BLUE Literary Magazine 2017-18

BLUE Literary Magazine

2017-18

BLUE Literary Magazine Staff Advisor: Mrs. Debra Cole Student Editor: Anna Bailly Class Members: Olivia Ablah Sophie Agha Sofia Aguiniga Anna Bailly Scarlett Barienttos Hadasa Barmor Jennifer Brosius Veronica Burdettte Jillian Capps Genevieve Cayless Sam Cline Ella Collins Kristin Devlin Liesel DeWalt Katy Dickinson Ella Collins Caroline Dedo Gracie Dedo Lauren McKenna Dedo Liesel DeWalt Willow Ecker Arianna Hinson Ava Jacobsen Matthew Jansen Jayda Kelly Maddie Lancelot Kaity McEntaffer Eva Norum Izzy O’Donnell Kate O’Malley Cooper Randleas Kennedy Stover Shreya Reddy Sierra Tinsley

Cover Art: Leaf Cyanotype Print

by Genevieve Cayless (8)

Min Yoongi

Pencil

by Gracie Dedo (8)

BLUE Literary Magazine The Independent Middle School 8333 E. Douglas Ave. Wichita, Kansas 67207

Our Words & Images

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Opposite Day - Liesel DeWalt…………..4 Paper by Katie Dickenson…………………4 My Dream by Sammy ???????………….…4 Title by Lucas Haberman…………………4 Young Black Girl by Jayda Kelly………..5 Jayda by Olivia Ablah……………………..…5 Mean Moon by Andre and Garret………6 Twice by Grace, Eva, and Haley………..6 Retinas by Scarlett, Loriah, Katy…….…6 Lunar Wins by Charlie and Isaac….……6 Totality by Caroline and Anna…………..6 Old as Time by Dylan……………………….6 Watching by Matthew and Daniel……..6 Eclipse by Veronica and Gracie……….…6 Forbidden by Talya and Lauren…………6 A Shadow by Ryleigh and Meghan.……6 Phase by Mia Hoeflicker……………………7 Dear Littlest Pet Shops

by Ava Jacobsen…………………………….…7 Foul Attempt by Janna Wagner………….8 Desert Dessert by Judah Hansen…….…8 Water by Mia Hoeflicker………………..…9 Vivaciousness

by The 4th Q Blue Lit Class…………..…9 Social Anxiety by Eva Norum……………9 To Those Who are People!

by Kate O’Malley………………………….…10 Dear Rapunzel by Olivia Ablah…………11 Blue Mahem by Kate OMalley, Kat Dickinson, and Jennifer Brosisu…..11 Little Snowie by Ryleigh Vance……..…12 Me in Three by Ryleigh Vance……….…12 Value by Jennifer Brosius………………….13 Clasp by Anna Bailly………………………..13 Doe, A Deer by Megan Skinner………..14 Finally Over by Shreya Reddy………..…15 Must Haves by Ava Jacobsen……………15 Ignorance by Sofia Aguiniga…………….15 My Dream by Lauren Dedo………….…15 Living Art by Jayda Kelly…………………16 Always There by Willow Ecker……..….16 Wings of Life by Shreya Reddy…………17 Gentle Flower by Olivia Ablah………….17 Love’s Wonders by Sophie Agha….……18 Shadows by Eva Norum…………………..18 Dream by Ryleigh Vance……………….…19 Just Thing by Willow Vance…….………19 Lake by Anna Bailly……………………..…20 Every by Lauren Schmeidler…………….20

Pulled to Words by Maddie Lancelot….20 Don’t by Ava Jacobsen………………………20 5 Ways to Kill Homework

by Sonia Richardet………………………..…..21 Dear Social Media by Ella Collins………30 I’m Not a Doll by Ava Jacobsen……….…30 Tiger, Tiger by Gracie Dedo………………30 The Precious Ages by Ava Jacobsen and Jennifer Brosius……………………..……31 My Song by Anna Bailly………………….….31 Butterfly by Hadasa Barmor…………..…..32 Delicate by Ava Jacobsen……………………32 Flying Away by Genevieve Cayless………32 Alpine by Grace Martin…………………..…33 The Final Door by Jett Schmidt…….……33 Flying by Anna Bailly……………………..…34 Buried Pain by Lauren Schmeidler…..…34 Oak Tree Branch by Sofia Aguiniga……34 Flawless by Liesel DeWalt……………..….35 The Long Road by Willow Ecker…….….35 Hold Me by Jayda Kelly…………………..…36 Bittersweet by Sofia Aguiniga……….……37 The Hold by Sofia Aguiniga…………..…..37 What if…by Jennifer Brosius…………….…38 Your Face by Megan Skinner………..……38 Feet, Again by Eva Norum…………………39 My Dream by Vivian Kliewer…………..…39 A Real Christmas by Gillian Skelton…..40 Misshapen by Hadasa Barmor………..…46 Dear Stuffed Grinch by Ariana Hinson.47 Cabra by Grace Martin…………………..…47 The Day of Love by Caroline Dedo, Sofia Aguiniga, and Ella Collins…………48 Look Behind Words by Caroline Dedo.48 Anti by Anna Bailly…………………………..49 Birds on Wires by Mia Hoeflicker………49 A Letter to My Train of Thought

by Anna Bailly……………………………….…49 Wings by Veronica Burdette and Gracie Dedo……………………………………49 Butterfly Landing by Sofia Aguiniga And Ella Collins………………………….……49 Nowhere by Jennifer Brosius………..……49 Monster of Life by Cooper Randleas…..50 Too Late by Gracie Dedo………………….50 Fire in the Hills by Joey Bergeson……….50 Cold Shame by Olivia Ablah…………….…51 The Light in the Sky by Katie McEntaffer………………………………51

Save the Earth by Gillian Skelton……….52 Outside by Arianna Hinson…………….…52 Judgement by Kaitlyn McEntaffer…..…52 Love by Genevieve Cayless……………..…52 Ego by Shreya Reddy…………………….…53 The Forest by Aiden White…………….…53 Invisible by Jennifer Brosius……….……..54 I Promise by Anna Bailly………………..…54 Cherry Blossoms by Gracie Dedo…..…54 Doll Face by Ava Jacobsen……………..…55 The Edge by Evan Leiker…………….……55 Manarola, Italy by Sonia Richardet……56 Yellow Skies by Hadasa Barmor……..…56 Death by Jaci Taylor………………………..56 How by Anna Bailly…………………………57 Country Girl by Jillian Capps………….…57 Contorting by Shrey Reddy and Scarlett Barientos………………………….…58 Love is Pointless by Kate O’Malley And Willow Ecker……………………………58 Body by Anna Bailly…………………………58 Floating in the Clouds

by Gracie Dedo……………………………….58 Kitten by Gracie Dedo………………….….59 Blind by Jennifer Brosius……………….…60 Scaffolding by Willow Ecker…………….60 Dear Barbie by Olivia Ablah…………..…61 Toys in Us by Anna Bailly And Jillian Capps…………………………..…61 True Beauty by Shreya Reddy……………61 Muscle Maximus and Neuron

by Judah Hansen………………………….….62 A Mess by Liesel DeWalt…………………68 A Rose by Any Other Name

by Sonia Richardet………………………..…69 Unity by Olivia Ablah and Jayda Kelly………………………….……..……70 My Dream by Lucy Nelson…………….…71 The Comet by Costa Veletas………….….71 The Cold Ground by Jaci Taylor……….72 Love by Lauren Dedo………………………72 Dear Father by Anna Bailly…………..…..73 The Couldn’t See It

By Jennifer Brosius……………………….….73 Jump High by Megan Skinner……..……73 Finally by Liesel DeWalt……………….…74 Anything is Art by Willow Ecker……….74 Smile by Olivia Ablah………………………74 Big Feet by Kristin Devlin………………..75 Peoples by Anna Bailly……………………..75 The Past by Kat Dickinson……………….76 His Princess by Cooper Randleas……..76 Spring Bird by Evan Leiker..Back Cover

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Opposite Day

by Liesel DeWalt (8) Her inner soul told a story that few knew.

She loved her enemies, found Heaven in Hell, and darkness in light.

Everyday felt like opposite day.

She felt alone, but little did she know, she was just like everybody else.

Paper

by Kat Dickinson (8) A paper girl in a paper world moves like the pages of a book in the wind.

She chases a fantasy lying on a page she has yet to find.

My Dream

By Sammy Cox (6) I hope that today, tomorrow, and everyday we will have peace. I hope my children will grow up in a peace filled world - no poverty - no wars - no sexism toward women. I will do my best to make all of these dreams come true.

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Richard

Paint

by Lucas Habermann (6)

Young Black Girl

by Jayda Kelly (7) I am a young black girl.

I wonder why my rick dark skin can’t be seen as beautiful.

I hear people spit out their hatred, like balls of fire burning me inside and out.

I see them killing my people, as if it is a hobby.

I want to see the day when people of color can hold the hands of the white and be seen as truly equal.

I am a young black girl.

I understand how far we’ve come and how far we have yet to go.

I feel the burden of my ancestors working hard days and nights for my freedom.

I touch my skin, worn out from the years of being cramped up in my mind’s small box of hatred.

I cry and cry and then stop, but my milk chocolate skin can’t hold all my white chocolate tears, I I cry some more.

I am a young black girl.

I pretend my kinky curly afro is a crown, but then the tangled knots come, and I forget.

I say “let my people go”, but like Moses, the Pharos of the world ignore me.

I dream that my melanin is an ocean, that will wash me away from this brutal world.

I try to hold my head high, but the chains of my post weigh me down.

I hope that Martin’s dream will come true, but I may never wake up to find out.

I am a young lost black girl.

Jayda

Photography

by Olivia Ablah (7)

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ECLIPSE 2017 Totality Mean Moon

by Andrew Leiker (?) and Garret Jansen (8) Moon is being mean It is blocking off the sun Earth is in shadow

by Caroline Dedo (8) and Anna Bailly (8) The moon takes the light Totality covers me The planet is dark

Old as Time

by Dylan Cope (8) Solar rays will blind Eclipses are hard to find It’s as old as time

Watching

Twice

by Grace Martin (8), Eva Norum (8), and Haley Allen (8)

by Matthew Janssen (8) and Daniel Jekov (?)

The solar eclipse The moon is eating the sun Twice in a lifetime

Watching an eclipse The sun can damage your eyes This rarely happens

Eclipse

Retinas

by Veronica Burdette (8) and Gracie Dedo (8)

by Scarlett Barrientos (7), Loriah Davis (7), and Katy McEntaffer (7)

We have sunglasses There is a solar eclipse My eyes hurt now, thanks

Solar eclipses Can demolish retinas Wear solar glasses

Forbidden

Lunar Wins

by Charlie Daood (7) and Isaac Hernandez (7) Lunar is the best Though solar may seem cool Lunar wins the pool

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A Shadow

by Talya Sampson (?) and Lauren-McKenna Dedo (6)

by Ryleigh Vance (8) The sun is hidden and Meghan Skinner (8) The gleaming light will shine bright!

Looks are forbidden The eclipse has come A shadow has been cast The sun is now gone

Phase Photography

by Mia Hoeflicker (7)

Dear Littlest Pet Shops

by Ava Jacobsen (8) Thank you for all of the memories you gave me. Thank you for all the love stories, the family feuds, the weddings, the deaths, and all the times I “got” rid of you.

Thank you for all the times I cried and you were there. I cherish the many, many names I gave you. Thank you for bearing with me when I placed you in the bedroom corner. Thank you for all the times I would make you fly, jump, or roll when it wasn’t your natural movement. Thank you for being there for me. I love love.

Ava

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Foul Attempts

by Janna Wagner (8) Nature is what I feel a soft summer breeze blowing through the fallen tree stump.

Nature is blissful.

Nature is what I hear The crickets chirping a soothing tune through the discarded limbs.

Nature is gratifying.

Nature is what I see the green of summer as fall rears its head through beckoning branches.

Nature is timeless.

This art is a foul attempt to explain nature and her mischievous ways.

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Desert Dessert

Watercolor

by Judah Hansen (8)

Water

Vivaciousness

Bubble Art by 4th Quarter BLUE Lit Mag Explore Group

Photography

by Mia Hoeflicker (7)

Social Anxiety

by Eva Norum (8) Outside the world looks cold.

I lie inside alone.

I dream of a day it won’t feel like this anymore the way people make me feel.

Like I have trillions of eyes resting on my shoulders.

Like I have all of their verbal barrels pointed my direction.

They pull their vocal triggers, and I’m shot down.

For now, I stay alone, mental state worsening, staring into the cold, sweating in my warmth, crying.

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To Those Who Are People!

by Kate O’Malley (8) To those who are imaginative!: Keep on thinking!

Don't stop making up ideas to change the world!

Go to places that no one has one before!

To those who are hopeful!: Keep telling yourself “It’ll be ok in the end.”

You help everyone around you stay positive.

You are the sun in the storm.

To those who are nerdy!: Take nerdy as a compliment, because without you, We wouldn't have come this far in tech and intelligence!

Your mind is so amazing and great!

Keep being you!

To those who are lovers!: Hold on to your other half until the bitter end!

Keep each other warm in the snow and in the rain!

Love them like tomorrow will be nonexistent!

To those who are funny!: You make people laugh until they tear up!

The jokes and stories you tell keep us from being serious 24/7!

You make people smile even when they want to curl up and watch endless Netflix with their pet and cry.

To those who are memesters!: You are all memeloards!

You are the glue that keeps the internet sane.....ish.

And in the great words of Doge, "You are very wow!"

To those who are theater flowers!: Keep on acting like it's reality!

Don't stop singing songs from musicals when someone says something in a normal conversation in that song!

And as Hamilton once said, "Do not throw away your shot!"

To those who are artists!: Your creations are beautiful in more ways than one!

There is no wrong way to do art!

The way you inspire the world is astounding!

To those who are sporty!: Don't stop practicing for success!

Every shot you make, every goal you score, every time you get a point, it all matters!

You will achieve great things as long as you tell yourself you can!

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To those who are dreamers!: Nothing is impossible!

Whatever you dream can become reality!

The sky is the limit!

To those who are the glue!: Keep on being you!

You hold people together through thick and thin!

You are the reason that everyone doesn't fall apart!

To those who are just in the background!: You matter more than you know!

Don't stop making small changes to create a better tomorrow!

You are loved so much by so many!

To those who are people!: You are all equal!

Even though you are all different in so many ways, You are also so similar!

Without you, there would be no "Human Race."

There would be no, "Us." There would be nothing without any of you!

We are all people, no matter what you like, where you are, how old you are, what you look like, or anything, you can try your hardest to work towards a better world!

You can be you, and that would be enough!

Thank you!

Dear Rapunzel Mother Gothel’s Monologue

By Olivia Ablah (7)

I hear you cry, you’re waiting for the day that you become free. I am here to tell you that day has already come. You are free from this terrible world.

You think I am evil,I know, but you are wrong. I knew a girl who was just like you. She loved to explore the world, and always had a big smile on her face. She was complete, happy. She fell in love with a boy who made her life worth living. It felt as if she had been touched by magic. Before she knew it, everything began to slowly crumble. She couldn’t feel anything anymore. Happiness, sadness, love, it didn’t matter. He chose someone else, and took her heart and ran with it. The pain she felt never went away. She became isolated from the entire world. She knew she was alone.

The thought of him made her heart beat faster, her fist clench, and her eyes drown her in cold, wet tears. She knew it was only a matter of time until it killed her. She tried to change for him, to the point to where she had no clue who she was anymore.

She didn’t know what love was. She did everything she could to erase her memories she shared with him, but she just couldn’t. She had been lied to all along, and hated the fact that he was with someone else. The girl was me.

Blue Mayhem

Assemblage

By Kate O’Malley (8), Kat Dickenson (8), Jennifer Brosius (8), and Scarlett Barientos (7)

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Me in Three

by Ryliegh Vance (8) I am adopted.

I love the color purple.

I have three brothers.

Little Snowie

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Mixed Media

by Ryleigh Vance (8)

Value

By Jennifer Brosius (8) It isn't about how much it cost It isn't about where its from It's about who gave it to you and what it means to you

Clasp Photography

by Anna Bailly (8)

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Doe, A Deer

Color Markers

by Megan Skinner (8)

Finally Over

by Shreya Reddy (7) Do you ever feel like you are underestimated?

Or like your whole world is crashing down on you?

That sinking feeling that tells you that you screwed up and hard Or maybe not Maybe life is sugar sweet With surprises beyond your imagination But no Life is not like that Challenges barge at you from every angle You feel like your falling apart And then silence Suddenly you are dead to the world You're drowning and nobody can hear you No matter how hard you try No matter how hard you struggle It’s over

Ignorance

By Sofia Aguiniga (7) Ignorance is strength The strength to be blind To the world around you The ignorance we all use is power With that powers comes our choices Choices to live, die, lie or smile Our ignorance leads everyone’s lives.

My Dream

By Lauren McKenna Dedo (6)

Must Haves

by Ava Jacobsen (8) Netflix, family, feminism, dogs, best friends All things I must have

I have a dream that we was individuals won’t be judged based on our skin color, our history, our gender, or our beliefs. Black or white, woman or man, gay or straight, we will be loved and treated equal for who we are.

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Living Art

By Jayda Kelley (7) Picture this Burnt Tossed Sentenced Free Broken Bent Strewn Unpredictable Tough Now peek through the foggy glass That keep you separated From Nature’s art studio You will see this masterpiece Come to life Right before Your dim-lit eyes, As if they were made for you.

The majestic world Painted before you Most call fall But the true receivers of This newly wet canvas Call it Indescribably perfect

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Always There

Photography

by Willow Ecker (7)

Wings of Life

by Shreya Reddy (7) Black and white they are tonight Unbelievably misunderstood Tacky wings that are unbreakable Tested in weather harsher than us Energy from the center of nature’s beauty Running from their fears, but not in fright Feeling lonely even if they have so much Living in vain and sights of death Yet knowing they are free tonight

Gentle Flower

Water Color

by Olivia Ablah (7)

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Love’s Wonders

By Sophie Agha (7) Being blindly in love Is the supreme joy It takes ages alone To find them You feel a sweet peace When you see their bright smile

Shadows Photography

by Eva Norum (8)

The ring they’ll give you, Is everything to you

Dear Pony

by Gracie Dedo(8)

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Even though your hair is now melted and your head is superglued on, you still look as pretty as when I got you. Thank you for keeping me occupied back when I was too young for t.v. Even through the years where I could’ve been online on my bedroom floor, I chose you. I had so much fun giving you a voice as I acted out many scenarios. Thank for being my first best friend.

Dream

by Ryleigh Vance (8) What if life is a dream that we are dreaming in our mommies womb. And when we wake up to hear the sound of a cord snapping and someone forcing us out. Then we open our eyes to see two blurry faces looking down at us smiling. They are smiling because we are crying and that means we are breathing.

People tell me to got to bed, but sometimes I just don’t want to. Because what if I wake up a different person. What if I wake up and everything is gone. What if I don’t wake up. So next time think before you go to bed.

People tell me to wake up smiling, but they don’t know what that means. When you wake up smiling you are dying, and making your life ten times harder. When you wake up smiling you are causing your own death. Then when you wake up again you won’t hear a cord snapping, but cracking. Someone will push and you will go, and open your eyes to see two clear faces looking worriedly at you. You aren't crying because you are happy that you woke up, but now you're are dying. So next time think before you wake up smiling.

People say they would die for you, but sometimes they are just lying to you. But that’s not me, because I would die for you, and that’s the truth and nothing but the truth. If I had the choice to kill anyone in the room, I would kill myself. Granted you might feel more pain, but at least you wouldn’t have to wake up. Wake up to hear a cord snapping, but that cord wasn’t just any cord. It was a bond that connected me to that dream, and everyone and everything I ever loved. You at least won’t open your eyes to see two blurry faces smiling at you. When they are smiling at you they are happy that you are breathing. But on the inside I’m choked up with tears, and since they don’t understand me they will never know why I was really crying. And in a few years when I’m talking, I’ll have forgotten, so then I just have to live in a world not knowing what I left behind.

Right now I’m living in the present, and they say the present is a gift. And thank god it didn’t come with a receipt, because I’m never going to return it. And when I opened that gift, you know what I found, I found friends that I will never forget. So when I wake up to hear a chord snapping, I’ll at least have been born with a belly button. And that belly button is the bond and chord between you and me. That’s the screws and nails, and if you think that’s strange it’s because it is. But I’ll have to grow up with that belly button not knowing what it meant not knowing what I had. Because right now it’s the best goddamn thing I’ve ever had.

If life is really a dream, no one wake me up because I’m living in the best moments of my life. If life is really a dream, I hope I don’t die because then I will forget everything. We are living in a house made up of each other. So I just wanted to say this. If life is a dream, then it’s the best dream I’ve ever had. Because it has me and it has you and that’s all I need.

Just Think

Photography

by Willow Ecker (7)

So next time think before you dream a dream, or you go to sleep. Next time think before you wake up smiling or open a gift. Because right now we are living in a dream and I hope you have everything you need.

Because it’s not about the time we spend with each other, but about the memories we make together. And right now I don’t have any memories for a day, but for a belly button and a lifetime. So thank you, thank you and that’s exactly what I wanted to say.

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Lake

By Anna Bailly (8) Loving you is like falling in love with a lake.

I dive into my emotions and submerge my being your empty voids, the ones you needed me to fulfill.

Yet, sometimes you get cold, too cold. You freeze up, leaving a thin layer of ice on top of the remaining essence of you.

I tiptoe, turning my frolic of childish “love” into the wasteland that we call us. When the ice breaks, I fall in, only this time I am not covered in love. I’m covered in fear, fear that the ice won’t be the only thing that breaks.

But then the day comes around when the sun comes out and the wall I could never break melts away like that.

However, law of conservation says that wall will never go away, but merely turn into something else.

That something else is the space between us. Yes, we can hold and touch each other, but our minds and hearts are further apart than ever.

I see you trying, trying to connect the past to the now. And then you see that you can’t, turning that space into frustration.

Frustration is two way street. One car goes down road of darkness and can never come back. The other car meets another intersection, one way is a place of revelation and separation the other is a uturn down the first path. Or, the two cars can collide, creating a beautiful mess of tears, ice cream and “I’m sorry”s.

I’ll never know what’s more confusing, figuring out you, or trying to figuring how I learned more about me through you.

But here I am, waiting to dry off after another swim in my lake.

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Ever

by Lauren Schmeidler (7) She extended her arms to the truth.

She extended when the truth was not a choice.

We all seek the truth.

Many come up empty, or drown in what we find.

The truth can lie.

The truth can die.

Either way, we are never the same.

Ever.

Pulled to Words

by Maddie Lancelot (8) she picked it up with her dainty fingers holding the once widely used object the pen is an archaic instrument setting the hand down on the paper she wrote

Don’t

by Ava Jacobsen (8) What we left A world of dirt So many in pain So many that hurt Smiles faded Troubles found Don’t move Don’t do it Don’t make a sound A land filled with silence

5 Ways to Kill Homework By Sonia Richardet (7) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………

SYNOPSIS: A group of 5 middle school students, finally fed up with homework, decide it’s time to do something about it. Will they successfully eliminate everyone’s worst nightmare, or will it all be for nothing? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………

CAST: - FLEXIBLE CASTING Andie (M):

troublemaker, bossy, leader of the plan

Quinn (F):

shy, quiet, realistic one (unless they’re on a rant) in the group

Elliot (M):

silly, jokester, comedian in the group

Drew (F):

sarcastic, witty, mastermind in the group

Phoenix (M): goodie two shoes, arrogant, decoy/bait in the group ………………………………………………………………………………………………………

SETTING: basement TIME PERIOD: modern day

SCENE 1 (Lights come up in a basement. Bean bags, pillows, couches, and board games are everywhere. All five students are laying around talking about school. There is plate of cookies in the middle on a table.)

Quinn:

I love coming to your basement after school, Andie. (grabs a cookie and takes a bite) Your mom makes the best cookies. (with his south full) Hey, did you guys do the science homework?

Phoenix:

(grabbing a cookie) Maybe? I can't really remember.

Drew:

(rolling eyes) Of course you can’t, Pheonix…

Phoenix:

(defensively) Hey! What's that supposed to mean?

Drew:

Nothing...

Elliot:

(groans) ughhhhh, I wish homework would just disappear!

Andie:

(deviously) Okay everyone. We are in my basement, so that means my rules. No talk of homework.

Phoenix:

But homework is really important.

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Drew:

You’ve got to be kidding, Phoenix. We work all day, AND THEN, we have to work all night?

Phoenix:

But it’s how we show that we know what to do on our own.

Elliot:

I know I like to tell jokes, but Phoenix, WHAT YOU JUST SAID is the biggest joke I have ever heard.

Andie:

Hold on everyone. This is my basement, so that means I make the rules here. What if we didn’t have to do homework anymore?

Elliot:

You’re joking, right?

Andie:

I am completely serious.

Quinn:

(shaking head) Ridiculous.

Phoenix:

My mom warned me about hanging out with you, Andie.

You are always in trouble at school.

Elliot:

THIS time. We aren’t going to get into trouble.

Drew:

How is THIS time different, Andie?

Andie:

THIS time, we are going to find a way to kill homework.

Quinn:

(shaking head) Not possible.

Andie:

VERY possible. We each have a mission. Go home tonight, and think of a way to kill homework. Be creative.

Anything goes….well….no jail time would be ideal…but let’s see where we land.

Phoenix:

I don’t like this. I don’t break the rules and homework is a rule.

Quinn:

Relax, Phoenix. Let’s play along. Sometimes Andie is crazy, and sometimes, Andie is crazy genius.

Andie:

So, it’s a plan?

Everyone but Andie:

(everyone looks at each other, and then says in unison) It’s a plan.

Andie:

(fist pump in the air) YES! We are going to kill homework!

(lights out)

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SCENE 2: (Lights come back up on a basement. Quinn is pacing and the rest are all sitting as a group in various places and positions.)

Quinn:

(while pacing - voice raises with every line) I'm stupid, we’re all stupid, this is stupid… we’re going to get caught, AND WE’RE ALL GOING TO SPEND THE REST OF OUR LIFE ROTTING IN SCHOOL JAIL! IS THERE SUCH A PLACE AS SCHOOL JAIL??????

Andie:

(mutters) …and they say I’m overdramatic…

Phoenix:

(ignores Andie) Relax, I thought about this overnight, and I think it’s time I take some risks at school. Besides, even if we do get caught, I’ll be let off the hook because I’ve never been in trouble, and I know not all of you can say the same thing.

Andie:

(scoffs) Jerk.

Drew:

So…anyone come up with any creative ideas on how to kill homework?

Elliot:

I gave this a great deal of thought, and I am going with poison.

(everyone but Elliot growns) Phoenix:

Not possible.

Elliot:

But I have a solid plan! Just listen… okay, you know those little laundry detergent pods?

Andie:

THEY are SO PRETTY! One time, I mistook one for candy and my mom smacked it out of my hands just in time.

Elliot:

Exactly! Your mom was a good mom. They are colorful AND QUITE POISONOUS! We just take one of those little guys and break it over our today’s homework, and TA-DA! Homework is dead and our little problem solved by yours truly.

Quinn:

(monotone) That’s the dumbest thing I've ever heard.

Phoenix:

Well… we could give it a shot, but when it doesn't work… my plan will work for tomorrow.

Drew:

I don't even want to know what your plan is at this point if it’s anything like this idiotic plan.

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Elliot:

(arrogantly) No worries. There’s NO NEED for YOUR PLAN because MY PLAN is sure to work. Laundry pods do your thing!

(lights out)

SCENE 3 (Lights come back up in the basement. All are sitting and slouching - looking discouraged.)

Elliot:

How did that not work? It was a genius plan.

Drew:

Right… a genius plan.

Quinn:

Your plan never stood a chance. And why didn’t you answer when I used your code name?

Elliot:

Baby Bird? That’s the code name you chose for me?

Quinn:

Pheonix….bird…baby bird…I figured it wasn’t too far off your real name.

Elliot:

It doesn’t matter anyway. My plan bombed. Just as I split the laundry pod open, Mrs. Franklin made eye contact. She new I was up to something. She pulled all the homework back and made ME clean up the mess.

Phoenix:

It was really gross, Elliot. There was gooey liquid everywhere. Is that what happens inside washing machines? Gross. I am NEER going to wash my clothes.

Elliot:

Ew….that’s gross, Phoenix! Bottom line - no poison. I guess it only works if it’s in the inside of something. It’s had to get inside homework.

Drew:

Shut it, Elliot. (big breath) Listen, my plan will get us a free of homework forever.

Phoenix:

Not fair! We all agreed to do my plan next!

Quinn:

We’re never going to get anything done if we keep arguing, okay? (both Drew and Phoenix shake heads in agreement) So, here's the plan. First we try Phoenix’s plan then Drew’s, then mine. Of course, we won’t need Andie’s plan since mine will work, and we all know Andie doesn’t study…so his plan won’t work.

Andie:

(sarcastically) Thanks for the vote of confidence, Quinn.

24

Quinn:

(smiling) My pleasure.

Drew:

(stifles a laugh then covers it with a cough turns to face Phoenix) So what was your plan anyway?

Phoenix:

Drum roll please! (beats the pretend drums for a few seconds) We drown the homework in a bucket of water! (jazz hands)

(the entire room is stunned and silent - some mouths drop - some eyes rolls) Well, is it awesome, or is it awesome?

Andie:

Eh… (shrugs) we don't have much to lose.

Elliot:

Must too lose? You mean like spending 6 and a half more years slaving away to the cruel monster known as homework.

Drew:

Don’t forget college.

Elliot:

10 and a half more years!

Phoenix:

Grad school….

Elliot:

12 and a half…

Quinn:

(yells) Enough!

Phoenix:

Okay, it’s time for my plan. Let’s meet right after school tomorrow outside of Mr. Macon’s classroom. There is plenty of homework there.

Quinn:

Ummm, actually can we make that 4:30? I need to head to the senior citizen center right after school tomorrow for bingo.

(Everyone stares at Quinn) (defensively) What? The team needs me! I was volunteer of the month in August.

Phoenix:

Ok, fine, whatever. My plan to kill homework happens tomorrow at 4:30. Water is really dangerous. I think this just may do it.

Drew:

Keep telling yourself that.

(lights out)

25

SCENE 4 (Lights come back up in the basement. Everyone is wiping his/her hands hand towels. No one looks happy except for Drew who is smiling.)

Drew:

(smiling and shaking head) Well, that was a bust, Phoenix.

Quinn:

And who could have predicted that… (points to self and mouths“me”)

Andie:

Well, Drew’s plan was next, then mine, so let's get hers over with so we can get to mine.

Drew:

(in a sing songish tone) Easy, Andie.

Andie:

Yeah yeah, just hurry up already.

Drew:

(rolls eyes) Who made him the boss again?

Phoenix:

Exactly! For once you're right! I should obviously be the boss since I'm the smartest!

Drew:

1. Rude 2. Not even remotely true 3. Because I'm a nice person and MY plan is simple AND will work. We’re having a campfire at my house tonight, and I was going to ask if you guys can come. From there we collect ALL of our homework and try to BURN IT. (looks worried) Of course, my parents can’t see, but we can BURN IT!

Andie:

You know, that’s a great idea! Just not better than mine though.

Quinn:

Or mine….

Phoenix:

Drew’s idea is not half bad. Fire has killed many things over the years. Maybe it will kill homework.

Drew:

(excited) Okay! Fire it is!

(lights out) SCENE 5 (Lights come back up on the basement. Drew is now wearing a burnt wig that sticks up all over. Everyone is looking at Drew with a slight bit of fear.)

Phoenix:

(cautiously) Sorry about your hair, Drew.

Quinn:

(grimacing) It looks like it hurts, Drew. Do you need some ointment….or a bandage…or…ice?

26

Elliot:

I’m a boyscout….maybe I can try to….do something…

Drew:

It’s my fault. I was crazy to think that fire would kill homework.

Andie:

No joke! Some cultures believe fire purifies. The papers you burned, before it singed your hair, became only stronger and more important. Way to go, Drew.

Elliot:

Since when do you know things about other cultures?

Andie:

I may not do my homework all the time, but I do read. I read all the time.

Drew:

Well that’s a shocker. I hope we’re just as shocked that your plan to kill homework actually works.

Andie:

Oh, it will….

Quinn:

(interrupting) Hold on, my plan is next! That was the deal!

We won’t need yours, Andie. No offense.

Andie:

None taken.

Phoenix:

Okay, Quinn. You are up.

Quinn:

(smiles) A curse.

Everyone but Quinn:

(disgusted) A CURSE?

Quinn:

Yep. I’ve read a lot, too Andie. Every fairy tale that has an evil witch has a curse. All we have to do is curse homework, and it will die. Trust me. (everyone rolls their eyes - lights out) SCENE 6 (Lights come back up on the basement. Quinn is pouting on the beanbag. Everyone else is giggling and trying not to laugh) Drew:

(holding in a laugh) Sorry about that, Quinn.

Phoenix:

(holding in a laugh) Yeah, that really SHOULD have worked.

Elliot:

(bursts out laughing) THAT was CRAZY!!!!

Andie:

(joins Elliot in laughing) Could you believe the look on Mrs. Marshall’s face when Quinn starting chanting?

Elliot:

(laughs even louder and mimics Mrs. Marshall) “What on earth do you think you are doing, Quinn? A school is no place for magic and curses! To the principal’s office!” IT WAS HYSTERICAL!

27

Drew:

AND…thanks your little chanting, we now have even MORE homework! Mrs. Marshall figured we all had too much time on our hands if we had time to write chants.

Phoenix:

Thanks a lot, Quinn.

Quinn:

Fine. I admit defeat. Homework is still alive.

Elliot:

We have only one hope left.

(Everyone looks at Andie) Andie:

So, now you’re ready to hear my plan?

Everyone but Andie:

YES!

Andie:

Meet me back tomorrow after school. I promise you that homework will be dead for all of us.

(lights out) SCENE 7 (Lights come back up in the basement. Everyone BUT Andie is there pacing back and forth. Andie busts into the room excited) Andie:

I did it!

Phoenix:

You did it?

Drew:

You killed homework?

Andie:

(proudly) Yep. We no longer have homework.

Elliot:

It’s a miracle! I can’t believe you pulled it off!

Quinn:

How did you do it?

Andie:

Easy! I got us all kicked out of school! Now, we don’t have homework ever again.

(Everyone BUT Andie looks shocked and frozen) Phoenix:

(slowly) YOU. DID. WHAT?

Drew:

(over and over) This isn’t happening. This can’t be happening.

Andie:

What is everyone so mad? Isn’t this what you wanted?

Elliot:

Yes, but not THIS WAY!

28

Andie:

I killed homework! I win!

Quinn:

NO! We all lose, Andie! You may like being in trouble all the time, but I want to go to high school…and college…. and maybe even medical school. What have you done?

(Everyone but Andie drops into couches, chairs, and bean bags in horror. Andie stands and starts to giggle… slowly at first, then big hearty laughs. Everyone is horrified at Andie laughing) Phoenix:

It’s not funny, Andie.

Andie:

Oh, it’s SOOOO funny, You guys bought it hook, line, and sinker. I didn’t get us kicked out of school. I just wanted to scare you, but I did kill homework for today and tomorrow though.

Elliot:

Is this another bad joke, Andie?

Andie:

No! Check your phones. Check our school homework site.

(everyone but Andie grabs his/her phone and looks) Quinn:

He’s right.

Elliot:

No homework.

Phoenix:

Homework is dead! (shocked) He did it!

Drew:

How did you do this, Andie?

Andie:

Easy. I pulled the plugs on all the copy machines in the school office and teacher’s lounge. Knowing how much teachers know about technology, it will take days before they fix it.

Everyone:

(in unison) WE DID IT! (everyone starts to jump around and celebrate and high five)

Phoenix:

So, what should we do now?

Andie:

Rewire the school computers? It should buy us at least a week?

Drew:

A 6th way?

Andie:

Yep.

All but Andie:

(look at each other - nod) Oh, yeah. Let’s do it.

(lights out) THE END

29

Social Media

by Ella Collins (7) Dear Social Media: Sometimes I love you, but other times, I hate you. I’m constantly on social mead.

One might say that I am obsessed. I check you every few minutes, when I’m not at school. I once went an entire day without looking at you, because I had my phone taken away, but the second I was given it back, I went straight to Snapchat. My whole life revolves around you. I check to see what people are saying about me. I wish I could just put my phone down and interact face to face, but I can’t. If I stop social media, I think my life might stop.

But you just wait and see, I’m going to stop obsessing. Maybe not today, but someday.

Your “kinda-sorta” friend, Ella

I’m Not a Doll

by Ava Jacobsen (8) I am not a doll You cannot pick me up Play with me Groom me Dress me Take me out Then leave me alone Because you saw Another pretty thing You cannot throw me down Leave me alone Rip out my hair And undress me when you want I am not a doll I am a strong woman I am independent I do not need a man to Show me how to live I can dress and undress myself I can take myself out If you leave me alone I will leave you If you hit me I will hit back I am not a doll And you will not treat me Like one

Tiger, Tiger

30

Color Markers

by Gracie Dedo (8)

The Precious Ages

By Ava Jacobsen (8) & Jennifer Brosius (8) The precious ages Gone so fast What was once ours Never to last The gladness in us brought by living life Not one to fuss Not two to be Come along now Come be with me Increased by the love The deeper it should be

My Song

By Anna Bailly (8) My lonely heart murmurs to the sound of his voice. My confidence grows every time you glance into my eyes. My tempted ears yearn to hear that he loves me. Insecurity has become the friend that holds be back from becoming close to you. It sings a tune of regect. So please don't treat me like a cake with no frosting, taste my being and learn that I am too sweet. I may be too scared, but overcome the fear I am not strong enough to.

31

Butterfly

by Hadasa Barmor (7) Beautifully majestic Utterly relaxing Taking pollen from flowers more beautiful than them Tiny beating hearts of love Eaten by birds flying through the sky Round about of beauty Flying in the blue above Lovely, slow swings flapping We see our reflections in your beautiful eyes

Delicate

by Ava Jacobsen (8) Wings of beauty, swimming through the air Wishing to land upon the delicate daisy Tainting the beautify of a woman’s hand Flying so softly between the meadows Fragile legs tiptoeing across the most beautiful petal Radiating the kindest look and sound Defying limits given by those who can’t fly Looking for a job worth time Yearning for a life above the same routine

Flying Away

by Genevieve Cayless (8) He did not know her name. He looked at her as if she was the only thing that could save him. A second turned into eternity as he gazed into her ocean eyes. He looked away for what seemed like a millisecond, then, she was gone. Like a beautiful robin finally spread her wings, sweating, scared, she was gone. The mysterious woman. He would never know her name.

32

Alpine Watercolor

by Grace Martin (8)

The Final Door

by Jett Schmidt (7) He wasn’t ready, but when you thing about it, was anybody?

Is anybody ready for what’ s ahead?

Behind the door was the end, but he was scared.

They would be waiting.

Anxiety is the world disease, And strength the hardest medicine to swallow.

Internally screaming, he put on a smile.

He drew in breath and opened the door.

33

Flying

by Anna Bailly (8) Rise above the hate and discrimination.

Fly high, my beauty, For you are free.

Load my mind with hope and longing.

Yesterday you were mine, but now you are the sky’s.

34

Buried Pain

by Lauren Schmeidler (7) She was blue and in conflict with herself.

She tried so hard to kill the pain inside.

As soon as one buried that pain, it is was if death occurred.

She would never forget the pain and scratching of her past.

She let it behind, but it will haunt her forever.

Oak Tree Branch

Mixed Media

by Sofia Aguiniga (7)

Flawless

by Liesel DeWalt (8) I am not what I seem to be.

I wonder if my life will be better.

I hear two voices telling me what to do.

I see every eye in this world on me.

I am not proud of myself yet.

I pretend to be flawless.

I feel like I should give up.

I touch my face while looking in the mirror wishing I was the real me.

I worry about things that don’t matter.

I cry not knowing why I am.

I am full of flaws.

I understand that life is hard.

I say optimistic things that soon turn pessimistic.

I dream that someday I can thrive.

I try but trying isn’t good enough.

I hope that no one else has to feel my pain.

I am not what I seem to be.

The Long Road

Photography

by Willow Ecker (7)

35

36

Hold Me

Photography

by Jayda Kelly (7)

Bittersweet

by Sofia Aguiniga (7) Dear Social Media: You and I have a bittersweet connection that can be complicated and messy. You help capture some o fly life’s greatest moments and share them with others. I have funny memories, happy memories, and sad memories, and I can name them all. But in addition to those memories, there also emotions like jealousy, sadness, anger, and stress. You show me pictures where I was left out, or where I was caught in a awkward moment - untouched by the editing software of the world. I take a picture of myself and post it, and seconds later, I check.

There, next to my photo is a picture perfect doll string at me. I love you, social media, but you put me through so much. I hope my note opens your minds a little and helps you understand me.

Sofia

The Hold Photography

by Sofia Aguiniga (7)

37

What if…

by Jennifer Brosius (8) Every little kid fears about what's under the bed.

Some believe what their parents tell them.

It just your brain playing tricks on you.

Some let it get to them and worry about it.

But is it?

What if you really did hear something?

What if you really did see something move?

What if what you thought you saw is real?

The truth is you're not fearing what you thought you saw or heard.

You are fearing the what “ifs” you have created in your mind.

Your Face

38

Clay and Paint

by Megan Skinner (8)

My Dream

By Vivian Kliewer (6) I have a dream that one day, women will be equal to mean.

They will have the same pay, rights, and respect they deserve.

They will not be abused or controlled by men. I have a dream that women will be respected and treated the way we should be.

Feet, Again

Photography

by Eva Norum (8)

39

A Real Christmas By Gillian Skelton (6) -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SYNOPSIS: Christmas is a time for giving. One little girl finds the true meaning of Christmas by helping a stranger in need.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------CAST: Emily (F):

caring, nice, and giving

Harry (M):

homeless, nice, humble, and harmless

Mom (F):

worried about Harry but sees the light

Jonathan (M):

mean - throws rocks at homeless people

Jessica (F):

Mean - thinks she and her brother own the street

Grandpa (M):

proud man who loves his family

Grandma (F):

sassy grandma with strength and love

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SETTING: NYC City TIME PERIOD: 1950s -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SCENE 1 (Lights come up on a busy New York Street. A homeless man sits against an apartment building as a mother and daughter walk home from a busy day of shopping. Their arms are full of bags and packages. ) Emily:

(begging) But, Mama, that doll was heavenly. She had crystal blue eyes and perfect blond curls.

Mom:

Emily, I told you today was about finding gifts for the entire family.

Christmas is about giving to others, not buying for yourself. You have plenty of dolls.

Emily:

I know, Mama. But she was special. Isn’t there some way I could have her? I promise to do all my chores, even the cat box….(crinkles her nose in disgust.)

Mama:

I’ll tell you what, if you finish all your chores, AND you help Mrs. Bates in 5C with HER cat boxes, I will give you the money for the doll.

Emily:

Cat boxes? She has 6 cats, right?

40

Mama:

In or out, Emily?

Emily:

I’m in.

(Suddenly, two children, Jessica and Jonathan appear on the street and start throwing rocks at the man sitting there. He is wincing with every pelt of a rock. Mama notices and rushes to the man.)

Mama:

Shoo, you nasty children! What an awful thing to do to this man.

(Jessica and Jonathan laugh at Mama and race off stage again) Emily:

Mama, should we help the man? (pointing at the man)

Mama:

(grabbing Emily’s finger and pulling her away from the man) Do not point, Emily. It is not polite. (takes a big breath) Now, what those children did was just awful, but, sweet girl, he is dirty, and he has issues that we cannot begin to help. It is best to just look away and mind our own business. (Mama grabs Emily and drags her off the stage as she looks back at the man)

(Lights out)

SCENE 2: (Scene opens back on the street. It is a new day. Mama and Emily as talking to one another as the man sits once again on the curb) Emily:

(surprised) $10 whole dollars, Mama?

Mama:

I am very proud of you, Emily. Mrs. Bates said you even stayed to play with the cats after you finished your work.

Emily:

It actually had fun. Do you know of her cats is named Bonkers?

And it’s the quiet one!

Mama:

Now, be careful heading to the toy store. Be sure to bring back any change.

(Mama kissed Emily on the forehead and heads off stage - leaving Emily alone with just the man on the street)

Emily:

(walking over to the man and handing him the $10) Here you go, mister! It’s ten dollars. Maybe you could buy some food and a blanket.

(the man is frozen in shock) My name is Emily. What’s your name?

41

Harry:

(still shocked) ...Uh….Harry….I can’t take this from you.

Emily:

Sure you can. What those kids did to you yesterday was really wrong. I have a warm bed, a house, food, and family. The least I can do is give you this money I earned.

Harry:

You are very kind, Emily. I don’t know what to say.

Emily:

No need to say anything. I hope this money can make a difference for you.

Harry:

It will. Christmas is almost here judging by the weather (pulls his tattered coat up around his neck) Anything on your Christmas wish list?

Emily:

I did have doll on the list, but it doesn’t matter now.

(Suddenly, Jessica and Jonathan enter once again with rocks in their hands. They walk right up to Harry and Emily.)

Jessica:

Hey, little girl! Why are you giving that hobo money??

Emily:

Um because...

Jonathon:

Yeah, weirdo. (being oversweet) You are SOOO SWEET. Too sweet for my taste. Trust me, THIS hobo doesn’t deserve anything.

Jessica:

Let us introduce ourselves. My name is Jessica, and THIS is my brother Jonathan.

Jonathan:

We’re twins.

Jessica:

We’re twins that own this street, so we say what happens here and what doesn’t, and what happens here today is that we are going to throw all of these sharp rocks and HIM! (points to Harry)

Emily:

You own the whole street?

Jonathan:

You think you’re funny, huh? Yeah, we own the entire street, cuz we say so.

Jessica:

Listen, little girl. If HE wanted money, he should go get a job.

Jonathan:

Yeah, he’s just a bum that no one cares about.

(Mama’s voice is heard calling from off stage)

42

Mama:

Emily! Are you back already?

Jessica:

(looking worried) Let’s scram before that mean lady comes back.

Jonathan:

(also worried) She’s scary!

(Jessica and Jonathan run off stage the same direction they came) Mama:

There you are.

(Emily walks over to Mama to talk) Did you buy your doll?

Emily:

I’m sorry but I gave the homeless man over there my money.

His name is Harry. He is very nice. And Mama, those two mean kids were back trying to hurt him again. Why do they do that?

Mama:

I wish I knew, Emily. Homeless people go through a great deal of pain on a daily basis. I’m glad you are one of the people hurting them. (kissing her sweetly on the forehead) It’s Christmas Eve and your grandparents are on their way. Go wash up and get ready.

(Emily races off stage as Mama walks over to Harry) Mama:

(finds the nerve to look Harry in the eye) I hope Emily wasn’t a bother to you.

Harry:

No, ma’am. You’ve raised a very kind young lady.

Mama:

Thank you. (awkwardly) I hope you don’t mind me asking, but how did you end up out here on the streets?

Harry:

Hard times, ma’am. I lost everything. I don’t want your sympanthy, I just appreciate a kind smile now and again. As soon as I get a ride to the mission, I hope they can set me up with a job. You see, this old leg isn’t much for long walks.

(Suddenly, Grandpa and Grandma approach Mama and Harry) Grandpa:

Merry Christmas, daughter of mine!

Grandma:

Where is that granddaughter of mine?

Mama:

She’s upstairs cleaning up, Mom. Mom, Dad, this is Harry. Your sweet granddaughter made a new friend for the holiday.

43

Grandpa:

Nice to meet you, Harry. Is that a an 82nd Airborne Division patch there on your winter jacket?

Harry:

Yes, sir. Served with honor, I did.

Grandpa:

Thank you for your service, sir. (salutes) Hope your lucky turns around for you.

Mama:

We better be getting in, Dad. (kindly) Take care of yourself, Harry.

Harry:

You too ma’am.

(lights out)

SCENE 3 (Lights come up on a living room with a Christmas tree covered in twinkling lights. Mama, Grandpa, and Grandma and sitting drinking coffee, waiting for Emily to wake up for Christmas Morning. Suddenly, Emily bounds into the room wearing her footie pajamas) Emily:

It’s here! It’s finally Christmas! (Emily runs and kisses everyone on the cheek and finally plops down on the ground under the tree)

Mama:

This Christmas we have much to celebrate. Emily and I have a wonderful home and a wonderful family. We are very blessed.

Grandpa:

We all are blessed. I think we we start the present opening with a gift from each of us to our dear, sweet, and kind Emily.

Emily:

Thanks, Grandpa.

Mama:

I want to go first. (grabs a beautifully wrapped package from under the tree) I hope you like this.

(Emily tears open the gift to discover a beautiful doll with blue eyes and blond curls) Emily:

Mama! You bought her! (runs to hug Mama) Thank you so much.

Mama:

I am just so proud of you, sweet girl. You think of others and give all that you have. Thank you for not listening to me and just ignoring that poor man. You did a truly wonderful thing in helping him. This doll was meant to be yours.

My Game

by Caroline Dedo (8) Grandpa: It’s time for my present. (grabs an envelope on the tree and gives it Soccer is my game. to Emily) It’s just a little something.

My puppy is my bestthe friend.

(Emily carefully opens envelope and reads silently) I like to do art.

44

Mama:

What does it say, Emily?

Emily:

Grandpa gave Harry a ride to the Veterans Administration. He wrote that they are going to help him get back on his feet.

Grandpa:

Well, it’s the least I can do for someone who served our country.

That’s for taking the time to see his true worth, my dear Emily.

(Emily gives Grandpa a big hug) Grandma:

My turn! (grabs a small, awkwardly wrapped present from under the tree and gives it to Emily)

(Emily tears into the package and is confused) Emily: Grandma:

A slingshot, Grandma? I thought you were against this sort of toy.

Well, I was, until I heard that this neighborhood needs little protection. No mean children are going to mess with MY granddaughter! If those two hoodlums come near you with rocks, you just remind them who your grandmother is. They’ll stop harming innocent people once they get a dose of their own medicine.

(Everyone laughs as Emily hugs Grandma) Emily:

(to everyone) This is the best Christmas ever!

(Lights out) THE END

45

Misshapen

46

Mixed Media

by Hadasa Barmor (7)

Dear Stuffed Grinch

By Ariana Hinson (8)

I know I gave you a bad rap as a child, but now I look upon my memories of you with fondness.

The fact that I was terrified of you was no surprise, given that you were terrifying and I was five.

As soon as I shared my fears of you stealing my soul,, while I slept, they began artfully hiding you around the house. I can’t count how many times I’ve run to my room and smothered you in the bottom of my toy box. This letter might seem mean or uncalled for, and it probably is. I just wanted to make sure that your cold, factor-produced, shriveled heart know that giving you away to Goodwill was the best decision I’ve ever made.

Don’t reply, Arianna

Cabra

Color Markers

by Grace Martin (8)

47

The Day of Love

By Caroline Dedo (8), Sofia Aguiniga (7), and Ella Collins (7) Joyous hearts join on one wonderful day Sweet peace fills the air Again and again bringing the gift of love

Look Behind Words Digital Art

by Caroline Dedo (8)

48

A Letter to My Train of Thought

by Anna Bailly (8)

I would like to say that I apologize.

You do a heavy job.

You work long hours, and I push too far.

I make you create things that don’t exist, andI make you believe it.

Wings

Birds on Wires Photography

by Mia Hoeflicker (7)

Anti

by Anna Bailly (8) I want to slip away into the atmosphere of the granite sky. Let the hate push me down on me like the force of gravity that seems to never work with me. Let love balance me out and pull me to my roots. Let the sun warm your heart and the moon clean your soul. Beg for just one more minute in the presence of the spilt milk in the black tablecloth of the night sky.

Get lost in acceptance and don’t fight for freedom from our ‘sins’ because we want to be free from your’s. Drop the signs telling us to go to Hell, because you believe that’s how you will get to Heaven; and then turn around and say the being you call God loves everyone. So, come to me with bible verses and scriptures and I will show you the verse that says to be a slave because that is what Jesus would have said.

We are the United States, not the divided races. The only thing huge is the ego of the man I am told to look up to, and the eyes of hopeful families wanting a better future for their kin.

You want to close off the border, but all you’re doing is closing off the minds of your successors. Put your small hands down and meet those of starving children with food and warmth. Stop trying to “make America great again”, and make someone’s life great for once.

And you say, “again” as if we were once great, but between the hate and discrimination; it’s hard to say that I am proud to be an American. But it is easy to say that I am proud to be a woman, that I support the LGBTQ+ community, to be someone with a dream from a small town in Kansas. It is easy to say that I am proud to say I am anti- hate. I am anti-oppression. I am anti-Trump.

by Veronica Burdette (8) and Gracie Dedo (8) Tiny beautiful heart Under leaves is where I’m found Too short of a life span Tiny, am I Every color of the rainbow Ready to fly anywhere Flutter in the sky Lovely little wings Yearning for Attention

Butterfly Landing

by Sofia Aguiniga (7) And Ella Collins (7)

Balanced motions cause flight Under wings, the wind subsides Timely landing provides safe grounding Tickling the petals of a beautiful flower

Nowhere

by Jennifer Brosius (8)

Nowhere is nowhere Nowhere has cookies and kittens Nowhere has slides and a park Nowhere is in a little girl's imagination

49

Monster of Life

by Cooper Randleas (7) she was blue with fright as the monsters approached bigger and uglier they grew as the got closer a quick peek from under the covers finally, a scream for help nobody came the transition was complete the monster of life took her and made her into an adult

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Too Late

by Gracie Dedo (8) How can one not break under pressure, when society’s glaring eyes define every move you make?

Every word that leaves your lips?

“Big Brother is watching you,” they say.

Is he watching us all, or just me?

“Sooner or later, they will get you.”

I won’t let it be too late.

Fire in the Hills

Print

by Joey Bergeson (7)

Cold Shame

by Olivia Ablah (7) “I love you.”

They stood alone in the room.

She slowly lost his sight.

The room became cold, so cold that he could not feel a thing.

His fingers became numb as his eyes grew larger and larger.

The room became dark.

The voice cried, “Are you there?”

She sank into her seat, as tears ran down her cheeks.

The boy sat back in his chair, slightly ashamed of himself.

He could no longer hear sound, and for those few second, time stopped.

The Light in the Sky Watercolor

by Katie McEntaffer (7)

51

Save the Earth

Water Colors

by Gillian Skelton (6)

Outside

by Arianna Hinson (8) I like the outside.

Smelling the flowers, trees, grass, brush, But I’d rather not.

Judgement

by Kaitlyn McEntaer (7)

52

He cleaned his fingers as best he could.

After what he has done, no one will know what happened.

So he thought.

The day has come.

All in the light of day.

As we wakes, it all stops.

Love

by Genevieve Cayless (8) As the sun went down, the stars appeared. It almost felt like everything stopped - both space and time. He hesitated as he reached for his hand. All the comments and jokes seemed to fade away. He loved him. As he looked into his eyes, it was a though their two souls had opened up to one another. It was love.

Ego

by Shreya Reddy (7) He hated her because she was young and pretty And walked around like she owned the world With and air of pride and dignity An air that would definitely lead to A massive ego that would bring her Toward death Something no one wanted to experience Unless she really deserved it But when you think you’re right You tick to it and believe You aren’t wrong Even if everyone else believes otherwise Ego builds up inside of you Boiling and simmering Threatening to be unleashed Like a dog begging to be let out To be free Being chained up is something no one wants Or maybe that is what this girl wanted Maybe she was too afraid to let it free Worried about the consequences she would be faced with Or maybe it was just a hopeful memory That was thrown away because she was scared That it would come back to bite her Can an ego really be that strong?

Is it all worth the risk Or did you do it all for nothing?

He hated her because she was young and pretty

The Forest Pastel Paint

by Aiden White (6)

53

I Promise

By Anna Bailly (8)

Invisible

by Jennifer Brosius She sits alone in every class No one sees She talks No one listens She Cries No one cares

Cherry Blossoms Watercolors

by Gracie Dedo (8)

5454

I ’m okay, I am just tired

P lease, just go away R eally, I am fine O kay, stop asking M aybe another night, I don’t want to do anything tonight O h yeah, today was really fun S mile, just keep smiling E xcept I’m not, I’m not okay

Doll Face

by Ava Jacobsen (8) You say I have a doll face.

So then how about you let me do what I want with it and get it in your mind that it has nothing to do with you?

You say I should smile more.

So should I hide the fact that I am hurting, and just smile?

You say my body is a temple.

So then why the hell won’t you treat it like one?

The Edge

Print Making

by Evan Leiker (8)

You say my mind is wonderful.

So then why don’t you let it think for itself?

You say my voice is more beautiful than the sound of mocking jays.

So then why don’t you let Me talk for once?

You say my hands are the most beautiful thing you’ve seen.

So then why don’t you let them go so they stay beautiful?

It is my body.

It is my voice.

It is my mind.

So leave them be.

55

Manarola, Italy

Photography

by Sonia Richardet (7)

56

Yellow Skies

Ink

by Hadasa Barmor (7)

Death Paint

by Jaci Taylor (7)

How

By Anna Bailly (8) How? How did I allow myself to fall for you again? After countless hours that just fell along with the tears I spent crying over you. I swore to myself that I would never, ever, catch me falling, because I knew I wouldn’t be able to peel my shattered heart off the cold concrete.I pinky promised that I wouldn’t get lost in your eyes, because mine would get too blurry to see the clearly marked exit, but I guessed I had my fingers crossed. I try to blame you for the pain you’ve caused, but I can never bring myself to it. On one hand I can’t hate you. On the other, how can I blame you for something you didn’t know. Though, I don’t know how you didn’t see it. How can I want to hate you and love you at the same time?

How can I cry tears of pain and tears of laughter because of you at the same time?

But, how can you complete me and break me at the same time?

How?

Country Girl

by Jillian Capps (8) Trucks, Jeeps, and tractors, fun begins where the road ends.

I’m a country girl.

57

Contorting

By Shreya Reddy (8) and Scarlett Barientos (7) Here I breathe on this Earth This life full of compassion Humble while roaming this Earth But in the beginning no love was found And soon people changed from glory To being contorted into sinning Armed by faith, lead perfectly by passion All the sinners began excelling towards love Instead of hate

Love is Pointless

By Kate O’Malley (8) and Willow Ecker (7) Tender souls speak to the world.

They give grace and love.

They also bring hope.

Hope is a thing no one can understand, yet we believe in it anyway.

Just like love.

We put so much time trying to save it, but we don't realize that we are slowly killing it as we go.

We put our hearts above our spirits neglecting the fact that sadly, our love is dead but our souls still breath.

Body

By Anna Bailly (8) Im am not skinny I have thick thighs I don’t fit into size two jeans I will always have a bit more to me than the other girls You are skinnier than me You have a thigh gap You do fit into size two anything You will never see that I am smaller than someone else People are mean People have insecurities People don’t fit into stereotypes People will never get that no one is perfect, so what is the point of changing?

58

Floating in the Clouds Mixed Media

by Gracie Dedo (8)

Kitten Water Colors

by Gracie Dedo (8)

59

Blind

by Jennifer Brosius (8) She fakes a smile every day She fakes a laugh every day She says she is fine She says she couldn’t be better People believe her But they don’t see She is falling apart She is crying inside She is dying inside But no one sees it All because she is good at faking a smile

60

Scaffolding

Photography

by Willow Ecker (7)

Dear Barbie

by Olivia Ablah (7) Your skin is cold Neglected, thrown across rooms Put on shelves alone in a box Beauty ruling your world Becoming an icon People looks up to you SMILE Can you feel your skin?

Are you breathing?

Do you see different colors?

Do you feel pretty?

Does it hurt being treated like a doll?

It mustn’t, for its all you’ve ever known.

What is it like, being perfect?

Do you ever feel pain?

How does it feel to know you are you?

Why are you sad, Barbie?

Did they not pick you?

Were you left on the shelf, alone, with your face surrounding you everywhere you look?

Did it hurt when they forgot about you?

Nothing hurts you, because you’re Barbie.

Be strong.

Be beautiful.

Be Barbie.

True Beauty

by Shreya Reddy (7) Beauty marks age.

That beauty that makes one feel old, young, and naive.

Naive, but protected.

Protection that shows your true beauty

Toys in Us

Assemblage

by Anna Bailly (8) and Jillian Capps (8)

61

Muscle Maximus and Neuron - The Super Duo By Judah Hansen (8) ——————————————————————————————————————— SYNOPSIS: Muscle Maximus and his sidekick are out to defeat The Arachnid. Will Max’s arrogance and narcissism get in the way of their victory or can his sidekick Neuron convince him to think out a plan before busting in?

——————————————————————————————————————— CAST: Muscle Maximus (M):

super strong, arrogant ,very narcissistic - makes fun of his weak side kick

Neuron/Scrawny Johnny (M):

intelligent, underestimated, has the ability to save the day, but Max won't let him

The Arachnid (M/F) :

evil - mother was a spider who was killed by an exterminator wants revenge on all exterminators

Ample Armed Aaron (M):

has a big strong arms - they can form together into one large person

Long Legged Larry (M):

has long strong legs - they can form together into one large person

Huge Head Herbert (M):

has A big head, smart - they can form together into one large person

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SETTING: The Arachnid’s Secret Evil Base TIME PERIOD: modern day

SCENE 1 (Scene opens on the in a junkyard outside vault door of the Arachnids “secret base” with massive signs and arrows bringing lots of attention to the door at stage center with a large pile of junk to stage left big enough for Neuron to hide behind. Max and Neuron walk on stage left and stop before reaching door) Max:

(loudly) Ha! It is I, The Mighty Muscle Maximus here to destroy the evil Arachnid! Here I go! (starts to move)

Neuron:

(grabs Max - hushed) Wait! Hold on one sec…

Max:

(loudly) What is It Scrawny Johnny!

Neuron:

(hushed) Once again, my name is Neuron, not Scrawny Johnny, that aside, I’m pretty sure this is just a trap.

62

Max:

(loudly) What do you mean a trap? Look at all these signs that clearly state that this is the Arachnids Secret Base!

Neuron:

(hushed) That's just it. It seems to suspicious like it's a trap or something.

Max:

(loudly) A TRAP! Ha! Preposterous! The Arachnid couldn't be THAT smart. He is only a super villain, and even if there was a trap, I MUSCLE MAXIMUS would only smash my way out and destroy THAT EVIL SPIDER!

Neuron:

(hushed) Let’s just wait a second and make a plan before we go charging in there.

Max:

(loudly) HA! Scrawny Johnny, you worry too much. I will defeat the evil slippery scum with or without you.

(Max runs out at door, as he tries to open the door a Huge cage falls from ceiling trapping him. This can be a lightweight cage that looks similar to the one in the game Mousetrap) (loudly) What is this? Ha! You think a puny cage can stop Muscle Maximus? Well, if The Arachnid thought that he must be an idiot! (reaches down to lift up cage tries to lift up and comically falls backwards after trying to lift it up multiple times)

Max:

(loudly less self confident) Must have been off balance… yeah…

(Goes back to lift cage and stains to lift it and once again but falls backwards once more.)

Aaron:

(loudly from off stage) Guys, he fell for the trap!

(Neuron runs off stage left) Max:

(loudly - nervously) Scrawny Johnny! What are you doing?

Don’t leave me! Come back!

(Aaron, Larry, and Herbert walk on from stage right towards the cage Aaron with incredibly long legs dragging on the ground Larry towering over everyone on his stilt like legs and Herbert leaning from side to side losing balance because of his massive head that's way too big for his body - all of this can be done with paper mache extensions.)

Larry:

(proudly) We got him all right!

63

Herbert:

(sarcastically) We don't know that just yet, be careful check for that LITTLE guy that follows him around.

Aaron:

(loudly - laughing a little) I think we’re clear. That little guy can’t help him now.

Max:

(loudly - trying to act brave) You’ll never hold Me!

Herbert:

(teasingly) Oh, aren’t you sweet. But look, we already have (makes air quotes) “Little Marigold Maximus”

Max:

(loudly - hurt) Only my Mommy can call me that!

Herbert:

(teasingly) Ha! Start moving him. We don’t want to keep the boss waiting!

Aaron:

(loudly) Alrighty then!

(Aaron and Larry start pushing the cage off stage right with Max inside with Herbert following close behind the minions laughing all the while. After completely off stage, Neuron walks on from stage left) Nueron:

(hushed) Oh, pastrami! This is bad! I have to figure out how to get Muscle Maximus out of here alive! I have to plan this out. NOT planning is what got him into this mess in the first place.

(Neuron pulls out a large blueprint maps, easel, markers, etc and begins to setup up the easel and plan things out in large dramatic marker lines arrows and circles) Now, if I go here, I can cut the power to the security systems. Once I do that, I can travel anywhere through the air ducts. Now I only have to figure out where they are taking him. Hmmmmmmmm…..(scratching head)

(lights fade to black)

SCENE 2 (Lights come back up on the inside of The Arachnid’s base with science equipment everywhere. Spider webs are everywhere. The base is empty of people. The three henchmen, Larry, Aaron, and Herbert enter pushing the cage that contains Max.) Max:

64

(loudly - arrogantly) Wheeeez (pushes again against the cage) Okay… okay….those other 1,238 tries were just me getting warmed up now I will break these bars…

(Comically yanks on bars and lean back pulling them until he falls back losing his grip.)

(loudly less self confident) Hmm… I must've lost my grip.

I’ll try (huffs) one more (huffs) time.

Arachnid:

(sinisterly from off stage) It's no use, Muscle Maximus.

Those are spider web steel bars. The are virtually indestructible, and I should know.

Max:

(loudly less self confident) Who is that? Reveal yourself, fiend! ….Wait….. I know who it is!

(The Arachnid swings onto stage on a “spider web” like tarzan - this could be from a boom above) Arachnid:

(loudly - sinisterly) Yes! It is I! THE ARACHNID!

Max:

(loudly with bravado) Today is the day you meet your maker, you spidery scum!

Arachnid:

(loudly - sinisterly) Oh really? How are you going to do that from inside that cage?

Max:

(loudly and bumbling) Well…..My Mega Blaster Shoes will “blow” this cage….if…I….had remembered to wear them.

Arachnid:

(loudly and sinisterly cackling) Poor Maximus, no mega shoes.

Larry:

(laughing hysterically) He forgot his mega shoes! What a noob! (pauses a minute) Do you think they make those Mega Blaster Shoes in my size???? (accentuating the length of his legs and feet) Can anyone buy those babies just off the rack? Sounds a little dangerous.

Max:

(loudly - still bumbling) Not to worry…I can use my Turbo Ticking Poisonous Timepiece ….(looks at his empty wrist) Darn it…I didn’t wear that either.

Arachnid:

(loudly and sinisterly cackling) Oh, another gimmick gone.

Aaron:

(smiling) Turbo Ticking Poisonous Timepiece? I can see that baby on this long, luxurious arm. (accentuating the length of his arms) Is that sort of doodad made by Timex… or Rolex…(other henchmen look at Aaron with disgust) What? It matters! I’m on a budget.

Max:

(loudly and still bumbling) Okay, think. Surely I brought my Hex Inducing Headband….(feels on his head) Nope.

Of course I didn’t.

65

Arachnid:

(loudly and irritated) Seriously, are we going to keep doing this? I have things to do. Like take over the city. You know, super villain stuff of dreams.

Herbert:

Dreams? I dream they make that Hex Inducing Headband in a 7Extra Large! Do you know how hard it is to shop for a hat? (pointing at his head) The Big and Tall store never thought they would have to deal with THIS!

Arachnid:

(loudly - angry) ENOUGH! With Muscle Maximus in my web, it is time to neutralize his powers and his fame.

(Raises all 8 arms, ready to attack)

(Suddenly, Neutron bursts on to the scene complete with Mega Blaster Shoes, Turbo Ticking Poisonous Timepiece, and Hex Inducing Headband. Neutron is strong in posture and confident.)

Max:

(excited) Neutron! YOU CAME BACK!

(The three henchmen stand at the ready to fight Neutron) Arachnid:

Who is THIS?

Larry:

THIS is the little side-kick we told you about, Boss.

Aaron:

Yeah, nothing to worry about.

Herbert:

Basically, he’s a flunky to this guy. (pointing at Max)

Neutron:

Ha! Little do you know, but planning is the key to success.

And I come fully loaded. First: the Mega Blaster Shoes! (kicks shoes toward Larry and Larry falls to the ground passed out)

Aaron:

Oh, this isn’t going to go well at all…

Neutron:

Second - Turbo Ticking Poisonous Timepiece. (punches arm toward Aaron and he falls to the ground choking and then passes out)

Herbert:

Oops…I guess I’m next.

Neutron:

Finally, watch the Hex Inducing Headband do it’s thing. (twirls heads around and throws it toward Herbert who walks off stage in a trance)

Arachnid:

Ha! You think taking out my henchmen will save your little Marigold Maximus friend? You are just a little sidekick. You have no real powers. I am The Arachnid. It is time for me to spin my vengeance!

66

(starts to lift all 8 arms just as Neutron speaks) Neutron:

I’M not going to stop you.

Arachnid:

(frozen and surprised) You’re not?

Neutron:

Nope. (pointing to Maximus) HE is.

Maximus:

Listen, Little Buddy. I know you think I’m smart….

Neutron:

Nope.

Maximus:

Clever…

Neutron:

Nope.

Maximus:

and Heroic, but it’s just not working here. I am powerless.

Neutron:

Sure, by yourself you are powerless. But, I’m your sidekick. My job is to make your job easier. Try this. (slides something on the ground to Maximus)

(Maximus catches a squirt bottle and smiles) Maximus:

Bug spray? (smiles) You’re a genius, Scrawny Johnny…I mean, Neutron. (Maximus sprays toward Arachnid)

(Arachnid slows dies a dramatic spider death) Arachnid:

I can’t believe…you…sprayed me….. Why didn’t I think this would happen. I….just….didn’t…plan….for this……. (passes out - 8 legs go straight up into the air)

(Neutron heads over to the cage and lifts it off of Maximus) Maximus:

(loudly, arrogantly) Thank you, Neutron. I have learned a great deal today because of you.

Neutron:

Did you finally learned that planning is key to us being successful superheroes?

Maximus:

(loudly, arrogantly) No. I learned that my butler, man servant Jeeves is not doing his job. I was to prepared at all today to head out into this city of crime. Any interest is being my side-kick SLASH butler, Neutron?

Neutron:

Does it pay well?

67

Maximus:

(loudly, arrogantly) Of course it does. I pay in protein powders. (flexes muscles) Look at these babies. I just 10 years of service to me, you too can look like this.

Neutron:

(looks at audience and then looks back) So, if I grow as big as you, I might be the next Muscle Maximus?

Maximus:

How about Muscle Mortimor?

Neutron:

(things and then shakes hands) Deal. (acts hurt by Muscle Maximus’ hands shake)

(lights out) THE END

A Mess

Mixed Media

by Liesel DeWalt (8)

68

A Rose by Any Other Name Water Colors

by Sonia Richardet (7)

69

70

Unity

Photography

by Olivia Ablah (7) and Jayda Kelly (7)

My Dream

By Lucy Nelson (6) My dream is that girls and women would be treated the same as men and boys. Some girls are not treated as equals, even with the law for women’s rights in place. Women and young ladies are paid less or are pushed around by guys, and that is not a good thing.

The Comet Paint

by Costa Veletas (7)

71

The Cold Ground

by Jaci Taylor (7) The sky was cold.

The air felt like frost using against our warm bodies.

Everyone was out finding a place to hide.

Death.

Cold ground.

Searching.

Survival.

They watched everyone all the time.

Love Water Colors

by Lauren Dedo (6)

72

Dear Father

by Anna Bailly (8) I’m not the perfect daughter nor the perfect child.

I make mistakes that would break your heart.

I don’t listen to your words when you lecture me, because “I know everything.”

I don’t talk to you as much as I should.

Instead, I waste my time with bad decisions.

I’m sorry for al the time I left you crying while I storm off.

I’m sorry for not spending time with you anymore.

I’m sorry for not letting you know what’s happening in my life.

I’m sorry for not saying “I love you enough,” because I do.

I love you.

They couldn’t see it

by Jennifer Brosius (8)

She looked at him They all saw it in her face He looked at her They all saw it in his face Yet, they couldn’t see it In each others eyes

Jump High

Wax

by Megan Skinner (8)

73

Finally

by Liesel DeWalt (8) Today he would finally do it Nobody thought he could Finally, the boy with social anxiety Would ask the popular girl To go to the dance with him He walked down the hallway He turned the corner He opened the door He walked further She turned the corner She walked further They walked down the hallway Passing each other They made eye contact

74

Anything is Art

Photography & Digital Manipulation

by Willow Ecker (7)

He hesitated A gust of frustration hit him A storm of dark feelings hit her He turned around She walked out the door The next day, she wasn’t there And the next day And the next 3 days Finally, he found out what happened Sometimes, we feel regret And he was feeling all of it His face turned scarlet And the water ran out of his eyes

Smile

Pencil Drawing

by Olivia Ablah (7)

Big Feet

Photo Manipulation

by Kristin Devlin (8)

Peoplists

By Anna Bailly (8) It’s funny, really. How people push for equality, but for the “category they fit under”. I’m not racist, I believe that the color of you skin, or where you come from, the things you cannot change, should not affect what you can and cannot do. I don’t discriminate against the LGBT+ community, because no matter who you are, it’s hypocritical. Telling someone to go to hell because they want to be who they want to be and love who they want to love, even though that is what you want too. I don’t hate any religion, I mean, I have gone from one to another. Taking a bit of this and a pinch of that to form my own beliefs. I am not sexist, no one should be treated differently because they are born with different reproductive systems or identifies with their non natal gender. Most importantly, I am not a feminist. Now now, I believe the pay gap is unconstitutional. I believe all women should have all the same opportunities all men have.

However, feminism has been brought to a point of night and day, white and black. It started out as women wanting to be just as strong as men. Now, it’s wom]en wanting to be stronger than men. I know that isn’t what feminism is or what all feminist want, but that is what has been shove into the eyes of young girl just like me. It’s just like math, women shouldn’t be less than men, shouldn’t be greater than, we should be equal to.

So yes, I am a peoplist

75

Title Photography

by Kat Dickinson (8)

His Princess

by Cooper Randleas (7) The girl that her father called Princess is gone.

She is now known as GraďŹƒti Girl, and nobody can change that anymore.

The wounds of the street scared her face, but I know she is mine.

76

His Hands

by Ava Jacobsen (8) He hated using his hands What they could be covered in What they could feel What they couldn’t heal He hated using his hands What they could do What power they held What all they could mound He hated using his hands What they could bring What all they could move What they could bruise He hated using his hands What they could acquire What good and bad they could accomplish But, just this once, For reasons unknown, He used his hands To throw the stone To find a path To decide between good and evil She felt his wrath

Title

Photography

by Jett Schmidt (7)

77

Spring Bird Marker

by Evan Leiker (8)