Welcome to the End By The Owlish Bookworm Welcome to the beginning, A rather nice place to start, But no place to dwell on— Come now dear traveler, Bring strong will and good heart. Moving on, quickly now, Just as life goes, Things to do, people to meet, Places you’ll come to know. But the sad thing is, There’s no time to prepare— Life will come at you,
Face it head on if you dare. Speeding quite quickly, It won’t look out for you. Won’t search your face For the commitment, the truth.
How the cookie crumbles. Sweep them away, Endings aren’t final. Hopefully you’ll move on, Unfortunately you won’t. Chasing after punctuation, The satisfaction
Because No matter how beautifully things begin Of making your point. All good things Must come to an end. The key part of Downward spirals, Gradual decay, It’s all part of the deal, Do with that What you may.
Happily ever after Is the “ever after” part. So go on and live, And then greet Death as an old friend, For the finish isn’t final, Welcome to the end.
You know how it is,
Transition and Transformation By Hephaestus The light at the end of the tunnel offered the young girl hope. Although one part of her life was ending, a new and exciting part was just beginning.
her, this was a whole new world. Her time as a teenager was coming to an end. She now had to take on the full responsibilities of being an adult as she transitioned from the familiarity of her youth to the unknown of the outside world. She did not know what to expect of the coming years; would she retreat back into the arms of her parents, or venture into the uncharted wilderness, hiking a trail without a destination?
Her childhood homeland was rotten with boredom as she became disillusioned by the dull festivals that her town had each year. She had seen all of the tourist traps downtown; the As she quietly strolled the streets littered with flyers for upattractions, no matter how fascinating, no longer sparked in- coming parties, she wondered how her new comrades would terest in her soul. She refused to leave the house, falsely be- characterize her. As a teenager, her boisterous personality lieving that nothing good would come out of an outing. was often overlooked by her ruthless ambitions. However, this transformation gave her the opportunity to recreate her She was ready to move on to a new place that flooded her identity. She decided that now was the time to replace hostilimind with curiosity and adventure. She could make new ty with humility, to turn her days of melancholy into a tranfriendships with people unknown to her. Her mind would quil melody. open to the fresh knowledge her brain had consumed. She could finally escape from her authoritarian parents, now able She could no longer resist the end of high school and the to live on her own without the fear of being punished. For beginning of college.
Stone Cold By Aradia Its face is unforgiving A majesty to be feared What a magnificently lonely place Each tower screams to kneel at its base Each wall mocks the presence of another Yet the drafty wind can neither kneel nor feel shame What a convoluted world to live in The terrifying dignity finds that none dare venture close A fearsome sight, yet none around to fear it
“Passing,� Photograph by Suzy-chan
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“Goodbyes are so Hard,” Photograph by Junius Maltby
Fade By Bandersnatch
Blurred around the edges In the back of my mind
Stepping forward Don’t look back
No goodbyes left Running out of time
Fade to grey And then to black
Goodbye Seniors! Glittercheese: Jessica Yau Eros: Aileen Choi Chronos: Rebecca Choi Suzy-chan: Marc Estevadeordal Andromeda: Erica Spaeth
“My Cousin Graduates Today,” Photograph by The Owlish Bookworm