Luis Rodriguez
YDL Michigan Avenue
Issue 1, July 2011
826michigan Writers
YDL-Teen Voices
Celebration Teen Luis Student Storymakers’ of Writing Coffeehouses Rodriguez Writing Dinner November 2010 2-4
March – June 2011 5-7
March 2011 8
826michigan @YDL-Michigan Avenue
Katie Jones’ Tuesday Evening Creative Writing Workshop In September 2010, Katie Jones led the first teen creative writing workshop at Ypsilanti District Library’s Michigan Avenue facility. Although Teen Advisory Members Daija Richardson and Walter McAdam were already avid writers who requested writing classes be added to library programming, not a single student showed up that first day. Katie was not deterred, however, and returned week after week. Her dedication and engaging instruction drew a larger and more consistent group of writers who met weekly throughout the school year and into the summer to write from her prompts, sharing the work they produced at monthly coffeehouse readings. Now, in July 2011, Katie is moving on to graduate school, but her influence on the students will remain in the form of their heightened educational aspirations, more confident and fluid writing, and sparked creativity. Her most profound impact, however, lies in her passion for creation, which she instills in all.
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Issue 1, July 2011
Celebration of Writing 2010 The library held two writing challenges in the fall of 2010. In October, students created graphic novels and Kaiel Grimes’ piece was award Best Overall Novel. In November, students participated in the National Novel Writing Month challenge. Some, including winner of the longest hand written entry, Dontrell Heard, produced as many as 45 handwritten pages. The celebration honored all students’ accomplishments.
Prologue to Dontrell’s NaNoWrMo entry… This story has been foretold for many generations that a young man will appear from the depths of Hell who will cause grief, brooding, tribulation, and be the plague of this world. He was not just a man… oh no, no. He was a… MONSTER. If you even encounter him hahaha, feel sorry for yourself. No one will save you…, not even God himself. Your best bet is to cry in the fetal position and hope he does not see you. The man is a fiend deep down and can change his appearance if he wants to bring the wrath of the underworld to you. His wings are naked to the human eye, but can be heard by the clamored winds in pain when he soars by with unbelievable speeds. His claws have the power, sharpness, precision needed to slash through trees with ease, even mountains. Sycophant is his title. Maybe it is his face that causes women to collapse in his presence or that it looks so pure and innocent that makes him seem normal.
But the most deadly thing about him is the art of deception. Let’s just say you are the sheep and he is shepherd. What is his name, people ask me? His name… Mayonaka Chi.
Dontrell Heard will graduate from Ypsilanti High School in 2012. He is currently studying construction with the intention of attending Washtenaw Community College to earn a construction license and eventually studying architecture. In addition to writing and leading the library’s Anime Typhoon Club, he enjoys playing Yu Gi Oh and Rock Band with friends and meeting tigers at Frog Island. He is a founding member of the Michigan Avenue Teen Advisory Group.
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Issue 1, July 2011 Two pages from Kaiel’s short graphic novel about love and loss.
b y l i n e
D o l o r S i t A m e t
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Issue 1, July 2011
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(Continued)
February Coffeehouse In February, Daija invited members from both of her creative writing workshops share their work at a YDL coffeehouse. Writers from Scott Beal’s Neutral Zone Short Story Group rode the bus from Ann Arbor to Ypsilanti and read their pieces, along with several of Katie’s 826michigan students and poetry slammers from Ypsilanti’s Ozone House. Daija read the following story when the Neutral Zone group shared their work at the Ann Arbor District Library in March.
Blackfire—the encounter by Daija Richardson I was hiding in the shadow of a high rooftop waiting; the traveling salesman was just now starting to pack up his wares. It's a good thing these humans feel so secure in their isolation that they fail to look up when they should, never believing that the creatures their brothers are fighting hundreds of miles away are stalking the rooftops of their little village. My muscles are coiled and tense, in a crouch that has my talons gripping the thatched roof underneath me. The peddler is getting close now. Then the peddler and those around him are in for the shock of their short, pointless lives. I caught something out of the corner of my eye and at first I almost missed them, even with my superior eyesight, just as the sun was hiding me on the roof. Down below a gang of scraggly human kids were hiding out in a narrow alleyway. What are they up to? My head jerked down again to the merchant as he was just coming under my roof's ledge. I sprung into action before he took another step. In hindsight if anyone down below had looked at the very fine sprinkle of wood dust that was caused as my claws burrowed in the roof, they might have had some warning. As it was, I crash-landed on top of the cart, the whole thing splintering and breaking under my weight. A dust billowed up and a few surrounding villagers were running, screaming. The others, like the merchant, had frozen and turned completely white in their moment of shock and horror. I growled low and showed my fangs, which caused the humans that were frozen to scramble away in search of weapons that would fend off the young dragon before them. I doubted very much they did have such weaponry, but then I learned the hard way not to underestimate a human.
Daija Richardson will graduate from Ypsilanti High School in 2012. An avid writer, she plans to major in English or psychology in college. In her spare time she likes to read paranormal romances, especially those involving shape shifters, listen to music and write. Daija has been a long time member of the Michigan Avenue Teen Advisory Group.
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YDL-Teen Voices I had only seconds or a minute at most to get what I came for before this aghast bunched turned into an angry mob. It only took a second for my ears to pick up on a loud noise behind the first row of onlookers. Not bothering to look up, I quickly picked up what meat I saw in the wreckage and ran away. Before I got to the gap in the building I felt a pain on my hindquarter. Quickly turning, I saw it was the merchant and two other men who had regained their senses and had managed pick up pieces of the smashed wood from the cart and were poised to beat me with the crude weaponry. I growled past the meats in my jaws, slowly backing away. The merchant was the first to move a blow aimed toward my mouth, but before he could, one of the street rats I saw earlier struck the man in the back with one of the weapons they must have stolen from the wreckage of his cart. While the
Issue 1, July 2011 remaining two men turned to deal with the little traders, I slipped through the gap I was aiming for in the fence that was behind my back, quickly escaping the sounds of the scuffle. Humans! It’s not enough that they wage war on dragons, fairies, elves and all the other nonhuman races, but they also fight amongst their own ranks. I grinned to myself as I ran father away from the hole in the fence in which I made my escape. After about three minutes of traveling in the dark back alleys of the town before stopping in a corner well out of the sun just in case a human did follow me back here, they would not be able to see my blue scales until it was too late. Curling up I gobbled down the meat I had stolen and was beginning to plot what my next move was when I heard footsteps running toward me and my hiding spot.
June Coffeehouse
Then there were two by Kaiel Grimes Life can be a rare struggle when there are two You tend not to know what to do when they’re both loving you Feelings slice deep, but how much is actually cutting through It’s bad enough you sadly just don’t know what to do It’s hard when nothing you want is coming true And it’s not until the end you realize you bit off more than what you could chew You start making mistakes, start to wish there was a button that read undo Though in the back of your head you know in life there’s no redo Those mistakes continue everyday Soon you will be hearing yourself sadly saying deja vu Why can’t you just stick with your one? She’s the real one in your life that you’ve won She’s brightening up your life, so why do you go see the midnight sun? It’s because that one shines such a beautifully shrouded light Even so, you start to think if she’s actually the unlighted knight And suddenly it’s your life that’s not so bright. 6
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Issue 1, July 2011
Me and You by Kaiel Grimes In the water I see you laugh and play You read and do your homework much throughout your day I know most of the time that you can’t get your way For me to know so much, is it really ok? Why do I even care? All of this is too much for one thing to bear You’re a horrible person Each and every day I watch you worsen You lie, backstab, and cheat Everything in your picture perfect life is just deceit It’s sad everyday is just a repeat All the time you see me And at the same time I see you ‘Cause it’s everyday you go crying in the bathroom But we cry at the same time Our lives never do anything but decline We were never close to perfection! And now I just want so much better I wish I was never your reflection…
That One Kiss by Dontrell Heard on Saturday, June 18, 2011 at 10:25pm Gazing off into her eyes, as if into outer space So much excellence, beyond your comprehension I can feel her body shake as I wrap my hands around her hips and pull her tight to suffocated the air between us so tight that not even death can take her away she smiles as if she found something worth treasuring Forehead to Forehead . . . We stare off again Nose to Nose . . . You can feel the energy vibe of her spirit dancing Lips to Lips . . . Time slows but not slow enough I can feel every lil emotion she can as if we were one I can feel the burning inside her telling me not to stop I can see our spirits happily dancing in the sky That one Kiss showed that lust Feeling, but also showed True Love
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Issue 1, July 2011
Luis Rodriguez @ Whittaker Road In March, the 826michigan writers had the opportunity to meet poet and community activist Luis Rodriguez for National Poetry Month. Kaiel Grimes and Walter McAdam introduced him to the event’s attendees. In a celebration of the arts both written and spoken, Mr. Rodriguez read some of his poetry and the students had the opportunity to rap. In preparation for the event, Katie read Mr. Rodriquez’ poetry to students. Inspired by his work, the group experimented with their own poetry, and several produced pieces which they would eventually read at future coffeehouses.
Through love and trust A vindictive dust Obstructs my breath of you This lurid pain That burns my name Will never break my hold Through the day You run away I’ll still keep you by my side Your corrosive tears Consume my fears Causing exalted feelings With one small wish Whispered in a hiss Please know I’ll always care For only you My feelings are true So just know you are divine By Adomino Small
Adom Small is 15 and homeschooled. He plans on taking courses at Washtenaw Community College next year. He is also next in line to be president of Michigan Avenue’s Teen Advisory Group. Apart from his library responsibilities as a TAG member and liaison to the Ozone House, Adom enjoys playing guitar, writing, skateboarding, and spending time with friends.
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Chapter one of The Kilij by D’Von Coates The Kilij, the all mighty and powerful sword that has slain many in its time of use, now remains guarded in a tower, lost within the dreaded woods. No one has ever succeeded in obtaining the sword. The farthest anyone had gotten was the first floor of the tower out of twenty-five floors. But I, Nova, am determined to get this sword. Not for me, but for my people, to save them from their fate that will kill them all. That’s my reason why I must obtain this sword. Day One The day has come for me to leave my town to try to obtain the Kilij. Just the simple thought of it made me so energized. I love adventuring and
Issue 1, July 2011 discovering more about the world I live in. Makes being a sixteen year old boy a little less scary. As I walk into the kitchen, my mom made the biggest breakfast ever. A stack of pancakes dripping in syrup, a whole pack of bacon sizzling as the just left the stove, and a cup of orange juice colder than the weather in Michigan. “What’s this for?” I asked my mom as I stepped in the kitchen confused. “So you won’t become hungry on the beginning of your journey. You’ll need all your strength to obtain the sword.” “Nora,” my dad whined as he entered the kitchen. Why don’t I get to have this big of a breakfast before I got to work?” “Well if you were lifting this curse from everyone and had to kill thousands of creatures then
you could have this breakfast, Jeff,” said mom. “Aaahh, that’s not fair.” “Well life’s not fair, so grow up.” “But you said my childishness is why we got married and had two beautiful kids.” “No, I said your determination is why I married you. Your childishness was just something that made me laugh.” “Oh well then, Nova, let me see your magic. You can’t go out there with poor magic skills.” I focused my energy into my hand and created a fireball. “There you go. I taught you well.” I felt ready to go take the sword and life the curse from everyone. Ate half my breakfast so my dad can be satisfied, kissed my family goodbye and grabbed my blade and left, ready for my adventure ahead.
D’Von Coates currently lives in Detroit, Michigan, and attends the Communication and Media Arts High School. He was a founding member of the Michigan Avenue Teen Advisory Group and the library’s monthly Yu Gi Oh tournament. Back in Ypsilanti for summer 2011, he has resumed his active role at the library, attending programs including the 826michigan writers’ workshop.
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Moonlit Sun by Kaiel Grimes What happens now? It was dark outside. Like really dark. Heck what am I saying, it’s always dark. Somehow though, the night was always lit up by the crescent moon that shined so brightly in the sky. Its shine was like no other I’ve seen. I thought it was almost supernatural. It lit up this fragile, little planet like a sun. Though I haven’t seen one of those in years. I missed the warmth it cast upon my face, too. The gentle way it made me feel. Not saying I loved the sun more than the moon though. I didn't. The moon made me feel… right! It was everything. It didn't hurt my eyes when I looked at it like when I looked at sun so very long ago. I missed it, but I would never trade it for the moon we had. Even though I was thinking about all these lovely things, I was still in pain. The ropes around my flesh kept tightening around me. So much so I couldn't move my body. It was warm and damp in the cavern I was being held in. Nothing I was used to at all. I counted six guys. None of them blindfolded me so I was free to look around. The one in the middle, the one who kidnapped me, I couldn't take my eyes off him. For some reason I kept taking glances at him hoping that he would notice me. Though he didn’t seem to care. He just kept talking. He had the most alluring voice I’d ever heard. I wanted to get lost in it. Get lost in him. He was so beautiful with his black
Issue 1, July 2011 unkempt hair. He wasn't wearing a shirt, so I couldn't help but look at his sexy six pack every five seconds. He wasn't wearing shoes or socks either. Which was weird because I would hate to walk barefoot on this wet ground. All he was wearing was blue jeans. They sagged a little showing off his boxers, but they looked good on him. “Nothing wouldn’t look good on him,” I thought to myself. And then he looked at me with those deep black eyes of his. He smiled, showing off his fangs. I’d never seen anything like them. They were as mesmerizing as his eyes. His fangs were so sharp and I couldn’t believe I wanted them in my neck. As he walked closer to me I could smell him. He smelled really sweet, which was weird for someone who lived in a cave. He lifted me up by my ropes with one hand and carried me over to his friends. They were nothing like him. They just snarled and hissed, seeming excited. He put me down and everyone gathered around me as the ropes were cut from me. The man who kidnapped me looked into my eyes and I swear I couldn't breathe at that moment or notice how he cut a line down my neck with his fingernail. I felt the hot blood drip down my neck, which only made his friends more excited. He stepped back from me and I felt alone and scared. For some reason I wanted him to protect me even though I knew he was the one who brought me here in the first place. A sudden rush of sadness came upon me. And I was
scared. One of his friends stuck his fangs in me and I left out my best girl scream, which left me breathless. I felt my blood leaving my body as he sucked on my neck and… It felt good. It felt great! I wanted more. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed his fangs further in me unable to keep the moans from escaping my mouth. I slowly looked over to the man that kidnapped me. I felt my lifeblood leaving my body as the man… standing so strong and confident, wiped a lone tear from his face. I wondered why he cried. He was a vampire after all. No… He was different. He was different from any other vampire. I guess some type of mixed breed maybe. I didn't have much time to think about it because I began to lose consciousness. “Hey what do you want us to do with this human girl, Neyric?” one of the vampires asked the man. “Whatever you want. Feed as much as you like. Next we’ll declare war on those damned wolves after we finish the humans.” Neyric said, jumping from the cavern and flying off into the night sky. *** The clouds were always gray. Never white. Maybe once every million years the sun came out. That day would be soon. And on that day, the vampires will be no more. “I’ll kill them. I’ll kill them all,” I thought. The vampires thought they could do whatever they wanted with the humans, but the humans belonged to the wolves. If the vampires kill all the 10
YDL-Teen Voices humans, we wolves won't have any food, which would cause us to starve and die. Normally though the vampires just suck the blood from the pathetic humans and cast their body aside. And normally, just their juicy meat and their body is enough for us. When the sun finally comes out, the vampires will burn and die. We’ll make sure of it. We’ll case them from underground and into the sunlight. I know they want to kill us too. What they don't know is that we’re a lot faster than them. Every once and in awhile those damned vampires manage to catch a wolf. Apparently they don't just like to drink human blood. They could never catch me though. The last one that tried, I stuck my teeth through his face. I stopped and rested against a tree, taking deep breaths. My scarlet fur kept me warm. Often the nights were cold. There were only nights. The vampires enjoyed that of course. But the sun will come out once again. My ear twitched as I heard something approached and I was instantly on my paws. “Master Coda, come on sir! We have to continue moving, the humans are still bombing the area,” the young wolf told me. I sneered as we continued to run through this forest and noticed that the trees began to spark up in flames. “Dumb humans! Don they have no regard for nature? It deeply saddens me to see the trees I grew up with being burned down,” I told the young wolf. This was such a beautiful forest. Though I suppose
Issue 1, July 2011 it’s our fault since we often eat the humans anyway. It's the cycle of life so how could they possibly blame us? “Master Coda, the humans just destroyed our home. So many of us died…,” the young wolf told me choking back tears. “Don't cry, Ula. It will be ok. We’ll get back at the humans if it's the last thing we do.” Immediately we both came to a complete stop. We felt that there was something wrong and when we looked up into the sky, there was. An unbelievable number of vampires were flying past. “What could they be doing here, Master Coda?” Ula asked, as panic laced her voice. “We’ll soon find out.” A lone vampire dropped from the sky, landing on his feet gracefully. I was in total shock. Why him of all vampires? “Greetings, wolves!” The words slipped from his lips instantly. Ula took a step back and I could feel her trembling next to me. None of my wolves will be afraid of anything or anyone as long as I was around! I planted my feet and roared as fierce as I could, causing the ground to tremor. Even the vampire had trouble standing. He was more sinister than any other vampire. He was different. He was half human, half vampire. He was a mixed breed. But that mixed breed was leader of all the vampires. He was stronger and faster than any of the others. He was Neyric. I felt Ula stand her ground. She’d seen him once before. At that time she was totally drawn to him. And that
made me sick! There was something about him that made any female: human, vampire, or wolf, like him. I hated him. Everything about him! They way he always stood with such confidence. They way you could never tell what he was thinking. Though he was so young, maybe seventeen or eighteen. I wondered if Ula was drawn to him at this moment. I wondered what she was thinking. I wondered why Neyric showed himself here. “Coda, wasn't it, leader of the wolves? It seems that the humans are attacking you. What a shame…” Neyric told. He looked… almost sad. But I knew better. “Get out of our way!!” Ula yelled. I was surprised at the strength in her voice. “All three of us will burn in this forest if you don't.” “No… Just you two would die. I could simply fly out of this forest.” “Not if I bite those damned wings off your back!” I roared. “Calm down, Coda. No need for hostility,” Neyric hissed. “You mean to tell me your vampires aren’t here to help the humans kill us off?” Ula blinked tears at her sudden realization that the vampires could be taking this opportunity to kill the rest of us off, most likely the humans as well. Why not kill two birds with one stone? I would do the same thing if the situations were reversed. Neyric seemed at a loss for words. He seemed like he wanted to cry along with Ula, but why? The fire was getting worse and we could very well die if we stayed here. I
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YDL-Teen Voices readied my claws and roared once more. I was getting fed up with this. All I wanted was to stick my teeth through his head. “Move!” I yelled, with more power in my voice than I intended. Suddenly more of my wolves appeared from behind me, ready to fight. There were six of us now. What was Neyric planning on doing? “I forgot how powerful you wolves are. Or maybe it’s just you with all the power, Coda? Do any of you think you can defeat me? I can take you all at the same time…,” Neyric stated to us. Sadly I believed him. He was strong and immortal. But I wondered what he could do once I bit his head off. I saw a deep sadness in his eyes. Maybe I was imagining things though. The smoke and fire was messing with my senses. I could barely see now. Just then two vampires seemed to materialize from behind him. One of the vampires whispered something in his ear and Neyric just nodded. We couldn't stay here anymore. I had to get my wolves out of here. Especially Ula. She was too important to me. I readied myself and pounced as my fellow wolves followed. Everything happened so quickly. The vampires were fast, but us wolves have always been faster. I managed to kill one of the vampires. I bit his head clean off. I saw my fellow wolves take care of the other. They ripped him apart, letting his blood get all over. I took on Neyric and my wolves joined me. I was bigger and stronger than the other wolves. I was king. But
Issue 1, July 2011 now I couldn't feel my right arm. Nor could I move my body. I lay limp on my side, blood spilling from my mouth. I couldn't see out of my left eye, which made me assume that I’d lost it. Damn… I heard footsteps approaching me but I couldn't do anything about it. It was getting harder for me to breathe. It was Neyric. He came to a complete stop near my side and… and he was crying! Tears came from his eyelids. Why? My vision started to become blurry as I heard him speak. “I apologize Coda… None of this was supposed to happen. I just wanted to talk to you. Alone. But more wolves came to your aid and you attacked. I know you're a very prideful creature… So I will take you out of your misery. Though, Coda, you should know… I wish we could have been friends.” Friends? Why would Neyric want to be my friend? Though if we were, I’m sure this fragile planet of ours would be a lot different. I felt a sharp pain but it went away as quickly as it came. Suddenly, I stopped breathing. *** Everyone was watching the moon. It was so beautiful. Its light shone brightly and I loved it, but it was slowly disappearing from everyone’s view. The sun was rising up and I didn't recognize it. Honestly I’ve never seen it before. I just knew what it was. I had a chance to see it a couple of times before, but I was always afraid of it. But this time I didn't mind. I wanted to see it. With the
vampires killing off the wolves, no telling if they would come for us humans next. No telling how long I would have left on this planet. As soon as the sun rises everyone is going to have an all out war against the vampires. Drive them out into the sun and let its light do the rest. The sun was bright so it was hard for me to move around. I was used to moving in the dark, being as quiet and unseen as possible. Now all that was completely impossible. I was a wolf hunter. Only seventeen, but I’d killed quite a few wolves over the years. I tucked my red hair behind my ear when I heard something, quickly hid behind a tree and reached for my spear that was on my back. I kept low and checked out my surroundings when I saw it. A white wolf was walking with a limp, but that was impossible. The government bombed the whole area where the wolves lived and burned down the trees. To think one survived. But not for long. I’d be sure to kill it. Then a sudden rush came over me and my heart started to beat fast. Wolves have very good senses. It should have been able to smell me. I looked around the trees and the wolf was gone. Shit! I was scared. Really scared. I stopped thinking and started running, faster than I ever ran in my life. I had to get out of there but something hard hit my back and my face hit the ground. I felt claws sticking into my back as I heard the wolf growling in my ear. “And where did you think you were going, pitiful human? Did you seriously think you could outrun a
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YDL-Teen Voices wolf? Even on my worst of days a human shall never outrun me!” “You should be dead… ,” were the only words that managed to come from my lips. “Yeah, and those vampires should be dead by now too. Us wolves would have finally killed them today, but you humans ruined it all. Now the vampires will finish you dumb humans off, and you deserve it.” “You’re wrong, the humans will kill the vamps. We're prepared. We managed to kill the wolves, right? The vampires will be even easier now that the sun is out. I’ll be there to make sure of it.” The wolf roared loud and hard and I thought that it would bite my head off, but then it laughed, which confused me. “You, kill the vamps? Seriously? This is something I have to go see!” Suddenly she opened her mouth and stuck her teeth through my shirt and rung me onto her back and started to run. She was fast. So fast I could barely see through the wind rushing by us. “My name is Ula, by the way, young human.” “I’m Shannen,” I told the wolf. I thought how easy it would be to stick the spear on my back through its neck. I shouldn't trust a wolf. Hell, I kill wolves, so why can’t I kill this one? “You humans killed my friends, but those vampires killed my dad and I’ll be sure to seek revenge. My goal… is to kill Neyric.” *** Running, panting, afraid. No, never mind. I know of no fear… but
Issue 1, July 2011 my vampires do. One was stuck to a cross, a wooden stake pierced through his heart. It was sad. I hated it and it made me so angry! I had to keep going. They were coming after me. Everyone wanted me dead, from the almost extinct wolves to the humans. None of them knew me though. They just knew I was the leader of the vampires. For that, they wanted me dead. But I’m a human as well, am I not? No one knew me for me or how stressful my life was. It was dark underground, but I could see just fine. I guess the humans could too with their night vision goggles. Gunshots could be heard everywhere and then… an explosion. The ground blew up from underneath and I awoke to see we were above ground. My vampires were everywhere burning, screaming, and dying. I felt the sun peeling away my skin. It hurt so much. I quickly used my wings to shield me from the cruel light, but the sun was burning away my wings as well. That's when I heard the growling from behind me. I stood up and turned around to face a wolf and a girl. “How do you two lovely girls do?” I asked both, but the wolf was the first to speak. “F*** you! You killed my father! You killed my family, my friends!” “Are you two enjoying the sun? Nice weather we’re having today, right? The sun is so beautiful… “ “Why aren’t you dead like all the other vampires? You’re in the sun, but you’re not burning nearly as quickly,” the young girl stated. “That's probably because he’s
half human as well,” the wolf snarled. I felt my skin beginning to bubble from underneath as the heat became unbearable. Was I to die? The humans hated me and there were no vampires left. What was left for me: to burn from the sun’s rays? I straightened as I saw the girl draw a spear from behind her back. From that I figured that she must be a vampire or a wolf hunter. She must be a wolf hunter because that spear wouldn't be able to kill one of us unless she got really lucky. So she must be a wolf hunter, which brought me to the question of why she didn't kill Ula, the wolf standing next to her. She twirled her spear around and threw it but it was an easy dodge. I dashed, spreading out my wings, instantly reaching the girl. I cupped my hand upon her cheek and bit her neck as she screamed, but what I didn't expect was the wolf being as fast as she was. Little Ula was in the air above my head and her teeth stuck through my face. She whipped back as my head snapped from my neck and I, sadly, watched my body fall to the ground, blood pouring from it as the sun burned it up. “Nice team work you two…” I said. The girl shrieked while she was holding her neck “It’s alive!!” the young girl screamed. I would never have dreamed to die in the pity that is a wolf’s mouth. I thought this as Ula bit down, crushing my head into her mouth, and of me not ever being able to see the light of night again. “Of course he was alive. He was
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YDL-Teen Voices immortal, girl.” Suddenly, Shannen fell to her knees in pain. I spit out the remains of Neyric’s head and went over to Shannen, who was already beginning to change into a vampire.
Kaiel Grimes graduated from Ypsilanti High School in May 2011 and will attend Eastern Michigan University in fall where he plans to major in Fine Arts with the intention of becoming a graphic novelist. In addition to writing, drawing manga, and playing Yu Gi Oh at the library, he likes to ride his bike, surf the web and read fiction, especially romances of any genre. He is a regular volunteer at library youth programs and the Teen Advisory Group’s resident graphic designer, having designed our TAG logo, anime typhoon tshirts, and the latest issue of Teen Speak.
Issue 1, July 2011
Dreaming by Dontrell Heard The moon glistens off her eyes, eyes that are fierce with color like a raging tiger but very gentle to the touch to her close-ones. Hmm, I guess I will call her Tiger. Tiger is unique in many ways and in ways that I love. She is almost as tall me, 5'9. She is at Frog Island, underneath the bridge on a wooden walkway that creeks with every step. Tiger is sitting on the railing that keeps people from falling onto the riverbed of rocks. The water is so low that if you fall in you will surely be hurt or die. Usually Tiger wears her hair in a careful, tightly wrapped bun, but this time she wears her hair wildly. Maybe she feels wild today, I think to myself with a smile. The late night wind is nice and keeping me protected from the summer temperature that engulfed the day. I am on the other side of the bridge walking in her direction, but I stop and lean against the railing and look at the glowing moon. I look again in her direction to only see nothing. Where has she gone? "Hey," she says, appearing behind me. "Hey," I say smiling, checking her out up and down. She is wearing a peace necklace, which lies peacefully on top of her breast. I gave that necklace to her when we first met in person, thinking that it fit her awesome personally. She has on a black top tank that hugs her body, with a black blouse. The death gripping tights on her thighs show her delicious curves and make me think, “damn.”
"I’m surprised that you’re here on time," I say with a little chuckle. Usually I say a time and she arrives there an hour later. "Of course I would be on time," she jokes. Tiger reaches in for a kiss but is stopped by my pointer finger telling her to wait and listen. I point at the stars that surround the moon. She looks and sees that the stars are in fact dancing with joy. It seems the stars are dancing to the beat of our emotions being released into the atmosphere. "Aww, that’s so cute," she comments. I reach and grab her chin and pull her away from the stars and into a kiss. She smiles deeply and comes back for more. The stars are going out of control with each and every kiss. We stop and she gives me this one of a kind of smile that no one could ever pull off. It shows that she wants me and only me. Tiger's skin feels smooth as a baby's bottom underneath my exploring fingers, traveling up her neck until my palm reaches the back side of her head. As I pull in for another kiss, she pushes me off and says, "Calm down." I know she doesn't mean it because we always say that to one another jokingly. But then something very strange happens. Her skin starts to suddenly grow a ton and ton of pure white fur with black strips that finally takes over her whole body. She falls to the floor, crying in pain, and her body begins to transform and shape into what appears to be a huge cat. I can't believe my eyes when she actually turns into a tiger right in front of 14
YDL-Teen Voices me. She finally gets up and I stare eye to eye with her in her tiger form. Most people would take their chances by jumping into the river, but not me, I am not like most people. I don't even feel a hint of fear. She sits and it seems she wants me to hop on, but she doesn’t even give me a chance. With one swoop she grabs me and the race is on. I have not said one word as Tiger has taken me throughout the wonders of the jungle. The sun is still down and the moon rules the sky. The level of activity in the jungle at this time of night is monstrous, since all you can hear are the cries of animals being hunted. As we arrive at the riverside, I am amazed and caught off guard by this enormous cave on the other side. The distance from us to the other side of the river is about twenty five feet with the river rushing down the limited space offered by the earth. The river boils and steam rises around the surface. Face it, if someone
Issue 1, July 2011 even touches it, he is deceased. Now don't get me wrong, but I think she is going to attempt it while I'm on her back. Well I trust her even if my life is in danger because I know I'm secured by the bonds of our love. She looks at me and I look at her and I let my eyes do the talking. I tell her, “Go for it,” and she begins with a power thrust that causes me to grab onto her body with all my strength. The river is approaching fast and with one giant leap, time slowing while we glide over the river, we land on the other side. I have a deep smile growing, no, no, not on my face but deep within my heart. Pushing me inside through the rough and sharp jagged rocks, I can hear a waterfall and soon enough we reach an opening that is too bright to see past. She lets me off and I continue moving toward the opening until I can see. Suddenly I lose my breath and words can’t even explain what I’m seeing. This has to be the eight Natural Wonder of the World, so it seems. The sun,
bright as day, even though it is night time, shows the amazing and awesome view. I can see endless views of the lush waterfalls. I count at least thirty-two, but there are more. There are waterfalls in rows and rows going across below the cliff I am standing on. The rainbows leave their marks on the sky with beautiful colors. "Hey," Tiger says in her human self. "Hey," I say, reaching my arms around her and pulling her in tightly. "What cha think, bay?" "Umm, do you not see this? I don't even know what to think, but this place does make me feel free and great." "Good." I kiss her like no tomorrow. The stars come back and shine brighter than the sun itself. "Will you stay here with me forever?" I let the sweet soft words linger inside my head. "I’d rather be nowhere else.”
Walter McAdam graduated from Ypsilanti High School and will begin college at Washtenaw Community College in 2011. He plans to transfer to Eastern and major in foreign languages, perhaps continuing the Japanese studies he began at the library, or theater. Not only is Walter a founding member of the Michigan Avenue Teen Advisory Board, he has served for the past year as the first TAG President, volunteering frequently at the library and serving as a role model and leader. He enjoys playing Magic and Yu Gi Oh when he’s not reading, writing and spending time with family and friends.
YDL-Teen Voices
Issue 1, July 2011
In May, Walter McAdam represented Ypsilanti’s 826michigan writers at the annual Storytellers’ Dinner at Zingerman’s Roadhouse in Ann Arbor. The writing story he shared is below.
I write to get my feelings out. I can make my voice heard and I can create my characters anyway I want. I can connect things in reality to my own world, where I have total control. I write to tell my stories and others’. I put my heart and soul into every story and paper I have written. Even if it’s a school essay, I treat it like it’s my own. I cherish what I do, reading my stories over and over again. When I write, I feel like I’m in a new place. That’s why I write. I like fantasy, mysteries, fiction, science fiction, and I just got into writing poetry. Writing has a huge impact on my life and will continue to play a big role in my life because it has allowed me to meet famous authors, people who have different points of view than me, and it has given me a lot of new friends in the process. Also, writing has given me a gift that nobody or anything can take away from me. It has opened new doors and opportunities for me that most people don’t get, because some people don’t have the resources I have. I wish more people would just go into their own world through writing. The role that the Ypsilanti library plays in my life as a reader and writer is significant. I started coming to the library when I was a freshman. I found out that I could hang out there when I met a couple of friends who liked to go there. Then it became our hangout spot. I thought the library was just a place to go to read books and use the computers. I did creative writing from time to time, but I wasn’t extremely involved with writing until our library started having 826michigan writers workshop sessions. When I go to my writers workshop class, I feel like I have entered a new world, that I can write anything I want with no restrictions. The library has given me opportunities that once seemed impossible. My book club has Skyped with famous authors like Sister Souljah, who is one of the people who inspired me to write even more.
826michigan Storytellers’ Dinner
In the future, writing will fit into everything I do. I want to become an actor, producer, director, and author. When I go to college, writing will be useful and open even more doors for me. I will never stop writing. It is a part of me. It’s my memories, thoughts, and my life. Without writing, there can’t be me. I will stay on this path to new heights that I never thought could happen. I am ready to write my first book, but there are still some things I have to learn in order to be a successful writer. I’m taking baby steps and focusing on what I have to do, and where I want to go. Even if it takes years, I will never give up. In the future I will be able to teach my kids how to use language in order to make a change in themselves and other people. Writing should shape everyone no matter who they are. I have told you my story as a writer. I hope I have inspired you tonight. Thank you.
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YDL-Teen Voices
Issue 1, July 2011
Thank you, Katie, for an amazing year of creative writing‌ from your 826michigan students at YDLMichigan Avenue!
Edited by Jodi Johnson, Young Adult Librarian, Ypsilanti District Library, 229 W. Michigan Avenue, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, (734) 482-4110 x1390