Creative Writing Club Magazine
THE MAIN TEAM
Kathleen Saunders
President/formatter/editor/contributor -
Yadira Sandoval
Vice President/formatter/contributor -
Betsy Cajas
Editor/contributor-
Carmen Montoya
Artist/formatter -
Mrs. Rose
Club Advisor/editor
Mr. Fernandez
Club Advisor/editor
CONTRIBUTORS
Selen Susan Paulose
Diego Vega
Keily Chavez
Zion Monroy
Feisel Miranda
Like Clockwork
By Keily Chavez
Darkness shrouded my mind, like a leeching parasyte that begged to take over my own being. Fragmented crystalized shards of past memories haunted the tenebrous atmosphere that beseeched to pain me, to cause me the utmost agony. Rhythmic thumping pitter-patters filled the empty corners of a hazardous scene, the only semblance of life in this nightmare. My hands shook vigorously, clammy with a coat of sweat, refusing to move with my commands. Like sweet jelly, my legs felt unstable; ready to fall at any moment. Restrained and bound to the void, I could only watch the appalling and petrifying memorabilia of my companion’s perishment. The window to my memories showed him in all his beauty and charismatic charm. He stood over my cowering body, like a light in all darkness. The heavy misted smoke filled my lungs as he leaned down, his steady arms grabbing ahold of my weak body. My divine savior, he trekked through the ruins of our collapsed hometown. The thumping of nerves combined with the loud footsteps of the horrid monsters as they came close. Instantly, my love, my lifelong companion, set me down on the floor. He covered my limp body, disguising it. With moonstruck eyes, I watched him as he smiled down at me. His gorgeous features contorting to such a love filled countenance. Those brown eyes looked at me with such adoration and devotion as he leaned down, brushing one final kiss against me. My eyes dilated with distress as he stood up and walked towards the footsteps of the heartless cruel soldiers. I opened my mouth, wanting to call him back, to tell him to run away with me. However, no words escaped me, only a pathetic wheeze rang out amidst the catastrophe. My eyes swirled with tears as my pathetic being refused to stand. His body collapsed, red staining his previously pearly white shirt. I could only watch in horror, my body too weak from the brutality of the flames that engulfed my home. Alone, I sat weeping as my home fell to pieces. Blotches of darkness consumed my vision as again, I was brought back to void. As these wicked barbarous memories cycled on like clockwork, the nightmarish noir embrace tortured my being for the umpteenth time.
Doubts
By Selen Susan Paulose
My mind, My greatest enemy.
All day long,
All year long.
Should I have loved him?
Should I hate him now?
Was I too hasty?
Was I too slow?
Should I feel jealous?
Should I feel relieved?
Was I the one in the wrong?
Was I the one in the right?
I’m physically unable to comprehend my thoughts.
Was “I love you” such a hard thing to say?
Why was “let's break up” easier?
I’m tired.
I’m drained.
I loved you.
You did too.
Or did I just imagine that?
A fleeting moment, a whispered chat.
Your smile used to melt me
Your laugh used to melt me
Your kind eyes used to melt me.
I was in too deep.
..Not anymore.
Not after I heard her name.
Goodbye I Guess..
By Selen Susan Paulose
Not after I saw your smile when someone mentioned her name.
Not after hearing you talking about her.
Not after seeing how your eyes glistened when you thought of her.
Did you forget about me?
Was what we had, all in my head?
Now all my friends ask if we ever did have anything?
Was what we had, all in my head?
Now you talk about her,
Her gifts, your conversations
Was what we had, all in my head?
I have this question running around in my head 24/7, Should I ask? Can I ask?
Is our love gone? All those promises..
Just like that, gone?
No closure, no goodbye?
Gone.
Love or
Glass
By Selen Susan Paulose
Love, like shattered glass
Betrays beauty in the cracks
Both consisting of a shard,
Resulting in pain
Both challenging,
To repair, to be restored
Both like a mirror,
Of it’s real self
Both transparent,
Revealing its past self,
Both unpredictable, Stable at first, broken the next, Both in need of care, one involving vulnerability, and the other of injury, At last, they both need to be let go of.
By Selen Susan Paulose
WoMen (Read from top to bottom and bottom to top)
So a woman must suffer in silence
But no matter what she’s only a girl
What are centuries of tradition to her?
A system made by man, for man
“She has a voice,” it is the voice of a man
“She has her strengths”
The weight of the world is on HIS shoulders
And a mother, they say, is a goddess
Even the gods follow the patriarchy
What about a real man?
Sound of a Town on Fire
By Anonymous
Interlude
in the night sky
My fingers drum against my side
In a daze, I recall the words of my father
Who had hastened his will alongside Boston harbor
But I, a seemingly useless daughter
Could do nothing but make do with the current normalcy, or so they thought.
Within this wretched tyranny, I grew a form of common sense, that sense gave me courage from my weakened heart
Though my feet were sore with the runabout daily chores, my fingers bleeding from sewing and needling.
With all my bones aching I worked myself through, and now these bumbling, daydreaming idiotic fools act like they belong in this house too.
So now we’re a people, brought together and divided by the very same parliament that sought to protect us, now we are angry because they write our laws but don’t know us.
Nor do they care to try, and when we indulge in acts of anger they sit on the throne of power and ponder why.
To the dirtied sea, which had been filled with tea, and to the early sun which had seen the wrath of my pappy’s shotgun, and to the rich sire’s I bid them hell, whilst they set my Boston to fire.
CHARACTER:
SOFIA- young teenage girl.
FALSE HOODY
By Diego Vega
MR. GALLOWS-mother of Sofia and in her 30s
MRS. GALLOWS- Father of sofia, bit older than Mrs.Gallows
TEDDY LYNCH- news anchor keeps the media updated.
POLICE 1 & 2- police officers that do their job
MS. LILA-She is in her 20s and is a witness to the crime.
JOSEPH-Lawyer that tries to help the Gallows to prove Sofia innocent.
HECTOR-Lawyer hired by the Mazzatellos to testify for Isacc defense.
JUDGE- Powerful figure. He’s old, wise, and patient.
SCENE 1
(In the middle of the stage is a desk. This is the desk of news anchor TEDDY LYNCH who back is turn to the audience in the darkness.As the stage light is turn on, he turns his chair and faces the audience with papers in his hand. He is about to tell a shocking story about the death of a man)
TEDDY- Welcome everyone. I’m Teddy Lynch of Channel 10 news here with the morning report. Last night at the town of Brazen Mississippi, a shop owner mysteriously passed away inside his clothing store in the Brazen mall.
(reading his papers)
Isaac Mazzatello who runs the teen clothing store, Mazza Clothes, died of unknown circumstances at exactly 10:24 pm. He was 63 years old. The mall is now closed to the public as the police and investigators look for evidence but all we know is Isaac was found on his back when the workers came to open the store. Of course death is a serious subject, especially in a small town like Brazen, all of us being neighbors. We can't even imagine what it’s like out there. Our heart goes to the family who knew Mazzatello and…
(goes up to TEDDY and tells him news about the case, TEDDY face goes from a professional look, to a subtle shock expression)
SCENE
2
(SOFIA GALLOWS enters the house with her father MR. GALLOWS. She enters the room whimpering as her father has a frustrated look on his face.)
SOFIA-Dadyouhavetounderstand,IhadtoleaveIjust-
MR.GALLOWS-Youjustwhat?!Don'tyouknowhowworriedandsickwewere!
SOFIA-Dadplease!
(The mom, MRS. GALLOWS enters the living room. She is relief to see her daughter)
MRS.GALLOWS(walks towards SOFIA to give a hug)
Ohhoney!Wherehaveyoubeen?Youweregoneallnight?Andwhyareyouwearing thatsweater?
SOFIA-MomIcanexplain.
MR.GALLOWS-Youbetter!
MRS.GALLOWS-Thompsonplease!
MR.GALLOWS-Shewasgoneallnight!Nocalls!NoLetter!Nonothing!
(Look at SOFIA)
Nowlisten,yougottotelluseverythingthathappenedaboutwhyyouleft.Yougotme?
(SOFIA nods her head)
SOFIA-Iwasatthemalllastnightwithmyfriends.WewereattheBrazenMalland lookedaroundthestoresbeforetheyclosed.WeenteredMazzaClothesbecausePammy andIwantedtoseeiftheygotanythingnewinstockand-
MR.GALLOW-Idon'tremembergivingyoupermissiontogoouttothemall.Yousaid youandyourfriendsweregonnastudyforatest.
SOFIA-Wedid,butwegotdistracted.
MRS.GALLOW-Soyouwereatthemall…
SOFIA-Yes.AndbeforeMazzaclosedweheardaloudbangingnoise.Andathud.And whenwelooktoseewhathappened…(break)
MR.GALLOWS-Wellspititout
SOFIA-
(Intears)
Wesawbloodandwedidn’tknowwhattodowhenwefolloweditandfound-!Weran outofthemallasfastaspossible!Ididn'tknowwhattododad!Ispentthenightat PammyhousebecauseIdidn'twanttogobackhomeafterallofthat.
(A great silence screams between the 3 family members as SOFIA continues to sob, A phone rings in the distance)
MRS.GALLOWS(softly) I’llgetthat
MR.GALLOWS-Sofia,meandyourmotherwereworriedsickaboutyou.Forhourswe calledthepolice,friendsandnooneanswered.Weevenspendagoodamountoftime outsidecallingyourname.Look,we’regladyou'resafeandokay.Butwasthateventrue? AdeadmanattheBrazenMall?
SOFIA-YES!
MR.GALLOWS-Thenwhatreasondidyouhavetostayawayfromhome?!
SOFIA-(Wipingtearsaway)
Well…Welldadit’s…Idon't-
MRS.GALLOWS-
(Running towards the two) TOMMY!
(Everyone looks at her in confusion) I justgotwordsfromthepolice.
MR.GALLOWS-What?Police?Whatdotheywant?
MRS.GALLOWS-TheyarehereforSofia. (a beat)
Theshopowner,Isaac,waskilled.Theysuspectherofmurder.
MR.GALLOWS(to SOFIA) Soyouweren'tlying. (a beat)
Areyousuretheymeanther?
MRS.GALLOWS(Fearfully)
Yes.Theysaythepersonwhomurderedhimwaswearingablackhoodie.
MR.GALLOWS-Thatcouldbeanyone.Thepolicearemakingamistake.
(Knock is heard from the door. MRS. GALLOWS opens the door and 2 police officers appears)
POLICE1-MrandMrsGallows.WherearehereforSofiaGallows,she’sunderarrest forsuspicionofmurder
(POLICE 2 walks towards SOFIA and starts putting handcuffs on.)
OFIA-Waitno!PleaseIdidn'tkillanyone.
POLICE2-Youhavetherighttoremainsilent.Anythingyousaycouldbeusedagainst youinacourtoflaw.
MR.GALLOWS-NowofficerIcanassureyoumydaughterdidnosuchthings.Shesaid shesawthemurderhappenandwentoveratherfriendforthenight.
POLICE1-Whiletrue,there’smoretobediscovered.Accordingtoakeywitness,Sofia wascheckingoutclothesandwantedtotryonablackhoodie.Mr.Mazzatellotoldherto returnthehoodiebutSofiaresisted.WhenMr.Mazzatellotriedtogetthehoodie,Sofia smackedhimacrosstheface.Thenhefelltothefloorwhichledtohisdeath.
MR.GALLOWS(A beat)
Officer,thisallsoundsoutofcharactertoher.She’sagradeAstudentwho’skind.My Sofiawouldn'tdosuchathing.
MRS.GALLOWS(Frustrated)
Howaboutyoucheckingthecameras.It’llproveherinnocence.
POLICE1-AlthoughwetriedMa’mthecamerasseemtobeturnedoff whenithappened.
(
To MR.GALLOWS)
Andwhileyeskidscanseemtobekindandinnocent,butduringpubertyiswherethese kidsstarttoactoddandoutofcharacter.Toclarify,we’renotsayingyourdaughterdidno suchthing.Butshe’stheonlysuspectwegotsowe’llbeleavingnow.
(POLICE 1 & 2 leave with SOFIA as she pleads to be set free. MRS. GALLOWS is so distraught she falls on her knees.)
MR.GALLOWS(A beat)
No.No,Iwillnotletthemtakemydaughter.Iwillnotletthem. (Grabs the phone and start dialing)
MRS.GALLOWS-whatareyoudoing?
MR.GALLOWS-I’mcallingalawyer.Andwe’refightingback.
SCENE3
(MR and MRS GALLOWS are in the courtroom. SOFIA is at the witness stand as HECTOR discusses why she’s guilty. A big board stands in the court. JOSEPH looks at HECTOR with a stink eye)
HECTOR-
(To the whole court)
It’shardtobelievethatasweetinnocentgirlcandosuchanact.Butletmetellyouit’s true! Thecamerasweremysteriouslyturnedoffthedayithappened.Butwhataboutoutsidethe mall?
(Walks towards the board)
HerewecanseeSofiaGallowswalkingoutofMazzaClothes.Sheiswearingablack hoodie,thesameblackhoodiethekillerwaswearing.
JOHN-Yourhonor!
(HECTOR looks at JUDGE, she gives the signal for JOSEPH to continue)
Wecantbelievethatasimplehoodyisthestrongestevidencehere.There’smoretoit.
Height?Width?FacialFeatures?You’rehonorIhavemorequestionsforHectorandhis waysofdoingthings.
HECTOR-Youseethat’sthethingyourhonor.Questions.Josephherecanonlyaskme questions,whileweknowthetruth.Andnotjustpicturesalone,weinfacthavemultiple eyewitnessesincludingourkeywitnessexplainthefullstory.Sofiawastryingonablack sweaterwhenIsaacMazzatellotoldhertostopandputitbackonthehangers.
MR.GALLOWS-Buthehaswitnessessayingthesamething.Apersoninablackhoodie killedIsaac.
JOSEPH-I’mawarethathehaswitnessesonhisside,andmanymoretotestify.Butit’s that keyonethatjust…
MRS.GALLOWS-Whataboutit?
JOSEPH-ThedeathofIsaacwasamysteryuntilthatkeywitnessspoketothepolice.Then allofasuddenmultiplepeoplestartedsayingthesamething
MR.GALLOW-Theyall SAW thesamething.
JOSEPH-Yesbut…perhapsHectorisright.I’vebeenasking him questionsIshould’ve askedthewitnesses.
MRS.GALLOWS-Whatareyousaying?
JOSEPH-I’vebeenaskingthesewitnessesthesamequestion.Wherewereyou?Whowere youwith?Wasitreallyahoodie?Ishould’verealizedtheminuteIquestionedHector.Mr andMrsGallows,I’mconfidentIcanproveyourdaughterinnocent.
SCENE5
(Back at the courtroom where Hector is finishing up questioning another witness.SOFIA is seen sitting in the courtroom. JOSEPH stands up and walk towards WITNESS)
JOSEPH-SoMs.Lilawasit?Ihaveacouplequestionstoaskyou.WhenthenightIsaac Mazzatellowaskilled,whatdidthekillerlooklike?
LILA-IbelieveHectoraskedmethesamething.
JOSEPH-Answerthequestion.
LILA-Okay,thekillerwaswearingablackhoodieandjeans.That’sallIcouldsay.
JOSEPH-Isthatso?Howaboutanyfacialfeatures?Eyecolor?Height?Logoonthe hoodie?
LILA-WellIcan'treallysaysinceagain,herfacewascovered.Thekillerwasabout…5’5I sayanditwasjustaplainblackhoodie.That'sallIcouldgetafterithappened.
JOSEPH-5’5huh?That’sodd.BecauseSofiaoverhereisaround5'1.Andaccordingtothe photoHectorshowedus.Sofiawasn'tjustwearingablackhoodie.Ithadacrescentmoon symbolontheback.
(A break)
LILA-Well…itwas…Icouldnthavethetimetoseethesymbol.Wewererunningoutofthe storeand(Proceeds to wipe sweat off her forehead) AndIcan'tmeasureheightthatwell.
JOSEPH-Thenwhydidyouanswerthatquestion?
(a break)
YouappeartobesweatingMs.Lilaareyousureeverythingsalright?
LILA-Yeahit’sjust…Igetnervousthat’sall.
JOSEPH-
(walks closer to LILA)
Andthatphotoyousaw.Sheseemsscared.Terrified.Almostasscaredasyouwhenyoualso leftthestore.Whenyouplaceyourhandonthatbookyousworetoalwaystellthetruth.But youliestill.Why?
(LILA puts her head down. She mumbles something to herself)
Ms.Lila.Tellusthetruth.
LILA(quietly)
...Hetoldmenotto?
(The people in the court gasp and start speaking quietly)
JOSEPH-Whotoldyou?WhoisHe?
LILA(A break)
Icant…IcantIjust…
JOSEPH-Ms.Lila.Please.Weneedthetruth.
LILA-ThemanwhokilledMazzatello.Hewasn'tsignificantuntilhemurderedhim.Hewas wearingablackhoodiebutcoveredhisface.HestruckatMazzatelloandpointedhisgunat everyone.
(start to tear up)
HestartedtotellusourpersonalInfo.Ournames,addresses,familymembers.Wewerescared, howcouldasinglemanknowsomuch.Whenhetoldustoleaveweranoutoftherethinkingthat wasit.
JOSEPH-Andwhatabouttheaccusations?WashethefirstpersontostartaccusingSofiaforhis crimes?
LILA(wiping her tears)
Ithastobe.Onlyhecandescribeitthatmuch.
JOSEPH-Thenwhydidyoustartaccusing?
LILA-Ididn'twantto.Noneofusdid.Butwhenhestartedstandinginfrontofourhouses. (a break)
Wehadto.
JOSEPH-Membersofthecourt.Wehaveheardfromawitnessthatthispoorgirlhasnothingto do withthemurder,andthatawitnesswasforcedtolieoutoffearofwhatcouldthekillerdonext. Perhapsthiskillerthreatenedthelastwitnesses.Perhapshehiredalawyertodefendhimself.
HECTOR-Objection!
JOSEPH-
(To HECTOR)
TheMazzatelloweredesperateweren'tthey?Whenafamilymemberismurderedyou wouldwanttoavengetheirdeaths.SoitseemsplausibletheywouldhireHectortofindany suspectguiltyoftheircrimes.Butthatisn'treallysomethingtheMazzatelloswereknown for.Infact,theMazzatellosaren'tevenhere.Seemsalittleoddthatthelawyerishereallby himselfandwithavoiceboxandaflimsypieceofpaperheconvincedusthatalittlegirldid suchathing.
JUDGE-Whatareyoutryingtoprovehere?
JOSEPH-ThatnotonlywasthestatementmadebyMs.Lilatrue,butIthinkHectorhere washiredtofightacriminalbattle.
(HECTOR is quiet and looks defeated)
Yourhonor.IwouldliketoquestionafewmorewitnessespleaseandIwanttomakea phonecalltoMrs.Mazzatelloandseeifthey’rethetypestosendkidstojail.
SCENE6
(Time passed after the previous scene. Hector is nowhere to be found and JOSEPH and SOFIA are sitting next to each other in the courtroom. MR and MRS GALLOWS are waiting to hear from the JUDGE as he speaks the final verdict)
JUDGE-Afterlookingthroughalltheevidenceandnewonesthatspontaneouslycameup. WewereabletofindthatnotonlywasHectorhiredbythekillertofighthisbattle,butthe Mazzatellosdidn'tevenknowacourtcasewashappeningastheyweretoobusymourning theirdeadfamilymember.Withthisinmind,thecourtbelievesthatSofiaGallowsisnot guilty.
(SOFIA and MR and MRS Gallows are cheering and run up to each other). AninvestigationwillbesettofindthismysteriouskillerandquestionHectormore.Thank you
MRS.GALLOWS(Hugging SOFIA)
Thankyou!Ohthankyougod!
MR.GALLOWS-Afterallthistimeit’sdone.You’renolongeraccused,it’sover.
JOSEPH(Walking up to SOFIA)
I’mgratefulIwasabletohelpyou.
SOFIA-Thankyousomuch.Ineverbelievedwewouldwin.
JOSEPH-Itwasmypleasureto.
MRS.GALLOWS-Ican'tbelievetheyweregoingtotakemybabyaway.ButJoseph,what areyourplansnow?
JOSEPH-WellIhavebeenthinking.Itwasveryscarythatthepeopleofthecourtwereso easilyconvincedthatafalselyaccusedpersoncommittedacrime.AndtothinkifIwasn't there,Idon'tknowhowitwould’veturnedoutforyou.ButInowknowwhatI’lldomoving forward.TohelpthoselikeSofia,andhelpmanywhoarefalselyaccusedgetjustice.Idon't thinkSofiawouldbethelast,andI’msurethere’llbemoretocome.Butthatjustmeansmy workisjustgettingstarted.
THEEND
CHARACTERS:
THE MILLIONAIRE AND THE SHOE SHINER
BY DIEGO VEGA
CLAUDIA: Mother of her two kids
LILLY: Daughter, around six
BEN: Son, around eight years old
MISTER RICHARD: Rich businessman in the story, in his 30s
SHOE SHINER: Young boy, around 12.
BANK TELLER: Middle aged man
ACT I
(Stage lights open on LILLY and BEN on stage right. The two are playing with toy cars in their pajamas. CLAUDIA enters from Stage Left)
CLAUDIA: Alright alright children. Time for bed
LILLY: (Overlap) Awww. Mommy we’re not done…
BEN: (Overlap) Mama please. Just 5 more minutes…
CLAUDIA: (encouraging them to bed) Please please. Don't make this harder than it should be.
BEN & LILLY: But we don't wanna go to bed.
CLAUDIA: Oh don't be like that c’mon. (She carries her kids on the bed one at a time) I’ve given you enough time to play but now it is time for bed, my children.
BEN: But we were in the middle of a grand story Mama. With knights and dragons and wizards.
CLAUDIA: (Glancing at the toys) Yes, what an adventure. (She gets down and start picking up the toys from the floor to the toy chest)
BEN: (annoyingly) But Mama pleeeeease…
CLAUDIA: If you keep up that attitude, you’ll never see those toys again.
BEN: Mama!
CLAUDIA: Just a little joke, my sugarplum.
LILLY: Mommy, can you please bring me back my dolly?
CLAUDIA: Of course sweetie. (She retrieves LILLY’s doll)
BEN: Don’t get mine Mama. I’m too old to sleep with a toy.
CLAUDIA: Sure you are Benny. (She hands LILLY her doll)
BEN: Not sure what you talking about. I don't need no toy and I certainly don't need to be tucked in like a baby.
CLAUDIA: (Laughing) Benny.
BEN: But it’s true Mama.
CLAUDIA: As true as your stories? (Starts laughing)
BEN: Mama.
CLAUDIA: Okay okay, I’ll stop. I don't think I can keep a serious face when you’re going through this.
BEN: Through what?
CLAUDIA: Your “I’m a big boy” phase.
BEN: Well it’s not a phase. I am a big boy Mama.
LILLY: Mommy, Can you please tell us a story?
CLAUDIA: A story?
LILLY: Just one mommy, to help me go to sleep.
CLAUDIA: I would have. But I don't think the “Big Boy” will need a story.
BEN: (with pride) you’re right. I don't need no story Mama.
LILLY: But can you do it for me mommy?
CLAUDIA: (a pause) Sure my sweat pea. I’ll do it for you.
BEN: Well, I don't need no story to sleep. I sleep on my own.
CLAUDIA: Goodnight then Ben. But don't be afraid to stay away if you wanna hear, It is an interesting story. (A pause) Once upon a time (The lights open on the entirety of stage left) In a city where the factories bleed smoke, the noise never ends, and where the cars run like animals. In the busy street, the busiest street of all in this city, we see a young boy. (SHOESHINER walks on stage from stage left) This young boy doesnt have a name, but he goes by the nickname “Shoeshiner.”
LILLY: Why was he called the Shoeshiner?
CLAUDIA: Cause all he do was shine shoes. (SHOESHINER begins to kneel and a line of people walk up to him where SHOESHINER quickly shines their shoes one by one.) All he did all day was shine shoes. Shine shine shine. From the common folks with their boots, to the big factory men with their nice black fancy shoes. But there was one shoe that caught his attention. The wearer goes by the name of Mr. Richard. (Enter MR. RICHARD from stage right.)
MR. RICHARD: (orderly) …a great shine with a deep clean polish. I wanna see the reflection of my face when you’re done.
SHOESHINER: Oh yes sir. Right away.
MR. RICHARD: And be careful with them.
SHOESHINER: (Begins to shine the shoes) Woah, is that gold, with diamonds and pearls? And your initials are embedded in the shoes. And a large ruby at the center.
MR.RICHARD:Yesyes,Iknow.Nowkeepgoing.
SHOESHINER: I never seen shoes like these before. You must own a factory in this city sir.
MR. RICHARD: Well not to toot my own horn here, but these shoes are pretty valuable. And factories, not just one.
SHOESHINER: If only I had my own factory. Or factories. All I do is just shining shoes. And all I make back is barely enough to get by. (Sighs) How do you do it sir?
MR. RICHARD: Excuse me?
SHOESHINER: How do you get so rich? What’s your secret, mister? What did you do your entire life?
MR. RICHARD: My entire life? ....
CLAUDIA: Mr. Richard thinks about what to say to the poor little boy. Then he spoke:
MR. RICHARD: Well, to put it simply, I worked hard. Really really hard.
SHOESHINER: Is that it?
MR. RICHARD: Yes.
SHOESHINER: But, that’s not enough for me. I work as hard as it is, if what you said was true, I should own all the factories in the city. Or Cities.
MR. RICHARD: Well there is more to that. Banking, financing…
SHOESHINER: Saving money?
MR. RICHARD: Something like that. Look, you're just a little boy. I remember when I was your age I too wanted to be the richest of the rich. (The SHOESHINER is done shining his shoes at this point).
SHOESHINER: And I do. I work really really REALLY hard every day shining shoes. And I am not just a “little boy,”, mister. I’ve been shining shoes since I was five. I’m eight by the way.
MR.RICHARD:Thenyougottaalotoftimeuntilyoucanbelikeme.(He hands the SHOESHINE a single dollar bill) Keepthatambition,thenyoumighthaveaclearfuture.(He leaves towards Stage Left).
SHOESHINER: (Admiring the dollar) A single dollar bill. I don't even make that in a week…!
CLAUDIA: The Shoeshiner looks at the dollar bill with admiration. Not just because it was a lot of money, for the time, (SHOESHINER poses) but because it gave him an idea. This great idea will turn him from a boy shoeshiner, to a man millionaire. Which I'll save for tomorrow.
LILLY: Aww but Mommy please!
BEN: Yeah Mama, don't end the story. Continue, continue!
CLAUDIA: So what happened to, “well I don't need no story to sleep”. (Laughs)
BEN: I was kidding Mama, please?
LILLY: (Overlap) Yeah mommy!
CLAUDIA: Okay okay, since you asked so nicely. Although I have to cut it short, it’s getting late already. (SHOESHINER stands in the same position as before) The Shoeshiner wasdeterminedtobecomelikeMr.Richard.Sohebegantoshine.(A whole line of people
lined up to get their shoes shined by SHOESHINER.) With every nickel earned, he saved them. Each and every nickel. For the first few days it didn't seem much, probably just a bag full. But after a few months he had multiple bags filled to the brink with nickels.
(SHOESHINER looks at his bags and carry them away)
SHOESHINER: Look at me now. I have enough nickels to be considered a millionaire. Now it’s off to the bank
CLAUDIA: He said to himself. (SHOESHINER walks towards center stages) The Shoeshiner, with his bags of nickels carried by just a simple wheelbarrow, walked to the city bank where he talked to the teller.
BANK TELLER: Oh my, what is this?
SHOESHINER:Hellogoodsir,Iwouldliketostoreallthismoney.
BANKTELLER:(Looks at the bags) Allofthat?
SHOESHINER:Yes.
BANKTELLER:Doyouhaveabankaccount?
SHOESHINER: (confused) No…
BANKTELLER: Have your parents set up a bank account?
SHOESHINER: Well, my mother and father are working so I can't really say…
BANKTELLER: Have you the slightest idea what a bank is?
SHOESHINER: (A pause) Where all the millionaires go?
BANKTELLER: I think it would be best if you leave. Now.
CLAUDIA: The Shoeshiner with a defeated face, leaves the bank with all his money.
(SHOESHINER returns to stage left) He goes back to his job as a shoe shiner. But someone familiar just happened to stop by.
MR. RICHARD: A great shine with a deep clean polish. I wanna see the reflection of my face when you’re done.
SHOESHINER: (A pause) It’s you.
MR. RICHARD: What do you mean?
SHOESHINER: It is you, that millionaire.
MR. RICHARD: Do I know you?
SHOESHINER: Yes you do. You’re the man that told me how to become a millionaire. You’re the man who lied to me.
MR. RICHARD: The shoe shiner that asked me about my life. Yes, I remember.
SHOESHINER: Why did you lie to me? You said if I save my money and go to the bank I can be a millionaire and that is what I did. That is what I want. I don't want to be a shoe shiner any more, I wanna be rich like you.
MR. RICHARD: (A pause) I was once this optimistic as a youngin’. I too wanted to be rich, but I was born poor. I too, was a shoe shiner.
SHOESHINER: You were?
MR. RICHARD: Yes. I remember back then how I shined and scrubbed the richest
people. It was boring, and it felt meaningless. And desperately I wanted to escape that life.
SHOESHINER: And how did you?
MR. RICHARD: Well, as a kid, I tried. I saved up but the money got stolen. I try to talk with the rich folk but they can never take a kid seriously. But as I grew into an adult, I didn't let that dream stop me. Where my friends just accepted their position, I was willing to change it. Every rich man I encountered I would casually talk and see what they were doing. Every dime I earn I would save and learn about the banking system. And when there was an opportunity, I would take it. Even if I knew the risk.
SHOESHINER: (A pause) How old were you? When you started to become rich. When did you start to take your “Opportunity”?
MR. RICHARD: I was just shy of 18 my lad. That’s why I chuckled when you wanted to be rich as a kid. Unfortunately there aren't that many opportunities for children at this time, perhaps in the future.
SHOESHINER: So I just wait until I’m 18 to start. That means I need to shine shoes for 10 more years until I can be like you?
MR. RICHARD: Well shoe shining isn't the only thing. You know, there’s a lot of rich folks that love small talk. And you know how to read don't you?
SHOESHINER: Yes, my Mama taught me.
MR. RICHARD: Read a few books, it’s good for the mind. (Takes out another dollar bill and hands it to SHOESHINER) Take this. And another thing, keep up that motivation. If you do I reckon you’ll be a fine millionaire someday. (MR. RICHARD walks away as SHOESHINER looks at the dollar. Light closes on Stage left)
CLAUDIA: The end.
BEN: So that’s it? He just keeps on shining?
CLAUDIA: As a kid, yes. But as an adult, maybe not.
BEN: (Jokingly) Well I don't wanna be a kid no more Mama.
CLAUDIA: Oh don't start Benny.
LILLY: That was a good story Mommy.
CLAUDIA: Thank you Lilly. Now, I’ve kept you awake for long enough. It’s now finally time to sleep. (She tucks her kids in one last time and gives each one a kiss on the forehead.
Then she walks out)
BEN: Mama.
CLAUDIA: Yes?
BEN: Good night Mama.
CLAUDIA: (Smiles) Goodnight my “big” boy.
THE END
“Toxic Love”
By Yadira Sandoval
I love the rain.
The rain talks to me. The rain gets me. But sometimes, the rain lashes out. It turns into a stormwild, unrecognizable. I despise the storm.
I wish it would go back to just being rain, the rain that I love so much.
So I beg the storm to stop, To just rain again. And it does, but it's no longer the same.
Now, everytime it rains, all I can think of is the storm. Can I forgive the rain? Will I forgive the rain?
do not hate the reaper for it is not his fault you cry cling to the edge of yesterday he watches as your fingers snap brittle tired you scream as he seizes you tosses you into the river styx fellow whisps mumble their apathy a child is nothing new to them ancient typical before you dissolve his hand reaches caressing your face gentle proud he cannot save you his others might find joy in it however this reaper weeps for his doomed souls his gods have thrown you away inevitable doomed with your last ember of lucidity, you wince away from his hand the river of the gods it may be but his tears are the ones that fill it slowly forever
“His Job”
By Katie Saunders
Rock, Paper, Scissors
By Selen Susan Paulose
My ride or die
The reason I fly
Forever my soulmates
Through all twists and fates
I know you've got me
Just like you know I've got you
Incomplete without them
My precious gems
With them, my light will never dim
Lifting me up when times are grim
The world is lovely
But without you it's lonely
Rock Paper Scissors
Come back.
Echoes of the Soul
By Zion Monroy
The air was cool. The sun had set hours ago, yet the night was bright. The lights from the store windows lighting up the streets. It was the same path I always took, yet it felt different than usual, almost like the calm before the storm. But there was something that never changed. Always without fail it shows up. A person, although it didn’t feel human, always muttering something. Words quiet but loud, just to the point where I can understand it. As if it was talking right next to me. I never notice when it first arrives. It just seems to appear without reason. Just like its words, changing from one thing to another.
“Are you sure you should pass that alleyway?” I turn around to look at it stopping just before the entrance of the alley. I only get a glimpse of it before it darts out of the way. I turn to continue walking but instead I freeze and my eyes immediately went to the alley. I saw something move in it. My hands were freezing, yet my body was sweating. I clenched my hands and closed my eyes to walk past the alley. Its whispers came back to strangle me until it was difficult to breathe.
“You’re leaving yourself wide open you know?” My eyes snapped open and my breath felt heavier. My pace picked up while it spoke with even more aggression, It’s voice making my skin crawl with each word:
“What if a car was following you?” My eyes dart to the silent and empty street. “This could be the last time you’re ever seen by your friends, your family.” I stuff my hands into my pocket as it talked, the coolness of my phone against my hand being my only saving grace. Keeping me sane and helping me tell the real world apart from whatever lies it was feeding me. I ran my fingers over the smooth plastic case, the bumps of the volume buttons feeling bigger than usual.
“What if your phone were to explode?” somehow, with only those words, my phone began to heat up. I ripped my hand out as quickly as possible, only to have my phone fly out. My last anchor to reality taken from me. The whispers quieted down for a moment before it started to cackle. My hands burned. The warming sensation only growing stronger, even though the phone was on the ground, almost like it was going to burst into flames any second. I didn’t want to pick it up anymore. Its voice died out in just a few seconds, confused, I turned to find it.
But instead of a shadowy figure quickly moving out of my sight, I came face to face with a person causing me to stumble back and look away.
“Are you alright?” My eyes darted to the source of the voice. It was a guy. I didn’t know whether or not he was real or if he was another one of its illusions. I peeked behind me not seeing it anywhere. The man in front of me seemed like he was ready to bolt any second. Of course, I must’ve
appeared insane from his point of view.
“Um, Yeah… yes. I’m fine. Thank you.” I whispered. He stared at me for a moment. My doubt of him being real was growing by the second.
“Your phone, are you going to pick it up?” He finally said.
“Oh yes! Right, thank you. Again.” I looked at my phone on the ground and picked it up. The cool screen burned.
“Okay then… Bye.” He left. My eyes followed his every step. He seemed familiar but I wasn’t sure how. Was it his eyes? The growing concern in them that I had seen from everyone close to me… or was it that he looked like someone I used to be close to. I wasn’t sure, the faces of my past were replaced by blurred faces a long time ago. As if someone had purposely gotten rid of them.
“Who cares if you knew him before, he doesn’t know you.” It was back, its grating voice snapping me out of my thoughts. I stood in a trance as it continued to chatter away about any odd noises, flickering street lights, the usual things. My feet only decided to move when a group of people began to walk towards me.
“Hey, isn't it unusual how those people are still behind you? What if they’re planning to kill you? You should do it first!” I softly gasped for air.
“It would be pretty easy in these empty…” I peeked at the group, just a bunch of teenagers laughing amongst themselves, “...desolate streets.” It
was right. It was eerily empty, but wasn’t it always empty? No, it was usually full. I’m not sure anymore. I wanted it to shut up already, its words fogging my mind. It was only a little while until I made it home.
“It’s quiet.” it commented. Except for your voice, is what I wanted to say, instead I turned the corner, my house finally in sight. I’m always grateful to see it. Everyone else called me crazy when I showed them the house. It was a little old but what else could I wish for on a college student’s budget?
“You are crazy, delusional even. It’s run down, honestly it’s one kick away from falling apart. Kinda like you. Do you really believe that this is the best you can do? Your first mistake was running away from that house.”
Memories flooded in. My parents arguing with each other. It was right. If I had only agreed to go with my mother’s plan then we would still be a family. I would’ve married the person she wanted me to and live following her every word, at least my family could be together again. Instead my father took me and my brother away.
“It’s all your fault.” Tears stung my eyes. My father supported us on a tight budget. My mother was the one with the money, and because of me my brother couldn’t enjoy a stress free life.
He always looked at the prices of things before he even thought about wanting it. Once while we were out grocery shopping I caught him putting back a 50¢ candy on the shelf. He never asked for new stuff either, just making
do with my old clothing. Not even when he was teased in school for wearing feminine clothing. Things I had never done.
He always said the same thing in response, “How could I ask for stuff when dad already works so hard for what we have?” Words I have never said.
“It’s always because of you, the struggling, the tears, the drained look that possessed your father’s face.” I struggled to climb the porch steps of my house. My vision clouded from my tears. My sobs filled the air around me. I could feel it grinning from the grief it made me remember.
“But that’s why you chose to forget, right? You forgot their faces and all their struggles. Including the fact that you caused it.” The door shrieked as it opened. Only further emphasizing the dreary atmosphere of my house. I looked inside, into my bare living room. The only things visible from the doorway was an empty table which was accompanied by a chair. It felt deprecating to have this be the only real thing in front of me. It was describing my entire existence without even trying.
“But it’s okay now right? I mean your father passed away recently. Or did you forget that too?” I closed the door behind me. What it said was true, I tried to forget but it always brought it up again. My brother’s face flashed across my mind. His smile, which was as bright as a summer day, was always enough to cheer me up. But over the years the corners of his mouth slowly fell, his eyes becoming more dull with each year that passed. It was all I could
think about as I looked through the peephole.
It was something I always did, a habit, if you will. I expected it to dart out of view as it did all the other times, but instead it stared back at me. For once in my life I was able to see its face. No, not it’s face, my face. My face was staring straight at me. Young and smiling, dressed neatly as if I had just gotten dressed for the day. Exactly how I looked under my mother’s care. Its smile slowly turned more sinister as I stared but I couldn’t look away. Something made me continue to stare as if my life depended on it.
I saw its, my, mouth open to say something, “Look behind you.” My breath hitched as I heard the floorboards creak repeatedly behind me. Multiple thoughts raced through my head all at once but I smiled when one went through my mind. A singular thought was all it took. For once I opened my mouth to speak to it.
“Maybe my brother will be able to live freely now.”