Our Other Voice 2011

8/7/2019 Our Other Voice 2011

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Our Other Voice Vol. 5 page 1

Our Other Voice began as a publication of the

Holiday campus, but this year we included submissions fromRasmussen College campuses system-wide. Editor Judy Inks,

a long-time associate faculty member at the New Port Richey

campus, was impressed with the number and quality of

submissions received, and she appreciates the wide range of

talent and creativity in both the written and visual content.

The irst edition of this years publication was

produced electronically. Anthony Sims, a full-time instructorin the School of Technology and Design at the New Port Richey

campus designed the digital layout that is still available on the

Scribd website, but we also wanted to produce a print copy

that students could share with their friends and family, and so

this second edition was born.

Congratulations to Kelsey Boeckman, a Rasmussen

Online student, for winning the cover competition. As Ms. Inksnoted in her preface to the electronic edition, the selection

process was a dificult one. We also want to thank all of the

students who shared their talent with us and made this years

publication very special, indeed.

We look forward to even more participation next year,

and we hope you will enjoy Our Other Voice!

Cassandra Pauley, PhD

General Education/Development Coordinator

Rasmussen. College, New Port Richey


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page 2 Our Other Voice Vol. 5

Co

ntrib

utor

s

Boeckman, Kelsey (Online) -

Bull Riding 11

Roping 29

Barrel Racing 38

Braatz, Connie (Green Bay) -Conflicted 6

Lifes Bridges 40

Bridge 41

Cover contest submission 55

Burwell, Shanon (Online) -

Pick Ur Poison 23

Waiting 36

Iris 35

Dickey, Amanda (Online) -Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining 4

The Beach 15

Dupey, Josephine (Eagan) -

[Forgiveness is about] 28

Durrant, Mariah (Wausau) -

I Wanna 2 39

My Story 42

Dykes, Jaylean (Ocala) -

Wishing Star 14

Fayen, Glennia (Ocala) -

Untitled 7

Casablanca 23

[embracing yourself] 29

Portrait 35

Feliciano, Regina Marie OConnor (New Port Richey) -

The Reflection in the Mirror 34

Gerald, Kindell (Eden Prairie) -

We Love You and Miss You 26

A Broken Home 32Green, Penny (St. Cloud) -

Clock 27

Granite 50

Grego, Daniel (Ocala) -


Guyton, Danny (Online) -

Fern 4

Butterfly 18

Stream 47Hall, Cynthia (Eden Prarie) -

Clematis 44

Harte, Dori Lynn (New Port Richey) -

My Picasso 22


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Homa, Hilary (Green Bay) -


LaGrow, Jack Kirwin (j.k.) Jonathan (Green Bay)

Be a Man 10

Letter from a Novel 22Night and Thunder 44

Langer, Cathy (New Port Richey) -

Lighthouse 49

Bahamas Sunset 53

Mescall, Shannon (New Port Richey) -

Wounded, but Not Scarred 47

Mies, Katherine (Eagan) -

The Heart of a Soldier 19

Welcome Home Soldier 35Nelson, Arianea (Moorhead) -

Dear Diary 24

Collage 30

Procz-Shorts, Daphne (Online) -

Haiku 36

Deception Pass 51

Roff, Paul (Lake Elmo) -

Cover Contest Submission 55

Sanchez, Cheryl Holder (Rockford) -

Everyday Famous Words 12

Challenges of a Single Mother 16

Seward, Megan (Online) -

Faith 46

Schaffer, Vicki M. (Green Bay) -

Sea-horse Shaped Swings 50

Schaffner, Lucinda Anne (Lake Elmo) -

Where Were You the Day the Eagle Wept? 48

Sharper, Jennifer (Online) -

Lies in Your Eyes 25Smith, Jennifer (New Port Richey) -

Reinvent Me 21

Snyder, Peg (New Port Richey) -

Lake Erie 28

Niagra Falls 51

Truong, Tasha (Aurora) -

Broken 31

Soul Searching 37

Walden, James (New Port Richey) -My Favorite Person 20

Wells, Arnold B. (St. Cloud) -

Suffering a Man Should Never Know 8

Goodbye 52


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Danny Guyton, Online

Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining

Amanda Dickey, OnlineMany people in my life have told me, In every bad

thing in life, theres always something good to come. I would

always shrug my shoulders and look away. Now, as I look back

at the things that have happened, I see it is true.

When I was seven years old, I was in Minneapolis,

Minnesota at the Shriners Hospital after having my twentieth

hip surgery. I was born without a hip, so the doctors were trying

to build me a hip so I could walk. I was waiting for my mother

to arrive from Nebraska. She was eight months pregnant and

couldnt come with me.

So, I was there alone, waiting to see my new baby

brother, Alex. When she and my dad inally arrived, there was

no baby. She had lost him at birth, due to not being delivered

in time, and he suffocated inside the womb. Obviously, this

was devastating. My parents separated soon after that and we

moved around for years.


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If I stop and think, if my brother had been born my

parents could have stayed together, there is much in my life

today that wouldnt be. For instance, my mother would have

never met my stepdad, James, who is a wonderful father,and I never would have had my two little brothers, Quintin

and Christian. I love them to death, and I dont know what I

would do if they werent here. I also would have never met my

husband, Jonathan, and would have never become pregnant;

therefore, our beautiful son Kristopher would not be here.

So out of that horrible incident, we were devastated

and crushed to have lost Alex. But in the end, it gave us manygood things in life. We will always wonder what it would have

been like if he were here with us. I know my mother still thinks

about it all the time, but I also know she agrees with me when I

say, God had his reasons. Throughout your life there are many

times you think about, experiences youve gone through that

you wish you could go back and stop from happening. But, if

you were to do that, you would also change how your life istoday, causing you to lose some of the people and things that

you have now.

There are so many more situations that have happened

in my life that I wish wouldnt have, such challenges. Dropping

out of high school, the rollover auto accident I was in in October

2007, and my husband, Jonathan, joining the military have all

pushed to me to my limit. Raising our son alone at this timewhile Jonathan is serving his deployment in Korea is teaching

me how to be strong and a good parent.

These are all things Id rather not have had to deal with

or deal with now, but there is a reason for all of it. There are

people in my life that I would have most likely never have met

otherwise. So when something happens in your life that you

think is going to end everything, just think about that saying,Every cloud has a silver lining. Things always work out in the

end.


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ConflictedConnie Braatz, Green Bay

She awakes each day

the sun comes through her windows

she rolls to her other side

...conlicted

She lays that way

wiggling irst her legsthen her arms

all to keep circulation moving

...conlicted

She rolls to her back

linging her arm over her eyes

loudly sighing

...conlicted

Her face is pinched tight

between the brows her lips pursed tight

crinkles in the corners of her eyes

...conlicted

The nurse approaches and gently ixes

the covers of her bedShe leans over and

whispers soothingly

...relax...relax...all will be ok

The girl sighs in disbelief and

scrunches up her body

tightly in a ball thinking sorrowfully

...tomorrow is a new day


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Glennia Fayen, Ocala


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Suffering a Man Should Never KnowArnold B. Wells, St. Cloud

Dear David,Hey honey, how have you been? Its been a while

since we spoke. I havent heard from you since the last few letters I sent you. The stupid mail must be reallybusy or losing its way. Are you staying safe out there in

Afghanistan? To be honest, I feel detached from my ownbody when I start to picture what could happen to you, and

my mind gives in to the darker side of things. I couldimagine that every day when you open your eyes and

take in the sun, you wonder if it will be your last. At thesame time, I wonder if its almost impossible for you to restor stay asleep at night.

It was all over the news a few days ago. For the first time the TV became a car at night and I became a deer

caught in its headlights. That was when I heard that aMinnesota unit was under fire; it put me in a trance. I didnot even realize that I needed to replace the TV remote thatI dropped until several minutes after my mother rushedover and found me. The news claimed a town of civilians,

third-world style, had a few bad apples in the batch. Oneof them pulled a gun and took aim at your squad; the

bullets whistling as they raced passed your ears and Jerry pushing you out of the way and becoming the official target. Your squad began returning fire. Now, there arehundreds of bodies horizontal and cold. The media is allover it and everyone is pointing fingers.

I picture you witnessing all this; from the shootout, to Jerry going down like that, knowing he will never

see the light of day again, and the innocents in town thatcaught stray bullets. Hell, who was innocent and whowasnt? You probably beat yourself up with questions on


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top of questions. I have some of my own and Iwasnt even there. Im sure many others feel the same wayaround the world. I bet with the heat over there its starting

to convince you that you really are in hell.I used to think digital cameras were a technology

that was pure beauty. Now they appear to me as a double-edged sword because they capture such incredible detail. Ican see the look in your eyes from the last batch of picturesyou sent us. The only detail I cant make out is if that issweat on your face or tears.

I ran into your Uncle Jim the other day. We weretalking about you. His voice was slower and deeper thanever when you were mentioned. When the news was broughtup he began stuttering in his speech and began to profuselydrink the water he had with him, as if he was a fish. To behonest, I never witnessed your uncle looking so pale. Doeshe know something I dont? I swear a ghost is what he saw.

What if he did see a ghost? What if your ghost was there?What if your ghost is right next to me this moment as Iwrite this? A glass repelled off the counter this morningand decorated the floor like cheap diamonds with razorsharp edges. Was that you? No, I need to stay positive. Icannot let you down in your time of need. Your heart stillhas a pulse somewhere.

We all love you and just want you home. You donot need to read this. This letter will never touch you. Icannot allow you to witness my depression on this issuewhen you are the one living the nightmare. I will bury itwith the rest of my fears I have been conjuring since yourdeparture. I will make sure of that.

Hope to hear from you soon my love,

Jeff


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Be a ManJack Kirwin (j.k.) Jonathan LaGrow, Green Bay

The child is told someday hell be a man

He runs and runs far away from life

Fast as he possibly can.

His years become days,

His days become nights,

His tears become glazed-over eyes as he ights

Not to feel so alone

So awkwardly unknown

By the lives and the lies that surround him

He leaves unprepared, once again he has shared

Incompletely his life with another

Reluctantly taking the low road again

As his hopes and his dreams

Somehow faltered and failed,Falling freely, now lowing down stream

He has nowhere to go

He has nothing to dream

He is split at the seam

Once again.


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Kelsey Boeckman, Online


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Everyday Famous WordsCheryl Holder Sanchez, Rockford

You know, I never knew there were so many famous

names, titles, or sayings that are known worldwide, until I did

a research project recently. For instance, everybody knows

the name JAWS from that great shark movie that had many

people thinking twice before taking a leisurely swim. And that

stoically voiced comment, ILL BE BACK from a futuristic

robot who, by the way, is now a state governor.

Is there anyone in the world who does NOT know who

Dracula is? Frankenstein? Superman? Spiderman? The Fonz?

Darth Vader? And if I may voice my own opinion, I believe it

was the American cinema that made this happen. I mean, every

American knows what it means when you put your thumb up

and say Aaaayyyy .

I grew up with Gilligans Islandand The Brady Bunch.Couldnt everybody make a radio out of a coconut? And if you

knew someone named Marcia, you just held your breath until

you had a perfect moment to use, Marcia, Marcia, Marcia.

And how many times in your life have you said, Frankly my

dear, I dont give a damn?

Who comes to mind if you hear, Bond, James Bond?

And really, has your mom ever said, Life is like a box ofchocolates? Probably not, but you know what it means and

where it came from.

I know King Kong is not an American character, but

we did make him famous for being a giant teddy bear type

monkey. And with great graphics.

If you really sit and think about it, we use these famous

sayings, names and quotes in our lives almost on a daily basis.

Just the other day my brother was helping me with some

leaking pipes in the basement and he looked up and said,


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Houston, we have a problem. Of course we have a problem;

my pipes are leaking. But you see what I mean.

I recently went to pick up some bookshelves and books,

and even though I drive a van, when we inally had it all loaded

I just had to say, We need a bigger boat. It was automatic. I

didnt even think about it. It just it the situation.

America made Cinderella a household name and the

word Bambi said through gushing tears of children when

their father came home from a deer hunting trip.

Snow White, I believe, is not nearly as famous as thosewords, Mirror, mirror, on the wall, whos the fairest of them

all? Why, because Im a middle aged woman and have cursed

all mirrors since time began.

Some things will be eternal, like Elvis, Thank you,

thank you very much. or Clint Eastwoods, Go ahead, punk,

make my day.

But nowadays my eleven-year-old daughter says thingsthat I hear other kids saying, and they all know what it means,

like, Whatever. This word is used by just about everybody, all

the time. I mean, I hear it at least two billion times a day. Who

made that word big? I dont know, but I can bet ya that it came

from the TV or the movies.

I remember Yabba Dabba Doo. You guys know it.

Now I hear Who let the dogs out? And yes, it took me a while

to stop looking around for the supposedly loose dogs. But it

serves its purpose in explaining how certain words just stick.

May the force be with you is a staple. Beam me

up, Scotty is used quite frequently in my house along with

Calgon, take me away. I suppose I could go on forever with

these things but the point is; now I have made them obvious to

you and you will be thinking about it like a bad elevator song

thats stuck in your head. So all I need to say now is, Hasta la

vista, Baby.


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Wishing StarJaylean Dykes , Ocala

I used to wish upon a star

a star shining oh so bright

way up in that dark ole sky

high above my head.

That star so bright up in the sky

illed my life with happiness

all my pain and sorrow left

when I wished upon that star.

All my wishes have come true

from that one bright shining star

so all my thanks goes to the one

way up in that dark ole sky.


so very, very long ago

then I grew up and years went by

no wish I made on that lonely star.

Oh lonely star up in the sky

my days are illed with sorrow now

my dreams are all piles up in heapsfor I no longer wish on stars


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But as my days go on and on

and all my dreams grow higher

I feel a surge of pain inside

pleading that I wish again


a star, shining, oh so bright

but when that star stopped shining

again I wished upon it

And now that star shines oh so bright

when I look up in that dark ole sky

for now I made a wish again

to have that star shine forever more.

Amanda Dickey, OnlineAmanda Dickey, Online


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Challenges of a Single MotherCheryl Holder Sanchez, Rockford

Single mothers face numerous challenges. Career,child care and even dating are among them. In order for a

single mother to have a career that pays decent money, more

often than not, it involves specialized training and overtime.

This, in turn, produces a whole host of problems that must be

addressed. Child care is the most important of these factors.

Especially with all the horror stories you hear nowadays. If a

single mother does not have a family member who can help outin this respect, she must ilter through for child care providers.

This is a tough job.

Four critical factors that should be checked when

searching for providers are veriiable references, ratio of

children under care, ability to talk personally to current

provider clients, and cost.

First, an overview of your citys home page can oftenprovide the necessary information, which can easily be veriied

through the site. Second, there are state laws that mandate

how many children can be provided for under one adults

supervision. Check with local laws for this information.

Third, if the provider cannot arrange for you to speak

personally with at least two of their current clients, then look

elsewhere.

Fourth is the cost. Though money is normally tight for

a single mother, this factor should have the least importance.

Quality care is not cheap.

Employment and career choices are another challenge

for single mothers. Even though most employers state that

they do not discriminate, it is often a giant red lag when an

applicant is a single mother. The employer often assumes the

hiring of a single mother can adversely affect the company.

Examples: loss of time on the job from problems with child

care; calls received during working hours; loss of concentration


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on the job when the child is ill, and sick days taken when

child cannot go to child care providers. Even pestering fellow

employees with school fund raising programs is a concern

with employers.The single mother, without knowing it, has the deck

stacked against her, even before the interview. I feel that

employers miss the fact that single mothers are the most

dedicated, loyal and hardworking individuals in the work

force today.

Another challenge that single mothers face is dating.

Besides overcoming the problem of inding a signiicant other,the child or children will, no doubt, make this aspect of a single

mothers life very hard.

A single mother needs to be very careful on the dating

scene. She needs to keep in mind, not only her own safety, but

the safety of her child or children. There are some real sick

puppies out there. Also, the single mother must ind someone

who is not put off by her baggage. Men often refer to a singlemother as having baggage. They are interested in free and easy

fun, not a readymade family. If a single mother does manage to

ind someone who does not shy away from her baggage, then

after a certain length of time, she must consider introducing

her child or children. This is a critical moment for the single

mother. It can make or break a relationship. Even though he

is aware that you have a child or children, seeing is believing.

Will they hit it off? Will your child or children be on their best

behavior? Was this a good decision?

The single mother also has to recognize that, even if

the initial meeting went well, now is not the time to relax. The

future will pose more obstacles and stress that she will need

to deal with. But there is always hope on the horizon. After

all, there is no other individual among us who is as strong and

deserving of happiness as the single mother.

Did I mention? Im a single mother.


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Danny Guyton, OnlineDanny Guyton, Online


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The Heart of a SoldierKatherine Mies, Eagan ~musey~ 2005

The heart of a soldier is as ierce as its strong ighting so

valiantly to right the worst wrong

The heart is born full of innocence and trust

discovering with time that all is not just

The heart begins needing to protect and provide Feeling so

deeply the honor and pride

The heart discovers the duty to calm fear

sacriicing time with those it holds dear

The heart may ind itself on shores far away battling to bring

peace to everyone some day

The heart bravely suffers through all that is

lost enduring forever the pain serving has cost

The heart returns home grateful and wise seeing life now

through war weary eyes

The heart of a soldier is unique and true

defending so proudly our Red, White and Blue.


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Favorite PersonJames Walden, New Port Richey

If I had to choose a favorite person in the world, itwould most deinitely have to be my mother, Mrs. Stephanie E.

Walden. Shes my favorite because shes loving, has protected

me from all dangers, and shes actually my mother and father.

I look up to my mother for many reasons. One thing that

I admire about her is that shes very caring and loving when it

comes to children and students. My mom has been a teacher

at Tarpon Middle for the past sixteen years. Shes also the girls

basketball coach and goes through a big process every year of

keeping her girls on track in school with their grades. She also

attends all practices, games, and helps with their dresses, make

up, and hair on the days of events and award ceremonies.

My mom is also my favorite person in the world

because shes strong and raised me all alone. While I was still

waiting to be born, my father passed away from cancer at

age twenty-one. During the time my mom underwent a lot of

stress. The doctors tried to get her to abort me, saying I would

be born without arms and legs. My mom avoided what the

doctors advised, and I was born normal. I never got a chance

to get to know, or even see my father. I celebrate and buy gifts

for my mom on Mothers Day and Fathers Day because in my

eyes shes both to me.On top of everything else, Mrs. Walden has to be my

favorite person because she schooled me growing up and kept

me safe from all dangers. My mom sat at the table and helped

me with homework every day. She attended parent-teacher

meetings and checked to see if I attended school throughout

the year. My mother never brought different men into our life

and avoided going out to clubs and parties. Growing up I neverworried about anything because she provided everything.


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Jennifer Smith, New Port RicheyJennifer Smith, New Port Richey

If I was asked the question again about who my

favorite person in the world would be, theres no doubt about

it, I would pick my mother because of the way shes raised me.

I love her and admire the special attention she spends on herstudents and basketball players.

When my dad passed away, she stepped up to the plate

and became my mother and father. I had a safe home, and she

protected me from all dangers. Still today, in times of need, I

can go to her for support. Shes the best and will always be my

favorite person in the whole world.


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Dori Lynn Harte, New Port Richey

Letter from a NovelJack Kirwin (j.k.) Jonathan LaGrow, Green Bay

Sending my love in a steel trap cage

Bound in a book on the last empty page

Wandering lost in a city street maze

Through dark alleys and trash cans

And cold street lamp haze

Let the garbage be burned, cast emotion

inside

Let your long dead love kindle the ire

outside

You need warmth to survive

There is no need for pride

Until at long lastYour past

Is puriied.


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Shanon Burwell, Online



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Arianea Nelson, Moorhead


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Lies In Your EyesJennifer Sharper, Online

Feeling so lost I cannot oblige,

Looking at you and the lies in your eyes.

You sound so convincing we both know it aint true,

So I sit here with tears looking back at you.

You ask what is wrong and why do I cry,But the truth you dont want, so slowly I die.

The lies in your eyes cannot be hidden,

And this pain I endure should have been forbidden.

The lies in your eyes tell me more than you say,

But you deny any wrong in every way.

You know that you lie and you look away from me,

But you think I am stupid so blind I cant see.

The only reason Im still here isnt for you,

But for the others my only true two.

So for them I will sit and endure the lies that you tell,

But dont think for a minute that you hide your lies well.

One day they will surface those lies in your eyes,

And that day you wont be able to deny.

That day you will lose and wonder why,

You couldnt just keep the lies from your eyes.


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We Love You and Miss YouKindell Gerald, Eden Prairie

This poem is dedicated to Tony Harrison.

(12/27/77-12/27/07)

Why you had to leave,

we may never know.It broke so many hearts,

Just to watch you go.

Well love you and miss you

Forever; til the end

Because when we get to heaven

We know well have a friend.

Life will be miserable

Without you here,

But youll always be in our hearts

So youll always be near.

We may not have the answers

To why

And its going to be hard to keep going,

But we have to try.

Well hold our heads high

And try to make it through

But life just wont be the same-

Without you!


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Penny Green, St. Cloud

Well all pull through

One way or another

Heartbroken that youre goneWell ind comfort in each other.

So dont worry

We will all make it through

And until we meet again,

Tony, we will always love and miss you.

Penny Green, St. Cloud


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[Forgiveness is about]Josephine Dupey, Eagan

Forgiveness is about

Our ability to be

Righteous and true to

God and ourselves.

In order to heal and move on.

Very few of us ind it

Easy and though we forgive, we

Never forget. We learn from

Every hurt and pain which makes us

Stronger and wiser.

Forgiveness is part of our

Salvation.

Peg Snyder, New Port RicheyPeg Snyder, New Port Richey


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Kelsey Boeckman, OnlineKelsey Boeckman, Online

[embracing yourself]Glennia Fayen, Ocala

embracing yourself...we all need to...im proud of the things

i have done in my life some to survive some because it

was fun. i can honestly say i never harmed anyone notintentionally. my dad used to say my sister lou and i were

big bold beautifully made the way god intended. i have

survived cancer twice, west nile virus encephalitis where i

was in a chair for a year, i had to relearn speech but during

that i discovered i could draw. ive loved, ive lost in love. ive

gained comfort and lost that too. but i still stand. ive danced,

ive done an art show ,ive sung in public, i play mandolinand even have a famous family member who is a part of the

grand old opry. i have three beautiful daughters that i havent

always been there for but i did my best when i was. i became

an ordained minister in 2006. a vet tech in 2000, and a pct in

2002. now im making plans to go back to college. im 44, i love

myself and embrace everyday...and i love my friends ive had

people in my life over twenty years that id be lost without...

charlene hall is one of them weve got stories to tell...past and

present. embrace yourself every single day...always smile

always laugh always listen...god bless you all


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Arianea Nelson, Moorhead


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BrokenTasha Truong, Aurora Campus

Broken and shattered

How do I mend these pieces?

Not just the heart is tattered

But the soul feels scattered

How do I give you back the sparkle?

The life that used to be there?

Is it me? Am I the one to blame?

Or are we just one in the same?

Did our journey give us two different paths?

Were we meant to be? Was this meant to last?

Did I detour you from your inal destination?

Complicate things and cause hesitation?

Am I still wanted? Am I still needed?

Is it really over and Im just too dumb to see it?

How can I give you the world?

When mine is falling apart?

How can I give you a new beginning?

When I dont know where to start?

How can I be your melody?

When my voice is off key?

How can I be with you?

When you dont want to be with me?


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A Broken HomeKindell Gerald, Eden Prairie

The pain goes deep

As the hatred grows

How will this turn out?

No one knows

As I walk through the dark

Trying to ind my way

I realize something is missing

A reason to stay.

They all push and push

Until Im on the ground

When I ask for help,

Theres no one around.

I feel tied down

Obligated to stay,

All I want to do

Is scream and walk away.

My feelings hold meHere in this hell

No one to talk to

No one to tell

Tell who I am

Tell how I feel

To tell me whats fake

Or tell me whats real.

I wish I could run


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Run to be free

Free to live

Free to be me.

Always being jealous

Always in a rage

Too much hatred

For someone my age

I deserve to be happy

And in a loving homeBut no matter the crowd

I am all alone!

But its not just me

Its her too

The one that goes through this with us

The one thats a part of me and you

She sees all the ighting

She sees all the tears

We may try to hide it

But we know that she hears

She hears all the anger

She feels all the pain

Its in the way I look at you

And in the way you speak my name

I just want her to be happy

And not feel alone

She deserves everything in this world

Not what I had

A broken home.


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The Reflection in the MirrorRegina Marie OConnor Feliciano, New Port Richey

A relationship begins with,

The Relection in the Mirror.

Living lifes lessons with Acceptance and Giving,

Respecting others in constant fair,

Honest morals and values of Friendship to share.

Sharing your time to listen to a sorrow,

With unconditional love,

In hopes of a brighter tomorrow.

Learning and Caring outside oneself,

Standing beside in comfort and failing health.

Turning a cheek whenever in pain,

Believing that Faith will Heal and remain.

Coming to terms with Failure and Fault.

Understanding with Truth and Sincerity in kind,

Striving to continue,The achieved bond that binds.

Whether the Messenger or Receiver,

A relationship begins with,

The Relection in the Mirror.

Shanon Burwell, Online


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Welcome Home SoldierKatherine Mies, Eagan ~musey~ 2006

You return today into loving arms

Hearts full of pride

Souls full of gratitude

We have waited with hope

Praying you were safeWishing you were home

You return today a little less whole

Leaving behind your innocence

Bringing with your pain

We welcome you Soldier

Tears lowing free

Smiles shining bright

You are welcomed with pride

A lag lying free

A Nation standing strong.


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HaikuDaphne Procz-Shorts, Online

Shanon Burwell, OnlineShanon Burwell, Online


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Soul SearchingTasha Truong, Aurora Campus

When does the pain stop?

When does the hurt fade?

When do we stop second guessing

And accept the choices we made?

How do you know the end is near?

Is it something in the air?

Is it something you can hear?

What will your last thoughts be as you fade from the light?

When do you accept the darkness?

When do you give up the ight?

When you look inside yourself

Do you like what you see?

Have you come to peace with yourself

Or do you see your relection as your enemy?

Have you come to terms with your past

Did you slow down and enjoy life

Or speed through it going too fast?

Dont disregard the simplicity of breathing

Kiss your loved ones goodbye

Because the moment could be leeting

Today you might be here

But tomorrow you might not

Appreciate the now

You must cherish what youve got.


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Kelsey Boeckman, OnlineKelsey Boeckman, Online


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I Wanna 2Mariah Durrant, Wausau

You say that youve been through hell n I see it all as

well.

While youre trying to understand it all and trying not to

slip n fall

I wanna be that little glimpse of heaven when hell has

taken over.

I wanna be the lashlight on your darkest days

My child I wanna make you happy in so many different ways.

I wanna be the one who lights up your world when its gone

black.

I wanna be the one who brings your gorgeous smile back.

I wanna be the warmness when your days gone cold n blue

Because My child I love you.I wanna be the gentle hand that calms the crashing waves

in your life.

I wanna be there when you need me day and night.

My child you mean so much to me.

And for all of this to be all you need to do is accept me.

If you dont know how its rather easy see, just close

your eyes

N bow your head and say a simple prayer.

And no more will you have to bear

The pain and storm in your life, this I swear.

Just come to me when youre in need

Youre my child and I shall comfort you indeed.

This is all you have to do and never forget Ill always

love you.

-God-


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Lifes BridgesConnie Braatz, Green Bay

Something to think about...

There are bridges we cross physically each day,

but what about all the mental bridges we must face?

To act responsibly or to be spontaneous, to do our

homework or watch television with our friends? Tostay in a relationship we no longer feel connected

with? To say youre sorry to a loved one, to admit

you were wrong? To drop a class or not.

What about our mental bridges we cross with

dread and anxiety everytime we are unsure if

we are doing the right thing?

This bridge could represent a simple problem we face;

however, there are more complex ones out there.

As an individual, are you looking forward and

preparing for life and its challenges or are you

living in the moment, not caring what tomorrow

may bring?

Always keep an eye on your goal and watch where you

are heading. Plan for tomorrow and you will always

have an idea of what to expect.


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Connie Braatz, Green Bay


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My StoryMariah Durrant, Wausau

Such a pig, his head starts to get big

from that bottle he takes another swig

He thinks she wants it but she says no.

His true colors start to show.

Shes lying on the loor begging praying for it to stop.

She saw why they warned her,

but if she told is what concerned her

What would he do?

No one knew what she was going through

Days passed...

She had enough and started popping pills fast.

Had no idea what it would do, just wanted to get away.

Texted a friend didnt have much to say.

Mom walked in, there on the bed she laid.

Her best friend saved her life.Went to the hospital n they saw her cuts from the knife.

She told everyone a lie

inside she started to die

Thought no one would care,

three days later she got out

with another friend she did share

why she really did take the pills.Before you knew it the truth starts to spill.

The girl goes home

tells mom how come

mom starts to cry,

to turn him in is what they decide

They tell the cops and close by he still presides.

Taunting and laughing from a far,

She can see him sitting in his car.

Everything changes, nothing feels the same

to him its just a game.


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To church he comes around

and she tries not to make a sound

But she starts to bawl.

Hes not supposed to be therethe judge went through it all.

Months pass...

A word from the DA alas

he gets to walk away,

with a slap on the wrist.

The girls heart turns cold as she clenches her ist.

He caused so much paineven drove her insane.

But to some he did nothing wrong

Because he asked her out only hours before.

To her heart she closes the door,

confused and searching for something more.

All because she went on a date

and she didnt tell until it was too late.

So girls if this ever happens to you,

you know what you have to do.

Someone will understand what youre going through.

I know I do!

Even if youve been together forever,

it doesnt matter.

If you havent seen him ever before,

Its all the same.If he wanted something more

then you were willing to give,

and he just took it as a game,

and caused so much pain.

But no matter what it will be okay!

Even if he just gets to walk away!


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Cynhtia Hall, Eden PrarieCynhtia Hall, Eden Prarie

Night and ThunderJack Kirwan (j.k.) Jonathan LaGrow, Green Bay

Its night and thunder that changes the rain,

that makes it palpable and sound dangerous;

that makes it sound alive.

Its night and thunder that changes the rain

that pours off of my brow and wets my skull,and wets my everything at once.

It is night and thunder that changes the rain

into some immovable object that consumes me

in wet.

Its night and thunder that changes my name,that turns me into a cold weather friend,

that leaves me soaked in the end.


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It is night and thunder that changes everything.

The sky cracks and groans and pours. There is no need for

me.

The sky breaks open in voice that gives me chills in its obese

voice of dark thunder that moans and speaks across the sky.

It speaks with light from some strange distance

that I cannot count.

It grumbles

with words,that are not words,

that do not amount to

drops on grass or pavement.

It rains like glass on awareness in the wee morning hours.

It shimmers into the blackness of the black-eyed late evening

crow call home

where no one watches as I disappear.

As a single black feather released falls, then loats to the

ground without

a whimper or cry,

just the micro rush of silent wind

on hairs as curved as a comb,

takes its time, swaying in rhythm to rhyme,and the grey dust streamers

shimmer like exhaust in the sun.

Outstretched wings in

grandeur lap gracefully

when needed, are violently accelerated

then easily maintained in freefallfor miles, until another single

black feather is released.


47/57


FaithMegan Seward, Online

Another non-believer walks the face of this earth

Soon she will learn that one slight move will swipe her from

what she called birth.

She stands on a corner and does not see

Of what exactly might be.

In a blink of an eye, she is on the ground with a bump on herknee

She lies in pain and agony.

No one to turn to, no one to cry with, as it seems the world

does not stop, and shes not there.

She is lifted gently into the air

The rest falls blank as she opens her eyes.

Angel a voice whispered, as she turned her head,

What she spied, she had just realized that she had died.

As she looked to her left,

An old woman sits at her rest.

Goodbye, my sweet Angel

Then she sang a lullaby.

I shall see you soon

As she started to cry.

You did not believe in him but he believes in you,

Good-bye my sweet Angel. Oh what shall I do?


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Danny Guyton, OnlineDanny Guyton, Online

Wounded, but Not ScarredShannon Mescall, New Port Richey

I often wonder how many times a heart can break before it

can no longer love.

How many times a spirit can be crushed before it inally dies.

How many tears can be shed before youve forgotten how to

cry?

How often your walls can be built, torn down, and then re-

built again before you make them out of something stronger

and thicker.

How long it takes to inally stop thinking about someone.

How long it takes to inally stop loving someone.

How long it takes to be able to say their name again and not

hurt.

Does any of it ever stop or ever go away?

Or do we just learn to deal with it and move on?


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Where Were You

the Day the Eagle Wept?

September 2001Lucinda Anne Schaffner, Lake Elmo

Do you remember that day in September,

when Americas Eagle wept?

Lives were taken and families shaken,

that morning, after we slept

Moneythe reason, Greedthe cause,

for the lives taken that day

Striving to be the World Power, to rule,

this is the price we did pay

The day not forgotten, well always remember

What happened 2001, the Eleventh Day of SeptemberBlue skies gave way to a horrible sight

American planes, on their way, gave us fright

To all who were watching in stark disbelief

Nightmares unfolding, caused immediate grief

Out of the blue skies, into the Towers

Their purpose, topple symbols ofFreedom and Power

We moaned, Tis the land of the free and home of the brave

The lives that are lost, and the lives left to save

The search and recovery took many days

The search for the living changed to inding remains

Much time has passed since the deadly attacks

Still suffering losses from the deadly impacts

Terrorism, acts of destruction, by any means

Remnants of evil, are what still remains


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Resilience and faith, our buoyancy swift

We looked to our leaders to keep our nation adrift

From the ruins of sadness, we found new resolve

Faith, strength and courage, forever evolve

We continue to pay a price, to this day

With War On Terrorits cause

This Forever Warwill never be won,

The battle, forever, no pause

Power and Greed, Money and Oil,are reasons attacks took place

We need to remember, and never forget,

that fateful September,

when we all saw Evils Face.

Cathy Langer, New Port Richey


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Sea-horse Shaped SwingsVicki M. Schaffer, Green Bay

When I was a child with hair of gold,my mother would take me, so the story is told,

to a playground full of wondrous things.

But what I liked best were the sea-horse-shaped swings.

The slide was a wonder, its high-climbing stairs.

The merry-go-round, the spring-rocking bears.

My mother said, Try all these wondrous things!

But my hearts desire was the sea-horse-shaped swings.

Now, I am a mother with kids of my own;

the grand-kids are coming, the kids are all grown.

I take them to see all these wondrous things,

and remember the days of the sea-horse-shaped swings.

Penny Green, St. CloudPenny Green, St. Cloud


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Daphne Procz-Shortz, OnlineDaphne Procz-Shortz, Online

Peg Snyder, New Port RicheyPeg Snyder, New Port Richey


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GoodbyeArnold B. Wells, St. Cloud

How can I say this to make it better

The time I have with you now is never

The time I had I pissed away

Always telling myself I would visit some day

I took for granted while Chronos

was dancing

And now its too late and the devil

is laughing

I miss you Swanny

thats why Im making this letter

If I looked at a single ire work I wouldve

cried forever

I hid myself on July 4th, covering my ears

But Im breaking down right now

and feasting on my tears

And my insides are drowning

in my childhood fears

I inally had a dad after all these years

But I fucked up,

and let Whodi play too much

And because of that, my heart

has become my lunch

I dont wanna say goodbye, I wish I could lieRight now Im waiting


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on a Hollywood moment for you to reply

But I wont get it, just more thoughts of you

when you died

Now Im starting to feel a lil bit of insanity

Cause these selish acts of mine had robbed

me of my humanity

I should have visited more and stayed in line

And I wish I wasnt such a whore

when it came to time.I can poem all day about you

but I have to kill it inside

Im gonna lie once more to myself father,

I have to say goodbye...

Cathy Langer, New Port RicheyCathy Langer, New Port Richey


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Daniel Grego, Ocala

Hilary Homa, Green BayCo

verC

ontestFinalist

s


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Connie Braatz, Green Bay

Paul Roff, Lake Elmo


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Documents

Our Other Voice 2011