1Volume I 2011

Impressions

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Stephanie Tam, 8th

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I m p r e s s i o n sMembers

Victoria Addonizio, Kathleen Boyles. Rutha Chivate, Paul Cooke, Thomas Daily, Jack Devine, Kate Ellsworth, Katherine Gerberich, Thibaud Ginoux, Serena He, Augustus Huang, William Huang, Melissa LeDonne, Kate Li, Jason Li, Anna Mucciarone, Kevin Ouyang, Kevin Qiu, Jasmer Sethi Mihir Somaiya, Kelli Swedish, Roopa Venkatraman, Samantha Wu, Christopher Zurfluh

Supervising Staff EditorElizabeth Levine

Staff Editor-in-ChiefCaroline Bachmann

About Us

Cranbury School’s very first issue of Impressions would not have been possible without a generous donation from the Cranbury Education Foundation. Additionally, we would like to thank Mrs. Waldron, Mrs. Malouf, and all the teachers, staff, students, friends, and family who have supported the club over the past year through submissions and words of encouragement. We would also like to recognize Scott Li for creating the magazine’s very fitting name; we hope you enjoy the impressions of Cranbury School represented within these pages.

For any questions or comments please contact CranburyLitMag@gmail.com.

Contributors

Jenna Adams, Shawn Addonizio, Victoria Addonizio, Isabella Ames, Chad Babar, Adam Berner, Noor Bhatia, Emma Borden, Kate Christiansen, Rutha Indira Chivate, Andrew Ciardella, Erin Cooke, Paul Cooke, Katarina D’Ambrosio, Jack Devine, Sophia Duke-Mosier, Christina Elliott, Emilia Ferrante, Brian Frost, Augustine George, Katherine Gerberich, Lauren Gibson, Ryan Guy, Gillian Hauschild, Serena He, Kattrena Hendrickson, Catherine Keve, Flynn Kinney, Jacob Lawrence, Annabel Lecky, Melissa LeDonne, Daniel Li, Jason Li, Kate Li, Scott Li, Michael Lin, Emily Matcham, Connor McDowell, Sofia Mauger, Mary-Paule Monks, Akshay Patel, Priya Patel, Nicolas Petruso, Josiah Pettway, Kelly Qiu, Kevin Qiu, Megan Rougas, Florence Sethi, Christopher Sockler, Mihir Somaiya, Thomas Stone, Charlotte Stout, Kelli Swedish, Stephanie Tam, Kylee Tucholski, Tessa Vaccaro, Roopa Venkatraman, Lili Wang, Matthew Wheeler, Colleen Wiseman, Andrew Wong, Samantha Wu

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Table of Contents

Animal Antics- Sofia Mauger and Ryan Guy, Kindergarten 6

Animal Antics- Kattrena Hendrickson and Akshay Patel, Kindergarten 6

Rockets- Akshay Patel, Kindergarten 6

Gil and Berts- Connor McDowell, 1st 7

Soccer- Erin Cooke, 1st 7

Ice Cream!- Priya Patel, 1st 7

Dogs- Jenna Adams, 1st 8

Water- Matthew Wheeler, 2nd 9

Stars- Kylee Tucholski, 2nd 9

Sun- Andrew Ciardella, 2nd 9

Spider’s Web- Christopher Sockler, 2nd 9

Eagles- Lauren Gibson, 2nd 9

Turtle- Adam Berner, 2nd 9

Volcano- Thomas Stone, 2nd 10

Fire- Daniel Li, 2nd 10

Rocks- Flynn Kinney, 2nd 10

Coconut Trees- Nicolas Petruso, 2nd 11

Plants- Chad Babar, 2nd 11

Blossom Tree- Annabel Lecky, 2nd 11

Fish- Noor Bhatia, 2nd 12

Cats- Katarina D’Ambrosio, 2nd 12

Puppies- Katie Christiansen, 2nd 12

The Troubles of Ronnie- Brian Frost, 3rd 13

Where Are You, Satin? - Lili Wang, 3rd 13

Spring- Colleen Wiseman, 3rd 14

My Room is a Zoo!- Emily Matcham, 3rd 14

Excerpt f rom Worth Saving- Emilia Ferrante, 4th 16

Bubble Gum- Kevin Qiu, 5th 19

Go Green- Serena He, 5th 19

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I l lustrat ionsRicha Khanolkar, 8th CoverStephanie Tam, 8th 2Megan Rougas, 1st 8Josiah Pettway, 2nd 10Thomas Stone, 2nd 10Daniel Li, 2nd 10Isabella Ames, 2nd 11Florence Sethi, 2nd 11Emma Borden, 2nd 11Katie Christiansen, 2nd 12Augustine George, 2nd 12Noor Bhatia, 2nd 12Shawn Addonizio, 3rd 14Gillian Hauschild, 3rd 15Michael Lin, 4th 16Kate Li, 5th 18Richa Khanolkar, 8th 19Christina Elliott, 8th 20Scott Li, 7th 21Kelly Qui, 6th 22Jacob Lawrence, Kindergarten 23Victoria Addonizio, 5th 25Jack Devine, 5th 29Serena He, 5th 31Christina Elliott, 8th 32Stephanie Tam, 8th 39

Untit led- Jack Devine, 5th 19

Oh Only- Roopa Venkatraman, 5th 23

The Nightmare- Paul Cooke, 5th 24

The Impossible Knot- Jason Li, 5th 25

The Season of Heat- Kate Li, 5th 26

Medusa- Melissa LeDonne, 5th 26

Poetry? - Victoria Addonizio, 5th 27

Seasons - Rutha Indira Chivate, 5th 27

The Human- Mihir Somaiya, 6th 28

War Unfair- Victoria Addonizio, 5th 28

The Cell- Andrew Wong, 6th 29

Untit led- Samantha Wu, 7th 31

Charlotte- Charlotte Stout, 7th 33

Tessa Vaccaro- Tessa Vaccaro, 7th 34

The Window- Kelli Swedish, 7th 34

The Real Hero- Mary-Paule Monks, 8th 35

Homecoming- Katherine Gerberich, 8th 37

Quiet and Easy- Catherine Keve, 8th 37

A Secret Chord - Sophia Duke-Mosier, 8th 38

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Rockets

Rockets zoom up into space. They zoom past stars. They zoom past 8 planets. They zoom past the sun. They return to Earth--our home.

- Akshay Patel, Kindergarten

Animal Antics

It was so hot out that the coyotes bought ice cream. When they finished their ice cream they played with the scorpions. They got more ice cream. They shared with the scorpions.

- Kattrena Hendrickson and Akshay Patel, Kindergarten

Animal Antics

Sofia went to the jungle riding on a alligator that was named Ryan. And Ryan was biting the trees, and it was shaky and shivery. Sofia slided off the tail. She got hurt.

- Sofia Mauger and Ryan Guy, Kindergarten

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Gil and Berts

I see people buying ice cream.I hear the bell being rung ding dong!I smell yummy ice cream.I taste tasty vanilla ice cream.I feel cold in my mouth.I know it’s ice cream time!Gil and Berts

- Connor McDowell, 1st

Ice Cream!

I love it. Ask me why. Because.... It’s cold, you can eat it any time, there are millions of flavors, It’s so, so sweet and creamy; you can eat it many ways, it’s just a great treat. Oh and it always makes me smile...that’s why I love it.

- Priya Patel, 1st

Soccer

Super fun and cool!Of all the sports it is my favorite!Cleats dig into the ground!Cheers come from the stands!Everyone is clapping!Really fun!

- Erin Cooke, 1st

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Dogs

I like them.Ask me why.Because they wag their tail.Because they are playful.Because they are talented, nice, and joyful.Because they love meat and bones.Because they jump so high.Because they are friendly.Because they can watch things.Because their hearts reach the sky.Because they are deep in my heart.Because,that’s why.

- Jenna Adams, 1st

Megan Rougas, 1st

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Spider’s Web

Spider, Oh spider!That is a lovely webShiny in the sun!

- Christopher Sockler, 2nd

Eagles

Flapping wings up high,Turning heads and soaring down,Caught prey eating fast

- Lauren Gibson, 2nd

Stars

Stars are so pretty!Beautiful stars in the skyBeautiful sights Wow!

- Kylee Tucholski, 2nd

Sun

The sun is so brightUp in the sky so highA really big star

- Andrew Ciardella, 2nd

Water

Dense gleaming moisture Ongoing flowing currentCrystal clear, Light blue

- Matthew Wheeler, 2nd

Turtle

The turtle is slow.It can hide in its hard shell.Where did turtle go?

- Adam Berner, 2nd

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Volcano

Erupting lavaon every one and thing,ashes everywhere

- Thomas Stone, 2nd

Rocks

Rocks, on sandy beachThere might be something underNow just look and see.

- Flynn Kinney, 2nd

Fire

Flaring blazing flamesNice quiet and peaceful flaresLonely glowing flame.

- Daniel Li, 2nd Daniel Li, 2nd

Thomas Stone, 2nd

Josiah Pettway, 2nd

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Coconut Trees

Coconut tree brownCoconut taste really goodThey are really round!

- Nicolas Petruso, 2nd

Plants

Green great plants helpingAlways growing all the timeNature needs you plants

- Chad Babar, 2nd

Blossom Tree

I love the sunlightPink, purple, bright colorsWhere and what am I?

- Annabel Lecky, 2nd

Emma Borden, 2nd

Florence Sethi, 2nd

Isabella Ames, 2nd

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Puppies

Puppies are playfulMy puppy will chase a beeDo not jump on me!

- Katie Christiansen, 2nd

Cats

Cats are lovableThey purr and meow so softlyThey make me feel glad.

- Katarina D’Ambrosio, 2nd

Katie Christiansen, 2nd

Augustine George, 2nd

Noor Bhatia, 2nd

Fish

Slippery fish swimin the crystal blue watercolorful fun fish!

- Noor Bhatia, 2nd

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The Troubles of Ronnie

It was a dreary day when I got detention. Great. I have football practice every afternoon. I’m pretty popular on the football team. I’m famous for blocking and sacking. I’m 5 feet 3 inches tall. I’m 90 pounds.

Brrrrrrriiinnngg. That’s the bell. It’s recess. My team always does a scrimmage. I told them I got detention. “Stop getting in trouble,” they yelled. I told them I’ll stop getting in trouble. Big mistake! Hold on, I thought, the detention teacher told me he will be absent! No detention! SMACK! I just got hit in the head with the ball. Hold on, “Yo, watch it!” But still, I always get in trouble when I’m having fun. Aren’t kids allowed to have fun? “Hello, anybody home?” Skinny Johnson yelled.

I sat down at the kitchen table. I was having Twinkies as my snack. My mom was telling me how to not get in trouble. I tried what my mom had told me. Believe it or not, it worked! It was the first day I didn’t get detention. Party time!

- Brian Frost, 3rd

Where Are You, Satin?

“Hi, Mom!” Maria said when she walked in the door. But Satin, Maria’s cat, had very quietly slipped out of the door. By the time Maria realized what happened, it was dark.

Maria and her older brother, Aiden, went outside to look for Satin. Since Satin was gray, it would be hard to find her. Tonight it would be super hard because it was a foggy night, and there was a new moon.

When Maria went to call her brother to say let’s ask mom and dad to help, she finds Satin on the front porch. Satin is like, “Well it’s about time you let me in.” The first thing Maria said was, “Never do that again!” So finally, Maria went to bed.

- Lili Wang, 3rd

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My Room is a Zoo!

My room is a zoo!There are toys and clothesAll over the place.It makes my mom go CUCKOO!My room is a zoo!

- Emily Matcham, 3rd

Spring

Spring, spring what a wonderful season.Flowers, birthdays, and picnics in the park.Canoeing, biking, and camping on the Delaware River.Birds singing in the morning and eating outdoors.I can’t wait until Spring. Can you?

- Colleen Wiseman, 3rd

Shawn Addonizio, 3rd

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Gillian Hauschild, 3rd

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Excerpt f rom Worth Saving

“Charlotte,” she said, eyes shining, “You are the only thing worth saving around here. Please. I want to.”

Charlotte heaved a sigh of defeat and wrote, I just can’t believe you’re doing this. She made to get up but suddenly turned around and squeezed Michelle with all the strength the little girl could muster.

“Thank you,” whispered Charlotte so low that she could hardly hear herself, so low she didn’t cough. Michelle squeezed back, and when they broke apart, both faces shone with tears, but somehow both were smiling.

“You’re serious, Michelle?” asked Margo incredulously the next morning when Michelle told her her plan.

“Yes. Definitely,” replied Michelle.

“Okay. I’ll…um, talk, to your parents. If you’re sure,” Margo agreed in bewil-derment.

“Oh, I’m sure alright,” Michelle said, now to an empty room, for Margo had already marched out.

“Certificate of honor to Miss Michelle Nitingale from Brook Hospital for good deed as follows: Gave insurance and money originally for her cancer treatment to Miss Charlotte (last name unknown) to prevent her from passing away. Thank you, Miss Nitingale!” announced the chief resident. As the uproarious applause decreased, he handed her a sheet with the words just spoken on it in fancy golden script.

“Th-thank you,” stuttered Michelle. Everyone was there—staff, parents, even some well-enough patients. They were all clapping and cheering. Amidst the wave of people, she saw her parents, side by side, crying. They had begged her not to, but she stood strong, and they finally said that her life was in her control, and, with many tears, allowed it. Allowed it, knowing it was a decision that would mean that their daughter would soon not be with them.

A couple of weeks after the ceremony, Charlotte slowly got bet-ter, and Michelle slowly got worse. She would not make it much longer.

Michelle began savoring every moment because it could be her last. However, these moments were not remorseful; in fact, they were some of the best she’d ever

Michael Lin, 4th

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had in her life. Charlotte was the main reason for that—she was always at Michelle’s bed-side. She did not even leave at night, for she had taken down the curtain dividing her room, and Michelle’s and had pushed the beds together.

The pair was inseparable. Sometimes they could pretend nothing was going on—they were just regular friends, hanging out. Of course, it would never really be like that—never. And that was made final when Michelle woke up the next morning.

“I guess…this’ll be the last time I talk to you,” Charlotte said uncomfortably as she shuf-fled into Michelle’s room. The doctors had informed everyone gravely that “only a miracle could save her now.” Michelle nodded glumly and said, “Probably.” Charlotte sat down on Michelle’s bed. Michelle was propped up on her pillow.

“I just can’t thank you enough. You’ve changed my life. A lot,” whispered Charlotte.

Michelle croaked, “Same to you.” Charlotte put her face in her hands. Her robe was splotchy with tears.

“I’m really gonna miss you. More than you know. You’re like the family I never had. And now you’re gonna…” Her words were cut off by a heart-wrenching sob. Michelle was suddenly swept up into an enormous hug.

“You mean the world to me, Michelle,” Charlotte whispered. Michelle only gripped back. This was a moment words cannot describe, for Michelle suddenly knew that she was taking her last breath of air. She was not panicked or crying or angry. She was peaceful. Her last moment hung in the air longer, it seemed, than other moments, like the last note of a beautiful symphony. Her life had been a song—wonderful while it lasted, the last note holding everything dear in its heart. But, like all moments, this one ended. Her last. But the best one of her life.

Charlotte gasped as she felt the cold body she was holding, now limply. Like Michelle, she accepted what had happened. Also like Michelle, she did not cry, “No!” or feel angry. Charlotte knew her friend had gone the way she wanted to and had given up her life for her. And since she gave up her life for me, thought Charlotte, I will live it to its fullest for her. I’ll make it worth saving.

As Charlotte was making her bed the next morning, she found something under her pillow. Notebook paper. She shook her head. The paper reminded her of when she and Michelle had first met. Only about three weeks ago, Charlotte thought. As she was about to put the paper in the trash can, she noticed the handwriting on the note.

“Michelle?” gasped Charlotte.

Dear Charlotte,

You are too amazing to describe. Believe me—your life was worth saving.

- Emilia Ferrante, 4th

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Kate Li, 5th

Richa Khanolkar, 8th

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Bubble Gum

Growing and growing,Like the existence of a mere human,With a life of uncertainty,With paths and chances,With success and failure,But it always ends,With nothing.Gone.

- Kevin Qiu, 5th

Untit led

It may be old and gray, purposeless and just taking up space. It does have a purpose, to somebody else, To them it is exciting and full of happiness, it keeps them busy for hours at a time What is your old junk to somebody else?

- Jack Devine, 5th

Go Green

Come on, please go greenYou can say, it’s our schemeYou will later sayWe’ll save the world somedayAnd in years, it’ll still be seen

- Serena He, 5th

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Christina Elliott, 8th

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Scott Li, 7th

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Kelly Qiu, 6th

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Oh Only

The rock pondered, “When will I ever have feet to walk and eyes to see?”All day long I bake in the boiling bubbling sun, Or shiver in the showering rain.When the wind blows,I am tossed around like a merciless insect caught as prey.Oh only,Oh only, If I had feet to walk. If I had feet to walk, I would roam across the city, Visiting house to house, Watching its members bow down to me - their new king.I would gloat gleefully as they praised me in honor.Oh only, Oh only,If I had feet to walk.If I could make a wish,Any wish at all,It would be...To have feet for all.

- Roopa Venkatraman, 5th

Jacob Lawrence, Kindergarten

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The Nightmare

It was an eerie day to begin with for the paper in the yellow bin.

First, he was the last paper in the pile, and he was grabbed by the spookiest kid in the school. The paper felt the sweaty hand grasp him. The clumsy boy dropped the paper and trampled him. The footprint of the boys’ muddy shoe was painful as it soaked through the paper’s fibers. The boy looked at the trampled, ripped paper and grabbed it off the ground in one swift motion.

The dull pencil against the paper made the worst sound, the rough graphite scratching his skin. The boy’s sloppy handwriting made the paper feel neglected and disrespected. Why, why, why must he be the last paper in the yellow bin and then taken by such a hideous person?

The boy stopped writing. He handed the teacher the paper. The teacher took the paper and made a face. She looked at the paper, then the shredder beside her desk.

No, no! Thought the paper.

The teacher moved the paper towards the shredder, and turned it on.

Noooo! The paper wished he could say.

Suddenly, he found himself sitting in the yellow bin, the last in the pile.

What a nightmare! He thought.

Then he thought about the tragedy and went back to sleep.

- Paul Cooke, 5th

Victoria Addonizio, 5th

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The Impossible Knot

Going past the rope twice,Threading a knot three times thrice.Yanking it straight,To emancipate,This impossible knot.

Pulling hard on the left,Flying hands spin so deft,Gasping in desperation, drooling in anticipation,Of solving the impossible knot.

Fiddling, thinking, eyeballing hard,Madly shattering glass and shard.Screaming in defeat,There is no repeat,Of the incident of the impossible knot.

- Jason Li, 5th

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The Season of Heat

Summer.The sun is vicious, the sun is angry.Snow is sleepy this month and won’t fall at all.Sun gives people intolerable heat and melts ice cream, the people’s only hope.But here comes water to the rescue! You can drink it, swim in it, and play with the stuff!Just for a little while, before it’s gone.The sun sucks it up, though it doesn’t give it back.Please sun, give it back; give us some mercy; won’t you for once?People love summer, but why is that so?I‘d rather be succeeding in school, where April brings May, than have no school, and be burned by “the season.”

- Kate Li, 5th

Medusa

If you look to me, you will fall.If you see me still,like a wall,you will fall.If you look into my eyes,you will fall and turn to stone,my eyes will gleam, across the walk,and you will stand as still as a rock.

- Melissa LeDonne, 5th

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Poetry?

Poetry can be confusingDo you just glance at it?Or take it in with total concern?Maybe it’s your writingShould you write it or read it?Is it your topic that’s wrong?For a test in school should you write about school?Can you write about your new dog?Do you write about things you like?Or things you find disgusting?Have you written a title?Does it fit with your meaning?Do you even have a meaning?Should you draw a picture?Or maybe cut one out of a magazineDo you even need a picture?What do you think about poetry?And what is poetry to you?Why do you write poetry?

- Victoria Addonizio, 5th

Seasons

Summer, winter, spring, and fallRound and round they goBeach balls, baseballs, soccer balls, snow ballsThen they start over once moreWhich season is the best?Winter passes, spring goes by, then all the rest.

- Rutha Indira Chivate, 5th

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The Human

The HumanLike a grain of sand,Washed away by the forces of time,The creator,And the cruel destroyer.The one who ignites the spark of curiosity,The one who leads the growing world,Into the dark abyss of our future.The one who lights the way,To a better day.The one who feels death’s sting,Like a knife to the skin.The dead,The living,The human.

- Mihir Somaiya, 6th

War Unfair

All friend and foe shall rock the EarthOn this wet and dreary nightAway from fires on the hearthConcealing this huge fightBrave soldiers all cried out in fearFor they had crossed the enemy’s lineThe gunshots were loud for all to hearLeaving safe homes far behindDark thoughts filled all of their mindsAway they dreamed of a happy homeBut they were out all alone

- Victoria Addonizio, 5th

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The Cell

There stood a mischievous man, suspiciously looking at the small moving piece of matter. There stood the man who had first discovered the microscope. A massive accomplishment! There he stood astonished and frozen looking at these tiny pieces of moving matter. He had used this discovery to look at moving cells. These were things that made up our body. In fact, it made up about everything! Sooner this experiment and discovery became very famous. Many scientists also use this device or instrument to discover other unknown things among living things.

- Andrew Wong, 6th

Jack Devine, 5th

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Untit led

Her hair sifted through her fingers, catching on the silver ring that adorned the index. She tore it from her hand and threw it down on the table, where it rattled against the enamel surface. We watched it wobble around in circles. Eventually, it stopped, engraved side facing me. It had been a gift from her older sister, who had gotten it from their mother. Their mother had inherited it from her mother, who had been given it by her mother. It supposedly was a financial safety net—if the family’s stocks went bad, she intended to sell it on eBay.

My eyes dropped to her faded t-shirt. I used to only see her in designer jeans and vintage blouses purchased at boutiques considered to be très chic, and she had a penchant for veal. How she would beg to take me out to fine dining! But today, she’d specifically asked to go to McDonald’s. We’d split the expense for the first time, and she’d used real money instead of her sleek black credit card.

“How are you?” I asked.

“Fine.”

“So… have you started to look on eBay?”

Her eyes tightened as she realized what I was inferring. “I have enough money. More than you, at least. Mind your own business.”

I shrugged and scraped my fork across the bottom of my plastic plate. I’d seen her dragging a middle-aged man into a drug rehab clinic last week. It was funny how she denied fiscal ruin, seeing as how her father was the sole breadwinner of the family.

“How’s you sister? I haven’t seen her in a while.”

“She’s at college,” she answered, not without venom.

“It’s summer.”

“She’s taking summer courses.”

I nodded and stabbed at a piece of chicken. “Really? You know, my sister called me yesterday. She told me that she loved the sleep-away camp she was going to, and that her camp counselor was the best. She also told me that her camp counselor looked exactly like your sister.”

Silence.

“So I guess I’m not going with you to Paris, right?” I hinted.

No response.

“Look,” I said finally, “if you’re having any trouble— ”

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“Why do you care? So I don’t have a ton of money anymore. Shove off. Sad you don’t have a rich friend to buy you expensive toys and take you jet setting? Leave me alone. I don’t want to hear from you. I don’t want you to e-mail me, call me, or write me a letter. When you go off to gap year in Venice, I hope you fall off a gondola.” With that, she grabbed her hamburger wrapper and stormed away.

Dumped by my life-long friend at a fast food restaurant. How ironic.

A month later, I saw her several aisles down at the grocery store. She was bagging an old lady’s box of crackers, and on her shirt there was a name tag.

Our family had a tradition that on Labor Day every year, we donated $10,000 to charity. Extra money, my mother said. It forced us to value each dollar, and most of all, to value each other.

The week before Labor Day, I checked eBay. Sure enough, there was the silver ring. There weren’t many takers, and the bids were pretty low. At this rate, the ring would be sold for a meager $146.99—a ridiculous price for something a century old.

When Labor Day rolled around, my parents asked where the $10,000 for charity went. I told them that I had already given it to a good cause, and that, no worries, I had not spent it on myself.

That day, my good friend, lover of designer clothes and high fashion, found her beloved silver ring in a basket on her doorstep.

- Samantha Wu, 7th

Serena He, 5th

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Christina Elliott, 8th

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Charlotte

A French name, but alas, I am notA descendant of France.MaeLike the month, but alas, I wasBorn a month later.Charlotte Mae, Like my 2 great-grandmothers, Whom I only saw when I was young.

A French month,If you will,Is what I am.

But

I don’t enjoy French. I immerse myself with Spanish and Chinese.And for me, a month is too long of a timePeriod.

If this is who I am,Then maybe my Name shouldn’t beCharlotte Mae.

Or should it? I can’t imagine it any other way.

- Charlotte Stout, 7th

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The Window

A window out of whichI used to see my favorite things.BirdsTreesAnimalsSnowThese things come and go.One year all of these thingsCame and went as they shouldHowever, they did not returnFrom the distant wood.When I look out the windowI see someone else’s joy,Their faces bright as fire’s flameThis window shows me naughtOf frivolities or fame,But, rather, reminds me thatThere is an end to every dream.

- Kelli Swedish, 7th

Tessa Vaccaro

only five syllables longbut they represent so much morethose five syllables represent a whole entire person

they represent a drummera pianist and a singerthey represent a studenta sister and a friendthose five syllablesrepresent a whole entire person

they represent a twelve-year oldwith blond hair and green eyesthey represent a perfectionistaspiring to do great thingsthose five syllablesrepresent a whole entire person

they represent a basketball playera sprinter and a fanthey represent an extrovertwith a confident determined walkthose five syllablesrepresent a whole entire person

- Tessa Vaccaro, 7th

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The Real Hero

Superman – a hero?Is that a joke?Does he pick you up when you fallDoes he kiss your skinned knee And tell you it will be alrightNo matter how mad he getsWill he always say good night?My hero knows when I will laughAnd when I will cryYet she is there for both trials and tribulationsAnd cheers with me in my jubilationsSomehow with infinite patience‘How can a mom be a hero’ They all will sayShe’s a hero in what she does every dayWho else can have the courageTo act with dignityEvery morning to wake upAnd face her every fearAll in one 5-foot-4-teenager from hellTo selflessly give up 18 years of her lifeJust to wonder and hope she’s doing it rightAnd she works and slaves with all of her mightTill her back is aching and tightEven though tomorrow she knowsShe will continue her fightNot for her wants and needsBut for others, for her childrenShe tackles the impossibleTeaching what cannot be taughtDoing what is not doneHoping for the hopelessLoving those who seem to be incapable of lovingKnowing what no one else knowsShe has fathomed the Unfathomable

Made the not doable doneShe has been there, done thatAnd never got that t-shirt she deservedWhen she knows she will be let downNot only does she give her life in time and yearsBut would die without any fearIf she knew it would save her ungrateful childWho will ever recognize herWhat she has done, no one will knowWhat proof of her heroics will she have to showYet she never slowsNot until that fateful dayWhen she must remain composedAnd her child, her life walks awayHer baby is now all grown upEighteen years of serviceEighteen years of fear and doubtEighteen years of courageEighteen years of her lifeEighteen years of being a momEighteen years of being a hero

- Mary-Paule Monks, 8th

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HomecomingAdapted from Cynthia Voigt ’s novel Homecoming

It was a sweltering hot day as we trudged down Route One;I heard Maybeth say“Are we there yet? My feet hurt a ton.”“No.” I reluctantly answered in a sullen tone,but Maybeth didn’t even let out a groan.We warily walked for hours on end,much to my troop’s dismay;there were over ten miles ‘til their grandmother’s house,and the day was washing away.

Darker and darker the skies grew,but we dragged on, pulling through.I wondered where we would spend the night,for the town we’d just passed was now out of sight.My thoughts were racing in and out of my brain,when I pondered, yet again, about Momma’s disdain.

I looked back on the weeks that’d gone by,and how we’d managed to survive. Back to the first night that she’d left us alone,back to the nights full of the unknown.I picked up the scattered times of the past-the circus, the park, and Cousin Eunice’s were back in order at last.

While at the circus, we’d been safe and sound,but now, danger lurked all around.Maybeth was euphoric when put to work with Claire;now she retorted back into her old self, which many thought was despair.At the circus, there was excitement for everyone-from animals to cannons to tightropes and more,Will and Claire always had something in store.Our home for awhile, that circus it was,the people accepted us like no one else does.

The park was but slightly secluded from the outside,however, was a nice place to reside.Poor James with a headache from a fall while fishing for food,was lying at our campsite with the rest of the brood.Where Sammy first stole a lunch along with a wallet packed tight,where we all learned how to overcome fright--

But back at Cousin Eunice’s, we were put to work like that!Spic and span is how she wanted her house,not even room for a mess made by a mouse.We stayed for awhile,too long in one spot for us, though,can quickly become vile.

My feet had grown heavy a long while ago,the darkness now danced in front of my eyes.Where to settle for the night?It must be well after tenthe night’s still young though-but what tomorrow brings,we do not know…

- Katherine Gerberich, 8th

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Quiet and Easy

When all is quiet, all is easyRestart a friendshipRestart old habitsAll is easySecrets are still kept,memories haven’t been forgottenAll is quietStay personal, butbe social,When all is quiet and easy

- Catherine Keve, 8th

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A Secret Chord

They said that there was just one wayClose your eyes and look awayIt’s better this way

But then there was a secret chordThat rang through those ignored

It goes like this:The love, the lightA guiding hand that grasped at the lightFailure does not existValues can persist

But darkness closing inThe wind whispering through the treesPainful memoriesBut then there was a blaze of lightShining through the night

There was more than just one wayDon’t close your eyes, don’t look away

For the hand that thrusts could not withstandThe smallest touchthat came from love

Someday the light will come, just rememberThere is more than just one wayDon’t close your eyes, don’t look away

- Sophia Duke-Mosier, 8th

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Stephanie Tam, 8th

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