Expressions17-18

Expressions Lia de FeliceHillcrest Middle School Literary Magazine 2017-2018 Faculty Advisors Joshua Watsky June Van Steinburgh

Table of Contents Original Artwork By: Lia de FeliceFather ........................................................................Hailey Duva6 Word Memoirs ......................................................... 8th Grade Taylor D’AndreaOnly Nine Seats Poetry........Matthew Orlick, Josh Crawford, Vivian Wang Hailey Duva, William Forester, Chelsea Morton, Skylar Cuminotto-Reis Emma Cenhollt-Haunlund, Gioncarlo Barone, Julia Masiuk Maria Oliveira Claire Kehley, Micahael Samuel, Lauren Sembrot, Zoe O’NeilJiahui Liu, Samantha Crosby, John DeRubeis,Gigi GarofaloI Dream a World ....... Gavin Fraczek, Ella Cook, Sarah Sabin Brenna BenevutoBlue .................................................................... Christina Kingan Natalia YankaSailingDeep Below Alexandra ManolakasA Case Closed .........................................................Sarah Davis Gianna SanchezSchool ....................................................................... Anonymous Kate JohnsonThe Magic of Poetry ........................................... Sean Sanchez Adam JohnsonA Small Tree.......................................................... Lila DesRoche Lauren SembrotUntitled................................................Emma Cenholt-Haulund Lyndsay GuzzettaA Hollow Class ............................................................. Sarah Lilly Eliana HowardAnd the Winner Is… ..................................................Sai Kulkarni Sai KulkarniThe Not So Perfect Cake .................................. Megan Molloy Daniel MoraisOcean Morgan KlepackSettlers Audrey KehlyILA ...........................................................................Jillian Greene Joshua FungCozy Vivian WangWorking Together...................................................... Lily Scerbo Gabi SantiagoFood for Family ..................................................... Caleb Rivera Maura CarboneImagine It, Believe It and Make it HappenBuild a Wall of Love ...................................Anusha Ragupathy Vivian Wang & Ayushi Singh Special thanks to Mrs. O’Brien

Father Taylor D’Andrea We are so happy That the man who makes our mom’s eyes sparkle, Who makes her laugh and sing will now be our dad. You’ve filled a special place inside our hearts,You showed how much you cared for us from the very start. We are so very thankful for this love that you have shown, We always know you think of us as your own. All children need a father and a friend is needed too, We are double blessed with these When our Mom found them both in you. We are so thankful we are now a family And we lovingly extend, Our gratefulness to you, our Father and also our Friend. By Hailey Duva October 2012

6 Word Memoirs*After completing their Personal Narrative Unit, students completed a 6 Word Memoir.Lone wolf in the night sky~ Caitlin Hogan Enjoy life before it’s too late~ Noah BrophyWhy don’t you listen next time? Hailey Duva Once a fangirl, forever a fan girl~ Faye CohenI have three little sisters- help! Sabrina Merli My music. My world. My escape.~ Jathaved PashamI always think within the heart~ Ella Cook One more stroke, one more breath~ Claire KehleyIt sounded better in my head~ Anthony Amato I Can’t is not a sentence~ Mia DiBelloLeap, flip, and tumble through life~ Kiersten Nyquist Life should be full of laughter~ Kaitlyn BailoThe Golden Eagles take on Manhattan~ Rachel Bikofsky Lived much less, experienced much more~ JoshI learn, I lead, I love~ Annalisa Frumento JohnsonIf you fall, tie your shoes~ Vikasni Senthil Baseball or school- I choose baseball~ Gabe BaberAlways me- best way to be~ Taylor D’Andrea Shh! Be quiet. I’m reading here~ Susanna CordoneI fear living an average life~ Morgan Rizzo Sleep, eat, read, tea, homework, repeat~ Sarah GreeneFound happiness in twisting and flippling~ Maccarthy Keane Likes animals more than {most} people~ Rania AhmadSo much work, so little time~ Max Nuefeld Lost then found. Life is good~ Mia BeckechWork hard to learn new things~ Jiahui Liu Catch your breath. Adjust ball. Release~ Gigi GarofaloSome days aren’t always the best~ Felipe Alves Winning and failure only last seconds~ Alannah FlemingAnything is possible if you believe~ Tiffany Cao I wish that Christmas was today~ Micahael SamuelWalk? No, I tap every step~ Katie Coppola I couldn’t survive without coffee~ Claudia HepferExtremely productive after I finished procrastinating~ Leah Cody I am a goofy, fluffy marshmallow~ Tyler UlisseBe a star; shine through darkness~ Kate Johnson Height is small. Personality is big~ Bridget RakoczyWorld wouldn’t stop; neither should you~ Troy Franko Always grow old, never grow up~ Patrick Spychalla

Vivian Wang 6 Word MemoirsAlways time to read a book~ Megan SmithAll Saturdays are for the boys~ Jason RubinsteinFriday is almost here. Just wait~ Duncan KerrI take the path to the success~ Lexi CallaghanTurn your enemies into best friends~ Jordan SimonSoftball is always my happy place~ Melanie DiFabioWriting is a favorite of mine~ Matt OrlickWatch us misfits change the world~ Shaina HyattIf a door opens, go in~ Jack NortonWouldn’t live a day without sports~ Nicholas TetuAlways be yourself, never someone else~Grace WalshForever lost, but somehow forever together~ Sara SabinI look up to tall people~ Gavin FraczekIt’s my time to shine tonight~ Jacob WigglesworthRiding on a bike past fear~Kemal RekovicI am willing to wait for it~ Tristan FrumentoI take photographs. I see life. ~ Daniela Hernandez

Only Nine Seats Only Nine Seats Only Nine Seats Poetry Only nine seats A gray overcast morning Only Nine Seats In the sleek boat Gave way to a radiant day. You need grace and harmony He watched the scene through Joe Rantz was no stranger to pulling for To keep it afloat. Gray eyes verging into blue. Himself. They came to a point of land 175 trying out, In a chance of one in a million, And soon most of them Jutting out into the water. Working hard is the only answer. The sides slanted up towards the roof. Working hard he’s always been the only Will share a pout. Some were from the city, The sound of someone working answer. Some were from the farms, With a wood rasp cam from Pulling heavy duties onto young shoulders. The back, up in a loft. But all the freshman In the end, there were only To a toddler, the loss of people is the greatest. Will soon be brothers in arms. Nine seats in the boat. The missed comparison.One was kicked out of his home, The missed mother. And so began a life on his own. ~Josh Crawford Only Nine Seats The missed family. Only nine seats Only Nine Seats Only nine seats To a child the loss of innocence is the greatest. In the sleek boat. Only one chance The missed play. No money. ~Matthew Orlick No family. At education The missed warmth. Competing with people At love The missed family. Only Nine Seats With no worries. No food, no hope At success To an adult, the loss of money is the greatest. Life began in exile Except the boat. Only nine seats The missed work. Washington Boat House Success means a chance Only one chance At a good life. To beat the best The missed people. was home Failure means a life of poverty. To be the best The missed innocence. Strong muscular farm boy, Only nine seats. To stay the best Only nine seats To do something that is free lumberjack, Only one chance To put on the extra pressure Had to grow up fast Dream life shattered For security For there are only 9 seats For a sense of purpose For there are another 174 that need it Unwanted Only nine seats Just as much. ~Hailey Duva Only one chance. ~Emma Cenholt- Haulund ~William Forester ~Chelsea Morton

Only Nine Seats Only Nine Seats Only Nine Seats Only Nine Seats Joe grew up on a carousel In the shell, Only nine seats, I wish there were Only nine seats Spinning to good Only nine seats were up for grabs, more. But one chance to make it, And then to bad 174 young men were nervously We are all contenders Only nine seats, Fighting to be happy waiting, After all, there are only nine seats. But one could be a home. But always ending up sad. For the chance It would be easy, Only nine seats, Forced to love strangers To row in a small boat, After all, there are only nine seats. But one could mean an education. And leave love behind. A few weeks and there will be a Nothing was in his favor With nine others, Only nine seats, Who never knew, handful left. But a hundred things at stake. All he had was time. What they were capable of After all, there are only nine seats. Things went from bad to worse And had to give it their all, ~Lauren Sembrot For one of those nine seats. Only one spot is all I need, but Until a seat opened. Out of 174 there are only nine seats. Only Nine Seats Things finally didn’t hurt ~Claire Kehley And an opportunity started One spot is more important than A crowd of men Only Nine Seats anything. Millin on the dock. growing. In the end, His family needed it Stands one man He would fight for a seat There are only nine seats. Who has fought his whole life. He would never stop trying He would not be beat. ~Micahael Samuel For shelter For food ~Gioncarlo Barone Yes his savings were not going to last, Only Nine Seats And for money. And because of this, To survive without anyone to Only Nine Seats He NEEDED that spot. Only nine seats 175 against you. care. A gray overcast morning had given Jobs, money, 4 years of school, Without his mother and brother. way All riding on this very spot. One chance. 175 boys, days of tryouts, Work as hard as you can. He stands with no other. To a radiant day. And still No choice, The grass in front of the massive Only 9 seats. Fight hard Don’t stop No decision where to live. New stone library Marrying his love, settling down, Can’t stop Only hope and determination. Eating, chatting, and studying. All dependent on one spot. Hard work beats talent Only nine seats, When talent doesn’t work hard. For one seat Boys were on a mission. Can’t fail Of those nine. They air was dry and still. And one of them would be his. Need this.It smelled sweetly of vanish and freshly ~Gigi Garofalo ~Samantha Crosby ~John DeRubeis sawn cedar. Only nine seats. ~Jiahui Liu

After reading S.E. Hinton’s, The Outsiders, and reading Langston Hughes’s poem, ‘I Dream a World,” students were asked to write a poem from the perspective of one of the characters in the novel. What is their “dream” world? What does each character value? I Dream a World I Dream a World I Dream a World From Sodapop Curtis’s Perspective Fom Darry Curtis’s Perspective From Cherry Valance’s Perspective By Gavin Fraczek By Ella Cook By Sara Sabin I dream a world where man I dream a world I dream a world where Would not have problems, Not very far from here Everyone will be treated Where you are not judged Where I could say something to Pony Because of your lifestyle, And it wouldn’t go out the other ear. Equal to one another.But by your kindness and generosity. And all are loved with the same kind of love. I dream a world I dream a world where Where he would understand I dream of a world There will be no violence, That I’m trying to give him a chance Where there is no violence, Not like anything I’ve had. Where popularity is the last thing No poverty, Anyone would think about No rumbles. I dream a world And money didn’t matter. I dream a world where Where my emotions could come through, A place where people don’t drink People will get along Where there are no fights. No matter the size of their bank Where I could finally tell my brother, Or the type of clothes they wear, Tell him, “I love you.” I Dream a World. No matter their hairstyle or length Of such I dream, my world. And I know it will be real When my feelings do unfurl, But for now I keep on thinking Of such I dream, my world.

Skylar Cuminotto-Reis Blue As the waves are crashing, The ice is cracking, In the morning, It won’t be boring. There will be cold, soft snow, And you’ll feel the wind blow The smell of the ocean, Will smell like blue lotion. The salty air, Won’t be bare. As the rain is hitting the ground, There will be more sound. I love the color blue, And you will too. Christina Kingan

Poems by Sarah Davis Julia Masiuk Sailing A Case Closed The slapping sails A crime unsolved is a crime forgiven The heaving breeze A detective's job is justice given And the unforgiving seas Has no age or limit Ripping through the swells Whether petit or tall we mustn't permit it Running by reefs Mysteries are solved one way...clues The wind comes from behind us Clue is a game of connect the dots To solve a case check all the spots We take a turn That's all it takes to catch the criminal And put up the big, bright, blue spinnaker Case closed! As we sail off into the night Deep Below Deep below the blue problems fadeDeep below the blue no animal is endangered Deep below the blue poachers don't roam Dodos and trilobites graze freely Turtles soar through the water untouched Elephants triumph over Africa And sharks glide freely through the waters Mankind doesn't slaughter innocent animals No shark fin soup No ivory necklaces No turtle shell jewelry Deep below the blue world purity reigns

School Our writing has matured Nothing rhymes with that My grade is secured But this class is where it’s atFirst I’m at math, An idea we had procured I don’t remember where I satI can’t find the path That the reading pattern reoccurred… In sixth grade but its not near thatIt makes no sense, honestly One bow is basically combatDo you agree? Social Studies is great but it’s all about our hats A+ is not in my fateProblem after problem Sometimes I am late Health makes me happyI keep trying to solve em But I work at a good rate Usually I can be snappyPeople think it’s awesome But I’m still yappyBut it makes me solemn Next comes François It’s hard to do badly I do it everydaySometimes I find the sum I guess it’s okay It’s like therapySometimes I look for pi Hey it’s May! My favorite teacher is Mr. DSometimes the apothem Haha anyway He has a lot of brilliancyMost times I don’t try I shouldn’t stray I do calligraphy But it’s a dismayI don’t remember algebra That it’s hard to convey When the bell ringsUm… un deux trois? French, but we slay I’m always stayingTheories give me awe At Latin roots all day I pack up my thingsWhat’s a parabola? Well, we aren’t cliché Then we are swaying What happened to G and J? To stringsThen I go to Science Ugh we have to do an essay But we are disobeyingBut I’m tardy I hope its not on display Because there’s no music we bringMaybe I visit guidance The music we keep replaying“Where should I be?” Now it’s gym We go to stay slim That was my school dayWe learn about the moon Well, we don’t even swim Not interesting, I must sayWill we leave soon? But the locker rooms are grim It’s always been this wayIt’s cold in the room The times seem almost grayMy Chromebook isn’t charged… I’m doomed Sometimes there’s info pro I’d rather do the disco Umm I guess I triedLanguage Arts is good Yeah… the sound is coming from the window Now all I’m gonna say is goodbyeThe teacher is understood Oh plus the seats are really low (Yes I know that doesn’t completely rhyme…. It’s theMiss Bogos still should thought that counts)Return, but whatever I haven’t learned to rhyme Then I have orchestraproperly yet At least there’s no formulas AnonymousAnyways…

Maria Oliveira The Magic of Poetry Poetry is fun to comprehend And may even be confusingBut poems never endThey only stop moving Sean Sanchez

A small tree, a feeble tree, Zoe O’Neil Used only as a metaphor, describing meaningfulness and truth of the human lives that we live. The tree maintains strength during a light breeze, but breaks away under the pressure of a hurricane. A small branch, a sturdy branch, Used to tell a message, that the significance of any one action, can result in the alteration of something else.In every bud, tree, and creature that dwells on planet Earth. Their purpose gives significance to another being. But of all of the feeble trees and sturdy branches, I stand among them, an outsider I am not sturdy nor feeble, but in between. Seen as a sign that the world is not black and white, but in fact the world holds infinite shades of grey. Maybe it is not the world who sees black and white. Perhaps it is myself, the one who sees the extremes. Sees the world as good or bad, Black or white, No grey. No grey. Lila DesRoches

Brenna Benevuto Natalia Yamka

Untitled I’d like to know when it gets better. We would like to live. We used to be dreamers, Or is it all downhill from here? We were the dreamers, In our fairy tale land. “When does your heart deteriorate, too? Once dancing with the practical joke. Dressed up in costumes, When do you lose your ability to hear?” I hope you understand. We now face the truth, High hopes on hill tops, Maybe you should listen, Losing words in the smoke. As you have nothing else to say. You said you live to love, So out of control. But you choke on your words. We kept climbing To the others who feel as me, I don’t believe you believe. And you let the wind take its toll. What is it that was there that day? Not in us or our worth. We did not fight, We have lost our innocence, Not told to push through. Our ability to believe, We were the dreamers. “These things just grow old.” The ones who lost innocence at six But, it was only level two. In the lies that are thrown. The hopes disappeared, Our hearts can no longer conceive. When you let him intrude. This you have yet to fix. No longer relevant. You are the ones that put us here, A meeting with Death? You didn’t seem to mind, At the bottom of the mountain, This isn’t normal. We knew not what it meant. I was to be safe, When we nearly reached the top, We grew older. Your daunting words breaking within. How can I not speak informal? “Look how smart you are, now!” We would like to learn. We were the dreamers. That’s all that counted, We would like to strive. I hope you understand. As the dreams sank farther down. We would like to create. You went through it too, though, We would like to speak. Emma Cenholt-HaulundQuestioning when your heart slipped away. We would like to inspire. We would like to achieve. Letting go of colors, We would like to believe. Every day, was just another day. We would like to love. We would like to dream.

A Hollow Class The books were there, but nothing else A hollow shell, but nothing else A hollow call, but nothing else A silent step, echoed through A single glaze, and then she knew There must be birds to fill these halls Or it is not a school at all She raced by the lockers She ran out the door The carnage and the flocks The people everywhere She said, \"Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child,and one teacher can change the world.\" And it will Sarah Lilly Alexandra Manolakas

Gianna Sanchez

Kate Johnson

Sai Kulkarni national competition. Just my luck, I had said to my dad. I couldn’t go get them sharpened in Michigan because, as all skaters know, everyone And The Winner Is… sharpens skates differently and I couldn’t afford messing up my entire routine. Even better, not only was my scratch spin affected by that, but my The room was still and full of ice. I could probably cut through the toe-loop, a jump that was quite hard for me. I had learned only weekstension that filled the air with my frozen hands. Every single person had before the competition. Both my coach and I decided to suck it up and justhearts beating at the speed of light, yet I think I was the coldest and try my best with what I had.most nervous standing there in the center. All eyes were on me. There Iwas, one blue dot standing out in the surrounding blankness. I felt free The music began with a boom and thundered as the beat echoedand trapped at the same time. People watched me through glass across the chilly room, as I snapped back to reality. My knees automaticallywalls, yet I enjoyed it, and it wasn’t my first time doing it either. There bent to the sounds of the music and I glided over the ice. My nervousnesswas no going back now, and sure was reassuring that even more had transformed and gave me strength. I leaped into my waltz jump andpeople at home were watching, too. my hair whipped around with me. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the camera which reminded me that my mom and other loved ones at home Why the heck do people have to wear such tiny, thin dresses on were watching the live broadcast and supporting me. In a way, it also putice? I thought as I glanced down at my dress. Yes, it was thin and tiny, more pressure on me because I knew that everybody could see me eitherbut the color was a vibrant blue that had silver undertones which succeed or fail. My heart thudded in my chest as I knew that the dreadedreflected the ice perfectly, and in my opinion, it was gorgeous. I scratch spin was upcoming. My series of jumps and hops were difficultshivered as a blast of icy air hit my body. Yet again, I was regretting enough to keep with the rhythm, but knowing that the spin was cominghaving to be in lack of warmth. All feeling in my legs was gone soon was even more nerve racking.because of the bitter cold, and the only part of me that was warm wasmy feet in my white skates. My face was ice, and frozen on was a smile My shivering legs proceeded with the choreography and did theas a reminder to myself that confidence is key. I stood tall, trying to hide crossovers leading up to the spin. My weight shifted from side to side in thethe sudden drop of temperature within me as I stroked over the rink. I routine as my right foot crossed over my left leg forming half circles on thebent both knees, then pushed out one leg at a time to the side, leaving ice. Both my arms were level with my shoulders, my left in front and my rightmy marks as I went. Once I reached the center, I stopped, causing a guiding the way as I moved backwards. My fingers were fanned out withcloud of fresh snow to fly. touches of grace as they corresponded with my body. I glanced over my shoulder, and careful not to hit my blades together, I completed the final This is it. No second chances now, I reminded myself. I glanced crossover. I immediately stepped out onto my left foot and stayed on myover to my temporary coach who smiled reassuringly, but behind that outside edge for as long as I could withstand. All of my weight waslook, I could sense a worry. Oh, why temporary you ask? I’ll just say that dependent on my left foot as my right reached behind me and swervedit costs a butt load to pay for your actual coach to come all the way around and out. I arched my back to hold my balance. I waited to buildfrom Connecticut to Michigan to coach a competition. That’s why my suspense and the snapped into the spin position, which gathered speeddad and I found a coach who already lived in Michigan to help me and sent me in a dizzy flurry. My arms were clutched inwards to my coreout at the State Games of America competition. and I kept my posture perfect to try to prevent any mishaps. My skates began to wobble and gave me that now familiar feeling of falling. A shiver Anyways, that’s besides the point. That worry I noticed, well, both ran through my body.my coach and I knew what it was about. The scratch spin. Of course,my skates needed sharpening on the day of the competition. A

The skates really needed sharpening, I remembered with wash of warmth and relief passed over me. It was done and all the practicedismay. My ankles turned out, and my blade struggled to stay on the I did really did help me get closer to perfection. I was so thankful for myice. My shoulders responded to this uneasiness by turning outward coaches and all the help they provided to make me a better skater andand my whole body was on a see-saw. Back and forth, side to side, more hardworking person.while spinning a million miles per hour until I was too dizzy to stayupright. My leg reached out because of this and I stopped the spin. I A while later, we met up, once again, with my coach to find out thecontinued as if nothing occurred. What choice did I have? results of the competition. She had a twinkle in her eye and told me that they were just about ready to go ahead. Usually, they announce it right at The music went into the softer part where grace was everything. the rink as soon as the judges make their decisions. Because she is a coach,My arm reached out around in time with the music as my foot pointed she already knew the results, yet refused to tell me what I got. With a senseout above the ice. Suddenly the beats started up again as I stroked of defeat, we went over to the open area where either this would be theacross the length of the rink, completing one of the requirements. My best day of my life or just a disappointment. There he was, the announcer,other dreaded toe-loop was soon and my nervousness returned. I standing with a handful of medals. Just one of those, I hoped. Just onedecided to go into it carefree, as my coach had reminded me before would be enough.leaving to Michigan. With a smile on his face, the man began to announce the winner. Sixth I stepped onto my right foot, keeping my weight on the opposite place, fifth place, and even fourth went by. My grin was gone by then andside until it felt like I would fall. I then swerved around and was now was replaced with my loss of hope.facing backwards on the same foot. I then stuck my toe pick, the “In THIRD place…. We have….” the man began. All I heard was screaming.spiky part on the front of the blade, straight into the ice. This sent meflying up into the air as I spun, and the feeling of being on a roller Adam Johnsoncoaster lurched in my stomach. My arms came around me and I feltlike a ballerina on ice. I, not-so-gracefully, landed, but I caught myselfbefore falling on my right foot, while my left was raised up high in theair and my arms were high up and out to the side. I made sure tohave a smile on my face to hide any faults that had just occurred. Myarms reached to the ceiling and I halted to a stop as the final notes ofmy music played. The applause of the large audience in the standsrang through the room as I made my way to the exit. I stepped off the ice, transitioning from the slippery surface tothe ground where I was met by my heavy winter jacket, which I hadnever been happier to see. I quickly ran, as fast as I could in skates, tomy dad who was waiting for me. We hugged until I couldn’t breathein that coat and I got his mind message. We were both proud of mysuccess and that I worked so hard to get to where I was. I knew I didmy best, and that was enough for me, Although a medal would benice too, I thought. Smiling from ear-to-ear, we exited the rink and a

Lauren Sembrot

Lyndsay Guzzetta

Megan Molloy he get this right? Once again, he came out with a white cake with purple parallel lines down the sides. When we told him the cake he was The Not So Perfect Cake holding was not our cake he tried to get us to buy it anyway, saying “it’s close enough” and “just take it.” At this point it was 20 minutes until The snow white frosting glistened on the page and the purple the beginning of my party and the crepe truck was going to be at theflowers danced around the rim. The cake beckoned my name, house in three minutes so we had to hurry.urging me to buy it. My mouth began to salivate as I hungered for After long consideration and talking to the worker about how weits sweet sugary frosting. weren't going to pay for a cake that wasn’t ours, we finally just took the purple and white cake. Despite the mix up, we managed to get 18 free Like many kids, I obsessed over the idea of having the best ice cream coupons in addition to a free cake!birthday party. Most of all I craved the sensation of having the I realized then not everything is going to go my way in life. Sometimesperfect cake. Two years ago when my birthday came around I things may be beautiful on the outside, and that may seem like thewanted a beautiful, white cake with elegant, purple flowers most significant thing at that moment. Maybe the dream birthday cakearound the rim. To my surprise I found my dream cake on the Dairy that you have always wanted with perfect flowers and smooth icing isQueen website. I loved the glamorous look of the cake, and I felt the key to your happiness. However, I've learned I have to make theas if it was calling for me to buy it. To make sure it would be just best out of a bad situation, and at the end of the day, the birthdayright, I ordered it a week early. cake was not the most important part of my day. The time I spent celebrating with family and friends was far more valuable. As the day of my birthday party approached I couldn’t wait toget my cake. When it was time to go get it, my mom and I went to Eliana HowardDairy Queen. We walked up to the counter and told the worker ournames, sat down ,and patiently waited for the cake. When hecame out he held a bright orange cake with sloppy scribbles onthe top. We then politely told him that wasn't our cake andshowed him a picture of it on their website. We clarified, that theygot the order for the purple, flowery cake and that it was ready forpick up. He then went back into the messy kitchen with hugemetal ice cream machines and tiny sinks. His tubes of icing used fordesigns were scattered amongst the countertops. He again cameout with another mistreated looking rainbow cake with randomunorganized kindergarten like scribbles all over it. We once againtold him that that wasn't our cake. But he wouldn’t give up,wouldn’t give in to defeat. He seemed determined and careless atthe same time. I thought to myself, what do I do now? Why can’t

Sai Kulkarni





Audrey Kehly

Joshua Fung Vivian WangClay Bobble Heads

Cozy Working TogetherThe feeling that comes to you next to the fire Sun, moon, stars, and spaceWith snow out the window fizzing out all the wires Working together to make Earth a good placeThe feeling that drifts to you under the tree Stars, moon, space, and sunSun a blazing and mind roaming free To make it a good place for everyoneThe feeling you lack on a hot summer night Moon, space, sun, and starsLost in the streets, heart glazed with fright They make it so that Earth will never have scarsThe feeling just out of reach in the black midnight Space, sun, stars, and moonOut of place Sounds, you can’t help but sit -tight Earth is very old but will not end soonThe feeling is cozy, there for all to hear, Working together has brought Earth so farTrust me, you’ll know when that feeling is near Why don’t you try it! It may bring you to Mars-Lily Scerbo -Lily Scerbo

Maura CarboneGabi Santiago

Food for Family I drove in a car, a car of blue… To go hunting with him and you. We got to the woods dark and dreary, hunting at night, Will make a man weary… We walked around, arrows drawn, Before the animals ran and gone. And then I saw it frolic by Shadowed deeply by the night sky. A large deer, fat and clothed with golden hair, and it swaying brightly through the night air.By the whiz of an arrow and by the howl in the night, my family would have food tonight. Caleb Rivera

Imagine it, Believe it and Make it Happen! Build A Wall of Love In the garden of my imagination, I IMAGINE… By: Anusha Ragupathy I am an awesome singer, Hey glowing skin, you come in different colors pale, black, and brown; I am a graceful dancer, But you always look stunning in a beautiful gown. I make beautiful art, Hey gorgeous eyes, your black, brown, blue, and green eyes come in I am super smart, different size; I am a bird that is soaring in the sky, But without you, I can not see, cry, or gaze. I am a chef that makes food worth to die. O shiny hair, you are Curly, Wavy, Straight, and Smooth; how we would In my active brain, I THINK… all be bald without you; My voice is raspy, You always faithfully come back even when we keep cutting you. My dancing is nasty, O emotional heart, you can feel love, sadness, anger, and fear; My art is messy, But you're always full of hope, prosperity, and cheer. My brain is not zesty, O holy god, we call you many different names like Bhagwan, Allah, or My speed is hasty, Jesus; My food is not tasty. But everyday we pray to you for miracles, blessings, and wishes.Mixing all the good and bad feelings together, I BELIEVE… We are all so different but yet so similar in our own ways; I am scared of failing, But are we not all part of the same human race? But it is so much better than bailing, The garden of my imagination is so much more fun, We all have a heart filled with emotions, eyes that help us see, hair that makes us look nice, and skin that protects our bones; It pushes me to hit a home run, Lets always give wings to our imagination, I want to feel like I belong but in my own unique way and not be a And never let fear take over our creation! clone. By: Anusha Ragupathy Let’s not build a wall of hate that makes everyone gloomy, dark, and fearful; Instead, let’s build a wall of love that makes everyone happy, secure, and cheerful.

Vivian Wang and Ayushi Singh