Forward Forward is a literary magazine that began in 2015 by a group of seniors. Their legacy continues in this 2018 publication. The writings and photographs are the creative expression of Anderson High School students. Most of the photographs were inspired by the written pieces in which they appear. Editors / Layout Designers Sarah Crable, Emily Lewis, and Allison Siekmann
Front Cover Designer Riley Hollandsworth
Faculty Advisors David Lunn and Matthew Stanyard
Anderson High School 7560 Forest Road Cincinnati, OH 45255 
Editor’s Note
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While school bears a strong importance on educating its students through required academia, one must not forget the priority of maintaining a strong creative atmosphere. The ability to participate in an all student published work is a truly amazing experience. Forward is part of a rich legacy in Anderson High School of encouraging student expression with “Coffee Shop,” a quarterly tradition in Mr. David Lunn’s AP Language and Composition course in which his students openly share creative work of their choosing. By establishing a medium through which students can share their work with an audience of their peers, Forward further encourages the drive of creative exploration. The works published in this issue span a wide range of topics. Some features highlight the importance of family, the evolution of technology, the ever-changing motions of the day to day life, and encouraging messages to others. Many pieces take on a more humorous tone, but there are also pieces that delve into the more melancholy and even controversial aspects of teenage life, and speak to the hardships of adolescence. By having pieces that are far from happy, it allows the high school audience to realize that with struggle comes camaraderie with their classmates. We hope that when reading these pieces you are able to connect with the authors’ various messages. Your Editors,
Sarah Crable, Emily Lewis, and Allison Siekmann PS: The Forward Literary Magazine editors are proud supporters of the Oxford Comma
Where did it all go? Adam Radcliffe Let’s rewind and take it back to a simpler time. You wake up, no cellphone to look at, and start your day off with the usual routine; a process consisting of breakfast, greeting your family, maybe even reading the morning newspaper. All of this begins your day before your 9-5 job, entertaining day at school, or trip to Sunday mass. Meanwhile, leaving your house, you have an interaction with the milkman, paperboy or with your friendly neighbor tending to their lawn. The weather is near perfect, the sun is out, and with a smile on your face, nothing can bring you down. Doesn’t that sound great? Too many of us today may have a similar start to our day, but it isn’t the same. Instead, it’s all stuck inside a small device. One thing to keep in mind: happiness is all around us. Take a step back, and soak it all in
! Photographer: Bryn Gliebe
Police Brutality Ashley Graber Bang bang How can we live in a world such as this? With drugs and murder and rape and violence Where you can’t feel safe At work, at school, on the playground or at home And mom’s screaming from the kitchen, “No baby don’t go out, it’s too dangerous to be alone.” My name is Trayvon Martin, and when I was 17, I was shot dead in the street When will the death end and humanity begin? Or will it never end and will the Earth become a garbage can? I hope that one day we won’t have to sit and pray, And wish for God to take all our guns away So that maybe a mother or a father somewhere won’t have to bury their kids today There’s a real problem with the world, When the whole system comes unfurled. When mom isn’t talkin’ about the bad men who lurk, She’s screamin’ about the ones who are supposed to protect and serve, And seeing them do different makes me a bit unnerved Funny...Isn’t it? As if gangs weren’t enough Now the government has one Established in every city in America. Perhaps there will be a day When light once again reaches these dark city streets And we won’t have to be afraid of everyone that we meet. But the streets keep getting darker, more red river than concrete A society that calls villains heroes is completely obsolete.
Untitled Elizabeth Light I see her; heart skip, breath stutter, and the words blossom in my mouth. Beautiful. Beautiful. She has the kind of eyes that beckon gods. It is blasphemy to call her beauty personified; Aphrodite will not be pleased But the gods have faded now. They hide on Olympus, With weathered hands and sallow faces, Sunken eyes and cracked lips. They will allow this blasphemy, After all, they have bigger problems in their crumbling temples. And when I see her, I realize something has risen, To fill in their shoes.
Photographer: Christopher Roller Goodbye Emma McGurn You used to tuck me in at night, When I was scared to be alone. I miss how you would hold me tight; You never left me on my own. Your smile made me smile back. You cheered me up when I was down. Your love for me would never lack, Then suddenly, you just “left town.” You knew who I could be. But why did you go and hide? I hate that you had to leave me, I hate that you died.
Photographer: Joseph Archer
I never got to say goodbye. So, goodbye.
Stuck in the Middle Grace Brown
Living in your shadows was a lot to handle. Mom and dad experienced all of the first’s with you: First day of school, sport, driver's license, graduation, college letter and college campus visit. College brings a new chapter without us. You imagining your life there and not here. I miss being a middle child without any pressures, feeling like college is in the distance. And you reminded me that, it’s not the case Now that you're gone, what’s next for Me? Who am I going to look up to? Who am I going to relate to? joke around with? I am trying to accept this change, but how can I when I still remember the day you went away on a boy scout retreat? I remember when I was pushed off my bike and you protected me, your stupid backwards hat you thought was intimidating to my bully. You're my big brother. I needed you to be here for me. I needed to know you were next door. I needed you to remember that I love you. Now everyone expects the same achievements from me. The thing is, I could never measure up to you, And I don’t want to have to.
A Love So Beautiful By: Preston Bolton* I was in over my head for you. For someone like you, I’d do anything. But that is why I hurt. I hurt because the fact that I can’t do everything. I’m not perfect and neither are you. You were what kept me going, Through my days and nights. I fear the outcome of what is to be, but I know that You are and always will be a part of me.
I am, What I am, What I am. Elijah Price Some would say I'm stupid. Some would say I'm smart. Some would say I’m funny. Some would say I’m different. Some would say I’m kind. Some would say I’m mean. Some would say I’m caring. But at the end of the day, I am , what I am , what I am.
Photographer: Leeann Webster *Inspired by his new love of Michael Bolton songs
The Beach Hailey Liggett
The peaceful cadence of the waves swirling and crashing against a boat, against each other, maybe against a shore. The nostalgic smell of the crisp salty air and whatever tropical scent is infused in the sunscreen or beverages of the people around you, The feeling of the cool breeze and the hot sun on your skin, a feat of balance only summer has yet to master. Thousands of feet buried just below the sandy surface, Thousands of people enjoying the sun. Thousands of people relaxing, unwinding, just being. A happy place, a sanctuary Take me back.
! Photographer: Jennifer Kleier
My Broken World Elijah Price You used to be my world. But one day my world will stop spinning like a top. I guess everything falls down eventually. One day you may forget me, but I will never let go of our memories. You’ve never seen me cry, but the tears flow like the mighty nile The days are going down like an hourglass. I’m sitting here counting each second like a grain of sand. When the day come when you ask who I am, It will be the same day I lose my mind Grandma I will always remember you, Even when you can not remember me. I will cherish our times, For the eternity of my life. 4U Austin Baker Are you down for me, As I am for you? Would you kill for me, As I would for you? Would you give me the world, As I would for you? Would you give me all your love, As I already do? Will you rise with me, As I fall for you?
Why Does It Matter? Hailey Mauk
Whites, blacks, Asians, Hispanics And so many more, I can’t even mention. We’re all experiencing discrimination, Some more than others. No matter the race or sex We’re all just humans, so what is the difference? Why does it matter?
Photographer: Abby Landers
Christians, Muslims, Atheists, Jews, You’re hating on them because they’re different than you. Everyone thinks differently, no opinion is wrong, In this world, everyone belongs. You’re probably thinking, “I’m not like that at all,” But we really need to look at ourselves before the whole world falls. To all these stereotypes about religion and sex and race, Be the bigger person and stay away from the hate. If you’re having trouble with what your mind is thinking, I’ll leave you a question and then I’ll finally stop writing. You might not have an answer, Even after my long rant: Why does it matter? Can you tell me? Exactly. You can’t.
“Whatever” Jordan Slemons The word whatever intrigues me. You could use the word in a passive tone, a sassy tone, a sarcastic tone, or even a sad tone. You can also use the word in all kinds of sentences. You can use it with all of its multiple definitions. You notice something. It is two words combined with two completely different definitions. “What” is typically a question word, except when people decide to use it in different connotations. The word “ever” means at anytime. Both words combined create a completely new definition. It is so interesting that two words can come together to make a new word that means something so different than the two original words. Intrigues me. It might not you, but it does me. Oh well. “Whatever.”
Photographer: Karley Steinher
A letter to my younger self… Kaitlyn Longworth Dear me, As you get older, you will be tested. You’ll be tested by your family, friends, and most frequently, school. Eventually you will learn that you win some and lose others, but the sooner you learn this, the better. People will leave, but it’s for the best, and some stay though they shouldn't. Know how to tell the difference. Keep working hard in school; it does not get any easier. Do not expect a large group of friends, but rather a small group of extremely close ones. Be unique. Wear what you want. Be who you want to be. Think for yourself. Don’t be concerned with the trends. Don’t be concerned with others. Don’t be concerned with expectations. Just believe in yourself.
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Then I’ll lie. Braydan Case* Do you want me to sleep? You lay flat against the ground, forts of blankets over you. You stare at me with the extra fluffed pillows. You tempt me with a relaxing spot to chill and think. Its 4:00 am and you wish to have me stop stressing over all the little things. Do you fear the insomnia taking over my life? Then I’ll lie. The soft exterior calls to me when I should be working. The extra springy springs on your inside makes me lust your relaxing presence. Though laying for a nap or to relax takes me away from my work, I always need to take a sit or a cozy trip to a better place. Do you want me to fail, taking all my time from my study? Then I’ll lie. You just sit and say nothing. You are lazy. You are not alive. You don't have opinions or thoughts. You can't conversate or even debate with me. So why do you take up most my attention? How do you convince me to spend my nights and sometimes days with you? These questions are getting too much for me. This headache is too much. So then, I must lie.
Photographer: Gavin McDulin *Inspired by Maya Angelou
A Pleasant Peninsula Josie Lackmeyer A hand-shaped heritage, Bonfires raging each Summer night. The window-clear water of Lake Leelanau. Fishtown bustling with friendly faces. The popping peonies Of Grandma Chatfield’s garden. Cousins gathered around, Playing cards, Sharing stories. We explore the white sands of Christmas Beach, As the fiery sun sinks Into an ocean of red-orange. Twinkling stars at night, Like nothing you have ever seen, Scattered moondust across the sky. Sitting on the breakwall, Alone with my thoughts. The sound of crashing waves Soothes my soul. Each peaceful morning, I walk with my cousins to the Merc. We buy chocolate muďŹƒns galore, Keeping them all for ourselves. The freedom of the jet-skis, I watch my cousins be total fools. We could lay on the secret dock For the rest of our lives. Each day is a new adventure; From hiking miles of dunes, To endless searches for Petoskey stones. My favorite place on earth, Leland, Michigan.
Photographer: Reagan Sears
Who are we in the darkness? Kai S. Powell Do not fear the darkness for it does not possess the power to suppress, For the black of the night cannot hold back the light of the day, For we shall always rise from the ashes of the past, From at the bottom of the pit there is only one way to go, From the depths of death life began a new, As we go up, up, up, and up we go like the wind; we do not stop, As we approach the door in front of us we stand our ground on this floor, Because we are human we do not give up, Because we are human we will fight for what we love.
! Photographer: Emma Helbling
What Are Those Weird Balls? Morgan Gaskins During the 1980s in Taiwan, tea stands were a common sight in any popular city, since after a hard long day of work, the workers wanted a refreshing cup of tea. Competition was intense. Each stand fought to stand out and make a profit in order to be able to feed themselves and their family. One man, “the owner of Chun Shui Tang Teahouse, Lin Han-Chieh” started adding the now ever-so-popular “boba” (tiny chewy black balls) to the bottom of his tea in attempt to differentiate himself from the rest. You may be wondering what exactly boba is. It is “tapioca, a gluten-free starch extracted from the root of a cassava plant,” formed into tiny spheres and then cooked in boiling water until soft. As the mysterious balls grew in popularity, more and more vendors started copying the new technique and eventually boba disseminated throughout the entire world. Over the years, bubble tea (aka boba) has gained mass popularity and has become a staple in our world's current pop culture. More often than not, boba remains unflavored but sweetened with simple syrup, a mixture of water boiled with sugar, or soaked in honey. The sweetness of the drink itself all depends on the preference of the consumer. Every drink is customized to the customers liking, from extremely sweet to barely sweetened at all. However there is a standard sweetness for the tea, unless the customer specifically asked for something besides the normal amount. Along with the customizable sweetness, the flavor and type
Photographer: Morgan Gaskins
of drink also rests in the hands of the customer. Boba is not restricted to just tea, it can be added to “tea, milk tea, iced coffee or even slushies and smoothies.” The most popular flavors of tea are plain black, green tea, strawberry, watermelon, and chocolate. If you are feeling a little risky, order “flavors like taro or lychee that are native to Asian countries.” Boba can be served hot or cold- another decision for the customer to make while in the process of ordering their delicious drink. Boba is a very unique drink but something that makes it stand out more is the straw. It is served with a wide mouth straw so the consumer can enjoy a boba ball in every sip. Drinking boba can be a wild ride; the sweetness of the tea dances on one's tongue while the chewiness of the fresh tapioca balls excites the brain with its one-of-a-kind texture and sensation. There is nothing comparable to the feeling of enjoying a well made bubble tea. Truly a one-of-a-kind drink that everyone should welcome with open arms and go give a try!
Roses Sarah Tankersley The sun was warm. The golden hour setting on For days long. Everything was soft With the thorns Underneath. The beauty of life And purpose was given. Euphoric. Blue came and Petals started to fall thorns prevail Cold, dark, empty Craving for the petals To come back, To just have the golden Hour and euphoria One more time. The future unpredictable, but the love is Forever
Photographer: Denver Roat
Bucket List Scott Hutchins We all have someone that we look up to, someone that inspires us to do great things. For me, that man is Rene Descartes. You may be wondering why? Well, I admire the man for his book Meditations on First Philosophy, and specifically, how he wrote it. See, Descartes, being the brilliant being that he is, decided that it would be a great idea to go into a room with the heat turned on and lock himself there for days on end. Within that room, he thought about existence, just like how I do on the weekends, and through this pondering, he came up with the basis for one of his most important philosophies. So, “Locking myself in a room for days on end, and coming up with a new philosophy on life� has been added to my bucket list.
! Photographer: Morgan Gaskins
A Few Questions Sophia Noll Why is chemistry so difOicult for me? It’s just the study of tiny little particles that you can only see with a super expensive microscope and applying hundreds of different principles to them and dealing with them like they’re not super duper teeny. Sounds easy right? Why are people mean to people who are different from them? Why are they racist? Why are they sexist? Why can’t everyone just be nice to each other? We don’t have many differences, really. We’re all human and we all deal with similar issues. So why can’t we just accept each other? Who invented football and why did they think that a bunch of guys running around slamming into each other would be something people would want to watch? Why is the male species the way it is? It’s bewildering.
Photographer: Emily Schaefer
What exactly is the stock market? I see the green or red numbers on Google next to big company names but I’ve never known what they represent. Maybe I should look into that.
Why are some people so picky? There’s lots of amazing foods out there. Why would you limit yourself by telling yourself that some of them are gross even though you’ve never tried them? Why do some people voluntarily stay up late? Sleep and a cozy bed are some of the best things in life. Why would you deprive yourself of them? How big is space? I know scientists don’t actually know yet but the thought of it just stretching on and on for inOinity is just mind-boggling. Or what if there’s just a brick wall far far away where it just stops? Why does decaf coffee exist? No commentary needed.
30.3744° N, 86.3586° W Brooke Bitzer Let me apologize in advance for what I’m going to talk about, It’s a story basically of me getting asked out. Yes that seems lame because I’m seventeen, But let me assure you that he makes me feel like a queen. He is my best friend, I mean basically my whole world, I talk to him every minute of everyday, I’m living in a dream world. So teachers, blame him for me being on my phone, I mean, I have to reply because he has a nice “jaw bone.” So, the reason for the title... It's actually quite vital, It's the coordinates of where we met On Miramar beach just hours before the sunset. While crazy, yes I know, but it's true, I think about it sometimes and I’m just like “yahoo!!” The only bad thing is that he lives so far, So much gas and so many miles on my car. Fun fact: Lebanon is an hour drive away, Well actually, it just depends on the day. We do take turns coming here or going there But one time I forgot my under… cover super cool spy glasses. So now that you hopefully have laughed, I can start handing out autographs Because, come on, let's be real This was better than Mr. Lunn’s whole “turning 40” spiel. But yeah, our 10 months of “dating” was yesterday, Tell me congrats as I walk away Because let me tell ya, this has been hard, Just like maintaining the grades from my 9th grade report card. This is Brooke Bitzer signing off! Aka best girlfriend ever *cough* *cough*.
Still I Rise By Jacob Deitsch*
Though you lay your hands upon me and beat me down to the ground, still I rise Though you throw things at me and lodge things into my very being, still I rise Though you put me into a room of heat to extinguish my light, still I rise Though you push me into a confined cage, still I rise Though you punch me in the stomach and tear my hair out, still I rise Even when I get out of the heat you pick me up and try to drown me forever, still I rise
! Photographer: Daylan Sparks
*Inspired by Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise”
In the Mind Gwendalyn Flick Though I could, in my heart, feel Which life was fake, and which, was real, Neither diminished nor faltered. My mind wouldn’t allow either to be altered. With an arm outstretched, I clung to a hand, Hoping the promise of forever would withstand The torment I felt leaving one behind, Despite both lives being intertwined. As his fingers curled around mine, A difference in texture, I could find. On top of the world where I once stood, One firm stomp shattered everything like I knew it could.
! Photographer: Maggie Martin
Stalingrad By Jack Crider *Inspired after the reading of Blood Red Snow As distant tracks pound trodden ground My ears pick up the rumbling sound. The war’s been long and victims high Inky black smoke paints the Stalingrad sky. I sit in my hole trembling in fear The distant roars now sound clear. - I sit in my hole blank stare plastard, A whizzing shell caresses over head. I say to myself “here come the bastard’s”, All the while resonating dread. - Their tanks roll on with a deadly song The War machine started, The Misery prolonged. - The symphony of war with deafening drums, The cries of man with futile hope, The Tanks are near, the death will come, No escape from the hangman’s rope. - We jump out our holes running away, Boots pounding the rumbling ground. We cannot out run, We cannot stay, Screams heard as men are ground.
Sisters Megan Farrell
! Photographer: Megan Farrell
As I lay here thinking of all the things we could of done, I dream of the adventures we could have embarked on. The day I first laid my eyes on you, I wanted to wrap myself in my arms of safety and never let you see the darkness. When we were younger you made me want to rip my hair out. As if I was a housewife, I wanted to scream at the tops of my lungs. It was as if I was on a roller coaster coming down the first hill. However, even to this day, I would fight hands and fists for you, climb any hill and overcome any challenge for you. When I grow old I want you to be by my side and do the same for me as I did for you. I wouldn’t want to have anybody else by my side through thick and thin. You make me smile, laugh, scream, and cry but at the end of the day there is only one thing left to be done. I will always pour my endless love into you and never stop giving to you. You will always have a shoulder to cry on and a person to be with. You may hate me at times but we will still be sisters.
To My Younger Brother Jordan Burnam You think that life is easy, But to get where you want to be, you have to work hard. You can’t sit around and have people hand you things. You have to go out, be independent, and reach your goals. Father used to tell me the same thing when I was your age so Now I’m trying to help you so you're prepared for the next chapter of life. Where I am today is because of the hard work I did. I could have done more, but I didn’t. I was LAZY. But, I changed. I rose up and decided it was time to defy others’ expectations Because I wasn’t satisfied with my work ethic. I was upset with myself for not doing the things that I know I can do. That’s why I’m hard on you. I know that you can be rewarded. Your potential and success are all up to you. You have to be 100 percent committed to this. There will be people that will get in your way, but you have to stay strong. Stay around good people. Prove to others why you are worthy. If you do these things, then you will be successful. This is my message to you, young brother.
EVERYTHING’S BETTER IN SUMMER Megan Sullivan The summer sun shining through, Hanging over me and you. The ice cream truck will soon drive by, Waiting in the grass so dry. The kids are splashing in the pool, Hoping to never go back to school. Bonfires occur every night, With sparks from the fire ever so bright. The summer storms are moving in, And the sound of the raindrops makes me grin. Although the rain is quite a bummer, It is definitely true that everything’s better in summer.
! Photographer: Alaina Sullivan
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Savannah Jeffries She’s colder than bare feet trudging through January snow. She’s a harsh and violent war, She’s a soft and aching void. She’s the solitude of sitting silent in a corner, while a crowd bustles about, talking and laughing, unnoticing and uncaring. She’s the emptiness of lying home alone for days, confined to one room. She’s the frustration and anguish of knowing what to do, but lacking the ability to do it. She’s as sharp as a piercing knife and as blunt as a gut-punch. She’s the silent tears in the dark of night. She’s the roaring scream that no one seems to hear. She’s a bruise. She’s a bite. She’s a needle. She’s a spear. She’s a fire. She’s a hail storm.
She
is.
Loneliness.
And she is never noticed.
Things I wish I could tell my Freshman-Year Self Lindsey Baker 1. Everyone is awkward. Embrace the awkwardness. 2. What you love now will change. The classes, the sports, and the people. You’re changing and this is high school after all. 3. Your friends are great, but they are about to get even beHer. You’ll go through rough patches where friends won't get along and things don't work out. You’ll even go through times where you just feel alone, but you’re not. Within the next few years you will find the best friends that you will ever have and finally feel like you have found your place in the universe. 4. Oh and that boy you saw in the hall is about to become a cutie once the puberty sets in. 5. Your future's so close. This is only a stepping stone in your life. So don't stress. Have fun and be happy. You're going to do amazing.
! Photographer: Maya Tilley
Challenge Accepted Madeline Crawford I challenge you. I challenge you to find joy in all aspects of life. Think, even if it’s something you loathe, someone you loathe, think. Stop and find optimism. Instead of getting upset, take time to appreciate and search for bliss. If needed, make a list of your gratitudes. I was going to write about the things I don’t like and what I disagree with. But then I thought about it, and I started to make a list. I realized that most of the things I found fault in were trivial. Trivial, meaning they held no sole purpose. There is no purpose in displaying anger or anguish. I found joy in more than I thought I did. So, I decided to write about what I found joy in. I find joy watching people express their excitement about the things that they love to do. I find joy in being successful after I’ve worked hard on something. I find joy in my dog. I found that I find more joy than I realized. There was more joy than there was annoyance or sorrow in my life. The only way I saw that is when I took the time to find joy. So, I challenge you. I challenge you to find joy in all aspects of life regardless of how much you want to disagree and become angry. Try to find joy in the things you hate, The things that bother you, The people that bother you so much. Stop. Look. Breathe. And find the joy along the way. Make a list if needed.
Photographer: Izabella De Tellum
17 Things I Thought I’d Have By 17 Victoria Butcher 1. I thought I would be a lifeguard working on a beach somewhere in Florida 2. I thought I would constantly have friends over, but honestly, sleep is my best friend 3. I thought I would have a smokin’ hot boyfriend, but my DM’s, Snapchat, iMessage— you name it—are drier than the Sahara Desert 4. I thought my teeth would be nice and straight by now but it turns out braces take longer when you’re missing six teeth 5. I thought I would wear cute outfits to school everyday,but really I look like I just rolled out of bed, which I probably did 6. I thought I would be popular, but then I realized that’s just stupid. Let’s face it; you’re probably never going to see these people after high school anyways 7. I thought I would meet Miley Cyrus… nope 8. I thought I would have my life plan figured out but I have no clue what I’m even doing tomorrow 9. I thought I would be taller but at least I’m not my mom’s height (she’s not even five feet tall) 10. I thought I would become a marine biologist after college… I don’t even know where I want to go to college or what I want to major in 11. I thought I would have ridden a whale across the ocean like an absolute Goddess by now… I’m still waiting for that one 12. I thought I would be a really successful artist, if you’ve seen me draw my whale’s you already know my skill set 13. I thought I would have a super cute car but I actually drive a 2000 gold minivan 14. I thought I would be able to sing... and I can… just not well 15. I thought I would be able to speak multiple languages but I can barely speak English goodly 16. I thought I would look older and hotter because I saw 30-years-old playing 15-yearolds when I was younger, but I learned to love myself the way I am 17. I thought I would be happy, and I am, so I guess not being Beyonce is okay
The Lion’s Cage Tyler Kollman
Photographer: Megan Farrell
Sometimes you cannot resist the thing that pulls you to consume it. Sometimes you won’t be able to escape the hauntings that feed your hunger. Sometimes you feel trapped with what heals you, but also kills you. Sometimes it's not always your fault. It is always apart of you. You are the starving Lion. Life is the cage that you can’t escape. The blood stained meat in the cage is the temptation that makes hungry.
Anxiety McKenna Gliebe The room is cold. The room is clean. But there's a mess. A mess of me. Sometimes my head is so cluttered. It pounds with my heartbeat. My heart that feels as if it is beating out of my chest. Stress is taking over. Even in a safe place. The mind wonders far away. Too much to do. Too little time. Oh how I wish. This feeling would go away.
! Photographer: Lucy Maddrill
Untitled Hannah Bird When one door closes another one opens-- and sometimes it seems like 10 doors are slamming all at once. It’s hard to turn around and see the open doors when you’ve been trying to break down something that has long since been closed and locked. There are always opportunities, the hope of every day, and people waiting to share it with you, but if you get lost in the dark corridors, the light is so faint and almost impossible to reach.
Photographer: John D’Wolf
I want you to know that I don’t blame you and that I am not mad at you. I just wish that someday soon you will be able to find the light again and the hope that lies in the everyday.
So I must say, try to find the happiness and help others find open doors.
What a funny thing Erika Haines Change is a funny thing. It may not be welcome. Yet it’s always there. Waiting in a corner. For you to stare. It comes in a mix of emotions; happiness, Sadness, Anger. It comes in a variety of ways; Smiles, Tears, screams. Feeling alone. With people right next to you. Feeling lost. In a place with a clear map. Feeling dierent. Even though you are still you. It may not be welcome. It comes anyway. Change is a funny thing.
Photographer: Kelsey Robbins
Thoughts in My Mind Kathryn Schweinhagen Murky clouds brim over Liquid diamonds cascade down Pooling around me.
! Photographer: Hannah Sizemore
Mirror Mirror Kaitlyn Hartley My only purpose in life is to lie, I do this daily without blinking an eye. I tell you that you are ugly and fat, So your self esteem plummets to the ground with a splat. I don’t like saying these things to you, But how am I supposed to stop what I am made to do? Your eyes are too small, And you're not very tall. You have messy hair, And your skin is too fair. I tell you these things everyday, Molding your self worth as if you were clay. I am your evil reOlection, Never giving you love or affection.
The mirror mirror on your wall, Telling you that you are not the fairest of them all. But when I tell you these things that are all wrong, Look away, turn your cheek, I know you are strong. So the next time you look in the mirror, I hope that things become much clearer. For this is something even I cannot deny,
Fading Riley Hollandsworth Please, Let me live, Even if it’s in your memory That seem to fade with age. Please, I’ll live in the dark corners of your mind, You won’t even know I’m there. I promise. Please, Let me live Within the depths of your soul And I will continue existing Please... Photographer: Molly Wolfe
Oblivious Riley Hollandsworth
You think it was easy watching you fall in love with someone else? Do you? I watched as you told little meaningless secrets and details of your life to someone who didn’t even care. The person you confide in didn’t love you at all, they were just a decent liar. But you were a better liar. You convinced yourself that you weren’t good enough, that I couldn’t love you, that no one could. You weren’t interested in me, I understood. I didn’t really like myself either and I didn’t expect you to. You were hoping that someone would come along and love you so much that maybe you could love yourself. I had tried that. It didn’t work. It was a damn shame, with you and all your complexity, his simple mind couldn’t comprehend your beauty. So you remained blissfully unaware and I remained trapped between loving you and wanting the best for you. One thing was for sure, I sure as hell wasn’t the best… but neither was he and you still loved him.
my shortness. Elizabeth Liming Yeah I’m short. I’m 4 ft 11 ½ (that half inch is important). It makes me a half inch away from 5ft, yet I’m still considered short. Oh, and in case you were wondering, no, I won’t be growing anymore, my mom could’ve told me that (she actually did). I hate that I can’t reach the top shelf to get a plate or put something in the microwave. People look over or down at me, while I have to look up (by the way, how’s the weather up there?). Because of my height, I’ve been mistaken for a 12 year old (IHOP gave me a kids menu once, though I guess that’s a compliment; things are cheaper that way). I can’t see over crowds and know what’s caught their eye. My friends use me as an armrest, and don’t even get me started on trying get my feet to touch the ground. Also, let’s just say cars aren’t made for short folks like me. I really don’t like being short, I wish I was a little taller... Although, I guess tall people have problems too. They hit their heads on low ceilings, then there’s the usual piece of clothing that states “one size fits all”, which doesn’t actually fit. They’re constantly being asked the same questions: “How’s the weather up there”, which I’ve stated previously (oops), and “How tall are you?” When taking showers, they’ve probably been taller than the showerhead, nor could they have fit into the bathtub since they were age 10, so, maybe being short isn’t too bad after all... I could squeeze through large crowds, wear heels and not tower over anyone. On airplanes, I still have leg room. For what I lack in height, I make up for it with a big heart.
! Photographer: Olivia King
Competitive Nature Tassos Manganaris With a strong need to demonstrate on what we’ve tried so hard to innovate, we enter the competition, as has been tradition, and begin preparing to terminate. Despite suffering a few hiccups, we continue through using our backups. After some records, as well as some swear words, our victory moves us to the next lineup. Photographer: Emily Lewis
Paper Towel Lindy Rutledge As the human begins making their way toward me, I know it’s my time. The kid spilled some juice, and I’m next in line I’ve seen many friends ruined and destroyed, and now the turn is mine. I am ripped from the family waiting submissively behind me I hear their screams, pleading me to stay, But I know, today is my day Before I can act, I taste the Mott’s apple juice Soaking, I am crumpled up and heaved I close my eyes, trying to ignore my discomfort When I open them, everything is grimy, and there is a rancid scent I attempt to make out my surroundings, but soon rue it Around me are all the carcassas of my former friends and family.
Untitled Sadie Matthews --Nobody can hear you, But you can’t hear anything either except A high pitched hum, drowning out your senses. It just keeps ringing and ringing. It won’t go away. Maybe you’re dead. Everything goes dark. Everything goes silent. A deafening silence. White. It’s blinding. Soon, you can hear it. Screams of war and despair. As your vision returns You see it. Chaos. Parts and pieces of your fellow comrades Lay askew in the dirt. Blood is seeping into the earth. Is this the end? —
! Photographer: Brianna Berling
Today I Rise Elijah Price* Tomorrow is never promised. One day we won’t be ourselves anymore. Do all you can to live it to the fullest. All I can do is wonder, “Will I wake up tomorrow?” You will understand one day why. I’ll rise. Love every second of it. Love the people in my life while I can. Restart when I fail and try again. I’ve realized we all will rise. Soon you'll rise. Everybody rises. *Inspired by Maya Angelou
Photographer: Hannah Gries
Living or Dying? Amadaz Jones Life might be repetitive Life might be gloomy Life might be unfair Life might be stagnant This means you are too busy dying but When life is exciting When life is joyful When life is justiďŹ ed When life is energetic This is when you are busy living
! Photographer: Hannah Carnder
Headlights James Mooney Going out for a midnight drive Under the moon and stars Trying to get the meter up to seventy five On a road lit like golden bars Going too fast on this danger line ride But it can’t compete with this level of pride A number of obstacles but you can’t break stride Not paying attention means you died I thought I heard my ringtone But I couldn't pick it up Maybe too focused on the baritone Of the engine revving up It comes up in an occasional dream About the deer in the high beams The way it jumped out of a bush Or maybe that's just how it seemed
Photographer: Karley Steinher
Nothing could have been done going sixty in the rain Slamming on the breaks would mean a world of pain All that was left left to be done was to sit back and see What would happen to the animal getting hit close to seventy Then pull of the road waking up one or two houses maybe three Then along comes a police car Rarely does someone find relief in that But what just happened was a minor mental scar And you would expect anyone to react Expected to hear “never mind your situation, just show us your card” But the officer spoke like he didn’t have a police star There was no “step to the right or we can make this hard” The coincidentally passing by cop helped escort the damaged jaguar
Hawaii Daydream Grace Daly As the salty air wafts in my face, I feel the sun's warm embrace. The speckled color of flowers spread, All across the island bed. While everything is bright and new, I am suffocated in the ocean blue. The island sky gushes an orange red, As people start to go to bed. The ocean sings a gentle song, And on this island, I begin to feel like I belong. While everything is orange and new, I am suffocated in the ocean blue. The musty smell of rain runs about all over the soggy plain. The mountains being huge and the volcanos large, Let’s us all know the island is in charge While the Forest is bright and unseen, I am suffocated in the islands green
Photographer: Ethan Hamilton
The Snow is Silent Grace Daly You’re as silent as snow. As reserved as an animal in hibernation. Even though you’re in contemplation, you are still able to keep the fire alive. You can still survive, In the burning cold You are able to keep it together, even while we are in this terrible weather because the fire still burns within you.
Even when trapped in this snowy igloo, You are still alive In the burning cold As you melt away the snowy frost, You may still feel lost. A world without snow has much to offer, But you are stuck in a snowy somber. However, you break out, and now You’re in the burning sun
El <3
Smoker
By: Josey Robinson
Joseph Zerges*
Short blonde hair
You re worse than nicotine.
Wit and charm
You re worse than the addiction.
The best sweaters, shoes, pants,
You cause the hardships. We don't work.
and arms
You re worse than nicotine.
Piercing blue eyes
You re worse than the tar in my
Giving the smize
lungs.
To celebrity guests
You cause the pain.
Of all shape and size
We had our fun.
An inspiration A ball of love So much fun Crafted by God above
This is cancerous.
Photographer: Jay Patel
This is dangerous. You are a threat to me. We aren't a family.
You re worse than nicotine.
Millions of dollars To give away Ellen DeGeneres Is here to stay
I think it's time I leave. Because we aren't meant to be We are worse than smoking.
*Inspired by Nicotine by Panic! At The Disco.
Feeling a bit under the weather Brooke Peters Today it is raining. I watch as the raindrops race one another down the window pane. I wonder, which one will win? Which one will overcome the others? Or will they crash into one another, creating a colossal confusing combination.The window is crowded. Too many rain drops. I wonder if it is possible for the window to break? To crumble under the pressure of all of these raindrops. Crashing down on me. Leaving me left with nothing but scrapes and bruises. Never knowing if I will be able to heal. Today it is sunny. Finally some nice weather. The sun shines down on me and I can feel each ray strike my face one by one. I am saturated by its warmth. It makes me feel new, like I have been rejuvenated. I feel at peace, as if nothing could go wrong. But then I think, will it rain tomorrow? Star filled night Jp Peters
The sky is clear of clouds, out come the stars. If you get a telescope, you might even see Mars. They have many who want to watch them at night, they make our sky more amazing with their light. Some wish they could go up to them, wishing they could have a starry adventure while they’re at the helm. Zipping through space, with plenty to explore, and just when they think they’ve done it all, there's even more But just watching them is OK too, because the Photographer: Zoe Buchanan
stars are pretty cool
Broken Bones Brian Stone Throughout my life, I have experienced many injuries. These include broken arms, legs, and teeth. Throughout these experiences, none compare to the time when I broke both of my arms. Yes both of them. It all started in the summer before first grade. It was an unusually cool, sunny summer day. I was at my friend’s house playing a game of backyard football. After dominating the other team, the sun started to set and we could not see the ball anymore. So we did what seven year old kids do, go in and play the not kid appropriate Call of Duty World at War. The game was new at the time and so when one of the neighborhood kids had it well we just couldn’t believe it. With our young foolish minds we started to race towards his house in excitement; however, because we were in the backyard, we had to jump a fence, run through a house, or open the fence. With multiple friends jumping over the fence, I gave into the peer pressure. For me as a seven year old, the fence was ginormous. Jumping it was going to be no easy task. Upon reaching the top of the fence, I realized I would now need to jump and jump I did. Not realizing my foot was hooked to the other side of the fence, I fell horizontally. In an attempt to brace my landing, I stuck out both of my arms. Snap! I hit the ground and my arms were broken. One would think that your friends would come to your aid but one would be wrong. Instead I was called a “Baby” and a “Little girl.” They left me. I was on the ground for four hours until my friend’s dad came outside to my aid. Moral of the story is: choose your friends wisely because they might leave you for dead after you fall off of a fence and try to brace your fall with both arms.
Broken Chains Anonymous* Free. Escaped, from all the suffering you caused me in my life. I feel liberated to breathe clean oxygen from the depths of my lungs again. Done. From the many lies you told me, I can now be who I am It will always stay with me but, I will find aspiration because pain does end. I began to start to find the purpose of my life. I have not always loved myself from the inside out. Once again I'm not trapped or confined, I’m no longer allowing myself to think or acknowledge you in my mind. You cannot control me. My bad thoughts in my mind are going away. Three years of dealing with bad thoughts, actions, flashbacks and night terrors. But today, I’m fearless. But today, I’m independent. And today, I'll rise up . And tomorrow, I'll rise again.
*Inspired by Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise”
Photographer: Nate Baker
Clarit' Katie Fisher Life gets blur3'. We get st6ck in the stor;. Things get fogg'. We lose sight of what is impor@ant. What to focus on. What maAers. Life gets blur3'. We go through deep waters. We st36ggle to ďŹ nd ourselves. When life gets blur3' adjust your focus. If life gets blur3'. Take a new perspective. Evaluate.
Photographer: Lorna Wulker
Step back and breathe. Find clarit'. When life gets blur3' adjust your focus. There is beaut' in ever'@hing around us. Take the time to enjoy it. Absorb your sur3oundings. When life gets blur3' see the beaut' of life. Clarit' comes aer the stor;. There will be a rainbow at the end of the stor;. The darker your stor; the brighter your rainbow will be.
Untitled Nubia Winder Mi acento es un director de orquestra Mis labios, el telón Y mi voz, la música Cada palabra es una nota Que si suena diferente Esque tu hip hop es mi banda Y tu pop es mi salsa Pero escucha mi canción Muevete conmigo Que el ritmo no importa My accent is an orchestra director My lips, the curtains And my voice, the music Every phrase is a note That if it sounds different It’s because your hip hop is my banda And your pop is my salsa But listen to my song Move with me That the rhythm doesn’t matter
Photographer: Jake Gould
My accent is not for me to be ashamed of and try to hide it. It is not for anyone to make fun of, telling me with their judging eyes to speak “proper English”. What even is proper English? No, I don’t speak Mexican, I speak Spanish. No, my mom’s not a maid, she’s a manager. And no, she didn’t steal it, she earned it. We’re both here legally so no, we’re not wetbacks. But sure we love beans. Sure, I’m a spic, I am Hispanic. I’m sorry you still can’t get over the fact that I have an accent, my tongue has too much rhythm, too much cumbia to settle. And it’s there to remind me where I came from, and to be proud of it.
Thoughts on Concession Caleb Hutchings ConOidence is lost, and it has everything to do with concession. Has anyone ever noticed the increase in concession? That people will always follow up with their statements with “I don’t know though” or, “Hey, I could be wrong.” I do this a lot. I do it so no one can gloatingly say, “No Caleb, you idiot, this is right.” I do it so that if my advice doesn’t work, you can’t blame me. I do it to cover my ass. I’m not alone, we all do it. No one wants to ever admit they were wrong. They will say, “I don’t know but...”. We have become afraid to admit error. This is often exempliOied when “people don’t want to try because they don’t want to fail,” but this is not as common as people would have you believe. The truth is that we don’t ever want blame to be pointed at us, we don’t want to be conOident in what we have to say, and there is a reason for this. People are so quick to point out each other’s shortcomings, there is much less forgiveness for small errors, and because of this we don’t ever want a direct accusation. Because we conceded at the beginning, we now have the ability to say, “I said I might be wrong” or “You didn’t have to listen” or “I didn’t know the blender was on.” Honestly, I would prefer if everyone just stuck to their guns and admitted when they were wrong, instead of becoming so unsure of everything that we can’t even make a deOinitive statement. I would prefer if people were less likely to attack due to little errors. I may be alone in this opinion, but everyone does it to some extent. Well at least, I think. Well maybe. Sometimes. I’m not really sure.
! Photographer: Olivia King
Success Willie Johnson What makes a person successful? In school, sports, and life. Is there a way to measure how successful one is? Success is defined as: the accomplishment of an aim or purpose. But how does one know when they have reached the accomplishment? It’s easy to know if you succeeded in some things. If you win the game, you succeeded. If you get an A on the test, you succeeded. But what about in life? Is there a certain point you have to get to? Do you need to make the most money? Have the fanciest clothes and cars? Live in a big house? Have the most followers on social media? None of that actually matters. In life, make meaningful relationships with others. Help out those less fortunate than yourself. Be kind to everyone. Live your life with a good purpose. Hope to look back on your life when you are older and remember the impact you had on those around you.
Dogs are a Circus Amy Gries Dogs are the circus, Jumping, playing and knocking over Stuff. Their energy is unobtainable. They want to learn how to be a good dog, But you have to work. You have to train. You have to teach them. They are loyal and hard workers Best friend to woman Dogs want to please you day and night Dogs constantly want attention Love to go on walks, and want to be by you day in and day out Dogs have their rough days too.
Photographer: Sami Conley
Enough attention and walks and all of what dogs need makes them good dogs. A little bit of training makes them very good dogs. Dogs are the circus, you will never know what your dog has done until you get back to your house. You´ve got to love your dog for the messes. Dogs are hard workers, if you're a dog lover or animal lover, it is easy to handle. Dogs are constantly on the move. Got to stay active, have fun. Dogs have a goofy side to them too. What personality. They roll around on their backs while growling And jump over sofas to get to their owners. Dogs are amazing.
Endless Nightmare Gabby Ford A blacked out moment. A constant nightmare with a physical reminder. Upright or sideways, without any memory of how. A once beautiful image now broken. Awakening in the same nightmare, I now realize it will be a reality, A piece is missingNow forever changed. The curtains may have closed but another show began, With brighter lightsA bigger audienceAnd a star that only grows bigger.
Photographer: Mattie Bailey
Love is an Obstacle Devon Brown Love is like a cigarette, It’s suppose to make you feel better. But through time It can kill you. Love can tear you apart. Love can be the destruction of your own demise, All when catching you by surprise. Please be wise. Don’t make the same mistake that I once did make. If you found the one Respect them and love them, do not run.
! Photographer: Megan Farrell
Stranded Adam Broderick I’m out here all alone, with nothing but a broken phone Please don’t let me die, being out here will get me fried I think I’m going insane, I can hear many whispers in my brain Give me a sign that I’m not losing my mind It hurts to walk, I really need to sit down on something like a rock. It’s been too long, but I know I have to stay strong I’m out here all alone, with nothing but a broken phone
Don’t Rain on Me Jackson Weist When the Earth cracks beneath your feet, When the weight comes crashing down, Don’t rain on me. When you remember how things were before, Don’t rain on me. When you need me back, When you forget the times, When the imperfect becomes clear, Don’t rain on me. When the sun goes down, When your head hangs low, And the answer seems so far, When you turned your back, When you left for good, When the rain never stopped, Don’t rain on me. Photographer: Alexis Stearns
Different Molly Martin It’s true that you learn something new everyday. Because each day is unique-the weather, the events, the clothes worn, the conversations had, the shapes of the clouds-all different than yesterday or last Friday or next Tuesday. Therefore, there is something brand new to be discovered in everyday, moment, and second. The sky will be a slightly brighter shade of pink when the sun sets, the leaves will blow into different spots, a stranger will cross your path and catch your eye. A different, new, and unique thing will happen every single time you look for it.