OHDELA Petals Spring Issue 2021

Petals of Poems, Stories and More Spring 2021 OHDELA Literary Magazine

Cover Photo:

The Beauty of Life is Fleeing by Angelina G. gr. 7 Dr. Kitt Kurtz, editor

TABLE OF CONTENTS Cover Photo: The Beauty of Life is Fleeing by Angelina G. gr. 7 ARTWORK Chained Setting Free by Tricia D. gr. 7 My Hero Academia Original Character by Emily D. gr. 11 Frog by Vanessa S. gr. 7 Baby Bear by Briauna L.. gr. 7 Stinky Earl by Kylie B. gr. 11 Hit ‘Em Up by Kylie B. gr. 11 Kaddy Wuck by Kylie B. gr. 11 Oceanic Protector by Cayden H. gr. 7 The Flower Queen by Cayden H. gr. 7 Nature’s Queen by Cayden H. gr. 7 Nature’s Guard by Cayden H. gr. 7 Nature’s Love by Cayden H. gr. 7 Keys of Love by Cayden H. gr. 7 Midnight Casual by Emma R-W. gr. 6 Digle by Jetta W. gr. 7 Jeff by Brea C. gr. 3 Pinnochio by Spirit H-W. gr. 2 OHDELA Bear by Ryan B. gr. 6 Demon Slayer by Hannah C. gr. 5 Soleil by Hannah P. gr. 10 Corpse by Hannah P. gr. 10 Tragedy in My Brain by Hannah P. gr. 10 Ceaser by Kylee S. gr. 5 Joey by Kylee S. gr. 5 Black Girl Magic by McKenna M. G. gr. 5 Girl With Curly Hair by Zeta J . gr. 6 Titanic by Zaden B. gr. 2 Evil Spinel & Good Spinel by Natalia G. gr. 4 Here We Go Again by Alexander O. gr. 10 Sonic the Hedgehog & Shadow the Hedgehog by Alexander O. gr. 10 Scarlet & Logan by Alexander O. gr. 10 Sketches by Kylie M. . gr. 6 The Cowboy & The Lonesome Horse by Hannah H . gr. 5 Midnight Race 2021 Ford vs Dodge by Rileigh R . gr. 10

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1 7 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 33 34 35 36

CREATIVE NONFICTION Outerspace Movie: Transformations by Nehemiah B. gr. 8

50 50

DRAMA The Cat Family by Nehemiah B.. gr. 8

55 55

FICTION As Night Falls by Gabriel M. gr. 12 The Water Girl by Halli L.. gr. 12 Detective Catbug by Lilly L. gr. 5 The Uninvited by Nionna G. gr. 7 Where Are the Children? by Taylor Jean P. gr. 6 The Detective (excerpt) by Wyat A. gr. 11 A War in Paradise: The Intervention of Balance by Sarah D. gr. 9 Level 15B by Rebekah G. gr. 10 The Abandoned Barn by Rebekah G. gr. 10 A Black & White Mystery by Rebekah G. gr. 10

59 60 67 68 71 72 76 77 78 84 87

NONFICTION Do Video Games Affect Your Health? by Nehemiah B. gr. 8 Students Should Not Receive After School Homework by Mazie D. gr. 6 Surviving Hitler: A Boy in the Nazi Death Camps by Nehemiah B. gr. 8 Galaxy Milky Way Project by Nehemiah B. gr. 8

88 89 90 92 94

PHOTOGRAPHY Rose Bearer by Brianade F . gr. 11 Together by Brianade F . gr. 11 Spring Buds by Brianade F . gr. 11 Flowers that Bloom in Spring by Brianade F . gr. 11 Yellow Dandelions by Brianade F . gr. 11 Summer Nights by Abdulrahman M. gr. 10 Yellow Spring by Dustin B . gr. 1 Cookie Up by MarNeisha B . gr. 8 Sun Setting Car by MarNeisha B . gr. 8 Trucking Set by MarNeisha B . gr. 8 Lakeview by MarNeisha B . gr. 8 Bigfoot by MarNeisha B . gr. 8 Destroyer by MarNeisha B . gr. 8 Hot Diggity Dog by MarNeisha B . gr. 8 Me on B23-7R 4099 by Ryan B . gr. 8 4094 & 3185 About to Depart Zanesville by Ryan B . gr. 8

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97 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 105 106 107 107 108 108 110

Pair of Former Conrail B23-7Rs: Zanesville by Ryan B . gr. 8 Ohio Central Caboose 556 at Zanesville Yard by Ryan B . gr. 8 First Train on the Central Since 2019 by Ryan B . gr. 8 Former Conrail Coal Car on Fast Northfolk Southern Train: Columbus, Ohio by Ryan B . gr. 8 CSX SD40-3: Fostoria, Ohio by Ryan B . gr. 8 Ohio Central Newly Purchased 3566 by Ryan B . gr. 8 Former Conrail Boxcar: Fostoria, Ohio by Ryan B . gr. 8 Serene Spirit by Sarah K. gr. 7 Edur & Jokull by Sarah K. gr. 7 Crystal Plunge by Sarah K. gr. 7 Stirring Breeze by Sarah K. gr. 7 Rippling Depths by Sarah K. gr. 7 Dusk Kai by Sarah K. gr. 7 Where Green Meets Blue by Sarah K. gr. 7 Drifting Away by Sarah K. gr. 7 Planet Saturn by Kaleb B. gr. 8 Waxing Gibbous 1 by Kaleb B. gr. 8 First Quarter by Kaleb B. gr. 8 Waxing Gibbous 2 & Waning Gibbous by Kaleb B. gr. 8 Waxing Gibbous with Red Filter by Kaleb B. gr. 8 First Quarter Moon by Kaleb B. gr. 8 Full Moon Views 1 & 2 by Kaleb B. gr. 8 Full Moon Views 3 & 4 by Kaleb B. gr. 8 100% Full Moon by Kaleb B. gr. 8 Rainbows Give Us Hope by Emma V. gr. 11 All You Need is Love & a Horse by Emma V. gr. 11 Purple Beauty by Alerara E. gr. 7 The Fall of Nature by Alerara E. gr. 7 Bluebells in Bloom by Mazie D. gr. 6 Lilacs in Bloom by Mazie D. gr. 6 POETRY A Friend of Mine by Brea C. gr. 3 My Hair by Zariah R. gr. 7 Work Now, Play Later by Nikaylah B. gr. 4 Flying With by Nikaylah B. gr. 4 TV & Characters by Breylon M. gr. 5 Bright as the Sun by Spirit W-B. gr. 2 My Paths by Jalene S. gr. 8

110 111 112 112 112 113 114 114 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 124 125 126 127 128 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 135 136 137 138 140 142 142 144

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Apple Tree Man by Jalene S. gr. 8 Smile by Jalene S. gr. 8 The Truth by Jalene S. gr. 8 Ignore by Jalene S. gr. 8 Her Mind by Jalene S. gr. 8 Alone by Jalene S. gr. 8 Boys by Jalene S. gr. 8 She Is My Only Love by Kayleigh F. gr. 6

145 145 147 148 149 150 151 152

Love: An Indispensable but Forgotten Quality by Nehemiah B. gr. 8 Wrap it Up by Jozelynn D. gr. 7 Cheese by Jozelynn D. gr. 7 Make a Call by Jozelynn D. gr. 7 Summer by Natalia G. gr. 4 I Know in the End by Kylie M. gr. 6 What I Created by Dion E. gr. 9 I’m Your Voice by Dion E. gr. 9 Her by Bre M. gr. 9 We Matter by Cinnamon W. and Charnaya H. gr. 7 Relief for the Sinners Divine by Sarah D. gr. 9 Stormy Thoughts by Sarah D. gr. 9 My Very Toxic Relationship by La’Mkya D. gr. 9 Smash Rhymes by Jaeden C. gr. 7 The Midnight Moonwalk by Isaiah W. gr. 5 The Girl I Love by Alayana F. gr. 3 Snowflake by Diya D. gr. 4 Friends to Family by Alexi J. gr. 7 Depressed Teens by Jakiyah H. gr. 8 My Chihuahuas by Elyijah H. gr. 5 The Art of Nature by Erikka Marie G. gr. 11 The World Behind by Erikka Marie G. gr. 11 Fly Away by Lia S. gr. 9 Dear Body by Mirelle S gr. 9 It by Molly S. gr. 8 :/<3 by Molly S. gr. 8 A River Flows on Skin by Molly S. gr. 8 The Crow by Molly S. gr. 8 Mars by Lanlee F. gr. 6 Mars by Dany S. gr. 6 Twins Falling from the Vaulted Sky by Charisma W. gr. 8

153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 160 162 163 164 168 169 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 178 179 180 182 184 185 189 190 193

5

I Am Here for You, So Stay by Alaina O. gr. 8

201

6

ARTWORK Chained Setting Free by Tricia D. gr. 7

7

My Hero Academia Original Character by Emily D. gr. 11

8

Frog by Vanessa S. gr. 7

9

Baby Bear by Briauna L.. gr. 7

10

Stinky Earl by Kylie B. gr. 11

11

Hit ‘Em Up by Kylie B. gr. 11

12

Kaddy Wuck by Kylie B. gr. 11

13

Oceanic Protector by Cayden H. gr. 7

The Flower Queen by Cayden H. gr. 7

14

Nature’s Queen by Cayden H. gr. 7

Nature’s Guard by Cayden H. gr. 7

15

Nature’s Love by Cayden H. gr. 7

Keys of Love by Cayden H. gr. 7

16

Cotton Candy by Emma R-W. gr. 6

Midnight Casual by Emma R-W. gr. 6

17

Lifeguard by Emma R-W. gr. 6

18

Digle by Jetta W. gr. 7

19

Jeff by Brea C. gr. 3

20

Pinnochio by Spirit H-W. gr. 2

21

OHDELA Bear by Ryan B. gr. 6

22

Demon Slayer by Hannah C. gr. 5

23

Soleil by Hannah P. gr. 10

Corpse by Hannah P. gr. 10

24

Tragedy in My Brain by Hannah P. gr. 10

25

Ceaser by Kylee S. gr. 5

26

Joey by Kylee S. gr. 5

27

Black Girl Magic by McKenna M. G. gr. 5

28

Girl With Curly Hair by Zeta J . gr. 6

29

Titanic by Zaden B. gr. 2

30

Evil Spinel & Good Spinel by Natalia G. gr. 4

31

Here We Go Again by Alexander O. gr. 10

32

Sonic the Hedgehog & Shadow the Hedgehog by Alexander O. gr. 10

Scarlet & Logan by Alexander O. gr. 10

33

Sketches by Kylie M. . gr. 6

34

The Cowboy & The Lonesome Horse by Hannah H . gr. 5

35

Midnight Race 2021 Ford vs Dodge by Rileigh R . gr. 10

36

Cars by Andy Z. gr. 4

37

Rena Mari Bojaby by Natalie A . gr. 7

38

Dela Bot Girl by Alexi J. gr. 7

39

Feline Stripes by Izabella H-B . gr. 7

40

Beautiful Sunset by Jael W. gr. 1

41

Happy Place by Avery M. gr. 2

42

The Hand of Possibilities by Avery M. gr. 2

The Love Monster by Avery M. gr. 2

43

Seeing You Seeing Me by Brianne K. gr. 7

44

Dakota by Rebekah G. gr. 10

45

The Dark Apprentice by Mazie D. gr. 6

46

Senator Amidala by Mazie D. gr. 6

47

Spring Has Sprung by Mazie D. gr. 6

48

Surpridyr by Genevieve R. gr. 6

49

CREATIVE NONFICTION Outerspace Movie: Transformations by Nehemiah B. gr. 8

continued

50

continued

51

continued

52

continued

53

The End

54

DRAMA The Cat Family by Nehemiah B.. gr. 8 CAST OF CHARACTERS Nehemiah: Is a human but takes care of the cats. Lives in the wild with the cats.

Nala: Is smart and always considered a Nerd but others outside of the Family.

John: Is very tech smart for a cat.

Quertahn: All he cares about is yarn and food.

Izabell: Loves her some art.

Abigail: Is the mother to all the children.

David: Is the father to all the children.

Mrs. Lisk: Loves Animals Destroyers: Are the bad people trying to destroy the forest.

Narrator: Everyone is finishing Dinner.

Querta!n: Whew, that was good. I love some food. it’s like the best thing you could ever have.

Abigail: No Quertahn. The best thing is your family. Hey Izabell why won’t you eat? We are finished with ours.

Izabell: It needs to be more artistic.

Abigail: (Rolls eyes) Here you go.

Izabell: Thanks!

Nala: What are we going to do today?

continued

55

Quertahn: Let’s play with yarn!!!!!!!!!!!!!

David: No! NO YARN! We are not doing anything today right now except going to bed. Tomorrow we will eat, and then we will go on a big adventure.

Izabell: Can I paint something first?

David: NO! Izabell: How about making something beautiful?

David: No! Izabell: How about making a yarn statue of Nehemiah?

David: No! Izabell: what about if I make his science tools out of this yarn?

David: NO NO NO NO!!!! Time for bed. You can do that tomorrow.

Narrator: So everyone went to bed. Four hours later, Nala heard something that frightened her.

Nala: What is that?! It’s 1:00 in the morning! I gotta go check it out!

Narrator: When Nala got there, her heart just melted.

Nala: OH NO! Huge Excavators! They want to destroy the forest! OUR OWN Home!!!!

Nala: Nehemiah WAKE UP WAKE UP!!!

Nehemiah: Not now Nala. It’s 1:00 in the morning! It’s not tomorrow yet...Well technically it is because it’s in the morning, but we should all still be asleep right now!!

Nala: NO NO NO! It’s something serious!

Nehemiah: Oh ok, let me see what it is!

continued

56

Narrator: So they got to the Excavators.

Nehemiah: What! They are destroying the forest?! How will you and your family live here in the forest if there is no forest?!

Nehemiah: I am a scientist, so I know how to invent things. Let me go make something that I know will stop the Excavators.

Narrator: So, Nehemiah went back home to find his tools to build.

Nehemiah: AHHHH! My lab coat, and my glasses, gloves, hammer, toolbox, and other stuff.

Narrator: Nehemiah went back to Nala.

Nala: OOOH! What is all this stuff ?

Nehemiah: Stuff you don’t want to mess with. Only scientists mess with them. So, I need the latitude of the viral square that will connect to the vertex of the apex to the piston compressor. Now I need the compressor to go to the engine, the Gas can go to the publicatiath. There we go.

Nala: …………………………………………………

Nehemiah: What?

Nala: I have no idea of what you just said.

Nehemiah: No time to explain. They need to stop this Deforestation.

Nala: What’s that?

Nehemiah: Nala, when I was younger I learned in science class that Deforestation is when people like them destroy the forest. See? Look at this: Mrs. Lisk: Now, Deforestation is when the forest is destroyed and they use Excavators to destroy the forest.

Nehemiah: See? Nala: AHHH I see.

continued

57

Nehemiah: Hey! Stop destroying the forest!

Destroyers: NO! Nehemiah: If you don’t stop, I will call Mrs. Lisk to talk to you. She hates Deforestation. I also have this machine that can take away your Excavators and put them somewhere else!

Destroyers: So? Nehemiah: OOOOOKAY! (Dialing phone number) Hello? Mrs lisk? They are destroying the forest.

Mrs. Lisk: Whaaaaaaaattt I’m on my way!

Narrator: So Mrs. Lisk drove her car 20 miles to the forest.

Mrs. Lisk: Hey stop! You have to learn to love animals!! They need this home! Not factories and cities! The animals are precious to nature, and if you destroy the forest, some animals could go extinct! Remember the food chains and Keystone species? THEY NEED THEIR HOME!!!

Destroyers: WE NEED MONEY! Nehemiah: Ooookay! You Excavators will be sent somewhere else.

Destroyers: NO NO NO! Nehemiah: Are you sure you want to change your mind?

Destroyers: Yes!

Narrator: So the Destroyers decided not to destroy the forest…

Nehemiah: Thank you for helping me Mrs. Lisk and Nala.

Mrs. Lisk: You’re Welcome! Bye! Nehemiah: Wait!! I want you to meet Nala’s Family.

Mrs. Lisk: Ok. Nehemiah: This is, David, Abigail, Quertahn, Izabell, Nala, and John.

58

continued

(All students playing as cats) The Whole Family: Hello!

Mrs. Lisk: Awwwww. They are so cute! Can I have them as pets?

Nehemiah: Sure!

John: I’m sure I will find computers in her office. I will be grading work for her too BECAUSE I’M TECH SAVVY! David: NO MESSING WITH HER COMPUTERS. John: Why not?

Mrs. Lisk: He can help grade my work. Students don’t answer phones, and I have 300 assignments to grade.

John: WOAH! David: See? That’s a lot of work, John.

John: HEHE!!!!!! It’s playing with technology time!!!!!

Narrator: So from that time on, Mrs. Lisk had the cat family as pets in her house, and Nehemiah was able to get back to working in the lab, and they lived happily ever after.

The End

59

FICTION As Night Falls

by Gabriel M. gr. 12

“Redborrow Police Department report, night of May 26th, 1978, 4 teenagers arrested outside the abandoned Oakrun mall.”.

“So what exactly happened?” asked a tired looking officer.

“You wouldn't believe me if I told you.” replied a timid girl, still shaking in fear of something she doesn't understand. “But still we need to tell the parents of those 2 kids, who are now dead, what happened in there!”.

The officer slammed his fist down on the desk making the poor girl even more frightened.

“O-okay I'll tell you.” said the girl as the officer readied a pen and notepad.

It was on the 24th of May, an oddly warm day. Connor, Hope’s boyfriend, went to pick up her and his other friends to go explore an abandoned mall.

“Hi, Hope. Hun, I'm here!''called out Conner from his VW bus.

Hope came out in jeans and an oddly bright colored leather jacket that went well with her long dark hair and her almost emerald green eyes.

“Hia Con!” Hope called out with a smile.

“Looking good, hun.” Connor replied, giving a thumbs up.

Hope got into the passenger seat as Connor drove to pick up his other friends. “S-so how is your day going?” asked Hope.

“Good hun, how about you?” Conner asked with a kind smile.

“I-Its going good Con. Thank you for letting me tag along!” Hope exclaimed, smiling like a child on Christmas. continued

60

Conner pulled into May’s driveway, and she was all ready to go, smiling that warm smile of hers. She came bouncing out in her denim jacket and ripped jeans, her short dyed purple hair almost glowing in the spring sunshine.

“Sup guys!” May yelled, jumping in the back seat, patting both Connor and Hope on the shoulders.

Hope jumped.

“H-hi, you scared me there.” Hope said, taking a deep breath.

“O-oh! Sorry about that Hope.” exclaimed May. As they drove to pick up Phillip, May started to sing along to the radio and Hope started to join in, shocking Connor, for he had never heard Hope sing before. He was happy to see her start to come out of her shell, so he started to sing too.

As they pulled into Phillip’s driveway he yelled out, “Just a moment guys!”

After 5 minutes a taller guy ran out with a full, military grade backpack and gray sweater.

“Ok,” he said. “ I’ve got everything I need. Hi there Hope, May, and you too, Connor.”

They all said hello back.

“Okay so who's next?” asked May, tilting her head.

Connor sighed.

“Milly is the next stop.” Connor said in an odd tone.

He didn't hate Milly, but she could be a bit much at times.

They pulled up to a grand white colonial home which looked to be straight out of a Hallmark movie.

They could see the door swing open, and out walked Milly. She was dressed from head to toe in designer clothes. Her hair was freshly highlighted, and her smile seemed to sparkle when the sun hit. She walked with a swing in her step. Her attitude was obvious.

“Well hey there guys!” Milly said. She spotted Hope.

“Well, who's the highlighter?” Milly said snidely.

“Milly, she is my girlfriend!” Conner said. “So at least try to be nice okay?”

The van came to a stop in a line of dense pine trees.

“This doesn't look like a mall.” Milly stated rudely.

Jackson rolled his eyes.

“Like I said Milly, we are not shopping. We are exploring!” said Connor.

“Gu-guys, please don't fight.” Hope's voice was softer than normal, a sign she was getting stressed.

“Come on. Let's get this show on the road!” exclaimed May. They gathered up their supplies and started walking. Hope stayed close to Connor.

“Hia Hope. It’s all good. Don't worry friend!” stated May, trying to cheer her up. continued

61

The ivy-covered building came into view, almost like a ghost of the past.

“EW! What a dump.” cried Milly in disgust.

“I-I think it looks cool!” cheered Hope as Connor patted her head a bit.

“Heck yeah, it does!” May replied.

Phillip couldn’t contain his excitement. As they got closer to the building seemingly calling to them, a flock of birds took off right in front of them.

Hope let out a loud “AH!” “Hi. Hope was it? It’s okay. if anything was off out here... I’d know.” Phillip said calmly.

“Yep it’s just some birds.” said Jackson.

They opened the old rusted doors which groaned, as if not wanting to give up their secrets.

“Ugh. Come on!” groaned Connor as his foot got stuck in a hole on the floor.

The mall sounded alive with small animals and birds.

“I should have brought my skateboard!” stated May. “Ew, ew, and double ew.” cried Milly.

Just as she said that, a huge rat ran over her foot. Milly lets out a loud shriek!! They started to walk around taking photos with Phillips' polaroid camera.

“It’s odd,” Connor mumbled to himself. All the shops still have merchandise inside, as if everyone just vanished overnight.

“That's not creepy at all,” said May sarcastically, looking at an oddly positioned mannequin.

As they headed deeper inside, there were more and more mannequins that gave off a predatory vibe, and everyone became on edge.

May kicked one of the mannequins over.

“Creepy thing.” she said, weirded out.

“Kinda reminds me of Pompeii. You know?” Jackson said. “With the bodies covered in ash?”

“Yep it kinda does.” said Connor as they got ready to head up stairs.

“H-hi . . . May?” May looked at Hope, “Yes?” May replied.

May turned to hope looking where Hope was looking.

“I think I saw someone move in that room over there,” Hope said nervously.

“Your eyes are just messing with you, friend.” May declared kindly.

Soon after they realized that someone was missing.

“Hey, um, where's Milly?” asked Jackson.

As they all looked back, Milly was no longer with the group. No sign of her whatsoever. continued

62

“Don’t tell me she wandered off!” yelled Connor, irritated.

After About two hours of searching for Milly, dusk started to fall.

“I'm the fastest. I'll run a quick lap to see if I can find her.” said Connor.

He stretched and ran off looking for her, calling out her name from time to time. The light was fading by the minute.

“Dang it!” Connor yelled, his voice echoing.

Rapid footsteps echoed back, getting closer and closer.

Connor to defend himself. Instead of an attacker, it was one very out of breath Hope.

“Th-The others th-think we should stick together in groups,” panted Hope.

Connor breathed a sigh of relief.

“Thank God it’s just.” Connor said. He went over to her and patted her back.

Hope looked up at him. “Lets head back to the others okay?” she stammered, catching her breath.

Connor nodded, took her by the hand, and started walking back.

Connor and Hope wandered around hoping to find the others before dark. An odd feeling filled the air, as if they were not alone.

“D-Do you feel that?” asked Hope.

“Ya, I have a bad feeling hun.” said Connor with a shiver in his voice.

As they returned to the center area of the mall, a foul smell filled the air. It was a smell similar to rusting iron.

“Wh-What's that smell?!” asked Hope, holding her nose.

“I-I think it’s blood!?” said Connor. His walking turned to a slow run.

As Connor turned a corner, he froze and pushed Hope back gently. He could see something tall walking down the hallway dragging something or someone behind, it leaving a trail of blood. His eyes widened as his vision adjusted to the darkness.

“It’s dragging Milly!” he yelled as he rushed towards the thing. At full speed, he punched it in the back, sending it stumbling forward and down a flight of stairs. A painfully loud scratch echoed out from the bottom of the stairs. Connor picked up Milly and grabbed Hope's hand and ran.

“We gotta find the others and get out of here!!” Connor yelled in a panic.

When they found the others, both Connor and Hope were out of breath. Hope was crying.

The others looked at them in confusion. When they saw Milly, they were filled with worry and fear.

“Oh my God! Is she okay!?” May yelled running over. continued

63

Connor looked at May. “We are not alone in here! I think there's a killer or a madman or something!.”

Connor blurted out.

Hope unable to talk, with eyes wide, almost hyperventilated.

Connor set Milly down and looked her over. “She's alive, but barely!”Connor stated, worried.

Milly had odd cut and bite marks all over her arms and neck.

“We have to stop the bleeding!” said May, as she got out her first aid kit.

Phillip lit 4 propane lanterns he brought with him to give more light. As night fully fell, the mall went dead silent.

An odd sound started to echo through the halls and corridors of the mall, like a clicking, mixed with a low hiss.

“What’s that sound?” asked Jackson.

A new feeling filled the air, the feeling of being hunted.

As May tried to help Milly, she stopped, closed her eyes, and shook her head.

“She's gone . . .” May said solemnly.

Hope fell to her knees and cried even more.

The sounds of clicking and hissing stopped for a moment then started up faster and slowly grew louder. Whatever was making the sounds was moving closer.

Jackson stood up looking into the darkness.

“I swear I'll kill whatever did this to Milly!” he yelled, running into the darkness.

Connor just hugged Hope not knowing what to say to her.

May looked like she was ready to fight someone.

“We need to gear up for a fight.” said May, popping her knuckles.

Connor and Phillip nodded, and Hope fell asleep in Connor’s arms. “ I'll stay here with Hope to keep her safe.” Connor said, putting his jersey over Hope.

Phillip dug around in his bag, pulling out a flare gun and handing it to Conner.

“Here. You have four shots in this. Use them wisely.” Phillip said to Connor.

May and Phillip walked off towards Dicks Sporting Goods.

“So May, what do you think we are up against? My bet’s on some sort of wendigo or skinwalker.” Phillip said with an odd twinkle in his eyes.

But Before May could respond, they saw Jackson trying to punch something. It looked like a mannequin.

“What the heck?” May asked herself and Phillip. continued

64

Jack was doing well landing blows on it, until another one came from behind jumping onto Phillip’s back. The head of the mannequin split open in a jagged X shape, which revealed row upon row of long needle-like teeth. It then latched onto Jackson's neck with a sickening crunch, ripping and tearing. May picked up a rock, throwing it at the mannequin on Jackson’s back, hitting it in the head.

“Take That!!” May yelled.

Phillip launched a flare from a spare one round flare gun. The two creatures ran away from the sudden light. Phillip and May ran to Jackson's side.

“H-hi guys . . . .yo-you found me.” Jackson said weakly.

May looked at him in shock. “ We need to get you out of here!” May yelled.

Jackson shook his head slowly. Phillip was just standing there thinking, “Na, I-I’m toast man. . . .just . . just get those two love birds out safely.” Jackson said, drifting off. He took a long shallow breath. “ One last thing before I tap out. Their vision. . . . . they can only see you if you make a noise or move . . .” Jackson passed away right there on the floor.

May closed Jackson’s eyes with two of her fingers. She headed into the Sporting Goods store. She got football body armor and an iron baseball bat for her and Phillip.

“May, watch your blind spots, okay?” Philip asked, and May nodded.

On their way back, one of the mannequins tried to get May, but before it could reach her, May spun around, hitting it in the head with her bat. The creature fell to the ground dead.

“Home run!” May cheered, raising her fist, getting back to the others.

Connor and Hope looked at them then looked around for Jackson.

“Is he?” Connor asked.

May nodded. Then, suddenly, the mannequins could be heard coming their way as the lanterns began to dim.

“Pick up Hope and hurry up, Connor. We are getting out of this nightmare!” May declared, spinning her somewhat dented baseball bat.

Connor nodded and picked up his still sleeping girlfriend. They rushed to the door they came in from and tried opening it, but it was stuck.

“Move aside!” yelled May as she hit the door with her bat. She made one heck of a sound, and even more creatures could be heard. continued

65

As May got ready to hit the door again, Phillip backed up, and right when May hit the door, Phillip rammed into it. The door swung open.

“Go go go!” Connor yelled, running towards their vehicle.

After a few minutes of driving, they ran a red light, and a patrol car gave chase. Hope, Connor, Philip, and May were brought in, and a day later, they were questioned about what happened.

The cop closed his notebook.

“So, what you're telling me is that there are monsters that look like mannequins and. . . '' Before he could finish, the power to the building cut out and the sound of glass breaking could be heard.

The cop stood up.

“Stay here.” he said, stepping out of the room.

Moments later, three gunshots rang out.

A much paler and frightened looking officer stepped inside and uncuffed Hope.

“I-i believe you now. You and your friends better get on your way. I need to call something into the main office.” he said, opening the door.

When Hope stepped out of the room, what she saw made her blood run cold. She saw one of the mannequin creatures dead on the floor.

The End

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The Water Girl by Halli L.. gr. 12 Once upon a time, there was a little girl named Susan. She had woken up and got dressed and remembered it was take your daughter to work day! Her father worked at a factory with lots of presses.

She was snapped out of her thoughts by her father’s voice saying, "Susan! Time to go!"

She ran down stairs and smiled at her father and said, "I'm ready dad. Lets go!"

She ran out to the car, buckled up, and waited for her dad. He came out, buckled up and pulled off.

They made it to her father’s work. Due to the rush, she was thirsty, so she got some water and followed her father to a machine. He started to tell her how to work it and turn it on and what to do in case of an injury while using said machine. She tuned it all out until he told her about the number of workers hurt while using this machine.

She was so shocked that she stupidly spit out her drink of water into the machine.She blacked out and came to as she was rushed into the ER, her worried parents worried on both sides.

She blacked out and once again came to, somehow...standing? She looked around confused. She saw a doctor and her mom and dad.

The doctor said, "I’m sorry...she damaged her digestive system badly. She's going to need to undergo a surgery for it to be replaced with a transplant."

Susan said to her dad, "Hey dad? I-I’m thirsty."

She looked around again and noticed something that she could have sworn wasn't there a couple seconds ago. It was a mini fridge. Her dad walked over and gave her a bottle of water, and she guzzled the whole thing down and was still thirsty.

Her mom said, "Stop it Frank. It's not going to work!"

Susan felt something was off. She looked around the room. One new thing appeared...the stretcher she came in on. Now she knew that wasn't there before, but she felt...drawn to it.

She asked, "Can I have my surgery?"

The doctor had said, "No. We need that for other patients."

Susan refused to have the surgery if it wasn't in the stretcher.

Her mom looked at her and said, "Goodbye Susan."

Susan died later that day and is said to haunt that hospital room she was in. Her appearances include a five year old blonde girl coming asking for water. If you don't give it to her, and if she asks you if you've seen her mom, say no, and don't offer to help find her. And don't say goodbye, the last thing that was said to her.

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Detective Catbug by Lilly L. gr. 5

Wormi A long time ago, there was a worm whose mother had left her when she was just born. This little worm was very sad. She had no hope of finding shelter or warmth.

Then one day, Little Detective Catbug picked her up out of his garden and kept her as a pet and friend.

They started getting closer as days and months and then years went by.

They both solved hard core DEEP investigations together. When they were done with the cases, someone was always behind BARS. Detective Catbug and Wormi were always side by side.

One day they had a case where they couldn’t work with each other on it because one of them had to stay back as a lookout, and one had to catch the Evil Foxo. Now, they were finally separated.

“This is sad, but I need to stay strong ,and you too.” Catbug said. ”Of course, I guess.” Wormi said.

The case began.

Evil Foxo Case Detective Catbug later arrived to the warehouse Foxo had been staying in. Catbug snuck into the warehouse and saw Foxo getting ready for a robbery heist with some other foxies that are known to snoop around allies. Too bad for them that Catbug and Wormi already got them all two days before the heist they were planning!

Meanwhile, Wormi was on the lookout, and Detective Catbug snuck up AND grabbed Foxo! continued

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“Case is closed,” Catbug said.

Wormi came into the Warehouse and said, “Police are on the way! You’re going behind bars, Mr. Failure Foxo.

Foxo replied, “One day I will be so powerful that I will take you down!”

Feelings As years went by, Wormi and Detective Catbug got older, and cases had not been solved.

They went their separate ways.

When Catbug turned 36, he finally decided it was time to give Wormi a call.

The phone ran for about 5 minutes until finally a recording said, “Leave a message.” Catbug was sad and worried. He didn’t know if Wormi’s time was up. He decided to call again.

This time, someone answered.

Catbug said, “Wormi”?

The voice said, “Wormi is in the hospital, sir. This is Wormi’s surgeon.”

“WHAT!? Is she OK!??! I miss her terribly!” Catbug said.

The surgeon replied, “She was on a case. ” Catbug interrupted.

“WHAT?! We always solved cases together!”

“I am sorry but she is not available right now. You may visit her anytime you like, but she is currently in the middle of surgery. “ the surgeon said.

Catbug replied, “What happened to her?”

The surgeon said, “She was shot in her leg, sir.”

Catbug yelped like a dying pig. “ Is she okay?!! Will she make it?! I miss her so much!!!

“Sir,” the surgeon said, “Everything is fine. If you would like to come right now you may, but it’s going to take awhile for you to see her because she is in the middle of surgery.”

“Okay thank you. I’m coming right now!” said Catbug.

A Surprise When Catbug arrived to see Wormi, they both started to cry. They hugged and yelled at each other because they hadn’t been communicating or seeing each other for 15 years.

Wormi told Catbug, “I need you to not freak out.”

“Okay,” Catbug said, “I like you.” continued

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Wormi said, “Me too!”

They became a couple. They had children named Wormi Jr, Corbug, and Buggy. The children eventually grew up and became super. Wormi Jr. became a boss and owner of a Womens Worm National Spy Agency.

Corbug became the Top Level Female Worm with the FBI. Bugg became a detective just like his mom and dad.

Now you see they all lived happily ever after.

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The Uninvited by Nionna G. gr. 7 I was walking to the dining room with a box of pizza for me and my boyfriend Harvey when I heard banging on the door.

As Harvey opened the door, he started to tell the horrible smelling man at the door, “Goo away!”

But I stopped him. This is where my visions(cunning) came in. I saw a horrible vision that if Harvey turned him away, Harvey would’ve become known as a heartless man and had his heart ripped out of his chest.

I invited the man in for food, comfort, and warmth. I held his hand. I wanted to see where he came from and maybe find out his name. He grabbed my arm, and I saw horrible pictures. I asked the man some questions, but he didn't answer them. He stood and left.

The next day, I woke up to see Harvey at his desk with drawings of the visions I saw the night before.

We headed for school. When we got there, I took the pictures to my best friend Sabrina because her family are witches. I thought she would maybe know what the visions meant, but she didn’t.

We got through the day and headed to Sabrina’s house to ask her Aunt Zelda, her Aunt Hilda along and her cousin Ambrose if they knew what the pictures meant.

Ambrose said, “It’s a terror striking upon our hometown, Greendale. It’s called an Eldritch terror. “ We began warning all the other witches and warlocks, letting them know what the Eldritch terror looked like and what we should do if he came to our door. We thought of a plan to capture him or maybe kill him, to stop him from killing anyone else in Greendale.

Sabrina thought maybe she and her twin sister should get married on the same day in hell.

Sabrina Morningstar (Lucifer Morningstar’s daughter) married a man made of clay, and Sabrina Spellman married the uninvited. She wanted to trick him into a fake marriage and honeymoon. She took him to a doll house and tricked him into staying there. She left him with a lost soul and a broken heart. But at least, he had a home where he had warmth, food, and comfort forever.

This is only the beginning of the Eldritch terrors. This was far from over.

To Be Continued...

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Where Are the Children? by Taylor Jean P. gr. 6 Backstory Linda and Dave were divorced 2 years ago but stayed in contact. Dave got the kids on the weekends. Linda got them for the weekdays. They all joined for holidays. The kids, 4-year-old Olivia and 6-year-old Daisy, were named after their great grandmothers. Let the story begin!!

Monday, January 3, 8:13 am Linda woke up the girls just like any normal school day. The girls got dressed and headed downstairs.

A surprise awaited. It was Daisy's birthday. ¨Pancakes!¨ they both said as they rushed to the table. As they were eating, the phone rang. ¨I wonder who that is?¨ said Linda.

The girls kept quiet to see who she was talking to.

Linda came back to the kitchen and said, ¨That was your principal. The school has declared a snow day today.¨ she said.

The girls were excited. ¨After breakfast, could we go outside and play¨? Said Daisy. ¨Please with rainbows and unicorns on top mommy?¨ said Olivia. ¨Fine,¨ said Linda as she collected their plates.

The girls rushed back upstairs to change into their winter gear.

Then they rushed outside.

Twenty minutes later, Linda came out to get them, but they were not outside. She checked around the house, but nothing the girls were nowhere in sight.

She started asking neighbors, but no one had seen any sign of them.

Linda called 911. When she got off the phone with the police, she found something...she found Olivia's mitten by some tire tracks.

She didn’t touch it. She waited for the detectives to get there. Right behind the detectives were live news reporters.

The detectives focused on the mitten and tire tracks. continued

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Nancy Drew, the head detective, said, “Van tracks and children’s footprints are going towards the house. Footprints, size 8 male, behind them. That’s the end of the children’s footprints, but the man turned around right here, and then he got back in the van. ¨Do you have security cameras?¨ Nancy asked Linda. ¨Yes.¨Linda said in a shaking breath.

Detective Drew explained, ¨We would like to take the footage back to the station please.¨ As Linda walked up the porch stairs, her eye caught her creepy elderly neighbor. But she did not stop.

She downloaded security video of the past week and gave the drive to Nancy. ¨Nancy! We found something!¨ shouted another detective.

Nancy and Linda ran to see the evidence. There was blood on a tree by the curb. ¨This is now a crime scene.¨said Nancy.

Linda dropped to the ground, sobbing.

Dave drove up and tried to get into the yard. Not knowing Dave was the girls’ father, Nancy did not let him pass till he showed ID. Linda stood up as Dave ran up to her. They both started yelling.

“It’s all your fault for not watching them.” Dave shouted at Linda.

They were interrupted by Linda’s phone ringing. Everyone got quiet as she answered. She put her phone on speaker, An unfamiliar voice said, ¨We have the kids. For proof, Daisy was dropped off down the street. She is unharmed. If you want Olivia back, I want 2 million dollars in 24 hours, or she might not be unharmed¨ Linda and Dave tried to run down the street to get Daisy, but Nancy stopped her. ¨I will send a car to get her back safely.” ¨But where will we get 2 million dollars in 24 hours?¨ asked Dave. ¨I don't know, but we will find a way.¨ said Nancy. By then it was 6 pm. ¨A cop car will stay outside tonight and watch the house,” Detective Drew said. “In the morning, come down to the station.

Dave stayed the night with Linda and Daisy.

Tuesday, January 4th, 8:00 am Linda and Dave got up early to go down to the police station.

Before Linda got in the car, she had a faint memory of when she was a kid. She remembered that the same thing had happened to her, but she never said a thing to anybody. She got as scared as she was when she was kidnapped, and that feeling inside her was no feeling a 4-year-old should go through. continued

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When they arrived at the police station, Linda asked to talk to Nancy.

Linda, Nancy, and Dave met in a secret room. Linda didn't want to, but she had to bring it ALL up.

Detective Drew said, ¨That could be useful. Do you know who kidnapped you when you were a kid?¨ ¨No¨. Linda said. ¨About the money,” Detective Drew said. “We are not giving them real money, and there is a tracking device in the bag.¨ As the detectives did more research into the mystery, Linda got another call. ¨Tick tock, Linda! You only have 4 hours now.¨ ¨Wait! You said 24 hours. That would be at 6:00 pm.¨ ¨Well, I changed my mind. Don't make me change my mind about not hurting your daughter.¨ Now that the time was moved up, they had to speed it up.

Linda, Dave, and Daisy went home and waited for a call from Nancy. ` Three hours later, Linda got the call they had been waiting for.

Linda drove to the station. Nancy and other cops got in her car as she drove to the kidnapper's location. All Linda could do was give the kidnapper the money, get Olivia, and leave.

Linda pulled up. The kidnapper was waiting for her with Olivia tied up in a corner.

As Linda was walking up to give him the money, he saw Nancy in the car.

He grabbed Linda’s arm and said, ¨I said come alone!¨ ¨No you didn't.” Linda said as she tore off his mask. ¨YOU!¨¨ Linda said as she looked into the eyes of the man who had kidnapped her long ago and now had kidnapped her daughter. ¨Mr.James!¨ Two accomplices walked to Olivia. They stood her up with a gun to her head.

Mr. James held a gun to Linda's head.

He told Nancy and the other cops, “Over here. Hands in the air.”

“We’ll do that only if you let the child go.” said Detective Drew.

Olivia was released. When she got in the car, Linda fought. She kicked Mr. James in his knees and ran.

The cops finished the rest.

The creepy neighbor and all his men were sent to prison.

Mrs.James had no idea what he was doing.

She thought he was earning that money. continued

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She went and visited him in prison with divorce paper that he was forced to sign. She filed them, and she left town never to come back again. Linda and Dave got back together and had twins named Liam and Owen. So Linda, Liam, Dave, Daisy, Olivia, and Owen moved too!

THE END

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The Detective (excerpt) by Wyat A. gr. 11 I stared at the wall on the other side of the office. I had a glass in one hand and a bottle of whiskey on the table. I wasn’t a heavy drinker, despite all appearances. I only drank to clear my mind. It needed a lot of clearing after that week.

The wall I was staring at had a group of photos, as well as a giant map of the city. There were pictures of women on the wall--unfortunately, they weren’t the sexy kind. They were of women as they lay on the ground, dead. There were also pictures of the area, but that’s all it consisted of--two photos per crime. The map had circles that showed where the crimes were, and the photos were connected via lines of different colored yarn.

Each woman was run over in non-public areas--places where there could be no witnesses. Each woman also had a swimming suit on; bikinis, one-pieces, those kinds of things. And they were also either lifeguards or beach models. My partner suggested that the suspect, whoever that may be, had a grudge against beach models and lifeguards. Maybe it was a he, and he had been hurt by one or many beach models.

I thought each of these was connected, but I wasn’t so certain as to why. It could’ve been a she, doing this for the same reasons. It could be she’d been removing competition- the same with a male- or some other motive. People can do things for weird reasons. The ringing of the telephone interrupted my thoughts. I picked it up.

“This is Detective Carson. How can I help you?”

“There’s been another murder.” said the guy on the other side, Officer Rick.

“Where?”

“On the corner of 15th Street Northeast and William Road.”

“Okay. On our way.”

I hung up the phone and hurried towards the door and grabbed my coat and hat. I opened the door and knocked on my partner’s door. His office was just across the hall.

I yelled, “Carl, we’ve got another one!”

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A War in Paradise: The Intervention of Balance by Sarah D. gr. 9 “Alright, alright, silence and listen up.” The creator lightly spoke.

The angels, throne angels as well as all the creators around, looked towards them, mouths closed and eyes barely blinking. They hesitated. Tension filled the air. It was heavy, like a fog or some sort of smog.

“I believe one of you had an idea of what to do with this situation about Alsoie and Gemini. The more they fight, the more the message about the mortals' realm being destroyed is delayed. We cannot have that happening. Do we have any idea as to how to stop this?” ... Silence. No response from anyone. They all looked around. Even the most clever angel looked dumbfounded until one messenger for a throne angel spoke up.

“Well, if I may my lord.”

They all nodded with their full attention focused on them.

“There’s this thing that mortals do on earth called an intervention, and I believe it may help. One drawback to this idea though…”

They leaned in, and they eagerly awaited for the continuation.

“We may have to invite some of the higher power demonic regions up to heaven in order for this to successfully work.”

They all groaned and glared at the messenger for even recommending this.

“C’mon! Really??? Demons? One of the most irrational beings who basically have bleeding hearts since they’ve been oh so poorly misunderstood and destroyed by what we have thrown their way? Absolutely not.” one creator scoffed.

This messenger looked more and more nervous by the second. They fidgeted with their cloth in between their fingers as they then started to sweat, which was impossible for them, but somehow now, in this circumstance, it was possible.

“Ah, I see. I wish I brought this up sooner then. Before bringing this to your attention, I mean...” the creator who scoffed, looked at them.

The main creator’s head of light dimmed as they sensed the vibrations of the messenger before them. “...You invited them already didn’t you?” they questioned.

The messenger nodded as the heavens started to rumble. Gates opened as the swishing of leathery wings could be heard. Some of them just appeared, whereas others landed on the invisible floor. continued

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“Greetings. I was told there was a matter that needed our expertise?”questioned a demon. He had red to black tipped horns, wings, tail and yellow eyes aglow.

The demon was in a suit, taking on a human appearance to lead most astray, brownish blond hair, a scruffy demeanor and the handbook of hell in his hand. The six hundred and sixty-sixth edition to be precise.

Another demon appeared next to the table and leaned on its edge. He stretched and reached for an angel’s glass of wine and took a sip from it.

“Ahh, heaven. I figured there’d be better wine up here for you holy beings, but I assume I was wrong.” he spoke sarcastically.

He was dressed more casually than the others. He had multiple eyes unlike the rest. He had bruised and bloodied knuckles. Large gold rings of different kinds rested on his fingers. His clothes were clean despite how soiled he was from the dried blood. It was either his own or someone else's blood, but nobody knew.

“I’m assuming you’ve supposed I’m Greed or some sort of the seven sins?” the accusatory creator spoke.

He glared at them, flexing his hands as he bent the brass chalice of wine. They leaned into their faces real close as their hands gripped it tighter and tighter.

“Nah, I’m Anger. I’m that nagging feeling mortals get when something's wrong. When someone is treating them unfairly, when a scumbag like you thinks they can get away with saying or doing slimy things.

I, my disgusting friend, am a being of hatred of collected masses against discrimination. And I’m here to bring people like you,” he punched the creator on the shoulder, as he continued, “down a peg or two. But sadly, I’m here on business, so I’ll see you later in hell friend.”

The creator seemed to slump over after Anger took his seat. The lead demon sat down at the table as well, setting his book down in front of him. Demons sat beside angels. Creators sat next to low level imps known for acts of mischievous allure or dirty jobs. Higher powered demons had refused to attend.

“Now then, I heard a war is waging in a lower sector of heaven close to earth?” he spoke.

He looked around. They all shrugged. Only the main creators knew, but not even they knew what to do.

The demon sighed as pinched the bridge of his nose between his fingers in aggravation.

“So, I assume no one has ANY clue as to how or why this is happening?”

They all nodded in agreement.

How do angels who control heaven have no clue as to what is happening? continued

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Level 15B by Rebekah G. gr. 10 "I didn't hypnotize a chicken!"

The words echoed around them for a moment.

"There's something I never thought I'd say."

"This is just one big joke to you, isn't it?" Jamison hissed. "This wasn't supposed to be real! But we're being chased by people we don't even know, who for all we know want to hurt us, and you're cracking jokes!" ~~~ [30 minutes earlier] Miracle traced a line next to the chicken’s beak. It stilled immediately.

"What’d you do?" Jamison asked.

"It fell asleep. Get the flash drive," Miracle answered.

"Did you hypnotize it?"

"No. The drive?"

"But it-" "Drive, please, Mr. Wolfe, before it discovers whether it or the egg came first and wakes up from that epiphany," Miracle said, grinning.

"Right. Flash drive." He reached inside the coop. "What's on this thing?"

"Nothing needs to be on it, and we don't want the chickens to peck apart something with important information. This is just to check your reaction to a strange situation. Use your imagination if you want something to be on it."

"Oh," he said, frowning as he felt around.

"Hey! What’re you doing?" a voice yelled.

Jamison's head shot up.

"What's that?" he called to Miracle.

"Uh... well, not part of the exercise, that's for sure," she answered, eyeing the man running towards them.

"What do we do?" he asked.

Miracle stepped towards the fence. "What else? Run!" He followed her. The man pursued them.

"Ah, Mr. Wolfe, you take things too seriously," Miracle dismissed. "Did you ever think your choices would bring you to becoming an investigator-” continued

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“Spy,” he corrected.

She sighed. “Spy-in-training, hiding in a dumpster?"

[24 hours earlier] Jamison couldn't believe what was happening. First, he'd gotten an anonymous note to search Floor 15 of the Freytag Skyscraper for suspicious activity - something about a “Floor 15B.” He'd ridden in the elevator with a young-looking redhead; they had exchanged names, and she’d introduced herself as Grace.

They'd parted ways as the elevator reached Floor 15.

Not long after, he’d accidentally discovered the secret entrance to another hallway, presumably 15B. However, he’d quickly been found by a guard, who chased him through the halls before Jamison ran into a room to escape. The guard had followed, apparently ready to tackle Jamison, until a voice had stopped him.

When Jamison turned around, Grace stood behind him, looking amused. To his surprise, and ignoring the guard's attempts to deter her, she asked if he was looking for a job.

"Why do you ask?" he said.

"Well, Mr. Wolfe, you've found our headquarters; it's designed so people can't. I think that's quite impressive. So first, it's easier to recruit you than to move our whole headquarters. Also, if you're intelligent and determined enough for that, you're someone I want with our organization."

He blinked. "And what, Miss Grace, is your organization?"

She tilted her head and smiled. "Well, that's an interesting story. And it starts with the fact that my name isn't Grace." ~~~ A pile of garbage, he didn’t really care to identify, seemed to taunt him when he moved by, oozing more of the awful smell in objection. He moved again to get away, but it responded with a repulsive squick. He grimaced and leaned back, his elbow knocking against the side of the container.

“Stay still,” the woman muttered.

“No problem,” he answered, glancing at her.

She was inspecting their hiding place, so he turned to do the same.

The half-closed lid of the dumpster cast a shadow over their surroundings. They tried to ignore the horrific odor of 3-week-old bananas and sour milk, combined with the moldy odor of rain that had seeped in, but there was no disregarding their mushy, gritty surroundings.

She looked about as pleased as he did. She seemed to wish she’d selected some other place to stow away.

“Look on the bright side,” she finally whispered. continued

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“What bright side?” he answered.

She tilted her head, thinking. “Well, you’ll get to do this regularly if you pass this assessment!”

"Unbelievable. You're unbelievable!" he growled.

The lid being opened forestalled anything Miracle would’ve answered. They peered up at a group of faces that were silhouetted by sunlight before hands reached down to pull them out.

A slight smirk was on Miracle's face. She watched their masked captors pace the room in annoyance.

"I will ask you one more time. Who are you? What do you want?" one demanded.

"I will tell you one more time. I am sure I have no idea what you are talking about," Miracle answered innocently. "We thought you were playing hide and seek, so we played along!"

The man glared at her and turned to Jamison. "Maybe your companion is willing to talk. What organization are you with?"

Jamison frowned. "I'm not sure what you mean. Even if I was, it's none of your business."

The man gave an animalistic growl, threw his hands up, and stormed out, followed by his companions.

"Well done, Mr. Wolfe." Miracle glanced at her watch. "They've been at this for two hours and still have nothing."

He huffed. "Yeah, but they keep getting angrier, thanks to you. Can't you take anything seriously?

Miracle shrugged. "If you lighten up.” Her words sounded like an honest suggestion, lacking any heat.

Jamison rolled his eyes. "Only if you made the first move. I doubt that's going to happen though!"

"It seems we're at a stalemate then," Miracle answered with a small grin.

"It seems we are," he answered, frowning. "What's your plan to get out?"

"Of the stalemate, or this place?"

"Both.”

“Do you have one?" she asked curiously Jamison's frown deepened. He scanned the room.

"Top of the table is peeling.

We can pick some off, slide it between the door and frame, and unlock it. As for our handcuffs..." He looked at her. "Got a bobby pin?"

Miracle bowed her head to reach her hair. She pulled out a pin and tossed it to him. Jamison snapped it in half and went to work on his cuffs. After a minute, they clicked and fell away. He reached across the table to release Miracle's handcuffs before breaking off a shard of the tabletop. Miracle followed and crouched next

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to him as he slid the plastic into place. He grinned as it went in and jumped to his feet, yanking the door back, only to come face-to-face with their captors again.

"Going somewhere?" one snarled.

Jamison narrowed his eyes. "And if we say yes?" He glanced at Miracle for backup, but she was still crouched on the floor, rubbing her lip and watching.

"We'll have to object," he snapped.

"I'll have to insist," Jamison answered.

The masked man stepped forward. Jamison crossed his arms defiantly.

The stand-off never got a chance to go farther. Miracle stood up abruptly and reached up, yanking off the mask. The man turned, surprised, before looking at his companions and nodding for them to take off theirs.

Jamison narrowed his eyes. "Who are you?"

"Eric Monroe, Carson Williams, Mark Leroy, and Ruby Russell," Miracle said. "Other agents."

"This was a set-up?!" Jamison demanded.

"Part of the exercise," Miracle said.

"You said you didn't know them!"

"If I'd told you the truth, I wouldn't have seen how you'd react in a real situation."

He frowned. "That's why you were joking around."

"No, she does that for real," Ruby said. "She's done that to me. Got my mind off panic and made me focus. Soon I realized she wasn't trying to get us out, so I had to. And once I got focused, she did too. Got us out of a bad situation."

Miracle nodded. "I said you take things too seriously, Mr. Wolfe, because I've seen the risk of always contributing to negativity. I try to lighten the mood. It’s helped me out of many dangerous situations."

Jamison narrowed his eyes. "Alright, I can see where that's a good thing. But there's a time and a place for dropping the jokes."

"True," Miracle answered. "Perhaps you’re right. Maybe I don’t do that enough. Either way, I believe my assessment of you was correct. Your potential is undeniable. You've got plenty to learn about me and my world, but I think that can be resolved with more time in the field."

"You seem like the perfect match for each other," Ruby said. "Just saying."

Miracle's smirk reappeared. "She's not wrong, unless I annoy you too much."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Jamison asked. continued

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"It means, Mr. Wolfe, that if you're not opposed to the idea, you've passed this exercise with flying colors. You are welcome to graduate to junior ‘spy’ under my supervision. Here, though, is your last opportunity to opt out."

Jamison eyed her. "So I can either join this insane world, working with a person who nearly drove me crazy in under three hours, or go back to my nice, normal life and pretend this never happened."

Miracle nodded. "Correct. I said it'd be easier to bring you in than to relocate, but a genuine dedication to the job is important. If you haven't got that, then the opposite is true. I won't force you into anything you don’t want to do. You can leave now and never have to see us again."

Jamison nodded in understanding. "Alright. I've made my choice."

Miracle tilted her head.

"I'm in."

Her grin appeared again.

"Welcome to the life of Level 15B, Mr. Wolfe."

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The Abandoned Barn by Rebekah G. gr. 10 Few people ever went into the forest anymore, not since it was rumored that either wolves or coyotes called it home. That, and everyone had thought that they knew what all it had to offer. The key word was thought - nobody had expected what would be found when a somewhat reckless teen decided it would be a good idea to go traipsing through the thick underbrush, and among the trees, to see what she would find.

That was what had brought two officers and a detective into the forest.

When the girl had gone quite far into the forest, in the gap between two branches, something had reflected a thin beam of light into her face, startling her with how suddenly she found herself unable to see anything but blinding white. When she had pushed aside the branches, she had found herself standing in front of an old, broken-down barn. It looked dangerously close to falling over, supported with thick logs jammed against the side that didn’t look much stronger than the boards that made up the building. At the peak of the roof in the front, a long beam extended parallel to the ground. From it, a gold pocket watch hung, the chain wrapped around the end and tied there with fraying twine. Curious, the girl had kicked through the knee-high grass and weeds and, with no small amount of effort, had shoved back the door, which creaked open on rusted hinges.

The interior of the barn had looked like it was something straight out of a pirate’s movie.

Ancient-looking barrels lined the walls, and several had gold and silver jewelry draped along the sides. A scattering of gemstones lined the dirt around them, glittering in the light that came in through the door.

However, what completed the scene as looking like something straight out of a movie - and what led to the girl immediately running home and calling the police - was a single white bone, marred only by a little dirt and what appeared to be the teeth marks of a dog.

That was everything the two officers and the detective knew had happened leading up to them being called out to the barn. Now, as they milled around studying the scene, they attempted to put together some idea of the events that had clearly taken place long before the girl ever found the barn.

“Do we know exactly what this is?” the detective, Dakota West, asked, moving over to the bone carefully so as not to disturb anything.

“Not yet,” answered one of the officers, Remington McDaniels. “Could be just about anything. Could be somebody just tossed their dog a rawhide and didn’t care that the dog never brought it back.”

“Not a rawhide,” answered the other officer, Jocelyn Jones. “Wrong shape.”

Remington shrugged. “Never owned a dog, never needed to know,” he said, moving over to the barrels. “What’re these?” continued “Check inside, maybe there’s a pipe that’s the key to the Templar Treasure,” Dakota answered dryly.

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“The pipe was in a barrel of gunpowder, not gold,” Jocelyn dismissed as she came over to look inside.

Inside the barrels was a collection of various stones, jewelry, and gemstones. Gold necklaces, bracelets, and watches rimmed the other items. In the center was a mixture of smooth, rectangular gold rocks, with tarnish showing their age, shards of rusted silver, diamonds that glimmered in the light, sapphires that seemed to glow blue and reflected other colors like disco balls, and deep purple amethysts.

“If this is stolen and that’s human-” Remington gestured to the bone, “-then whoever did this is going to be in a whole lot of trouble.”

“Or not,” the other two said in unison.

Remington blinked. “I’m missing something, aren’t I?” “Probably, but I’m gonna go make a call before I can say for sure,” Detective West said, pulling out her phone. “See if I even can make a call, all the way out here, anyways. You wanna take this one, Joce?” She looked at Jocelyn, who nodded, and then moved outside.

“You two in on this together or something? Seemed pretty rehearsed the way you both decided I was wrong,” Remington remarked, regarding the other officer with a look of amusement.

“Well, we’re definitely in on something, but not whatever happened here. What’s wrong with this picture?” Jocelyn asked, gesturing to the contents of the barrel.

Remington peered over the edge again, studying the contents. His eyebrows went up as realization struck.

“Ah, there we go. I love those light bulb moments,” Jocelyn said with a grin. “What d’ya see?”

Remington glanced at her. “The gold and silver are fake. Silver doesn’t rust. It tarnishes. And gold doesn’t tarnish.”

“There we go.” Jocelyn picked up a tiny amethyst and held it in her hand for a moment before dropping it. “Real amethysts are supposed to feel cold, but this one feels like it’s just room temperature.”

She picked up a diamond and sapphire each and let out a deep, slow breath over them, then watched them.

“And if you breathe on a diamond or sapphire,” she said, “if they’re real, the fog will evaporate in about two seconds, but these are taking much longer. And a sapphire that’s blue and real will reflect blue light, which was one of my first clues along with the silver and gold that something was off.”

Remington tilted his head and looked at the bone as Jocelyn put the stones back in the barrel. “And what about that?’

Jocelyn looked at the bone. “If whoever put it here was the same person who put these barrels here, I’d guess it’s plaster of Paris. Some people have claimed they’ve seen a dog-like animal around continued

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here. Both wolves and coyotes have been known to not only scavenge, but also bury their prey, so that could explain the teeth marks and the dirt. Since it wouldn’t have smelled like food around here, it might’ve been that whoever left it here brought some food and dropped it or something and that attracted whatever tried to snack on the bone. All things considered though, this looks like some sort of scene set-up.”

“She’s right,” Dakota said, coming back inside. “I found a spot where I got reception and made a few calls, apparently someone’d hoped this would make a good place to film a scene for a movie and set up the scene, but never came back to clean it up when they were done. Pretty interesting thing to find out here, but there’s not really much of a crime to solve.”

“Fastest wrap-up ever,” Remington mused. “It took us longer to get out here.”

Dakota laughed. “Yeah. Now that it’s solved though, any objection to just heading back to write up our reports and let the property owner know?”

“None here,” Jocelyn said.

“Suits me,” Remington agreed with a nod as they headed for the barn door.

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A Black & White Mystery by Rebekah G. gr. 10 "What was that?"

"What was what?"

Remington stopped in front of the fence. "You didn't see that?"

"See what?" answered Dakota as she and Jocelyn stopped next to him.

"There." Remington nodded towards where an animal habitat used to be. In its place now stood a decorative bamboo fence with a sign on it that read, "We can't wait to meet our new neighbors! Check back soon for a new animal to visit.' Between two bamboo poles was a small crack. "It looked like someone looking through at us."

"It's a closed exhibit," Dakota answered in amusement. "What makes you think anyone's back there?"

Remington frowned. "I know what I saw. It was definitely an eye. And it looked like they were wearing some sort of mask."

"Nice day out at the zoo becomes a mystery to solve," Jocelyn commented. "One would think we do enough of this as police officers. Of course we don't. Why would we? Clearly we can go nowhere without this kind of thing popping up."

Remington rolled his eyes. "If nobody's supposed to be back there, and there is someone there-" he began, only to stop short when a sound like a squeaky door sounded from behind the fence. "You know, like someone who would try to sneak through a rusty old door."

Dakota and Jocelyn looked at each other, but said nothing.

Remington glanced around and spotted a keeper, going over to him.

"Excuse me," Remington said, and when he had gotten the keeper's attention, he gestured to the fence. "Do you happen to know anything about what's behind that fence?"

The keeper looked at the fence, and then back at him, a look of amusement flashing across his face.

"Well, I can't tell you much. But a few of the extra apples and carrots I had this morning did go missing, and I did see one of my coworkers taking them back to the inside enclosure that that habitat connects to."

Remington tilted his head up. "Thanks," he said, turning back to Jocelyn and Dakota. "Why would someone be taking food back to an empty enclosure?"

"Who said it was empty?" Jocelyn asked.

"Dakota did."

"No I didn't," Dakota answered.

"Yeah you did," Remington said. "I said it looked like someone was looking through the fence at us and you said- you said- wait..." continued

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"Mhm." Dakota grinned. "I never said there was nobody behind the fence. I just asked you why you thought someone would be."

Remington raised an eyebrow. "You two know exactly what's behind there, don't you?"

"Well, yeah," Jocelyn admitted. "We knew they were getting a new habitat ready to bring in some new animals to reveal today, but not what kind of animals they'd be until now."

"We're in the Asia part of the zoo, and it's a bamboo fence. That remind you of anything?" Dakota asked.

"China," Remington answered after a moment.

"And the eye looked like it was surrounded in a black mask?" Jocelyn added.

Remington stared at her. "Pandas. It's pandas."

"The keeper said apples and carrots went missing. Pandas don't only eat bamboo. Zoos add things like those to their diet," Dakota said.

"She's right," said the keeper, who had been listening. "But don't tell anyone else if you don't mind.

The extras got put in the food bin for my animals by accident, and the panda keeper came to get them back."

"So the pandas made that squeaky-door sound?" Remington guessed.

"Yep," Jocelyn said.

"We'll be wheeling back the fence in about an hour if you want to see them then," the keeper offered.

"Wouldn't miss it," Dakota answered.

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NONFICTION Do Video Games Affect Your Health? by Nehemiah B. gr. 8 Persuasive Essay Over the years, video games have become increasingly popular. The games are so fun these days that people play them for HOURS every day. Many people today even play online with their friends which increases their playing time. Video games can have a significant effect on physical health.

Researchers discovered that older people play video games more frequently than teenagers do. This may be the cause of some of the health problems in older people. Video game addiction leads to a lack of sleep. The research states, “Nikides and other teens are averaging 6.5 to 7.5 hours of sleep a night, well below the 9 hours recommended . . . by the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.” When people don’t get enough sleep, their bodies and minds do not work as they should. Sluggishness and forgetfulness are common issues for those who are not putting limits on their gameplay.

If people had to choose between playing games or joining in physical activities, most of them would choose to play games. This causes bad effects on their health. In passage one, the author says, “Video games have also been blamed for the rise in obesity. People may choose video games over physical activity.” This lack of physical activity leads to weight gain which can further complicate health issues.

Games that require physical movement, like the Wii, can be helpful for someone who doesn’t exercise. Other research explains, “Wii, which has sold more than 30 million consoles across the Americas, comes with a controller that encourages people to physically move as they play; however, it does not give the proper amount of exercise needed by the body. “ Video games are fun, but they can affect your health in a negative way. People should not think it’s the end of the world because they can not play games for hours. There are plenty of fun things to do, and important things, too. One thing to do is to play sports, in real life, or do chores, and so on. There are many ways to have fun. Even the Bible says, “There is a time to laugh, and a time to dance.” This proves that there is also a right time to play video games...Just not all the time.

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Students Should Not Receive After School Homework by Mazie D. gr. 6 Imagine running home from school with a smile on your face. You are excited to play with your best friend. As you unload your backpack, you realize the terror. You have homework in all your subjects. As you look at the pages and pages you have to complete, you realize you will never get done in time. You eventually have to cancel on your best friend. Some people Believe that homework is necessary for learning. However, after-school homework can cause higher levels of stress, can leave little to no time for after-school activities, and can spark tension between family members. Students should not receive after-school homework because it has lasting negative effects.

One reason why students should not receive after-school homework is because it can cause higher levels of stress. Researchers at Stanford found that too much homework can negatively affect students.

These researchers used survey data to interpret how students felt about homework. A large number, “Fifty-six percent of students considered homework a primary source of stress.” Furthermore, “Less than 1 percent of the students said that homework was not a stressor.” From this survey data, it shows that homework stresses out more students than it may help.

A second reasoning why students should not receive after-school homework is because it can leave little to no time for after-school activities. According to an article from “Science Leadership,” homework negatively affects students when it “Takes time away from other things that they’re encouraged to do, such as sports, extra classes, extracurricular activities, family time, etc”(scienceleadership.org). If students are not able to enjoy their personal lives. it may lead them to feel trapped in a life of school, leading them not to try their best at schoolwork. After all, according to The National Center for Education Statistics, students already spend an average of 6-7 hours in school ( https://nces.ed.gov/). This already takes enough away from their personal lives.

One last reasoning why students should not receive after-school homework is because it sparks tension between family members. According to an article in Education Week Teacher, “Teacher Samantha Hulsman said she's frequently heard parents complain that a 30-minute homework assignment turns into a three-hour battle with their kids.” She also included that she is dealing with this problem with her own kids, making her rethink her beliefs about homework. Not only that, but some students do not have the right support system or their parents/guardian around to help with homework. This can lead them to have a hard time completing their homework and can leave them discouraged.

With all things considered, students should not receive after-school homework. Many will still disagree, but I will stand with it from the evidence I have provided. Some reasonings include, continued

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after-school homework can cause higher levels of stress, can leave little to no time for after-school activities, and can spark tension between family members. From these reasonings, I conclude that students should not have after-school homework because it has lasting negative effects.

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Surviving Hitler: A Boy in the Nazi Death Camps by Nehemiah B. gr. 8 Book Review TITLE: Surviving Hitler: A Boy In the Nazi Death Camps AUTHOR: Andrea Warren PUBLISHER: Harper Trophy COPYRIGHT: 2001 SUMMARY In this story, a boy named Jack Mandelbaum describes his life as a Jew. He explains that he heard rumors of war going on. His mother was poor, so he had to work for his family. He made just enough to provide food for his family. Then, the Nazis invaded his area and forced his family to come outside. He explains that when his mom, his brother Jakob, and he went out, the soldiers told them to face toward the wall with their hands against the wall. The soldiers were holding guns toward them, ready to shoot if anyone moved. Sadly, the Nazis took the family. Jack got separated from his mother and Jakob on that very day, and he got shipped to one of the Nazi Concentration Camps.

SETTING Gdynia, Poland, June 14th, 1942 MAIN CHARACTERS

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CENTRAL CONFLICT Jack gets Separated from his family and goes to the Concentration Camp. There, it’s a horrible life. He has to eat nasty soup, and he has to work very very hard surrounded by disease all around him.

RESOLUTION Jack meets Moniek who becomes his best friend. They stay close to each other and enable each other to survive. (That’s only 35% of the Resolution. You have to read the book to find out.)

REVIEW The book’s main message is to treat everyone with kindness. All of these stories about the Jews being persecuted is not only for us to learn about the horrors, but also for us to learn how to treat people! The purpose of the book is so we learn how people feel when we treat them indifferently. Humans are creatures with feelings and reasoning and with the ability to teach lessons. Humans are humans, no matter where you go. Just because they have different DNA, doesn’t mean we should be indifferent.

5 Stars!

I would really recommend this book. It’s very touching and sometimes emotional.

Hopefully you will come across this book at your local library or bookstore.

It’s very good! It has awesome ratings.

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Galaxy Milky Way Project by Nehemiah B. gr. 8

Jupiter is the 5th planet from the sun. It is also the biggest planet out of all the planets in the Solar System. It is made of a whole bunch of gasses. Jupiter has a lot of mass, and it is 43,441 miles in circumference. That means 1,300 Earths can fit into Jupiter. If you were to go to Jupiter, you would weigh more than you do on earth. However, Jupiter has no surface that you could stand on. Jupiter is just a gas giant. It has many layers of gas. It also has a storm inside called the big red spot. It is said that more than one earth can fit inside this massive storm! ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Composition: 0.10 Helium, Ammonia, Sulfur, water vapor, and methane.

Moons: 79 moons and 67 are named.

Distance from the sun: 484.09 million miles away from the sun, but it changes often.

Orbital Period: 12 years Length of day: 9h 56m Radius: 43,441 miles.

Diameter: 86,881 miles

Venus is the second planet from the sun, and it is Earth’s closest neighbor in the Solar System. Venus is the brightest object in the sky after the sun and the moon, and sometimes it looks like a bright star in the morning or evening sky. The planet is a little smaller than Earth, and it is similar to Earth’s inside.

Venus is also very hot. It is so hot because it traps heat in its atmosphere, so the heat can’t get away. It has acid clouds and a very small amount of water vapor (about 0.003%). ● Composition: a rocky core and a rocky mantle. It’s atmosphere contains 96% of carbon dioxide. It also contains 3% nitrogen. ● Moons: no moons, Venus is one of the 2 planets that doesn’t have any moons. ● Distance from the sun: 66.837 million miles. ● Diameter: 7,520.8 miles ● Radius: 3,760.4 miles ● Orbital Period: 225 days. continued

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Neptune is the 8th planet from the Sun, and it is the farthest planet from the Sun. In the Solar System, it’s the fourth-largest planet by diameter, the third-most-massive planet, and the densest giant planet. Neptune is 17 times the mass of the Earth, slightly more massive than its near-twin Uranus! Neptune is also a gas giant just like Jupiter. It is said that Neptune is the coldest planet in the Solar System. A year on Neptune is 165 Earth days. Neptune is named after the Roman god of the sea. It has faint rings, and it’s gravity is like Earth’s gravity. ● ● ● ● ● ●

Composition: rocky core, methane, hydrogen, ammonia, and helium.

Diameter: 30,599 Miles Moons: 14 named moons Distance from the sun: 2.793 billion miles.

Orbital Period: 165 years Radius: 15,299 Miles ● Length of day: 16h and 6m

Mercury is the smallest planet in our Solar System. Along with Venus, Earth, and Mars, Mercury is one of the rocky planets. It has a solid surface that is covered with craters. It has a thin atmosphere, and it doesn’t have any moons. It has a shorter year, but a longer day. At times it is super hot, but at times it is super cold! This is because of its orbit. Its orbit is uneven. It has an egg-shaped orbit, so sometimes it gets super close to the sun, but at other times, it gets far away, so it’s colder. ● ● ● ● ● ●

Composition: 70%, 30% silicate material, and is less dense.

Diameter: 3,031.9 miles.

Moons: Mercury is another planet with no moons, and it is right next to Venus.

Distance from the sun: 35.98 million miles Radius: 1,516 miles Length of day: 58d 15h 30m continued

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Saturn is the 2nd largest planet in the Solar System, and is the sixth planet from the Sun. It is most famous for its rings. The first astronomers thought that Saturn’s rings were its moons; however, it is made of mostly ice particles with some dust and rocks. Some of these rocks may be as big as a bus! Saturn is very different from earth. Saturn is a gas giant just like Jupiter, so this means that you won’t be able to stand on Saturn. Saturn is the least dense planet in the Solar System. ● Composition: hydrogen and helium ● Diameter: 74,900 Miles ● Distance from the sun: 887 million miles ● Moons: 60, and the number is growing. ● Length of day: 10.7 hours. ● Year: 29.4 Earth years

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PHOTOGRAPHY Rose Bearer by Brianade F . gr. 11

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Together by Brianade F . gr. 11

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Spring Buds by Brianade F . gr. 11

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Flowers that Bloom in Spring by Brianade F . gr. 11

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Yellow Dandelions by Brianade F . gr. 11

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Summer Nights by Abdulrahman M. gr. 10

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Yellow Spring by Dustin B . gr. 1

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Cookie Up by MarNeisha B . gr. 8

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Sun Setting Car by MarNeisha B . gr. 8

Trucking Set by MarNeisha B . gr. 8

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Lakeview by MarNeisha B . gr. 8

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Bigfoot by MarNeisha B . gr. 8

Destroyer by MarNeisha B . gr. 8

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Hot Diggity Dog by MarNeisha B . gr. 8

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Me on B23-7R 4099 by Ryan B . gr. 8

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4094 & 3185 About to Depart Zanesville by Ryan B . gr. 8

Pair of Former Conrail B23-7Rs: Zanesville by Ryan B . gr. 8

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Ohio Central Caboose 556 at Zanesville Yard by Ryan B . gr. 8

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First Train on the Central Since 2019

by Ryan B . gr. 8

with Ohio Central 4093, 4092 and Providence Worcester 2216 as the Power Pulling 55 Stored Garbage Cars

Former Conrail Coal Car

on Fast Northfolk Southern Train: Columbus, Ohio by Ryan B . gr. 8

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CSX SD40-3: Fostoria, Ohio

by Ryan B . gr. 8

Ohio Central Newly Purchased 3566

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by Ryan B . gr. 8

Former Wisconsin Central Boxcar: Marion, Ohio gr. 8

Former Conrail Boxcar: Fostoria, Ohio

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by Ryan B . gr. 8

by Ryan B .

Serene Spirit by Sarah K. gr. 7

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Edur & Jokull by Sarah K. gr. 7

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Crystal Plunge by Sarah K. gr. 7

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Stirring Breeze by Sarah K. gr. 7

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Rippling Depths by Sarah K. gr. 7

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Dusk Kai by Sarah K. gr. 7

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Where Green Meets Blue by Sarah K. gr. 7

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Drifting Away by Sarah K. gr. 7

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Planet Saturn by Kaleb B. gr. 8

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Waxing Gibbous 1 by Kaleb B. gr. 8

First Quarter by Kaleb B. gr. 8

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Waxing Gibbous 2 & Waning Gibbous

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by Kaleb B. gr. 8

Waxing Gibbous with Red Filter by Kaleb B. gr. 8

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First Quarter Moon by Kaleb B. gr. 8

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Full Moon Views 1 & 2 by Kaleb B. gr. 8

Full Moon Views 3 & 4 by Kaleb B. gr. 8

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100% Full Moon by Kaleb B. gr. 8

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Rainbows Give Us Hope by Emma V. gr. 11

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All You Need is Love & a Horse by Emma V. gr. 11

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Purple Beauty by Alerara E. gr. 7

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The Fall of Nature by Alerara E. gr. 7

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Bluebells in Bloom by Mazie D. gr. 6

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Lilacs in Bloom by Mazie D. gr. 6

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POETRY A Friend of Mine by Brea C. gr. 3 When I'm blue, I always come to you.

You make me happy.

Yes, I know my hair is nappy.

When I saw you on day one, I knew a new friend was to come.

You make me smile.

It did not take a while.

We’ve been friends, Since the first and the end.

I hope I see you once again.

For you are my friend, And that is true, I'll never forget How I cared for you.

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My Hair by Zariah R. gr. 7 My hair, my hair Not always fair Sometimes tangled In all different angles I can wear it up or down Quiet or sound Big or small Little or all Poofy or thin As it blows in the wind Everyone’s aware My hair, my hair

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Work Now, Play Later by Nikaylah B. gr. 4 Yeah, yeah.

Straight out the crazy dungeons of rap.

The student drops so deep just like my thoughts.

I never leap, 'cause when I leap is the moon of the future.

Beyond the walls of my dreams, life is defined.

I think of my mom when I'm in Youngstown, the city of mine.

Hope the schoolteacher got some preacher.

‘Cause my creature don't like no dirty feature.

I run up to the bleacher and go get the teacher.

In Youngstown, a city of mine.

What more could you ask for? The sharp student?

I complain about math.

I gotta love it though.

I'm rappin' to the heart, And I'm moving your art.

Got nothing against you, but you tried to steal my part.

Work, crazy, super, like a day I thought I told you anyway.

Boy, I tell you, I thought you were away.

Nothing you tell me gets to my mind.

I can't take the math, I can't take the night.

I woulda tried to sing, I guess I got no site.

I'm rappin' to the art, And I'm moving your heart.

Yea, yea, in Youngstown, the city of mine.

When I was young I had a play.

I was bullied because of having good grades.

I never thought I'd see that day.

Ain't a soul alive that could take my work.

A delightful book is just what I want.

You can say what you want, but it turns into a flump.

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continued

It might make you mad, but you gotta think before you say.

And that's an obvious thing anyway.

Thinking of my work. Ya, thinking of my work (my work).

Yea, thinking of my work, my work (my work) and do it again.

Eat,sleep. And do it again.

Work now, play later, work now, play later, work now, play later, or you get eaten by an alligator .

The school lunch has a baked potato.

Hey work now play later. (you gotta do your work) yeah haha.

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Flying With

by Nikaylah B. gr. 4

Uh-huh, it's you I got some problems Thought I'd end up with, But I wasn't super I got one less problem without you I got one less problem without you One less problem without you Now, all I can think about is My, my; My,my Oh one more time I need to push it One more time, I promise after that, I'll let go I don't care if I got rude All I really care about What is going to push with you One more time I need to be the one to push with you, yeah My, my, My, my My, my, my, My, my, yeah And I heard a rumour there's someone else Oh they got a voice like a angel But I can give all my time Oh they got eyes like diamonds But my eyes are better Just keep flying and flying and flying and flying And, oh, I gotta keep, I keep on flying Just keep flying and flying and flying and flying And, oh, I gotta keep, I keep on flying, mmm, yeah

continued

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Oh one more time, I need to push it One more time, I promise after that, I'll let go I don't care if I got rude All I really care about what is going to push with you One more time, I need to be the one to push with it, yeah Just keep flying and flying and flying and flying And oh, I gotta keep, I keep on flying Just keep flying and flying and flying and flying...

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TV & Characters by Breylon M. gr. 5 I am a dragon who guards sacred balls I am the bill, and I’ll let you decipher I am a sonic, and every night I will unleash the wolf inside me I am Boruto in a new generation He is a man and will be gone in a flash He is a Man who poses as a bat He is a doctor but does not have cures I am very little on this big planet All of your deaths I’ll write in my notes If you’re not silent, then this could turn violent I am a juice who is in your world This horizon has a new dawn He is in, but he is not famous I am an assassin who belongs to a creed He practices sword art, but it is online tonight This will be my final fantasy.

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Bright as the Sun by Spirit W-B. gr. 2 Every morning I see you walking down the to store I see that you want me to be bright as the sun Bright as the sun Now I see you walking down to the beach I had seen your dreams And I want it to be bright as the sun Bright as the sun Dark clouds I just don't want to see This bright as the sun Bright as the sun Oh yeaaaa Bright as the bright as the sun Bright as the sunnnnn.

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My Paths by Jalene S. gr. 8 As I was simply walking down a trail The paths split in two ways I knew that my choice only the future could prevail The complications of life are a lot like a maze They are far much more than these long suffered days Although in life most may seek thrill And it moves so fast it may seem unreal But for most parts you will need more than just skill So the path that I choose can not be repealed I chose the one path that is traveled the least Where hard work and much passion is the only key Taking the easy way will not at all You will be Cinderella, minus the ball Not everyone around you is an awful beast I took the road I knew would help me How about you? What do you Think?

Not every story ends with a Prince and a wink

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Apple Tree Man by Jalene S. gr. 8 Not everyone in this world can be, As strong or as wise as that old apple tree For he is so tall and so smart and so kind But he sits all alone with just the thoughts in his mind Although in nature they move in a hurry He just wants to slow down for a time not so blurry, Although he has friends from right now and friends from the past He believes that the meetups and parties won't last And unfortunately the Apple Tree man is so right, He should just relax and not think for just one night, Of pain or misfortune or the the stories some may tell And he’ll feel so much better he will feel very swell So if any of you are like the apple tree man Sit back and relax just enjoy while you can For there problems but to solve them you just have to wait All the hurt in this world is not to contemplate Because you are not the only one going through pain But remember before a rainbow it must rain :)

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Smile by Jalene S. gr. 8 To all of those who struggle to smile And believe the world is `oh so vile, Who thinks the world is to fast That the space is so vast, Who believe they’re all alone Who wish they had notifications on their phone And its to hard and wish it would end They want a lot less time to spend Your life isn't a game it doesn’t restart It is a thing to savour like a fresh baked tart Even when it hurts the most And feel like you are a ghost You are visible at least to me Your light still shines and i can see Your kindness will never grow old Your heart that is a pure as gold

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The Truth by Jalene S. gr. 8 In life some people are rude And blame it on your “attitude” A lot of people are immature And have intentions that aren't pure So listen closely when i say True colors show on a cloudy day Although right now you may not see People will drop you like one two three You may be thinking “that ain’t the truth” You may just need to lose some youth A lot of people are quick to hate You may just need to contemplate The lies and rumors some may speak But it won’t matter in a week

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Ignore by Jalene S. gr. 8 Sometimes in life you have to ignore The people who instigate cannot restore All the things they take away And your dignity they cant repay With all the feeling came from your hurt From unfriendly words they may blurt Thats why so many girls are insecure Because we put each other down, our minds impure We must learn not to have so much hate Before you speak please contemplate.

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Her Mind by Jalene S. gr. 8 Tell her mother that she tries She worked so hard and often cries She feels she's never good enough She makes her exterior seem so tough But the truth is every night Horrible thoughts she has to fight Your ugly, your fat, you do not matter She wonders if her stomach will ever be flatter She always worries about her weight Thinking of the food she ate She wonders why she is still here As she sits alone as her eyes tear She fights her mind, a mental struggle But she feels the thoughts are too strong and smuggle She used to think that she was cute But now those thoughts have all gone mute She always feels as if shes dumb And now her feelings have all gone numb She knows no one will understand It would be washed over like art in sand So instead she drowns in thoughts One day they will listen, maybe she thought

149

Alone

by Jalene S. gr. 8

It seems like in the end I am always alone It sounds quite cliche but my feelings have been postponed I feel like to my mother I will never be good enough So I make my exterior seem so rough I feel like I am all by myself for some reason I seems everyone changes with the seasons While I feel I stay the same Yet all of the problems are my own blame I can't do this anymore My mind will stay a closed door It's the only place I am secluded Outside my thoughts are just diluted Like nothing I say will ever matter No complement is enough to flatter My mind which is now quite ruined I feel my world is being bluened I do not think that I am depressed I just feel like my mind needs to be repossessed By a more positive worthy more confident girl Worth the blessings and brings a swirl Of happiness to everyone else But i fade into the background like i'm beginning to melt

150

Boys by Jalene S. gr. 8 Boys are honestly quite simplistic people They don’t make life seem like abstract art on an easel Although some are bad there is still ones that are good But you overlook them like they should be misunderstood I see it quite often that people say “Men take advantage” But girls also mistreat them, but girls see it as no damage Honestly I feel that women believe they do no wrong But if men stated this from their point of view it would be the “Same old song” But we preach about equal rights But honestly we do pick some of the fights Although I do believe some men are trash It’s not all of them who deserve to be bashed So just remember all men aren't trouble So sometimes it's better to stay in your own bubble.

151

She Is My Only Love by Kayleigh F. gr. 6 Flutters in my stomach when I see her name, Sparkles in my eyes when I see her face, Her eyes as blue as the sky, As I see her walking by, Her skin is as soft as a sheep, But she probably thinks I look like a freak, Her lips are as red as cherries, She is like fairies she's as beautiful as she can be, But I know she’ll never be with me.

152

Love: An Indispensable but Forgotten Quality by Nehemiah B. gr. 8 Love...is it just a word?

Or is it something that is just heard?

Does it have to deal with attraction?

Or is it proved by what you say, or your actions?

Love is an action word.

Yet, today it remains forgotten, as if it never subsisted.

This world is unsubdued, not taking love into any careful consideration.

This in turn...will cause some discombobulation.

Nation rises against Nation, and Kingdom against Kingdom.

Nobody has expected humankind to be such self-centered creatures.

Humankind has been alienated from Humankind.

Humans have caused problems over doltish little things.

But...what would happen if the world showed love?

Consider what love does.

Love is Patient, and kind.

Love is not Jealous Does not brag.

It does not get puffed up with pride.

It does not become provoked.

Does not keep account of the injury.

But it hopes all things, Believes all things, Endures all things.

What would the world be like today if they reflected this quality?

Good!

But why does it need to reflect this quality?

Because Love never fails!

153

Wrap it Up by Jozelynn D. gr. 7 Wrap, wrap, wrap it up.

Come on now, We got to wrap this up.

We got to wrap it up, Like wrapping paper.

We got to wrap it up, Like a burrito.

We got to wrap it up, Like a tacco.

We got to wrap it up, Like a present.

Come on now, We got to wrap this up.

154

Cheese by Jozelynn D. gr. 7 I am a cup tea, And you're the peas.

What is with the piece of cheese?

Jeez, Do you have to tease?

I am just going with the breeze, And trying to freeze..

There are bees, Trying to get your keys, Because you are a piece of cheese.

155

Make a Call by Jozelynn D. gr. 7 I make a call Trying get it all, But, no, no, no, You get it all.

But, just wait, Because I am going to be tall And you're going to be small.

You hit me with a ball, But you run into a wall.

If I recall, You had something installed, But it had a downfall.

156

Summer by Natalia G. gr. 4 When the flowers bloom And the birds hum their tune, That's when summer begins.

We roll off the hills, And ride our bikes down the road .

School is over, But school will come again.

We dive in the pool, With our popsicles and tropical vibes, Or we spend some quality time.

That's what I like about summer.

That's what I like about summer .

😀😀😀

SUMMER!!!

157

I Know in the End by Kylie M. gr. 6 I know in the end I will rise above it all, And I know that I am meant for greater things, So I will make the choice today.

I made the choice, and I am now who I am Because I rose high in the sky and I Believed in myself Now I know that there ain't no way You're getting me down from here ‘Cause I'm living sky high And you ain't bringing me down ‘Cause I will just get back up again.

I know in the end I will rise above it all And I know that I am meant for greater things, So I will make the choice today.

I made the choice and, I am now who I am Because I rose high in the sky and I Believed in myself Now I know that there ain't no way You're getting me down from here ‘Cause I'm living sky high And you ain't bringing me down Cause I will just get back up again.

158

What I Created by Dion E. gr. 9 I feel that strings are attached to my arms I feel that my heart skips a beat when I’m drowning within my sorrow I feel that I'm not just the doll, and I'm not the the one who’s playing with it Strings attached to my legs I can’t break free. I wish….

Hands are dragging me down into a hole that is dark I try to get up…. I try to breath.... But it turns out The fiendish hands that I created are dragging me back to the place I started The fiendish hands that I wish I never created over the years I ask, why do I start at the same place?

I think to myself, what have I done? I made a forest of hell.

The forest that I look at now over the years I will always be a prisoner within the forest that I can’t escape A call for help will never work. I want to get out this hole, But I pull back into the forest that I try to get out of. I gave up.

I'm a prisoner until I don’t get knocked down no more I want to fight. I want to leap, but I can’t, Because the fiendish hands that I created, and the forest that is full of hell They know that they can keep me there with no strings attached I desire to break free, but I can’t, so I just stay.

159

I’m Your Voice by Dion E. gr. 9 Hi. Hello. I’m your voice even if you don’t have one I’m here for you to take a stand. You are wonderful You are love. To be honest, a lot of people are like you and me.

People who like to please other people. We fake our happiness But let me tell you, please yourself first. You might be depressed About a relationship that you wish you could fix or trust That was broken. You might blame yourself for your downfalls There a people, even family and friends who might point out: Oh you’re getting fat Or, Oh you need to change this about yourself. When people cross your path Who might “trying to help you” just sit back and and tell them you’re perfect Tell yourself i'm perfect and love yourself because on one will respect you Trust me you are here for a reason even if you don’t believe in yourself Just remember that I believe in you. I know how it feels to when people say You need a change, but like I’m always saying, nobody is ugly. Society is just so judgemental.

160

Her by Bre M. gr. 9 Her smile’s like nothing I've seen before, so wide and open Her hair, silky smooth, flows carelessly in the Nevada wind Her braces are as blue as the sky The cuts on her back seep through her shirt; I can see her spine Her parents want what's best, and they wanna keep her locked away Even though they placed a single knife there everyday Turns out all along that beautiful smile was fake How can you smile when you have a terrible back ache?

From all the past friends and family member that stabbed you each day That beautiful smile is soon gonna fade Just like cuts on her arm Just like her happiness It's all just fading ,fading away She only puts up a front so she can seem happy It's only for the people, so they see she's ok But she’s drowning in her thoughts and emotions contemplating death each day Because she's no longer happy My love for her is not enough She’s trying so hard, but it's so tough So that beautiful girl doesnt feel good enough Wishing her life wasn't so rough But she can't try anymore, but suddenly She doesn't wanna die anymore because she just wants to be loved It just sucks because she doesnt want my love

161

We Matter by Cinnamon W. and Charnaya H. gr. 7 Black Lives Matter is movement that is dear to me George Floyd died at the hands of police brutality Said my skin black, pose a threat, still no justice yet Ma’Khia Bryant with a knife couldn’t get a chance at life Bust up in the wrong home Took her life, now she’s gone Breonna’s family shattered Say it with me: Black Lives Matter All lives matter is a protest to my protest Blacks getting killed by police, now let’s address Columbine, Sandy Hook, Knoxville got us shook But the color of their skin let us know they are off the hook Put ‘em up, put ‘em up, put ‘em up, leave ‘em up Put ‘em up, put ‘em up, put ‘em up, leave ‘em up Put ‘em up, put ‘em up, put ‘em up, leave ‘em up

162

Relief for the Sinners Divine by Sarah D. gr. 9 (Free Form Poem Assignment with poetic devices from H.I.M, Type O Negative, The Cure, and She Wants Revenge and four lines written by me)

Everything as cold as life, Here we are And don't know how to stop Waiting for the war, You've got the prettiest face I ever did see With eyes inside like songs I swear I've known, Everyone screams and shouts, profanities is all I see, How can you be proud When you're sinking into the ground?

Crawl back into bed Tomorrow's is trembling At the sight of you and I, I'm alone with her, We lie together, she asks me, “What do you think of me?”

I replied with a grin and a sigh, “Oh baby, Lilly Munster.

Ain't got nothing on you.”

continued

163

Consumed with howls and screams, Their words became too much for you, Your pain too much for me.

Into the flames and without shame, the fire in her eyes grew dim and then died.

Everytime we touch we get closer to heaven And at every sunrise our sins are forgiven, Kiss me now the time is right, Kiss me now then say goodnight, Now like a bird she flew away, Smack me in the mouth, my love, Even when you’re gone, you feel like you’re still here, The autumn air Thickly fills my lungs so sweetly Reminds me of her smoky breath.

You can rent a space inside my mind, I've been wondering when you might just walk through the door.

I remember your love so vibrantly, so salty, so sweet, to me it tastes like a tear, But every night I burn But every night I call your name, “Would you take me with you, I'm all alone.” My mind, it screams.

I'd cry if I thought it would change your mind Cry for the girl I hoped you to be.

164

Stormy Thoughts by Sarah D. gr. 9 (Free Form Poem) Storms, a favorite of mine when it comes to weather.

It reminds me that I’m never alone. And along their rumbling, Their words that speak so loudly.

They tap gently on windows, and ask “Hey, are you okay?” Even when a fog rolls in, My friends come in the shape of mist. More gentle, more small.

One wrong move, and they merge with soil.

Besides the moon and their vibrant glow after my friends arrived, they keep me alive.

I thrive in the dark. I thrive when I’m truly alive at night.

Night air feels different when no one’s around. It feels freeing, and I can prepare.

I can prepare for a number of situations, but nothing will ever make me truly prepared for what life brings.

I often sing late at night, playing guitar other times or just wondering.

Wondering, of what could be. Do stars feel? Does the moon breathe?

Does the sun smile down upon her children as they rouse from their slumber?

Does the earth really care about us as we lay on her surface, destroying her bit by bit?

So many questions that living only one life-time can barely answer.

I barely can comprehend how the trees somehow speak without words and how clouds dream of creatures that were written in literature.

I wish, I wish, I could feel what that’s like, but I feel like I have a clue.

I feel like I am one with everything when the clouds roll in. The skies darken, and the rain visits me.

It visits everyone else like an absent friend that checks in, to make sure that we haven’t left yet.

I notice though, a lot of people still get down when it visits, and that’s okay because nobody knows how everyone else will react to something until it happens.

I feel even less alone when the moon rises.

It’s unknown why, but I do know that if no one has my back, the moon does.

She’ll always be there for her children, even if the clouds veil her face from the ground, You’ll still see her smile even after all the damage has been done from countless battles with comets

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continued

and asteroids. That’s who I want to be.

I want to stand strong even if life throws the biggest hurdles at me. I want to keep pushing and strive to do better, to BE better.

I don’t want to give up, but the weight gets to be too much. It weighs heavy, but when I get a chance to rest, I don’t like it. I feel stagnant, and I hate that feeling of not doing anything.

But when sleep comes, it feels so good.

It pets my head as I lay my shell, my body, to rest. It whispers stories, dreams and nightmares to me.

“Rest now child. Tomorrow will be calm. But don’t forget to slow down. You’re burning out my little flame.” It whispers as the feeling fades, and I actually rest until the morning comes.

I wish I could stay, but it will always weigh me down.

But I do know that even though I’m tired, that weight makes me stronger.

Trying to fight old processes, thoughts, and ways of life, is a battle. Even the simplest task seems so draining after the realization of “I’ve been living so fast, slow down.” My brain echoes the thought of reality, of a simple fact of all humans, that we burn out.

That life is so fragile, we can break from the tiniest things, yet we stand strong against bigger issues. Bigger than us as a whole.

Even if that is so, I don’t want to give up. This can’t be all there is to life, is it? An endless cycle of getting hurt, brushing myself off, and shedding my skin for a new cycle?

Of constant pain, finding myself, getting too comfortable, then going back to square one?

At least, one thought I can always stay at, is the thought of the rain.

It will always be there at least, because people come and go. That’s how it is, and that’s how it will always be.

That’s a fact I cannot change even if I take the forbidden matrix pill and choose to keep them in my mind, but they will always ONLY rent the space.

I know this, and I can let go, even though I’ve been holding on to the point that there are blisters and rope burns. I’ve been holding on for what? For a person, for a thought, that CLEARLY wants to leave?

But, that’s okay. They can leave.

Everything is temporary, and better people and things will come in time.

I only need to be patient. Things will come in time, and I know that when a door closes, and there’s nowhere else to go, there’s always a window. continued

166

If there are no windows, there are floors and ceilings to break through. And IF there are none of those, there’s always walls to breakdown.

I will not give up.

I won’t stop waiting, I won’t stop pushing.

I will fight for the dawn, and live for the night.

And I will wait, Wait for the rain to come.

167

My Very Toxic Relationship by La’Mkya D. gr. 9 I'm a bad friend.

I'm a bad sister.

I'm a bad daughter I'm always yelling.

I’m always crying.

I'm always falling for someone who doesn't care I exist.

I'm always jealous.

I'm tired of pretending.

I’m tired of writing my feelings down.

I’ll never be normal; honestly, I don’t want to be.

I’ll never be sane; being sane is weird.

I’ll never be a goddess, and I'm okay with that.

I’ll never stop learning; every day is a new lesson.

I’ll never stop teaching; every day is a new topic.

I’ll never stop being creative.

I’ll never stop being different.

I’ll never stop being myself; what’s the world without me?

It’s funny, cause: I like things.

I like people.

I like food.

I like drinks.

I like clothes.

I like beds.

I like writing.

I like reading.

I like being socially awkward.

continued

168

But, I hate unnecessary things: I hate “extra” people.

I hate poisonous foods.

I hate unflavored drinks.

I hate itchy clothes.

I hate broken beds.

I hate writing about other people’s lives.

I hate reading things that don’t make sense.

I hate not having anything to talk about.

I have a love/hate relationship with almost everything.

Everything including you.

169

Smash Rhymes by Jaeden C. gr. 7 I don’t have a lot of cash So I run even when I get a hot flash Even though I splash And I don't have a moustache My dad drives so fast That I get whiplash.

170

The Midnight Moonwalk by Isaiah W. gr. 5

I saw the midnight moonwalk I sat down to talk I stood up to cross The midnight moonwalk I walked along the bridge I looked for something big Then there I saw it I saw the full midnight moon On the midnight moonwalk So I ran away Hoping not to become a stray And when I got home Evil was waiting at bay…

171

The Girl I Love by Alayana F. gr. 3 Her eyes are as dark as bark.

Her cheeks are as red as a cherry.

Her face is full of joy like a toy.

When she plays she stays.

She is as beautiful as she can be, But I know she will never be with me.

172

Snowflake by Diya D. gr. 4 The snowflake falls, All alone wishing it had a friend.

The designs, shiny as ice.

It wished, it wondered, it saw all that it could be. Then thought why wish, why wonder.

When it could be all that it wanted to be.

Faster and faster while going to the ground, saying "Here I come." A Snowflake on the ground with lots of friends.

173

Friends to Family by Alexi J. gr. 7 No matter what has happened You can’t leave your friends behind, Because when someone tries to hurt you Friends will be by your side, To help you stand tall And fight for what's right, Because friends will always be there Whenever something happens And they will help you push past it So you can move and have a little space

174

Depressed Teens by Jakiyah H. gr. 8 The sun has set, The smiles no longer conceal.

You try to tell people how you feel, But don’t wanna be filled with regret.

You’re dead on the inside but no one can see, They only see the mistakes like “Why does that have to define me?”

It’s 3a.m.

You can’t sleep.

You stay up thinking ‘bout the life of your dreams.

You cry yourself to sleep, Praying God will leave you be, But he doesn’t because “He sees a soldier in me?”

You’re lonely, Cold, Sad, And in pain.

You try to open up, but they think it's a game.

You see no purpose of this thing called life, But yet you can’t bring yourself to pick up that knife.

You want to end your pain, But don't want others to gain.

Life is a blur, The days seem to slur.

You smile during the day, To keep the questions away.

You handle it alone, Don’t want the spotlight on me, And that sums up the life of a depressed teen.

175

My Chihuahuas by Elyijah H. gr. 5 We have two little puppies Their names are Taco and Bell They wrestle and sleep together They are my Chihuahuas

176

The Art of Nature by Erikka Marie G. gr. 11 A whistle from the beyond far away Not close enough to make you tremble in fear The whispering savor of the wind The rootness of the world is immortal and the rumble of the binder is what puts it all together.

The rumble from the afar in the beyond running to the end of the planet.

Even when I’m not alone I am not alone.

177

The World Behind by Erikka Marie G. gr. 11 Walking by the old home, some going in. Some just walking by. They share the same story but are different people. The time slowly passes by. The wind being silent. The sound of nothing. The minds of the people being washed,and forgotten. Who are they? Where do they go when everything just stops? Inside their own brain, overthinking with the burden of anxiety. They aren't immortal. They are human. Hearing the ticking of the clocks in the silence of the air around them. The screams inside the brains of the people surrounding them. The water flowed heavily. The air filed with the aroma of cookies being baked. A metal taste in their mouths. Time slowly fading away. Goodbye...Goodbye wonderful world, or so they thought.

178

Fly Away by Lia S. gr. 9

I look outside and see the birds. So many colors of the world, red, green,blue, black, gray. When we open the door, they fly away. Oh why do they fly away? Next time they fly away, can they take my pain?

179

Dear Body by Mirelle S gr. 9 Dear Body, I am sorry For starving you For working you too hard For criticizing how you look Dear Body, I promise I will feed you regularly I will not push you past your limits I will call you “beautiful” Because that's what you deserve Dear Body, I Will not cover you up Will embrace your insecurities Will love you Will not let others say affect how you look anymore Because you are beautiful, because I am beautiful

180

It by Molly S. gr. 8 I swim in the dark ocean I dive deeper into the vast motion The bioluminescence guides my sight They lead me and show me light I swim with content Down with no intent Oh, how I love the ocean blue I see the creatures no one else has seen before Colorful and bright, nothing is a bore Ever-changing shapes and sizes So many surprises Sideways eyes, glowing sides Why would I ever leave this behind?

But, something feels off It’s suddenly quiet And then in the blank I hear a voice Calling out to me It’s human, strangely In the valley of abnormal I thought I was alone Am I even here, or is this just a dream?

I love the life and the liveliness of it all But I swam past it I swam past it There’s no more light now Just, Wrong.

continued

181

I wish I could stay down and never come up I would give my life to stay down here And then I see the bones And I think I might have to Then the seaweed strangles my throat And then the fish crawl into my coat And then the normal luminous light shuts off And then my sanity starts to scoff I laugh into the oh so cold dark where I thought I was alone And then pressure gets to my head And then I see those things are looking straight at me And then I finally see It.

182

:/<3 by Molly S. gr. 8 They say that these years are the best years of my life But as I’m living through them, I see clean through my back, there’s a knife I can’t lay down without crying evermore My back feels twisted, and I think it’s sore And my arms feel heavy And my brain is deadly And my hips sway side to side Oh well, back to my room To where I shall reside :)

183

A River Flows on Skin by Molly S. gr. 8

A river flows on skin Mountains carry them down A river flows on skin And I’ve got the crown A river flows on skin I am the queen of this little town A river flows on skin And with a smile, I decree We’re past the point of dying So god save the queen

184

The Crow by Molly S. gr. 8 There is a crow I am quite fond of Color black as the unknown.

His feathers shift to amethyst in the occasional light Oh, he is so beautiful.

The crow is smarter than anyone I have ever known Even I. Its wings spread out like lighting.

Quick, bright, and you never see it coming.

Watching him glide through the air without a care in the world Ah, I wish I could be as lively as you.

As he takes a bite of my acquaintances, I can’t blame him He’s just trying to survive Oh, my shadowy friend who doesn’t know me I hope you’ll stay alive.

As I am down here and he is way up there I lay and think Why am I jealous of a thing so weak I immediately regret it.

I am so sorry, my dearest I feel like I have hurt my oldest friend While all of the others are already dead Promises made and broken “Tell my family I love them.”

But I can’t move And everyone else is gone continued

185

It wasn’t just us Both our faults But none at the same time Just pawns in a losing game of chess But the crow always seemed to stay the same How I love him so.

As I can’t help but lay and rest I can’t do anything else anyway I see Him My worst fears are about to be answered as the crow’s friends have feasted on everyone else.

I can not move I have never known such pain But if my friend ever dies, I feel like it would start all over again And as he hobbles closer I have accepted my fate My dear fellow I can not move to escape this The last thing I hear is the sound of a never-ending shriek As the crow claws at my eyes until they bleed and he devours my flesh till I’m no more How smart he is indeed My old friend.

186

Mars by Gabriella M. gr. 6 A collaborative integrated project for Science, SS, and ELA

It has always been red.

And far overhead.

No more than a star.

Really, really far.

From hope of every landing.

But look at the star now fully grown.

I never thought I’d be there for my own.

Now here I am beyond my own stars.

I never dreamed of life on Mars.

187

I Want to Be President on Mars by Kalina K. gr. 6 A collaborative integrated project for Science, SS, and ELA for the Presidential Election on Mars!

Vote Kalina for President of Mars Where we will live among the Stars Doge coin and Starlink for all Living in Mansions that sprawl Freedom and rights for everyone On this fourth planet from the sun.

188

Mars by Lanlee F. gr. 6 A collaborative integrated project for Science, SS, and ELA

Lonely and Rocky A beautiful dusty place Way below freezing

189

Mars by Dany S. gr. 6 A collaborative integrated project for Science, SS, and ELA

Marsss is cold, It might be full of mold.

Stars are bright, They are such a delight.

We will need cars, Way up on Mars.

Mars is super red.

Or is it actually orange instead?

Mars is Super Dead, Maybe that’s why it is red.

190

Secluded Nights

by Isabelle L. gr. 10

On some nights A hollow sigh can be heard From the ragged, days that have worn us thin On some nights A few tears may be shed from our glazed eyes Which once saw a world that was much less of a fright But we can only grasp on for so long Until our heart pleads for respite Oh, how it wishes to rest To distill the haunting realities in our heads

On some nights An alluring song sneaks into my ear The tuneful voice evoking one’s burrowed hope for brighter days On some nights I imagine the melodies of my heart unfold rapturously Wishing to unfold in its ingenuity

191

Midnight Leaves by Isabelle L. gr. 10 Out from the window There I see, a band of tall, furry trees Swaying to the wind, their branches subsiding to its free In a bobbing rhythm, yet flowing like a tranquil wave to and fro And as if their dancing was meant for me Suddenly, I feel lighter as I take a breath But it all ends in a whisk of a late realization Once I see that While the trees may dance My roots can hardly stand

192

Twins Falling from the Vaulted Sky by Charisma W. gr. 8 A Poem about Dabi and Hawks

Dabi

Hawks

I beat the burden of my body, unjust murder tainting

My wings against the wind screaming and hellflame lighting the blood on my hands

I am a tree torn off its roots, heaving, breathing fire I am burning in vengeance the debt of my creator’s crime

Branch, bureaucrat-sharpened scraping my world-heavy shoulders till it breaks the skin down my flesh as gravity claims my life

My lungs fill with smoke with anger bloodlust boiling over

My vision goes red with a longing for my childhood, free from

the burden of memory, of birth-destiny It pushes me off the fledgling nest it anchors me to the ground to Earth, swallowing my talons like paternal cannibalism down a tight throat maternal silenceviolence like vulgarities, thrown like bombs hitting teeth, blood spitting Homeward, I am falling from father’s favour from family treeI am effaced

from public pedestal from the open sky and I am plunging To disgrace

193

Summer by Ryan W. gr. 6

School is over now No school work until August It is time for fun

194

A Dream Come True by Ambience C. gr. 6 Roses are red, Violets are blue, Love and happiness Like a dream come true And I will never forget it Because I love you.

195

Moonlight Madness by Jazmin B. gr. 10 I watch as she strips of her clothes Dancing around me in the moonlight She sacrifices the lamb to make us pure If we were man and a woman we wouldn't have this curse

196

My Lover by Jazmin B. gr. 10 She dances in the rain Sipping blood straight from the vein

My heart speeds up just from her touch Just two souls engaging in their love It feels so wrong How could a love be so pure, But be so hated by everyone?

My lover she smiles in the face of guns, war and flames Her eyes like the moon Shivering every time she says my name I fall entranced with her once again She is my guide, My moonlight My twin flame

No one will ever know a love like ours Forbidden and evil Our graves six feet apart I'm placed with a man who doesn"t even know my name A curse runs deep upon those who took my soul’s flame

197

Ever Since Change by Delphia D. gr. 9 Every since I’ve been a kid I’ve heard “Life is going to be hard. “ “Times can get rough. “ “People Change. “ “You Change. “ Ever since I’ve been a teen I’ve Seen People dying Homes getting torn down And families of 7 getting evicted from their homes I’ve seen people I consider close Leave me and hurt me and those whom I love I’ve seen changes in myself Some good Some bad Ever Since I’ve been in highschool I’ve heard “Try to participate in class more.”

“You could have tried harder.”

“Study more, or you won’t get anywhere good in life.”

“What are you going to do when you get older?”

I ponder this question a lot.

What am i?

Then it leads me to the question Who am I? I have no idea what I am , But I do know who I wanna be I wanna be someone who can be counted on I wanna be someone who others consider smart I wanna be someone who’s not forgotten, Because I know one day I’ll do something spectacular, worthy of my name being remembered To me that’s all that matters.

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A Much Needed Friend by Mazie D. gr. 6 When you first looked into my eyes, I saw what lies behind, The depth of pondering on all the lies you've been told.

I asked if you are ok, Only to be heard, “Yes. Please go away.”

After a year of knowing you, We have become great friends, We smile, laugh, and tell each other about our days.

Yes, you have become much happier, Only by so little time, All you needed was a friend, So you no longer cried.

Maybe in this world today, We can reach out with loving arms and say, “Are you ok?”

We can help others and befriend those going through hard times.

Oh how much we can help those struggling, With a single act of reaching out in kindness.

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Blooming Beautifully by Mazie D. gr. 6 I felt a swirl of wind come by, Along with it a little fly.

Soon I felt the day pass on, As I felt a change come upon My petals uncurled from a ball, As little raindrops started to fall.

Oh, what a lovely time spring is?

A time for new life on earth to fizz.

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I Am Here for You, So Stay by Alaina O. gr. 8 Don’t be scared to be yourself Don’t be sad when others make a smart remark You are unique, so be yourself Don’t be sad; you are loved by my heart Things can scare you just like a fear You don’t have to be afraid You don’t have to shed a single tear Put a smile on your face Just know that I’m near I’m just glad that you’re here I am here for you Throughout the darkest of days I’ll be here to stay Even though others go their unkind way I am here to watch you, so stay.

You’re unique, so be yourself That’s a good thing to say If I had one friend to compare you to At the end of the day, you are you That’s why I want you to stay Even throughout the darkest days on the computers You can talk to me to become friends Just make sure you be careful Because others can be evil users When you’ve taken in as much of pain others put you in

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continued

Let it go Forget it Choose to be happy I had friends once, But it turns out that only one friend was true Just be glad that you can find true friends And you can consider me as one Sometimes I want to scream out loud When you’re looking for a friend to be alone with online, Just realize there would be a crowd.

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Petals Spring 2021 Issue

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