Fruit Fight in the Dark

t h g i F t i u Fr e h t in k r a D Poetry and prose by the young writers from Kinney High School in conjunction with 916 Ink

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Fruit Fight in the Dark Poetry and prose by the young writers from Kinney High School in conjunction with 916 Ink

About 916 Ink 916 Ink is the only arts-based literacy nonprofit in the greater Sacramento region dedicated to providing creative writing workshops for youth, ages 5-25, to transform them into confident writers. We empower students to become the authors of their own lives, one published story at a time. Since 2011, we have served over 3,000 kids in the Sacramento Region, and published more than 100 publications. Our mission is to empower children and youth through creative writing. We envision a Sacramento region where every child and teen is given access to a creative writing program that leads them to believe in themselves and to understand the power of the written word. Learn more about us at www.916ink.org, or send an email to info@916ink.org to learn how to become involved.

DISCLAIMER

This is a work of fiction and poetry. Any resemblance of characters to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. The author and publisher hold exclusive rights to this work. Unauthorized duplication is prohibited. Copyright 2021.Â

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Dear Reader, What you hold in your hands is the hard work and dedication of a community of youth and adult writers working together to tell stories that inspire, entertain, and heal. At 916 Ink, we teach young people how to write, listen, and support each other in the pursuit of creating literary art.

The words in these pages are carefully chosen and crafted to reflect their unique voice.

This book is a celebration of “taking the yes,” which is a motto of 916 Ink students. “Taking the yes” means that students are unafraid to collaborate with each other and themselves. It might sound weird—how does one “collaborate” with his or her own self? By shutting down the inner critics in our head that tell us that we aren’t good enough, our stories don’t matter, or what we might say is stupid or unnecessary. Stories are how we create meaning and make sense of the world. What’s better than to teach young people how to tell stories, create meaning out of their lives, and understand the world?

Creative writing carves a path to a better life. Writers know this, but maybe the rest of the world doesn’t. A writer is someone who truly gets to live twice—once through their senses and once through the page. Everyone needs writers. Favorite television shows? Go thank a writer. News articles?

Thank a writer. Education? Writers wrote the curriculum. Business? Can’t happen without writers creating marketing tools and business plans. Writers make the world go around.

By reading this book you’ve supported the growth of a writer. Thanks. Please consider making a donation to this great cause on our website at www.916ink. org if you’d like to further our mission of populating the planet with youth who can “take the yes,” and lead a happy life.

Ink-tastically yours,

The 916 Ink staff, the Board of Dreamers, volunteers, and youth writers

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From the Wordslingers Morning Group Looking back on our first full semester in an online classroom, I find I am filled with immense gratitude. In a year that demanded much of everyone’s attention, resilience, flexibility, and capacity for empathy, the small writing community we cultivated together truly rose to the occasion. It is always inspiring to get to know a fresh group of young Inkers, and it was humbling to enjoy the craft of writing with Inkers who consistently showed up with open minds and open hearts.

We used words to build new worlds. We found the words to reflect upon our inner landscapes. Building trust and connection over video conferences is not easy for even the most seasoned working professional, and these Inkers modeled how we may extend grace and empathy for one another despite the occasional glitch in the system. I feel very proud of our time together, with renewed hope for the future of online writing communities.

Sincerely,

Brenda Nguyen

Continued on next page

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Afternoon Group When first walked the halls of Kinney High School in 2019 as an Inspirator, I was barely a year out of high school myself. My Wordslinger, Concepcion, and I stepped into Ms. Chrismer’s classroom. I looked into the faces of the students. All of them were within two years of my age. It felt so strange to be propped up as an example to people I would normally see as my peers.

Nonetheless, volunteering at Kinney High became one of the highlights of that year. I witnessed a group rather frigid seniors melt into an incredible creative community that celebrated their dynamic writing and drawings.

It’s hard to fathom how much changed between when I first stepped into that classroom in 2019 and when I “Zoomed” for the first time in 2020. I mean, continuation school is already a place that feels like limbo. The transition to online learning only leaned further into the already fluctuating environment.

It was evident during our program just how much could change in twelve short weeks. Many of the students we started our workshop with graduated or had to transfer. Yet, new faces (or screens) kept popping up. No doubt thanks to the undying persistence of Ms. Chrismer to bring new students.

The group we ended the semester with was small but mighty! They showed up every week ready to write, talk, laugh, and connect. I could not have asked for a more fun, life-giving group of high schoolers to be in this workshop.

Whether it was fervent debates about raisins in cookies, pineapple on pizza, or the meaning of life, there was never a boring moment. My only regret is that we didn’t get more time to write together.

I am delighted to present this anthology. While it may be short, do not let its length detract from the power inside. These students take you on a journey through that is simultaneously sad, serious, nostalgic, and hilarious. So, grab an oatmeal raisin cookie or a slice of pineapple pizza, find a comfortable place to sit, and let the words of these students provoke you to thought and make you laugh.

Best,

Zuzu

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Acknowledgments Brenda Nguyen

Wordslinger

Zuzu Schmitke

Wordslinger

Damon Plant

Wordslinger

Jordan Dahlen

Inspirator, Guest Editor

Nora Camagna

Guest Editor

Katie McCleary

Founding Executive Director

Michael Spurgeon

Founding Board President

DJ Waldow

Board of Dreamers, President

Dr. Beatrice Tetteh

Board of Dreamers, Vice President

Shelley Blanton-Stroud Board of Dreamers, Secretary Kathy Flynn

Board of Dreamers, Treasurer

Chris Worden

Board of Dreamers

Daniel Kaufman

Board of Dreamers

Lynn Lizarraga

Board of Dreamers

Rekha Tejpal

Board of Dreamers

Vince Wong

Board of Dreamers

Xenia Schutt

Board of Dreamers

Ian Hadley

Executive Director

Angela Tannehill

Creative Director

Allison Stelly

Director of Development

Nikki Cardoza

Director of Programming

Paulette Greenhouse

Program Manager

Jay Oatis

Program Coordinator

Emma Hoppough

Production Coordinator

Maria Gavia

Office Manager

Christina Nelson

ReadOn! Program Manager

Tory Scott

Bookslinger

Will Evans

Outreach and Development Associate,

AmeriCorps VISTA

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Contents Morning Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 New Planet Dillen Madarang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 I Wish Dillen Madarang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 A Gift Dillen Madarang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 My Most Me Place Dillen Madarang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Warmth Dillen Madarang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Warmth Donald Fox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 When We Closed Our Eyes Donald Fox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 A Letter To My Past Self Donald Fox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 A Letter To My Future Self Donald Fox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 A Gift Jacob Herndandez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 What Warmth Means to Me Riley Meyers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Letter to My Younger Self Riley Meyers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Alternate Ending Shayla Johnson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

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Afternoon Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 One-Stop Sandwich Shop Group Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 1:13 p.m. Thoughts Group Poem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Unknown Adora Hanson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Untitled Adora Hanson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 The Mask I Try to Ignore Adora Hanson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 I Leave Here With...

Adora Hanson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Burst Poem One Evelynn Calderon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Burst Poem Two Evelynn Calderon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Dear Twelve-Year-Old Me, KEEP YOUR HEAD UP Kanye Benson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 The New Normal Kanye Benson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 The Transition from Oakland to Citrus Heights, Sacramento Kanye Benson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 I Leave Here With Kanye Benson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Wordslingers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Grocery List Zuzu Schmitke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

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Morning Group

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New Planet Dillen Madarang

My new planet is fresh and clean.

Everywhere you look is blue and green.

The water is clear and the waves are peaceful.

The mountains are high and white.

The climate is cold but you can still feel the warmth of the sun.

There are little fuzzy animals and big animals that are herbivores.

You can see the mountains and the crystal clear water.

You can hear birds chirping and the wind blowing.

You can also hear the trees whooshing in the wind.

The only thing you can really smell is the smell of wet dirt from a forest.

You can feel the blades of grass below your feet and the wind pushing against you.

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I Wish Dillen Madarang

I wish I could go back and take care of the things I broke when I was younger.

Like my old gaming devices. I also wish I took better care of my sleeping and eating habits. I have control of the decisions I make but not what others take.

I would like to change and be more responsible. Everything I want to do or change is mostly in my control.

A Gift Dillen Madarang

If I had the ability to give a gift to someone, the gift would be a massage chair.

It is nice and comfortable and can massage any sore part of your body. It would be for my whole family because everyone works hard and is tired when they get home. Everyone would be happy and relieved knowing that they can now get massaged when they get home. The massage chair can relieve some of their stress, and that is an immense help when you’re busy. My life would change, too, because I can also use the chair and relieve some of my stress.

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My Most Me Place Dillen Madarang

I smell air freshener and hear cars and see trees outside the window as the sun shines though. I see my TV, PlayStation, my bed, and my dogs. I like my room because it’s peaceful, quiet, and no one bothers me. It’s my space. My room is special to me because I’m comfortable in it, it’s quiet, and it smells nice.

Warmth Dillen Madarang

Warmth is the nice, cozy heat that I feel when it’s cold and I’m tucked in bed.

It’s nice and warm, and I feel very relaxed.

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Warmth Donald Fox

Warmth is when you’re next to the nice cozy fire on a chilly winter day or on the couch watching TV

When We Closed Our Eyes Donald Fox

I see a bunch of motorcycles racing around the track having fun It smells like fresh air and gasoline and I hear a bunch of loud bikes zoom past as I wait to go out

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A Letter To My Past Self Donald Fox

I didn’t make the best choices all the time and I got in a little bit of trouble but I feel I have learned from those mistakes and know not to do them anymore

A Letter To My Future Self Donald Fox

To get married have two kids and find a job that I love doing that also pays good

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A Gift Jacob Herndandez

I would get my girlfriend a vacation trip to Hawaii for two weeks. I would get this ‘cause me and her always talk about it.

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What Warmth Means to Me Riley Meyers

Warmth is being around people who make me feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside. I adore hanging out with my friend group...it is my best friend, boyfriend, and her boyfriend. We all just get along so well. Hanging out with them makes me feel happy and alive. They all always make sure I am straight and doing good. I know I can trust all of them with anything. They also make me feel safe always. It is a good feeling to have, knowing I can count on them.

Letter to My Younger Self Riley Meyers

To my younger self, Look at the person you’ve become. You’ve got through anything and everything without help by your side. You now know you don’t have to lie. It’s OK to not be OK and not be strong all the time. Through the pain and happiness, you should not be ashamed. You’ve flourished into a beautiful young lady, and you know he’s looking over you; no more “hello” and no more “goodbye;” it’s OK to cry. You’re now confident and ready to deal with anything life throws at you. You now have a little boo that loves you for you. Life will get hard, but through it all, you’ve grown up to be an amazing person.

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Alternate Ending Shayla Johnson

Falling backward in time, I’d steal the voices of the ones making comments on children’s bodies, and self-esteem would rise with age. I would now know where every hit lands, giving enough time to block it. To travel back in time with a mind so developed would only create the perfect child a mother dreamed of.

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Afternoon Group

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One-Stop Sandwich Shop Group Story

Tim comes into the sandwich shop, clearly having had a rough night. When Brad asks what happened, Tim begins a long-winded story about how he went to a frat party, being his usual self—talking smack to the college athletes and spilling the tea to people who he shouldn’t have—when he got into a fight with some of the athletes (scholarships and walk-ons alike), he got messssssed up, and now the people who he was fighting are out to get him and are on their way to the sandwich shop to finish the job.

When Tim finishes the story, Brad is like, “I don’t want to get into this situation. This isn’t my problem. This is your deal, so instead of getting other people involved, you need to stand up for yourself and deal with your own consequences.” He wipes his shiny head with a kitchen rag from the bar before setting it back down on the prep board next to the sandos.

Brad hears a loud engine rev from down the street. The car skids to a grinding halt right in front of the deli. It is black. Sleek. Expensive. Four huge men step out. They are bald and dressed in suits.

Brad turns to Tim. “Who the hell did you mess with?”

“I swear, it was just a bunch of frat boys, no big deal,” Tim replies.

“Those aren’t frat boys, Tim,” Brad grumbles.

The big, beefy guys come in. They start making it tough for them by acting like they want to order a sandwich. Once they make the sandwich, they make excuses because the sandwich they receive isn’t the sandwich they wanted.

So they put in a complaint to try to mess with Brad.

After the suited beefcakes finish being Karens, they walk over to Tim and push him to the floor and start talking to him about what happened last night at the party. Tim tells the guys that he was drunk and had no clue what he was doing and tries to apologize to the guys, but the guys don’t accept the apology and still push him around, and then they all jump him. Brad then jumps in and pushes one of the guys and tells them to leave him alone after he changed his mind about helping Tim.

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“What are you going to do about it?” one of the guys says. Brad goes around the desk and grabs a bat he keeps for protection and whacks the guy in his knee, which causes the guy to have a broken kneecap, and suddenly, the cops show up and notice Tim all bruised up on the floor. They see Brad with a bat, and the cops accuse Brad of beating Tim. Tim then tells the cops that he got jumped by the jocks and that’s why Brad has a bat, because he was trying to help. But the beefcakes left. Brad is screwed.

To be continued...

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1:13 p.m. Thoughts Group Poem

Potatoes are the best vegetables. “Troy and Abed in the morning!�

Larry liked large, lamp-lit, lavender Legos The weird beeping sound in the corner of the room is really off-putting.

If birds started speaking Klingon, would they still sing?

A pencil with the head of a dragon sat on the desk.

The coconut fell from the palm; the coconut fell from the palm.

Honey is natural medicine.

When strawberries are squished, it really ruins their taste.

I like to drink water cold.

I bought pencils in a futile attempt to get quarters for laundry.

Hopefully, the hot, dry, weather will cool by the weekend.

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Unknown Adora Hanson

I have arrived home. The sun is down, and there is a slight drizzle. As I approach my porch, I see a medium-sized box. I don’t recall ordering anything but take it in anyway. It’s a bit heavy as I struggle to unlock the front door. I put down my keys, close the door, and head to the kitchen. I place the box on the dining room table, inspecting the box. There are no labels or handwriting anywhere on the box. I walk into the kitchen and grab a pair of scissors. Walking back to the package, I hear my phone ring. Must be a text from my mom again asking if I’m doing OK at my new job. I put the scissors on top of the box and head toward my phone.

Message from Unknown Number: I see you’ve gotten my package, love. You’ll just have to open it with me.

I suck in my breath. Who is this? What do they want? How do they know? As these questions rack my panicked brain, I have little time to react as I feel the cloth over my face. It’s dark and it’s cold. I see light in the far-right corner in the room. Under that light, I see the box. Crawling over to it, I see the box.

The box is opened, and all I see is a note: “Welcome home, my sweet flower.”

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Untitled Adora Hanson

Cookies. Everyone loves cookies. From chocolate chip cookies to oatmeal raisin, everyone has a flavor of cookie they can enjoy. Sugar cookies are great for frosting with the family. Chocolate chips cookies have something for everyone. Just the right sweetness and warmth for a perfect combination.

Oatmeal raisin cookies are crazy underrated. People hate on them because of the raisins. Little do they know that the raisins are the MOST important part. Without the raisins, the sweetness needed to make the cookie delicious is gone. Who just enjoys oatmeal cookies? CRAZY PEOPLE!!!! Cookies have so many different elements, perfect for each person. #ireallywanttogetabucketofchocalatechipcookies #bucketofcookiesisarealthing #itexists #cantclosemyeyes #weknow

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The Mask I Try to Ignore Adora Hanson

I think I want change I hate ignorance I wish to look pretty I learned trust is easily broken I love my sister I regret trusting myself I think I want change I crave to be different Whether it’s my big nose Or the way my arm fat hangs I wish to be pretty Not with long hair Nor a skinny body I wish to see my true beauty One that isn’t blurry with thoughts of what it should be But of what it is and not the mask of famous models and actresses

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I Leave Here With...

Adora Hanson

I leave here with happy memories, lots of giggles, and an understanding. One of my favorite moments was reading one of my written piece about cookies.

Everyone was able to be involved, and we all shared many laughs. I leave here with enjoyment of attending fifth period and just having the chance to relax and be me. I leave with the understanding of how much writing can help someone. I leave here with the hopes of doing 916 Ink again. I leave here happy.

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Burst Poem One Evelynn Calderon

I am a sensation, I am to be felt without being felt, without being touched I am to be understood without being seen I am water, powerful enough to drown you Soft enough to cleanse you Deep enough to save you

Burst Poem Two Evelynn Calderon

I think I am beautiful I hate overthinking I wish I could fly I learned to love myself I love soul music I regret putting my all into stuff that deserves less

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Dear Twelve-Year-Old Me, KEEP YOUR HEAD UP Kanye Benson

I know it’s been tough lately, especially after Nanny passing. You are a ball of emotions right now and don’t know how to feel. Well, I just want to tell you, you were never alone, and still ‘til this day will never give up, and you never did. Now look at us, graduating a whole year early. Why? Because we tried; we never gave up! If you think you have it hard now, wait until freshman and sophomore year. Even then, we didn’t give up. Yes, not everyone in our life was who we thought they were. Even adults and teachers didn’t believe in us, but guess what? We aren’t quitters; we don’t give up easily. Just know that even when things get hard, rough, and you feel like giving up, don’t, and remember this message I’m giving you: TO ALWAYS KEEP YOUR HEAD UP!

The New Normal Kanye Benson

What’s normal is having a TV in your room, most people think it’s weird Walking down the street and someone coming down the opposite way and one of you moving to the street isn’t normal, but now it is. But why?

Going to school online, watching videos and movies, and seeing people without mask isn’t normal Showing up to class and being the only one there Being able rent out the whole theater for a low price Being home with your family 24/7

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The Transition from Oakland to Citrus Heights, Sacramento Kanye Benson

Moving from Oakland to Sacramento was a scary and new experience. I had no friends; I knew no one my first week. It was was ruff, but I got through it by my first month I felt more comfortable, and the rest of the year was a breeze.

The only thing I didn’t like was I didn’t get to have a fifth grade promotion because in Sacramento they don’t do fifth grade promotion to middle school because I went to a K-8, but then I moved to Mills in the middle of eighth grade, and it was fifth grade all over again in my head, and I didn’t get to graduate with my friends, but through it all, I learned how to adapt, and nothing’s permenant and always persevere.

I Leave Here With Kanye Benson

I leave here with a broader understanding of the art of writing thanks to the 916 Ink crew (Zuzu). I leave here knowing how much of a better not just writer but reader and comprehender of writing I am. I leave here knowing I can write whatever and whenever I want when I put my mind to it. 916 Ink taught me to NEVER GIVE UP!

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Wordslingers

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Grocery List Zuzu Schmitke

onions—I need onions garlic—very important tomatoes—no, you always have big plans but never eat them. even though every week you swear you will eat them, you never do basil—you will make that pesto this week potatoes—your survival food mint tea—you are straight out of it and you need something to calm you before you sleep onions, garlic, tomatoes—no, we discussed this. potatoes, basil, mint tea, oh! and rice! will the twelve dollars on my EBT cover this? probably not... dump the basil. you will never make that pesto do they sell stability in grocery stores? ha. if they did, it’d be sold out but I can dream, right? you know something they do claim to sell at grocery stores... health well, at least if you can pay for it—and my budget never allows I want fruit, but by the time I sit down to enjoy it, the mold has eaten everything I could have veggies, but I never have the time to cook them I want to be healthier, but the EBT runs out so fast why does proper nourishment have an income bracket?

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calm down you have options. you know how to cook. you are resourceful. you will be fine. you’ll make it through.

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THIS BOOK WAS PRODUCED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

WITH MAJOR SUPPORT FROM

AND FUNDED IN PART BY

The Albert and Elaine Borchard Foundation

The Sacramento Office of Arts and Culture, with support from the City of Sacramento.

F R U I T F I G H T I N T H E DA R K