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Waldwick High School
Citation preview
Board of EducationPatricia Levine, President
Dawn Monaco, Vice President
Daniel Marro, Sr.
Claire McLafferty
Dominic J. Novelli
Joseph Orlak
Martha Walsh
AdministrationDr. Patricia Raupers-Superintendent of Schools
John Griffin-Business Administrator/Bd.Secretary
Victoria Wilson-Director of Special Services
Kevin Carroll-Principal, High School
Michael Clancy-Assistant Principal/Athletic Director
Elizabeth Getlik-Supervisor of Language Arts, World Languages, and
Special Services
Janet Sobkowicz-Supervisor of Social Studies, Related Arts, and ESL
Mind’s Eye StaffAdvisor: Mrs. Danielle Kish
Staff: Natalia Basante, Sam Capener, Melissa, Davies, Molly
Lumino, Julia Montella, Franchesca Romero, and Nicole Stahl
Artwork provided by Ms. Ruch’s Art Students
Photography provided by Mr. Opderbeck’s Photography Club
Front Cover Designed by Nicole Stahl
Clipart provided by Microsoft Word
Conflicting Emotions
By Sam Capener
“Hate!” says the heart, fearful and loud.
“Help.” states the head, calm and proud
“Love!” forces the heart, open and new.
“Care.” goes the head. “Don’t hurt the few.”
Rough Reality
By Sean Hillringhouse
Hopes and dreams can become reality
Only to those who carry on with their goals
Going through Hell to achieve Heaven is the reality,
And everyone must pay a toll
Time is the toll
That can be siphoned
And effort plays a necessary role
To ensure time isn’t wasted in anyone’s life
Creed
By Paula Deren
Feel butterflies inside of me
Colors and smells are fine to see
People usually smile and stare
Just want to feel love everywhere
My dreams are really fantasy
Want to love someone endlessly
Happiness will be a glory
Feel like the world is so unfair
Family will help me in need
Best friends always give me a speed
Creed
By Joe Turner
Good friends are always there for you
They will want the same from you too
Parents always know what is best
Everyone should always be blessed
Don’t judge a book by its cover
You may not like what you discover
There will always be mean people
Ignoring them is not always simple
To get better you must practice
You do not want to be like a novice
Creed Poem
By Matt Palmieri
In basketball there are a lot of factors
The last shot is the only one that matters
Football is a contact sport, with different plays
But Tim Tebow is the only one that prays
Lacrosse is a sport with a mix of a lot
With many positions all can take a shot
School is a lot but you need it to get through
There’s a lot of homework I might throw a shoe
All my friends are always there to pick me up
And they know my answer will always be “Yup.”
Friendship
By: Yi Li
Without friends I wouldn’t be here today
I get help from my friends
Friends are important to me
I need friends just like I need air to breathe
Friends are full of love and truth
Without friends I wouldn’t tell anyone my feelings
Friends are all around me and take care of me
Friendship is everything
Friends help me to fight over all the difficulties I
have
I can’t survive without my friends
Creed Poem
By Samantha Schatz
I believe that family always comes first,
I believe that lemonade quenches my thirst.
I believe miracles can happen if you believe,
I believe true best friends will never leave.
I believe food is always there when I’m bored,
I believe soccer was fun after I scored.
I believe that killing is the worst crime,
I believe that sisters help you through tough times.
I believe that karma will always get you,
I believe hugging is something nice to do.Creed Poem
By Jordan Tarabocchia
I believe an apple a day would keep the doctor away.
I believe that music can relax people in a good way.
I believe family is more important than money.
I believe that clowns are sometimes scary and funny.
I believe that yogurt is a good, healthy snack.
I believe that the most useful tool in school is a backpack.
I believe that the most watched sport in America is football.
I believe that the second most watched sport is baseball.
I believe that education can lead to success.
I believe that you should always try your best.
Blue Sky
By Sam Capener
Lost in a sky
Soar through an air
Fly in my eyes
Fear not what is there
Tremble at beauty
Dangerously loud
See us minutely
So so proud
strong and
My blue sky is freedom
My blue sky is home
Oh, blue sky you’re free from
Letting me roam.
Artwork by Ariana Chousa
Artwork by Holly Corkill
LoveBy Nicole Estell
I believe that love is great
When two people meet at fate
They gracefully fall in love
With blessings from God above
I believe love is awesome
Like a flower that blossoms
Always smiles on their face,
Seeing them makes their heart race
Two lovers live together
They love their spouse forever
My Creed
By Andrew Fucarino
Whenever I can help someone I’ll go out of my way
In hope they pass it on and it brighten up someone’s day
I promise to be nice to my family all the time
Defend them from any harm, hurting them is like a crime
Even when it seems impossible, I will do my work
I won’t get distracted at all, and won’t act like a jerk
My friends are like my family, I have known them so long
I put their interests first, and keep our relationships strong
Rubik’s cubes are a pass time that keep my mind its best
I’ll teach anyone that asks, friends, family and the rest
Illusions
By Fatima Orellana
Things are not what they appear.A smile is not always a sign of happiness or joy.Smiles can hide the emotion that is meant to be shared by hiding onpurpose.Things are not what they appearA picture can tell more than it shows.It’s not always how the person looksBut the secrets that the person hides behind
Things are not what they appear.Someone can admire a family for its unityBut behind closed doors the family is broken up into pieces
Things are not what they appear.People can collect emotions in their heartsThose emotions are kept away under lock and keyThings are not what they appear.
Life is an illusion that takes more than eyes to f igure it out.
Photo by Sophia Roldan
Wonderful to Just be Me – By Julia Montella
I was unsure
Felt so alone
Had no confidence
To call my own
Took me traveling this far
To realize I’m a shining star
Chorus:
Finally I understand
It’s okay to just be you
Don’t try to be someone else
Now I know this to be true
Doesn’t matter if you’re not
Just as good as him or her
If you’re good as you can be
That’s what people will prefer
You’ve just got to love yourself
Whatever yourself may be
Took so long, but now I’ve learned
It’s wonderful to just be me
Oh so shy
I’d just look down
Slowly growing up
In a small town
Never let my soul take flight
Suddenly I’ve seen the light
Chorus
Don’t know why
It took this long
Now at last
I’ve found my song
Perfect isn’t what I am
So what? I don’t give a damn!
Chorus
Just be who you are today
Be the best that you can be
Then hopefully like me you’ll say:
“It’s wonderful to just be me”
Willow
By Natalia Basante
Where doth the solemn willow growWhose sweet buds grace the earth,When spring spreads its seductive fingers?
Has thy limp branches caressed the golden plainsAnd allowed the doleful birds to feed off thy grain?
Or hast thou rooted thyself alongside the raging riverWhose white waters sustain thy twisted roots?
Where doth thy sorrowful leaves call their home?
I Am Death After All
By Melissa Depaola
You have probably never met me before.
You might not for awhile.
You might in three minutes
Who knows.
I do not.
Although…
I am Death after all.
In the End
Death. You probably frightened your tiny human brain with that word.
How…unfortunate.
I am not as scary or evil as you think.
As a matter of fact,
I am quite likely to be your only friend.
In the End.
Are you Afraid
I do not quite understand how my misunderstood image came to be.
Most likely because I let my guard down.
And I let humans like yourself see me.
I never found my appearance scary.
Or threatening.
Apparently, that Is all I am.
How…unfortunate.
I have a question, human.
Are you afraid?
I hope not.
I am not here to scare you away.
You can only run away for so long.
You cannot escape my inevitable grip.
Death will grip your tiny, insignificant,
Soul.
…ehem.
My number one rule is: Disregard my threats.
I am not here to scare you.
This is my job.
I Cannot Save You
I have finished my babbling.
I will explain my purpose.
You are going to die soon.
Soon for me.
Even sooner for you.
As I stated previously, I am not sure on certain times or places.
I merely work on feelings,
What you humans would call, your “gut” feeling.
So therefore,
I have to prep you.
Ensure your soul is ready.
Strong.
If not…
You will be taken by the void.
And become nothing.
At that point.
I cannot save you.
Only I
So be ready for my coming.
And please
Do not make that face.
The surprised face.
I hate that.
I have given you a fair warning.
No god
Or goddness
Is coming for you.
Only I.
Monster
By Cristina Horuzy
I am a monster
Glass shatters when I talk
The very ground I walk on crumbles
Hearts I touch rip into pieces
I am a monster
A mere look will burn through you
Souls bow at my feet
With a blink of an eye you will be mine
I am a monster
Lonely and contemned
Save me from myself
This spiraling world will never end
Photo by Anna Puglise
Photo by Michele Figiliolo
Photo by Lauren Foner
Creed Poem
By Serena Grecco
Friendship can be a total mess.
You can get through it with the best.
Family is always there for you.
Through whatever you’re going through.
Love can sometimes be confusing.
It can be very hard choosing.
Volleyball is the best to me.
My team is like my family.
Softball is also a fun sport.
You play outside, not on a court.
Food I love the absolute most.
Especially my favorite, toast.
School takes up my entire day.
But it’s sometimes fun anyway.
Music can explain my whole life.
It plays throughout my day and night.
Writing helps me get my thoughts out.
Matters what we’re writing about.
Life can be sometimes hard facing.
But it is pretty amazing.
Creed
By Michelle Orsino
True friends will help you get through it all
Most importantly together you will have a ball
Love is beautiful, love can be sweet
Love can be tough and can have you beat
Family is there for you whatever you do
Whether it’s school or even some help too
Bad friends can come and they go in time
It’s upsetting and rude but not a crime
Loving pets can be an owners best friend
Always there to listen ‘til the end.
Photogrpah by Jessica Niblo
My Creed
By Jeremy Zaukas
I believe that sports are great to play.
I believe school helps us every day.
I believe sleep revives our bodies.
I believe it’s good to find hobbies,
I believe family’s key in life.
I believe relationships can cause fights.
I believe money causes madness.
I believe friendship makes happiness.
I believe dogs are a man’s best friend.
I believe that it’s fun to pretend.
Alvy’s Creed
By Michael Alvarez
Homework is a waste of time
I love to drink lemon lime
I believe in one true God
I love to sleep and play COD
I believe in discipline
I work hard and always grin
I believe in my friends
They will be there til the end.
Animal cruelty is wrong,
I want to go to Hong Kong.
Videogames are fun,
I like to play in the sun.
I Believe
By Connor Walsh
I believe everyone should go to school
Being smart and learning is very cool
I believe everyone should play a sport
Even all the children who need child support.
I believe everyone should have free speech
Free speech also includes the right to preach
I believe family should always come first
Even though sometimes family is dispersed.
I believe in pride and honor for all
That is what we stand for and that’s our call.To Me…
By Alex Sheriff
Your future is affected by your present
Your intelligence can lead to great success
Do what it takes to be happy and pleasant
Life is all about choices, strive for the best
It doesn’t matter when it’s done, just get it done
Hard work can be rewarded with laziness
10:30 is the latest you should rest from fun
Procrastination is fine like craziness
I believe that actions speak louder than words
Being reasonable and rational are important
Thanks, Swimmy.
By Julia Montella
I hurtled through the endless blue, with one single thought racing through my mind: “Got to get
away, got to get away,” over and over. I dared to look behind me. Darn it! They were keeping up
surprisingly well. I whipped my head back around and swam faster. If they catch me, it’s all over. Why am
I swimming for my life, and who is chasing me, you ask? A dolphin named Swimmy, that’s why. Oh, and
the FBI.
I was on vacation in the Bahamas. At the beach, it’s like paradise. The sand is soft and white. The
water is the perfect shade of blue, like turquoise with just the right amount of cerulean added to it.
Unlike on the Atlantic Coast, where the waves suck at your feet when they return to the sea, trying to
pull you down, the waves at the Bahamas gently lap at your feet; slowly going in and out with the soft,
soothing sound of moving water, and on the Atlantic Coast, the waves roar loudly. The cool shade of the
palm trees is never far from the water’s edge. The tall, green, leafy palm trees are forever swaying to
the cool breeze that plays with your hair, blowing just hard enough to keep you cool. I spent so much
time at this tropical Eden, that after a week I looked like one of those bronze-skinned models you see in
swimsuit ads. Yes, it was just like heaven. Then Swimmy, the dolphin, had to go and ruin it.
It was supposed to be the best part of the trip, swimming with dolphins. The ad described it as,
“A fun, unique experience you will never forget!” Oh, yes. I will remember it for the rest of my life. I
jumped in the pool with the dolphins, half listened to the stupid instructions no one cares about, and
was introduced to my dark gray dolphin Swimmy. He swam up to me, and gently bumped me in the way
he was trained to greet tourists. Then, suddenly, he leaped backward into an upright position, and
whacked my hand with his flipper. The instructor was surprised. “Wow, he gave you a high five already!
I’ve never seen him do that before. He must like you.” Swimmy, in the water again, bobbed his head up
and down and made that noise dolphins make. A squeak, a whistle, whatever it is. I laughed, and
climbed onto his back like they showed me. Then he took off.
At first, it was fun. Swimmy zoomed through the water, leaping up, and diving under every now
and then; it was very exhilarating. Then suddenly, out of nowhere, Swimmy dove underwater and sped
away from the crowd. He found a hole in the side of the lagoon’s stone wall, and shot through, taking
me with him. We sped through the darkness, the sound of rushing water loud in my ears. Thankfully, he
surfaced again before I ran out of air, in some tiny little cave. The walls were made of some strange,
shimmery blue stone that seemed to glow in the little amount of light available in the cave. Swimmy
swam to this little opening in the side of the cave, and emitted a combination of clicks and whistles that
seemed to be a phrase in dolphin language. Still clinging to him, I stared at the opening, wondering why
the heck a trained dolphin had brought me here, when an unearthly blue light shone through, hitting
me like a spotlight. It bathed me in a soft, otherworldly glow, and made my skin feel tingly. I didn’t like
it, and wanted to go back. Swimmy must have read my mind, because he turned around and plunged
Artwork by Natalia Basante
underwater, and swam back the way we came. We resurfaced in the lagoon with all the other dolphins. I
was relieved; I thought it was over. How wrong I was.
Naturally, when a dolphin and the person riding it suddenly disappeared, people noticed. My
parents were worried sick. The whole area was searched, but we had disappeared without a trace. When
we reappeared, I was rushed out of the water and attacked by my mom. Her brown eyes huge with
concern and fear, she flung a towel around me, and launched into a stream of questions: the usual are-
you all-right and where-have-you-been junk. I responded with the usual relax-I’m-fine and it-wasn’t-
my-fault junk. Once she was convinced that I wasn’t hurt, she walked me along the dock back to our car
while my tall, dark-eyed, seriously irritated dad had a “talk” with the manager. That’s when it happened.
One second I was shivering on the dock, the next I was flat on my face. I sat up, glanced down at my legs,
and froze in shock, because they were gone. My long, bronze legs had turned into a shiny, three-foot,
aquamarine, scale-covered fish tail. Thanks, Swimmy. Thanks a lot.
Different people react differently to a mermaid appearing. Middle-aged Catholic women
frantically crossed themselves and prayed. Other women, who weren’t very emotionally strong, (like
my mom) fainted. Teachers started babbling like idiots at the impossibility of mermaids. All other adults
called 911. Last but not least, the kids (God bless them) immediately started trying to get me into the
water. When it comes to the impossible, kids are the only ones who have any sense. Thank God they did,
or I would have died flapping like a fish on the dock; but they finally succeeded in rolling me off the
dock and into the ocean. When the paramedics arrived a minute later, some joined a few of the groups
mentioned earlier, while the rest tried to examine me. When they tried to haul me out of the water,
they were stopped by a little red-haired girl with freckles who pushed them away, yelling, “Don’t! She
can’t breathe on land! Don’t you know anything?” Having their medical knowledge questioned threw
them long enough for me to swim away and escape into the sea, where I now belonged.
When I fell into the water, the first thing I felt was relief, since I could finally breathe again.
After I swam around a bit, though, just to get used to being what I was, I felt….happiness. Or was it joy,
or ecstasy? Whatever it was, it felt wonderful. I had always loved to swim, to feel the cool water flowing
across my skin. Now, I could go underwater and stay under without needing to go up for air, or even hold
my breath. I could swim underwater for as long as I wanted, and much faster now. I moved my tail up
and down rapidly, zooming through the water like I’d been doing it my whole life. I thought it would
take some getting used to, but it was like I was meant to be a mermaid. I laughed, hearing the
lighthearted sound and seeing bubbles stream from my mouth. I was so happy, happier than I’d ever
been in my life, until I saw a black helicopter.
Great, now the FBI was involved. I heard someone with a bullhorn say, “Attention Maria
Anderson. Do not try escaping, you are surrounded. You need medical attention. Return to the dock
immediately.” And be poked and prodded, experimented with, and eventually dissected? I thought. No
way. I decided to risk it. I dove as deep as I could go without being plunged into darkness and started
swimming away from the dock. After a few minutes, I was sure I’d lost them, so I stopped and looked
around. Biggest mistake of my life, but how was I to know they had a team of elite underwater trackers?
Armed with underwater jet packs, tanks of oxygen, and (gulp) stun guns, they rocketed toward me,
intent on bringing me back dead or alive.
Now we’re back to where we started: I’m swimming for my life from the FBI. What do I do? No
doubt that when these swimmers tire, or if I lose them, they’ll find me with a helicopter and send out
another team. I thought about going deeper, but what if they had lights? I tried zigzagging, going around
bends, swimming through tunnels and caves, but nothing worked. I turned a corner, and knew all hope
was lost. At least two dozen more of them were there, pointing their stun guns at me. They all fired and
36 darts of tranquilizer pierced my skin at once. Before I sank into unconsciousness, I thought one final
thought: Someday, Swimmy the dolphin, I am going to get you for this.
I regained consciousness when I heard something bumping against a wall; or side of a fiberglass
tank, as I soon found out. I looked around; I was floating in a huge, rectangular tank filled with water; in
an area that looked like an outdoor aquarium. More tanks were on my left, and the ocean was on my
right. What was making the noise? I turned around and saw a dolphin bumping the side of the tank with
its snout; a dolphin I recognized at once. “You!” I screamed. “This is your fault! You brought me to that
stupid cave! You knew that weird light would turn me into a mermaid! Why you wanted me, I will never
know, but how could you do this to me?!” I glared at him.
“I’m sorry.” Swimmy whispered.
I looked away, and then did a double take. “Whoa, did you just…talk?” I asked, dumbfounded.
Swimmy sighed. “Yes, I can talk to you, now that you’re a mermaid. I really am sorry I put you
through all this. I had to. When the right one comes along, I am obligated to take them to the cave so the
transformation can take place, and they can assume their true form. It’s been this way for centuries. I
only did my duty.” “Huh? Right one? What are you talking about?”
“When magical creatures nearly became extinct because humans overhunted them, they all left
the Earth and fled to some other dimension, but their spirits stayed behind, and each one landed in a
human. A little piece of it is carried on in every other generation of the family of the humans they
landed in. There are many places like the cave all over the world that contain the power needed to
transform these people into what they truly are: the creature whose soul now resides in them. We
animals can sense them, so it’s our duty to bring those people, people like you, to those places.”
My head reeled. A tiny piece of a mermaid’s soul (that must have landed in my great-great-
great-grandmother when magical creatures left the earth) was inside me? Wow, you don’t hear that
every day. I felt bad; it wasn’t fair to be mad at him, it wasn’t his idea. “I’m sorry I yelled at you, but now
what? I believe you, but no one else will.”
“I’ve been working on that.” Swimmy nodded toward a large crack in the tank. “ I was bumping
my snout on the tank wall to make that. One smack with your tail and the whole tank will collapse. The
water will rush outside to the ocean, taking you with it, and then you’ll be free.”
I looked at it doubtfully. “Are you sure? I don’t think that one smack-” I whacked the crack with
my tail—”Will—” I didn’t finish my sentence, because the tank suddenly collapsed, and I was carried in a
rush of water out into the Atlantic Ocean. I gasped and spluttered, staring at the mess of fiberglass
floating in the water around me. I heard a far-off, high-pitched whistle, and I could just barely make out
the form of a dolphin swimming away. I smiled, and whispered, “Thanks, Swimmy”.
Artwork by Sofie LaRosa
Photo by Ryan Angele
You’re Still My Grandma
By Angela Boddy
Ragged trees swaying, clouds forming
Raindrops hit the ground, flowers deceased
I still hear your gentle voice when I’m alone
I look outside to see life passing by
To notice you’re still here with me
All those secrets, all those wise words
These teachings or lessons are yet to stick
All night and day I breathe you,
As the sun comes out, the smile comes in
Your ancient hand covers my hand
Trees turning green, flowers blooming
Smells of cooked foods fill the air
Your hugs so warm, so tender
Many teachings are still left untaught and learned
You’re still my grandma
Photo by Kim Marsden
Poem
By Olivia KowalI believe that no one should make you feel down
Because feeling like this would cause you to frown
Treat others the same and life will be just great
Act like a bully and the world you will hate
Stay focused in school always strive for the best
Your future career will take care of the rest
Play sports you enjoy and be a good teammate
When it’s time for your practice don’t show up late
Your parents will offer you guidance and praise
You’ll have such good friends forever and always
Be honest and brave, remain caring and kind
The person you’ve become makes you a good find
Don’t change who you are or the values you’ve shown
Your family will frown when you’re left aloneArtwork by Nicole Stahl
Photo by Allison Cowie
The Rescuer
By Miranda Fergenson
Love is in the air but I’m not struck
Feeling depressed I sit and ponder.
Just thinking of who will sweep me off my feet
Who on earth will come and take me away.
To a magical white castle where we will be
Together till the end of time.
That will never happen not in the slightest
For you see my heart is locked in a dungeon
Protected by grimmest goblins
My prince will have to fight these devilish goblins
With all his might to rescue a fair maid’s
Heart from a horrid dungeon
Love is in the air I have felt
My dear prince has finally come for me at last
He has fought off the goblins that
Guard my heart and now he is here.
With metal silver and clear coating
My dear prince has rescued me from heartbreak and despair
I have finally found the one I want the most.
EQUESTRIAN BRONY CREED
(IN TRADITIONAL CANTERLOT VOICE)
BY DANIEL DELGADO
THOU MUST LOOKETH PAST THEE TITLE OF CUTE PONIES
THOU MAY SAY, “NOTHING GOOD-NAY, ALL OF EACH PONIES!”
THUS, NO LESS, BEHIND SUCH A DISGRACEFUL TITLE,
IF THY LIKE BUT PUZZLED, THROUGH DESIGN AND MORAL
WORRIED YOU BE, DECISIVE IN MONOGAMY
CODE IT IS, FOLLOW ELEMENTS OF HARMONY!
THOU ART OF KNIGHTHOOD, ALL HONEST ‘TIL DEATH’S WHISPER,
COMMIT KINDNESS, *NEIGH* BE TREACHERY NOR WHIMPERS.
THOU ENJOY LAUGHTER ‘TIL DUSK N’ DAWN-FOR-E-VUUR
TIS GENEROSITY, NO WHINES, FRIENDS AND OTHERS.
THOU LOYAL TO THY FRIENDS, ALL SOARIN’ THROUGH THE SKIES,
FRIENDSHIP PREVAILS, NO AVAILS; IT SAILS THROUGH ALL EYES!
THOU MAY ENGROSS TO THY HORSES, CHIPITY-CHOP,
WARNING TO HEED, NOT TO GO FORTH WRONG WAYS TO CLOP.
KEEP MANES UP, ELUDE THE DISCORD; WHY THE LONG FACE?
LEAVE THEE IMPRESSION A HERD FOLLOWS BY YOUR TRACE.
MY LITTLE PONY: FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC BRONIES
DIGNITY SHED AND PRIDE HIGH, HONORING PONIES!
Crash
Spinning, flipping
Never-ending
Daylight streams
Through sunken dreams
Flashing, burning
Never stopping
Smoke curling
World still whirling
Screaming, shouting
Never-yielding
The world is smashed
A car is crashed
By Natalia Bastante
9/119/119/119/119/11By Nicole PiazzaBy Nicole PiazzaBy Nicole PiazzaBy Nicole PiazzaBy Nicole Piazza
9/119/119/119/119/11
One tragic day, the eleventh of SeptemberOne tragic day, the eleventh of SeptemberOne tragic day, the eleventh of SeptemberOne tragic day, the eleventh of SeptemberOne tragic day, the eleventh of SeptemberTwo noisy planes crashed into the World Trade CenterTwo noisy planes crashed into the World Trade CenterTwo noisy planes crashed into the World Trade CenterTwo noisy planes crashed into the World Trade CenterTwo noisy planes crashed into the World Trade Center
It was not an accident, which we thought at firstIt was not an accident, which we thought at firstIt was not an accident, which we thought at firstIt was not an accident, which we thought at firstIt was not an accident, which we thought at firstThis terrorist attack is by far the worstThis terrorist attack is by far the worstThis terrorist attack is by far the worstThis terrorist attack is by far the worstThis terrorist attack is by far the worst
Millions of people were shocked and were in fearMillions of people were shocked and were in fearMillions of people were shocked and were in fearMillions of people were shocked and were in fearMillions of people were shocked and were in fearAnd millions of people were shedding a tearAnd millions of people were shedding a tearAnd millions of people were shedding a tearAnd millions of people were shedding a tearAnd millions of people were shedding a tear
Everyone is aware of this sad, hateful dayEveryone is aware of this sad, hateful dayEveryone is aware of this sad, hateful dayEveryone is aware of this sad, hateful dayEveryone is aware of this sad, hateful dayWe will remember it until our hair is greyWe will remember it until our hair is greyWe will remember it until our hair is greyWe will remember it until our hair is greyWe will remember it until our hair is grey
After this tragic day we will pray for othersAfter this tragic day we will pray for othersAfter this tragic day we will pray for othersAfter this tragic day we will pray for othersAfter this tragic day we will pray for othersOur friends, cousins, neighbors, fathers and mothers.Our friends, cousins, neighbors, fathers and mothers.Our friends, cousins, neighbors, fathers and mothers.Our friends, cousins, neighbors, fathers and mothers.Our friends, cousins, neighbors, fathers and mothers.
Love
By Ryan Sweeney
Love is a funny thing
It can be found almost anywhere
With humans, animals, or even insects
With a glance of your eyes you can fall in love
Connecting in a staring contest bounded by feelings and interest
Love is a funny thing
Everyone in their life will fall in love
Even if your 78 years old
You can still fall in love
There are no boundaries with love
Love can be random and crazy
Love is a funny thing
Love is not just represented in a bond with people
It could be a bond over a special item
Like a car
Love is a funny thing.
Dissension By Sam Capener
I wrapped my arms around my body,
closing myself with my blanket tightly against the
frigid city air. My parka added little comfort to the
concrete I sat upon. The only sign that I was alive
was my shivering and my bright green eyes
peering out at passing strangers. No one looked at
me when they walked by, but stared ahead,
trained not to make eye contact with me. As the
clock tower a few blocks down rang out eleven
o’clock, I pulled my blanket over my head in an
attempt to create a space of warmth. It didn’t
help.
My hair is a hazelnut-brown, in a haircut
that is too short for the weather. I was seventeen
at the time, and had a thin, tall build. For a
month I had been wandering the streets and
sleeping next to buildings or park benches. I had
nowhere to go, and I bought cheap food from
venders with change I begged from people. I was
starving and desperately needed food. My
stomach growled and I gasped softly from the
pain. A few feet away I heard the sound of
someone in hurry; they ran carelessly, probably to
catch a subway. I poked out my head and saw the
man run by, followed by his wallet falling onto
the walk. Nobody else saw it but me. I could have
yelled out to him. Instead I groped for it, quickly
tucking it away. There was only twenty dollars
inside.
It lasted me about a week.
…
As I threw the napkin from my last meal
away, the last three dollars felt heavy in my
pocket. Cheap hotdogs wouldn’t be available for
much longer, and I needed a new way of getting
food. Begging didn’t really seem to work, and
what little money I did make was soon stolen
when I looked away. I needed a new way of
getting food, and there was nothing that could be
done legally.
I thought of an old antique store nearby; I
had once looked around out of boredom and an
empty stomach. I recalled a shelf of cheap knives
of adequate size. I took the three dollars out of
my pocket and looked at them carefully. My hand
clenched, shuddering at the thought.
No one would be hurt.
…
For three dollars, the quality of the knife
was impressive. The handle was a perfect fit for
my palm, and made of smooth leather; easy to
hold. Its dark color contrasted nicely with the
shiny blade. The blade was not thick, and
practically glistened. I could see that it was
remarkably sharp. I sat on the park bench
admiring it. It was late and I was alone. The sun
was low in the sky, giving a dark orange glow to
the buildings around me. It was quite beautiful,
but I had something else at hand. I had to test it.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw
movement. Hurriedly, I tucked the knife out of
site under my jacket, but saw that my only
company was a squirrel. It was fixed on a chunk
of bread under the bench. It must have been very
hungry for it was only two yards away. It peered
up at me and then down at the bread. It inched
closer, watching for signs of hostility. I didn’t
move at first, but when it was convinced I would
not harm it, I slowly pulled the knife back into
vision. It didn’t notice; its attention was
undivided from its meal, and it nibbled in a
rushed manner.
I leaned forward carefully, doing my best
to not move my legs. The wooden bench did not
creak, yet when my arm was almost ready, the
squirrel froze. Immediately I lunged, aiming for its
small head. The head snapped upwards just
before the knife made contact, just missing its
ears and burying itself into the creature’s back.
The squirrel seemed to make a futile attempt at a
squeal, but it never reached audibility.
It’s amazing how desperate situations can
drive animals to do dangerous things.
…
My stomach tormented me, sending
waves of shock and pain through my body. I had
put this off for too long. I had had multiple
The Drive Home
By Anna Puglise
A Sudden halt of my car, screeching
brakes, red headlights, and screaming
people; just another day in rush hour.
Having a job 30 minutes away, and a
commute plastered with bumper to
bumper traffic gives a man a lot of time
to think. As I saw in my small BMW,
hesitantly tapping the gas pedal every
minute or so, I thought about my day.
Walking into work, receiving glares,
sneers, and harsh comments all day long,
hoping just one person would actually
try to talk to me instead of spitting in
my coffee or throwing my papers all
over my cubicle. I look up from my
gray cloud of self-pity to see that the
traffic was picking up.
I hit the gas and the car flies. The
rev of the engine echoed deep within
my chest, the radio melodically
drowning out the sounds of the
opportunities, but I never took advantage of
them. I needed to get money now.
I waited in an alleyway. It led, after a few
turns, into another street and was a convenient
route for many people. It was past one in the
morning, so there was a great lack of people
around. I could barely see the opposite wall from
behind the box I hid next to, even though my eyes
were well adjusted. My knife was gripped tightly
in my hand, slick with sweat in defiance of the
twenty degree weather.
I don’t know precisely how long I waited;
my closest guess would be only fifteen minutes,
yet my heart pounded in anticipation and
impatience the whole time. When someone did
finally appear, it was all I could do to not yelp in
surprise.
It was a short man, not particularly strong
looking. He seemed agitated; possibly annoyed
that he was late and had to deviate from his
normal route. He didn’t carry anything, but his
suit suggested moderate wealth. His face was
shaven and round, boasting small, scowling eyes. I
waited until he had passed me before springing
out, my excitement almost knocking him over. I
placed my left hand on his shoulder, while my
right poised the knife to his neck. He froze
instantly, and started to breathe quickly.
It took some effort to coerce my voice out
from my dry throat, but I managed to rasp, “Where
is your wallet?” There was no answer, so I asked
again with more conviction. “Where is your
wallet?”
The man paused for a second before
managing in a shaking voice, “Take it easy kid…”
I tightened my grip on his shoulder and
spoke more aggressively. “Tell me where your
wallet is!”
Trembling, the man cried out, “I don’t
have it on me!”
My anger was beginning to build. I
rammed him against the wall and looked him in
the face while the knife remained at his neck. I
could only manage to gasp heavily as I smelled his
sweat mixed in with the scent of his suit.
His eyes bugged out of his head as he
panicked. He screamed, grabbing at my arm.
With a cry of fury, I lashed out.
His arms relaxed, and he raised his hand
to a bleeding throat, uttering a soft gurgle. He
collapsed.
He had lied of course. His wallet
contained seventy eight dollars.
…
A small time passed before I walked out
into the street. I looked in the reflection of a
store window. Back stared the dull expression of
muddy brown eyes.
I tucked the knife in my jacket and
walked away.
highway, and the windshield wipers
rhythmically sweeping across the glass
panel protecting me from anything
beyond it. I pick up speed as the cars
dispersed along the highway, faster,
faster, vibrations of my wheels dancing
with the asphalt beneath them.
Suddenly, the vibrations cease, I
am gliding fast along a film of water
stuck to the pavement like glue. Brake!
My foot no longer caressing the pedal
but instead commanding it to slow the
car. The car in front of me halts. I am
out of control, hitting the car at 85 mph
my body moving just as fast. Silence, I
hear no music, no vibrations, no angry
car horns, nothing but the sound of my
corpse clashing, shattering the
windshield. The world has stopped
spinning for the moment that I am in
the air. A hot sensation of pain
embraces my body as scarlet streams of
blood form on my face and hands. The
twinkle of shards of glass in the
moonlight as they hit the pavement.
The moment ends, I meet the
stone ground, hard, fast. Tossing,
turning, scraping flesh on the wet, cold,
pavement. My eyes open only for a
minute and I can see my car tucked
under the rear bumper of an SUV. The
driver helplessly drenched over the
steering wheel like a wet cloth. A red
bead of blood trickes down his cheek
and reflects the many cuts on my body.
The pain I felt before, like needles
in the flesh, slowly fades along with the
angry stench of smoke and gasoline.
My eyes flutter shut, the needles are
removed and the last image my eyes will
hold is the blinding headlights of the
oncoming traffic, unable to stop.
Artwork by Nicole Stahl