Nonesuch by Chattanooga Christian School

NONESUCHTEAM

LaurenTyler/Editor&Chief

ClaraMonahan/Director

CooperDutton

NayaGreen

OliverHoward

WilliamPalumbo

EvelynReed

AmeliaBarr

AubreyRoach-Blackwell

AlmedaPitts

SamanthaWilliams

BennettHarper

TessaKnutson

JoannaWard

JaylaMcNeill

EllaGreen

NoelWarren

McKaineLayne

DearReaders,

MypasttwoDearReaderswerechargestothestudentbody,butI’dliketo highlightourstrengthsthisyear PartofwhatmakesCCSaremarkableschoolis itsinsightfulandcompassionatecommunityofcreatorsandspectators I’vemet manypeopleinmylifetime;I’veattendedatleastsevendifferentchurches;I’ve beentobothapublicandprivateschool;andneverhaveIbeenapartofa communityasblessedasthisone ThebrotherlyloveIheareverytimethe audienceexplodesintoapplauseandcheersafteraperformanceprovesourschool hassomethingtherestoftheworldlacks Theopportunitytowatchour communityofcreatorsgrowaseditor-in-chiefisoneofthegreatestgiftsI’ve received

MostimportantarethepeoplewhomakeupthebodyofNonesuch:the outstandingteamandthebravepeoplewhosharetheircreationswithus The unseenworkerscreatingpostersandsendingannouncementstothefrontoffice allowNonesuchtoreachtheCCScommunity Withoutthesehands,we’dhave anemptyauditoriumandgalleryonWednesdays Attheheartofitallarethe peoplewiththecouragetosubmittheirworktouseachmonth.Theyriskthepain ofrejectionandthenervesofperforminginfrontoftheirpeerssowecanshare theirtalents

Thisyear’scollectionoffersafittinganduniqueinsight:thepowerofthewritten word.In“TheLifeofaLetter,”StellaMiningerrealizesthatherloveforwriting lettersisbornfromhervalueofreflectingontreasuredmemories In“Howto Read,”IsabelMullinsusesherreadingexperiencestoshowusthatabookis morethanwordsonpaper-itisaworldwithintwocovers Readingamagazine fullofthevoicesofyourpeersisapowerfulexperience-cherishit

ADVISORS

Mr ChristopherSlaten

Ms MiaBaker

Butwhodowehavetothankforcuratingthispowerfulpacketofpaper?Firstand foremost,givearoundofapplausetoMr Slatenforhisuntoldeffortsincrafting Nonesuchintothestrongadvocateofcreativitythatitistoday Thankstohim, whatstartedasanunderfundedgroupofstudentspassionateaboutartand literaturehasbecomeateamdedicatedtogivingtheirfellowstudentsaplatform tosharetheirwork

Ms BakerisanotherteacherwhotookNonesuchtoanewlevel Duetoher incredibletalentasadesigner,ourpublicationsareeye-catching,andwehave moreplatformsthanevertosharestudentcreations Mostimportantly,the signaturesheforgedformeisbetterthanmyrealone

Lastly,Ileaveyouallwiththis:thegratitudeofourseniormembers Thisyear’s seniorshaveproventhemselvestobeleaderswhoprioritizeupliftingourbeautiful communityofcreators Thankyouforgivingusgracewhenwe’vefallenshortof this FromalloftheseniorsinNonesuch:ithasbeenapleasureandanhonorto serveyou

ThankYou,andGoodbye,

Lauren Tyler

EDITOR&CHIEF

Gazeatitforalittlewhile Takeyourtime Yourfirstinstinctmaybetopickitup. Butit’snottimeforthatyet Gettoknowitfirst Understandthebeautyofit Beforeusingit Lookatallitsparts, Thestem, Thepetals Maybecountthepetals. Istheresomethinghidinginbetweenthem? Lookforthesmallerthings, Thetinyyellowballs OfsomeUnknownsubstanceinthecenter Thatisthesourceoffood, Thesourceoflife

Forsomeflyingfriend, Seehowthepetalsareshaped, Thedetailedshapeforeachofthem, Howtheyareshapedwithintentionandlove ByaCreatorwhocaresevenforthatlittleflower: BeautyofCreation

Nowfeeltheflower Justenough Astonotdisturbthepeacefulsilence Thatitlivesin

TherebeholdthewondrousBeautyofCreation, Thereminderofbeautyinourlives

BURST NAYAGREEN CLASSOF‘25

TheOtherSide oftheMirror

LAURENTYLER CLASSOF‘24

I’vealwaysfounditfunnyhowpeopleshowupexactlywhen youdon’tneedthem Whenyou’removinghouses,your neighbor’sweekendssuddenlyfillupwithfamilytrips,Little Leaguebaseballgames,andayearlypilgrimagetochurch. Theydon’thaveasecondtosparetohelploadfurnitureinto thebackofaU-Haul Whentheboxesarepackedandyou’ve gonebackonelasttimetogetthemiscellaneousitems-the ironingboard,theplantsinthekitchenwindow-they suddenlyshowupinyourdrivewaytosaygoodbyeandoffer theirservices,knowingfullandwellfromspyingthroughthe cracksintheirblindsthatyourhouseisempty

I’vesufferedthroughsuchbitterhypocrisymanytimes Whenmygrandfatherdied,thepastorofthechurchhe attendedforsevenyearssuddenlyappearedtoofferhis condolences,hisservices,andtopraywithmyfamily He stayedforfifteenminutes,saidaheartfeltgoodbyeandthe classic,“Ifthere’sanythingyouneed,letmeknow,”andwent onhisway PastorAllanhadnotcometoseemygrandfather onceinhisthirteen-monthdecline,buthestrolledintothe roomthathadeludedhim,Bibleinhand,notanhourafterhe died I’mtypicallynotthekindtojudgeGod’sappointed,but whenachiefrepresentativecan’tevenvisitthedyinguntil they’redead,Iquestionwhetherthey’rereallycarryingtheir cross

Iwasthirteenwhenmygrandfatherwasdiagnosedwith Parkinson’sdisease Mygrandmotherwasthefirstpersonto recognizeitscallingcard.Whenwewenttotheirhousefor dinner,afterweretiredtothelivingroomshewouldalways recountherharrowingexperiencesoftryingtogetmy grandfatherbackinthehouseafterawalk “Hewaspitching andstaggering-Ididn’tthinkIwasgoingtobeabletoget himupthestairs!Hejustabouttookbothofusdown,”she’d say Tomythirteen-year-oldself,apersonwhoknew everything,thereasonforthiswasobvious Hehadbeen walkinginaflannelshirt,sweatpants,andabaseballhatout intheswelteringSeptemberheat Ofcoursehewaspitching andstaggering-itwasawonderhedidn’tpassout I dismissedtheimagesofmygrandfatherswayinglikea drunkard,lurchingandstaggeringasmygrandmothertriedto haulhimupthegaragestairs Therewasnothingtoit My grandparentshadalwayslovedtoexacerbateanyillness If theyhadthesniffles,thenpneumoniawasjustaroundthe corner

Itwasn’tlongafteraparticularlybadpitchingand staggeringepisodethatmygrandfatherwenttothedoctor Afteraslewoftests,scans,andpossiblediagnoses,my grandparents’paranoiaaboutillnessfinallypaidoff My grandfatherwasdiagnosedwithParkinson’s,adiseasethat wouldclaimhismobility,hismind,andhislife Hisprognosis wasastrangemixofanightmareandadreamcometrue Fromthatdayon,anytripoverthecarpet,stiffback,orlossfor wordswasaresultofTheDisease Mygrandfather’sfondness forcomplainingabouthisailmentshadfinallyfoundits playground Therewasnoshortageofsymptomshecouldrun to,nolackofsignsofanuntimelydeathhecouldn’tswing from Tohim,itwasreal Tome,itwasjustanotherdelusion Astimewenton,itbecameevidentthatnoteverythingwas inhishead.Mygrandfather’sgaitslowlyshorteneduntilhe wasshufflinginsteadofwalking Hislegsstartedtoquiverlike thegroundduringanearthquake Mygrandparentsnolonger wenttochurch Ifinallyrealizedthatsomethingtrulywasn’t rightwhenhecouldnolongerplaycards FromthetimeIwas inelementaryschool,mygrandparentspickedmeupfrom schooleveryFridaytogoouttoeatandplaycardsattheir houseafterwarduntilmyparentsdraggedmehome Playing cardsisanancienttraditionintheTylerfamily.My grandfathergrewuparoundcardgames Hisparents,aunts, anduncleswouldstayupallnightdrinkingandplacingbets theynevermeanttopaywhilemygrandfatherandhissiblings were “asleep ”Whetherhiseldersknewitornot,hewatched themthroughthecrackofhisbedroomdoor,learningthe secretartoffivecarddraw Needlesstosay,ourgameswere moretame Weplayedpenny-ante,onlybettingwithcoins thatmygrandfathersavedinacrystaljarbyhisbedtogiveto mewhenIcameover Ifinallycametotermswithhisillness

PORTAL SAMANTHAWILLIAMS CLASSOF‘25

when one day he pushed himself up from the table, arms shaking like branches in a storm wind, and went to take a nap in his recliner after only seven hands of five card draw

As the weeks passed, it became clear that my grandfather was in a downward spiral His imaginary ailments started to materialize and my grandmother took up the burden of being his caretaker She draws meaning from serving everyone else’s needs before her own, bending over backward to indulge every whim

She was able to lift him out of his recliner and walk him to the bathroom for a while, but even she couldn’t care for him completely That was when talk of her moving in with my family started It began with the occasional search on Zillow for a four-person house, but the discussion quickly escalated to showings and the dreaded day that the “For Sale” sign went up in my yard I could feel life slipping out of my control I’ve never liked change, and I was losing everything in a landslide

To make a long lament short, we sold our house and moved from a rural, eleven-home subdivision to a suburban neighborhood complete with a HOA and a pool Those days took my mind off of my grandfather, but I lost some of the short time I had left with him My visits started to become few and far between as I struggled to adjust to life away from my childhood home Occasionally, guilt would sneak up on me, and I would visit him on Sunday after church, but those visits always carried a reminder: Things would never be the same Until the day he died, there would be an invisible curtain between my grandfather and me I lived on the Outside, the world that he had once inhabited and enjoyed before The Disease He lived on the Inside in a one-room apartment at Rosewood Assisted Living where he lived out his remaining days waiting for the worst to happen I ran away every time I remembered the grim reality of change

My grandfather died thirteen months after he left the Outside Guilt got the best of me in the end I went to see him every day during the week prior to his death I would leave school early to go sit with him and I spent my weekends in a room that reeked of death I would stare at his vacant eyes, the windows to the words he could no longer say, as he gripped my hand like a lifeline, like it was the only thing that kept him tethered to this world In that brief time before he left, I found both pain and relief I hated that he had to go so soon, but I enjoyed a time with him that I’d never had before My grandfather was a hard-headed man who would listen to you on occasion but preferred to talk over you When he lost his voice, I found I could tell him everything I talked about our family, school, and how I wished him the best If he’d been able to respond, I would have kept my mouth shut, too afraid of what I’d hear in reply I said goodbye with the squeeze of a hand and one-sided conversations, a rare privilege that most don’t enjoy I was able to be myself in front of him for the first time without the threat of being shut down

I began to remember my grandfather more kindly after those last days with him The memories of his cutting rebukes and quick temper started to fade, replaced with memories of a mellow old man who had all the time in the world to listen to me I started to become caught up in this image of a perfect relationship that never existed It wasn’t until my grandfather’s funeral that I realized I’d been deluding myself I volunteered to write his eulogy so I could make sure that the audience truly knew the man that is Charles Tyler After all, I knew him best I was the one who could make him smile and turn his head in his last days when everyone else received blank stares As I sat clicking away at my computer, I started to talk about my grandfather’s flaws - his temper, his stubbornness - and a warning light went off in the back of my head What if I wasn’t doing him justice? Shouldn’t I present his best so that people remember him kindly? I turned a blind eye to the warning and left them in When I gave the eulogy to my parents and grandmother to read, the warning light went off in their minds too They didn’t ignore it My mom was the messenger of their consensus: I should take out the sentence about his vices When I asked why, she reminded me of the obvious thing I had missed all along My grandfather had a darkness that he hid from the world Few people knew his cruelty, but those who did knew it well He had an arsenal of idiomatic sayings that could make a person smile on the bleakest of days, but he could also tear a man to shreds with nothing but words He was generous to charities, but he never gave his own son a dime My grandfather built a perfect persona for the world to see, but inside the walls of his own home, the ugliness curated from a childhood with an alcoholic father and a hard life of poverty escaped I love my grandfather no doubt But do I love the real Charles Tyler?

During the funeral, as I stood at my post by his urn, I thought about how no one in the room knew who he really was The people who shed tears, the woman who talked about how he always hugged her at church, had never seen the monster within I gave my speech about what a good man he was; I don’t know how much of it I believed Yet as I gave it, I understood something about my grandfather that no one else does A mirror has two sides: the reflection and the person looking in The mirror can be sparkling clean and show the perfect image of a person, or it can be dirty and blackened with age, showing a distortion of the person looking in. Yet the reflection is not the true person It is only an interpretation created by light and reflective glass My grandfather was neither the perfect person the world saw nor the twisted man my father and grandmother lived with. He was a human being. He was complicated; he was fractured by a hard life; he was sewn back together by his family’s love Charles Tyler was neither a saint nor a devil He was Grandaddy

He was the man who saved coins in a jar to give to his granddaughter because a child has no greater delight than counting their quarters He was the man who had a scathing voice when he told me to turn down the volume on the T V , but he was also the one who introduced me to the world of music with “American Pie ” He was the man who croaked out, “That’s my girl,” when I told him I was in the running for valedictorian the day before he passed

Most people learn their alphabet or about the fantastic world of the 1950s from their grandparents They learn valuable life lessons like holding on to the hem of your shirtsleeve when you put on a jacket so your sleeves don’t bunch up From my grandfather, I learned that people are rarely what they seem Everyone has their vices and virtues, but people seldom see that these are building blocks of the whole My grandfather was not the sum of solely his violent temper nor of his generosity He was a complex whole of the many experiences and qualities that made him Charles Tyler, a man who could give you advice for any situation because he’d lived it I follow the final lesson he taught me everywhere I go I think about the parts of people I see, their public image, and the parts I don’t see, the explosion when inner turmoil boils over Most importantly, I realize that they are human No man is perfect, but he may very well be the boy who stayed up late watching poker games and the grandfather who thinks about his granddaughter as he draws his last breath

LEAVESINFALL COOPERDUTTON CLASSOF‘25

Ilistentotheleavesoffallandallthenoiseoftheworld; bothnearandfarareallbottledupandstrummedinthe chordsandstringsofmyguitar

AsIlistentothesweetringsandasmycallusesstarttosting, thebreezepicksupandcarriesleavesinthereflectionofmy silverrings.

Ironicthatthewarmestcolorsareusedtodescribethetime whenheatstartstodissolve,turninggreentograyasthereal colorsallfallandhitGod'sgreenturnedsilverhair

Deerplayintheyard,stoptoeataberryorso,merrilydancing allbelowthetheprettypumpkintrees.Mytoesarearecoldbut Idon'tcare;IsitinthebreezeofOctoberairassunhitsthe groundlikeashadowoftheheavens.

I'mhappynow,noharm,nocare,andIdon'tneedtoseethe airtoknowitsringandfeelthestingofacoldbitterbreeze TheLightsarebrightandmyeyesdilate;Iguessmybeinghere isatwistoffate,anditgoesroundandroundanddownalong bendingriver.

Hereweareandnowhereelsetoseethesmileofonewithself. IhopeandprayI'llseethedaythatsmiletouchesmine

Ilistentotheleavesoffallandallthenoiseoftheworld; bothnearandfarareallbottledupandstrummedinthe chordsandstringsofmyguitar.

KINTSUGI JOANNAWARD CLASSOF‘24

Ifeellikeapieceofkintsugiart I’mbrokenandfracturedinamillionpieces butmendedbacktogetherwithgold

SomedaysIfeellikethatgoldisn’tgoldatall, likeI’vebeenmendedwithmud. Sometimesitfeelslikesupergluespread haphazardlyinthecracks

SomedaysIfeelapieceismissing, maybeit’sjustalittlechip. OtherdaysIfeelahugeemptyhole.

Iwonderwhatartistdecidedtoputmebacktogether, carefullyanddelicatelypaintingmyimpurities insteadoftossingmeintothetrash

CLASSOF‘24

“INTHEGARDENOFPROMISES,WHEREVOWSONCE BLOOMED” LINCOLNHUGHES CLASSOF‘28

Inthegardenofpromises,wherevowsoncebloomed Abride’sdeparture,asilent,sombertruth Herfeetoncesteppedaslowsongdance Nowshe'ssomewhere,notheardtoman Hardtoaccept,buteasytoremember, Thesongweusedtoplayoverandover; Yetinthefragmentsoflove'sshatteredart Newchaptersmayopen,newmemoriesmade Forineveryending,abeginningisstarted Anewstorystartswithasettingsun

ABIZARREPLATEOFJOLYNEKUJO AMELIABARR CLASSOF‘24

HOWTOREAD ISABELMULLINS CLASSOF‘26

Howtolivealife

Undertheroofofacover

Thoughthewordshavenoceiling Howtoliveinaworld

Confinedtoalineofsymbols

Beneathyoureyesand Rememberthateachsymbol

Holdsaninfinity

Realizethatthesewords

Willneverdie

Whateverasoulmaythinkorfeel

Willnotmakethem

Anylessreal

ii Thesebooksaresieves Holdthemgently--perhaps Youarenottheonethatlives

Allowyourmind

Todriplikerainwateruntil Asliverofsunlightbreaks

Yourcage

iii Findapowerthat Vergesonunderstandingand Takeitinyourhands

Holdsoftlytheinner-workingsofmeaning Letthemsingtoyouthe

Wild,moon-boundhowls

Offreedom

Letthemguideyouacrossthe

Barren,wind-washedplain

Letthemturnyourmind

Toraindrops

Letthemleadyouhome

BRIGHTLIGHT ELLAGREEN CLASSOF‘24

Allday

Iglide

Throughtheshallowwaters, Mybodywading Underthesun’swandering, Burning, Blinding, Blazingbright

Amongthegoldenstalks

Once Iwatchedhisfingerstouchandcaress

Thebabydeer’shead, Speckledwithtinywhitestars, Anditwasbeautiful,oh,

Ihavegivenup

Tryingtofight

Myindecisiveness

Onallthemanythings

Icouldnotlivewithout!

Thepreciouscreature

Willsoondanceawaytofindherfriends Intheirpalaceofgreen

Soon,

Thenightwillpaintitsdarkness

Andsprinklestarsparklesontheleaves, Andbeforethat, Willbethoroughlycleansed Inthebold,brazenburstoflight, Thelastrays

Oftheday

Iwanttofloodout

Acrossthewaters, Layonmyback, Floatingforhours

Iwanttoforgetwhatfearis, Iwanttorememberwhatfaithis, Iwanttoreleasetheneedlesofanxietystuckinmyskin

Andunderstandwhattrustis

Iwanttoforgetaboutmyself

Ontheblackandruffledblanketsofthebillowywaters

Iholdaclusterofliliestomyheart

Andclosemyeyes, Overflowingwithyellowlight, AndIshedatear

NowIsleep

PokeyLeaves

JACOBDAVICK CLASSOF‘24

Theworldisfullofdangerandpain I'veknownthatfora longtime Ithinkthatbeliefstartedinmychildhood My childhoodwasnotdifficultbutitwaspreventative Ilearnedof thedangersoftheworldbutnotindangerousways,Iwould learnthesmalllessonsthatappliedtobiggerdangers Iam abletoavoidmanyhardthingsinlifethroughthelessonsthat thesesmallthingsinmychildhoodhavetaughtme,andIam gladthatIgotanamountoffreedomtoexploretheworlda littleandplayaroundwithit Iwouldlearnthingsthrough experienceratherthanbeingtold Insteadofmyparents tellingmetonotplayinthefrontyardwithoutshoes,Iwould justgetpokedafewtimesandlearnthelessontherealway Thefrontyardwasafunplacetoplay Itwasn'tthatbigbut itwasbigenoughtoplayafewgames ItwasanLshapebut themainpartweusedwasthebigrectangle Thebrick sidewalktraveledlikearivercuttingacountryintwo Oneside hadmorevegetationthantheother,andthreetreesactedas coverduringabattle Itendedatthegateofthefencelikea riverleadstotheocean Theplasticwhitefenceseparatedthe yardandthestreetbutitwasn’thardtogetaballintheroad I couldevenfitinbetweenthefenceposts Ballswouldflyright through Weweren'tallowedtogointhestreettogetthe balls,forgoodreason.Ican’tlearnthatonetherealway.The roadonthesideofourhousewasprettybusy,buttheroadin frontofourhousewassaferbecauseitwasadeadend We wouldplaybasketballinthatstreet Wegotreallygoodat readingblinkers Wehadtotellwhetheracarwasgoingto turninthedeadendinthemiddleofourbasketballgame Iwasn'tthatscaredoftheroad,butIwasscaredofthe pokeyleaves Wehadthisnicetreeinthecornerthathad berriesonitwhichIdon'tthinkwereediblebutIalwaysloved tosquishthem ForsomereasonGodcreatedthesetreeswith leavesthathadthornsonthem Maybethisistoprotectthem fromsomeanimal,bird,orinsectbutallitdidwaskeepme outofthefrontyard Thesepokeyleaveswouldlandallover theyardturningitintoaminefield Asan,almost,adultI knowthatthistreewasjustanAmericanHolly Thistreeisall overthesoutheastcornerofAmerica I'mgladitstayedinthe corneroftheyard Thereweresomepartsoftheyardthatwere safefromthepokeyleavesbutthemajorityofthefrontyard wasadangerzone Ifyoudidn’thaveshoeson,theseleaves couldruinyourfunoutside Iwouldbecomingaroundthe housethroughthebackgateandIwouldfeelasmallneedle

pokeintomyfoot ImmediatelyIwouldliftthatfootupand startjumping IwouldjumpintoanotherleafandIwouldhave toejecttheleaffrommyfootlikeIwasaWWIIsoldierclearing apieceofshrapnelfromhisbody Iwouldsuckupthepain becauseIhadtomakeittothesidewalk I’mtheyoungest sibling,sonooneiscomingtosavemefrommyinjuryinthe middleoftheyard Itismyjobtogettosafety Ihopcarefully tothesidewalkavoidingtheinevitablefateofthepokeyleaves. WhenIfinallymadeitIwouldtaketheotherleafoutandwalk insideleavingasmallbloodstainonthebricksidewalkto markthetragedythathappenedthatday Iwouldmakesureto wearshoesthenextday

Thereweresomestrategiestoavoidthese Theobvious answeristowearshoesbutIwouldforgetaboutthosemaybe aweekafterIgotpoked Youcouldcheckeverysteptwice beforeyoumakeittoseeifthereisaleafthere Thebestis aftermydadmowedthelawn AlltheleavesareshreddedandI couldwalkfreelyinmyownfrontyardwithnofearofany leavesinmyway Youcouldstayonthesidewalkbecauseit wouldbeclearwheretheleavesare,andthewindblowsthem rightoff Exceptinthesummerwhenthebricksturnedinto hotcoals IremembermybrotherandIwouldseewhocould keeptheirfeetontheburninghotbrickthelongest.Thatis whenIgotusedtofailure,acceptinglossisn’ttheonlylesson Ilearnedthough

Theselittlethingsinthefrontyardtaughtmehowtobe awareofmysurroundings Theytaughtmetotakeinthe informationaroundmeandtellformyselfwhethersomething issafeornot IhadtoknowhowhardIcouldthrowtheball withoutitgoingthroughthefence Ihadtolearnhowtotell whetheracarwascomingtowardsusplayingbasketball.Ihad towatcheverysinglestepthatItooktomakesureIdidn'tstep onthosepokeyleaves,andIhavetogothroughlifetaking eachstepthinkingofhowthosestepsmighthurtme These simpleobjectsinmyfrontyardhavechangedmymindsetof howIgoaboutmylife Iamcautiousofeverylittlethingthat myactionscouldaffect I'mmuchmorecarefulaboutwhatI say,whoIsayitto,andhowIsayit NowIbelievethatlivinga lifeofkindnessisn'taboutdoingabunchofkindacts;it's aboutconstantlynotdoinganymeanacts EverystepItake eitherinmyfrontyardorinlifeIhavetobewatchingforthose pokeyleaves

TAILTOTAIL EMILYPASCHALL CLASSOF‘24

LEMONGRASS CLARAMONAHAN CLASSOF‘24

Ican'tbelievewe'repartin' I’llplantyouinmygarden, andyou’llgrowlemongrass

I’llsendyouallmyletters,butnotabunch Igetdistantwhenwe’reoutoftouch Socallmeupfromwhereveryouare, whenI’mdreamingorstaringoutthecar

AndifIasktoomuchthenletitbe, AndifIthinktoolittle,well,thinkofme

Ican'tbelievewe'repartin' I’llplantyouinmygarden, andyou’llgrowlemongrass

THESMALLESTSEED STELLAMININGER CLASSOF‘24

Andwhentheyplantmetoo,I’llwearagrin I’monlyunderdirt,notundersin.

SocallmeupfromwhereverIam, whenyou’redreamingorsittingonthesand

AndifyouasktoomuchI’llletitbe Andifyouthinktoolittle,well,thinkofme

Ican’tbelievewe’repartin’ Soplantmeinyourgarden, andI’llgrowroses

THEANGUISHOFAWARENESS NAYAGREEN CLASSOF‘25

ODETO“I” MARGOWINDEMULLER CLASSOF‘27

thefaintGhostofmypast everlurkingbehindthosedoors they’rethereeachtimeirelapse thosehardanddustyfloors

thevolatilePhantasmofmyfuture hidingjustbehindthecorner heldtogetherbymysuture threadedbywarningsifoundforlorn

theconstantWraithofmypresent wherei’mtornbetweenworlds withonewhichikneweveryintent yetanotheroffersmuchmorethanrustyswords

REDBOOT SAMANTHAWILLIAMS CLASSOF‘25

STACKOFME NAYAGREEN CLASSOF‘25

BUTTERFLY MARYMORRISDEAN CLASSOF‘24

YESTERDAY’STOMORROW CLARAMONAHAN

CLASSOF‘24

Iwanttobethepartofme

Knottedincolorfulstringsandthread

Thepartsomecallhope(thestars

Itookfromconstellationsinmyhead

Andputinmypocket

Lettingthemfizzlethere)

I'dliveineverywashysoapydreamIdreamt

Sleepinginthereflectionoffreshwaxedwood

Wadingincreeks

Breathingunderwater

Weightless Clear

That’swhatmynamemeans

Clearandbright

ThoughsometimesIlie

AndoftenImakemyfriendslooksmartwhenIspeakmy truestmind

ButinmyhopesIdonotfearmyvoice

Icanlistentoitflowing

Thosearoundmehearandjoin

Wading Splashing Clean

THEBEAUTYOFWOMENBEFOREME JAYLAMCNEILL CLASSOF‘25

Inmyhopesmyeyesareblue

Sotruthmayperchinsidethem

Andthosewholooktomyface

Walkawaygrowingdaisies

Likegreengiantsplayingunderwood Mossy Fresh Real

ButIcansmellthestarrybreadgoingstale

Hardeninginmypocket

Itrustlesaroundinthere

Justenoughtoremember

ButsolittleIforget

Whatwasitagain?

Ahhyes, Myhopes

Myfeetarejustsogroundednow Planted,rooted,stiff Iclimbstairsbutnotmountains

DreaminghopesI’lldisappointtomorrow

Crumbling Hardened Gone

INSTEP WILLIAMPALUMBO CLASSOF‘24

ELCAMINODESANTIAGO

MS JESSICAGINESE CCSFACULTY

Ashell

Markstheroad–Thewayinwhich thepilgrimshouldwalk

AndwalkIdid Walkedrightoutofmyshell –Ofmotherhood –Ofwife –Ofteacher

Andfoundthatmy Trueself, Thethinglivingandbreathinginsideofthatshell, Wasmore Than –Chef –Lover –Orbreadwinner.

It’struethatthe Shellaffordedme Morethan Icould

Imagine–canoneaffordthedimplesofatoddler? Butitwasstillaweight Tocarryaround

So,everyonceinawhile, ladenwithanticipation, Iseek theshellthat markstheroad–Thewayinwhich thepilgrimshouldwalk

AndIwalkrightoutofmyshell

AMOTHER’SLOVE LAURENTYLER CLASSOF‘24

BeforeIwasborn, Shemadethewallsaroundme WhenIwascradledindarkness, Shewasthevoicespeakinglight, AndwhenIcameintothisearth, Itwasalife-bondatfirstsight Thusistheloveofamother

WhenIwasarebellioustoddler, Shemademybirthdaycakesfromscratch Shelaboredtomakemybowsanddresses, Hechopormano-madebyhand Shecarriedmybackpackonthefirstdayofschool, Andgotdownonherkneestosaygoodbye Thusistheloveofamother

Igrewintoasullenteenager,andshelovedmestill; Metpassionaterageswithalisteningear, Metbleedingtearswithherembrace, Andthroughmyworstbetrayal,shestayed Iturnedmybackonthefaith, Butshefoughttobringmehome Thusistheloveofamother

Nowwewaitforthegreatparting: Thecleavageoftwolivesfromone, ThedayIbecomeaguestinmyownhome Yetwithabittersweetend,IsmileShewillalwayswalkbesideme, Andfightmybattles‘tiltheendoftime Thusistheloveofamother

EachtimeIpeeratmysoul,Iseehergrow Iseeherseepfromkindwords, FeelherheartbeatwhenIservemyneighbor IdreadthedayIbecomeashadow, Andnolongerfinishhersentences, ButIwillalwayscherishthatblessedword:“mother ” Thusisthejoyofadaughter

RAGDOLL JAYLAMCNEILL CLASSOF‘25

IamaRagdoll

Isitonthefloor

Withyarnweavedbetweenmyfabricskin

Toformawidesmile

Mybigbuttoneyesstaredeadintotheceiling; Itmaybeeerie

ButitishowIhavealwaysbeen Myebonyhairismadeofabstractyarn Thatlinesmyscalpandframesmybuttoneyes

Isitonthefloorbecausetheydon'tneedme. Iwascreatedtobeused Fortheenjoymentofothers Thatlastedawhile

Withnewfreshfaces

Butthat'sovernow, Ashiftsosudden I’mstrucksittingstill

WhatdidIdo?

BeforeIrealized Iwentfrom “Favorite” To “Forgotten ”

WhatdidIdo?

I'mstillthesameoldragdoll EventhoughI’vegotloosestrings AndI'velostmysaturation It'sstillme

Isitmybigbuttoneyes? Aretheyoffputting? Isitmywidesmile? Isittoounrealistic? Ormaybeitsmyharshhair; Ithaslostitscurl

ForIamaragdoll

Yourloveforme

Wasonlytemporary

GIRLHOOD AYLAMCNEILL CLASSOF‘25

OLDFRIENDS ETHANSTODDARD CLASSOF‘24

Thedoorofmemoryunlocks, Aswirlingwindofthoughtsandreminiscentdreams, Sweepsinontheunderdraft, Representativeofalifetime Ofafulllife, Ofalifewelllived,

Then, Asthoughconceivedfromadistantthought Awarmglow, Afamiliargreeting, Oneknownwelltome, Anoldfriend, Smilingagain,

Yet, Asoftbreeze, Astranger, Notunknown,

Justlongforgotten

Thetimehascomeatlast

AndthenIsee, Anewage, Penultimatemagnificence,

Animageofblindingbeauty, TheartoftheCreatoremerges, Devoidofblemish, Staininghismasterpiece Withcolorfulvision

APOEMABOUTWORDSANDEGGS ALMEDAPITTS CLASSOF‘25

Leavesfallfromtreesascastaways, Particlesdanceonbeamsofjoy, Obliqueraysandshorteneddays Whilenaturedies,allareamazed

Childrenplayinleavesofwonder, Whilemanyfeastuntilnomore Thoughnothingseemstobeasunder, Untiltheleavesalltouchthefloor

Whatoncewasgold, Isnowbronze Whatoncewasmighty, Isnowweak Whatoncewasloudestpraise, Isnowajustawhisper

Anotherend, nobeginninginsight, Nootherfriend, Tomakeitallright,

Thetimehascomeatlast

AsIreturntothedooronceagain, Thetreeshaveallshed AlthoughIstruggletofathom, Iseeasmalllightahead

Sometimesyouwrite,eventhoughyourwordsareshriveledandflakyFermented,perhaps,whiletheyrotonrichblackearth

Maybeyourwordsarepickled,souringastheyfloatonthewetsurfaceofyourbrain

Yourskull,thinlikeaneggshell,holdsyourrichyellowyolkoffailure, becausethat’sallaneggforeatingreallyis: afailuretomakesomething

SomelikeitwhenIregurgitatethisyolkofwordsandcookit,makeitsomethingtheycanconsume Ilikeittoo,theslowprocessofturningtheeggoverinmysizzlingmindoronahotpieceofpaper; watchingthetranslucent,slimygunkbecomecloudy,thenopaque-white:softandsaltedandedible.

IfIleavethemiddleabiticky,youcaneatitandtastemythoughts

THECALYDONIANBOAR HANKSHIELDS CLASSOF‘25

THERAVEN EMILYPASCHALL CLASSOF‘24

GOODBYEHORSE

ELLAGREEN CLASSOF‘24

Ohhorse,beautifulhorse, Iamsorrytoseeyougo Ididnothearthegunshot Thatwastheendofyou, ButIobservedyoursadsufferingforalong,longtime

EachdayIwatchedyou, Scouringthelandforwhateveryoucouldconsume, Butitwasnotnearlyenough

Itseemedthateveryday

Itbecameharderandharderforyoutolive, AndIcouldseethemonsterofmalnourishment Slowlytakingyoucaptive Icouldseeyourribsthroughyourskin, Yourbrittlebonesshowingthrough, Andhowharditwastoevenmoveacrossthefieldyouwerein Iwonder, Didyouevergalloporrunfree, Wildhorse, Orwereyoualwaysconfinedinside Afenceyoucouldnotbreakoutof? Ihopeyoudidatsomepointinyourlife Runfree

Andtastethesweetnessandbeautythattheworldhastooffer

Buttoday, Younolongerhadthestrengthordesire Togoonliving, Soyoulaidyourbodydown, Youlaidforsuchalongtime Inthemud, Notevenabletostandyourselfup Toretrievetheapplesthrowntoyou

Younoblestallion, Iamgladthatyouarenolongerinpain, Livinginagonyandmisery, Butithurtsmyheart Toseetheplastictarp Drapedoveryourbody, Lyingontheearth, Surrenderedtothemudanddirt

Theheavenscriedtheirtears Andcleansedyourblackbodyonelasttime Beforeyoudied, Eventhebirdswereunsettledanddartedaroundrestlessly, AndIcouldhearanothercreature,Idon’tknowwhat, Sufferinginthetrees, Butnotinsilence, Itwasscreaming Anddearhorse, Yourclosestcompanion,thecow, Liftedhisvoice Andgaveamournfulmoan Atyourleavinglife, Himnowbeingalone Thesorrowfulsightofsuffering Orthesourstingofdeath Whathurtsworse?

NowallIseewhenIlookbeyondthetrees Isthetarpcoveringyourbold,blackbody Goodbye, Beautifulhorse

THEDAYDREAMERS

ELIZABELL CLASSOF‘24

100WORDMEMOIR TUCKERSKELLEY CLASSOF‘27

Inthegrandauditorium,Iapproachedthegrandpiano Theroom’svastnessseemedexcessiveforjustmeandthecritical judge.Thewallsseemedtostretch,amplifyingmynerves.Myheartpounding,Ilaunchedintothewell-practiced KhachaturianToccata Myintuitionguidedmethroughlargechords Next,IperformedClairDeLune,apiececenturies old Asanxiousthoughtscreptin,Ichanneledmyemotionsintomymusicandfocusedasmyfingersgingerlystruckeach note Finishingmyperformancewithgusto,IplayedDramaticRhapsody Thatday,thekeysembracedme,revealingmy truehome:performingthepiano

100WORDMEMOIR NOELWARREN CLASSOF‘27

Isurveytheplainofbrownsod Therivalteamhasperhapsfivemorepeoplethanus Inarrowmyeyesattheiradvantage Oneprominentlystandsastheirleader,andIregardhimwithdisgust.

“Noel,what’stheplan?”mylieutenant,Bear,inquires Iwithdrawapieceoftatteredpaper,displayingittomycompany ofabouttwelve

“Doweallknowwherewe’regoing?Captains,you’reready?”Myfriendsnodtheirassent We’rereadyfortheultimate showdownoffourthgradersinagameknownas‘Everybody’sItTag ’Animaginarygunfires,andwebeginourbattle

TheInnocent

EMILYSMITH CLASSOF‘24

“HowluckyamItohavesomethingsospecial, thatmakessayinggoodbyesohard”

-WinniethePooh

Asunnyday,likeoneyou’dseeintheruralareasofEnglandinthefarmingfieldsofManchesterwherethewildflowers growavibrantpurple Thesunshoneadelicategoldenhourray,onethatrejuvenatesthesoul Thegrasswaslikeasoft polyesterknittedblanket,thekindagrandmothergiftsforChristmaswheretimeisthesecretingredient.

Alittlegirlliedthereinthemiddleofthisnaturalblissnexttoanoldweepingwillow,thekindofwillowsomeonewould seekforadvicefrom,onewisebeyonditsyears Ifcutinhalf,there’dbeagazilliondarkringstoresembleitsyears The child'sskin,mind,andwholebeingsoakedinthisunforgettablemomentathand Shecouldn’tbeovertheageofsix,for sheradiatedinnocence Herhair,skin,face,andevensmilehadn’tbeencorruptedjustyet

Thedelicatelightingglistenedhergoldencurlsandaccentedherstreetoffrecklesacrosshernose Sheworeabright yellowsundress,thekindamothermakesachildwearforEaster,withcreamybrownflatswherearedflowerlaysatthetip InherrighthandwasLamby,asoft,delicateplushlambwhowastrappedinasuffocatinggrip Heembodiedthislittlegirl, fortheirpersonalitiesweresimilar.Lambywasagentle,kind,caringcompanionwhoseloyaltyliedwitheveryonearound. Hewasshelteredfromeverydangerandevilsubstance Whatwaseviltothislittlelamb?Forlifewasjustblisstothislittle plush ForthiswasLamby,sothenthegirlwouldbe Shelovedherinnocenceandwasignorantofheradmiration,forall shewantedtodowasdream

Examiningthesky,shefoundbigwhitepuffs;cumuluscloudsherfathercalledthem Eachcloudwasshapedina creative,mysteriousway Hereyestraveledtheskymovinglefttoright,landingoncloudsshapedashardyelephantsand deliciouscupcakes Picturingwhatitwouldbeliketobeupthereinthewhiteparadise Questionsfillinghermindlike, “WouldIbeabletostandonthem?Iwonderwhatthey'dtastelike?WouldIbeabletoseeChinafromthatfarup?”There weresomanyquestionsandtheyallstayedunasked Forthetruthmayhurtoverthefantasy,socuriositystayedwithin

“HmmIwonderwhereEis,”saysavoicesofamiliaryetfaint

Thelittlegirl,or“E”asherfamilycalledher,laughsthekindachildgiveswhilebeingtickled Theneverythinggoes silent Therealizationhitherlikeastackofbricks,thelocationwascompromised Therewasnowheretorunandnowhere tohidebythisoldwillow Theonlyoptionwastobecomethetreenow,thelastresort Thetechniquewastopushtightup againstitandhopeforthebest Thehairsonherarmsslowlystartedtocomeuplikewhenstaticisrunningacrossskin Sheknewherfatecameclose,losingthegame Butthatisthebeautyofthegameisn’tit?Hidingthenbeingfound?

“BOO!”yelledherfatherusedbothhandstograbthelittlechildandasheswiftlyswungherupsidedown,lettingher hangthereuntilsheeventuallysaid,“DadIcan’tfeelmylegs ”Heswunghertoherfeetandwatchedherwobbleherway backtostability Laughing,hegrabbedhersmooth,younghandswhichguidedhertonormality “Better?”heaskedwith hisblueeyesthatpeeredintothelittlekid'ssoul,interestedineverythoughtwithinhermind

“Dad,canyouswingmenow?”saidE Shelookedatherfatherwithapoutyfaceirresistibletosaynoto “Fine Nowhandmeyourhands ”Onceherhandsreachedherfather’sgrip,shewasofftoflight Itwasunlikeanyother experience,oneonlyachildcanunderstand:handssecureinherfather’s,swingingincirclestoflythroughtheair Any fear?No,forshewaswithherfather,safeinhishold Sheleanedherheadback,lettingthefreshairfillherlungs,soaking inthisinnocentmoment:thekindonlyanadultcanrememberordreamabout.Themomentumslowlydiedoutthenshe realizedthatherfeethadgroundedbacktoreality Whatwasunrealwasrealityforthislittledreamerforonemoment,then wassnappedbackintoreality That'swhenshewokeup;itwasonlyamemory

Growingupwasneveranoptionforthislittlegirl,buttimesaidotherwise Shegrew,andshegrew,andshegrew Eventually,shebecamethewomanshewascreatedtobe Shewasthirteennow,lyinginbedatthreeinmorningawoken fromherunattainabledream Shestaredatthewallstraightacrossfromherbed,tryingtomakeouttheobjectswithinthe dark Enoughlightseepedthroughthecurtainstoseewhatshewassearchingfor Lamby,theobjectofherchildhood, somethingthatwillstayinfinitelyuncorrupted–Innocent Thenshestartedtocry “WhymustIgrowup?”shesaidsoftlyallowinghertearstoflow “Iwanttobeachildforever Iwanttostayinnocent,” shedeclaredtowhomevermayhear Childhoodmemoriesstartedtofloodhermind Pretendingtobeasleepinthecarso thatherfatherwouldcarryhertobed,shedreamedofstairsleddingwithfuzzyblanketsforextraspeed,strawberrypicking onaniceSundayafternoon,allthingsshelookedfondlyupon “Whymustchildhoodend?”exclaimedthegirlin frustration Thenitcame,asquickasahummingbirdflapsitswings Sherememberedsomethingherfathertoldheronce

“You’llalwaysbemylittleprincessnomatterhowbigyouget.Childhooddoesendwithadulthood,butitisabigger, newadventureyou'regoingtotake Itisscary,notknowingwhatwillhappen,butisn’tthatthethrill?”Thosewordsstuck toherlikeglue Shewasgoingintoanewchapter,onewhereinnocencewillslowlypassaway;Lambyhadtoretire But isn’tthatthethrill?

Theworldwasscarierthanshethought,itwasarudeawakeningtosaytheleast,butitwasalsoabeautifulbeginning Forittookthisexperienceforhertorealizehowthankfulshewasforgrowingup,thatthereisabeautytoit Forlifedoesn’t trulybeginuntilitissomeone'sown Independenceisitsname Nomatterhowoldshebecomes,thosememorieswilllive withher,butlifehassomanymemoriestooffer Itisanadventuretobetraveleddown,thatisthehiddendesiresecretly hidingwithinallthechildishwants Allherdreamssoughtonething–fantasy,butshedidn’trealizethatsomeofthethings withinherdreamswereobtainableonlyifshewasbraveenoughtoseekthem Fordearreaderthisisallafact,andhowdoI knowthis?Forsheisme

Eternalinnocencewasmygoal,meanwhileanadventurewastrulywhatIsoughtinsecreteventomyself ForIama discoverer,seekingouttheroadlaidoutforme,playingthecardsdealtatbirth,somedaycrossingthefinishlineknowing thatitisaheroicadventure

StrickenbytheChicken

CLARAWELDON CLASSOF‘24

Iamabeautiful,sweet,adolescentgirl Mypigtailshang downtomyshouldersasabowholdstogethermynormally unbrushedshaggyhair Theskyisfilledwitharathercalm sensation Thecloudsareonfire Flamesbrushthroughthe blueunbothered Whentheworldisgoldenitismyfavorite timeofdaytowanderaimlesslyaroundmyfamily'sland I walkbarefootwearingaratheroversizedshirtandshorts Acornshitthenervesofthebottomofmyfeet,causingmy rathersmalland,mightIadd,uncoordinatedbodytobalance onmytippy-toes Thehumidairpushesagainstmyskin,a ritualthatIoftenenjoyedthistimeofday Ioftenimagined myselfasawillowtreebaskinginthesunshine Acrossmy facenotahintofdistressispossible untilIseeit Myrootslocktotheground;everymorselinmybody tensesup Ilookintoitssoullessorbs,devoidofanysparkof vitality Itseesme Itlurks Ithunts Themonster’spupils stareatme Itstwistedheadcontortsintowhatcouldalmost becalledasneer,asifittookpleasureincausingmefear A disturbingseriesofghastlysoundscreaksfromitsbeak An unnervingcluckingandclackingsendsshiversdownmyspine Itisasifthesinisterbeinghascrawledupfromthepitsofhell notsurehowtomoveitsoddlyshapedlimbs Itsbodylurches nearmeinanunnaturalway,perchingit'sonelegupwhile clickingitsheaduncomfortably Thisanimalsoughttodestroy me Icalledthisspine-curlingbeastmybiggestfear;others calleditachicken

IhadhatedtheseanimalsforaslongasIcouldremember Nothingcouldchangemymind Notpettingone,notfeeding one,andnoteveneatingone Therewassimplynothingthat couldgetmeovertheirbeadyeyesorthewaytheyranlike raptors,untilmymomcamehomewithalittlechirpingbox

Thesomehowwalkingspeckledcottonballshadme completelyentranced Ilookedattheflimsycardboardbox watchingabouttentoysizedchickspeckandplucktheir pelletsoffood ThatiswhenIsawher:aconfidentspeckled chickrunningaroundasifitwashersolepurposetoalarmthe othersofthepotentialdangerofahuman Asshelookedupat meIreachedinasgentlyasachildcouldbeandscoopedher upfromtheshavings Walkingtomymother’sbathroomI tookasmallbottleofredfingernailpolishandgentlydabbed herleg Tomethiswasnotabeastthatlongedtohurtmebut ahelplessorphan Iwasnow,inaway,themotherhen I wouldfeedherfrommyhandeverydayforthenextfewmonths afterschool,untilshewascompletelyunafraidofme Wewere bestfriendsfromthenon Iwouldrunoutofmycarafter schoolbutunlikeotherkidsrunningaroundtotheirdog,cat, hamster,orfish Iranstraightoutofthatcartomypet chicken,Checker

Godsays,“turntheothercheek ” Thosewho’llinherittheeartharemeek ButIamangry,lethavocwreak Icannotfightit;Iamweak

“Hisyokeiseasy,hisburdenislight ” Yeteverydayismydarkestplight. Ihavenotthestrengthtodowhatisright Iamnotyoursoldier;Iamnotfittofight

Iwon’tknowwhatI'mdoing Untilit'sdone

I’lllayonmydeathbedandfloatabove Havingtobecontent withthelifeIchosetolive I’llsitdownnexttoGod.

ThefirstthisI’llaskis “WhatwasIsupposedtodo?”

TOBEACHRISTIAN AMELIABARR CLASSOF‘24

UNTILIT'SDONE JACOBDAVICK CLASSOF‘24

IGOBACKTOSUMMEROF1999

MACMEREDITH CLASSOF‘24

IseethemsinginginthelakehouseonParksville Mydadstandsslightlybentover withhishandwrappedaroundthekaraokemicrophone

Hiswhitet-shirtfitslooselyaroundhistorsocontrasting hisblackhair

Hisskinissmooth,notaworryinhiseyes

Iseemyunclebyhisside,singingandlaughingatmy dad’slackofmusicaltalent

Theysing“PumpUptheVolume”byMAARS Mydadsingsoffkey,buthe’senjoyinghimself

Iwanttolaughwiththem

Iseemyselfinhim

Ilookatthemnow:

Shirtstuckedin,hairneatlyputinplacewithgel I’veneverseenmydadsingkaraoke

Idon'tknowwhoMAARSis Iwonderifwewouldhavebeenfriends, Ifinanalternateuniversewewouldsingkaraoketogether InthelivingroomoftheParksvillelakehouse Inthesummerof1999

FORGOTTENBOYS AMELIABARR CLASSOF‘24

Agenerationofboysforgottenanddead WhileIlaymyheaduponmybed Bulletholestoremindmeofwhereyoufought ButI’msorrytosaythatweforgot Itshouldn’thavebeenyou,butyoudiedallthesame Andthecrueltyofmenisalltoblame Wesentyoutoyourdeath,andyouknewittoo Yetyoustillfought,whatelsewereyoutodo? Iamsorrymyfriend,foryoudiedtooyoung Millionsofyoudead,forasongunsung Neveragaindidyougettotaste

LITTLECHILDREN

BENNETTHARPER CLASSOF‘26

Babies-littlechildrenHaveeyesthatseemagic

(afilterfreefilm)

Magicthatishiddentothosewhohavelearned

Toforgetsuchthings

Theyareclosetotheground, Listeningtocricketsandbugs

Wavingtothetrees

Thattheycansurelyseewavingback

Theyseepastourgrownupworries

Theylooktotheuniverseforanswers

Theywatchtheskytelevisionnews

Theylistentobirdchirpradio

Theydrinkapplejuiceboxwine

Theypaybillswithgreenleafmoney

Theyreadthroughpictures

Theytraveleverywherewiththeirthoughts, Leavingfootprintsandmuddysmudgeslikepresents.

Thefeelingofyourmother’swarmembrace Asoldier,aman,asonallgone Fromthehorrorsofman:agun,abomb It’seasytoforgetwhatyouwerefightingfor Whenyoushouldhavebeenatschool,notwar You’renotjustanameengravedonamemorial You’reamanwhodeservesaproperburial You’remorethanawhitecrossorastarofDavid You’reapermanentpartofhistory’salliednation Icannotpromisethatwewon’tforget Norneveragainstartawarthatweregret ButatleastI’llburnyoursacrificeintomymind Iwillnotleavethepastbehind AndIknowI’mnottheonlyone Thereareothersthatrememberthethingsyouhavedone Sorestwellsoldier,youdidyourpart I’llrememberyourduty butmostimportantly yourheart

INSTANTOATMEAL

AVAKATHERINELEVINE CLASSOF‘24

Iwakeupbundledinmysleepingbag. Theairmakesmynoseredandmytoescurl YoushakemytentandIrespondwithagroan Myhairisrattedbutyou'veseenworse Islidemybootsontryingtoavoidthedriedmud

Istepoutwithmytoothbrushinhand Youinstantlyhugmeandmakemefeelloved I’vealwayslovedcampingbutIswearit’sjustcampingwithyou.

Whilebrushingmyteethyoucomeupbehindwithapaperbowl I’minstantlyrelieved It’swarmoatmeal, Acampingstaple, Adaddy-daughterstaple

LILLIESANDTHESPARROW EMILYMATTHEWS CLASSOF‘24

WANDERING ELLAGREEN CLASSOF‘24

Iwanderedintothewoodsforawhile. Iwalkedawayfromcivilization Andintothewelcominggreenworld, Theforestbeforemyeyes Andbeneathmyfeet, Richwithrawbeauty Andoverflowingwithpurity Ipettedthetree’sfur, Thefluffy,fuzzymoss. Icollectedsomeleafskeletons, Isangintothesky, Thetreesperkeduptheirleavestolisten, AndIlaughedandthrewupmyarms, Openingmyselflikeaflower Inthespotlightofthesunonthetrail Isteppedontowideroots

Andsawasmallsnailslowlycrawlingacrosstheearth, Leavingbehindslimethatsparkledinthesun Herjourneythroughlifeisoneofslowsavoring Icouldlearnfromher Ithinkweallcould

Whatiswrongwithwandering?

Towander Istowelcomewonder Intoyourheart

MOTHER’SLOVE LAURENWILSON CLASSOF‘24

AUTUMNALCHILLTURNSICY EVELYNREED CLASSOF‘27

Theautumnbreezeishere

Fortheshortlifeitbreathes

Sweatersfindthemselveswarmedoncemorewithbodies

Quicklyitcomesfightingawayahumidheat

Yetquickeritceases

Aoncepleasantbreezeturnsicy

Mynosegrowsred

Myteethbegintochatter

Andyetagainanotherblanketappearsinmybed Forthesecondtimethisyear

GLORY,GLORY

MR CHRISSLATEN CCSFACULTY

I’lltellyounowhowlife’snotfair

There’stoomuchgoodnesseverywhere It’stakenmesolongtolearn: I’malwayspaidmorethanIearn.

Seethebeautifulbabblersittingonthetree?

She’satirelesstravelerandshesingsforfree

Seeanotherbeautifulbabbleronthetopofthattree?

He’satirelesstravelerandhesingsforfree

I’lltellyounowhowlife’snotfair

There’stoomuchmusiceverywhere It’stakenmesolongtosay: IalwaysgetmorethanIpay

SeeifIjustgotjustwhatIplanned, Iwouldn’tbeholdingyourbeautifulhand Iwouldlosemytwofeet Iwouldlosethefloor, ifIonlyjustgotwhatIthankedGodfor

Soletmetellyounowhowthere’stoomuchbeauty

There’stoomuch,toomuch,toomuch,toomuch

Here’sthebloodofJesus Here’sthebodyserved

SeeIneverjustgetwhatIdeserve

LION'SHEAD WILLIAMPALUMBO CLASSOF‘24

LADYBIRDLADYBIRDFLYAWAY NAYAGREEN CLASSOF‘25

Here’safloodofsunlight Here’sacleansingrain comingdownonmydarkness,sweepingupmyshame.

Andthere’stoomuch,toomuchmercy

There’stoomuch,toomuch,toomuch,toomuch

I’lltellyounowhowlife’snotfair

There’sglory,glory,glory,glory,glory,glory everywhere

EmbertoAsh

LOLAANTUNA CLASSOF‘26

Scarletshadesofred,brightorange,andsun-likeyellow huesallflowtogethertomakeaflickeringcanvasonthedark mahoganywallsofmylivingroom InoticethisasIlookup frommybookandseethecolorstwistandturn,appearingon thewall Ibringmyattentiontothesourceoftheseflame colorsonthewall,atall,loomingfireplaceacrossfromwhereI amsittingonthecouch Isitstaringatthefire,wondering howlongitwilltakeforthefiretofullyconsumethelonelog that’skeepingitalight Iwatchtheflameslickupthesidesof thelog,gettingfartherandfartherupthelog.

Imovemygazedowntothelowestpointoftheflametothe bluesandpurples;Icontinuetolowermygazewhen Crack! Myattentionshootsbacktothetipoftheflametoseethat resultingfromthisnoisewasafallingember Asmalllightthat shinesjustasbrightlyastherestoftheflamebutfailstobe acceptedintoit Theglowingemberfloatsdown,losingmore andmoreofitsglowuntilitturnsintoanotherpieceofashat thebottomofthefireplace

Lookingatthislonepieceofashatthebottomofthe fireplacemakesmethinkthatwewillalleventuallyturnout likethispieceofash Peopleofalldifferentshapes,sizes,and genderswillallsuccumbtothesamefate,alldestinedto death WhenIlookatthebottomofthefireplaceonceagain,I seenotjustonebutawholepileofashes Notoneashescaped thesamefatethatallofitsbrethrenfellto;theyallendedup onthebottomofthefireplace Wearelikeashesinthisway: nomatterhowbrightlywemightburnorhowbeautifulthe flameofourlivesis,noneofuswillliveforever

Wewillallglowandburnbeautifullythroughoutourlives Wewillsharelaughswithothers;wewillgothroughhard timesandevensparkupaflameinanother'sheartwholoves youforyou.Despitethebeautyinthisglow,wewillneverbe entirelyacceptedandwillalleventuallybethrownoutlikethis singlepieceofember Wewillbecastasidebecausewe'renot whattheworldwantsustobe Inallourlives,we’vealltriedto fitintosociety’sidealinsomeway Whetherthischangeis yourlooks,personality,orenvironment,nomatterwhatwe do,noonewilleverbeabletokeepupwithsociety’sdemands Eventhepeoplewhomadethesespecificationsofwhatyou shouldandshouldn’tbewillfallbehindtheirownstandards Icontinuetowatchtheflamegnawatthelog,wondering howlongitwilltakethislogtocrackorsplit Whenwillthis logdecidethatitcan'ttakethepressureandheatofthe

growingflames?Whenwillwerealizewe'rewastingtime tryingtofitinplaceswedon'tfit?Whenwillwerealizethat theseplaceswherewe'retryingtofitinwillnotlastforever? Thesestandardsthatsocietyhasmadeforuswillfadeaway whenpeoplefindsomethingnewtomakeastandard

Thelimitedamountoftimewehaveonthisearthistoo precioustobeworryingaboutwhat'sinrightnowandwhat otherpeoplethink Ifyouonlyfocusonappeasingsomeone elseyourwholelife,youwillneverdoanythingthatgenuinely benefitsyourself.Livingfortemporarythingswillonlyleadto temporarysatisfaction;ifyouliveforpermanentthingsthat giveyoupeace,youwillfindmuchmoresatisfaction Likea fire,wedon'tburnforever,sowhileyoudoburn,youneedto makethemostofit

Justaswewanttomakethemostoutofourlives,wealso wanttomakethemostoutofotherthings Oneoftheseother thingsisfire;weuseittocook,togetridofthings,for warmth,light,energy,comfort,etc Firehasmultiple purposes,butitsprimarypurposeistoprovideoverallcomfort Justasfirecanaccomplishmultiplethingsbeforeitburnsout, weashumansaccomplishmanythingsbeforeourtimeruns out Eventhoughtheseminoraccomplishmentsmayseem significant,weallhaveoneprimarypurpose

Ourpurposebeforeourtimerunsoutistospreadthegood newsaboutthelightoftheworld Ourtruepurposeistotell othersabouttheGodwhoignitedourheartsandhowHecan ignitetheirs Wearethepeoplewhohaveaburningpassion fortheLord,andlikeaflame,peoplecanfeelHisgoodness radiatingoffofus God'sloveislikewildfire;it'sneverending, neverswaying,purelove,andwearejusthisvesselsthat spreadthislovethroughhumanconnection

Crack!Isnapoutofmydazeandlookatmysurroundings Thecanvasofcolorsonthemahoganywallsisfading,andthe roomcontinuestogetdarkeranddarkerduetothefading flames IlookdowntomylapandseethebookthatIwas readingearlier;then,IrealizethatIwasreadingActsTwo ThischapteroftheBibleexplainshowtheHolySpiritcame uponpeopleasfireandhelpedthemgainasenseof communitywiththosewhoweren'tlikethem TheHoly Spirit'sflamebringspeopletogetherandprovidescomfortto thosewhoaresuffering AfterreadingActs2andthinking aboutsocietytoday,itmademerealizesomething Theonly wayyouwillfindeternalsatisfactioniswhenyoushareGod's loveandthewarmcomforthecanprovideforothers Theroomgoesdark;thefirehasgoneout

MYMUSE,MYLOVE

SYDNEYDOWNS CLASSOF‘26

Youwillalwaysbemymuse Youwillbethecreationandtheoutcome Youreyesthatshowmeotherworlds, Thatinspiremyeverymove Andyourvoicethatechoesthroughthepaints

Youarewhatbringsmebacktomycreation Theonlygluethatkeepsmybrushtothecanvas Youarewhatinspiresme Eveninallthemadness, Iwouldknow,thatyouaremymuse

Youaremyinfluence, Itrytocaptureyourbeauty, Thebeautythatdeservestobeinamuseum Inamuseumforcenturies, Soallwhopassbycanadmireyourbeauty AdmireyourbeautythewayIdo

Youinspiremewitheverybreath Andeverymovemybrushmakesalongmycanvas You,mylove,mymuse

TheplaceIstand, InwhichIland, Isfullofdirt,rock,andsand. Thoughitbearsthecarpetbrand, Becausewithoutitthefloorwouldbebland But,doesthefloorstilladheretotheEarth'scommand?

ThoughwhatIdonotunderstand, Ishowithaswithstand, Thechaosofourworldfirsthand Withwhatwetakeinhighdemand, Webegintomisunderstand, Howwecanreprimand, Andexpand, Ourhouseswithagreatplan Moreandmoreseemedtobecrammed Itseemsourworldisjustbeingslammed Withourunrelentlessconstructivehand, Theworldhasbecomesorammed Almostlikeahumanwasteland Shewasbetteroffbeingunmanned

Sothisisourcalltostopandland, Andthinkofthatdirt,rock,andsand Underthecarpetbrand, GiveEarthachanceinthestand, Insteadofhertreesbeingbanned Whydon'twelettheflowersbecomespanned? LetEarthholdherhand Soshecanloveman, Alwayslikeshehadplanned

THELAND MADELINEJARRETT CLASSOF‘27

FOREVERROSE KALEAHHOLMES CLASSOF‘25

STONE

MS MIABAKER CCSFACULTY

BEINGAYOUNGTEENOF17

ERINCASSETTY CLASSOF‘24

Inanolddustyboxsittingonashelf, Ifindapictureofmymom, thesameageIfindmyselfnow

Sheis17,young,andcarefree, percheduponaledge,armsstretchedoutforbalance, wearingabigbrightsmileasshelooksatthecamera Herhairisinalooseponytailbeingblownbythewind

Onhersideisasignthatreads “WavesOnLedge: HazardousConditions Donotgobeyondthispoint.” Asshestandsonthatveryledge, thephotoitselfseemstosay, “Whocares?Notme!”

Icannotblameheronebit: Iwillprobablydothesame DREAMSDEFERRED

BALLOONEDTHOUGHTS

BENNETTHARPER CLASSOF‘26

Whydoourmindshavetobetetheredtoreality?

Ifourmindsarebrightballoons, letthemfloattotheclouds Whenthebellrings, pullthembackdown

Couldweletthoseshiningballoons traveltheuniverseround?

Insteadourmindsaretethered; tohistory,totruth,todifficulties Keptfromtheheavens, byathinline. Growingbiggerovertime Ifyourhandsletgowhatmightyousee onyourway flyingtoinfinity?

MEMORIES ELLAVANMETER CLASSOF‘24

Inasmallcavityshovedbelowthechaosofmymaxidresses

LaysallthetreasuredmemoriesthatIcallmystory

Inacardboardbox

Labeledwiththewords“blessings”

Allthethoughts

Ineverwanttoletgo

Allthefeelings

Icanneverunfeel

Allthememories

Thatcloudmythinkingwitheverychancetheyget

Alwayshaveoneconstant Alwaysseemtohaveyouinit

INTOTHEABYSS ELLAVANMETER CLASSOF‘24

Therewasapointwhengrowingupthatyourchildhoodstarts tofloatdeeperanddeeperintotheabyssofyourbrain

It’slittlethingsatfirst

Youdon’trealizeit'shappeningwhenitis

Likewhenyourealizeyounolonger cansitonyourdad’sshoulders everytimethecatcamearound orwhenyouknowyoucan’tfallasleep inthecarbecauseyoucannolonger becarriedtoyourbunkbedbyyourolderbrother

Thenitstartstospeedup,rapidly

It’slikeeveryyearyoukeepliving Ayearofyourchildhoodfallsaway

Crumblingbeneaththeweightofthepresent

Yousearchforit

Tryingtofindthecomfortandpeaceyouoncefelt

Theinnocenceyouoncelived

Butit’sgone

WIPEDWITHTHEBURNOFHIDDENCUTS GRACIEMARTIN CLASSOF‘24

Imitationof“WhoBurnsforthePerfectionofPaper”

Atseventeen,Iworkedafterhighschoolhours ataChick-Fil-Athatsoldchickenalldaylong: Friednuggets slidingdownthechute andplacedontrays ascustomerswait betweenthepoles, thencheckingtheirtrays Redwipes:required fortheperfectscoreoncleanliness, wipingeverysurface Slowby9:45PM,thefrigidhandswithwipes wouldslidealongthestickytables andthewipesburnedeverycut ontheskin,hidden Thenthetableswereshiny, thewipesdiscolored, andbothhandsburning atthesoundof10

Afewdayslater,inthedrive-through, Iknewthateverytable waswipedwiththeburnofhiddencuts, thateveryexaminedtrayofchicken wasapairofhands frigidandburning

THECARTOGRAPHER COOPERDUTTON CLASSOF‘25

Imetamanonadirtroadbetween homeandaplaceI'veneverbeen. Themanwasshort,cleanshaven, andseemedtobeinhismid-fifties

Hisclothesweretorn,yetspotless, andthecolorchangedoneverystitch justthewaythesunwantedit

Hecarriedamapwithhim,and witheverystephemarkedeachnew tree,branch,andleafhedancedwith

Inthatmomentabucketofrealization pouredovermeandgotmysockswet

Aloomingthoughtstoodaboveme anddancedthroughthecrossroads ofmyeverchangingmind

Itbentoverandwithacoldgust andwhispered,“WhereamI?”

Themanlaughedasifheheardit andflippedoverthemapandsmiled likehe’sbelievedinmebefore

Onthepaperwastheverydirt Istoodonandwithagrinhetoldme, “You'rerighthere.”

GREYMATTER LAURENSIMS CLASSOF‘24

BREATHLESS STELLAMININGER CLASSOF‘24

WARMINTHEWINTER TESSAKNUTSON CLASSOF‘27

There’sadifferencebetweenwarmandwarminthewinter Warminthewinterishuddlingaroundafire, Rednosesallblowingovercupsofhotcocoa, Everydayslavingaway, Kneesfrozen, Fingers3degreesfrombroken, Snappingofflikeicicles

Themoonshowsitsface

AndChristmasvinylrecordsstarttoplay, Scratchingtheinsideofyourbrain asyouhideunderneathaheatedblanket Smellsofspicecookiesandpineneedlesfillthehouse

Amovieinblackandwhiteplaysinthelivingroom

Firecracksandlightstwinklebrightfromtheedgesofaroof. Whenit’stimetogotobedyousneakthreemorecookiestoeatandrunupthestairstocoveryourselfinfiveextrablankets asthewindblowsitseerielullabywhisperinginyourearasyoudriftintosleep

Comfortedyetterrifiedofthepresenceofdarknesslurkingoutsideofyoureyesshuttight Hiddenbeneathheavycovers

THEHANDSOFTIME WILLIAMPALUMBO CLASSOF‘24

EULOGYTOTHEDYINGWASPSOFMYHOME TESSAKNUTSON CLASSOF‘27

Apurple,soft,wrinkledplum; Balancedcautiouslyattheedgeofthekitchensink Filledwithdirtydishes, Thathavelaidtherefortoolong Ontheverytop, Regally, Awasp

Observestheworldfromitshighandmightypedestal Itlivesontheedge, Dangerously Adaredevil,youmaysay

AsIwashthedishes, Thewaspstares,unmoving Bravingthepossibilityofawaterdroplet Iadmirethebeautyofthefoldsofeachwing, Butfearthepossibilityofitliftingoff Readytolaunchitselfwithallitspower Directlyatmyface, Merciless Awaspdragsitsfeeblebody

Tryingtowillitswingstoflythroughthesolidwindow Alwaysfailing, Nevergivingup

Alwayscrawlingupanddownthewindowpane Yearningforfreedom

Itshouldnothavecomehereinthefirstplace Curiositykilledthewasp Ithinkthat’showthesayinggoes

Itisapatheticcreature. Butthereisdeterminationandchild-likeplayfulness Thatwillsoonbeanothercorpseplasteredonmywoodenfloor, Inthedeeptrenchesundermybed

Itfliestooclosetomyface Iamafraid Ismackit

Itdies

Thelastbuzzofapitifulwasp, WhathaveIdone?

SOMETHINGFORTHERESTOFUS LAURENTYLER CLASSOF‘24

IfeverywordIutterturnstodust, Rememberthis: Alittleadvicefortherestofus

Totherebelandpirateer:

Don’tpretendanearthlyfightjustifiesyourlife Hangupyourflagandkneelbeforetheenemy

Tothedesperatewoman:

Don’tbelievethelifeofsettlingfor“goodenough ” Suchatourniquetmakesyouforgetyouareperfect.

Totheambitiouswithwearyfeet:

Don’tforgetthattheraceisamarathon Youhavetherestofyourlifetowork

Tothestumblingyoungman:

Don’tletsocietywhisperinyourearwhoyououghttobe YouanswertoGodalone

Totheblindsidedbyfate:

Don’tforgettoseetheworldincolor Peopletendtoseeinblackandwhiteorultraviolet

Tothelonelyoutcast:

Don’tloseyourselfinthedesert Hemakesleadersofthosewhorefusetokneel

Andlastly,tomyself: PrayforopeneyesandsoundadviceSelflessnessbegetsafreeidentity

STELLAMININGER CLASSOF‘24

Asachildwithabigimagination,Ialwaysloved lookingthroughmyparents'mail,pretending theformallypressedenvelopeswereforme Out oftheentirestack,usuallyonlyoneletterwas interestingenoughtoopenanditdidn'thave theword“bill”or“tax”onit Somedaysthere wouldbeacatalogoranadforsomenewspa downtheroad

Myfavoritesweretheyellowishtintedenvelopes filledwithpeninkandsmudgedhandwriting Wheresixyearoldmesawthistobealoveletter ortheinheritancefromalonglostancestor,Inow seethatIcaremoreforthesubtletyofasubdued letter,linedwithbitsofwisdom,outstretchedfor therightreader Similartoawarmhug,aletter reachesoutinwaysonewouldneverinitiallyask for,butalwaysaccept,creatingasenseofcomfort andunderstanding

Partofmyobsessionwithwrittenletterscomesfromthe placeholdertheykeepforpeoplewhomovethroughone'slife To starttheyearof2024,Ihavecreatedamemoryboxoutofsome newspaperandanoldNikeshoebox Sofartheonlythinginthis boxisasevenpagerainbowofwordswrittentomebymycousin Asidefrom thefactthatIsatinmyclosetforanhourandhalfwithtearspouringoutofmy eyes,Ikeepthisletterinmyboxtoremindmyselfofthepeoplewhoshapemy years Manytimesaletteristheonlythingthatremindsusoftheimportance ofsomeone'simpactonourlife Theyareabeautifulwayofreflectingona memoryorachapterthatshouldnotbeforgotten

Andyetaletter'sgreatestpowerisitsabilitytofreezetimesothatwemayrevisit thepastonlyforapageortwo Thewordsthatflowfromthesepagesbringpeople intoaplaceofnostalgiaasiffindinganoldsongyoulovedforsolong The difficultthingswehavefacedslowlybegintoquietintothebackofour mindsasthewordsdanceonthehalfcrumbledpaper Insomeletters,love isbeingadmitted Friendsinformed Parentsmissed Invitationssent

Growingupinthe21stcenturythough,thehand crampinghourlonglettersstampedwithflowers andbirdshaveslowlywitheredmakingletter writinganendangeredspecies Theselong handwrittenlettersaren’tcompletelydead,but theyaretakingamoremodernform.“Electronic mail” amessagingformintendedtocreate flexibilityandcutout“unnecessary”processes hasbecomesociety'smainsourceof communication

In 2013 a study done by The University of Rhode Island states that “email has achieved 92% replacement of written letters as a means of personal communication” and that bills and taxes are now being sent digitally rather than on paper and in the mail (Smith) Back in 2007, an organization called The Letter Writers Alliance created a way to keep letter writing alive by meeting penpals all over the world (Zadrozny) Conversely, in Kenya, children attending a boarding school in Nairobi have no choice but to go back to the good ole days of letter writing due to mobile phones being prohibited. These students spend their free time writing letters with beautiful art to send to their friends at other schools (BBC) For us, this is a dying art, yet for them, it’s their way of communicating and connecting with others

Letters being transformed into text messages and emails assume that the average person has a sense of laziness, relying on efficiency rather than intentionality In reality, this creates that type of behavior, leading to humans looking for an easier way of doing everything The art begins to disappear in even the simplest of actions Things such as physical maps, typewriters, film cameras, and landlines have been replaced by modern day efficiencies There is an art in each of these things, but society has become more and more focused on “what is easy?” rather than “how do we keep this art alive?” One study by Sherry Ning in the Progress Network speaks on the disappearance of these arts, stating, “Things are fast, industrialized, convenient, disposable, unsentimental, and productized, with no intention to last Culture has reacted to technology with shortened attention spans and lower commitment to craftsmanship” (Ning and Shermer) If you want to be intentional in the 21st century America, put down your phone and make time for the things which aren't necessarily “convenient ”

I recently decided to take my dog for a walk in the middle of December, ice slushing on the roads A walk through my neighborhood is like a walk through a bit of history, old houses, historic monuments, stone driveways As I stumbled down the sidewalk, I began to realize just how many mailboxes there were and just how much mail they must contain A mailbox shaped and painted to mirror its owner ' s house carrying letters from their mother and an invitation to a best friend's wedding The metal black mailbox holding bills, packages, and a note from their daughter in college Down the hill, the green flowery mailbox holding college acceptances and birthday cards A bird perched on the mailbox that still held their holiday ribbon, containing catalogs, a letter from her husband, and the note she planned to send to her sister At the climax of my walk was a tilted mailbox with its door broken off, filled with old, half opened letters, yellow envelopes, and a couple flaky leaves

And yet, there was no house without a mailbox Each one preserving the letter of a lover a friend a sister a brother, quietly content with the words of human nature

THEBEACHATNINEVEH HANKSHIELDS CLASSOF‘25

HORNOFRAHAB

THEGENERATIONOFME TALLULAHLAFFERTY CLASSOF‘25

Todayisthesameasyesterdayandtomorrow We BelieveinourdreamsandhopetheyareReal OurclothesandshoesarewhatmakeusCool

Thesunrisesandsets,aswereset We WakeupandhavenothingLeft, TheroadleadsustoneverendingSchool Timeistickingandwe’restuckstandingstill Repeat,compete,andcheat Thelurkofsadnessintheairisneverlate Anxietyanddepressionareeverywhere We Havehopewhenwethrowastrike, Butthedarknesssetsusstraight Thedayfadesawayandwebecomecastaways We HideinthedarkafraidtodanceandSing

QUILTSAREBETTERTHANBLANKETS EVELYNREED CLASSOF‘27

Quiltsarebetterthanblankets. Theweightoflayerssewnthroughout Createsawarmthnoblanketscouldreplicate Nomatterhowsofttheymaybe

Blanketscannotreplicatethefeeling, Ofaquiltdrapedovermycoldbody Quiltshavecoveredmeoncoldnights

Broughtfromawomanwhoisnothingbutjoy, Awomanwhohasspentherlife, Teachingmyfatherjusthowwonderfullifecanbe, Allwhileherfingersarecallousedfrom Thequiltsthatlineherclosets, Andthequiltswhichhaveseepedovertomyown

TWOGHOSTS CAITLINRUSSELL CLASSOF‘27

Theendlessquiethauntstheair Twoemptysoulsarepresentthere, Theremnantsofwhatweusedtobe What'sleftnowyoucannotsee Allmyeffortswereinvain Fornowonlytwoghostsremain.

SEEINGTHEBIRDS ABBYBARKER CLASSOF‘26

Bythistimeofyeartheleaveshavepartiallygrownback Onlyonthehardiestoftrees

Bythistimeofmonththeleavesare Crunched, Onlybecausetheyhavebeenwell-playedon Bybirds,smallmammals,oreven Childrenplayinghideandgoseek

Bythistimeofdaythesunmakesthetreeslooklikeclaws Onlybecausetheleavestheyonceheldare Crunched

Theartofnoticing

Onlybecauseyoustoppedandlistenedtotheworldthatleaves uslittletreasuresforusto discover, Onlyifyoustopandseeit, Likeatinycopperdisk Youonlynoticedwhenyouwereakid Theartofnoticing

Bytheendyou’llhaveunderstoodwhatallthismeans

HELD ELLAGREEN CLASSOF‘24

Theworld’smostwonderfulwildflowers Sproutnotinthetamegardens, Whoeversaidthatwhatisuntamedlacksbeauty? Butwherethestormhashithardest, Thelovelyland Afterthestorm’spowerfulblow, Afterthefireandscorchandiceandcold, God’sbeautifulvoicewhisperslifeoverall Onmossandmushroomsandlichenlogs Heaven’stearsfall, Angelsweepingandangelsrejoicing, Andthereintheaftershine: Sparklingrevivalresting, Alllifeonearthforgettingandthenremembering ItisheldinHishands

THERE’SNONEEDTOREINVENTTHEWHEEL ROBERTMARSHALL CCSFACULTY

Whichseemstoalmostgowithoutsaying Whenoneconsidersthepotentialdesigns; Wouldthewheelrollbetter,forinstance,as Apyramid?Orseverallongpieces Ofspaghetti-likestring?Thewheelasmop?

Well,actually,onebeginstosee Certainadvantages;clean,sparkling Highwaysforinstance,afaintwhiffofDawn Intherush-hourair AndI’vealways Likedthelookofthatgiantmopflopping

Againstmywindshieldatthecarwash Butwait; Howtocreatemomentum?Weneed Forwardmotion Thisisthewheelweare Talkingaboutafterall!It’sgottoroll Youknow,likeabasketball?Acircle?

SoIguessthepointis,reinventingthewheel Isnotaverygooduseofyourtime, Asthewheelwealreadyhaveisa Prettydarngoodwheel Maybespendyourtime Onsomethinguseful,likereinventing

Thewaythecitypicksupmytrashcans They’realwaysspillingthemoutinthestreet

FORTUNE WILLIAMPALUMBO CLASSOF‘24

Icaughtaglimpseoffortune soIfollowedheraway, fromheretoPennsylvania I’llgettheresomeday

Livingonthewind, runningfromthewest, 3yearsand3,000miles, andIstillcan’tfindmyrest

Likechasingafterlightning, Iranintothedark, Ithrewmycautionoutthewindow, andlettheroaddirectmycar.

Itossedmydiceandchasedher alongtheeasternsand; I’vegambledwithmyfreedom andIhavespentallthatIhad

Aglintofgold,ittoldme thatluckstilllayahead, andafterallthetimeI’dchasedher luckwasallthatIhadleft

Amagnetonmycompass, fortunetookhercharge, mytrustinheralone, andIhavemadethisroadmyhome.

Icanneverslowdown withfortuneinmysights Icanneverslowdown whenfortune’sgotmyeye

Icaughtaglimpseoffortune soIfollowedheraway.

Livingonthewind, runningfromthewest

Mylifeandamillionmiles andIstillcan’tfindmyrest

THEWINDINTHEWILLOWS JACKSTONE CLASSOF‘24

IprayGodwouldopenmyeyestotheneedsofothersandhowImaysupportandencouragethemintheirhurtingand struggling,andhowImightshareHislovewiththem Ithinkyou’llfindthatbyhelpingandlovingothers,yourproblems inlifedecreasesignificantlybecausethefocusisshiftedoffofyourselfandontothepeoplethatGodhasplacedinyourlife IprayGodwouldshutdowntheanxiousthoughtsinyourmindandopenyourhearttobefilledwithHislovethatcastsout allfear Whenweloveothers,weareactivelydiminishingtheanxietyandfearsthattrytooverpowerus,becauselove overpowersfear TheflamesofourfeardwindleanddieintherefreshingwatersofGod’spresenceandlove

Eachday,remindyourselfofhowyou,withGod’shelpandstrength,holdpoweroveryouremotions Everysingleday thatyoulivegetsyouonestepclosertoreachingeternallifewithJesusinheaven,whereallemotionalstruggles,pain,and sufferingwillbegone,witheternaljoyandbeautyinitsplace!

Friend,rememberthatyouranxietyisnotanenemy,norisityouridentity GodandHisunfailinglovedefineyou Not youremotions Worryingisawasteoftime,buttrustingintheLordiswheretruelifeisfound Evenwhenyoufeelalone, takeheart,andknowyouarenotalone Ever YouhavethelovingSaviorforeverbyyourside,nevertoleaveyou Sinand anxietywillleavetheirmarksonourhearts,butGodheals.MayGod’speace,power,presence,andlovebindthewounds ofyourheart

Thestrongestattemptthathumanityhasofconqueringallanxieties,worries,fears,stresses,concerns,uncertainties, anddiscouragementsistoruntoJesus,stepintoHislovingembrace,takeHishand,andtrustthatHehaseverything undercontrol Iwantyoutoknowtheretrulyisawaytomovepastemotionalstruggles,awaymorepowerfulandeffective thananyother GraspJesus’shand,lookintoHisface,andsay,

“Itrustyou ”

Nonesuch

DearReaders,

Lauren Tyler

TableofContents

TheOtherSide oftheMirror

PokeyLeaves

THECALYDONIANBOAR HANKSHIELDS CLASSOF‘25

THERAVEN EMILYPASCHALL CLASSOF‘24

TheInnocent

StrickenbytheChicken

FORGOTTENBOYS AMELIABARR CLASSOF‘24

EmbertoAsh

SYDNEYDOWNS CLASSOF‘26

THERE’SNONEEDTOREINVENTTHEWHEEL ROBERTMARSHALL CCSFACULTY