2016 Cambia anthology by The Cabin, a center for readers & writers

CAMBIA W R I T E RS

I N T H E 2 0 1 6

S C H O O L S

CAMBIA cambium \kam-bē-әm\ noun plural cambia, \- bē-ә\ he live, actively growing, layer of a tree. he cambium is one cell thick. It repeatedly divides itself to form new wood and causes the tree to grow and expand.

CAMBIA Writers in the Schools 2016

his is a Log Cabin Book, an imprint of THE CABIN 801 S. Capitol Boulevard, Boise, Idaho 83702 (208) 331-8000 www.thecabinidaho.org ÂŠ 2016 he Cabin All rights reserved. Cover Design: Colin Johnson Printed and bound in the USA in an edition of 200 copies.

Writers in the Schools and publicaion of Cambia are made possible by generous support from: Boise Cascade L.L.C.,Boise Paper Holdings, he City of Boise, Idaho Commission on the Arts and TumbleWords, Idaho Power, KeyBank Foundation, he Whittenberger Foundation, Troxell Fund Inc., J.R. Simplot Company, Idaho Commision on the Arts, Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation, and the Harvest Foundation,

We extend our thanks to the faculty and administraion of: Ada County Juvenile Detention, Frank Church High School, Marian Pritchett High School, Roosevelt Elementary, Rose Hill Montessori School, Seven Oaks Elementary, Southwest Idaho Regional Detention Center, Trail Wind Elementary, Victory Academy, West Canyon Elementary, Idaho Distance Education Academy (I-DEA), and Galileo STEM Academy.

CONTENTS Introducion STORIES

• 1

• 5

CREATIVE NON-FICTION ONE-ACT PLAYS POEMS

• 15

• 27

• 54

Teaching Writers’ Biographies About The Cabin Index

• 138

• 137

• 134

INTRODUCTION Writers in the Schools (WITS) by he Cabin supports creative writing enrichment in 3rd-12th grade classrooms throughout the Treasure Valley. During the school year, WITS employs professional local writers—poets, novelists, playwrights, and journalists—to teach semester- or schoolyear-long writing residencies in schools, juvenile detention centers, and community learning centers. hrough active, imaginative writing experiences under the mentorship of he Cabin’s teaching-writers, WITS engages students in a culture of creative reading and writing. WITS teaching-writers emphasize experimentation, creativity and imagination above rules and conventions, helping students develop a commitment to reading and writing that lasts a lifetime. In 2016, WITS again served over 1,000 young writers in the Treasure Valley. his is in large part to the awesome support of classroom teachers and administrators who assist and supports WITS in their schools and facilities. Our Cabin teaching-writers are inspired by the bravery of the young writers we work alongside, from the irst spark of an idea on the page to their dedication in re-seeing their own work for their inal readings and celebrations. he writers within these pages are the voices that build and change worlds. It is our privilege to share their words with you! Katie Fuller Teaching-Writer and Program Manager he Cabin

CAMBIA

STORIES hat night I sneak to their tree house, as I creep into darkness. I see them waiting. Once I’m there, they whisper the plan to me. I nod. We sneak out and ind the foot prints. We ind the cove and creep in. Once inside, we tip toe ahead. I can see a sliver of light! — ANNABELLE

THE SECRET HOUSE Liana Idaho Distance Education Academy Chloe Morris runs down the street. She can’t wait to get home. All day at school, the bullies bullied her. She also had a lot of homework. Finally, she turned onto her street. Still, she did not slow. She sprinted all the way into her kitchen. “Hey, Chloe! How was school?” asked Chloe’s mom. Chloe sighed. “Fine,” she said as she slammed her backpack down on the loor. Before Chloe’s mom could stop her, Chloe ran up to her room. She plopped down on her bed. She turned on the TV while she folded her laundry. In Chloe’s room, she had her bed in one corner, a TV in the opposite corner, and her dresser across from her bed. hen, her mother called her down for dinner. After dinner, Chloe went outside. Chloe lived on the edge of the forest, and she saw a house that she had never seen before. It was dark red against the green, summer trees. She wondered why she had never seen it before. Right then, Chloe’s father’s car drove onto the driveway. He came out, gave Chloe a Hey-I’m-Home kiss, hugged her, and brought her inside. Later, before Chloe went to bed, she looked out her window. She saw the outline of he House. She quickly put on her jeans and T-shirt and ran out the door. When Chloe went into the house, she was falling in a hole. When she woke up, she was lying in an alien’s arms. he alien was about to eat her, when she pulled out of the alien’s teeth. he alien dropped her, and she fell. To be continued…

STORY #1 Annabelle Idaho Distance Education Academy

A bird chirps loudly and in my ear. “No,” I say. “Get up!” It seems to squawk. “Fine, you win,” I think. I brush my long strawberry blonde hair. I look out the window of my tree house. My family and I live in a tree house complex so this is quite normal to me. I get dressed in shorts and a plain green T-shirt and go to the breakfast which is served below. “At least you don’t have to wake up to make breakfast, then I’d have to wake up earlier,” I think as my older twin sister and brother yell, “Hurry up Cassima!” hey are sitting with the two families we live in the complex with, but their faces are not happy, but rather alarmed. “What’s wrong Alex?” referring to by brother whose real name is Alexander. He resounds shakily which is unlike him, “and where’s Mom?!” I demand. Something strange is going on, and I don’t like it! “We were robbed last night, your mom is out investigating,” says Ms. Harper because Alex looks like he is going to faint. “And they took Lily and Toby.” I gasp. Lily and Tim are the Harper’s twin children. “here are foot prints,” she continues. “To a cove outside the complex.” She’s crying now. Ali, my older sister whispers to me, “Meet me and Alex at 12:00 P.M. We have a plan.” hat night I sneak to their tree house, as I creep into darkness. I see them waiting. Once I’m there, they whisper the plan to me. I nod. We sneak out and ind the foot prints. We ind the cove and creep in. Once inside, we tip toe ahead. I can see a sliver of light! Alicia and Alex run ahead for step #1. I hear them distracting the thieves. Now is my time! Step #2, sneak in and free everyone. I see them now. hey can’t hold for much longer! I must be quick! I slide against the wall, and swipe the key. “Arrrr!” It won’t it! “Wait! Oh!” I got it! With no time to lose I open it and tell them to run. hey do. Soon we have trapped the thieves in their own cage! hey tell and beat against the bars. We run faster than ever. he next morning I was woke by not the very annoying bird, but by the shouts of joy! I speed through my routine 8

and get in the action! It turns out Mom had just came back to tell Ms. Harper the bad news of her failure. When the Harpers had found out that their children were sleeping in bed! Ms. Harper exclaimed, “What?” but she didn’t complain. Me and the twins wink at each other. hey have no idea.

THE SEEKERS Holland Wieber Idaho Distance Education Academy

All I can see is black… hen… the light lips on, a dull dingy one that doesn’t nearly light the room. My name is Savana Rachele Moore. I have dark brown hair, and snow blue eyes. My left eye has a splotch of yellow. I am an Archer. I am not sure how I got here… or why they took me. A gruf, muscly man walks up, his face hidden in the shadows. He checks my pockets, then takes a step back and pulls out a walkie-talkie. “Doesn’t have it!!!!” Savana was dazed. What could they want from her? She heard another voice on the other side of the line. “And you checked EVERYWHERE?” “Yes sir!” he man turned back and glared. “What did you do with it?” “Do with what?” “You know what I’m talking about…” he door burst open. “WHERE IS SHE!?!?” Another man walked in. She felt something hard in her secret pocket on the inside of her jacket. It felt like an orb, but square. he men argued as they left the room. Savana pulled the orb out of her pocket and examined it. It was silver, and engraved with secret code. She iddled with it for what seemed like hours when inally it clicked open. Frost steam poured out of the corners. he men walked in, still blabbering like you would never believe. She sat on it quickly and frantically tried to close it. he men rummaged through Savana’s pockets one last time when Savana felt the orb go out of control. She grasped it tighter when she was blinded by a light that knocked her out. When she woke up, the men were on the ground and the building destroyed. A man stood in front of her. “You have done it… you have destroyed them.” “But, how did I get the orb?” “I gave it to you.” Savana nodded and they walked home.

THE TRIALS: CHAPTER I Madeline Idaho Distance Education Academy hea woke up to the sound of her usually annoying alarm clock, but today it was not so annoying because today was the day she turned thirteen. She slid of her bed and into her plush slippers, grabbed her white bathrobe, then rushed down the stairs two at a time. She turned the sharp corner into the living room where her step-brother, step-sister, step-mother and father were. Almost all of them were not blood relatives, but she considered them family. Right as she burst into the room, they instantly stopped talking. hea thought this was weird, but igured they were probably talking about birthday gifts or surprises. hey, they all greeted her with a, “Happy Birthday!” and warm smiles. As she walked around the house, she noticed that it was beautifully decorated in blue, green, and black streamers. In the dining room was an extravagant three-layered cake decorated in the same colors. It looked so good that she wanted to take a bite right then. his was strange, because she did not normally care for cake. After presents, they ate dinner. hen, she got to eat some of her scrumptious cake. It tasted so good! It was dark chocolate with raspberry illing. After she ate her whole slice, she felt a little lightheaded. “I don’t feel good, Mom. I am going to go lay down for a bit,” whispered hea in a shaken voice. “Ok,” said her mom. As hea climbed the steps to her room, she felt more exhausted with each step she took. When she got to her room she crawled into bed and started dozing of. Before she knew it, she was fast asleep. Twelve hours later, she woke up. “his is not my room,” she said to herself. “his is the middle of the Amazon.” In front of me are ive silver platforms. I cautiously walk toward them, wondering what they were, how they got there, and what I was supposed to do with them. Suddenly, there is a lash of lightning and on each table there is a beautiful weapon. “Choose,” a booming voice said. “What? Why?” I stammer.

“Choose,” said the voice again. I look around and on the irst platform sits a gold trident. On the second platform there is a silver dagger. On the third platform there is the most elegant set of bow and arrows. On the fourth platform sat the sharpest sword. And on the ifth platform was a spear. “How do I know what one I should choose?” “You will know,” says the voice. “Now choose.” I slowly walk by each of the platforms and try to feel some sort of connection with any of the weapons. I pace back and forth. I walk by the trident, then the dagger, then the bow and arrows, then I walk by the sword; then I feel it. It feels like a magnetic connection between me and the sword. I grab it and it’s warm on my ingertips. It is perfectly balanced in my hands. “I choose the sword,” I say. Suddenly, the platforms and the weapons disappear, except the sword in my hand. “Hello, are you still there?” I ask. here is no answer. I guess that means that he left. Oh well, I don’t need his help anyway. I do wish that I had Allie here with me. As soon as I think about her, I wish I had not. hat was just enough to push me over the limit. I burst into tear. My BFF Allie had moved away the previous summer and I miss her terribly. When I have no more tears to cry, I get up and start walking. I know enough about survival that I know that I have to ind water, food, and shelter. I don’t know how I knew that. Instincts, I guess. he name rain forest kind of implies rain, so I cut down a vine and use it to tie the giant leaves together to make a big cup. “Ugh,” I groan as I cut down the thick vines with my sword that right now I am using as a machete. Once I gather enough vines, I tie them together and throw it over that branch. I pull back my arm and start twirling it around. I let go and watch it soar towards the branch, but I undershoot by a foot. I run over to the base of the tree and grab the other one I wanted but it should work. I pull down the vines testing if the branch will hold. When I deem that it is safe, I coil the rope around my hand and put my foot on the base of the tree. I slowly move my feet up, pulling my body weight with my hands. My hands start to burn from where the vine is digging into my lesh, but I bite my lip and keep climbing. When I get to my desired branch, I unsnag the rope and ind a spot that I can 12

comfortably sit in. I take my shoes of and rub my sore feet. “Ahh,” I say. “hat feels better.” I slip my shoes back on and climb a little higher. Once I get about 60 feet of the ground, I look over the edge. here is a sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach. I swallow and force myself to look. For the irst time I realize how beautiful it all is. Everything so vibrant and full of life. he whole forest is thick with trees, covered, with vines. At the bottom was every kind of lower, plant, and shrub imaginable. Animal life illed the whole forest. I hear monkeys calling to each other, all kinds of diferent bird songs, the rushing of water. Wait, I hear water. I frantically look around for the source of the sound. I didn’t see it, but we are on the edge of a hill so the water would run downwards, so that is where I turn my attention to. Despite my fear, I climb higher. About 60 feet away was a small stream. “Ah ha,” I say. “Found you.” I slowly climb down, testing the limbs as I go. I slip. I scream. “Help, help!” I yell. Of course, no one could hear me, but I yell anyways. My knuckles are white from holding the branch so tightly. I ling myself forward on to the tree and wrap my arms around the trunk. My feet scramble to ind their footing, and when they do, I feel like I could inally breathe again. When I get down, I head in the direction of the stream.

CREATIVE NON-FICTION I am the shimmering blue sea I am the beyond hat is just who I am

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; LAKOTA

IDAHO THE POTATO STATE Emily B. West Canyon Elementary cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lights against my face Hot as a jalapeĂąo I am the one who made the river beds for animals Tears of happiness down my face sand on my knees and shoes Smelling pine and ire in the summer Swimming the oceans depths far and blue Seeing the smiles make my day even better the rain drops on the metal thump thump thump Walking down the forest hearing animal sounds all over Popsicles melting, sticking to my hand in the summer sun Stepping in the spring dew in the light green grass In the park under the shady tree with a picnic in the shade At the zoo burning up wanting to have air conditioning In the country in front of the beautiful sunset all pink and orange I am Idaho the potato state great and mighty Here the birds chirping in the morning and howls from the night.

YES I AM IDAHO Riley K. West Canyon Elementary I am colorful in the summer and never forgetful in the winter I am cozy and lovable. I have pine trees and mountains and magniicent views, lakes, rivers, and oceans. Homemade lemonade and fresh baked walnut cookies. Woods to play in and fun camping and campires. Fun plays, And wildlife takes it all, swimsuits and homemade water slides are the best of all. Here the birds chirping in the morning and howls from the night. he sunsets are beautiful, go take a hike when the wind is blowing and then you hear a fright but, don’t worry so it might just be a squirrel. Take the long way home and then you’ll know you’re in Idaho.

I AM IDAHO Lakota West Canyon Elementary I am Idaho. I smell like morning dew and taste like nuts. I have beautiful homes where dogs chase squirrels down my streets. I have sweet friends such as Washington and Montana. I have beautiful waterfalls and landforms. I am the peacock that spreads its gorgeous feathers. I am the cloud shaped like a bunny on a merry go round. I am the United States lag up high on the simmering pole. I am the ields where the lions scamper across I am the lake you saw last week. I am the giant rhino at the zoo. I am the rainbow after the rain . he sea that all the Penguins slide and slip into I am the gorgeous , heartwarming , Idaho. I am the ginormous tree the girafe I am the shimmering blue sea I am the beyond hat is just who I am. Idaho.

IDAHO IN ME Micah West Canyon Elementary he warmth Of summer times. Horizons pushing Towards me in a Way. Trapped in a Bowl with friends. From sports to forts In my song. he touch of Cold in my heart rising hot Again. Now the times of crispy air. Humid and moist on forest grounds with Fresh smells. Lakes to mountains visiting every One. he motions in me acting out every one. Coniguring My plans of Idaho. Plains to deserts rising with me. he sayings of bigfoot. And with me now Freedom again. To love again. hose Same old same old memories and loses. Food and life from me to you. Family and friends. A class with a little bit of a blast. I always Love hot and cold. he colors in the sky remind me of my eye. A-Z naming everyone. History times of game and fame. he Glimpse of an eye. You always freeze if you catch a breeze. Some pricey and pretty icy inds. Crystals clear waters and ices.

MY IDAHO MY IDAHO Caitlin West Canyon Elementary

Hi I am Idaho I am beautiful Love summer I love winter I love the Smell of the summer Breeze I am a river I taste like melted chocolate I am a reader I loat in rivers I am the Idaho you love I live by Peach trees school is my all and I love typing I love to bake and I love To eat Popsicles on a summer day I love the Sound of snow falling I love the lag of America And it loves me to I love the 49ers it is my favorite Team I love all of my family the 49 states counting me too Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m the one that tucks you in at night I am Idaho nice to meet you I love the way people play on a recess day you are so beautiful have A wonderful day I can see that you like me I love the way you smell I smell grass And hay it was great to meet you and have a nice day I love to see you every month and day.

I AM IDAHO Chris BP West Canyon Elementary

I am with mountains And hills and hot summers Cold winters Breezy falls and Warm springs. I have cofee in the morning I have a long breakfast My stars are like freckles in the dark night I see my uncles dog hey are so playful I have parties a lot hat it is rare if there Is no party in the weekend I am the law any time My family here all the time My brother comes home in the Weekend, to visit my family He lives in Boise heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lived there For two years already, attending BSU, when he comes home there is a Party of a million people at my house, we Barely it the people in our house, it gets so hot We can barely breath, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all of our family at the party I love it so much especially when my brother comes home so he is with us He is very nice to us like my sister, she always takes us out to eat or to the movies Or out to eat somewhere nice for a special occasion or just to hang And bond because it is fun but sometimes I make her mad but then I cheer her up

IDAHO POEM Kaydance West Canyon Elementary

I am the time Before the sunrise, the dark sky before the sun awakes, the stars shining as you gaze upon them. I am the dusty ield you drive by, the corn blowing in the wind, the apples that fall from the tree, the sun as its smiling, the bird no one seems to notice. I am the sunset as the sun falls, the stars as the sun falls asleep, the rabbits eating clovers for dinner, and he owls waking from slumber. I am the rain starting in the Night and the mouse looking for shelter. I’m the light peeking hrew the window, the scent of bacon on Saturday. I’m the voice Saying “lets go to the beach” , I’m the waves that splash your face, I’m the sad sound of the words lets go home. I’m the Sunday morning, Afternoon, and night. I’m the uneasy feeling on the irst day of school.

MY LIFE GONE WRONG Ashton West Canyon Elementary

he plan of this idea was simple. All that was going to happen was that I was going to be seeing my dad for a week. hings went terribly wrong, though. It was a normal fall day. I was 7 years of age. Leaves falling to the ground in a swaying motion, people living their lives as normal people. I was at my apartment with my mom. I was watching cartoons while sitting on the couch eating cereal. I was dressed in a light-blue plaid shirt with jeans. I was waiting for someone special to come. he doorbell rang. hat must be him! I exclaimed in my mind as I bolted for the door. I swung open the door with velocity iI didn’t even know I had. here stood the slender form I was looking for. DAD!!!, I thought as the form slowly came down to hug me. He picked me up and hugged my waist lovingly. “How’s my big boy!” Dad said as he put me down. My heart felt as if it would explode. I went to the T.V and automatically turned it of. My mom gave me a goodbye kiss and my dad and I took of. While we were on the highway, Dad found an ACDC song and he turned up the radio to 28 and rolled down the windows with music blasting, almost making me deaf. By the time we got to the house, it was noon. Once we got into the house, I had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich that tasted of heaven and my dad said he had a surprise planned. When we got into the living room, there was a Play Station 2, sitting by the T.V. “Is this for us?” I asked with enthusiasm. “Yep, it’s all ours.” my dad said (his name is Cy, by the way). I looked at it in astonishment. “Well, are we going to just look at it or play this thing?” Dad asked with his eyes twinkling. By ten minutes, Dad got it hooked up and ready to go. In a minute, we were playing NASCAR. As we were playing a race, I spun my car around and rammed into my dad’s car. After that, we were both laughing hysterically. Now we had played ‘till seven and it was my bedtime. My dad tucked me in and said tomorrow he had another surprise coming. “Another?” I said. “Boy are 23

you going to like it.” he said. hat night I couldn’t sleep. I was so excited for the next day. I found out the surprise. It was a KITTEN! It was total black with huge green eyes. It loved to climb up my back, even if it was declawed. I played with Casey (that was his name) for an hour. hen my dad said he was going to take a nap and I could play the Play Station. After about two hours, I thought Dad must have really zonked out. I should go check on him. Still in my pajamas, I walked to my dad’s bedroom. My heart nearly stopped at seeing the sight. My dad was lying on the bed, eyes open, his chest as if it was made of concrete. I rushed to his side and tried CPR. It didn’t work. I cried as I got into my regular clothes and walked to my neighbor’s ouse. he cops came and asked me questions. My mom came and we left, me crying all the way. Now, I am 11. he past is the past. It was tragic, but it’s a memory. I hope you have liked my life story and thank you. THE END

IDAHO POEM Yancey West Canyon Elementary

I am Idaho. I am the many rivers, lakes, and pine trees you see on your drives to the mountains in the summer. I am the snow capped peaks you see through your living room window each cold, winter morning. I am the many ishing trips you go on. I am so many school days every day from 7:55 to 2:30 before the long bus ride home on bus number 94, being driven by Shayne, the bus driver. I am the week of fair in July every year, the most fun, sad, and hardworking time of my life. I am the many memories you have made from the time you were ten months old to now. I am the many times you have gone to your grandmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house, chowing down on anything you want, whenever you want. I am the trips you go on in your RV every once in awhile. I am the best state ever, Idaho

I AM IDAHO Jena West Canyon Elementary

I am looking outside watching cars go by. I am sitting on the curve listening to music. I am smelling the nice winter smell of snow. I am tasting snow I am sharing with Montana, Washington, Utah, and Nevada I am ready for winter to be over I am ready for summer to begin I am watching Marsing having the Crash going on with a lot of people. here watching over Boise and Caldwell also Nampa there is over a bizillion people here it is driving me crazy. I am waiting for people to respect Idaho. I am crazy about Idaho I am Idaho I love this town Marsing even when there are crashes I am Idaho the love of potatoes I am Idaho we are made of potatoes I miss when my cousin and uncle passed away in a really bad car crash I am Idaho I am full of hopes and joys I have great smells of potatoes potatoes I share goodness i share nice enjoyable things. I bring families together I am Idaho I will share the fun with schools with having friends I like to talk with Montana cousins I will miss the Idaho that we lived in I will miss my cousin when we leave this is our home in the country. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take my mind of of my cousin who is no longer here, we will truly miss. My Idaho. All for its delicious foods and for the fun we had I will miss the time for snowball ights

ONE-ACT PLAYS N1: his wasn’t the worst play ever! his was the best play ever! Even if we didn’t use the script! DIRECTOR: IT ACTUALLY WAS! — JACOB

THE KNIGHTS OF THE SQUARED TABLE Elena Trail Wind Elementary CHARACTERS: SIR BLACKLOCK: Leader of the Knights of the Squared Table and is a little serious. THE SCARLET KNIGHT: A knight that is full of himself and the irst member of the Knights of the Squared Table. LADY KINDLER: A woman who has never seen a human until meeting Sir Blacklock and he Scarlet Knight. THE PHANTOM KNIGHT: Known for being infamous all around the globe he Phantom Knight is the most mischievous and sly knight that lives in the Dark Forest. Scene 1 SIR BLACKLOCK walks around with a straight face and sits down. He takes out his diary that says on it “Sir Blacklock’s Diary” and starts to write in it. SIR BLACKLOCK: he king has sent me to search out for members to join the Knights of the SQUARED Table. I thought this would be a simple mission for members but I have found out it’s a mission to test my own mental strength. It’s been weeks, months, maybe. I haven’t eaten for days. I think I’m going crazy! Sir Blacklock gets up and puts away his diary. He starts to walk but then hears footsteps in the distance and stops. He pulls out his sword. SIR BLACKLOCK: Who goes there! THE SCARLET KNIGHT comes out from hiding THE SCARLET KNIGHT (cheerfully): It is I the one and only Scarlet Knight! 29

Sir Blacklock just stares at the Scarlet Knight. SIR BLACKLOCK: Wait! Wait! Wait! Did you just say you’re a knight! THE SCARLET KNIGHT: Not just any knight! I am the Scarlet Knight! SIR BLACKLOCK: Ya! Ya! You’re gonna join my group! he Knights of the Squared Table!!! he Scarlet Knight looks around. THE SCARLET KNIGHT: What group? Sir Blacklock stares at Scarlet Knight nervously. here’s an awkward silence. SIR BLACKLOCK: Well…um…you see I’m the only one in the “group”. THE SCARLET KNIGHT: Okay I’ll join you out of pity. SIR BLACKLOCK: Yes!!! Now on to ind the next member we shall search the woods. Scene 2 he Scarlet Knight follows Sir Blacklock to the other side of the room. THE SCARLET KNIGHT: So how do you expect to ind a knight in the forest! SIR BLACKLOCK: We’ll just ind one out of pure luck. We just have to wait a couple months. hat as how I found you. THE ALL MIGHTY SCARLET KNIGHT!!! THE SCARLET KNIGHT: Well I am amazing and surely all mighty. WAIT! You can’t just change the subject like that! You need to come up with a plan to ind a knight. 30

SIR BLACKLOCK: I do. I just told you it. You know out of all the light bulbs you aren’t the brightest one. he Scarlet Knight looks somewhat annoyed. hey hear a rustle in a bush. THE SCARLET KNIGHT: What is that? SIR BLACKLOCK: A squirrel maybe. We should eat it. I’m getting kind of hungry. Sir Blacklock walks towards the bush that was rustling. Someone pops out of the bush. LADY KINDLER: Please don’t eat me! I know I look tasty but I haven’t had a shower once in my life. LADY KINDLER walks backwards slowly and has a scared look on her face. Sir Blacklock doesn’t seem to care and is just looking around. LADY KINDLER: I warn you I know how to ight. I’m like an animal in battle! Sir Blacklock turns around and runs over to Lady Kindler. SIR BLACKLOCK: Did you say you know how to ight! Sir Blacklock smiles like a maniac and Lady Kindler backs away with a ierce look on her face and gets into a karate stance. LADY KINDLER: Ya! You bet I do! SIR BLACKLOCK: Join my group! You’ll be part of the Knights of the Squared Table!!! LADY KINDLER: If you promise not to eat me then I’ll join! SIR BLACKLOCK: I promise! THE SCARLET KNIGHT: I was here the whole time! 31

Scene 3 SIR BLACKLOCK: Okay crew! We’ll travel into the dark forest to search for a new crewmember. THE SCARLET KNIGHT: So is the plan just the same or did you come up with another “genius plan”. LADY KINDLER: Wait! But the dark forest has the— SIR BLACKLOCK: Phantom Knight! Yes very true Lady Kindler and I plan to make him our fourth member. THE SCARLET KNIGHT: hat’s a worse idea than before! hey say the Phantom Knight’s the most creepiest and mischievous in the world! SIR BLACKLOCK: Ya! Ya! Let’s go! Sir Blacklock walks and then stops he turns around Lady Kindler and he Scarlet knight are hiding behind him with a frightened look on their faces. Sir Blacklock sighs. LADY KINDLER: Wait! What’s that! Lady Kindler points at the PHANTOM KNIGHT. PHANTOM KNIGHT: Welcome to the Dark forest! LADY KINDLER: Oh my gosh we actually ran into the Phantom Knight! THE SCARLET KNIGHT: We’re all gonna die! SIR BLACKLOCK: What are you talking about!? We were trying to ind him so he could join us! THE SCARLET KNIGHT: He looks more threatening than I imagined! 32

Sir Blacklock sighs.

SIR BLACKLOCK: Okay Phantom Knight you’re going to join our group and then I’ll inally be done with this journey. PHANTOM KNIGHT: Okay I’ll join but under one condition. You have to win a duel with me…of rock, paper, scissors, and if you lose you gotta join my group, the Knights of the Octagon Table. SIR BLACKLOCK: Deal! SIR BLACKLOCK AND PHANTOM KNIGHT: Rock, paper, scissors shoot! Sir Blacklock wins by doing rock and Phantom Knight choosing scissors. SIR BLACKLOCK: Yay! I won! PHANTOM KNIGHT: Best out of three! SIR BLACKLOCK AND PHANTOM KNIGHT: Rock, paper, scissors shoot! he Phantom Knight wins by doing scissors and Sir Blacklock choosing paper. LADY KINDLER: Wow! A tie! THE SCARLET KNIGHT: his is intense! SIR BLACKLOCK AND PHANTOM KNIGHT: Rock, paper, scissors shoot! Phantom Knight wins by doing paper and Sir Blacklock choosing rock. PHANTOM KNIGHT: Yay! I won! I won! I won! I won! SIR BLACKLOCK: Okay crew! It’s been nice, somewhat annoying… hey exit. End of Play

WRITING IS REAL homas Trail Wind Elementary CHARACTERS: ASRIEL: M. 14, Strong. LUCIUS: M. 13, Scared, Author. PLANT MONSTER: Evil. BEAR: Evil. DAMIEN: SUPER EVIL. NARRATOR: Bad Narrator. BANANA KING: Crazy. Scene 1 Day, Writing Land, ASRIEL is sprinting from BEAR. Bear’s mouth is watering and its ribs are showing. Asriel isn’t panting or tiring. ASRIEL: How do you catch a ish without a ishing pole… Bear hands!!! He turns around and looks at the bear, then tackles it. Asriel turns and sees a statue of Lucius, with a sign: “Asriel I will never stop attacking!” ASRIEL: Oh no, Banana King!!! Asriel is frightened. PLANT MONSTER emerges from the ground and pulls Asriel underground. Scene 2 Midnight, Bedroom, LUCIUS steps away from a piece of paper and drops a pencil. LUCIUS: Haha, lying monkeys like to eat Banana Kings!!! Lucius climbs into bed. Lights turn of Lucius tosses, turns, and starts shaking. A dementor-like shadowy igure thrusts a bag over his head. He screams. 34

Scene 3 Writing Land, day, Lucius wakes up panting, with a shocked expression. hen he looks relieved. He turns and notices a bear watching him next to his bed. He screams, but stays put. Asriel looks terriied. he bear comes closer and closer until… Asriel bursts in with a sword. he bear falls to the ground. Asriel holds his sword in triumph. Lucius looks at Asriel in astonishment. LUCIUS: Asriel? BANANA KING runs onstage then of wearing a crown and banana suit. ASRIEL (disgusted): Lucius. LUCIUS: Am I in… ASRIEL: Yes, Lucius, now leave you don’t belong here. LUCIUS: How did I get here? ASRIEL (voice rising in tone): Damien took you here. You know, the evil spirit you created!!! (irritated) You really need to do other things than trying to kill me. I mean seriously you need another hobby. (muttering) First bears and plant monsters, and now the king of evil. LUCIUS (dazed): Oh, what a beautiful light! ASRIEL: Run towards it. LUCIUS: HEY!!!!! Asriel raises his sword above Lucius’s head. ASRIEL: Take me to your world, I want to see the movie Banana King! LUCIUS (scared): Ok. Whatever you want. I did make a portal… But… I think… I made Damien guard it.

ASRIEL: DAMIEN!!! (sighs) Oh well… Let’s go look. Lucius and Asriel walk until a plant monster emerges from the ground. Lucius cowers in corner. Asriel efortlessly throws sword. Plant monster dies. Lucius and Asriel see the portal. Banana King runs onstage giggling then of again. ASRIEL: Yes! Asriel and Lucius collapse to the ground. DAMIEN emerges from shadows laughing evilly. DAMIEN: HAHA TIME TO SEE THE MOVIE BANANA KING!!! Damien walks through portal. Scene 4 Damien collapses to the ground. Asriel and Lucius walk onstage laughing. NARRATOR walks onstage. NARRATOR: Now, you’re probably wondering how Asriel and Lucius are still alive and how Damien died. So… I’ll show you a (suspenseful) secret scene. ASRIEL: Wait, wait, umm… Who are you and why are you talking about us and what is this about a secret scene!? NARRATOR: Oh, I’m a Narrator!!! Ok, anyway….. SECRET SCENE!!! Secret Scene Plant monster lies on ground behind Asriel and Lucius. ASRIEL: We’re almost there. Asriel removes paper and pencil from pocket. ASRIEL: Here, I couldn’t use this earlier… he truth is… We’re not here to use the portal… Trust me… (writes on paper) Come here… Banana King runs around laughing. 36

Asriel and Lucius walk towards Damien. Scene 4 Again Asriel drops paper. Narrator picks it up and reads it aloud. NARRATOR: If you are killed in Writing Land, you teleport to the real world unhurt. If you are killed in the real world, you are dead. Plant monster and bear walk onstage. ASRIEL, NARRATOR, and LUCIUS: OH NO!!! ASRIEL: hat’s not what I wrote!!! Bear and plant monster walk ofstage. Asriel snatches paper from Narrator’s hand and reads it aloud. ASRIEL: It actually said, if Asriel or Lucius are killed in Writing Land they teleport to the real world. If Damien goes through the portal, he dies. LUCIUS: Oh, that’s what it said. Yeah that’s better. NARRATOR: I did so good!!! ASRIEL: Narrator, you didn’t do anything but play a joke on us! And… Narrators are supposed to have good grammar. NARRATOR: I never said I was a well Narrator. THE END!!! ASRIEL: WAIT, WAIT STOP!!! he reason I came here is so I could see the movie Flying Banana King…. NARRATOR: Sorry... THE END!!! ASRIEL and LUCIUS: Of what! Lights turn of. he End 37

THE TRAVEL OF TIME Katherine Trail Wind Elementary CHARACTERS: LARRY: Clueless, annoying, friends with Lem. LEM: Smart, friends with Larry. TEACHER: Confusing, teacherly. STUDENT: Used to time travelers. TIMMY: Teacher’s pet. JANE: Watches too many horror movies. BAGEL VENDOR: Golem-like. HARRY POTTER: Brave-ish, likes to duel Voldemort. VOLDEMORT: Evil, hates Lem. FARMER FRED: Too easily agreeing. Scene 1 Starts in 2016 classroom, TEACHER talks to kids. TEACHER: Now, Timmy, what’s potatoes plus the equivalent of pi? TIMMY: Twelve girafes stomping on lemons! TEACHER: Correct! Lights lash, LARRY + LEM enter, all gasp. LARRY: Hello there, pencils! LEM (to audience): He means students. LARRY: hat’s what I said! LEM (sighs): Whatever. We-LARRY: Accept donations! 38

LEM: Well, actually, Larry…(gives LARRY a cold, hard stare) We come from the, the future! I mean the past! We came here in a time machine made from the oxygen of liquid screw drivers, while being powered by a supreme mixture of cow and monkey farts, yet is simultaneously stable enough to it a zebra into the left hold of the shuttle. I, as the pilot, engineer, costume maker, chef, designer, model, waitress, donkey, and plumber, have made sure that no Larrys will fall into the wormhole of awesomeness, since he is the opposite, it would cause a chemical reaction, destroying the universe as we know it. So, yes, we came in a time machine. COLE: I lost you at “we”. LEM: Whatever. JANE: Let me guess. You came here on a mission to ind an item that will save the world as we know it. LEM: Yes! JANE: Well, that must be boring. TEACHER: Since you’re already here, why don’t you stay for story time? ALL STUDENTS INCLUDING LARRY: Yaayy!!!!!! TEACHER (picks up a book): Once upon a time there lived a bunny named Bobo… LEM: Nooooo!!! Stop! Stop! his is madness! TEACHER (ignores Lem): Bobo was frolicking around the forest when-LEM: C’mon Larry. We’re leaving! Drags Larry out the door and of the stage. Lights lash and stay of, scene changes. Scene changes to empty place except for sign saying “Welcome to Dragon Town” and a stick. 39

Scene 2 Lights turn on, Larry + Lem enter. LEM: Woah! What is this place? It smells like… ashes. LARRY: Well, Lem, silly boy ol’ buddy ol’ pal o’ mine, the answer couldn’t be more obvious! he sign says we make good bagels! (gestures to sign) LEM: Technically, it says, “Welcome to Dragon Town.” Do dragons live here? LARRY: Well, I dunno. If you think about it logicallyAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH! IT’S A DRAGON!!!! Jumps behind Lem, shivers, points to stick. LEM: his? Larry, sorry to break to you, but this is a stick. LARRY (straightens): Oh, yah. I totally knew that. LEM (rolls eyes): Uh-huh… LARRY: Forget about that. I’m hungry for some bagels. BAGEL VENDOR enters. BAGEL VENDOR: Did someone say... bagels? LARRY: Yah! Gimme one! LEM: Manners LARRY! LARRY (sneering): Fine, Mr. Goody-good. May I please have a bagel? BAGEL VENDOR: No! hey’re all mine! All mine… (mostly to himself ) My precious… LARRY: You’re evil! (acts shocked) 40

LEM: Truthfully, this vendor just seems like he didn’t have breakfast yet and-LARRY: Evil!!!!!! BAGEL VENDOR: My precious… (stalks of stage) LARRY (Acting babyish): Lem, I’m scawed. Let’s go back home. LEM: Larry, we can’t go back now. We’re so close! Anyways, do you think it hid it here? We’re running out of time. LARRY: I don’t think so. I think it would’ve taken it with it, wherever it is now. LEM: Did you think of that on your own? LARRY: Well, (starts to head to door) I actually read it in your diary. LEM: You WHAT!?!?! LARRY: Gotta go! Runs out of door, Lem chases after him, while taking the sign, raises it over head like a weapon. Lights lash, scene changes. HARRY POTTER enters with VOLDEMORT. HARRY POTTER: I’ll get you! (waves wand at Voldemort) VOLDEMORT: No, I’ll get you! HARRY POTTER: No, I’llLarry + Lem enter. LARRY: Are you the famous Lumpy McJoe? (Points to Harry Potter, excited, Harry Potter stares). HARRY POTTER (muttering): No… No… this can’t be happen41

ing… no… (backs away from Larry) VOLDEMORT: Why did you come here? LEM: You know why Voldemort. Both you and Harry know. VOLDEMORT (raises wand): I have no idea what you’re talking about, but if you don’t leave now, you will never return to your home, Lem. LEM: You jest sir. (slowly) Where… is… FARMER… FRED? VOLDEMORT (crosses arms): I won’t tell you where he is. HARRY POTTER (waves hand around wildly): I will! He’s in-VOLDEMORT (points wand at Harry): Crucio! Harry falls to loor, Lem turns and gasps, Larry sit criss-cross on ground, looks bored, yawns, rolls eyes, make talking motions on hands. LEM (roars): Nooo!! (turns to face Voldemort) You will pay for this!!! Both grab swords, and start ighting. Voldemort is losing, then Lem, then Voldemort. hen, Voldemort knocks Lem’s sword away. Voldemort goes in for the kill, but then Lem jerks out wand. Voldemort backs up looking frightened, drops sword. Lem raises wand. LEM: I never did like you anyway. Any last words? VOLDEMORT (clenches teeth): You ruined the Harry Potter series. LEM: AVADA KEDAVRA!!!!! Voldemort falls, dead. LARRY: Cheese Ball is dead… and you killed him!!! 42

Angrily points to Lem. LEM (Picks up paper lying in Voldemort’s hand, reads it, and puts it in his pocket): He would’ve killed me… but it’s ine. I know where it is… now. LARRY: I don’t wanna go. It’s my nap time. Let’s go home. LEM: But we’re so close! We can do this Larry. C’mon. LARRY: Fine. Both walk out of door, lights lash and stay of, Harry and Voldemort exit. FARMER FRED enters. Lights turn on, Larry + Lem enter. LEM: Finally, we meet again, Farmer Fred. LARRY (rushes to Farmer Fred): He killed Cheese Ball! FARMER FRED: Yes, I suspected as much. I spent many days under his frightening watch. his would have been very good news to me. LEM + LARRY(confused): Would be? FARMER FRED: Yes, why before he made a deal with me… LEM + LARRY: What deal!?! FARMER FRED (dazed look, squeals): If I wouldn’t leave here, or send you your item, he promised me Double Chocolate Chip Ice Cream-Crumble Deluxe Cookies!! LARRY (fumbles around searching for cookies): Where are dose cookies? LEM: We won’t bother you any more, Fred. We just need it. hen, we’ll leave. FARMER FRED: Fine. Here. 43

Drops keys into Lem’s hand, making them visible to the audience. LEM: C’mon Larry. Let’s go home. LARRY: But we missed story time! LEM: Who cares. Now we will inally be able to get into your carriage and go see My Wife and Daughter are Taking Over the World, I Need Help! All exit, lights lash, all come on again. ALL: he End! he End

THE MONSTER Claire Trail Wind Elementary CHARACTERS: OLIVIA: Nerdy girl, can turn into a monster. RILEY/TAYLOR: Friends with Olivia, twins. BRITTANY: Meanest girl in school. COURTNEY: Follows Brittany around, copies Brittany GPD: he Galaxy Police Department Scene 1 BRITTANY and COURTNEY walk in strutting OLIVIA will be standing on the side. Brittany and Courtney stare at her annoyingly Olivia runs into class. Olivia sees RILEY and TAYLOR she sits next to them. OLIVIA: Hi Riley, hi Taylor. RILEY/TAYLOR: HEY. Olivia starts looking sad. RILEY: Brittany and Courtney again? OLIVIA: Yeah. TAYLOR: Wait! Here they come! RILEY: Quiet! Brittany and Courtney walk in they sit in the desks behind them. BRITTANY: UGHHH! Why do we have to go to the same school as weirdos! COURTNEY: I know right itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s horrible!

hey kick the desks in front of them. RILEY (whispers): I wish we had a separate school from them! Olivia, Riley, and Taylor start giggling. BRITTANY: What did you say! RILEY: Nothing! BRITTANY: Good! he bell rings they start walking home Brittany and Courtney get behind Olivia, Riley, and Taylor. BRITTANY: BEEP! BEEP! My ugly girl detector is going of it’s probably you OLIVIA! COURTNEY: Yeah! OLIVIA! Olivia runs away crying. Riley/Taylor follow her. Scene 2 At Olivia’s house. OLIVIA: Why do they have to be so mean? TAYLOR: It’s just the way it is Olivia. OLIVIA: Well I don’t like it! TAYLOR: Too Bad! OLIVIA: Wait they’re having a party tonight, it’s the perfect time to do it. RILEY/TAYLOR: Nooo you can’t! Olivia runs away. 45

RILEY: Lets go get her! TAYLOR: Okay. Scene 3 Olivia gets to the party she walks around. Riley and Taylor get there. RILEY: here’s Olivia! TAYLOR: Let’s get her! Riley and Taylor start running. hey run into Brittany And Courtney. BRITTANY: Who brought the freaks! COURTNEY: Yeah, freaks leave! Riley and Taylor ignore them and start walking. TAYLOR: Wait there she is! Olivia starts turning into a monster. RILEY/TAYLOR: Noo! She turns into a monster, and picks up Brittany and Courtney. OLIVIA: It’s time for you to leave! BRITTANY/COURTNEY: Ahhhhhhhhhhh! RILEY: Olivia, STOP! Olivia looks at Riley and puts the girls down. Olivia: I’m sorry! Olivia looks sad. Brittany: FREAK!!! 46

Everyone starts laughing. She runs away Riley and Taylor follow her. hey run into a closet. Olivia turns into her normal self. OLIVIA: hey’re coming the GPD. TAYLOR: Not the Galaxy Police Department! OLIVIA: Yes they have been watching Brittany and Courtney, they think they are a disgrace to this world. RILEY: Yeah… I do too. TAYLOR: Me also! OLIVIA: But now everyone knows. TAYLOR: Knows what! OLIVIA: hat I turn change into a monster. RILEY: Oh yeah, but the GPD can take care of that. OLIVIA: Ok, good. hey hear screaming and run out of the closet. OLIVIA: hey’re here! RILEY/TAYLOR: Oh no! GPD: We. Are. Here. To. Take. Brittany and Courtney. OLIVIA/RILEY/TAYLOR: Take them! GPD: Ohhh…Okay…but wait Olivia, does everyone know your secret now? OLIVIA: Yes they do. GPD: Ok, I will need to get the old memory taker out. 47

he GPD will take out an old camera looking thing. GPD: Can I have everyone’s attention please? Everyone stares at him. GPD: Say cheese! He tries to take a picture, but it doesn’t work. GPD: I guess everyone will know your secret Olivia, the memory taker is not working. OLIVIA: I guess it’s ine. A random walks towards them. RANDOM GUY: Are you the monster girl? OLIVIA: Yeah? Why? RANDOM GUY: Cause that was really cool bro! OLIVIA: Okay…Well I guess it’s ine if you don’t take their memories GPD. GPD: Well okay, I guess I will see you some other time. Bye Olivia! OLIVIA: Bye! he GPD takes Brittany and Courtney, they are screaming. OLIVIA/RILEY/TAYLOR: Yayyyyy they’re gone! Some one will hold a sign saying “meanwhile” we will see Brittany and Courtney in jail with other prisoners that are monsters having a party. BRITTANY: I actually like it here, it’s fun! COURTNEY: Me Too! he End

ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END SOMETIMES SOONER THAN WE HOPE, OR. . . THE VERY BEST WORST PLAY EVER Jacob Trail Wind Elementary CHARACTERS: DIRECTOR: A character that obviously didn’t do his job right. SIR SOCKS-A-LOT: Our hero (somewhat). PRINCESS: A confused royal highness who plays the French horn? NARRATOR 1 (HERBERT): A narrator who just wants the play to be perfect. NARRATOR 2 (BERTHA): A hot-tempered narrator who deinitely HATES Narrator 1. CREW MEMBER: A stagehand who sometimes spoils the fun. he lights turn on to what looks like a very badly created set. A cardboard castle is in the background but it is badly bent and is colored with crayon. A cardboard dragon sits in the corner and looks the same way. he actors should look confused like they do not know their lines and have never been on stage. Costumes should have not much thought put into them princess hat cardboard armor anything as long as it looks scrufy and homemade. Not many props are needed a sword would be nice. he only realistic props should be a tuba and dufel bag. DIRECTOR: Hello and welcome to our production of… What is it?...Oh right. Our production of he Dragon of North Hill Trilogy. I was very unlucky, er I mean lucky to work with these children and develop their stage talent (if they have any). his play will take about 3 hours to perform (let’s see if you survive that long though)…Please do not get out of your seat and without further adieu I present to you the Dragon of North Hill Trilogy. Exit DIRECTOR. NARRATOR 1: Once upon a time there was a medieval tale of 49

woe… SIR SOCKS (loudly): Is that my cue? N1: Yes! Sir Socks: Oh I Sir Socks-A-Lot will…I will...I will… N1 (irritated): I will slay the Dragon of North Hill! SIR SOCKS: Oh right I will slay the Dragon of North Hill! Narrator 2 (from ofstage): You’re obviously not doing your job right HERBERT. N1: Shhhh! Bertha! Sir Socks yawns and sits down playing with his feet and iddling. N1: AHHH! NARRATOR 1 falls ofstage and lands just to see a steaming NARRATOR 2 running in from ofstage. N2: his play is a disaster! PRINCESS (from ofstage): Am I on yet? N1 and N2 get into what appears to be a istight but all of the punches miss by entire feet. Sir Socks falls asleep and rolls around. Enter PRINCESS. PRINCESS: To be or not to be...wait...wrong play. Princess is running around the stage throwing her note cards frantically everywhere. he stage should look chaotic as players are running sleeping and ighting. PRINCESS: his isn’t in the script!? 50

Sir Socks-A-Lot almost rolls of of the stage he snores loudly. Underneath him the CREW MEMBER rolls in spikes for the next show. N1: Look! It’s spikes for the next show: Desert Sand hieves of the Ten housand Porta Potties! N2: And they’re right below Braedon!!! PRINCESS: We need to get him onstage! hey pull and pull but they can’t wake him up. N1: He won’t budge! PRINCESS: Wait! I have my French horn in my dufel bag for band afterward! She runs ofstage, grabs her French horn and runs back onstage, except the French horn is a tuba and it’s upside down. N1: hat’s a tuba. PRINCESS: Really? My band teacher said it was a…wait yeah he said it was a tuba. he princess blows on the tuba and Sir Socks-A-Lot wakes up. PRINCESS/N1/N2: HALLELUJAH! SIR SOCKS: I hope that our audience doesn’t start throwing rotten tomatoes at us… PRINCESS: Well I am hungry…but you’re right this was the worst play ever. N1: his wasn’t the worst play ever! his was the best play ever! Even if we didn’t use the script! DIRECTOR: IT ACTUALLY WAS! 51

N2: You know...both you and director Bradlee are right, this was the best worst play ever! All the actors bow and the stage fades to black. he lights turn back on. Crew Member: You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t leave yet! You still have 3 hours left to perform! All actors sigh. THE END

POEMS Hot breeze on my face, hair standing on end, pure joy in my eyes. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; TRISON

THE KNIGHT Sophia Roosevelt Elementary

he knight is like the light of a fresh candle, Like a dream full of rueful trickery, Like a steaming great wave of disgust, Like the taste poorly cooked ish smelted to a crisp, Like the sharpness of a crescendo rising then lowering than slowly faded away, Like a life of nonstop misery covered with an avalanche of lively brilliant lowers, Like a stream of thoughtful gifts, he knight is like a dream come true...

LITTLE TREE ON THE GOLDEN BEACH Tovi Roosevelt Elementary

In this one you are standing on the beach. Wriggling your bare toes in the sand. Your smile is broad as you wish Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d just take the picture and let you go back to playing in the white surf and golden sand. Your plastic shovel and pail are in the midst of making a sand castle that you neglected, so I could take the picture. Like a sapling, new and fresh, ready and waiting, impatient to begin in the world. So young, so fragile. So you hold still as I encase you in time, forever. his small tree doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think it will ever be cut down. Little tree on the golden beach.

BIG BROTHER, LITTLE BROTHER, Evan Roosevelt Elementary In this one you are a role model, a big brother, a nature lover, a hiker, that studies our ancestorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; marks. In this one I am a persistent student, a little brother, a nature lover, a hiker, that walks beside you on the trail. In this one you are a river roaring by special stones, a life giver, a destroyer, a calm stream, that taunts me forever. In this one I am the stones being carried away, a pebble at the bottom of the river never giving up, and the grains of sand being carried away gently. hat is me, his is you. he river, the stones, the brothers.

MOUNTIAN Reece Roosevelt Elementary

In this one You are slumped And tired, mouth open Sitting on a log. You are going to stay there, On the “L” Shaped log until Someone picks you up and puts you On their back. he tall grasses are lush And golden, swaying in the breeze. hey have bundled you In warm winter clothes, and you are hot and sticky. he heat burns at you, Burning your essence away. You have become this mountain. he mountain lush with lowers, soft and purple. he mountain with swaying grasses, vibrant and golden. he mountain with the “L’ shaped log, brown with a touch of green. he mountain with lowing rivers, dark and blue. he mountain with a little snow, light and white. he mountain with spring budding, making it alive. he mountain full of wonders, beautiful. You are this mountain. his mountain is you. 57

PHOTOS Katelyn Roosevelt Elementary

In this one you are elderly. You have white hair, pinkish orange glasses, and you’re sitting on a double decker bus. You don’t even know I took the picture. You’re sitting up straight talking to my dad. My sister and brother are photo bombing in the background. You’ve transformed into who I know you’ve been. You’re a wise ol’ owl. It looks like you’re about to scurry of and ind a new perch. I don’t want you to leave though, but alas if it’s time. We’ll go to Scotland. Right now you’re cooing with delight. I told mum animals could understand me! I proved you wrong mother! What will I say? Should I take the blame and tell mum I turned into an owl. Oh well! My brother will be scared I can do magic. He’ll leave me alone for months. Nana. Are you sure we should ly of in a plane already? I mean we just got here. Plus you just turned into an owl. You don’t even know what you eat yet! And we still haven’t told mum and dad!

DREAMLAND Soia Roosevelt Elementary

Where am I? Oh where oh where? Once I was in pillows, now I’m somewhere! Goodbye lufy pillows, goodbye knotted hair, for I shall go to dreamland. Where the country grows of of trees, where you don’t have to say yes, please, where unicorns sell great corn and bufalo have wings. You can always get a puppy for free, or a kitten, yes indeed. You can ight a dragon, or climb a golden apple tree. You can dance around and turn around, or not even make a sound. You can drink from a tree and taste some iced tea. Or drink root beer and not need to share. You can ride a horse, or only speak morse and much much morse. But then I stumble somewhere dark and I can’t believe what I see, the evil chomper is chasing after me! I try to run I try to hide but everything’s too dark. But then I see something that’s glowing with jewels and is very nice for me. he majestic Sword of Dreamland with armor too, both as shiny as can be. I throw it on and walk towards the chomper with his tree stump legs and pimpled head and teeth as sharp as 10 billion sharks. As I get closer I feel his warm breath, as smelly as can be, but then I lunge and then he roars and then I am in my big lufy pillows and my knotted hair, with the feeling that no one can compare to scare.

THE BABY Elise Roosevelt Elementary

It smells like dirty diapers. he mysterious thingabob is an infant. It looks lost. It feels loving. I pick the baby up. It feels like time stops all around us. My heart instantly falls in love with the infant. I try to not discover the mother. Also the infant looks really sunburned from the hurtful sun. She wiggles free to the magical meadow under my feet. She starts to sing. Her voice is like a morning sparrow. hen we run all over the magical meadow but suddenly there is a pond. We look around andâ&#x20AC;Śjump in. We get all wet then there is a giant hill. We look aroundâ&#x20AC;Śwe roll down. We are laughing and having the best time of our lives. We are really wet and grassy. If I could keep her, we would be happy forever like a super mother and her soft and delicate newborn baby snuggling and sleeping together all day and night!

AGILE BEAST Crew Roosevelt Elementary

My dog is like a cheetah cutting through a dark night. She gallops like a horse tearing through anything in its path. Eyes gentle like they could help a baby bird ly, Fur as soft as silk but rough as a grid, Ears as hoppy as waves in the rough sea, Teeth sharp as a razor, but she never would harm anyone. She jumps over fences and runs for Mike so agile she makes a gazelle look stif. She will always be with me like a deep scar if sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not here

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THE CASTLE Aviv Roosevelt Elementary

It’s not that it’s loating into space, but it’s nobody’s house. It is a deep red and pure white dream land, a royal blue castle with a gold symbol atop. Where is this fabled castle, lying to the

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TEN WAYS TO LOOK AT A CHRISTMAS TREE Clara Galileo STEM

Shimmering in the night like the stars. Waiting for Christmas to come Glowing like the morning sun. Listening for footsteps on the rooftop. Green as a desert cactus Guarding the presents while everyone is asleep. he smell of sweet pine Like I am eating a mint. Happily wearing itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas ornaments. Joyfully showing itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas spirit.

IN THIS ONE YOU ARE Dani Galileo STEM

In this one you are smiling at me, As bright as neon yellow. In this one you are bold and brave, As a lying pig in the bright blue sky. In this one you are happy, Beside me, holding my hand In this one you are full Of imagination As bright as a pink tulip. In this one you are playing Sweet as strawberry candy.

In this one you are as beautiful As a white dot on black paper.

TREE Ella Galileo STEM

Today I glanced Up Up at the sky. Seeing a Tree Not too far I saw Green, brown And many more Of natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural beauty If I could taste the plant It would be like Biting into a Cold fresh apple he branches As bare As the wind In the moonlit sky

ANGER Noah Galileo STEM

he voices, the voices in my head I feel like a gazelle and a lion is chasing me All they do is hunt me Like a ghost Won’t give up. I fell Like a tree without branches All I want to do is Tear up my room and punch everything in sight

FOUR WAYS OF LOOKING AT A GOLDEN DART FROG Sam L. Galileo STEM

1. Small but deadly Like an arrow lying towards it’s enemy My dart frog hops towards it’s prey. 2. Quick like a race car Winning a race. he golden beast runs towards the ly at full speed. 3. Accuracy greater than a Sniper aiming for an enemy he dart frog shoots it’s stick tongue At the unlucky ly. 4. Sight greater than a human he beast looks for another victim For dinner.

LONELINESS Eden Galileo STEM

A black heart dark and bold Like a nest with no bird A house sold with no people or movement A pen or marker with no ink Dark drained clouds draining more Over a pond with lily pads, and no frogs An open desert with no plants or animals A super hero too afraid to save people All trapped in a dark shadow of evil

COLIN Hayden Galileo STEM

Sounds like an angered wolf Growling, but heard he color on his face Is always red with anger or love He is like a Venus ly trap Silent until he strikes He tastes like salsa Hot until he cools

PEACEFUL DAY Lawrence Galileo STEM

Gentle mountain round and strong A small hut with wires overhead between two trees one lowering, one with leaves while a morning dove calls a tree rains fruit

LONELY Riley D. Galileo STEM

A daisy in a ield of weeds A little chick longing for itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother A fruit that lasted all summer, but no one was there to taste itsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sweetness. A doll left in the muddy rain of fall Covered in a coat of leaves

THE GOLDEN SUN Sam B. Galileo STEM

he sweet willow tree Is visited by A small Purple Gentle Butterly he sun shown brightly Yellow Orange And golden Making beams of light It bring happiness To the willow And butterly

SADDNESS Ava Galileo STEM

A hill that blocks the sun from coming out. Rain pours until the lowers die. A swing thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never been touched and never will. A day that never stops raining. Children inside looking out the window. Until the rain stops, which feels like forever. When it does stop the clouds cover the sun. he rainbow comes out he children can never ind the pot of gold at the end. 68

MY MOM Kendall Galileo STEM

My mom is sweet like a chocolate cake. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s purple like a grape. Her voice is like a smooth river running lightly. She is beautiful like a rose, so red And smells like fresh rain.

ANGER Miles Galileo STEM

My spirit is burning to ashes Everyone else is lying. No one is trying to save me, Everyone else is with the spirits. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m trying to save myself Everyone told me ashes started the ire. My emotions are dead.

WINTER Reagan Galileo STEM

Bitter cold, like spending a night in a ice-illed freezer Eating warheads till my tongue is numb. Slippery, like a wet jug of cold sticky apple juice Spilled on my front porch. Gross, like my sister acting like a pig in mud, Coming inside and slumping down on the couch. 69

Interesting, like a new book I got at the library with an old dusty cover. Fun, because I get to ice skate, ski, snowboard, and sled down slippery hills of frozen lakes of water Covering the world like a white prison hat goes on for miles and miles. Nonstop covering houses Forcing annoying chirping birds to ly south for three months. I see this on the top of a mountain peak As winter goes for as long as I can see.

MY NAME Taylee Galileo STEM

Smooth as the moon. My name is a girafe tall skinny and soft. My name is an angel loating through the sky where all my friend can see me. My name is chocolate cake looking and smelling nice I am curvy like the sun. My name has a smile so big it lights up the sky. My name can hear everything that you can. 70

I REMEMBER Madelyn Rose Hill Montessori School

I remember the irst time I fell of my horse. My dad had spooked her. I remember the irst time I heard the word â&#x20AC;&#x153;epic.â&#x20AC;? I remember the irst time I saw my relection and realized it was me. I remember the irst time I broke my arm. I was rollerblading with my dog. I remember the irst time I saw Big Ben. I remember the irst time I swam in water. I remember the irst time I rode on a train. I remember the irst time I rode on an airplane. I remember my irst Halloween. Spooky. I remember the irst time I lost my tooth. I ran outside and started screaming until my mom scolded me. I remember the irst time I saw a waterfall. I remember the irst time I wore a clown wig. I remember the irst time I rode a rollercoaster. I remember the irst time I went to a funeral. I remember the irst time I saw a zebra. I remember the irst time I went to a wedding. 71

I remember the irst time I caught a little slippery ish.

BAT, RAT, CAT Anabel Rose Hill Montessori School

he bat Had a rat Who had a cat Who had a mat. he mat Would sit lat While the cat Would stay fat. he rat Would say “meow” While the bat Would say “ciao.”

I AM ANGRY Elyse Rose Hill Montessori School

he gunshot rings in my ears My father falls to the ground I am angry he murderer runs But he gets caught I am angry he police take him To their car I am angry he pick up my fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lifeless body I am angry We walk to the cemetery In pitch black clothes I am angry he sheet is lifted From the coin I am angry he ashes are put Into a jar I am angry I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know Why we keep the jar I am angry My life is changed For ever now I am angry I remember the sound Of the gunshot now I am angry

THE LITTLE TOWN Sierra Rose Hill Montessori School

Walking through the woods one day, I stumbled within the leafy decay. And when I stood from the forest loor, I spied this totally massive door. It’s giant lock was the biggest I’ve seen, But the key it needed was rather lean. I looked for that key upon the ground, And there I found a miniature town. Little mice and toads and so many things, Emerged from the houses in that early spring. I knelt down in a low repose, And there before me was a mouse in clothes. But wouldn’t you know it here came this cat, Leapt into that little town and that was that.

KAZAM John-Luke Rose Hill Montessori School

I can turn men into women, or women into men. Yes, it’s weird, but it’s true. I found out a few years ago when I was running the elementary school’s hallways acting like a magician. “Oh Kazam!” I yelled running around a corner, and there was the principal staring at me. I turned, but got one last “Kazam!” in before making my escape. He was red faced. And he was big. And I expected to hear his deep angry shout. But instead of hearing Principal Jack’s deep voice I heard a high woman’s voice. So, I turned around to see what’s going on, and was shocked and horriied to see not a tall hulking man, but a petite woman, who was still plenty angry. Well, that was my last day at that school. It was almost summer, so we had time to ind a new school for me. hat night in my bed it hit me: “Do I have super powers?” I laid there wondering if I could become a super hero, and name myself Kazam. I closed my eyes and imagined my outit – a big red cape like Superman, a black mask like Batman, a metal chest plate like hor, and also military boots like Beep Beep Beep Beep. Morning. I opened my eyes to see light coming through my window. I turned of my alarm clock and got out of bed, got ready to eat breakfast and got ready for school. But then I remembered, no school! Sweet. I walked to the kitchen, nobody. he living room, empty. he garage, empty, too – oh yes, that’s right, my parents had to work early. I took a moment to relect on what my life might be like now, as a super hero, as Kazam. I wondered if I could switch my parents’ genders with my super powers? Hmmm, I thought. I’d better be careful. I’d better not abuse what’s been given me. Or misuse it … And hey let’s get to work doing good. I was alone for the day, so you know what I did? I went upstairs to my mom’s supply closet, and I started making my outit so I’d be ready for my new role in life – Kazam!

IN THE DOORWAY Emma Idaho Distance Education Academy

he sun crests above the horizon. he air tastes fresh and clear. he sovereign rooster crows loudly, splitting the silence I once heard. I can see the water wheel turning, the grass smells clean and new. I can feel the cool breeze kiss my skin as I open the door into the world.

THE COLOR OF DREAMS Emily H. Seven Oaks Elementary

Red. Everywhere. here is no other color. Red so vibrant I close my eyes. Still red. I fall. I am falling through a rainbow of colors. Black. So dark I can’t see. I close my eyes and hope to see red. I see black. I open my mouth to say, well, I don’t know what to do but no noise comes out. I close my eyes. Orange. So bright I can barely see. I know if I close my eyes I will see orange. I look down at my shoes. hey’re orange. I open my eyes. People everywhere, music so loud. I open my window and yell to my neighbors keep it down! and I fall back to sleep. Yellow so bright I can’t see. I look down and everything is yellow. he bottom of my shoes, my pants, my shirt, my skin, my hair. I close my eyes. Still yellow. Yet not as bright. I open my eyes. Green. So dark I can barely see. Darker than a pear. he color of grass. Everything is green. My sneakers, my pants, my hair, my shirt, my skin. I close my eyes. Still green. I open them. Blue. Like the sky, but darker. I know if I close my eyes I will see blue, and when I open them I will be in a new color. I know if I look down everything will be blue. So I close my eyes. Still blue. I thought if it is not going to let me leave, I should explore it for a bit— So I go of to explore. I run all the way back to red. hen I go back to blue. I close my eyes. I open my eyes. 77

Purple. he color of a grape. I start running the direction I think blue is, but the purple is never ending. I close my eyes. It is still purple. I open my eyes. Home. Back home. In my white sneakers, my navy blue jeans, my white v-neck t-shirt. My grey jacket, my dirty blonde hair. I will never forget the color of dreams.

CROSSING THE DELAWARE Katie Seven Oaks Elementary

In the late night of December 26th, my men and I are ighting to cross this freezing pod of water complete with ice, ice, and more ice. But this victory in Trenton against the Hessians will send a message to the ruler of Great Britain. Ah, but in this tiny wooden rowboat with knees clunking together like old swords everything white from the frozen snow and the American lag waving hopefully in the wind. he British squeezing out all of our joy like an over-ripe pear and cutting out all our hope with their scissors as red as their coats. All that keeps us alive is thinking of that hopefully sweet victory awaiting the ight in Trenton. Yes, and that my men and country, including the great city of Trenton, will be as happy as buzzing bees, like a puppy when his master comes home. Home, that is what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re making. When we walk down the streets of Trenton, the families will shout for joy as they return home.

THE YELLOW BOLT Grace Seven Oaks Elementary

Most of you may know me I made what you now call electricity hat yellow bolt coming down from the blue sky It struck me and I fell dead I arise from the grave smelling of putrid gasses and molded banana peels as a zombie I put my house key on a string only to ind it struck by the yellow bolt causing an explosion My hair went crazy I was just trying to put my house key where nobody could reach it I will put it under a rock next time I went to my good friend G. Washington to ix my house key right up Sadly he couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t He was busy ixing the captainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bulletproof underwear

ANGER Madelene Seven Oaks Elementary

A ire-breathing dragon Sunshine falling from the sky Creatures screeching through the night Fire in every eye Rock music blaring Wrecking balls banging Trying to ind a way out Red lava bubbling Sprinting through life Trying to be free Screaming inside your head Dying inside Monkeys stomping in your brain Stinking corpse lilies in the air 81

Drowning in your own madness Red in the face with FURY Vampire bats surrounding you Scratching your eyeballs out Clawing out your tongue

MY MOM Tyler Seven Oaks Elementary

In this one you are a tributary, lowing silently down a summer road. In this one you are my wanderlust, taking me on a journey far away. In this one you are my light in the dark, my guide. In this one you are a fart in the wind, unique. In this one you are my crutches. In this one you are sweet honey from a beehive. On this one you are a canvas, sheltering me from the screaming rain and hail. In this one you are sweet frozen yogurt. 83

MY TOAST Aidan Seven Oaks Elementary

When I get out of bed, I fall as fast as an anvil. When I brush my teeth, my teeth are like a cat in a fox trap while my toast screams in pain because it is being eaten.

THE OTHER WORLD Lauren Seven Oaks Elementary

In the mountains, desert, plains, very little life, bat-eared foxes, rocks, camels, columns of insects skeletons of snowmen, geckos, words, words, words are lightning in the night sky. Pilgrims, were there

at one time. hey saw everything diferently, beautiful plants, lots of living creatures, nothing was impossible. hey would sit on the grass, just thinking about nothing. Deer, and penguins too, were there. Hidden souls under the sand. Nobody understands the desert, not even scientists. he tweety hum of birds is gone.

CHANGE IN THE WEATHER Violet Seven Oaks Elementary

I sit alone upon my bench nature around me the rain dances in front of me. Standing from the bench, I walk. Making slow steps I drag my hand across the wet bushes. Wondering am I ready? stepping back I whisper no… he tears trickle down my soft rain-soaked cheeks as I say it’s too late. I stop in the cold land smelling of salt water and realize it’s not too late. I’m ready. I open my mouth tasting the fresh cold air. I whisper. From Earth to rain 86

and back again. he sun will rise, my friend. he clouds disappear leaving behind warm gentle rays of sun on my soft cold cheeks. he strong light dries me. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made a change in the weather.

RANDY Aaron Seven Oaks Elementary

In this one you are saying stuf that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t exist in this world. In this one you are dancing on the moon as beautifully as a fairy. In this one you are burning bright inside like a iery comet sparkling at dawn. In this one you are as calm as a sloth hanging from a tree.

LIFE Lukas Seven Oaks Elementary

he night shining as bright as the sun. Diamonds, emeralds piling up on the ground. Death could strike at any moment in your life. Beavers having a good time making their dam. Ghosts and Bigfoot on a mysterious chase. he scent of ire, A smoky smell. A bouncy crab or a lifelong bison, All together to form Galaxies in a colorful line. he taste of fruits like he feeling of happiness. Puins eyeing he super big Cheeto. Monsters are murdered, Sand is shifting. Dog scaring cats. he long tongue of a Chinese river. Millions of people sitting on couches, Lazily watching TV. hen all of life Goesâ&#x20AC;Śtoâ&#x20AC;Ś Sleep. All is quiet. All is dark. All is asleep.

IMAGES OF POWERS Spencer Seven Oaks Elementary

When I’m creative the World becomes mine like a Goddess making a new world in A new galaxy. When I skateBoard I ride on the rings of Saturn and then do a backlip Of of Pluto launching me back to Earth while saying “his is awesome” When I stick out my lexible Neck I touch the moon, then Surround the moon then crush he moon to make a meteor Shower. When I write a paper Tornadoes form and destroy my Mistakes. When I’m an imagination My mind builds like a thousand Men building a sky scraper.

I’M FREE LIKE A FLOWING WATERFALL Sanjana Seven Oaks Elementary

May tastes like sweet Honey as the lowers grow. Do you like the sound of a Small waterfall? Because the wind is beautiful Even if you can’t see it. he bark is brown like dirt And feels as rough as wool. Just shoot the bow A face as colorful as the Sunset. And I see a lock of birds, It makes me want to ly free With them. he sky’s clouds dances Across the blue sea. Also I wish I was as Free as a bird. I feel relaxed when I see the stars. But I want to be as sly as a black jaguar.

A FACE AS WARM AS GOLD Magnus Seven Oaks Elementary

I feel angry about how they haunt him, I ask, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why did it have to be you.â&#x20AC;? And a bright white room. I feel a dark blue bed as lumpy as dirt. he sky changing from dark pink and orange to black. A clock that must be seen. You must leave is what they say because now my time is over. Also all the other pains that have become. January tastes like bitter water but at the same time sweet butter milk. I see a giant trial that seems impossible to pass. Like a rock crushing a cougar down. But I will miss you for all time A face as warm as gold.

THE BOX Carrie Seven Oaks Elementary

A box that wants to be delivered As comforting as a pillow he sun is going down I am almost down the street. he darkness is in the way I feel happy about the stars It stays the same It is black at night and light at day.

IN A LAND Jack Seven Oaks Elementary

On a hill lay a child from a land far away. Letting the wind surround her for she was not noticing it. For she heard the grass going back and forth, from a distance far away, far away, far away. A child from a land, from a distance beyond where we can see, a land where you can’t touch or feel from where you’re standing, a land where you can’t hear or listen from the way you are acting. But in the land, you can use your mind. And head to imagine it in a whole new way. hat you are seeing.

THE ACCIDENT Isabelle Seven Oaks Elementary

In this photo Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m in a car. I got in a car accident. he car looked like garbage completely Totaled. he glass was shattered. My dad cut his hand. Our Car did somersaults while We were in it. I was sort Of scared but clueless. I was watching elms. My car seat buckle detached while the car Did somersaults. My dad reached back and kept my car seat Buckle together so I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get hurt. My dad shocked. My mom working at the hospital. My mom pregnant with my brothers. My mom was scared, shocked. Wishing I was O.K Me clueless not knowing What just happened at the moment Me, Innocent.

IDAHOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SKY Xzavier Seven Oaks Elementary

When I see the Sky I see Idaho in the Glistening stars. In the Darkness of the moon. Drawing all of it in. In a frame.

The Adventure of a Poem Amy Seven Oaks Elementary

I see a lower in a ield. I don’t Know where I am. I’m a shining star in he sky, I see the moon talking to he yellow sun then I’m back like A lash down to earth. I follow the lower road into the yellow Sunset. I’m in a state going on My way. I see my life lash by me. It didn’t go by fast but it went slow I’m gone away. I went. I’m in A hat spinning and spinning, it smells Like the world.

I AM FROM Karlee Seven Oaks Elementary

I am from the crazy cougars And the hasty huskies, he super seahawks and the Creative cardinals, And the good and the Bad. I am from Wacky Washington to Interesting Idaho, And Beautiful Boise to Exciting Eagle, from Cool Keller to Speedy Spokane. I am from fruit and vegetables, he carbs and the protein, from Junkfood to healthiness. I am from my mom and my Dad, my cats and my dogs, from he Radical Allingtons I am from Angela to Gregi, and Evelyn to Layla, from Allingtonsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; To Smithsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

THE BIRD Liv Idaho Distance Education Academy

he King, he lies Struttinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; around, I can tell he King of the birds, by the way he looks Like he rules the world, all birds lock to him His claws, magniicent as they prod To search, for his next meal I feel the power of his wings As he rises up No doubt, to tend to his kingdom of birds His eyes search the ground, they know Many things What they know, I cannot tell But he knows, I can tell.

THE SILENT BRIDGE Ramla Marian Pritchett High School

I see someone who is ready to bring joy and laughter I see someone who is eager to discover something new I see someone who understands what it means to accept but wants acceptance I see someone who looks unbroken I see someone who looks inexperienced but torn apart I see someone who wants to break free from all worries I am a silent bridge I am a bridge that knows fear I am a bridge that feels love I am a bridge that understand tears I am a bridge that knows joy I am a silent bridge I am silent but I know I know the fear of a child not willing to cross I feel the love of two couples making it to the other side I understand the tears of heartbreak dropping from lost eyes I know the joy of a mother watching her child cross I am a bridge I am a silent bridge I am silent but I know

LOSS OF HER LOVE Samantha Marian Pritchett High School

If I follow my sadness, I ind my pain I see power and strength slipping away from my grip he smell of Gucci perfume takes me to Sunday mornings Standing next to her as I eat the lesh and drink the blood of my salvation he sound of prayers, and begging the Lord for her to be safe And to be strong again, guides me to the loss of the one who held me and my family strong he taste of Sunday Lunch after a long swim Reminds me of the last meal sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll ever make and he last time her fork will touch her plate he touch of the lowers in my hand standing by her picture, And the feeling of tears upon my face Brings me back to her short brown hair Falling of in clumps, knowing itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll never grow back And neither will she

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TORN AND IMPROVED Jordan Marian Pritchett High School

his bridge used to bring joy and wonder Full of beautiful boards and rope of the strongest twine It used to take you to magical lands full of fairies and magic But now, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s broken and apart No way for anything to cross Forgotten, this bridge full of hope Forever stuck over a river Between two worlds his bridge made of iron and steel Strong and tall but still in progress Being rebuilt and made stronger Shelter to birds and bats Letting things cross, but no one ever thinks about it hey just go their way he workers look at it with amazement and pride Forever being built but still the strongest helper in the world Its colors are soft Its ropes are strong People draw with chalk and nails Leaving a mark for the world to remember why it was here

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THE BRIDGE TO HAPPINESS Guadalupe Marian Pritchett High School

I’m looking for the bridge that leads me to happiness I’ve been looking for this bridge most of my life I have not found it yet It’s probably hiding from me It wants me to look harder But why? hen one day I inally ind the bridge I was so happy I crossed it When I got to the other side I saw a mirror I could see myself So, the answer I was looking for, to make me happy, was me It was just simply me the whole time Only I could change to be happy I’m looking for the bridge he bridge that leads me to happiness I’ve been looking for this bridge most of my life But I have not found it yet It’s probably hiding from me i It wants me to look harder But why, I asked myself hen I inally found the bridge I was so happy I crossed it When I got to the other side I saw a mirror A mirror where I could see myself he answer I was looking for to make me happy was me It was simply me the whole time Only I could change to be happy

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LATINA Dulce Marian Pritchett High School

I am not a label, People always say that I’m just another wetback, hat I shouldn’t belong here and just go back to where I came from hat I learned how to hustle in the streets from my family hat I am always going to be a threat to others, Carrying guns or dealing drugs, saying all these curse words to anybody hat I will just make friends with only my race and marry a Mexican too But like I was born here I have the papers but that shouldn’t even matter Like why do we even care about having papers that label us as U.S. citizen? hey say that I’ll always have a crummy life hat my color is more important than who I truly am hat my life will always be poor and unsuccessful because of my physical appearance I’m not even from Mexico or the U.S. I’m a mixture because I speak two languages But I am the color brown Who even made these labels? Why am I always shamed for my color and language? Everyone should just get along No one should just hate another because of their race Wars are always caused by the hatred of another he rumors spread that this race did that hat they’re going to do that if we don’t take action Like what is that? Stop acting that way and learn from the children hey weren’t born racist 103

We made them that way as they started understanding their surroundings his happens everywhere and to everyone, But I guess this is our ever powerful society I am not a label Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re are not a label We are not a label

DE-COMPOSITION Jo Frank Church High School

Festering forests made of hearts swollen with bitter warmth leaking pus beating still, still beating in unmoving bone-trees crafted from cracked ribs torn apart by bloodstained lovers looking to heal

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BROTHERS OF THE PAST Mike Frank Church High School

And so time went on, brothers split from careless thoughts, corrupted ideas made into action. Down the street we walked, efortlessly breaking into a home of a “homie,” forgetful of the consequences, gone from drugs that make you not you, hide or run they came home, instinctively running, just running, killed lungs only let you go so far, lying to myself, making believe I don’t care, nothing for my future. Options to leave, but afraid to go. Prosecuted for something not done by me. Questions collect in the minds of the innocent. Restating the situation to replace a brother and put me in his shoes, sitting nervously across from someone I used to call “mother.” Tempers raging like wildire. Undermining my part, she blames it on my true family, venomous, poisons our reputation with the law, wickedly trying to make my life hard, ‘xamples made up to anger my judge, youthfulness wasted with an appointed baby sitter. Zero: the feeling I have for her.

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[AFTER ALL I DO ENJOY BEING MYSELF] Kerry Frank Church High School

After all I do enjoy being myself But sometimes I get lonely. Cautious is what I am. Dramatic changes rarely happen. Efort is what I put in. Forever alone though. Good times and better days come. However I am alone, It’s not sad it’s peaceful. Judge and Kritisize me Looking to hate. Money’s what I make. Not it for company. Opposite is what they want, Pressure is what I receive. Quick to hate, respect to those who appreciate. Self-made success, Time keeps rolling Universe keeps going View of the world Waits at my ingertips. Xhausted, Young and beautiful, Zippin zips

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LITERACY IS FREEDOM AND EVERYONE HAS SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT TO SAY Tim Frank Church High School

they tell me of being who i want to be, unless that’s something diferent they tell me to be anything, as long as they can tell me the choices they tell me to just make myself happy, after they take away what did just that they tell me we’re equal, but they “know” they’re better than me they tell me to speak, without bothering to listen they tell me to live, and i expect to die they tell me this is the only way, stop. they tell me that is wrong, but who’s to say what’s right they tell me to go on but the only road that lies ahead is the one they made with the bricks of crap they tell me they have given every opportunity, that i could make a choice they tell me there are no other pleasures in life, as they keep the best ones for themselves they said i could choose to be a criminal they said i could choose to be good they said that i had every chance, but they’re hiding the best choices they didn’t see the ones pushing me, every chance i had they didn’t see that there’s other ways to be happy, if only they’d let me they didn’t see that there’s good there, if they saw inside the heart they saw a child full of potential, with a journey ahead they saw a path and forgot about the other ones they saw that they were right, and forgot they were wrong 107

they forgot i could build my own way, i didn’t have to stay they forgot i could build a road to happiness, beneath their freeway of lies they forgot that i will rise, and soar above their prying eyes they forgot that if there’s a will there’s a way, and everyone has some will to say.

SOLSTICE OCCURS TWICE PER YEAR, WHICH IS HOW WE DEFINE A YEAR Andrew Frank Church High School

It’s dark out, and I’m ine hat’s a lie, My head is clouded Shrouded, and part of me wishes you were here to keep me company. his cracked screen won’t connect you to me, and we’re communicating, but I’d rather be talking. I’m sorry you don’t really know how I feel all the time, but I don’t want to scare you, cuz I know it scares me, the fault is mine. I know it’s not you, it’s me, we’re perfect for one another, but when are we together? I’ll tell myself I am ine, we are ine, things are ine, night is ine, life is ine but that’s not what’s in my mind, I just want you here, 108

with me, you’re the only one who makes me feel not lonely What does it mean to write a poem? I couldn’t tell you. I don’t write, I rip open my heart, and pour out its contents onto paper when it gets too full, and I hope inside that I will ind, Something to suitor my heart and repair my mind because trust me, it’s busted, It’s broken, It’s damaged, but is that bad? Is that wrong? Even broken toys need some love, if my brain is a bear with a ripped of arm, can’t it still get a hug? I don’t write, I pour, and I pour to repair, and I want to repair to amend relationships I’ve ruined because I’m a broken human.

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PARTY MIX Allessandra Victory Academy

Mix cold winter air With thoughts of the future Spread anxiety Onto anger and sadness Sprinkle fake friends and enemies For confusion Add drama and swim in depression Reheat bad memories of the past Make regrets Beat your emotions So you can no longer feel Bake your favorite meal Drown yourself in distraction Cut in half the number of people you trust Turn on your smile and face reality

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J.J. Tabitha Victory Academy

Hate fueled by the ires of jealousy. A girl used as my replacement. Leave me be or let me go, but for God's sake stop bringing me down. Whispered words traded in for screams. Lies welcomed with open arms. Nights spent crying over truths I deny. Fake smiles, real tears tear me apart. Friends try to help, pushed away by pain. Speak sweet words. Never stop questioning. Forgiving kisses planted on sour lips.

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CRACKS Alexandra Victory Academy

I've lost earbuds countless pairs no clue where they went I've lost papers dozens of library books to the cracks in sofas and chairs lost crumbs and keys numbers I was supposed to keep pencils and pens the list is endless of crap thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gone down the drain but where is the line between meaningless and important drawn? when does a trivial thing like losing a remote become a monumental thing like losing a home?

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NURTURE Alexandria Victory Academy

Children lood monkey bars and grassy ields. We marry on swingsets as we slice through the air. Asphalt grates my knee. He wipes my tears as blood dries. Sun scorches my back. Sand grains settle in every crevice. My mind vacuums thoughts like crumbs and gum wrappers beneath the couch cushion. he lectures about boys ill my ears like Mozart in a concert hall. I would rather hear birds sing to me about a million dollar man.

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FREAKY Yvette Victory Academy

Create an image of pitch black Call it a masterpiece Unwind me like a bent screw in concrete I send fear through touch Caress your mind Rip you without hesitation My love is a lion at meal time A gazelle as my guest I shatter like cancerous bone I am a beautiful crow Flocking on a late fall day Skies shades of grey Clouds charcoal black Lightning bloody red My picnic has just begun

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EMMA’S POEM Chris D. Victory Academy

17. Anticipation lows through my body, it feels like a void has been illed at last. 17. You message our mom; we all cry because you want to meet us. 16. I stalk you on facebook. You’re so beautiful… We look so alike. 16. I have nightmares about you. My family can hear my longing screams. 15. he irst letter in years. You know who we are, you want to meet us one day. 14. 13. Our mom drowns herself in liquor and sorrow. 13. Our mom tells me that losing you was her biggest mistake. 12. 11. I ask about you every day, but stop because I hate when Mom cries. 115

10. I wrote you a letter. I never sent it; I was scared you wouldn’t want me there. 9. We get pictures of you. Pictures that still hang on my walls. Pictures that reassured your big brother that you were ok. 8. 7. Gracie is born. I’m over it now, but I hated her at irst. She looked so much like you. I thought she would replace you, she didn’t. 6. I ask Mom when I can see you, and she has no answer. She just numbs the pain. 5. I slept with your baby picture, without it I couldn't sleep peacefully. 4. I wonder if you love me; the idea that you don’t haunts me. 3. I’m too young to understand that you’re gone, but I’m an angry and emotional baby. 2. You were born. Mom has a picture of us together somewhere. To see it now would be overwhelming. 2. You left with your new family. I was little, but something 116

inside me died that day. 1. 0. Neither of us was born yet, but every person is born for a reason. I was born to be a big brother. To be your big brother. I love you, Sis.

MY GRANDFATHER Brayden Southwest Idaho Juvenile Detention Center

My grandfather is a sagebrush Small, strong and unyielding My grandfather is deep blue, as deep as the waters of a lake My grandfather is the rustle of leaves, quiet as the deer it announces.

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MY MOTHER MAKING TORTILLAS Yesenia Southwest Idaho Juvenile Detention Center

She puts up her hair in a bun, washes her hands, and sets the masa in the big yellow bowl. She gets a cup of water, dumps it in, and starts to knead it until it gets nice and dense. She pats it with force, lipping it, looking up at me and laughing. his is the realest love Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll ever get, standing right in front of me, on a Saturday morning.

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WHAT I REMEMBER Alexis Southwest Idaho Juvenile Detention Center

I remember my irst Christmas by myself. I opened all my presents really fast, and spent the rest of the day watching TV. I remember meeting my dad for the irst time when I was twelve. I was terriied because he had just gotten out of prison. We went to Burger King. He asked, “How old are you now, mi hija, nine?” I didn’t answer. We just ate our burgers quietly.

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FOR MY BROTHER, LONG GONE Brandon Southwest Idaho Juvenile Detention Center

When mom didn’t come home ‘till three in the morning, you’d cook me dinner, keep me entertained. You’d tell me to do my homework and you’d make it fun, somehow. I wish you had never left. Mom’s changed and I’m all alone. Remember when mom couldn’t pay the bills so we tried mowing lawns? We only made enough to pay for the house phone, but it was something.

BEST DAY EVER: A PICTURE Trison Southwest Idaho Juvenile Detention Center

I am eight years old in the desert gliding on my scooter past tall cacti on either side. Wearing my favorite red shirt and a smile a mile wide, a melting popsicle in my hand, I’m struggling to stay steady. Hot breeze on my face, hair standing on end, pure joy in my eyes.

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DEATH IS A TAXI Alek Southwest Idaho Juvenile Detention Center

Death is a taxi, circling the drive, pulling up 15 minutes too early. Death is a kite lying in the wind just waiting to come down.

THE AGGRESSOR Jonathan Ada County Juvenile Detention Center

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a person who knocks Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m the wolf hey live in a house of blocks I do not lose sleep over the opinions of sheep if they bite the hand that feeds they will surely weep I never check behind myself the foolish never creep on me their audacity is nothing beyond one day I will humbly say how my ego swept me of my pedestal got me shacked living life in dismay but not today.

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BIGGEST REGRET Ivy Ada County Juvenile Detention Center

My biggest regret, not my irst, only, or inal; was leaving. Padding out their front door, slipping soundlessly into fresh, dry air, into the darkness that enveloped me, cocooned and concealed me; my path lit only by soft glare of the moon on the pavement, my pace quickened by the glint of streetlights shining of the golden hood of his car, and as I opened the door the night spit me out, threw me into my newfound world of freedom, so excited by this thought I could smell the salt leaking from my palms, that I was blinded, running from responsibilities, given only out of unconditional loveâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; it is no feeling I wish to feel again. I was naĂŻve as a newborn, tossed into my new world, unknowing it was to consume me in emptiness. I could go anywhere, do anything, and yet the vastness inside me could never be illed, for what is total freedom but chaos? It all meant nothing without love, without family.

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CHECK YOURSELF BEFORE YOU WRECK YOURSELF Kayla Ada County Juvenile Detention Center

Days and nights, weeks and months, I sit in this cell. I eat this oily greasy food, I eat this undercooked meat. his is my life at this moment. I read books all day, I do ifth grade work, I get treated like crap from these stuck up girls. his is my reality because of MY CHOICES and ONLY MINE.

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REGRET Matt Ada County Juvenile Detention Center

Maggie had pigtails in her hair, she had a dirty stufed rabbit in her hand. In the crack of the door she watched her brother: role model. A two-foot tube made of glass, her brother brought it to his lips to catch it on ire. Maggie had tears in her eyes. She had a question in her head: Why? he next two months her brother was never home. She knew. She had enough regret for the both of them.

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THE LIGHT I KNOW Draco Ada County Juvenile Detention Center

You can’t see where the light ends. he light shines of the ground and makes little sparks as I walk away. Children laugh and scream, swirl down that red twirly slide, or swing higher into the sky. I hear my family singing. hey’re singing to me. It’s my 9th birthday. My father tells my sister, “Don’t touch,” my mom, “Don’t cry.” You can’t see where the light ends. he sun beats down on us. he popsicles, the ice, it’s all melting.

THIS IS HAIL Kiaja Ada County Juvenile Detention Center

It’s tempting to hold back the cold. It’s freezing. I can hear the cold cracking. he wind speeds up and the pain increases. he more I think about silence, the harder it is to be quiet. 125

LOST Trayson Ada County Juvenile Detention Center

What does it even mean to write a poem? A confession. here’s something in my mouth, It’s melting, where did it come from? What is it? Oh my God—it’s my tongue. I feel—I don’t know—just wrong. I need water; it scares me, doesn’t help, just makes it worse. My feet are dissolving into the loor. Grabbing a counter, it molds my hand, I’m burning, freezing, tingling. Not really scared, just confused. Did I die? his isn’t my kitchen, where am I? I try to think but I hurt; I just feel like falling down. I’m soaked, the sink over illing, water’s falling on me, the kitchen’s looded— I don’t care—why? Going to bed, can’t sleep. he light won’t turn of. Hope I wake up—it’s just a dream. I know what this feeling means. It means I don’t want to be lonely

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IT Kierra Ada County Juvenile Detention Center

Sitting in my room, it’s dark. I can hear my mom walking upstairs. It whispers in my ear, I know it’s here. Sshhh, don’t make a sound. I can hear her sweet snores through a few doors. I feel calm. It says now is the time. I whisper okay. And away I go. Flying high in the clouds it whispers one more time. Away I go never letting go.

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THE VALLEY Josh Ada County Juvenile Detention Center

As the river lows through the valley boats travel through the sunrise. Cold but not a single breeze. Decibels of noise as they make their trip. Eager to ind whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at the end, following the stream in the sunset. Gucci Mane comes to the boat, he looks the sailors in the eyes intentionally turns the stream to gold. Joshua the third comes lying in the valley. Kids in the boats get on their knees and begin to pray. Language. He teaches the sailors and children along with Gucci Mane. Mango is the fruit of life to these children and sailors. Negativity will never touch the valley after Gucci and Josh. Original but not plain, the boys and the girls say his name. Past the valley they see the moon questioning if they will come to an end soon, relating their long wait to the winterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day. Something in the horizon brings the questioning away. Terrible sight, they say, uproar of a soaring wind, very big but not so bright as x-rays they use to tell the tale. You see, the Yeti at the end of the trail: zero children and sailors survived the trip.

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ONE DAY Lexi Ada County Juvenile Detention Center

People coming in, letting me out, the sun above, the sky a light blue, feeling the wind on my face, the smell of fresh mown grass, cars passing by, a daughter hugging her mom, tears running down her cheeks, people playing in parks, dogs being walked, happiness shown as people smile, bright lowers blooming, buildings lined up one by one, the sunrise turns to sunset, the sky turns from a light blue to pink and orange to a story dark blue, this is the life I dream about, one day Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll live it.

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LIFE Veronica Ada County Juvenile Detention Center

People walking down a hall in a straight L–I–N–E Hands behind their backs orange jacket, blue pants, green/ blue shirts. People telling you what to do 24/7 We don’t care his life is BS writing songs, writing rhymes only thinking of the outs, not getting anything out of the time juvenile after juvenile friend after friend coming in going out what is the system even about? Locking people up thinking time will change them only people can change themselves not cell walls not dumb advice his is life And only you will pay the price.

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SKATEBOARDING Eric Ada County Juvenile Detention Center

Gliding along the concrete stomach throbbing, euphoria slowly consuming me from head to toe. Wood on four wheels held together by eight bolts the smell of grip tape in the air, my shoesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; breath reeks of dedication and time. My destiny has been foretold by the gods, my days are to be spent by me and me only. Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock: I will never quit. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my fate.

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[THE BUTTER KNIFE] Charles Ada County Juvenile Detention Center

he Butter knife sinks into my skin, inding its destination to the bone. Teeth grind. he ink is on paper. he toothpick penetrates the inside of her gums. Find me. It is a jolly good show for others. It is night. It is mud. It is the smell of marker. he rock hits the wheel, then she stops. We are broken pencils, we add tape but the tape doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hold.

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AIRPLANE Alex Ada County Juvenile Detention Center

As I go, I prepare for the best, hoping for this light to be exciting and interesting, as there are things that keep me unbalanced. I lift and strive for the best. here are paths where things are diicult, maybe losing air, stumbling, falling, but the least you can do is try and stay balanced, breathing, taking on things bigger than me. I stay strong, letting the past go by me. When I feel weak I’ll come down like a raindrop and splatter, or I’ll come down with a bright smile and very slowly, putting my wheels to the ground, testing myself, seeing my balance steady and land with joy. I still succeed. With my wings out and balanced, the path I lead goes on.

THE TRAILER TRAP D.J. Ada County Juvenile Detention Center

he whole team iends for nicotine or methamphetamine. It all seems like a dream, everything so vivid my wits are so keen, but I’m at home with my brothers, they just can’t see the dream. I’m broken and alone, but I had to leave the scene.

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TEACHING WRITERS’ BIOGRAPHIES Brady Udall is the author of he Miracle Life of Edgar Mint, Letting Loose the Hounds and he Lonely Polygamist. His work has appeared in he Paris Review, Esquire and elsewhere. He teaches writing at Boise State University, and was appointed Writerin-Residence of Idaho in 2010.

Cassie Angley lived in New York City where she wrote, produced, and often performed in more than 12 original plays and musicals. Most recently she performed her play Finding the Michaels of Broadway at the San Francisco Marsh. She’s worked as a teaching artist for almost a decade.

Daniel Stewart, a teaching-writer for he Cabin’s Writers in the Schools and Summer Writing Camps since 1999, has authored a collection of poems, he Imaginary World. A variety of print and online publications featured his poems, including Educe, Lonesome Fowl, Puerto Del Sol, Prairie Schooner, Rattle, and hrush, among others.

Erin Belair is an MFA in creative writing candidate in her second year at Boise State University. Before coming to Boise, she received a BA in creative writing from UC Irvine, was the lifestyle editor and feature story writer for Local Magazine, and taught poetry to irst generation bilingual students in Santa Ana, California. Guisela Baruth is a writer of iction, poetry and prose. She has been working with young writers for more than ifteen years. A native of Guatemala, Guisela has lived in Boise for 25 years where she was a Top Ten Scholar at Boise State University and earned her M.A. in Literacy. She has been teaching since 1977. She has provided literacy and whole language Spanish workshops throughout the Northwest. 134

She runs La Tertulia Spanish Learning Center in Boise, an organization that aims to promote bilingualism and the beneits of multiculturalism.

Heidi Kraay is a playwright who also writes poetry, iction and noniction. Selected work is published in Bewildering Stories, Anastamoo, he 5-2, he Zodiac Review and others. Plays have been developed and/or produced locally, regionally and in NYC. She loves bridging genre gaps and teaching through Boise Contemporary heater and he Cabin. Kaie Fuller is the Program Manager at THE CABIN. She holds an MA in English from the University of Maine where she also edited the journals Stolen Island and Paideuma, and an MFA in Poetry from Boise State University. Her poems have appeared in WSQ and SP CE, among others. Formerly a freelance writer in the northeast with work in Downeast and Maine magazines, her chapbooks are out this year from DoubleCross Press and dancing girl press. Kerri Webster is the author of two books of poetry: Grand & Arsenal (winner of the Iowa Poetry Prize and published in 2012) and We Do Not Eat Our Hearts Alone (Georgia, 2005). he recipient of awards from the Whiting Foundation, the Poetry Society of America, and the Idaho Commission on the Arts, she has taught in the MFA programs at Washington University in St. Louis and Boise State. hrough WITS, Webster has held residencies in Boise, Nampa, Caldwell, Bruneau, Horseshoe Bend, Idaho City, and Payette.

Laura Roghaar is a poet and educator. She holds a BA in English and Communication from UC Santa Barbara and an MA in English Literature and an MFA in poetry from Boise State University. Her chapbook of poems, SISTERHOUSE, is out from dancing girl press. 135

Kevin Kelley grew up in the high desert countryside of Nampa, Idaho. His writing has appeared in hin Air Magazine, he Goodmen Project, and Idaho Family Magazine. Kevin received his Masters in English in 2013, and is a former editorial staf member of he Idaho Review. He currently teaches English Composition at Boise State University. Chrisian Winn is a iction writer, poet, journalist, and teacher of creative writing. His iction has appeared in McSweeney’s, he Chicago Tribune’s Printers Row Journal, Hayden’s Ferry Review, Greensboro Review, Chattahoochee Review, Gulf Coast, Bat City Review, Every Day Fiction, he Pinch, Santa Monica Review, Handful of Dust, he Strip, and Revolver. His collection of short stories, NAKED ME, is out from Dock Street Press. He has written for he Boise Weekly, hrive, he Idaho Statesman, and Idaho Magazine. He is the founder of the Writers Write iction workshop series, co-founder and committee member of Storyfort, and curator of Modern Campire Stories. He teaches iction writing at Boise State University, and though Writers in the Schools and he Cabin’s summer camps.

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ABOUT THE CABIN he Cabinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to inspire and celebrate a love of reading, writing, and discourse throughout Idaho and the region. Each year, he Cabin serves 750 members, more than 2,000 children and youth, and 30,000 people through educational and cultural programs. We serve our diverse constituents through:

Readings & Conversaions, an annual lecture series featuring world-class authors.

Writers in the Schools (WITS) which places professional writers in classrooms, juvenile detention centers, and community organizations for in depth writing-residencies.

Cabin Wriing Camps ofering summer creative writing adventures for youth across Idaho. Wriing Workshops which provide a space for writers in our community to develop their craft through discussion and critique.

Writers in the Aic, an annual publication opportunity for local writers.

Read Me Treasure Valley, an invitation for the community to read the same book.

Literary aciviies such as visiting author workshops, readings by Idaho authors, free drop-in workshops and other programs for readers and writers of all ages.

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INDEX A Aaron • 87 Aidan • 84 Alek • 121 Alex • 133 Alexandra • 112 Alexandria • 113 Alessandra • 165 Alexis • 119 Amy • 96 Anabel • 72 Annabelle • 8 Andrew. • 108 Ashton • 23 Ava • 68 Aviv •62

B Brandon • 120 Brayden • 117

DJ • 133 Draco • 125 Dulce • 103

E Eden • 66 Elena • 29 Elise • 60 Ella • 64 Elyse. • 73 Emily B. • 16 Emily H. • 77 Emma • 76 Eric • 131 Evan • 56

G Grace • 80 Guadalupe • 102

H C Caitlin • 20 Carrie • 92 Charles • 132 Chris BP • 21 Chris D. • 115 Claire • 44 Clara • 63 Crew • 61

D Dani • 63

Hayden • 66 Holland • 10

I/J Ivy • 122 Isabelle • 94 Jena• 26 Jack• 93 Jacob• 49 Jo• 104 John-Luke • 75 Jonathan • 121 138

Jordan • 101 Josh • 128

K Karlee • 97 Katelyn • 58 Katherine • 38 Katie •79 Kaydance • 22 Kayla • 123 Kendall • 69 Kerry • 106 Kiaja •125 Kierra •127

L Lakota • 18 Lauren • 84 Lawrence • 67 Lexi • 129 Liana • 7 Liv • 98 Lukas • 88

M Madelene • 11 Madeline • 81 Madelyn • 71 Magnus • 91 Matt • 124 Micah • 19 Mike • 105 Miles • 69

N Noah • 65 139

R Ramla • 99 Reagan • 69 Reece • 57 Riley D. • 67 Riley K. • 17

S Sam B. • 68 Sam L. • 65 Samantha • 100 Sanjana • 90 Sierra • 74 Soia • 59 Sophia • 55 Spencer• 89

T Tabitha • 111 Taylee • 70 homas • 34 Tim • 107 Tovi • 173 Trayson • 126 Trison • 120 Tyler • 83

V-Z Veronica • 130 Violet • 86 Xzavier • 95 Yancey • 25 Yesenia • 118 Yvette • 114

IT’S TEMPTING TO H O L D B A C K T H E C O L D. IT’S FREEZING. I CAN HEAR THE COLD CRACKING. THE WIND SPEEDS U P A N D T H E PA I N I N C R E A S E S . THE MORE I THINK ABOUT SILENCE, THE HARDER

I T I S T O B E Q U I E T.

--KIAJA, Ada County Juvenile Detention Center

THE CABIN BOISE, ID