WIDE-OPEN SPACESTHE GREGG MIDDLE SCHOOL LITERARYAND FINE ARTS MAGAZINE VOLUME III MAY 2 01 5
Dear readers, Welcome to the Spring 2015 edition of the GreggMiddle School literary and fine arts magazine. In thispublication you will find original student works of prose,poetry, and art. I’m excited to announce that this year, Gregg MiddleSchool received the high honor of being named aPalmetto’s Finest school. As a result, the students workedextremely hard to produce their greatest quality writingand art. I am pleased to have the opportunity in sharingtheir work in this edition of Wide-Open Spaces. Please take a moment to enjoy these fine examplesof your classmate’s or child’s creative contributions tothe 2015 edition.Yours,Jacquelyn Valencia Kunkelman
CONTENTS Palmetto’s finest, 4 A Year to Remember, 28 A Parent’s Perspective, 5 Why Go, 29 Red, 29 Turtle, 6 Eye of the beholder, 7 Magenta Flower, 30Double Life of a Regulator, 8 Aries, 31 Self-Portrait, 10 Scary House, 32 Nature Photography, 11 Town Square, 34 Spring Time, 35 The Dark Moon, 12 Wherever the Stream Flows, 36 Warrior, 13 St. Pete’s Beach Sunset, 37 Gregg Middle School, 38 Civil Rights Movement, 14 Looking for Alaska, 15 Blue, 39 Dream, 16 Green, 39 Seeing Is Believing, 17 Blue Swamp, 40 Mustangs, 18 Mustang Pride, 41 Last Breath, 18 The Watergate Diary, 42 No Matter, 19 Floral Meadow, 44 Shadows, 19 Day and Night, 45 Places, 20 When the Warrior Comes Home, 46 Happy Cat, 21 Am I Ordinary, 48 GMS Graffiti, 22 Being, 48 Lunar Landscape, 23 Smooth, 49 Jemmy Led Me, 24 Owl, 50 Finch Wing, 26 Alligator, 51 Abstract Art, 27 Life, 28
Congratulations Gregg Middle School on winning Each spring since 1978, SCASA has recognized a few schools which offer excellent instruction and outstanding leaders, augmented by strong family and community involvement and a supportive business community. Initially presented only to two elementary schools and one middle school, the award was expanded in 1996-97, with the support of Carolina First Bank, to include a high school. The selection process includes a comprehensive review of a school's program,focusing on the key question: \"What impact is this school making on the lives ofstudents and the community, and is it deserving of the Palmetto's Finest Award?\"
A Parent’s Perspective Scott Mongillo I imagine that the South Carolina Association of School Administrators’ Judges have adifficult time ascertaining what makes a school special. After all, their time at the schools isbrief and I am sure each school has polished their facilities to a high sheen. For some schoolsthese superficial improvements are effortless because their buildings are new, while for olderschools it can be a daunting task. Although a school’s physical environment is important to thelearning environment, what makes a school a special—what makes it a Palmetto’s Finest—isits heart. Fortunately for the Judges examining Gregg Middle School ,they can visit oneprogram to determine what makes it different, what makes it unique, what makes it trulyspecial. In 2013, I was lucky enough to be selected as Gregg’s Principal for a Day. During my“tenure,” one Gregg program stood out amongst the rest. Shortly after lunch, I met a veryaffluent parent who was moving into the district with his special needs student. He was a nononsense CEO who explained that his child currently had an excellent in-home special needsteacher. The teacher had agreed to move to South Carolina with the family. The cost to movethe teacher and her salary were not an issue. Like all parents, he desired what was best for hischild. He had researched Gregg’s special needs program for students with learning disabilities,emotional disabilities, hearing and vision impairments, autism and mental disabilities, and wasintrigued. How did this program work? Would it work for his child? What was it like? He wasthere to conduct his due diligence on these questions. When he arrived that morning, he wasskeptical and I don’t blame him. After all, one of my boys’ favorite TV shows was Ned’sDeclassified, a program literally about “surviving” middle school. But by lunch time, he was aconvert. He had witnesses what I also observed. A special needs teacher who was dedicated to her students, students who enjoyed beingat Gregg, facilities and programs that enable these students to thrive, and most importantly, astudent body that embraced their fellow students. Instead of sideway looks or snickers, theyheld open doors and gave hugs. Having been a Marine officer, I will not admit that I cried aftermy visit to this special program, but my eyes did become unusually watery. I know if the Judges look closely at this program they will see the heart of GreggMiddle School. They will realize what makes the staff and all the Gregg students special. Anew building or a nice swing set are fine, but “the best and most beautiful things in the worldcannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” Helen Keller said that andthis parent voted with his most precious asset for Gregg because he felt the school’s heart. Ihope the Judges will likewise vote for Gregg.
turtleJared peters
Eye of the Beholder Mackenzie colvin
DOUBLE LIFE OF A REGULATOR ISAIAH PEREZ Most people thought regulators where bad, but you would be wrong. Being aregulator is different from being vigilantes. I will say some regulators abused their powerand became vigilantes, but there was a good amount of regulators like Sir Johnson Pride.He was the leader of the regulator group during the Regulator Movement. Mr. Pride was anundercover regulator and nothing has man ever stopped him of doing what he does best—bringing justice to all. Sir Johnson was one of the early colonists in Charles Towne, but he was differentthan any other colonist. You would see other colonists abusing their slaves, but Prideenforced his slaves do work inside instead of outside, and he respected the slaves while alsogiving them good food and water. Pride was a good man, but his life wasn’t all thatmagnificent. A man by the name of J.J. Ward broke into Pride’s house and killed over halfof his slaves and stole many valuable items. Those experiences made Pride become aregulator and form a posse to stop people like Ward, and, successfully, it worked out. Nowhe goes out into the world as Sir Johnson Pride and the leader of a regulator posse. Pride tries to search every night to get closer and closer to Ward like a lion trying tostalk this prey. “Tonight… we attack Ward’s home, capture him and bring him here.” Prideinformed, pointing out to Ward’s house, showing his posse where they will strike. “But sirhe isn’t in his house. All the candles are out and his horse isn’t there.” said by a fellowregulator.
“Suppose he isn’t there, we can take something valuable to him so he will come to usinstead of us going to him. Go to his house and take the most valuable items in his house,”yelling to his army of minions, “and leave a note telling him to meet tomorrow at dawnnorth of the Ashley River.” As the next day rose they headed toward Ashley River. Pride took his posse coveredwith dark jackets and black masks. Once Ward arrived they tied him up with ropes, placed apaper bag on his head, and took him to a cut down log where he would be executed. “Now lay his head on the log and bring the executioner.” Pride exclaimed. “Wait! I got money! I’ll give you all of it if you just let me live. Please don’t killme,” J.J. plead as he fidgeted. “You killed my friends and now you die…” The executioner arrived with an axe. He then brought the axe to his shoulder and onhis way down to slaughter Ward, Ward yelled, “Please—” The axe has fallen from his hands. ”Why did you spare me?” Ward asked with disbelief . “Because it isn’t my fate to order your sentence, but know this: if you do anythingharmful to others again, you will die,” said executioner, with a deep voice. Soon Mr. Pride and his posse slowed down on crime because there was the CourtSystem. So now Mr. Pride is only Mr. Pride, not Mr. Pride and the leader of the regulators.No one knows of his past, and no one ever will.
Self-portraitAmber mcneil
Nature photography Kelsey hearn
The dark moonKatherine duncan
warriorJaden seales
Civil rights movement Areyanna scottMartin Luther Kinghad a dream that freedom would ring.From the South to the North, discrimination would abort.It began when bombs raided a churchthat killed four African-American girls.This began the era of no peace,and our struggle for rights and equality.We marched, protested, and did sit-inswaiting for them to give in.We marched everydaytrying to reach our peace day.Pressure washed by fireman hoses,and dogs put on us for a show.They tried to intimidate with “whites only” signs,but we kept striving to get our freedom time.We kept our hope alive,but they want our hope to wither and die.KKK riding through the night,trying to fill us with fear and fright.Crippled, shackled, beaten down:when are we ever going to get our peace now!When would this treatment ever end,we were back to where we began.When JFK said “Let all races come together,”this had marked history forever.The feeling of being oppressed was diminished,and discrimination was finished.We fought for our freedome for many yearsafter they attempted to fill us with fright and fear.We had finally fulfilled our dreamto be lifted from segregation, so we can be free.
Looking for alaska Mandy santanarAlaska.Everything is dead nowthat you’re gone.Most of the bodies at boarding school have a punishing silence to them.The silence is just a reminder that you left.Every now and then I still smell the faint trail of your scent.Cigarettes and Lilac.I was the last person you saw.Why did I let you go, just to die?I blame myself, but I also blame you. Why were you so reckless?“To be continued?” you asked me, but then you wrote “straight and fast” indeathening letters.And now I’m stuck in this Labryinth without you.Will you help me and come back?
dreamKatja sims
Seeing is believing Mikayla wood
mustangs Malachi gadsonOur only option is successWe only want to be the bestMustangs are proud and humbleLike the football team that got the fumbleI am a Mustang and I am proudLike the feeling of a cheering crowdSchool is not just for having funWe always have work to be doneMustangs are cleverAnd this school will be the bestForever Last breath Makayla burnsSometimes things don’t go as intended.But then again, maybe it’s not suppose to.God does His worth for His reasonsSo do you know who should be grateful? You.You’re still alive, so you are truly blessed.Be grateful and take advantage of the life you have leftBecause it’s all over when you take that last breath...
No matter Breanna CollieNo matter how hard it gets,We haven't’ finished yet,There’s so much of life ahead,We got so much to do,No matter how hard we try,We cant just say goodbye,Don’t leave me with regretsBecause we haven't finished yet. shadows Sydnei BowmanThe darkness is coming; there’s nowhere to hide. Don’t let it get to your heart, or you will die inside. Some people say it’s already there, just waiting to suck the life out of you. Many people have searched for a cure, but all have failed. You see, because it’s not the medicine that cures you. It’s the love you share with aperson, and when you find that right person to give you that love, your heart will shine bright like a dove from above.
placesBlain treon
Happy catEnrique Gonzalez
GMS GraffitiEthan buckingham
Lunar Landscape Blain Treon
Jemmy Led Me Ianna Synai Johnson “They’re about to hang Timanjih!” screamed Mrs. Jackson. I heard what seemed to belike ten thousand screams coming in a powerful wave that was never ending. I was tendingto cattle that morning; I knew I was supposed to tend to the rice with Timanjih… I probablywould have stopped him from talking so much. He could never control his mouth or what hethought about a subject—that was just Timanjih. I raced to go see Timanjih. He looked dreadful and unstable. I wanted to shed theslightest tear but, I just couldn’t. When they put the tight, blood drenched rope aroundTimanjih’s neck, he looked as still as a statue. He had no emotion whatsoever. No tears, nopleads, no screams, no runny nose, no nothing. He was as still, as still could ever be. Istarted to sing Timanjih’s favorite song to let him know that I was there to see my best frienddepart from me. “Maeyih eiyh eiyh yauh oh so me no bayih bayiah Nyaeileygh aey aeybayiah bayiah Nyaeileygh” I screamed. Before they lifted Timanjih up to hang him, hescreamed back “ Bayiah bayiah Nyaeileygh!” … That was it … Timanjih, my best friend,was hanged. I remember that day like it was yesterday. I was twelve at the time. Timanjih and I hadbeen best friends since I was two and he was three. We were both from the Kingdom ofKongo. Timanjih spoke very fluent Portuguese while my Portuguese was a little… on therocks. I spoke Portuguese, but it wasn’t as sounding as Timanjih’s. I’m seventeen now.Therefore, I’ve lied five years without my best friend by my side to guide me throughoutevery trial and tribulation. As mean-spirited as it sounds, I feel as if I do not need anotherfaithful companion by my side. Timanjih was supposed to be here for me ‘till we bothdeparted in death… Timanjih’s departure came a little earlier than everyone else expected.
I’m seventeen and I have no life whatsoever. I’ve run away from three of my masters inthe past five years… I’ve had twelve masters altogether. I feel trapped… I’m alwayswaiting for a better life in the next world but; I don’t believe me running away will helpmy situation. I just cannot wait any longer! I started to feel hot tears running down myface like a stream had taken over. I then realized crying was not going to help so I gotangry… The anger built up inside from Timanjih’s death, me having no life whatsoeverjust overtook my body. I started throwing every and any object in sight. Until I cameupon Timanjih’s drum. “It’s beautiful!” I yelled. I studied the drum as if I’ve never seen a drum before. Like it was some foreignobject that I never knew could withhold so much beauty. It was laced with animal skin andpolished tree bark. I started to play the drum and I felt hands guiding me, helping me playevery tap correctly. I started to sing Timanjih’s favorite song and… all of a sudden, I smeltTimanjih’s aroma surround me. “Timanjih...?” “Maleeka Omima Madison, long time no see” “I must be dreaming,you were hanged Timanjih. Meaning you are not alive.” Timanjih just stood there with ashocked look on his face. He couldn’t believe I said that. “I might not have a physicalform Maleeka, but I’m always here with you. That’s when Timanjih sighed and left mypresence. Three years have passed since Timanjih decided to pay me a visit. I haven’t heardnor seen his spirit since the day I found his drum; I haven’t played his drum either. I’mtwenty, about to be twenty one now. The slave population has basically overtaken thewhite’s population completely. There’s a rebellion going on led by this man they callJemmy. There have been many burning barns and broken tools just to make a point thatslaves are taking over. Hence, the Stono Rebellion was born.
Finch wingHaley larson
Abstract art Abby lynch
life Amanda raeWhy is life so complicated? Why is it so painful? Why does it break us down?What is the point of it all? Well those are some really good questions. Toeveryone, it’s different, but everyone eventually feels the pain, sadness, happymoments, bad times, complications, make-ups, break-ups, and even heart-breaks,but all of it is what makes us who we are. It makes up our fantastic personalities.It is what makes us all unique in our own way. And they say no one is perfect, butyou know what—every single one of us is perfect in our own way. Just be proudof who you are. Love the way your life is, because you only get one life. One andonly one. A year to remember Kelly bryant A lot of people have different personalities everywhere and anywhere you look.Some are tall, some are short, but in the end we consider them family. We cry, we laugh, we even joke, but no one can replace this year that we made work. Although this year will end too soon, so many fascinating and wonderfulmemories have been created we will never forget. We may not meet from here on out, but I will never forget you, without a doubt.
Why Go? John FenderOver 90% of kids who go to school ask this question in their lifetime: Why do I have togo to school? Ill give you a quick example of how education can lead you to manyopportunities in your lifetime. A good example would be my sister, Lena. She goes toAshley Ridge High School, and she is 18 years-old, but she is taking college classeswhile in high school. She is on the Dean’s list with one of the highest grade pointaverages in the school. She now has the chance to become a fantastic nurse and get ascholarship which means the college will pay for her to go there. There are many moreways to face new opportunities but this is just one example. So, before you ask why youhave to go to school, think about this because without education, you cant get a job, ahouse, and in some cases, you won’t be able to have a “good” life. I am so proud of mysister, and one day I hope she will be proud of me too. red Lydia harney Red is the blood coursing through my veins Red tastes like teaberry blossoms Red sounds like a hot summer day Red smells like a cherry starburst Red feels like my squishy-thumping heart Red is what makes me love you
Magenta Flower Erin Millard
AriesMacKenzie Lewis
Scary house Maria Vazquez galvez There is a girl, and her name is Alison. She lives in a dark house, and nobody is braveenough to go into that house, because people think that there is an evil girl. Also she nevercomes out of the house. So people don’t want to go inside the house. Until one little boynamed Dalton comes. He was playing around but his toy fell out of his hands, and rolledinside the house, so he went into the house; five seconds later the door shuts. Alison comesdownstairs, and she says, “Please don’t go, I have never seen anyone so close to this housebefore. I just what to play with someone.” “Why don’t you just go outside?” Dalton said. “Because I’m trapped in this house” yells Alison. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you,” Alison comments. “I have been here a long time, and my parents are dead by now, and about two years agoone little girl came but something happened to her—I don’t know what,” says Alison. Then Dalton goes upstairs, and he sees that Alison has a curse. That is the reason whyshe can’t go outside. “Who did this to you?” Dalton asks, scared of what she will say. “Don’t worry, they’re gone.” “Who!” Dalton yells terrified. “Nobod… just don’t worry about it okay.” Alison replies. Moments later, Alison cried and yelled with anger. “They are horrible.” “Who?” Dalton yells “they are coming I know it. If you don’t tell me who cursed you Ihave to find out myself”
So Dalton goes into a dark room, and Alison is really afraid, and she warns Dalton that ifhe goes in there something bad is going to happen. Dalton doesn’t listen to her, and he goesinside. He sees three clowns, and a doll that also looks like a real person, and then heremembers what Alison said. That she doesn’t know where the girl is, she is a doll, and theclowns tell him that. The moment that he stepped into the house, he was cursed just likeAlison, and every kid that steps in the house could not escape, could not die, and they don’tneed to eat anything, and still could survive. Then Dalton asks why are they doing that? The clowns answer with a small story ofwhat happened to them. When they were little kids, like Dalton, and Alison, their dad wasalways protecting himself, and never risked his life for them (the clowns), so they wanted tosee if their parents were brave enough to go into the “scary house” just to see if their kidswere inside there. That was the only way that the curse could break. Then the clowns laugh, and Dalton asks, “Was that a long time ago?” “If we were mortal, we would be dead by now or 464 years old.” “How did you get to be immortal?” Dalton asks. “Well, we have been cursed with the same curse you have except we don’t transforminto dolls,” the clowns admit. “Who cursed you?” Dalton asks terrified. “You kids may call him a wizard.” “But I thought wizards are supposed to be good,” Dalton says “Well don’t believe everything you see on TV,” the clowns answer. After that conversation, Dalton sees more and more kids coming year after year, but thefunny part is that only the kids go inside; no adults, no parents. All adults are scared to goinside the house. No parent will ever find their kids, because they are too scared, and theirkids are right in front of them.
Town squareConnor matthews
Spring timeAnna morris
Wherever the stream flows Mandolin santana
St. Pete’s Beach sunset everett
Gregg middle school Jayden pullomAre you trying to learn and trying to act cool?Then come on down to Gregg Middle School.If you ride in a bus or ride in a car,go to Gregg Middle School—it’s not that far.Gregg has Incentive Day and Field day, too.It’s fun for me and I hope it is fun for you.Do the right thing and don’t act bad,Or the office will call your mom or dad.Mustang is Pride of our school,Everybody knows horses rule.P is for Prepared; R is for Respect,This is not all—I’m not done yet.I is for Individual; D for Determined to,What I’m saying is very true.E is for Excel which is swell,Because everyone does very well.We have basketball games and volleyball, too.It doesn’t matter if we win or lose.We are taller than a cloud, stronger than an ox—we are faster than a cheetah and smarter than a fox.We have Mustang Minutes which is our club,It includes board games, crafting, art and love.This is the place to learn and to act cool,It all happens at Gregg Middle School.
blue Trinity doctorBlue… the color of the Flemish skyBlue… the color of a mixture of JadeBlue… the airBlue… the color of a smooth clothBlue… the color of PersuasionBlue… the color of a night time twilightBlue… the taste of blueberriesBlue… the sound of a dolphin on a summer day Green Andrew baurGreen is electricGreen is a sour apple—Fresh celery, an early tomato.Green is the great vast forest—A neon light—Green is the world.Green smells like fresh leaves,Sounds like the slithering snake,Looks like the great grass plains:Green is the best.
Blue swampAnna morris
Mustang PrideOlivia Ausborne
THE WATERGATE DIARY SAVANNAH LEEDear Creedence, November 5th 1974 My mother thinks I should write to you to release my anger and sadness. I know you’renot actually Creedence, because if you were I would expect you to be a little more human andless like a leather book full of blank pages. I’m currently in the car driving down south forsome ‘southern hospitality’, but I don’t think anyone would want to give us hospitality.Considering my father is part of the most hated American Administration ever. I think it’s safeto say our chances aren’t doing too well. I aint’ no fortunate son either, Creedence.Dear Creedence, November 6th 1974 Well my birthday is coming up in six days and the question that’s on my mother’s mindis, “What do you want for your big day Maggie?” Well to be completely honest I want tomove back to Washington, not have a political corrupt father, and to get out of this stupid car.To make matters worse I’m hungry which makes a grumpy person ten times worse. Seems likenone of that will happen, so I think I’ll just stick with the generic girl answer. Clothes. Theonly thing worse than being stuck in a car with constant fighting and death glares, is being ina car with constant fighting death glares and a bark dog. That dog won’t stop whining, I saidI was sorry that I sat on his tail but jeeze Baxtor, quit the yapping. Just a random thought I’mwriting down Creedence, but in a way I’m just like Baxtor. Sick and tired of people sitting onmy tail so that when someone does, I blow up.Dear Creedence, November 7th 1974 Well today was the day Creedence, today I moved in my new house in Atlanta. That’snot only what happened today, today I told my father just the type of person I think he is. Hehad opened the door to the new house closing it abruptly causing the door to slam amdcausing the wall to shake. I jumped back a little, scared out of my mind because he usuallynever gets this mad. I turned my head to give him a what-the-heck-was-that face. “I’m sorry Idid this to you and your mother, but you can’t ignore me forever. I command you to speak.”He said exhaling a breath after his outburst. It was as if his anger and negative energy rolled off of him and onto me like a tidalwave. I was shaking with rage because he thought he had the right to talk to me that way,after all he’s the reason we had to move here anyways. I screamed back, “Fine! You wantwords! I’ll give you words.”
My father’s face looked a little taken back as if he didn’t see this coming. “Because ofyou we have to leave everything behind. My friends, school, house, memories, and so muchmore the list would be the size of my arm. My whole life is still left back in Washington andwe left it behind all because of you not being able to use your head and think for once.” Isaid trying to lower my voice. “Maggie listen-“I cut him off before he even thought of saying another word. “No!You listen! Mom and I gave up everything because of you. We’re not the ones whoeavesdropped on those people! We’re not the ones who cheated, we-“now it was him cuttingme off. “I never meant for this to happen he asked us to-“he said fading away softly with aguilty look etching his figures. “Just do me a favor and shut up! Stop talking.” I statedslowly gritting my teeth. I turned towards the door just about to grab the handle whensomething popped in my head. “You’re not even a good politician anyways!” I said with asassy attitude. I then proceeded to slam the door on my way out. I guess that was the end ofthat, Creedence. Dear Creedence, November 8th 1974 “We’ll have more on the Watergate Scandal later on tonight. Stay tuned and stayclassy Atlanta”. This my friend is what's been on the news for about the past Twenty-fourhours straight. I don’t even care about Nixon, he’s the person that even got my family in thispredicament in the first place. What I really want to know is how Ron Burgundy gets his hairso perfect, but that’s besides the point. The real reason I’m writing right now is because I amcompletely, utterly, done with this whole Watergate Scandal, who cares Nixon’s out of officebecause I certainly don’t. I just got sick of being around people and went to the car to listento some music. Mom came to check on me and never again in my life do I want to hear afully grown woman say groovy. On the bright side Creedence, you played on the radio! Theanswer to your question is “yes I have seen the rain.” 4 0 Ye a r s L a te r … Dear Creedence, October 8th 2014 It’s been almost forty years Creedence. So many things have changed since then. I cancertainly say pants have gotten a lot tighter considering bell bottoms aren’t the styleanymore. Now they wear these tight pants called skinny jeans. Anyways back in ‘74 I didn’trealize anything about how big Watergate was. Now that I’m older, a lot older, I now knowhow catastrophic the scandal was. My father and I eventually made up and lived our livesnormally. I take back what I said before Creedence, I am a fortunate son, plus my dad was asenator.
Floral meadowMadison pryor
Day and nightMeghan frady
When the warrior comes home Josh smith I awoke to the pounding sound of the village warriors; the time of year for theirhomecoming from hunting. The group had been gone for six weeks, traveling up the SavannahRiver. Their previous journey they voyaged up the banks, they encountered a small Cherokeevillage and there was a battle… a horrible battle. The Cherokee weren’t expecting any visitors, andthey took our warriors arrival in the wrong direction. Soon after, they began to fight brutally. Ourtribesmen were prepared with an abundance of weapons- for hunting, and not war. They swept outthe small village, in a matter of an hour, and subsequently acquired all of their recourses. Now theyhad returned from another trip, hopefully with some meat. Our village is on a very low foodreserve and we need a large animal to replenish the store. My name is Ballou, and I am the son ofChief Akcheta’s brother, Ahmik. I hadn’t seen Chief Akcheta in six weeks, and I was glad. Our village was located near the shore, and I took care of it when Chief Akcheta was gone.The village was larger than most Yemassee villages, with a grand total of thirty-two wigwams,twelve fields for agriculture, a village center, and our monumental shell pile of our muscles, andclams. Earlier in the week, with my free time, I measured the palisades around the village, and Ireached the total conclusion of five acres! Some days I contemplate how Chief Akcheta was elected to rule over our village. He isn’tvery intimidating; he is short of stature, not broad or muscular, and has no hair. He is foul instench in my opinion; he doesn’t exemplify leadership, except for starting stupid wars. On top ofthat, we don’t have a great trade relationship with England. Since our village was one of the largestin the Yemassee tribe, we should have had a great relation with England, but Chief Akchetabelieved that they were cheating us in trade, and that the king was taking our land. Chief Akcheta talked with my father, and his brothers, to only bring the news of war-withthe British settlers. He was declaring war…again. My father told my brothers and I, that we wouldbe needed, to add to the total count of warriors, and make a strong visual presence. Also he statedthat we would need a new leader, and was I was fit best for Chief.
“How am I supposed to be Chief?” I asked. “You will let your mind and souls guide you to excellence!” he stated. “But, I am not fit for Chief.” I said to him. “Not yet.” He said calmly, “Not yet.” The next morning peaked over the water and our sluggish and tired warriors started toprepare for the next battle. They sharpened their knives, and spears. Women would stay and takecare of the village, while in my absence, and the young children. At the end of the day, at dusk,lying I bed, I was plotting my position of how to overcome Chief Akcheta. Possibly he could bekilled, or sabotaged. At dawn, the army deported and began to walk north. I was fortunate enough to receive afirearm, a small pistol. The day passed slowly, and in the evening we constructed our base camp.That night, I further plotted my secret attack on Chief. After we woke in the morning, wedevoured the remains of our food, and left camp, soon afterward we encountered a British village,and this is where Chief Akcheta told us to attack. It was perceived to be a small village–until thestrike. Our warriors attacked and were swept out in a matter of seconds, Chief told us to retreat,so we receded. We were chased back to base camp. That night I would kill Chief Akcheta, inpeace. I woke after Chief went to bed; I slowly walked into his hut, with knife in hand. The softnoise of the crickets and birds slowly dissipated out of my ears. Everything slowed down, myheart was beating at an irregular pace, and the sweat was rolling down my face in suspense. Istepped in front of the stooping body, I knelt down onto my knees, clutching the knife, and softlyplaced the knife on his neck and cut his thought. I woke back up in the village. I don’t rememberkilling Chief Akcheta, but now I was Chief, or so I was told. I would now command our villagewarriors in battle, but how? I contemplated within my cranium. Word aroused in the village thatChief Akcheta took his own life, and the warriors elected me to be the next chief. Following that,different variations of the story passed through the mouths of women, men and children, theynamed the tale: When the Warrior comes home.
Am I ordinary? Jayon ferrellAm I ordinary in the way I dress or feel? Just because people dress differentdoesn't mean I have to be like them.Am I ordinary if people call me names like weird or freak? What makes yourspecial is your heart.Am I ordinary if I walk or talk differently from others? Does anything matter toyou? Just because people have friends doesn't mean I have to have friends.Am I ordinary?Are you ordinary? being Ryan chaney There was no life nor death No living or being No light, just black No green, just brown Only when one thing happens, everything changes. No black, just light No brown, just green
smoothAmanda hinson
owlTaylor mccall
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