Volume 7 - 2019 - Brown Lady Magazine

Vol. 7 • 2019

The Brown Lady

2019

Published by:

Honors College Student Association Poets, Inc. Printed by the Wm. A. Krueger School of Graphic Communications

Welcome Welcome to the 7th edition of The Brown Lady, an academic and creative magazine that proudly features some of the most impressive work created by Chowan University students during the past year! I invite you to explore and celebrate the impressive variety of brilliant writing and artistic creations in this issue. We have another excellent issue this year, including two new genres that we’ve never published before: a spoken word poem and sports photography!

Starting off this year’s issue are four works of art by Kyasia Morgan, two of which we’re excited to feature on our cover. The penetrating stare of “Negus” gets us underway, followed by the fierce and provocative representation of slavery in “400 Years.” In addition, you’ll find our cover pieces this year, the inspirational and aspirational look of “Freedom is No Fear” and the vibrant and vintage moment captured in “Still, like air, I rise.” These brilliant art pieces are followed by our one academic essay this year, Tia Fleming’s presentation of a potential solution to the crushing opioid epidemic in her capstone essay, “Cannabis is a Viable Alternative to Opioids in the Treatment of Chronic Pain.” Closing out the issue’s first half are two striking and vivid images that show beauty in both darkness and light: Melany Garcia Lopez’s “Dancing Flames” and Angela Todd’s “Summer Dandelion.”

In the second half of this year’s edition, the diversity of our students’ work is on full display.

A number of varied and fascinating poems are featured. Zoe Beale imagines the inner world of a museum piece that is almost alive in “Lifeless in Polymer.” Donielle Davis uses a unique poetic form to tell the story of a man unjustly imprisoned in “Villanelle.” India Frazer tells the story of a forgotten soldier in “The Hero No One Knew,” while Ashlyn Smith celebrates her connection with a famous work of art in “Une Vie Imaginaire.” Otis Hunter, Jr. highlights the problems in how minorities are portrayed in “How the World Talks,” the first spoken word poem that we’ve ever featured in The Brown Lady. You can also hear Otis delivering this piece via the QR Code that we provide. And Grace Arredondo offers two compelling poems, the story of a young girl becoming a young woman through the lens of simple everyday tools in “Brushes” and a compelling vision of love among the cosmos (and here on Earth) in “Amid the Infinite.”

In addition to these many fine poems, three photographs and two narrative pieces are featured in the issue’s second half. We present three more photographs from Angela Todd, including the first examples of sports photography that we’ve ever published. “My Reflection” presents a troubled soul, while “Head Shot” captures a Chowan University soccer player in mid-flight and “Team Spirit” portrays a moment of pure athletic joy. Andrew Joyner invents three vivid characters who are creating a unique video game in his short story “Animal Kingdom.” And Ashlyn Smith wraps this issue up on a moment of quiet and meaningful nostalgia in her narrative nonfiction piece “The Cabin.”

On behalf of this year’s editorial board, I invite you to spend time with each of these extraordinary works in the weeks, months, and years to come. I hope you are as proud of these talented students as we are. Enjoy…and, as always, be sure to congratulate this year’s contributors!

Dr. Tim Hayes Editor-in-Chief

Table of Contents Negus

Editorial Board

Kyasia Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

400 Years

Timothy Hayes Editor-in-Chief Assistant Professor of English

Grace Arredondo Student Editor English

Aneysiya Mundy Assistant to the Editor Graphic Communications

Jennifer Groves Newton Assistant Professor of Graphic Communications

Melany Garcia Lopez Honors College Student Association Graphic Design

Danny B. Moore Professor of History

Riley Maynard Poets, Inc. Music Education David Ballew Associate Professor of History Bo Dame Associate Professor of Biology and Physical Science

Kyasia Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Freedom is No Fear (featured on the cover) Kyasia Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Still, Like Air, I Rise (featured on the cover) Kyasia Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Cannabis is a Viable Alternative for Opioids in the Treatment of Chronic Pain Tia Fleming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Dancing Flames Melany Garcia Lopez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Stephanie Peede Administrative Assistant to the Chancellor

Summer Dandelion

R. Lauren Rodil Assistant Director of Printing Production

Lifeless in Polymer

Amin Rudaina Khalil Associate Professor of Graphic Design

Angela Todd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Zoe Beale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Villanelle Donielle Davis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Animal Kingdom Andrew Joyner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

The Hero No One Knew India Frazer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Une Vie Imaginaire Ashlyn Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Brushes Grace Arredondo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

My Reflection Angela Todd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Head Shot Angela Todd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Team Spirit Angela Todd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Table of Contents continued How the World Talks

Negus Kyasia Morgan Graphite

Otis Hunter, Jr.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Amid the Infinite Grace Arredondo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

The Cabin Ashlyn Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

7

400 Years

Freedom is No Fear

Kyasia Morgan Mixed Media

Kyasia Morgan Ink Print

8

9

Still, Like Air, I Rise

Cannabis is a Viable Alternative

Kyasia Morgan Print

to Opioids in the Treatment of Chronic Pain Tia Fleming ABSTRACT Opioids are currently the main treatment for chronic pain. From 2010 to 2014, the number of deaths associated with prescription opioids quadrupled (Powell et al., 2018 and Reiman et al., 2017). They have exceeded deaths from gunshots, motor vehicle accidents, and suicide during that time period (Powell et al., 2018). Cannabis has been suggested as a potentially viable alternative for opioids in chronic pain treatment. Its potential to prevent the opioid death rate from increasing has been a resurging interest in science and medicine, but its use is illegal under current federal law (Lucas and Walsh, 2017). I hypothesized that cannabis is a better alternative for opioids in the treatment of chronic pain. I tested my hypothesis by analyzing four peer-reviewed primary literature articles that tested whether cannabis can substitute for opioids in treating non-cancerous chronic pain. The results showed that cannabis can substitute for opioids and cause a reduction in opioid prescriptions (Haroutounian et al., 2016). In addition, cannabis was found to be less addictive and safer with tolerable side effects (Maldonado et al., 2011). The results also show that cannabis was preferred if it was more available and could help a patient terminate opioid use (Vigil et al., 2017).

My hypothesis was supported by these articles, but the studies had limitations due to cannabis being federally illegal and the studies having small sample sizes (Vigil et al., 2017).

INTRODUCTION There is a nationwide opioid epidemic in the United States. The quantity of deaths because of the epidemic is increasing at a very high rate. Deaths from opioid overdoses exceed the number of deaths related to suicides, gunshots, and motor vehicle accidents (Powell et al., 2018). On average, opioids kill 91 Americans every day due to misuse (Vigil et al., 2017). In 2010, 16,651 deaths occurred due to prescription drug overdose (Powell et al., 2018). Just four years later, that number 10

11

Cannabis is a Viable Alternative to Opioids in the Treatment of Chronic Pain Tia Fleming had almost doubled (Reiman et al., 2017). Even with the statistics of increased opioid-related deaths, little has been done to prevent the deaths from continuing to rise (Reiman et al., 2017).

Opioids are used in the treatment of chronic pain. Chronic pain can affect anyone, and treating

Cannabis is a Viable Alternative to Opioids in the Treatment of Chronic Pain Tia Fleming There has been research for a better alternative medication that is not only safer but more effective. Cannabis has been a common alternative investigated in many research papers. It is a safer and more effective way of treating chronic pain with less serious side effects but is illegal in

chronic pain can be very expensive, costing $635 billion per year (Boehnke et al., 2016). Opioids

many states and on the federal level (Ware et al., 2015). Cannabis being illegal has caused problems

and therapy are currently being used in the treatment of chronic pain, but, in some cases, this

for the patients that are more likely to become opioid-dependent. Doctors are not able to prescribe

treatment is ineffective. Less than one-third of patients suffering from chronic pain have reported

cannabis to patients that are at risk (Vigil et al., 2017). Cannabis is safer and less addictive than

sufficient pain relief (Haroutounian et al., 2016). Patients have all types of chronic pain, such

opioids. It is less likely to cause a problem with dependence and therefore is much safer than

as pain from fibromyalgia, arthritis, and surgery. The opioids that are used in the treatment for

opioids for chronic pain treatment (Maldonado et al., 2011).

chronic pain include oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone, levoalpha-acetylmethadol (LAAM), and

Maldonado et al. (2011) suggest that only one in 12 cannabis users gains a dependence on

naltrexone (Reiman et al., 2017). Most patients with chronic pain are on long-term opioid therapy

cannabis. Most cannabis dependence comes from people who think they need it for their conditions,

and have reported serious side effects such as serious illnesses and lack of social life and physical

but it does not provide a strong reward like opioids (Maldonado et al., 2011). There are side effects

functioning (Ware et al., 2015). Another side effect of opioids is addiction (Kosten & George, 2002).

that patients report as more tolerable compared to opioids. These side effects include dizziness,

Opioids are addictive because they reward users with a very intriguing, intense feeling that

coughing, euphoria, paranoia, or amnesia (Ware et al., 2016). Paranoia and amnesia are side effects

causes them to think they need these drugs and depend on them (Kosten & George, 2002). Opiates

that are reported by inexperienced users (Ware et al., 2016). Cannabis has been reported to improve

travel to the brain through the bloodstream and bind to a mu opioid receptor protein on the

neurocognitive functions and does not affect the liver or renal or endocrine functions (Ware et al.,

surface of an opiate-sensitive neuron which are located in the medulla (Kosten & George, 2002).

2016). Researchers have suggested that cannabis reduces a person’s pain level significantly and

The chemicals released from opiates and the binding of receptors cause a pleasurable feeling

could be very effective in the treatment of chronic pain. I hypothesized that cannabis is a viable

(Kosten & George, 2002). Kosten & George (2002) compare the feeling from opiates to sexual

alternative for opioids in chronic pain treatment.

penetration and climax. They activate a reward system in the mid-brain called “mesolimbic,” which signals the ventral tegmental area and releases dopamine into the nucleus accumbens (Kosten &

METHODS

George, 2002). A memory of the pleasure is then stored in the brain and makes that person opioid-

I tested my hypothesis by analyzing and interpreting peer-reviewed articles. I began my

dependent (Kosten & George, 2002). They can depend on them for too long and become extremely

research by using the keywords “cannabis and opioid” in Google Scholar and received a plethora

addicted. The addictive nature of opioids gives rise to an increasing mortality rate, and there needs

of articles. As I read the articles’ titles and abstracts, I noticed that a lot of research was being

to be another method to treat chronic pain.

performed on opioid dependence and related health problems. I proposed a question asking “why are opioids being used if they are taking so many lives?” and I found that they are being used for

12

13

Cannabis is a Viable Alternative to Opioids in the Treatment of Chronic Pain Tia Fleming the treatment of chronic pain. I then used the search terms “cannabis and opioid and chronic pain”

Cannabis is a Viable Alternative to Opioids in the Treatment of Chronic Pain Tia Fleming substituting their opioid prescription medicines with cannabis.

to search for articles relating the two substances to chronic pain. I discovered many articles that

Vigil et al. (2017) conducted a study of 37 MCP patients and 29 comparison group patients

compared cannabis to opioids for the treatment of chronic pain, and this became my main focus.

that both used opioids. The MCP group used cannabis and opioids for their chronic pain, while the

Using Chowan University’s Hawk Hunt and Science Direct databases, I identified two primary

comparison group did not use cannabis prior to the study or during it. The comparison group had

literature articles, Vigil et al. (2017) (“Associations between medical cannabis and prescription

to provide urine every six months for analysis. Vigil et al. (2017) used a prescription-monitoring

opioid use in chronic pain patients: A preliminary cohort study”) and Lucas and Walsh (2017)

program for a period of 18-21 months to measure the consumption levels of opioids by each

(“Medical cannabis access, use, and substitution for prescription opioids and other substances”). I

patient. The data showed that patients reduced their opioid prescription use or terminated it

found two more primary literature articles that tested the use of cannabis substituting opioids in

altogether. The comparison group increased their opioid usage (+10.4%), while the MCP group

treatment for chronic pain. These were Reiman et al. (2017) (“Cannabis as a substitute for opioid-

decreased it significantly (-47%) (Vigil et al., 2017). Therefore, the study suggests that the opioid

based pain medication: Patient Self-Report”) and Corroon et al. (2017) (“Cannabis as a substitute for

epidemic can be changed by providing cannabis for chronic pain patients instead of opioids (Vigil et

prescription drugs—a cross sectional study”).

al., 2017).

RESULTS The following papers focused on substituting cannabis for opioids to aid in chronic pain

Lucas and Walsh (2017) There has been a reoccurring interest in the potential use of cannabis for medicinal purposes.

treatments. They suggested that cannabis provided a greater relief from pain when compared

The purpose of this study was to test whether cannabis can substitute for other substances from

to opioids, and two articles compared it to other substances. Some participants in these studies

a patient-centered perspective and which strain of cannabis was preferred. Lucas and Walsh

substituted opioids with cannabis or terminated their opioid use. There were side effects to both

hypothesized that cannabis could substitute for opioids for chronic pain.

treatment methods, but participants reported more tolerable side effects with cannabis compared to opioids.

Lucas and Walsh conducted an online survey of 271 respondents that were part of Canada’s Marihuana for Medical Purposes program (MMPR) and used Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR). The MMPR was initially established in 2001 to allow patients

14

Vigil et al. (2017)

access to cannabis for medical purposes but was revised to allow patients to receive a license to

New Mexico is one state that has been impacted tremendously by the opioid epidemic. In

grow their own cannabis (Lucas & Walsh, 2017). Each person in this experiment was asked 107

order to address the problem, New Mexico established a medical cannabis program. The medical

questions that related to patterns of use and cannabis substitution effects (Lucas & Walsh, 2017).

cannabis program (MCP) provided a treatment for patients with severe pain that cannot safely use

The data showed that the most common reason for using cannabis was for pain-related conditions.

conventional medications. The purpose of this study was to test the quantity of patients that report

Respondents reported relief from pain and symptoms, and most only used one or two grams per 15

Cannabis is a Viable Alternative to Opioids in the Treatment of Chronic Pain Tia Fleming

Cannabis is a Viable Alternative to Opioids in the Treatment of Chronic Pain

Tia Fleming

day (Lucas & Walsh, 2017). Some strains of cannabis such as sativa and strains high in cannabidiol

pain relief as opioids and more relief than non-opioids. Cannabis was preferred over opioids and

(CBD) were reported to be less effective in alleviating pain compared to indica and hybrid strains

non-opioid medication. Patients reported that they were more likely to use cannabis if it was more

(Lucas & Walsh, 2017). In addition, respondents reported substituting tobacco, alcohol, illicit

readily available (Reiman et al., 2017). The results supported previous studies, again suggesting that

substances, and prescription drugs, with the most common being opioids (Lucas & Walsh, 2017). The

cannabis is a better pain reliever compared to opioids and non-opioid medications (Reiman et al.,

results from this study correspond with the results from other studies and suggest that cannabis

2017).

can substitute for opioids (Lucas & Walsh, 2017).

Corroon et al. (2017) Reiman et al. (2017) The amount of prescription opioids sold in the United States, along with the deaths associated

State laws and social policies have been constantly changing due to the use of cannabis for medical purposes. Researchers hypothesize that cannabis can reduce opioid use and benefit

with opioids, has increased excessively. Very little has been done to cause a decrease in these

patients with relief from chronic pain. Corroon et al. (2017) hypothesized that using cannabis will

statistics (Reiman et al., 2017). Patients are still using opioids for chronic pain relief despite their

drive a reduction in opioid use. The hypothesis was tested by conducting a literature review that

addictive nature. The purpose of this study was to seek comments and feedback from patients that

identified existing surveys of cannabis use. A questionnaire was created to test the strengths and

use cannabis (Reiman et al., 2017). The patients were able to compare cannabis with opioids and

weaknesses of these existing surveys and was sent out to physicians, researchers, and cannabis

non-opioid-based medications for chronic pain treatment (Reiman et al., 2017).

users for feedback and was also advertised on social media with hyperlinks. The questions were

This study used a modified version of the Tilray Observational Patient Survey (TOPS). This online survey included questions about the conditions cannabis was used for and the preferred method of

open-ended, multiple choice, and yes/no questions.

A total of 1,248 participants (n=2,774) reported more than 2,000 substitutions of prescription

cannabis ingestion (Reiman et al., 2017). Participants were questioned about their substitution of

drugs. The most common classes of drugs substituted were narcotics/opioids (35.8%), anxiolytics/

cannabis for opioids and non-opioid-based medications to receive a subset of patients involved in

benzodiazepines (13.6%), and antidepressants (12.7%). That meant that more than half of the

substitution. The results showed that pain was the most common condition for the use of cannabis

participants substituted all of those classes of prescription drugs with cannabis, and the majority of

(Reiman et al., 2017). The mental health conditions cannabis was used for included insomnia,

the participants substituted opioids. Medical cannabis users reported a substitution rate 4.6 times

anxiety, and depression. 50% of the respondents used smoking as a method of ingestion, 30%

greater than that of non-medical cannabis users, but both groups participated in substitution. 1,040

reported vaporizing, and 10% used edibles (Reiman et al., 2017). A majority of the sample (N=841)

participants reported using cannabis for pain as their main purpose for using cannabis. It can be

strongly agreed that cannabis helped reduce their usage of opioids. In addition, participants

concluded that cannabis users are frequently substituting cannabis for prescription opioid use.

reported tolerable side effects with cannabis and unwanted side effects from opioids (Reiman et al., 2017). Participants reported that cannabis was more effective and gave the same amount of 16

17

Cannabis is a Viable Alternative to Opioids in the Treatment of Chronic Pain Tia Fleming

Cannabis is a Viable Alternative to Opioids in the Treatment of Chronic Pain Tia Fleming

DISCUSSION

longer needed. Future studies should also include a baseline opioid prescription measurement to

Cannabis is a safer and better alternative for the treatment of chronic pain. Studies have shown

make sure all participants use the same amount of opioids. Urine tests should be given more often

that the legalization of medicinal cannabis in some states has lowered the mortality rate due to

to ensure that the participants that reported not using opioids were actually being truthful. The

opioid-related deaths (Vigil et al., 2017). It can substitute many classes of drugs and can be a very

actual consumption of opioids and cannabis should be measured in future studies to calculate the

effective pain reliever for chronic pain (Reiman et al., 2017). My hypothesis was supported in all of

amount of cannabis needed to substitute for opioids.

these articles, showing that cannabis can substitute opioids in the treatment for chronic pain.

Lucas and Walsh (2017) Vigil et al. (2017)

I chose to review the article by Vigil et al. (2017) because it was the first research paper I

In the study organized by Lucas and Walsh (2017), the researchers focused on substituting

opioids and other substances with cannabis. The results of this study were collected in an online

found that discussed the associations between cannabis and opioids in chronic pain patients, and it

survey submitted by 271 respondents over a period of 15 months. The study suggested that

supported my hypothesis.

cannabis can substitute various substances, including opioids, alcohol, cigarettes/tobacco, and

In this experiment, there were many limitations. The initial limitation was the small

sample size. Cannabis is illegal under the federal government, which prevented Vigil et al. from randomly selecting patients for the medical cannabis program (MCP). This caused a bias,

illicit drugs. My hypothesis that cannabis would be a sufficient substitute for opioids and other substances by the participating patients was supported by this article.

Lucas and Walsh (2017) recognized the true effectiveness of cannabis. The data showed

because the comparison group were people who refused the MCP. The reason for refusal was

that cannabis was very effective for chronic pain and could substitute opioids as well as other

not sought and was not included in the experiment. In addition, there was no control over the

harmful addictive substances. The questions asked in the survey were not required to be answered

baseline measurement of opioid prescription for the participants. Vigil et al. (2017) used the

in completion, so the numbers varied as a result. This experiment also assessed the condition that

numbers of participants enrolled in the MCP and filled opioid prescriptions as measurements in

patients were treating with cannabis and the method of use. The study did not correlate which

this experiment. A frequent drug screen was also not administered for patients using cannabis or

method of use was preferred with the different conditions that patients were treating.

patients that reported only using opioids.

18

In the future, there should be a larger sample size for more accurate statistical analysis. This

In the future, the final respondents should be required to complete the entire questionnaire

before it can be used in the results. This will keep a steady set of data throughout the entire

may be difficult with current federal laws, but, in order to get adequate numbers, a larger sample

questionnaire and prevent one section from being stronger than the others. It also could help

size should be administered. All participants that denied MCP should have to report a reason to

researchers confirm the impact of cannabis substitution on quantities of different substances. In

prevent bias. Potential reasons for refusing MCP could include a negative previous experience with

addition, it would be very helpful if researchers were able to distinguish the methods of use and

cannabis, social or employment concerns, or a change in medical condition where cannabis is no

correlate them to the conditions for which cannabis was being used. It would result in a better 19

Cannabis is a Viable Alternative to Opioids in the Treatment of Chronic Pain Tia Fleming understanding of which method was more beneficial and effective for each condition. The study

Cannabis is a Viable Alternative to Opioids in the Treatment of Chronic Pain Tia Fleming

In the future, researchers should use a comparison group to receive more accurate results

also mentioned illicit drugs but did not explain what they are or give examples. This information

for cannabis efficacy compared to other medications. There was no significant difference observed

should be included in future research for informational purposes.

because all patients used cannabis and/or other medications including opioids and non-opioids,

creating an initial bias. When the survey was sent out by e-mail to the participating patients, it had

Reiman et al. (2017)

a very specific title. Future research should have a broader title for a better study outcome and

to prevent bias. The side effects from all medications compared to cannabis in this study should

In 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported more than

28,000 deaths due to prescription opioids. The CDC also estimates that, since 1999, the number

be observed in future surveys, because this study reported that cannabis side effects were more

of prescription opioids sold has quadrupled, but there has been little change to the pain levels

tolerable but never reported any actual side effects. The amount of cannabis needs to be tested

reported by Americans. This study suggests that using cannabis in conjunction with opioids will

along with the type of opioids being used. This experiment did not give enough details to make its

enhance the analgesic effect of opioids, allowing patients to lower their doses and thus reducing

conclusion adequately.

the deaths from opioids. The study focused on patients’ feedback on their experience with cannabis as a substitute for opioids in chronic pain treatment. This study was conducted as a cross-sectional

Corroon et al. (2017)

study with other previous studies to support their hypothesis and to address an alternative for

opioids for treatment of pain. Reiman et al. (2017) hypothesized that cannabis can be a successful

patterns in states where cannabis is legalized because they are using cannabis instead of opioids.

treatment for pain and can reduce the possibility of dependence on opioids. This article supported

The CDC issued guidelines that indicated that dose reduction of opioids may cause a patient to

my hypothesis and also suggested that cannabis can be substituted for all medications used for

switch to heroin. Corroon et al. (2017) hypothesized that cannabis can treat chronic pain in patients

pain.

and reduce the dose of opioids without causing a patient to switch to substances like heroin. The

Reiman et al. (2017) used a modified version of the TOPS that included questions about the

results of this study show that medical cannabis and non-medical cannabis users substituted with

illness which cannabis was used to treat and the method of ingestion. It was administered through

cannabis. This information was independent of the availability of cannabis. Results indicate that

a HelloMD database to California’s medical cannabis patients. There was not a comparison group

cannabis was most commonly substituted for narcotics and opioids, and substitution of cannabis

to test differences in patients that don’t use cannabis. Participants were asked questions about

for these drugs was 1.5 times greater than for pain relief. This study did not show a significant

cannabis substitution and their experience with it to create a subcategory of patients engaging

difference between legalized or illegal cannabis states in the substitution of prescription opioids.

in substitution. They also asked questions that required the participants to compare the efficacy

20

Researchers have suggested that there has been a reduction in physicians’ drug-prescribing

This study was comprised of self-selected patients. Corroon et al. (2017) used open-ended

of cannabis and unwanted side effects to other medications. They included pains from menstrual

questions as a method for collecting prescription drugs. When participants reported a “variety of

cramps as a condition for cannabis use along with back pain and arthritis.

side effects,” it was counted as one, and prescription drugs were classified individually instead of 21

Cannabis is a Viable Alternative to Opioids in the Treatment of Chronic Pain Tia Fleming classes or groups, resulting in a possible overcount. This study included age groups, with the first group including all participants younger than 21 and the other groups including adults within roughly a 15-year age range.

In future studies, patients should be randomly chosen because the self-selected participants

could have had a bias. The ranges in age of these participants should all have the same intervals.

The participants could have all had good opinions about cannabis, excluding the negatives that need to be observed for a comparison. In addition, future research should use a better method of collecting information on prescription drugs such as multiple choice questions for the number of side effects and group prescription drugs. This study failed to report if the state legalized cannabis during the analysis or not. They only reported which states had legalized cannabis laws during the entire study.

Future studies for cannabis substitution should be conducted over a consecutive period of a

few years. Researchers should include questions about patients’ experience with starting cannabis and observe patients’ use of any drugs. This observation should also include whether a patient thought cannabis was a necessary and effective long-term therapy and evaluate the safety of longterm cannabis use.

These articles involved substituting cannabis for opioids for chronic pain treatment. They

included information that compared cannabis substitution to opioids in different states depending on if they had laws legalizing cannabis or not. In my hypothesis, I stated that cannabis is a viable

Cannabis is a Viable Alternative to Opioids in the Treatment of Chronic Pain Tia Fleming REFERENCES Boehnke, K. F., Litinas, E., & Clauw, D. J., (2016). Medical cannabis associated with decreased opiate medication use in retrospective cross-sectional survey of chronic pain patients. Journal of Pain, doi: 1-.1016/j.jpain.2016.03.002.

Corroon, J. M., Mischley, L. K., & Sexton, M. (2017). Cannabis as a substitute for prescription drugs — a cross sectional study. Journal of Pain Research, 10, 989-998.

Haroutounian, S., Ratz, Y., Ginosar, Y., Furmanov, K., Saifi, Fayez, Meidan, R., & Davidson, E. (2016).

The effect of medical cannabis on pain and quality-of-life outcomes in chronic pain: A prospective open-label study. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 32(12), 1036-1043. Doi:10.1097/ AJP.0000000000000364.

Kosten, T. R., & George, T. P. (2002). The neurobiology of opioid dependence: Implications for treatment. Science & Practice Perspectives, 1(1), 13-20.

Lucas, P., & Walsh, Z. (2017). Medical cannabis access, use and substitution for prescription opioids and other substances: A survey of authorized medical cannabis patients. International Journal of Drug Policy, 42, 30-35.

Maldonado, R., Berrendero, F., Ozaita, A., & Robledo, P. (2011). Neurochemical basis of cannabis addiction. Journal of Neuroscience, 181, 1-17.

Powell, D., Pacula, R. L., & Jacobson, M. (2018). Do medical marijuana laws reduce addiction and death related to pain killers? Journal of Health Economics, 58, 29-42.

Reiman, A., Welty, M., & Solomon, P. (2017). Cannabis as a substitute for opioid-based pain medication: Patient Self-Report. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research 2:1, 160-166, DOI:10.1089/can.2017.0012.

Vigil, J. M., Stith, S. S., Adams, I. M., & Reeve, A. P. (2017). Associations between medical cannabis and prescription opioid use in chronic pain patients: A preliminary cohort study. Plos ONE, 12(11), 1-13. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0187795.

Ware, M., Wang, T., Shapiro, S., & Collet, J.-P. (2015). Cannabis for the management of pain: Assessment of safety study (COMPASS). The Journal of Pain, 16(12), 1233-1242. doi.10.1016/j. jpain.2015.07.014.

alternative for opioids in the treatment of chronic pain. These articles supported my hypothesis and suggested that it can substitute other treatments that, when used chronically, can cause detrimental effects. Treating chronic pain patients with cannabis can be more effective and safer than using opioids. It could also reverse the opioid epidemic. Cannabis is far less addictive than opioids and preferred by most patients suffering with chronic pain.

22

23

Dancing Flames

Summer Dandelion

Melany Garcia Lopez Photograph

Angela Todd Photograph

24

25

Life in Polymer

Villanelle

Zoe Beale

Donielle Davis

In this moment, I feel as if I could be the most elaborate piece of modern art.

My bones are polymer, my blood is paint, coloring my veins and arteries while filling my lungs with fumes.

Coincidentally, my brain is made of plaster, or maybe some sort of silicone– something resembling what was once there.

He escaped from prison almost ten years ago.

Perhaps they will open me up and show my insides to rooms full of observers so they can all see that I am beautiful and complex.

No chance of ever being acquitted,

Perhaps my insides could be explained by some philosopher or great poet– perhaps they can see that piece of me that the artist lost in his labors, the piece of me that broke off in the mold, the piece that was left on the table next to shards of forgotten filaments.

Perhaps I will be placed in a museum because it is impossible to figure me out, stuffed in a quiet corner, a surprise to the slow stream of people sifting between paintings and portraits.

They meander mindlessly until they come to me, with polymer bones and painted veins, my body there for the world to see but seemingly impossible for anyone to comprehend.

Perhaps I will do nothing but remain here, a permanent piece in my quiet corner of the collection, watching the world study me until their attention is drawn and I leave their thoughts.

In their absence, I will imagine that I could find the piece, the left-out part of me that the artist lost, and replace it myself, and walk away a whole woman.

But I sit in the dark, waiting for the exhibition lights to come on, waiting for someone to come along who could ever understand what I mean.

26

Wrongfully convicted; He has found a new home.

Judge and jury blamed him alone.

He escaped from prison almost ten years ago.

Changed his name and his phone.

Through all the turmoil, he persisted.

He has found a new home.

Re-contacted his family and everyone he knows.

Lost 15 years in a system where freedom isn’t permitted.

He escaped from prison almost ten years ago.

A seed of innocence was recently sewn; New evidence has been submitted.

He has found a new home.

Nothing is really set in stone; Found happiness 25 years before predicted.

He escaped from prison almost ten years ago.

He has found a new home.

27

Animal Kingdom Andrew Joyner On a black night, in a medieval kingdom, somebody smashed violently against a wall. An ogre walked toward the fallen fighter with a sword in one hand and chains in the other. The person stood up in an agonizingly slow way to reveal a wolfman with scars from countless battles. He was wearing light armor that was not very handy in protecting the warrior from sustaining body blows and that consequently resulted in broken bones. The ogre swung down the sword and cut the wolfman in half. All the wolfman could do was watch the cold, shiny steel slice into his throbbing body. Suddenly, a chamber pod opened, and a teenager in a graphic t-shirt and Levi’s stumbled out, dropping to his knees, and threw up his lunch. He made eye contact with the person typing on a computer.

“Jack, you’ve really got to fix this gli . . . ” was all the boy on the floor managed to say before throwing up again.

“Sorry, Ben, but this is a work in progress,” Jack said, still typing.

Ben, finally able to quell his nausea, stopped throwing up and walked over to Jack to see what he was configuring. On the screen, he saw the aftermath of the fight: his character cut in half, dead on the floor. The ogre started to pick up the remains and devour them. Jack looked at Ben knowingly.

“You lost this fight, but it’s the first one you’ve lost in a while.”

Ben sighed, “I know, but, next time, I’ll kill it.”

“Ever thought about having some teammates in there with you?” Jack asked, as he turned his attention back to the computer.

Animal Kingdom Andrew Joyner game for you,” Amy answered, without glancing up from the book in her hands.

“No, that’s not it. You don’t have to buy me anything. In fact, I think you’ll soon be feeling indebted to me.” Amy’s brows furrowed with obvious skepticism, so Ben continued.

“A friend of mine is creating a game and needs people who are willing to test it out,” he explained, as he leaned his back against the cold metal lockers and folded his arms, hoping for a casual and slightly mysterious vibe. Amy finally looked up from her book.

“You’re the gamer. Why do you need me?”

“Well, it’s a little unconventional. Jack wants a female’s opinion, you know, marketing purposes.

All you have to do is tell me a type of animal you want to play, and he’ll make your avatar,” Ben said.

“Sure, I’ll check it out, but you owe me dinner. Pizza. The good kind, from Giavanno’s, got it?

And for my character . . . let’s do a phoenix.” She added that last part absentmindedly, like her mind was lingering on a warm, flaky, stuffed crust. Ben could feel himself losing her attention in a battle between his words and just about every conceivable distraction.

“Deal. Come to this location tomorrow,” Ben said, handing a note to Amy. As an afterthought, Ben added, with a notable glance at her book that had found its way back under her nose, “I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.”

Later that day, Ben rode his bike through a junkyard to a rusty shed. He propped his bike up against the side and then heaved the garage door open. He saw Jack in the center of the room, typing on his computer.

“So, what did she say?” Jack asked, looking at Ben through strained, tired eyes.

“You’re the one who’s creating the game. I’m just here to test it out. But listen, seriously, I know I can take that ogre down all by myself.”

“She’s in, but I need you to spot me ten bucks tomorrow.” Ben mentioned the last part quickly as he stepped into the pod and pulled on the door to close.

“Yes, of course, but I need to test the female model, anyway, so I need you to talk to Amy,” Jack said, while closing his computer and reaching to open the garage door.

“What creature did she want to play?” Jack asked in a monotone voice, still engrossed in his computer and seeming to have not heard Ben’s comment about compensation for Amy’s pizza ultimatum.

The light blinded Ben and Jack as they stumbled back into reality.

Ben grabbed his bike and was about to head out when he turned his head and said, “Fine, just as long as you hold up your end of the deal. See you tomorrow.”

“She said a phoenix. Hey, also, send me as close as you can to where I died yesterday,” Ben called, as he sealed the tube.

The capsule vibrated so violently that Ben’s mind started to race. His eyes rolled to the back of his head, and the bright blue glow of the lights around him grew fainter until darkness took over.

The next day at school, before any classes started, Ben spotted Amy at her locker. He noticed she was reading some type of mythical creature book. A smile flashed across his face as he admired her reading choice, and he knew she would be up for the task he was about to present to her.

“Amy, hey, I need your help,” Ben called out as he approached her.

The next thing Ben saw was a small town with different creatures meandering about. His head, still buzzing from the machine, throbbed as he walked toward the blacksmith.

“Ben, wait. You still can’t buy anything from him yet. I’m still developing his character. I need you to see the merchant instead,” Jack’s voice said in Ben’s head.

“This will be the fifth favor you’ve asked of me this week, and I don’t have money to buy another 28

29

Animal Kingdom Andrew Joyner

Animal Kingdom Andrew Joyner “Oh, okay, but, at some point, I really need to get better weapons and gear than what I have now,” Ben said aloud.

“Amy, just step in the capsule, and Jack will do the rest,” Ben said, with a reassuring look on his face.

Suddenly, a massive explosion engulfed Ben in flames and threw him to the ground. Ben stumbled out of the pod, disoriented, then promptly threw up.

Amy climbed into the tube, and Ben secured her door shut. He then got into his own pod and turned to Jack.

“WHAT WAS THAT?!” Ben yelled angrily between dry heaves.

“I don’t know, but it should be fixed soon,” Jack replied, his hunched shoulders tenser than usual and his bony fingers flying furiously across the keyboard.

“Our deal was only one test a day. You said I can’t use it more than twice in a twenty-four hour period without internal damage,” Ben said, grimacing as he lowered himself into a chair.

“That’s fine; you can leave if you want. I’ll have to reprogram the software to fix what happened, and that could take all night,” Jack said, as he turned to see his visibly shaken friend.

Ben grasped the armrests and stood slowly. He gave his friend an encouraging pat on the back and then headed home.

The following day after school, Ben biked to the junkyard and opened the garage door.

“So, is she coming or not?” Jack asked, as he walked with black electric tape in his hand to examine the extension cords that ran outside. Jack’s more alert demeanor surprised Ben, as he was used to seeing his friend constantly fatigued and glued to his computer.

“We made a deal, so she will be here, I’m sure of that,” Ben said, as he leaned his bike against the shed.

As if on cue, Amy rode up on her fire-engine-red bike and halted just shy of Jack and Ben’s feet.

“So, you must be Jack, the person who owes me a favor,” Amy smirked, as she dismounted her bike. Jack furrowed his brow, protesting her sassy greeting. He opened his mouth to retort, but, knowing what was most likely to follow, Ben cut his friend off.

“Good you made it, Amy. Let’s get started. Just set your bike against the shed, and come in.”

Amy did as instructed and was shocked by what she saw. Amy took note of what appeared to be technology that would make NASA envious. Monitors stacked on top of each other hummed as if quietly thinking. Wires snaked along the concrete floor, connecting to different computers and contraptions. All of this equipment sat shrouded in dust and secrecy.

At a loss for words, Amy could only bring her baffled, fumbling mouth to ask, “How . . . how are you able to power all of this equipment?”

“We have multiple solar generators as well as a few gas generators,” Jack said nonchalantly, as he reconnected a thick black tube to a pod-like device.

30

“Make sure you spawn her near me,” Ben reminded him.

Uncharacteristically, Jack ambled over to Ben’s pod.

“She’s going to do great. Don’t let your fear cloud your judgment. Be her guide, and everything will be fine.” Ben nodded and forced a smile.

As the pods shook in unison, Amy’s awareness yielded to momentary panic, and then unconsciousness followed.

As her senses returned, Amy found herself lying on the forest floor. A large, grey wolf standing on his hind legs began to stride toward her. Amy turned to run, but Ben’s voice stopped her.

“Amy, it’s me, Ben! This is just my avatar. It’s okay.”

Amy looked down to see that she had transformed into a phoenix, just as she had requested.

“Where are we?” Amy asked, looking at Ben and feeling a little less afraid but still bewildered.

“We’re in Jack’s game. He’s dropped us just outside the city,” he answered.

“Before you both go on, Ben, you need to explain to her about the world you guys are in,” Jack commented in both of their heads.

Amy held her head in sudden confusion at the sound of Jack invading her inner thoughts.

“Alright, so this is a game called Animal Kingdom. Everyone here is based on a realistic animal, mythical creature, or even a hybrid of both. The main goal is to kill the sword-wielding ogre and become king or, in your case, queen. Jack is still working out a few bugs in the system and wants to add components to the program. So, obviously, it’s not completed. Welcome to the demo version!”

Amy let a smile break through, and her shoulders relaxed a bit. “Oh, also one more thing: any amount of pain your character feels in this world, you feel it as though it were in real life, even if you die,” Ben added.

“Wow, um, that’s a pretty big disclaimer. Why didn’t you warn me about all of this before I locked myself in this capsule cage thingy?” she asked.

“It’s a virtual reality pod,” Jack corrected.

Ben laughed, “I mean, would you have believed me if I told you this type of game existed?

Probably not. Plus, the technology is experimental. Jack doesn’t want publicity until the program has been perfected.”

31

Animal Kingdom Andrew Joyner

Animal Kingdom Andrew Joyner “Gotcha, so we’re the guinea pigs,” Amy inferred sarcastically.

“Good, you’re done. So, what kit did you get?” Ben asked as he stood up.

“Pretty much,” Ben said, shrugging.

“The warrior package. Was that a good choice?” Amy asked nervously.

She laughed and said, “Well, then, I’ve never been more happy to be compared to a rodent.”

“So, how many times have you died?” Amy asked quietly.

“I’ve died about fifty times, and forty of them were due to glitches in the game itself. Also, we should start walking to the village if we are going to have even the slightest chance of winning this game.”

Amy nodded and continued with her questions. “What do you mean by ‘glitches’?” Amy asked, a little confused.

“Due to how early this game is in its formation, some malfunctions are bound to happen. Like yesterday, there was an explosion that killed me,” Ben explained, as he took out a scroll from his worn leather bag.

Ben threw the scroll into the air, and a wild horse appeared. He straddled the animal and then reached down to pull Amy up. When they got to the city, they stopped in front of the merchant.

“Amy, take these coins and go buy some armor, weapons, and food. I’ll explain to you how to wield your sword later.”

Amy nodded and went inside the shack. She was overwhelmed by the amount of gear varieties to choose from. What was even more surprising is that the cashier was a red dragon with an eye patch and a missing claw.

“Welcome to my store, little miss. My name is Thorn, the owner of this store. If you need any help, please let me know,” the dragon said, as he stood up attentively and smiled in an unexpectedly friendly, non-threatening way.

“I thought I told you to stay off my turf,” the masked creature grunted, as it pulled out a long sword.

Amy instinctively ran toward the towering creature and tackled him to the ground. She let out a horrifying shriek as she felt the blade impale her stomach. The masked creature looked up and chuckled at the sight of Amy’s fatal wound.

Turning to Ben, the creature smirked and said, “This foolish girl just sacrificed her life for yours.”

With his mouth agape, Ben tried to give Amy a consoling look, but her eyes were not fixed on him. As she laid on her back, head fixed toward the sky, her body combusted into flames. The sword, sticking upright out of her abdomen, melted and then disappeared.

A confused and slightly singed Amy stood up as if nothing had happened. “What’s going on?!” the masked creature growled angrily.

“Guess you’ve never met a phoenix before,” Amy said, smiling slightly.

She turned toward Ben and, in what seemed like a single motion, snatched the sword out of the air that Ben had thrown to her and assumed her battle stance. The creature sauntered forward and initiated the first slash. The blades clashed like claps of thunder, each blow more powerful than the last, with neither of them gaining an advantage. At last, the masked creature sliced Amy’s leg, and she crumpled to the ground.

“I’m just starting out, so do you have a starter kit or something?” Amy asked, as her eyes wandered along the wall of swords and shields.

“A valiant effort, kid. Too bad it was for a lost cause,” the masked creature snickered, as he raised his sword and swung it downward over Amy’s body. The blade stopped inches from her head, and Amy looked up, afraid and confused.

“Yes, of course, we have two types: a warrior kit and a mage starter kit,” Thorn obliged, as he placed both kits on the counter.

“Well done,” the creature told her, “but it’s time to return home.” The mysterious creature removed his mask to reveal a striking dragon-and-wolf hybrid, Jack’s avatar.

“The warrior package lets you have more combat skills, and mage allows you to possess more powerful magic capabilities,” Jack told her.

“Okay, I want the warrior kit, sir,” Amy decided hastily.

“Good, that will be one hundred gold pieces,” Thorn said, as he extended his hand.

Amy took out the bag and gave it to the dragon. Thorn removed one hundred gold coins and gave the deflated bag back to Amy. Amy left the store and found Ben sitting down beside his horse, waiting patiently.

32

Just as Ben was about to answer her, an arrow sliced through his shoulder, and the impact knocked him onto his back. Amy got behind Ben’s horse for cover and frantically scouted the area.

She watched a masked creature approach a wounded Ben, still lying in the dirt.

“JACK! Wha . . . what are you doing? Why did you shoot Ben?” Amy asked, somewhat accusatory as she got to her feet.

“We had to perform a sort of test to judge your morals in this world. It was important to make sure you were still operating as Amy would and not as the game would like. Now, follow me to the inn; you have to go to sleep in order to leave the game,” Jack explained.

“Yeah, it’s the only alternative to not dying a gruesome, painful death and puking your brains out when the pod sends you back,” Ben sarcastically added, while he yanked at the arrow that was 33

Animal Kingdom Andrew Joyner still lodged deep in his arm.

Once they arrived at the inn, Amy was finally able to sit and reflect on everything she had just experienced. Ben watched the wheels turning in her head and found himself fascinated by her tendencies. He knew she was probably oblivious to the fact that her hands formed tiny, balled up fists or that her teeth insisted on chewing up her bottom lip when she committed herself to deep reflection. He also knew that, if he brought Amy’s habits to her attention, she would lack an explanation as to why she did them. Her ears would probably just seethe red, and she’d tell him to shut up.

Animal Kingdom Andrew Joyner the risks, are you still in?” Ben asked, feeling certain she was about to let him down easy.

“I won’t tell a soul. And I give you my word that I’ll be there. See you tomorrow, wolf boy,” Amy answered reassuringly as she stood to leave.

With a sigh of relief for reasons even he could not explain, Ben replied simply, “See you tomorrow, too, phoenix girl.”

Amy’s movement stirred Ben out of his thoughts, and he met her eyes as she turned to him and asked, “So, if I was supposed to come back to the real world when I died, why didn’t I?” “Your character is a phoenix, and, when they die, they are reborn. Thus, your character has a trait called ‘rebirth.’ This allows you to come back to life, but only once,” Ben explained.

“Do all of the creatures have a special trait, or just certain ones?” Amy asked inquisitively.

“Well, everyone in that world has a unique power, even my wolf character. He uses his teeth for extra damage in hand-to-hand combat,” he answered.

Jack, who had been busy on his computer in the corner, noticed the time and powered down the equipment. He wearily turned to face Amy and Ben. “It’s getting late,” he said. “We need to get going so none of our parents get too worried. Amy, are you able to come and continue running tests tomorrow after school?”

“Sure thing. Overall, I had fun today, and I can’t wait for tomorrow,” she answered, smiling.

“Oh, and Ben,” she added, “I think we had a deal.” Amy’s glowing face turned into a sly grin as she flipped her ponytail over her shoulder and headed out the garage door.

Ben quickly turned to face his friend, and, without a hint of hesitation, Jack discreetly slapped a Hamilton into his clammy palm.

At the nearly deserted pizzeria, Ben and Amy munched contentedly on the last of their crusts.

Ben swallowed nervously and felt the impending pressure to say something before they went their separate ways.

“I need to know if you’ll be there tomorrow,” he said, quietly.

“Of course I’ll be there, armed and ready to play,” Amy said, giggling.

“Okay, but I need you to promise not to tell anyone what we are up to. This is for our protection, because, if anyone besides Jack tampers with the system, and a virus finds its way onto that main computer, we may be trapped inside or, worse, not make it out alive. So, um, now that you know all 34

35

The Hero No One Knew

Une Vie Imaginaire

India Frazer

Ashlyn Smith

He roams the streets all alone; he has no place to call home.

Asking strangers for change to buy a bottle to wash away his shame.

Van Gogh, Van Gogh, your starry night, A brilliance of dark that contrasts the light.

A speckled canvas of deep thick blue, Emotion permanent in painted hue.

Serenity sweeps my appeased heart.

He knows he’s trash in society’s eyes, but the way he lives is the only way he knows how to survive.

He didn’t get here by choice, but, because of his situation, he no longer has a name or a voice.

We all wonder why he doesn’t just get a job, but the truth is, who would hire a slob?

He once fought for our country in a foreign land, but now he fights for his life in a back alley, lying next to a garbage can.

I’m a painted star playing its part, Hung in the sky with angelic radiation, My brightness a slow gradation.

Van Gogh gave me place, purpose, merit, A dream I only wished to inherit.

He gave me a chance to fly the wind of a painted stroke.

A heart so giving will surely be broke.

A sleepy town I give my light To quiet folks who absorb the sight.

My somnolent eyes flutter awake.

Rhythmic heartbeat, it aches, it aches.

When they found him, he had clutched in his hand a badge of honor that proved he wasn’t just a worthless man.

36

37

Brushes

My Reflection

Grace Arredondo

Angela Todd Photograph

Wooden and bristled, I lay stiffly in a craft drawer.

Her creativity summons me, and we work in tandem.

Stroke by delicate stroke, I’m one with my master’s motions, in pursuit of a worthy design for the refrigerator door.

I am not a device, submissive to her powerful hand, but a loyal tool.

Mocha almond eyes with an inner rim of Forest green set under intently furrowed brows, they study where my hairs will smear this blue blot.

Her paintings, though most may observe as distorted abstractions, are masterpieces, deserving appreciation.

Mommy calls her an artist, and an elated grin sweeps across her beautiful face.

Now, she has traded a pallet of paints for one of powders.

A young lady grasps me tightly; I, a wand, expected to transform her fleshy canvas, am her closest companion and faithfully mask her perceived imperfections.

Chin up. Don’t blink. Can’t cry.

Now we must start again.

She can’t live without me, though she desperately wishes she could.

There is no spell she knows to make me disappear.

Still, when she rises, I greet that naked face the world will never see, smiling.

Mom calls her gorgeous, and a forced grin cracks across her painted lips.

Through us, she once painted joy.

Through us, she now paints beauty.

One day smearing into the next, Discontent.

38

39

Head Shot

Team Spirit

Angela Todd Photograph

Angela Todd Photograph

40

41

How the World Talks

Amid the Infinite

Otis Hunter, Jr.

Grace Arredondo If I send a silver bullet through someone’s head, Stab you in the heart to get ten steps ahead, Or try to live my life by using pointless bloodshed; Everybody would have something to say.

But if I scribble with a pen simply to inspire, Paint on a canvas to fill hearts with desire, Or motivate people just to lift them up higher; No one would say a word.

If I do a crime with no time, I am a hero; If I spill some blood, I get checks with many zeroes; I would be a crime boss, and they would call me De Niro; And everybody would have something to say.

But if I write with a purpose, I am over-analytical, A child with a dream making points too critical, And they would strive to cease my drive until I am paralytical, But no one would say a word.

I do not want to be an overrated star like Beyonce, Or have a trash personality and god mentality like Kanye, Or just be a fame starter pack for my body like Kim K, But everybody would have something to say.

I want my fame to be real and undetermined by a clock; Making monumental history like President Barack; Spitting legendary lyrics like the next Tupac; But no one would say a word.

I want to be a saint; I refuse to be a criminal.

You choose one side because you can’t be liminal.

I am trying to spread a message, but it is coming out subliminal.

I want to make a difference, but my impact is so minimal.

It almost seems erasable, So small it looks untraceable, But my words are like an ivory diamond: they are irreplaceable.

So the world will not affect me or the path that I walk, And I will aim to change the world just by changing how it talks.

Give a glance to the sky, then a nod to the earth, They are symbolic of true devotion expressed.

I dare not trivialize the celestials above.

However, our binding connection remains unaddressed.

Though there are trillions of stars abiding, Only one was required for Earth.

What if, before Time’s clock ticked, He assessed their attributes and worth?

Every ethereal star paraded before the World, Yet one in particular befell his glance.

A star clad in yellow melted Earth’s core.

Could she be the one, perchance?

Golden beams beckoned him closer, And Earth was enlightened on what it meant to be alive.

Intertwined became their new existence, Revolving together as a means to survive.

As darkness snuffs out her rays, Earth bids his shining Sun adieu.

But night is no deterrence for her unfaltering faithfulness; Every morning, her brilliance breaks through.

I marvel at how the sun and earth endure, Prospering as two symbiotic beings.

For she provides him life, And he gives her life meaning.

What lies transfixed between the firmament And stretching ground beyond our sight Will never surpass as secret knowledge If I could be your ball of dust and you my beams of light.

To hear Otis perform this spoken word piece, please us the QR Code at the top of the page.

42

43

The Cabin Ashlyn Smith Trees flitted by as mere blurred splatters of paint outside the car window. Sunny rays flickered through openings between passing branches and leaves on to my face. My mother hummed softly to the radio; must be a Nat King Cole song.

The wheels came to a slow stop. The door next to me was opened, and I saw wonder. Towering pine trees loomed above me, a massive shade lay beneath, conquering any light that wished to reign over the grass. Hovering above the grass was the old, orange, brown-and-red checkered hammock that swayed back and forth ever so slightly. It seemed to motion me over, enticing me for its own consumption. I resisted the urge.

The small wooden cabin seemed to charm its way into view from behind the soldiering pines.

A wraparound porch with accents of green paint for the wooden planks hugged the cabin. On it, a porch swing waited, begging to be sat on and loved.

There, my grandmother sat. My heart brightened and leapt with excitement at seeing her. She was beautiful. Her hair was a dark brunette, waving softly over her head. Her cheeks were always rosy. I always thought it was because she smiled so much. She had her glasses on, but that didn’t hide her twinkling eyes with what I call ‘happy wrinkles’ at the corners. Each wrinkle was a badge of honor, a badge that represented joy and life. I loved them.

I ran to her, and she hugged me tight, and I felt all her love for me. And that love that my grandmother seemed to give endlessly was magic. She seemed to illuminate magic. It bled into everything at the cabin. The pines, the trails cutting through the sweet-smelling sage, the delicate birds that perched at the top of the garden fence, even the air itself seemed to contain this magic. It did. I knew it did, because I felt it.

I left the porch and stepped into the enchanting forest of sage in search of this magic. Fairy dust and flittering wings were just around the corner of every turn. I imagined I was one of them.

I imagined that my wings were like the white flower petals that grew together in front of the cabin. My mind would venture to new avenues of mystery and wondrous adventure in finding this living, breathing magic.

Time was no concept to me. As anticipation for new discovery and innocent curiosity captured my soul, there was no room for reality. The magic that streamed through every living entity was the epitome of my searching. And what I found was light. A beautiful, rapturous light that shone so clearly in my eyes; yet, this was no visible light. It was a light I cherished deeply in my heart. The feelings my little body had for the light were incomprehensible to thought or reason from anyone else. But I knew how much it held. What I discovered was magnificent, and it was mine.

Though reality had been forced from my attention, it came rushing back in a moment. My mother’s voice called me. Time to come in for dinner. I started walking back through the sage maze.

My hand picked a purple flower from off the sage, and I pressed it to my nose, the sweet aroma flooding my senses. A smile surfaced from my lips.

Until next time.

44

Contributors Grace Arredondo, English (‘21): I am a sophomore English major from Charleston, South Carolina. Along with my love for writing, I also enjoy painting, cooking, traveling, and being a member of Chowan University’s Women’s Swim Team.

Zoe Beale, Interdisciplinary Studies (‘18).

Donielle Davis, English (‘18).

Tia Fleming, Biology (‘18).

India Frazer, Elementary Education (‘21): When my nose isn’t buried in a book or my cell phone, I will occasionally be productive and draw or write something simple. That usually leads to me and my mild OCD obsessing over my work for hours at a time until it is just right. Though not very skilled in either, I love being able to see what kind of art one simple idea can turn into.

Melany Garcia Lopez, Studio Art (‘19): I am a senior majoring in Graphic Design and minoring in Studio Art. I am super excited to see what my next chapter in life is going to be like, and I’m ready to conquer it.

Otis Hunter, Jr., English (‘21): Hey, my name is Otis Hunter, Jr., a sophomore that is an English major with a Creative Writing focus. I am a poet and an author that aims to be the greatest of all time. Hopefully, my words will inspire others to reach that same goal.

Andrew Joyner, Graphic Design (‘21): I am a creative person whenever I get inspired like I did for this story.

Kyasia Morgan, Studio Art (‘19).

Ashlyn Smith, English.

Angela Todd, I am the spouse of a Chowan employee and very proud to be part of the Chowan family.

See the Brown Lady online: www.chowan.edu/BrownLady

Front Cover “Still, Like Air, I rise” and Back Cover “Freedome Is No Fear” by Kyasia Morgan