teen countywide publication · a bleeding heart, you are, and there’s no way to stitch it up. so...

MOSAIC TEEN COUNTYWIDE PUBLICATION

FALL 2012 • VOLUME 6 • ISSUE 1

Pinellas Public Library Cooperative

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POEM

A Bleeding HeartMolly Quinn, 10th GradeDunedin Public Library

Why are you running away,if there is nothing to fear?We have walked this road every day,without a single fault.But things have changedsince that very first day.It is colder, far darker;Harder, like a stone.I wish that I could fix the bridgethat has broken between us.Stop trying to fight what cannot be fought,for I’m still here, alive and breathing.There is no stopping the shadows,that thrive on pain and misery;They have crept closer than before.A bleeding heart, you are,and there’s no way to stitch it up.So I suppose I’ll just stand aloneand watch you slip away. Without you the wind whistles,sad and cold without haste;But I still stand therewith a fire burning in my chest.But to tell you the truth,the shadow that you have left beside mehas been more company than you ever were.

POEM

You Are HereJessica Bennett, 6th Grade

Dunedin Public Library

PHOTOGRAPHY

Underwater CampLindsey McNeave, 6th Grade

Dunedin Public Library

I wake upThe room is cold

My head is anywhereBut my pillow.

The blanket I’ve thrownAcross the floor.I hear the silenceOutside my door.

My yells and shoutsMy sad screams

Are met only withEmpty Dreams.

POEM

empty dreamsCaitlyn Burnitis, 12th GradeSt. Petersburg Public Library

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SHORT STORY

The Ballad of the Black BanditAbby Berlage, 10th GradeDunedin Public Library“You’re sure you can handle this?” Uncle Joe asked Maria. “I know what to do.” Maria told him. Maria Vasquez would be bartending while her uncle had the day off. Everythingwasgoingfineuntiltwogrumpythugswalkedin.Theybellieduptothebar.Thenafencelizardwithabandanatiedoverhismouthandahatoverhiseyescamein.Heorderedapplejuice.Hetookittothebacktable.Thethugsatthebarstartedtogetrowdy.Oneofthe thugs grabbed Maria’s shoulder. Maria wasn’t going to let her new blouse get stained. It was abadsituation.Still,shewouldn’ttouchthesawedoffshotgunthatwasunderthebar.Theapplejuice-drinkingstrangerwalkeduptotheprogram.Hepulledouthis.44sandchasedthethugsoutthedoor.Thesheriffwaswaitingoutsidethedoor.Everyonecheered.Asthestrangerranoutthebackdoor,apieceofpaperfell.Mariapickedupthepaper. Ashyandbumblingfencelizardwalkedin.“What’sgoingon?”heasked. Mariaexplainedtohim.“Thecardheleftsays,‘BlackBandit,’“Mariatoldthefencelizard.Hegotalittlenervous,“Aglassofapplejuiceplease,” NewsoftheBlackBanditgrew;sodidhisexploits.Hestoppedabankhold-up,saved a rancher’s daughter who was about to be thrown across canyon, the cowboy who was abouttobeshotinthebackwassavedbyhim.Whentheschoolmarmwasbeinginsulted,hewasbyherside.Theladiesintown,reptileandhuman,werefindingthemselvesinlovewiththe“BlackBandit.”Theonlyproblemwasnooneknewwhohewas.Ayounghornedtoadlizardboyandayoungdesertiguanagirlneededtofindoutwhothemaskedstrangerwas.Amythedesertiguana turned to Maria Vasquez: “Did you notice anything different about his behavior?” She thoughtaboutit.“Heorderedapplejuice,”Mariaanswered.Skippythehornedtoadhadanidea.“Wejustneedtofindwhoelseordersapplejuice.”Mariawishedthemgoodluckontheirmission. AmyandSkippydecidedthatthepharmacywouldbeagoodplacetolookforanswers.“So,Mr.Pharmacist,whobuysapplejuicefromyou?”Amyasked.Thepharmacistseemedstartledbytheirquestion.“Well,JewellandAllen,arethemainones.” AmyandSkippythoughtaboutthat.“Well,Jewellisagirl,soitcan’tbeher,“Amyconcluded.“Who’sAllen?”Skippyasked.Thepharmacistpointed:“Herehecomes.”Thebum-blingfencelizardwalkedin.Allenwalkeduptothecounter.“I’llhaveataco,bakedbeans,andaglassofapple-juice.”SkippyandAmywhisperedtoeachother:“It’shim!””I’mnotsure!”Beforethedebatecouldcontinue,thepostmanwalkedin.“IhavealetterfromGroverClevelandfortheBlackBandit.DoyouknowwhereIcanfindhim?”Allenspokeup:“He’sagoodfriendofmine.I’llgiveittohim.”ThepostmanhandedthelettertoAllen. Thenextday,SkippyandAmywerewalkingdownthestreet.“Idon’trecognizethatman,”thesixteen-year-olddesertiguanasaid.ThestrangehombrewalkeduptoSkippy.“I’mJohnHoyo.Myjobistomakesureallthesheriffsandmarshals,fromElPasotoDurango,followtherules.AndhereinRedrock,NewMexico,yoursheriffhashelpfromanundeputized,BlackBandit.Iplantohanghim.”AmyandSkippywereshocked.TheyrantowarntheBlackBandit. BlackBanditwastryingtohelpaminerwhofelldownamineshaftwithoutaladder.AmyandSkippyrantohim.“Yougottogetoutofhere!You’regoingtohang!”TheBlackBanditwasshocked.Themanappeared.Thebandittoldtheyounglizardstojumponthebackofhishorse.Theychargedoff.Themanchasedafterthem.Thechasewason!Theyrodefaster.Afteramileortwo,Amyyelled.Thewagonsped.Theychaseduntilthesunsank.Theyfounda“safe”placetocamp.Beforetheybunkeddowntheywatchedthesunandmoon.Theyallfellasleep. Whentheyawoke,AmyandSkippyweretiedtogether,andtheBlackBanditwastiedtothewagondriver.“Skippy,Itoldyou,thatyoushouldn’ttakeyourlassowithyou!Amycomplained. TheBlackBanditwasdismaskedtoshowthathewasAllen.Allen,Amy,andSkippywereinjailtobetriedandhanged. Therancher’sdaughter,cametoseeHoyo.“Pleaseletthemgo.Ifitwasn’tforAllenI’dbesmashed!”thegirlcried.Johndidn’tcare.Thetownclockstrucknoon,Amy,theBlackBandit,andSkippywereledtothegallows.Thewagondriverwasletoffthehook.Amydid not want to die this way. TheSheriffwalkeduptoMr.Hoyo.“Where’syourlicense?”Mr.Hoyowasshocked.“Idon’thaveitwithme,”helied.“Idon’tthinkso,you’reunderarrest.”TheSherifftold him. “Becauseofthiswholehangingmess,I’dliketomakeyouthreedeputies,“hetoldBlackBandit,Skippy,andAmy. “Thankyou,”theBlackBanditsaid,“butIhavemoreworktodo.”Herearedhishorse,wavedhishat,androdeoffintothedesertsunset.AmyandSkippywentafterhim.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Golden Gate Bridge,San FranciscoOlivia Chen, Age 13, Largo Public Library

ARTWORK - PENCIL DRAWING

PerspectiveSydney Murray, 9th Grade, Tarpon Springs Public Library

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SHORT STORY

Detective Jessica and theCase of the Necklace Nabber

Jessica Bennett, 6th Grade, Dunedin Public Library


Christopher DrewDeanna Bousalis, 12th Grade, Largo Public Library

PHOTOGRAPHY

End of the DayLiz Ellmaker, 9th Grade, Safety Harbor Public Library

Jessicaawokejustintimetohearthecrashofherlampfallingoverandtoseeaflashofblacknearherwindow.“Hey!Getbackhere!”shecriedbutitwasalreadygone.“AtleastIdon’thaveanythingvaluable-mynecklace!Mygoldnecklace!” Jessica searched everywhere she remembered having her necklace: on her dresser, in the kitchen, in the bathroom, with no luck, so she decided to look for any clues as to who did it. She had her window openallnightbecauseofhowniceitwasout,butitwasonlyopenabouthalfafoot.Thenshelookedtoherdressertoinspectherbrokenlamp,whenshenoticedthreesmallscratchesneartheedge.“Whatcouldhavedonethat?” Thatmorning,JessicadecidedtoaskherfriendErinwhattodo.“Jessica!Youlookhorrible!”Erinpracticallyscreamed. “I’lltakethatasacomplement,“Jessicaretorted.“Somecreepyguysomehowgotinmyroomandstolemynecklace.Atmidnight!Icouldn’tsleeptherestofthenight.” “I would talk to Max about it. Doesn’t he, like, owl watch all night?” “I will, thanks.” AtMax’shouseJessicawasdirected(byhisparents)tothebackyard.Maxwassittinginasmallpatchofshadewithasmallcrowthatlookedonlyatinybitshorterthanafoot.“Hi?”Jessicaaskedtentatively,causingMax,aswellhiscrowtojump.Thecrowgavearathernasal“CAW!”andflewoff. “Whatwasthat?”Jessicaasked. “ThatwasPirate,thecrow.Ican’tlegallykeephimasapet,buthelikesmeenoughtosharehiscollectionswithmeifIfeedhim.”Maxexplained. “Whatdoeshecollect?” “Tinfoil,wire,coathangers,onceheevenfoundawatch!”

“Cool!”Butlet’sgettomypoint.Mygoldnecklacewasstolen last night. I was told that you would have seen who did it. Haveyougotanyideas?” “I’m really sorry but I didn’t go out then. I was at John’s placealmostallnight.ButIsuspectCalvindidit.It’salmostMother’sDayandhewascomplainingaboutnothavingapresentfor her.” “Whatwereyoudoinglastnightatmidnight?”Jessicaprobed. “Sleeping,”Calvinreplied. “Prove it.” “Youknow,IbetthatErindidit.OrMax.IthinkIsawsomething shiny in Max’s yard this morning, I bet that was it.” Jessica went outside to check and found her necklace laying in the grassinMax’sfrontyard.“So,Maxdidit.”Calvinhadcomeupbehind Jessica and was talking right in her ear. “Well,Idon’thaveanyproofthathedid.Anyonetryingtoframehimcouldhaveplanteditthere.” Jessica brought Erin to her room to examine the evidence. “Couldsomeonehavegottenin?”Erinasked. “Notachance.Thedoorswerelockedandnoonecouldfitthroughtheopenwindowunlesstheywereverysmall.” “Whataboutagrabber?CalvinandMaxhavethose.” “Butthey’relinedwithrubber.Itwouldn’tmakethosescratch marks.” “Right.Plus,Maxisoutofthequestion.ItalkedtoJohn,whosaidhefellasleepathisplace.Idon’tseewhyhewouldbeinon it.” “Wait!Blackflash.Shinynecklace.Scratches,claws,smallbird!” Jessicathoughtoutloud.“Iknowwhodidit!” “Who?”Erinasked. “Pirate!”Jessicaanswered.“PirateisMax’spetcrow.Max told me about Pirate’s collections. I deduced that they are all shinyobjectslikemynecklace.PirateshowsthemofftoMax;thatexplainswhyitwasinhisyard.Oncehefoundawatch,anditwasprobablystolenlikemynecklace.Thatiswhodidit.”

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There’s something that flowsAnd something that blows

And rushes along the ground.It can fly and it can run

Have all sorts of funbut almost never makes a sound.

It can whisper and tickleWon’t cost you a nickel

And can be found most anywhere.We use it to drinkTo wash in the sink

And energy to dry our hair.But be wise of how much you use

Because one day we may loseWhat flows and blows

FOREVERPlease use our water and air with care


Chinese New Year: The DragonKayla Massie, 9th Grade

Pinellas Park Public Library

POEM

The Eco-WordNicole Harrison, 10th Grade

Largo Public Library

PHOTOGRAPHY

Waves at Antelope Canyon, UtahSophia Chen, Age 11, Largo Public Library

ARTWORK - COMPUTER DRAWING

Lucky the DogJoshua Harrison, Age 14, Largo Public Library

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SHORT STORY

Dragon Bonds, Part One of the DragonTales SeriesEmily Eskanos, 9th Grade, Palm Harbor Public Library

CHAPTER ONEMeetingHisDragon

“Dad, I don’t want to go. Dragons are…”complainedAlinaslightlyshakyvoice.Alwasonlythirteen,butheknewwhatthistripmeantforhisfuture. “Arewhat?”repliedAl’sfatherDavid,almostdaringAltoanswerhim.HepushedAltowardstheelk-drawncarriagewithitscarvedsidesandbrightlypaintedsymbols, the meanings of many still un-knowntoAl.“Nowyouknowyouhavetohaveadragon!Whatwouldyourbrotherthink?” Theelk,Gustav,snortedandturneditsmassiveheadastheyapproached.Standingfivefeethighattheshoulder,histoweringblackantlersremindedAlofagiant old tree in a dark forest in some fairy tale.Hislongwhiskersalwayswavedaroundashespoke,liketallgrassinawind. “Yourancestorsputthatspellonthe Ingi family. “David wearily sighed, “No matter how you can go, you’re still getting adragon,justasIdidwhenIwasyourage,and my farther before.” Andhisfatherbeforehim,andhisfatherbeforehim,Althoughttohimselfsourly, knowing better than to voice his contemptoutloud. Alfinallysteppedupintothecar-riage, sulking. “Dad, why did our family havetobesoweird?”Whycan’tIjustgotomagicschoollikeanormalkid?”WhydoIhave to start dragon?” Alwasn’twhatwasconsideredbysocietyasthe…propertype.Hewashotheaded,andtendedtospeakhismindquite

frequently.Thisworkedagainsthisfavoronmorethanafewoccasions.ThenotablyoddthinkaboutAlwasthathehateddrag-ons.Havingnevermetadragon,asfarasheknew,hejust’knew’hefeltadeepangerthatwelledupinsideofhimatthemerementionofdragons.Hecouldn’texplainthesefeelings.Hewasconfusedbythem. Al’sfatherwasreluctanttohaveconversationsofanyrealdepthwithAlre-gardinghisangerandcontemptatthecrea-tures for which he had never had anything todowithpersonally.BecausehisfathertendedtoshunAlawaywhenhemadehisattempt,Alhasbeenreluctanttobringupthesubject. Hepulledouthissketchpadandbegantodraw.Sketchinghelpedhimdealwith his feelings whenever he began to feel overwhelmed.Hethoughtaboutthis,hisangershowingonpaperandpencil. Helookedoutthewindow,theforestblurringbyasAlwonderedwhathisdragon would look like. “Maybe it’ll be tall withredscales?Orgreen.” Hehadneverseenadragon,andneverfullyunderstoodthe‘spell’thathisfather had talked about so many times in the study. Allhefullyunderstoodwasthatthe Igni family had given a dragon to the Tourfamilychildrenwheneachturnedthirteen.ItoccurredtoAlthatbothfamilieshad always had children simultaneously. HisthoughtsdriftedandAlwonderedtohimself‘whatwasanewborndragoncalledanyway?Wasitconsideredacub,orpump,orchick?” Twohourshadpassedwhenthey

exitedtheBluewoodForestandenteredavast area with rolling hills covered in tall grassalongtheseaside.AlturnedonhisiPod and began to listen to some techno, the light from the window shone off his light brownhair.Hisfatherwasasleepnexttohim snoring. Maybe I should sketch him andshowittohimlater,Althought. Thecarriagehaltedwithajerk,joltingAloutofanythoughtshemayhavebeenthinking.Thesuddenstopsentthetwoflying!“Gustav,IswearI’mgoingtocookyou,“Fathersaidwithagrunt.Hewasn’t very good at managing his emotions. Gustav,withaknowinggrinonhisface, turned his head and looked through the frontwindowofthecarriage.“Ha!SuchrudewordstotheonewhopulledyouforthepasttwohoursheretoSpringhillwhileyousatonyourlazybut,”heteased.Heturnedawaywithasnort.Hislongthickwhiskerswavedandflowedinthebreezeasherestedfromthelongjourney. FatherandAlsteppedoutofthecarriage and gazed at a small yellow house. Allookedaround,takinginthescenery.Inhisminditappearedasifsomeonehadspitthecountryside.Alimitless,blueoceanspannedasfarashiseyecouldseeononeside.Ontheothersideweregentlyslop-ing hills, covered in tall grass that seemed to dance with the breeze. In the distance, hecouldjustmakeouttheedgeofaforestthatseemedtogoonforever.Atleast,Althought that’s what he saw. Illusions can comeinmanyforms,ashewouldsoonfindout. “Areweattherightplace?”Alasked. “I don’t think they could hide a dragonanywhere.”Helookedupathisfather’sstern,disapprovingstareandreal-izedthathehadjustsaidsomethingstupid.Whathadhesaidwrong?Theywalkedupto the door and knocked.


Lonely.....Kyla Scully-Strain, 6th Grade, Pinellas Park Public Library


Bulletproof HeartBrenna Garcia, 8th Grade, St. Petersburg Public Library

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God of MischiefPatricia Panabaker, 10th Grade, Pinellas Park Public Library

SHORT STORY

The Monster That I have BecomeKirsten Downs, 11th Grade, Pinellas Park Public Library


Th e CollieDelight Williams, 7th Grade, Pinellas Park Public Library

Clunk.Clunk.Clunk.Clunk.Iwalkovertothewindow,myfeetclunkingloudlyeachstompoftheway,remindingmeofwhatIam.OfwhatIalwayswillbe,amonster. Abreezecomesoffofthelake,andthepinescarryittomyopenwindow.Thecoldsendsachilldownmyspine,andIshiver.It’sfunnythatI,abeast,canstillbeaffectedbyalittlewind.OnethingIknow,thecoldcanfindamanandseepintohisbonesnomatterwhoheis.Orwhatheis. Thoughtheyswaytowardsmeinthebreeze,Ican’tsmellthefreshscentofthepines,evenwiththenoseofthiscreaturethatIam. Icatchanobliqueglimpseofmyhideousfaceinthewindowpane.SuddenlyIfeelasurgeofanger-theangerIalwaysfeelwhenIseeanimageofwhatIam.Islammyhand-paw-againstthewindow,anditshattersacrossthefloor.Nowthereareathousandreflectionsofmyuglyface.Bysmashingthewindow,Ionlymadeitworse. Theytrytodepictimagesofcreatureslikemeinfairytales.Big,scary,ugly,oafish-theseareadjectivestheyusetodescribeme.Nonearewrong,butneitheraretheyaccurate.Theirwordsarekinder. Ihavehorseeyeswitharedrimsurroundingthepupil.TheybugoutofmyfacewhenIbecomeangry.Ihaveahuman-likebody.ThinkE.T.orSméagol,butabouttwentytimeslargerandmoremuscularwithbrownhairsproutingoutinalldirections.Myfaceisthatofawolfandabear’soffspring,asifthat’sevenpossible.IhaveclawsthatareaninchlongwhenIattack.Thebestpartismypaws.Icaneitherwalkwiththem like an animal, or stand with them like a man, but I am neither. Enough about me. I have to go get a broom and try and clean upthismess.MaybeifIwalkthroughtheglassonthewayit’llteachmealesson.Butno,thebloodwilljustmakeanevenbiggermess,andthere’snoonetocleanitupbutme.Theywereallafraidordisgustedatthesightofme.Itreallydoesn’thelpamonster’sselfesteemwheneveryoneheknowsleaveshimbecauseofhisnewappearance. Justremember,nevertickoffawitchoryou’llenduplikeme.Ever heard of Beauty and the Beast?Yeah,that’smeminustheBeauty.IntheDisneymovieatleasttheBeasthadahousefullofappliancefriends.Idon’tevenhavethose.Friendless,loveless.What’ssogreataboutbeingabeast?Absolutelynothing.Idon’trecommendtryingit.


Black ParadeBrenna Garcia, 8th Grade, St. Petersburg Public Library

PHOTOGRAPHY

Bird of Prey PerchCheyenne Schoeppner, 7th Grade, Pinellas Park Public Library

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SHORT STORY

Wh i t e Wa l l sCasey Moore, Age 17

Safety Harbor Public Library Myhomedoesn’thaveafireplace,orkitchen.Itdoesn’thaveaslightlytorncouch;doesn’thaveaclosetfilledwithmulti-hueddressesandforgottenshoes.Myhomebeepsandwhirs,ticksandchimes.Eachscrapeofmetalandsoundofmachinerymarksjoyordespair,astheinstrumentsthatstriveforrepeatedperfection.Weareuniform,amovingbodythatflowsintoeachroomwithcommonpurpose.ThehomeisjustoffofWashingtonDrivearoundthecornerfromJimmy’sBistro;it’sprettytallsoyoucan’tmissit.Thegraypaintischipping,andtheredshutteronthethirdstorywon’tstayshut.Weneedtoinstallnewpavers,andtheliliesareseldomwatered.Itisn’tthemostaestheticallypleasing,yetthismeansnexttonothingincomparisontowhatgoesonbehind the front door. It is a house of miracles. It is a promiseofhope.Itisthehospital,anditismysanctuary. Ihaveworkedhereforalmostfiveyears,andI’veneverbeenanythingshortofhappy.ImakemydailyroundstotheNICU,andeachlittlefacebringsmesomuchjoy.It’samazinghowhumbleourbeginningsare.Babiesarecompletelydependent,forcedtorelyonthedecisionsandcareofadults.It’sourresponsibilitytowelcomenewlifeintotheworld,andsomeofusarejustkids ourselves. I’m an obstetrician because I want to bear thatresponsibility.WhenIamdelivering,Iamnotjustadoctor.Iamsecondmothertothatchild,thefirstpersontheirfingergraspsastheyenterintoanewexistence.Theyareallmychildren,andIhopethebestforthem.Miniatureblueeyesareneweyesforseeing;discoveringthewondrousplacestheworldhastooffer.Pinkfingerswillsoongrasptoysandbooks,andwillhopefullyfindahandtoholdoneday.Smallmindsarehavensofpos-sibility;somecouldgoasfarascuringcancer. ThepatienttodayisMiaRosa.Sheis25yearsold.Despitebeinginlaborfor15hours,shehasasmileonherfaceattheprospectofherlittleboybeingborn. Mia has stunning olive skin and soft, long brown hair.Heralmond-shapedeyesareasdarkasnight,buttheyarenotcold.Theyinviteyouin,andlightupeverytimeherlittleonegivesakick.Herhusband,David,isawreck.Whereverheisseeninthehospital,heispacing.Inthewaitingarea,thecafeteria,evenMia’sroom-justback and forth. Every time David’s with Mia he’s hold-ing her hand, asking her if there is anything he can do to makehermorecomfortable.Thepoorguyfeelshelplessinalleviatinghiswife’spain.Heistall,blondandstrong.Youcanseehismusclesripplingbeneaththesurfacehisshirt.Theyarewhatonecouldcalla“pictureperfect”family.Bothofthemareveryphysicallyattractive,butthere is also more beneath the surface. Mia has such a caringnature,andDavidwillprotecthisfamilyeverywayhecan.Theyseemtocomplementeachother,andeven in my short time of knowing them, I can say their childwillgrowupinawonderfulhome. Mypagerbuzzes,anditstartlesme.Room227.Miamustbegettingreallyclosetohavingherlittleboy.Ijumpupandchangeintomyscrubsasfastas I can. I run to the room and take in the scene. Mia isstartingtoscreamfromthepain.Severalnursesarecalming her down, and another doctor is checking the ad-ministrationofmedicine.Ayoungstudentinfellowshipisgivinghersipsofwater.Davidhaschangedintoscrubs

aswell,andhe’ssweating,scaredoutofhismind.Buthestillholdshiswife’shand,andhe’sputonabraveface. “It’ll all be over soon. You’ve got this baby.” AsIwalkintotheroom,heturnstomeandnods. It’s in my hands now. I go to my station and take the command. I tell the young student to back away and tell David to hold Mia’shandastightashecan.Anothernursegrabsherotherhand,andnowit’sjustmeandMiawhoarework-ing. “Push!” “You’vegotitsweetheart!” “Almostthere!” Mia is yelling, but that is soon drowned out of myfocus.Weareastrongtide,surgingtowardtheshore.Wearepushingtogether,streamingtogether.Ourwaterismovingquickly,flowingtowardsomethingbeautiful.Weareone. Andjustassoonasitstarted,itisover.Islowlypullthelittleboyintomyarmsandaroundablanket. I hold life in my hands, and I am crying. I don’t know why, but I always do. Mia and David both share in mytears,astheyareatthehappiestthey’veeverbeen.Aperfectlittleguy.IchokebackasobbecauseheremindsmeofmyTyler.Mypreciousson.Irememberhisblonde little curls, and the way he would giggle when I ranmyfingersthoughthem.HisblueeyesweresobrightonChristmasmorningwhenhegothisfirstbicycle.Tylerwouldsitunderthebigoaktreeandflipthroughhispicturebooksbyhimself;hedidn’tneedtobeattendedtoeveryminute.IrememberwhenJakeandIfirstheardthediagnosis.Thedoctor’seyesweresadasheutteredtheword“leukemia.”Asparents,wecouldn’tbelieveit.ThiskindofthinghappenedondramaticTVshowsandmovies,nottous.NottoTyler,ourlittleangel.Weonlysharedfiveshortyearswithhim.Hewasremark-able, and fought the battle against his sickness that all too manyhavetofight.Imisshimeveryday,andIyearntoholdhimoncemoreinmyarms.ButIamnotbitter.Tylerblessedmylife,andIwillcarryhiskindnatureand charm with me until the day I die. I hold this tiny newbornandhopesomuchforhim.Ihopehedoesn’teverhavetohurtlikeTylerdid.Ihopeheenjoysalong,fulfillinglife. I hand the little boy to Mia, and she looks at himwithastonishmentandelation.Iglanceupatthewhite walls of the room. Some see the large amount ofwhiteinhospitalsasencroachingandfrightening.Hospitalsremindpeopleofdeath,sickness,andinjury.Iknowmanywhodon’twanttowalkpastthefrontdoor;thepractitioners,quickpace,andpossibilityofbadnewssaddensthem.ButIseeitdifferently.Thosewhitewallspromiseablankslate,anewbeginning.Doctorsaremiracleworkers,mendingthingsthatcanatfirstseemsobroken.Thewhiteisasecondchance.It’sanemptycanvas,readytobepaintedwitheverythingyouhadatfirstthoughtyoulost. AssoonasIstepoutoftheroom,ItransformfromsomeoneplayingGodtooncemorebecomehu-man.Iwasjustinthemiddleofamiracle,butnoweverythingisnormal.Iwalktothebreakroomandpourmyselfsomeorangejuice.Isitdownandallowmyselfachocolate-sprinkleddoughnutforajobwelldone.Ican’thelpbutmarvelathowcontentIamhereandhowblessed I’ve been in my 30 years. I touch my swelling stomach and smile.


SHADOWSSydney Murray, 9th Grade

Tarpon Springs Public Library


Look AliveBrenna Garcia, 8th Grade,

St. Petersburg Public Library

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SHORT STORY

Elle n ' s Stardus t Din e rCasey Moore, Age 17 Safety Harbor Public Library

PHOTOGRAPHY

Rainy DayLiz Ellmaker, 9th Grade, Safety Harbor Public Library

PHOTOGRAPHY

Bright NightLiz Ellmaker, 9th Grade, Safety Harbor Public Library

StepintoNewYorkCity,anddiscoveracompletelydifferentworld.Aworldthatoozesenergy-alwaysmoving,constantlychanging.Anabundanceofglaringlights,speedingtaxisandtoweringskyscraperscharmthenewcomer.Andtherearepeople-somanypeople.ThousandsofanonymouseyesgraceyourowninTimesSquare,andyoucan’thelpbutfeelafleetingconnectiontothem.WeallcanshareinthemagicoftheBigApple.Itishere,inthesplendidcity,thatyoucanhaveahumblingexperience.Whilebumpingintocountlessshouldersonthesidewalk,itissomewhateasiertofathomjusthowbigtheworldis.NewYorkCityenticesalltypesofpeople,fromthosewishingforfinancialsuccess,tothosewishingtohavetheirharmoniesheard.NewYorkpromisesfame.NewYorkpromisesjoy.NewYorkpromisesfulfillmentofone’sdesires,namelyforthosewhocan’tgetStephenSondeimoutoftheirheads.InNewYork,thetalentsofayoungperformingartistcanblossomonBroadway.Shinytapshoesinhand,America’stalentedyouthoftenfindthemselvesinNewYork,eachonehopingtoconquerthe“BigStage.” Asmallrestaurantresidesacouplestreetsoverfromthehustle-and-bustleofTimesSquare.ItgoesbyEllen’sStardustDiner,acharmingburgerjointthathiresaspiringsingersandBroadwaydreamers.Itdoesn’tlooktoospectacularfromout-side,boastingonlyasmallneonsignthat’sseenbetterdays.Butoncethroughthosedoors,youfindyourselfbeaminglikeachildonChristmasmorning.Theatmosphereisincredible,bouncyandeuphoric,anditgreetsyouimmediately.Waiterswearlittleblackbowties-theboyswithbuttonupshirtsandslacks,thegirlswithold-fashionedblousesandcascadingskirts.Adiscoballcirclesoverhead,swirlinglightonallthecustomersandthecheckerboarddancefloor.Acolossalkaraokemachinedominatesthediner,itssweetsymphoniesreachingeverycorner.Myattentionfindstheyoungwomaninbraidsdancingonatableinthemiddleoftheroom,herbootsstompingtothebeatasshecroonsoutherrenditionofMirandaLambert’s“GunpowderandLead.”Alleyesareonher,transfixed.Shehitsthelastnote,andtheroomeruptsinapplauseandwhistles.Thedivawavesandtakesalittlecurtsy,thentransformsfromsuperstardomtooncemorebecomeawaitress.Ieatmyfoodinabsolutesilence,completelyengrossedineveryperformer.There’sayoungmanwithanastoundingvoicestraightoutoftheOpera;surprising,becausewithhisinkedbodyandpierc-ings,helooklikehe’dratherbeonaHarleythanbecaughtdeadsingingAndreaBocelli.There’sapetitebrunettewhorocksoutto“RollingintheDeep;”herraspyvoicechannelingthelikesofJoanJett.Eachpersonwhotakesthefloorisincrediblytalented.Yet,onepersonisetchedinmymemoryforever.Ayoungman,probably26,stepsonthestage.He’sgawky,about5’7,andwearsawicked-coolMohawk.Imightcomparehimtothesignoutside:unassuming,alittletired-looking.Themannodstothewomanonthekaraokemachine.Hegivesaslygrin,thenbeginstosing”Grenade”byBrunoMars.Well,IhatetobreakittoyouMr.Mars,butMr.Mohawkhasyoubeat.Hisvoicewasunmatchable,pureandrefreshing.He’dhitthehighnoteswithlazyeasewhileserenadingladiesaroundtherestaurant.Hewovethroughthetables,beamingateverycustomer,bouncingaroundinhisscuffed-upConverse.Whenthebrilliantrenditionwasover,Iwhistledandcheereduntilmyvoicegrew

hoarse.Hetookhisbow,andgraciouslythankedeveryonefortheapplause. Iwasawestruckwiththeperformance.Goosebumpssproutedonmyarmsfromhearingthelovelyvoice.Whatablessing,tohearsomeonesotrulytalented.Hereisamanwhowasborntosing.Soonenough,however,IwassnappedoutofthefairytaleasIsawhimcarryingcheesecaketoanearbytable.Theproblemis,Idon’tknowhisname,andI’mafraidIneverwill.ThisyounggentismerelythreeblocksfromshinyBroadway,yetmanymilesaway.Therearesomanytalented,heartwarm-ingperformersoutthere-morethanIeverrealized.EspeciallyinNewYorkCity,somanypeoplehavethesefantasticgifts.Unfortunately,theirtalentsmaynevertrulycometolight.It’sunfairhowluckworks.TheyoungmanworksharderanddeservesthespotlightfarmorethananyHiltonorKardashian.Perhapshe’sbeendealtthewronghandinlife’sgameofpoker;hedidn’thavetherightcardsforsuccess.StillIcan’thelpbutwisheveryone’sgiftscouldbeglorifiedastheyshould.Ifeltmyselfwishing all the best for the mohawked waiter, and I still wonder about him from time totime.Iknowit’sa“dog-eat-dog”business,andnoteveryonecanbehappy,butIhopesomeinthatenchantinglittlerestaurantgettheirchancetoshine.


Tribal FeverBrenna Garcia, 8th Grade, St. Petersburg Public Library

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Desert HighwayBrenna Garcia, 8th Grade, St. Petersburg Public Library

ARTWORK - INK DRAWING

Hulahooping Cyborg Sparkle WomenMorgan Krauss Ingham, 12th Grade

Tarpon Springs Public Library

SHORT STORY

A Fairy Tale Revisited: A “kindness" ReturnedSydney Murray, 9th Grade, Tarpon Springs Public Library

Horacethefoxyawnedashecrawledoutofhishut,eyesblinkingassunlightfloodedhisface.Hestretchedcasuallybeforestoopingtopickupagrass-wovenbasketbythedoor,nowpartiallyfullwithripe,juicyberries.Tuckingthebasketunderhisarm,Horacewalkedtothestreamandrinsedhisfaceandpaws.Thesunshoneonhismahoganycoatashestooped,fillingabucketofcoolstreamwatertoboilwithsomecarrots,onions,andwildmushroomsfromhisgarden.Whenhissoupbegantoboil,headdedafewstrandsofsweetgrass,abitofhoney,andapinchofsaltfrom Edwin the deer, who lived a few huts down. Grinningwickedly,hetastedthesoup,noddinginsatisfactionasitswonderfulflavorspreadthroughhismouth.ThiswastastyenoughtoservetoMerlinthestork.Horacelaughedashepoppedaripeberryintohismouth,itssweetjuicerunningdownthischin. Themorningpassedslowlyasthesunincheditswayupintocloudlesssky.Ataroundnoon,aknocksoundedatHorace’sdoor.Horaceansweredit,grinninginnocentlybeforeusheringhisfriendinsittinghimonafreshgrassmatplacedonhiscleanlysweptfloor. Merlinsatbackagainstthewall,hisspectaclesslowlyslidingdownhisslenderbeak.Placinghiscaneagainsttherockingchairbythestove,hesigheddeeply. “Howwasyourwalkthismorning,Merlin?”Horaceaskedasheladledouttwobowlsofsoup. Merlinpushedhisspectaclesupbeforeanswering,hiswisevoicebrimmingwithquestionsasthefoxbroughtovertwoshallow,widebowlsofsoup.“Thecoolbreezefeltniceaftersuchawarmsummer.Yes,itwasamostpleasantwalkindeed.” Thefoxnodded,eyeslowered.“Shallwebeginourmeal?Imadesoup,justthewayyou like it.” Merlinsmiledslowly.“Yes.Thankyou,Horace.Itsmellsdelicious.” Ameredeerorrabbitwouldhavebeguntofeeltheguiltnigglingitswaythroughtheircraftiness,butnotthefox.HegloatedashefinishedthesoupquicklyandwatchedMerlinstruggletodrinkthebroth,hislongbeakhinderinghisearnestattempts. Afterafewmoments,Merlinlookedupandgentlylaidthesoupaside,hispiercinggazefollowingthefoxashestackedthebowlsandplacedtheminabasinofhot,soapywaterona side table next to the stove. “Thatwastastysoup.Thankyoufortakingthetimetoprepareit.”Merlinnoddedhisthanksbeforestanding,retrievingthiscane,andhobblingovertothecoatrack.Heslippedonhis blue velvet, brass buttoned coat. “Forsuchwarmhospitality,”thestorksaidkindly,“Iwouldliketoinviteyoutomyownhomefordinnerthisveryeve.Iwillnotacceptnoforananswer.IthasbeentoolongsinceIhavehadthepleasureofentertainingyourcompany. Horace,knowingfullwellhowwonderfulthestork’scookingwas,readilyacceptedMerlin’s invitation before showing the stork out. Thefoxgrinnedashewavedgoodbyeandambledbackintohisowncottage.Histrickeryhadgonesmoothly…forMerlinwasleavinghungry!Laughingoutloud,hedippedoutanotherservingofsoup,brokeoffachunkofbread,andateoutsideinthesun,atreeservingasachair and the grass as his cushion. Asthesunsetthatnight,thefoxputonhisredcloakandsetoutforthestork’scot-tageafewmilesaway.Ashecamecloser,hesawbeewascandlesplacedcarefullyinthestork’swindows,cheerfullylightingupthecozycottage.Theporchwasneatlyswept,freshflowerswereplacedinbrightlypaintedpotsnearthedoor,andthewindowswerescrubbedcleaninpreparationpotsnearthedoor,andthewindowswerescrubbedcleaninpreparationforthefox’svisit. Merlinhurriedoutbeforethefoxhadachancetoknockonthedoor.“Welcome,friend.Comein.Everythingisready.” Noddingeagerly,thefoxplacedhiscloakontotheoutstretchedwingsofthestork,oblivious to the abnormal gleam lighting his shining, black eyes. AdelightfulsmellofmincedmeatmetHoraceatthedoor.Inhalingdeeply,hecrossedtheroomandsatatthepreparedtablenexttoawarm,cracklingfire.Merlinbrushedoffthefox’scoatandcarefullyhungitonthebackofhiscoatrack.Heclosedthedoortothecold,Novemberwindsandhurriedacrosstheroom,sittingoppositetoHorace. Merlinsmiledsoftlyasheaddedanotherlogtothefire.“Shallwebegin?” Thefoxlookeddownatthetall,narrowrimmedjarofmincedmeatbeforehim.Henodded,swallowinghard.Ohhowtastythefoodsmelled!Hebegantoregretthetrickthathehadplayedonthestork.Merlinhadrememberedandofferedhimthesamecourtesyinreturn. HoracewatchedlonginglyasMerlinhastilygobbleddownhismeatwithhislongslender beak. Lowering his head, he tried his best to lick the meat on the rim. Ashamed,Horaceaskedforgivenessfortheeviltrickhehadplayed.HeadmittedthathehadbeenwrongandinvitedMerlinoncemoretohishomeforlunch.Thistime,hewouldservethefoodcorrectly.Horacehadlearnedanimportantlessonandneveragainwouldheplayatrick on any of the animals of the forest.

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(Narratorstepsout;waitsforthecrowdtosilence) Narrator:Helloboysandgirls!TodayisPiDayatHolyFamily!Notthepieforeating,butthepiformath.Ihaveaveryspecialstoryforyou,amathadventure!It’scalledSirCumferenceandtheDragonofPi!(SirCumferenceandRadiuscomeon-stageandareseatedonaraisedsurface.Theytakeoutabasketandbeginpantomimingeatinganddrinking) Narrator:SirCumference,agreatknight,andhisyoungsonRadiuswereoutenjoyingamid-daymealwhensuddenly…(SirCumferenceholdshisstomachasifinpain) S.C.:Ooohmybelly!Itfeelslikeit’sonfire!QuickRadius!Findthegooddoctorandgetmeacure!(Radusrunsbackonstagewhilenarratoristalking) Radius:(facingaudience)WhatshallIdo?!Fatherisingreatpain!I’vegottobringhimsomething!(Radiuslooksatthebottles,picksthemup,readsthelabels,etc.) Radius:Hmm…thissays‘FireBelly.’(lightbulbmoment!)Fatherhasafireinhisbelly!Maybethiswillcureit!(Radiusgrabsthebottleandrunsbackoff-stage.SirCumferencecomesbackonholdinghisstomachandRadiuscomesbackaround) S.C.:Ooohh…giveithere,son!(gulpsitdown,sighsandlooksbetter,thanlookssickandrunsoffstage) Radius:Father?(dramaticnoise,dragonheadandtailappeararoundcornersofbackdrop) Radius:AAAH!Where’smyfather?! Dragon:H-here!H-h-helpme!!!(dragonthrashesitsheadandtail) Radius:Uh…uh,don’tworry…father!I’llgoandgethelp!(Radiusglancesaroundlookingfrightened,thenrunsoff.Dragonmoansandmovesbackbehindthebackdrop) Narrator:Radiusdashedbacktowardsthecastleforhelp!(Radiusglancesaroundlookingfrightened,thenrunsoff.Dragonmoansandmovesbackbehindthebackdrop) Narrator:Radiusdashedbacktowardsthecastleforhelp.Thecastleguardshadalsoheard the commotion(Twoguardsmarchoutwhilethenarratortalkandstandbacktoback,pretendingtobelookingaroundthecountry.Theylookleft-and-right,andthenback-and-frontstillback-to-back)(…silence) Guard#2:(whinily)I’mboooorreeedddd… Guard#1:*grunt* Guard#2:I’mlikeREALLY,sosososo…Sooooo… Guard#1:*sigh” Guard#2:(pointingandyelling)DRAGON! Guard#1:You’resodraggin? Guard#2:Noooo.(grabsguard#1andturnshimaroundtowardsdragon)DRAAAA-GOON! Both:AAAAH! Guard#1:Calltheknights!Warnthepeople!(Bothgomarchingoffstage) Narrator:Meanwhileinthecastle,Radiuswassearchingforhismother…(Radiusrunsinshouting,aladystandsofftoonesideofthestagelookingnervous) Radius:Mother!MOTHER! LadyDi:Thereyouare!Comeinsidequickly!Adragonhasbeenspottednearby! Radius:Iknow!It’s…FATHER! Narrator:Radiustoldhismotherallthathadhappened.(RadiuspantomimesexplainingtoLadiDi,shegaspsandlookssurprised) LadiDi:QuicklyRadius!Wemustfindanotherpotionthatwillchangeyourfatherback!Wedon’thavemuchtime!Theknightsplantoslaythedragoninthemorning!(Radiusre-emergeswiththecontainer) Radius:(readingpoem)Thecircle’sMeasure:...Measurethemiddleandcirclearound…Dividesoanumbercanbefound…Everycircle,greatandsmall-Thenumberisthesameforall…It’salsothedose,sobeclever,oradragonhewillstay…Forever!(Radiusthinks,putscontainerdownneartheedgeofbackdrop) Radius:I’llbetGeoofMetrycanhelp!Carpentersmeasurethingseveryday!

Narrator:GeoofMetryandhisbrotherSymwerelookingatanewtypeofwheelSymhad made.(GeoandSymcomeonstageholdingawheelwith8spokes) Sym:Soyousee,nomatterwhereyoulookaroundthecircle,thespokesgoacrossthemiddle and cut the circle exactly in half…(LadyFingersbeginstocomeonstagewithdoughtomakepies) Radius:(thoughtfully)Acrossthemiddle…Aroundthecircle…justlikeinthepoem!Ibetterreaditagain!Goodbye! Radius:OfcourseLadyFingers!I’llmakethecrustlikeSym’snewwheel!(Radiuslaysoutfourstripsofdoughoverthepietomakethecrust.Whenhe’sdone,hehasfourstripsleftover) Radius:WhatshallIdowiththelastthree? LadyFingers:Laythemaroundtherimofthepiepan. Radius:Threestripsgoalmostallthewayaroundtheedge.(Radiusactswhilenarratorisspeaking) Narrator:Radiusfoldedthestripintohalf,buthalfwaslongerthanheneeded.Hefoldeditintoquarters,butthatwastoolong.Hefoldeditintoaneight,andthatwasalmostright. Radius:ALMOSTbutnotexactly.I’vegottogetgoing!Farewell!(Radiusmovestofarleftofstage,removesthewheelw/eightspokesandtapemeasure.LadyFingersexitsstageright.Radiusmovesbacktocenterstage) Radius:Themagicnumberismorethanthree,buthowmuchmoredoesittaketomakeawholecircle?(beginstomeasurewheel)49inchesacrossthemiddle…and154inchesaroundtheoutsideedge!154-49is…(thinking)31/7!(LadyDienterslookingpanicked) LadyDi:Thereyouare!Ican’tfindthedoctoranywhere!Whatarewegoingtodo! Radius:It’salright,mother!Iknowwhattodo!(Pantomiming) Narrator:Radiusshowedhismotherhowhefiguredoutthemagicnumber.Hemeasuredthe outside and the distance across the middle, and then divided the two. No matter what size circle he used,itwasalways31/7. LadyDi:Thismakessense!I’llgoandtellyourfatherwhileyougetthemedicine!RememberRadius,wehaveonlyuntilmorning!(LadiDiexitsstageright,Radiusmovestostageleftwheretheportionhasbeenplacedonastand) Radius:*yawns*Ohno!Imusthurry!(Radiusdashesoffstage.Thedragonheadandtailre-appearswithLadyDi) LadyDi:I’msurehewillbeheresoon!(Radiuschargesinwiththepotion) Dragon:H-hello,son. Radius:Father,you’reacircletoo!Butsuchabigcircle!(facingaudience)Couldthedistancearoundreallybe31/7xthedistanceacross?! LadyDi:HurryRadius!Theknightsarecoming!(trumpetblares.KnightscomeinthebackdoorofthePEroom,nexttothesodamachine,andbegintoslow-motioncometowardthestage.LadyDiameterandRadiusaremeasuringdragonduringthis) Radius:7feet!Thedragon’sdiameteris7feet! Dragon:Whyareyoumeasuringmydiameter?(measuring,knightsgettingcloser) LadyDiameter:22feet!Thecircumferenceis22feet!(theknightsspreadaroundthestage) Knight:We’vecometosaveyou!!! Dragon:Mustyoumeasuremycircumferencenow?!?! Radius:22feetdividedby7is…31/7! LadyDi:Hurry!(Radiusgiveshimmeasuringspoonofpotion.Thereissomekindofnoiseandtheknightscryout.Thedragondisappearsbehindstage,andSirCumferencestepsoutfromthebackdrop) All:Hurrah! SirCumference:ThankyouRadius!Howdidyoudoit?(Asnarratortalks,everyonebehindthebackdropcomeonstageandbegincheeringandwaving) Narrator:RadiusexplainedaboutthepieandthemeasurementsasSirCumferenceandtheknightslistenedwithamazement.Cheering,theytookRadiusbacktothecastle. SirCumference:Pie!Let’seatsomepie!Radiussavedmylifebecauseofapie! Narrator:Atthecelebration,Radiusheldupapieandexplainedwhathehaddiscovered. Radius:Ifoundoutthattheoutsideedgeofacircle,calledthecircumference,isthreeandone-seventhtimesaslongasthediameter,whichisthemeasureacrossthemiddle.It’strueforanycircle! SirCumference:Fromnowon,piewithanewillbeforeating.Piwithoutanewillbethe name for this number for all things around. All:Hurra! Narrator:THEEND.

SHORT STORY

Sir Cumference & the Dragon PiBrenna Garcia, 8th Grade, St. Petersburg Public Library

MOSAICTEEN COUNTYWIDE PUBLICATION

FALL 2012 • VOLUME 6 • ISSUE 1

A Publication of

Clearwater Public Library System100 N. Osceola Avenue

Clearwater, FL 33755(727) 562-4970

Dunedin Public Library223 Douglas AvenueDunedin, FL 34698

(727) 298-3080

East Lake Community Library4125 East Lake Road

Palm Harbor, FL 34685(727) 773-2665

Gulf Beaches Public Library200 Municipal Drive

Madeira Beach, FL 33708(727) 391-2828

Gulfport Public Library5501 - 28th Avenue S.

Gulfport, FL 33707(727) 893-1074

Largo Public Library120 Central Park Drive

Largo, FL 33771(727) 587-6715

Oldsmar Public Library400 St. Petersburg Dr. E.

Oldsmar, FL 34677(813) 749-1178

Palm Harbor Public Library2330 Nebraska AvenuePalm Harbor, FL 34683

(727) 784-3332

Pinellas Park Public Library7770 - 52nd Street

Pinellas Park, FL 33781(727) 541-0718

Safety Harbor Public Library101 Second Street N.

Safety Harbor, FL 34695(727) 724-1525

St. Pete Beach Public Library365 - 73rd Avenue

St. Pete Beach, FL 33706(727) 363-9238

St. Petersburg Public Library System280 - 5th Street North

St. Petersburg, FL 33701(727) 893-7318

Seminole Community Library9200 - 113th Street North

Seminole, FL 33772(727) 394-6905

Tarpon Springs Public Library138 E. Lemon Street

Tarpon Springs, FL 34689(727) 943-4922

Member Libraries

Pinellas Public Library Cooperative

teen countywide publication · a bleeding heart, you are, and there’s no way to stitch it up. so...

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