The Central Review
2021-22. Vol. 1.
Arts and Literary Magazine
“Butterflies”
Adriana Zollin
2
STAFF Shelby Ray Editor-in-Chief
Kirby Hoy Art & Graphics Editor
Viggo Shafer Poetry & Lyrics Editor
Aiyana Anthony Staff Member
Ella Boozer Fiction Editor
Gage Patty Non-Fiction Editor
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table of CONTENTS
2 6 8 10 12 14
Cover Art &
Staff Members
Art Recognition Awards
Poems
Graditude in times of Lack The Summer
Dark Seas Changes
Choas I’m sad, I’m angry, goodbye. Life
16 18 20 22 24 26
Forests
The Noise
A-Z Statistics & War Poetry
Fiction and Nonfiction
Reflected in the World
Singing for the Soul Art Recognition
Top Ten Rap Albums
Art Recognition
1st 6
“Sailing at Sunset” Kelsey Stevens
Runner-up
“Grasshoppers” Rylie Kaberline
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POEMS
“Roko”
Sarah Blount
8
“A Momentary Pondering” When does it end? I guess that’s the point that it’d end The only point that matters really The whole story had led to this exact moment The climax had preached their success, Falling actions gave way to the conclusion, but what should it be? The final glimpse into the tale Maybe it never ends And the only end is the beginning If that makes sense
Simply proving that I have no answer I have questions that I cannot solve alone Give me one person to talk with or is that codependency? When is my end? I don’t know who could answer that one for me but I wouldn’t care to know the age How do I rest? I ponder this on a daily basis Yet never will I guess my own fate It leaves me in a blissful naivety I would not want it any other way
Or what if the end is so sudden that it stops the whole world that has built so far Where does it end? I suppose it should be the last chapter but would that really be the finished product? Isn’t there a whole novel beyond that? I would say yes, but I am a mere novice so what do I know? My questions are rampant due to my thoughts being constant I apologize for any misunderstandings Thus I distract from the main topic further
so perhaps the end should be nothing but then it would leave you dissatisfied What would the point be then? Back to the drawing board The resolution can be happy but I never liked that cliche It could make you cry but I don’t want to make you sad Maybe a neutral would be nice A little smile with a couple tears Thus give way for life.
1st place poem
Lance Bode
9
“Gratitude in Times of Lack”
“Flowers”
Rylie Kaberline
Gratitude in times of lack Happiness to pick up the slack When nothing sems right Just a cold winter winds bite But if we think of the good In spite of what could Be considered as bad Then much will make us glad Gratitude in times of despair Like filling up a balloon with air Up and up is where we will go Then all we see is wonder below A light to shine when all is dim Just by letting gratitude in
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Lena Mangum
“The Summer”
“Leaves”
Rylie Kaberline
The Summer is ending You won’t see kids running down the street anymore And when you do they’ll still be running with joy The joy in their minds where all they can think about is the candy they’ll eat that night But they won’t Their parents will eat it all in the end They will take away something they’ve loved And that’s what fall is Taking away something I love It’s taking away my freedom My freedom to stay out late with my friends My freedom to swim My freedom to not care of school But now my freedom is gone Due to fall In the fall everything changes From the elaves and the weather To the homes and the families used to talk They used to laugh in the summer Now fall has started sports, school, work Boring new things now occupy their time Now their days now mush together No new things Because when fall comes it never seems to leave
To the people who claim to love fall We know that those are lies Because who would love a time where school starts When the summer leaves Late night drives slip away When your mind is cramped up with stress and exhaustion Summer was a break Fall is the start of a dreadful time The start of a new school year The start of new weather New scenery From the leaves to the decorations And this fall Halloween won’t be the only thing scaring me My grades will My mind and anxiety of school The thought of being a perfect student Of not missing out Of being well rounded This fall I should be enjoying it But I simply cannot Not when I know I have things to do When school is knocking me down everytime I stand up I’m so tired But it’s only fall Some say it will never leave And others say it’ll stay But I can only dream it’ll go away
Noemi Rains
11
Paighton Crumley
“Dark Seas” The sea is dark tonight War cries are heard all around Bombings in the distance Bringing the eternal note of sadness in The sea is dark tonight soldiers all around They lay there on the soothing plain Wondering of a world with little pain The sea is dark tonight Oh love bring me near Block out the cries of war around us And dream with me my dear
“Sunset”
Adriana Zollin
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Inspired by “Dover Beach”
“Changes” The clock never stops ticking, it looks like it’s that time of year’ we bring out the jackets and sweaters, for fall is finally here. The temperature grows colder, you’re able to see your own breath in the air; the leaves start to change color, and the trees become bare. Humans are a lot like trees, we change as time goes by. We don’t like to accpet it, we often try to deny. But change cannot be resisted, the tree still loses its leaves, yet it still stands tall and waits for spring; we should try to be more like the trees. If you don’t change, you don’t grow, and you can’t just stay within the cold; you’ll miss the whole world, at least that’s what I’ve been told. There’s a whole world waiting out there, it’s changing everyday. So there’s nothing to be afriad of, there is so much on display. Fopr if flowers never change, they’ll never get to bloom, and if the day never turned into night, you would’ve never been able to witness the stars and the moon. It’s a concept this population can’t comprehend, it is such a peculiar thing; ah look, the leaves are coming back, the season is changing into spring.
Willow Deckinger
“Smoky Water”
Rylie Kaberline
13
Lance Bode
“Chaos” A shrill cry can be heard constantly The screaming agonies of the world against you What benefit does fighting give other than momentary silence? The fire will continue to guide my thoughts but how can I make it grow? My chest tries to burst out against itself My eyes light a blaze in my path And the screams crescendo I squeeze until the life is gone And all that remains is kindle What gave you this fire? The crushing weight of your chest? Quash. Silence. A temporary lull once more
“Sunset”
Ella Boozer
“I’m sad, I’m angry, goodbye.”
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Today I tried to comfort somebody With the words of a loved one They cried. The life that i am drawn from Inscribed I’m sad. I’m angry. goodbye.
Lance Bode
So I’ll sing proud in an empty room
“Life” The odd incatracies The strange nuances Life’s lemons hold orange juice And the birds swim softly How did we ever get here? Who could have predicted? To be safe we hide face In more ways than one
Lance Bode “Orange Rose”
Ella Boozer
People are much the same As you and I Yet no ones the same In another person’s eye
Rylie Kaberline
“Macro Flower”
Oh the fruit of the holy Oh the actions of the damned
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Lena Mangum
“Forests” Trees tall and wide, stretch from the ground Look anywhere and there are critters to be found Full of ferns, vines, and many piles of leaves All of it moving along with the breeze The restling sound, that all of it makes Is reflected in every pond and all lakes The smell of life just permeates the air The harmony found is a beautiful as rare While at first may seem quiet, is filled to the brim With sound that rivals the best written hymm The whistles and clicks, the rustles galore Leaves you waiting, listening for more The peace, and the chaos, is rivaled by none And through all of that, its beauty is spun The light and the shadow, the life and death Is ever carried on by the forests every breath
“Through the Trees”
Rylie Kaberline
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“The Noise” I’ll watch my mind Please take away my time I wouldn’t use it right anyway Procrastinating is that of a remedy In which I cannot partake;
Lance Bode
Rylie Kaberline
“Up the Stairs”
My abjected love followed by dejected chords A symphony completed by only one The Noise Yes, The Noise sits nicely with me tonight My insides may be stirred and graying My life may be draining but hold me tight When the time comes I’ll stay wrong, I’ll push towards the light,
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“A-Z”
Lance Bode
A deception of love A deception for love A discrepancy in tongues The air I breathe just doesn’t feel the same as it was Oh, the hair to be fondled I wish it was my own I can’t see straight, I cant think right May the path unveil passably I want to live when I’m awake What could cause a heartbreak; I feel it
“Rose”
Morgan Holt
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“Statistics” Political expendability labeled as bravery. Some call it a pessimistic mindset. In reality, it’s all a concept. The lives lost become a statistic, But to those affected life is altered forever. The mental and physical trauma, Dismissed for the sake of morale. Propaganda and lies constantly used to conceal weakness.
Carson Brewer
“War Poetry” It’s cold. It’s always cold now. The blinding light is so bright, But the moon isn’t hanging in the sky. There’s the smell of smoke in the wind But still everything is under the blanket, The blanket of dark, that somehow brings no warmth. It’s suffocating. Toes in the sand Water, down the face of the cliff Silent tears, a mirror to the feelings of so many. They lean over the edge, Every last one of them. Waiting, thinking Dreading. Is it worth the plunge? Or is that choice even theirs to make? The water is rising And the tide will not stop to spare them.
Noelle Brightup
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“From up Above”
Rylie Kaberline
FICTION & NON-FICTION
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“Reflected in the World” I pulled up to the parking lot and stepped out of my car, hot asphalt under the soles of my shoes. I shut the car door and as the sound traveled through the air, the wild wind began whipping at my skin and running through my hair. I took a deep breath and smelled the storm in the humid summer air. I locked my car and turned to face the road. Slowly, I trod on in an attempt to pacify the unruly storm brewing inside. As I walked steadily forward the wind started picking up, making its presence very aware to me and the rulers of the forest as it traveled through their leaves. Cotton balls of gray made their way into the sky. They covered up the sun and the vibrant light faded to dullness. A sudden chill ran through the air sending goosebumps to my arms. I came across a quaint building and made my way inside. I entered the building and looked around. The outside was much more attractive than the inside. The walls were made of cream-painted cinderblock and the floor of cracked concrete. The room was barren, the only thing that caught my attention, a solitary modern mirror. Dirt and grime coated the cheap mirror, it had never been cleaned. My reflection stared back at me, tears streaming down the smooth, flushed skin. Gaze held, seas of storms swirled about the eyes. Fear and anguish present in the body. As an instinct, I turned around with distress and exited the building. I stood alone on the abandoned street and raised my head to look around for a moment. It was as if everything that was present in the reflection had somehow been embodied by the outside world. Rain pelted down and bit at my skin, hiding the tears that seemed to only become stronger. The thunder roared savagely creating fear that traveled through my blood and made a home in my gut. The wind screamed in my ears with the same anguish as the mirror. It left me feeling like I had been eviscerated by all the things I never allowed to leave my boundless heart. My head faced to the sky as all the fear, pain, and turbulent emotions swirled around, making me the eye of my own storm. I cried to the sky, cried out everything that I’d been holding inside, cried out all the breath from my lungs. I collapsed to my knees and let the tears fall to the earth. When I lifted my chin, all was tranquil. The heavens were clear and bright, the trees green and smiling. The sun looked down at me and nodded in just. I pulled myself from the ground and made my way home.
Emma Phillips
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“Religion Causes War” War and religion are closely interlinked. On the surface, religion seems like a peaceful concept, but it does have a dark side. Religion causes some of the worst wars in history because some religions and sacred texts are interpreted to where people feel they need to inflict their beliefs on others, and different beliefs to cause tension, distrust, and intolerance between people of different religions, and these deep-seated beliefs sometimes cause people to move to extremes. Islamist extremist groups- such as Al-Queda- believe that the sole basis for a country’s law and their cultural and social life should be religion. Islamist extremists believe that violence is acceptable to ahcieve these goals. Most verses in the Quran do not condone violence, except for self-defense, to protect those who have been displaced from their homes, and to protect the innocnet who are being oppressed. There are a few verses (called sword verses) that, according to Islamists, annul the rule o fusing violence in self-defense only. Islamists use certain passages in the Quran to justify war as a means of converting people to Islam. These extremist branches of Islam were so influenced by the Quran that one group, Al-Queda, attacked America’s World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the Capitol, all at once in the sad event we know as 9/11. But religion does bring people together. For some, it provides a sense of well-being and a place where you can be with other similar-minded people. However, often these groups become intolerant of those who do not belong to their religion. History has many examples of religious bigotry. One of the most notable is the Crusades, which took place between 1096 and 1281. Between five and six million people were killed as a result of the Crusades. This includes not only teh soldiers themselves, but those slaughtered for not being a Christian or Muslim, and those who perished of famine or disease. Too many people have died for this religion. This “ruthless and widespread massacre of Muslims, Jews, and other non-Christians resulted in bitter resentment that persisted for many years. Even today, some Muslims derisively refer to the West’s involvement in the Middle East as a ‘crusade.’” People are still affected by what happened and still judge and fear other religions as a result of the Crusades. People will go far to stand up for their religions and their beliefs. In may of 1963, Vietnam banned people from flying the Buddhist flag during Vesak (the celebration of te Buddha’s birthday). Protestors continued flying the flag anyway and marched on the government broadcasting station. Government forces started firing, killing nine and injuring fourteen. The next day, Buddhist monk Thich Quang Duc and more than 300 other nuns and monks went to one of Saigon’s major boulevards. He sat on a cushion while a monk poured gasoline on his
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head. Thich Quang Duc himeself struck the match and dropped it. David Halberstam of the New York Times afterward wrote: “Flames were coming from a human being; his body was slowly withering and shriveling up, his head blackening and charring. In the air was the smell of burning flesh; human beings burn surprisingly quickly. Behind me, I could hear the sobbing of the Bietnamese who were now gathering. I was too shocked to cry, too confused to take notes or ask questions, too bewildered even to think. . . . As he burned he never moved a muscle, never uttered a sound, his outward composure in sharp contrast to the wailing people around him.” The amount of self-discipline and control exhibited by this monk is extraordinary. Sadly, self-immolation is a very effective f orm of protest. People do tend to listen when somebody lights themselves on fire. Thich Quang Duc’s sacrifice drew attention from around the world, inspiring the masses to rise up and end the Diem regime. This shows that people will stand up for their rights and their religious beliefs, and they will do anything to defend them. In conclusion, religion is the cause of wars with horrendous consequences. Although religion is primarily peaceful, when people start fighting for their beliefs, the end results are catastrophic. Religion cuaes war because when people interpret their sacred texts in a way that they feel they need to start inflicting their beliefs on others, people will rise up and do anything to stop them, creating tension and distrust between peoples of different beliefs.
Ella Boozer
“Mini Bird Pitcher”
Emilie Thurman
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“Singing for the Soul” Through my almost eighteen years of life on this planet, I have come to the conclusion that there is a God of the universe. He sent his son to die to pay for our sins, so that we may live with Him for eternity. Therefore, every human (whether they want to admit it or not) has an eternal soul. This is the part of us that is truly alive, and will never perish. With this understanding, I have come to find that I have been given many talents and passions that fill my soul, and make me feel alive. One of these passions is singing. Music has been a part of my life since I was a little boy. My mom used to sing to me to sleep when I was a little baby, and my dad always had the strongest voice in church. I have been surrounded by people who sang, so I grew an unknown love for singing that I just realized in highschool. I remember little seven year old Viggo being asked to stand in front of his parents and grandparents, to sing a song that he had made up the day before. He stood there, with no shame, fearing no man, bear, or overly sized spider. For he had a mission, and by God, he would sing his song. Viggo sang his out of pitch, terribly written song, with words that made no sense. After the singing was all said and done, he felt so much pride. He didn’t know that the song was off-pitch the whole time. He didn’t know that most of the words were made up as he went. What he did know was that he was singing for his favourite people in the whole world, and nothing would stop him from continuing. Throughout the course of elementary school, middle school, and all of high school, nothing had changed. I sang in a little choir at Berean Academy, and when I joined ACHS, I joined Ms. Miller’s choir. I’ve sung at many concerts, and have sung in competitions, where I have received high marks. I love to sing more than almost anything else. It fills up my heart, and makes me feel happy. Whether it’s singing in the car, or singing on a stage, I love to sing, simply because I love to sing. Music has been such a big part of my life. I have known it since I was very little, and hope to continue to sing after high school. The truth is that I don’t know what I am doing after high school, and the prospect of taking the leap, and going to college is quite terrifying. What I do know, is that to not continue singing would be untrue to who I am as a person. I would be denying a part of my soul that is vital to who I am as a person. So, I will continue to sing. Whether that is in college, or otherwise.
Viggo Shafer
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Art Recognition “Cat Napping”
Ashley Maloney
“Lining Up”
Carly Scheidel
“Tackle”
Carly Scheidel
25
Keeton Clark Top Ten Rap Albums
1
“CLB” Drake
2
“Sincerely, Kentrall” NBA Youngboy
3
“Culture III” Migos
4
“Slime Language 2” Young Thug
5 “A Gangster’s Pain” Moneybagg Yo 26
6
“Dum and Dummer 2” Young Dolph
7
“The Off-Season” Drake
8
“Soulfly” Rod Wave
9
“We Love You Tecca 2” Lil Tecca
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“The Melodic Blue” Baby Keem
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Andover Central High School 603 E. Central Andover, Kansas 67002 achs.usd385.org 316-218-4700
The Central Review
2021-22. Vol. 2.
Arts and Literary Magazine
“Deep Pink Flower”
Adriana Zollin
1
STAFF Shelby Ray Editor-in-Chief
Kirby Hoy Art & Graphics Editor
Viggo Shafer Poetry & Lyrics Editor
Ella Boozer Fiction Editor
Gage Patty Non-Fiction Editor
2
table of CONTENTS
1 5 7 9 11 13
Cover Art &
Staff Members
Art Recognition Awards
Poems Wishes
Waterfall Calais Beach
Fake Sunflowers
Blue Crayon A Seed
15 17 19 21 23 25
The Universe
Expected to Be
Confused Same but Different Somber Percussion Ensemble
Fiction and Nonfiction Tiny Moments of Life
Tangle at the School Cafeteria
Art Recognition Mr. Red’s Definition of Sharp
Top Ten Albums I like but You shouldn’t listen to
Art Recognition
1st “Empty Boat” Marin Reinke
5
Runner-up
2nd
“Froggy” Ashley Maloney
6
POEMS
“Lady in White”
Rylan Herrman
7
“Wishes” They flow through the air, like feathers they fly Brought up by questions, thoughts like why Then, what if, and can, oh can I
Lena Mangum
Wishes twirl and shine, show off their glare But some, so grand, seem they won’t go anywhere Somehow, they still grasped and beware For those who wish with passion untold Who grasp, keep hope, and on dreams hold Their wishes can be achieved, no matter if bold They have passion, they keep heart They always try to finish what they start Those who never give up; they are smart It’s hard to refuse someone again and again They rouse the mighty from their every den With words that stir hearts no matter when Like “Give me liberty, or give me death!” You shout them with every breath The word, the wishes, have depth
1st 8
“Waterfall” Water rushing, churning, flowing White rapids ever rough Nearing the drop, can’t see the edge Water lifts before a final plunge Streaming down in white sheets Hiding a cave behind the sound Cascading down hits the lake Sends a mist of droplets everywhere A deafening crashing fills the air As ripples spread in lazy waves Hitting the rocky shore
Lena Mangum
“Cowley State Waterfall”
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Morgan Holt
Inspired by “Dover Beach”
“Calais Beach”
An August night, on the shore The night is dark, the sea is calm In a house, on the ocean Windows larger than life Letting in the midnight air And silver light that falls on the floor I step outside, the world seems to shift A gentle breeze blows from far away
An august night, on the shore The sky is dark, with specks of light In it the sound disappears Travels, till no more can you hear The chorus of sounds A steady hum of rasping grass And the scratching of the tide Calm and steady, the wind still blows
An august night, on the shore Listen! The waves lap gently, The grass rustles in the dark Reflections on the water reach my eyes Moving, swaying, rising, disappearing Silver lining on a blanket of black
An august night, on the shore The world lies before me in the night Like a field of dreams before me falls Shore to shore, I can almost glimpse The waves lapping on that beach Ridges of rock facing the sea
Lena Mangum
“Sunset Surfing”
Colin Myers
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Pheynix Ruda
“Fake” As I stare into the eyes of the people I projected my life onto, I can feel the disappointment coming from their thoughts they haven’t even shared. The life I thought was mine I so desperately wanted people to like and admire, I had soon realized was not one of mine, it was not one that almighty himself created either. But instead a fake, created to make me feel better. To make me look as if I had my life together. To seem as if I had a life people actually cared about. I drown and take in all the heavy thoughts of my unneeded words. Helplessness, forgetfulness, undeserving. I assume it ends here. I assume there is nothing left. I hold what seems to be my life in one hand and a forgotten life in the other. Silence... It appears that’s what’s left and nothing more...
“Flower Vase”
Anna Balke
11
“Sunflowers”
Adriana Zollin “Spring” As winter melts into the growing season We seem to smile with no good reason Green appears from under the snow The grass gets uncovered, buds start to grow
Lena Mangum
The trees start to have leaves and flowers sprout The animals start to run, fly and swim all about Their hibernation ends, the eating starts Soon the weeds will not be able to be kept apart From, the neat little gardens and lines of vibrant grass Dragonflies flit through the trees, wings as clear as glass Spring has come and chased winter away We all just desire spring to come and for it to stay Who loves spring where wonderful things bloom And we see an amazing full blue moon Spring brings the spirit of birth to the air And there are beautiful flowers to give and share The gardens are full of blooming flowers And still there are leaves in huge towers From last fall, when the snow buried them deep And the animals all went to sleep The flowers sit on the table in decorative vases And one by one animals are showing their faces Oh yes, the growing season is here It is time for merry fun and cheer
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Pheynix Ruda
“Blue Crayon” You were my blue crayon The one I never had enough of All the other crayons would roll onto my paper wishing to be used But the green cannot color the sky And red cannot color the sea I may never again draw A piece showing the beauty of your hue But I will spend the rest of my days Trying to color an ocean as beautiful as you
“Church Sunset”
Adriana Zollin
13
“A Seed” It starts with a seed Starting nowhere but in the dirt Hidden from the world As it grows. With the sun A new seedling has sprung A new world has come Yet then... The leaves begin drooping and darkening Dirt quickly drying But fear not, with some care That tiny seedling will soon become Its best form in which it grows Slowly but surely, it’s sure to come As the sun beams and the water flows The pedding flower starts to glow And the leafy vines, beginning to grow
Emily McMullin
“Plant”
Emily McMullin
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“The Universe” The Universe big and grand Filled with noise and an invisible hand Colors and stars fill the sky We know they do but not why
Lena Mangum
Stars explode, black holes appear The stars change places during the year The vast and endless outer space The world now in a massive space race To reach the stars, planets and galaxies And to solve itś deepest mysteries To search for life deep in the cold And to escape gravity’s hold The planets revolving around the sun The Earth spinning everyone The space wonders seen from our turf Are some of the best wonders seen on Earth As we see the world in a new light The universe is getting bright As we discover and we solve We are all smarter over all We love gravity, space and most of all earth And to explore the galaxies giving birth Controlled by gravity, an invisible hand The Universe big and grand
“Jeep Sunset”
Jamie Ownbey
15
“Expected to Be” I’ve been told that I can choose But that doesn’t matter I’ve been told that I can think Yet all my thoughts are shattered When did happiness get measured By all the things I own Perfect is not possible Why is that not known
Ella Randolph
Gracie Hett
“Unconditional”
People judge and people hate Regardless of how great I wish to fly away free Of all the things I’m expected to be
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“Confused” What is confused? I tried to look it up but there are a lot of answers. Which one is right? I can’t remember what it was. Why can’t I remember what it was? I feel overwhelmed. I feel uncomfortable What does it mean? What is this for? What am I doing?
Paul Klein
I don’t know. I have this feeling that I don’t know what’s going on. I can’t place it. I feel perplexed I feel demented, disoriented, unhinged... I don’t know what it means. I need help Ugh. I give up.
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Anonymous
“The Same but Different” Flake. So far up, floating all down. Falling from so far. The ground draws near from afar. Floating like a feather flying through the air. Each and everyone all the same but different. All going to the same place, all from the same place. All the same but different. As it gets closer and closer, they see themselves and their brothers. As they lay on the ground, they see them all. Falling The same but different.
“Somber” Soft, still, and quiet Sadness? Like a bird without wings Unfortunate, pitiful, grave Like a graveyard, tainted in gray Rain and the smell of death Graveled roads littered with forgotten memories Because we’ll all forget eventually
“Percussion Ensemble”
Billowing out from underneath the veil Suppressing, repressing Look them in the eye Beauty but unwaanted Purity but unconsented Painted in blank expressions Faking emotion Tearing at the seams Laced with disguised happiness
Pretending and she is so lovely Lovely as the night sky Dressed in white With long black hair down her back And the painstakingly noticeable, unhappy smile on her face Blue jewels for eyes Paleness in her cheeks Grace in her step But uncertainty in her stride
Ashlyn West
You feel the beats in your bones The snare taps, drones and drones The rhythm, beating, matching your heart They blend together, every single part
Lena Mangum
The steady beat continues, constant and unchanging The volume expertingly waxing and waning The parts blend to make an amazing sound Your foot taps along when the beat is found The music hums, it bounces, going out with a ring Every instrument seems to ahve a voice, to sing The beat makes your foot want to tap along An amaing, living, breathing, and breathing song
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“Tiny Moments of Life”
There are moments in our lives that don’t feel real. Where you feel so happy you could cry, and you’re calm and complete with yourself or your life. Your heart will be full and you’re ok, because for some reason the universe decided to plant something beautiful in your life that will change your outlook on the world and the people around it. So I wanted to tell my story and others to show you that the world and your life is full of perfect things, and it doesn’t have to be a big milestone, it can be tiny. My story starts with a girl’s trip to Lawrence, Kansas on October 2nd with my sister to visit my step-sister in college. We all had fun shopping and hanging out since we hadn’t seen my step-sister in a while. But my perfect moment started when me and my sister were driving back home on the highway around 7:30 at night and the sun was starting to set. The sky was rippling with the colors of orange and purple, but the most prominent color was pink. I remember my sister turning down the song we were singing together and looking out the window and saying, “Look, a pink sunset for Emileigh.” Emileigh was my sister’s friend that had passed away last year, and we were a week away from the one year anniversary. I remember looking and seeing the soft pink and then turning to see my sister smiling. It was like time had stopped and me and my sister smiled and enjoyed the memories and mourned the loss of her friend. Now I didn’t know Emileigh very well, but my sister did and being there with her at the time was so amazing. But the most important part was the feelings felt in the moment. No worry, I was only happy, I felt strong, and I knew me and my sister would be okay. It was my perfect moment. The next story is by anonymous students. For privacy I will call
Reegan Grimes
FICTION & NON-FICTION
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1st
them Anonymous. Anonymous’ story is during winter break this year. They had gone to Saneca, Kansas to visit family over the break. This Christmas was a hard one, because they had just lost their cousin that fall before. They’re family had always been close, and the older cousins talked often. When they had all met up together, the older cousins had gone and visited his grave. When they had all got there they talked about him and memories they had. They toasted to him and mourned the loss of someone great. Anonymous finally felt happy and didn’t feel so sad about it. They knew they had their family and friends to lean on to help. They felt less emtery knowing that he was not completely gone; he was in the hearts of everyone around them. It made the moment special and perfect for them. As you can see, the tiny percent moments in life don’t have to be big, like a graduation, having a baby, or getting married. It can be simple. Driving around town listening to that one song, watching the sunset, or just laughing with family and friends. There’s no wrong answer to it, there’s no pressure, it’s just you in the moment, and you’re free, calm, and ok. Whatever it looks like to you is right. So don’t just look for the important things that happen in your life, because you will end up missing the tiny moment that can be more beautiful and memorable to you. Find them and keep them close to your heart, you will want to remember the Tiny perfect moments of your life to keep forever.
“Colorful Hilltop”
Anna Thomison
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“Tangle at the School Cafeteria” I only saw red as I walked up to the school. The trees, sidewalk, the building all had a strange crimson tone to them. I was so out of it, I didn’t know what I was doing at all. I only felt one emotion, anger. There was nothing else in my head, but pure, raw anger, and it wasn’t going to go away till I acted on it. By this point all my senses but sight shut off. I couldn’t hear, smell, or feel anything. There could be a bomb going off behind me and I would have never known. It was just me and him in this world. He was all I cared about, and not in a good way. I would find him and destroy him. I know now that I looked like a crazy person. My tangled hair, puffy eyes from crying all night, and the murderous expression on my face. If someone were to have taken a picture or video of me they would see someone that’s not me. Instead, they would see a psychopath. But I was the only one to know what a picture of a broken, empty girl that was going through something hard looked like. I swung the door open and felt the sudden change of temperature. It was now cold. The school had kicked up the A/C for the coming summer heat of Utah. Weirdly, I was unaware of what I was doing there. My mom told me I shouldn’t go to school right now. Harper could tell that I was confused as to why I was there, because she looked at me like I was a lost puppy. My head was cloudy. I felt like I was in a trance and I didn’t know what it was about. Harper then walked up to me and said, “Hey, are you ok Addie”, but before I could say anything my eyes locked on him. Ethen Mann. He was standing right there just laughing with his friends, not knowing or caring about anyone but himself. Ethen was a classic case of Narcissism. He always held him and his goon squad to the highest priority and always expected everyone to do the same. He doesn’t have one empathetic bone in his body. I hated him, and now I would hurt him, like he did to her. The killer mood kicked back on and I was back in the game. I brushed past Harper getting a soft huff of anonizes coming from her. I didn’t care at the moment. I had a bigger thought in my mind. This time my senses were all heightened. I could smell the sweat coming off of me, I could hear laughing from across the room, I felt the hair on my arms stick up, and I saw him. A spotlight was on him and only him. If I looked hard enough, I could count every freckle on his
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face. I walked fast and with a purpose. Pushing through clicks after click to get to the middle of the cafeteria was a breeze. I was a plane flying through the clouds. They barely even noticed I was there. I finally broke through and I was only meters away from him. I was slow and careful to make sure he didn’t notice anything out of order in his perfect kingdom. From someone watching this on the outside, I looked like a sneaky predator on the hunt for their prey. I was an arms length away from him. Time slowed as I locked eyes with him and finally then and there he saw me too. The shock on his face gave me pure joy, I got to watch as his expression of shock became scary just by the expression on my face. I took a deep breath and created a fist with my hand and with all my force I punched him square in the face. My knuckles made contact with something soft, then squishy, then hard. It was his nose. The next thing I heard was a torched whale coming out of his month. The smile plastered on my face was so big the kids on the other side of the lunch room could see. All eyes were on me as I took my next move. Ethan was bent over in pain holding his precise nose when I grabbed his shoulders and swung my leg quickly up to hit him in the groin. He ended up on the ground crying out in pain. To make sure he got what he deserved I kicked my foot into his stomach repeatedly. By this point his friends were trying to pull me away so I couldn’t hurt him anymore, but they emptied stop when words came out of my mouth. I was so lost in my own pain and sadness I didn’t even realize I was saying that till I watched it back on youtube. I just screamed over and over again, “You killed her”. There were tears falling down my face, and sweat dripping from my neck. I was unstoppable and looking back on it I would have been scared of the person in the mirror. I’m thankful to Garret for what he did next. Garret ran up to me and wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me away from Ethen and all of his friends. I didn’t go with a fight, I made him pull so hard that it made him lose balance and fall on the floor. I tried to crawl free and go back to hurting Ethen, but Garret strongly held on to me. I was panicking now. I didn’t think about what I was going to do after or how to get away with it. My breath quickened and I felt Garret’s arm release only a little bit. He then whispered in my ear “Addie take a long deep breath”, and I did, but I was not better. After all that had happened I just stopped and broke down. The tries were too quick to catch, but I was tired, too tired to care. This was the first time in 13 hours I realized I wasn’t going to have a best friend anymore. I spent the last seconds I had before the principal would take me away crying and hoping it was a dream.
Reegan Grimes
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Mia Terrell
“Campfire”
Art Recognition
“Pink Fish”
Libby Engle
“Rounded Flower”
Jace Jefferson “Mountain Lake”
Lena Mangum
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Rowan Morten
“Mr. Red’s Definition of Sharp” We enter the station with the trial of Mr. Jones for his crimes against his organization, due to a new shortage of Pinkertons in Harris Country there will be no law attending. The trial would’ve been something more like a death sentencing had Mr. Jones’ long time friend Mr. Red not been present. Mr. Red attempts to redeem Mr. Jones for his present crimes by trading his quick wits of the past for the promise of prolonged life. “In all the country’s literature I have ever read in my time no works use words as infrequently as the English language of the United States. But if there is any word which elucidates all distinction between its many meanings it must be the word ‘sharp’. With the same ancestry as myself, German that is, as far as I’m concerned as a reading man, all of its definitions between any translation come to the same use. Whether it be the sharp blade which pierced the mayor of Dodge City during the jailbreak of yours truly or the sharp wits of Mr. Jones to stage a robbery in the old bank across the town while you broke me out.” “The point of a knife pricks you very suddenly and efficiently, just as quickly as sharp wits can throw you from your feet. Musical men describe sharp as raising the pitch of a note, well I describe it as raising the tone of our spirits and predicaments. That sudden sensation is just as useful in a knife as in our company, and that’s why we need Mr. Jones. His quick thinking may have gotten ahead of him when he thought he could sharp Billy’s hand in poker, but his thinking has also given us the mayor, and now each of us is the mayor of this city. Let us keep his sharp wits to the test, and keep our own knives well sharpened for the time when they are put to the test again. I rest my case, your honor.”
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Top Ten Albums that I like that you shouldn’t listen to
Anonymous
1
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“Lake Shore Drive” Aliotta Haynes Jaremiah
2
“Origin of Symmetry XX Remix” Muse
3
“The Other Shore” Murder by Death
4
Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse
5
“Violent Things” The Brobecks
6
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance - Vocal Tracks
7
“Lungs” Florence + The Machine
8
“Lover” Taylor Swift
9
“NINE” Blink-182
10
“Sleepyhead” Cavetown
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Andover Central High School 603 E. Central Andover, Kansas 67002 achs.usd385.org 316-218-4700