Cascia Hall Literary Magazine 2018-19 Edition

Cascia Hall Literary Magazine 2018-19 Edition

Executive Editors: Jadon Jordan and Hannah Waller

Senior Editors: Lily Phillips and Trenton Tabler Treasurer: Geni Gallant Mini Treasurer: Lydia Bodi Secretary: Margaret Barbour Marketing: Claire Hornibrook

Editing Staff: Geni Gallant Lexie Cuttler Margaret Barbour Lily Philips Trenton Tabler

Cover Photo Courtesy of Marche Ashford

A special thanks to Quick Print for their services and support!

Faculty Sponsor: Kathleen Brown

General Submissions

Artwork Courtesy of Rachel Golla

5’1 and 100 Pound Dreams Jadon Jordan In a nation Plagued with beastly news The immoral civilians Moan distressing tunes Showering mountains of dirt To patch the hole in the dirt Where their loved ones slumber While they suffer on earth In this nation Born are creatures of the night Waving weapons of destruction Engaged in an endless dog fight Menial Disputes Gun laws and abortion rights Legalizing murder To maintain the convenience of life Calling into matters Such as obstruction of justice While little ones are starving And the homeless beg and wander In this great nation Where the weak must learn to swim Lives a determined girl With a 5’1 height Who wishes to ease the suffering Spread comfort and peace Who refuses to be dragged down By the weight of her 100 pound dreams.

Photo Courtesy of Lexie Raley

My Sister, Rita

By Hannah Waller She’s every passing face in the street, A mirage that my heart sprints to, As much a myth as an echo in the night, Calling me, Begging me to remember, That she’s out there somewhere.

Many miles I’ve traveled, Many times I’ve wondered, If every mile is a step in your direction, If every town is a shell of your past, If someday I’ll stop wondering, And together we’ll be at last.

Could you forgive me, Sister, If I ever passed you on the street, If in the night I heard your voice calling out my name, But closed my heart in shame?

I know now, That love is immutable, Like the pain in my heart, That I cannot bear, When I am here, Knowing you’re out there, And no matter where I look And how hard I try, All that I know is this, My sister Rita, You’re out there somewhere.

Artwork Courtesy of Rachel Golla

Artwork Courtesy of Rachel Golla

4 Years Travis Guillory For years he was my baker Producing perfectly powdered pastries That made the hairs on my neck stand.

For years we sat in harmony Making music until the sun went down Punishing me to my room for slumber.

For years he was my turtle vigilante My greatest hero.

But, turtles only live so long.

For years he was David Fighting a cancer bigger than he.

But this time, David would not be the victor.

For years his strength waned, Fighting less fervently On God, I placed the blame.

Delivered from the snares A freed sparrow He soared far from mortal life.

Four years elapsed.

And still steaming streams of Salty sorrow soak my face.

Four years is a lifetime now that he’s gone.

Artwork Courtesy of Rachel Golla

The Wolf Peyton Carter The wild wind laps at my skin Lavender fills the air, I gaze up, A structure quietly towers towards the sky Letting off a truthful light.

I am a ghost terrified by wonder, Unafraid to be alone.

The building embraces me The warmth stings, It feels so real I pace unaware of the mystery As if the path is laid already.

I sit in a warm silence for minutes or hours All I hear is the pelt patter and splash of hundreds of ravens pecking on shingles, As soon as my mind shifts so will the scape.

I gaze into the eyes of a silhouette Its menacing comfort is peaceful Its shifting glow draws me in closely I know the animal, Yet can't grasp at the name, I try it myself, reaching at the mane, The dark wolf tackles, His fur billows like smoke.

There is no fear, It’s that feeling inside The same smoke touch as the wolf’s hide, As the dark swallows me once more Wind whips at me again, It’s not the wolf’s breath,

But a sharp metal snore.

The light stabs me The wolf will soon be gone, He’ll go as vaguely as he came The dusk has turned to dawn.

Photo Courtesy of Rosie Ferrell

*2nd place*

Silently Butchered Lydia Bodi

The piece of cattle that was once filled with vibrant life plummeted to the ground, As hunger boiled amongst the selfish humans.

A trickle of bright crimson danced down her face Right in between her long, thick lashes and her shiny nose.

Reluctantly, her soul abandoned her unfulfilled body Her and her unborn child moped up the stairs Into the gates of heaven She pondered Why me?

Why do the humans insist on my death when they are hungry?

Why do I have to suffer and give my life because of their own hunger burden?

My lifeless remains lay still with bubbles of grease walking along its sides ‘Order up,’ the fat man yelled while his long beard gently grazed my fried corpse My scraps were thoughtlessly passed through greedy human hands Until my chopped up body sat before an arrogant, Mindless Absurd Slob.

The slob cut into my delicate meat with no mercy, and Stuffed it into his trap.

Once every crumb was licked off of the coffin that they laid my carcass upon The predator sat back into the wood that was begging him to get off Satisfied at last Until next time, Cattleman’s Steak Place.

Artwork Courtesy of Rachel Golla

NIGHTWALKER Hannah Waller Night walker You stride again Up the walkway Then into the night again.

They told me once When we were just kids Don’t fear the sound, And try not to ask why, And whatever you do, Don’t tell Grandmother what you heard that night.

I think I’m asleep, But I’m there on the porch, Watching you pull up, Then come up to the door, Silence.

Morning rises and I wonder if anyone else heard it to, Footsteps?

A woman?

Here?

That late?

Why didn’t they knock on the door?

Mama says you’re a dream Bryan says you’re the night walker, When we were alone later that day, Out on the porch, Grandma looked sad And so I asked her why, And she told me about Aunt Caroline Who died in a car accident when she was 22 Then she looked me in the eyes, I hear her to.

Photo courtesy of Victoria Soranno

*1st place*

The Death of a Scholar Luke baber

In my early days, knowledge was an object, A blue-ribbon prize, I never could collect.

Unlike the discouraged, who gave up and died, I kept on the treadmill, or at least I tried.

I’m a modern-day Sisyphus, Even when all the work is done And I’ve recovered somewhat from Student-born insomnia, I wake up to another Everest.

My mind, fighting for its sanity, wanders through the halls, Hearing gossip and stories bouncing off the walls.

People tiptoe lightly to avoid the constant tugs Of peer-pressured Snapchats, sex, and drugs.

I live now in a world that goes from A to D. A four letter dystopia is keeping me from being free.

It’s barring me from friendships and society, And turning me from parties to sobriety.

Maybe it’s not all bad, at least I’ll go to college.

Maybe I could get some money for my knowledge, Or I could trade it for an experience, a once-in-a-lifetime.

Even after everything I’ve been through, yet another mountain climb.

Artwork Courtesy of Rachel Golla

*Staff contest winner*

1:33 A.M. Lily Phillips

It’s 1:33 in the morning, and your deadline’s in 4 days so you sit and think, and sit and think, and close your eyes and once they’re open you’re underwater.

The surface, the light, it’s there, you can see it shrinking and shrinking as the ocean’s depths surround you and around you are research papers and countless textbooks and weekly quizzes and one C in one class.

You’ve been kicking, screaming, flailing but suddenly you realize the juxtaposition between your sloth and ambition and make a split second decision as to which is better; you stop moving.

The ocean floor hits you, hard and your papers and books settle with you torn with bleeding ink but it doesn’t really matter because the light has never been brighter.

You close and open your eyes and it’s 1:42 in the morning, and your deadline’s in 4 days so you open your computer, wonder if it’s worth it and start typing.

Photo Courtesy of Rosie Ferrell

Purple Skies Lillie Roberts Riding in the taxi cab And observing cars fly by.

Little did I know that You were watching from the purple sky.

Walking into the hospital, Its walls bursting colors that were too bright.

But all I saw were grey tears Without you by my side.

Sitting in the children’s waiting room, I knew you left too soon.

My love for you is still greater Than the distance to the moon.

Hearing the nurse confirm the facts But refusing to believe.

Whispers flew around the air While all I wanted was to leave.

Three years have past And I still feel alone.

But you’re within the purple sky, Watching over me from your new home.

Photo credits (top down): Megan Walters, Trinity Lawlis, Grace Rolen

Goodbye, Hannah-Rose Hannah Waller I’m ready to change, Feels like I’ve been waiting my whole life, But am i ready just yet, To tell her goodbye?

The long pigtails, The mountain range smile, The bottomless well of laughter, The little leach at Mama’s hip.

Do the city lights shine brighter Whilst under their wing?

Or do they shine brighter in her dreams?

Guess I’ll have to see.

Maybe I was too eager for us to depart, I didn’t realize how fast I was running until I had already crossed the finish line, Now I’m running again, And there’s another finish line awaiting, Is this the way it always will be?

Guess I’d better slow down.

Goodbye Hannah-Rose, I wish that I could have made it last, Maybe you can learn to forgive me As I keep moving forward, Leaving you behind me in the past.

Photo Credits (Top bottom)): Victoria Sorrano and Bella Smith

Sunset Lake Hannah Waller Sunset lake, How I wish they knew, The times we spent together The memories.

They were simpler times, Were they not?

But the times are now overgrown, The sign to paradise has faded to ash, No one knows of sunset lake anymore But I don’t mind living in the past.

Photo credits (left right, top bottom): Zoe Daniels, Lillian Jennings, Joe Goddin, Gracie Henderson, Zoe Daniels, Brylee Maddox

FAME STUDIO Hannah Waller I dance with the devil men Sway to the devil music Make myself a devil man Papa says.

I’m such a good young man Mrs. winters says I’m the brightest in the class Why can’t I just be a good young man, Mama cries.

Keep talking papa Keep cryin mama Because here ain't nobody cryin, Ain't nobody worried, The devil man plays with his devil controls Making the devil music sweeter Tellin the devil men behind the glass screen to play it again!

Childhood living is easy to do But if you want to be a blues man, Mr Rawls told me, You gotta grab you an armful of greyhound And I’m ready to go Got six hundred miles to ride It feels like, Into the night as the music goes on and on and on…

Some other man before my time Must have loved you and left you Sweet sister Franklin, Every lyric feels is the love of my life.

What would I give for just a few moments Cause I feel a deep burning inside, I’ve got to slip away Slip away, Slip away now, The music’s calling me.

And brother if you can’t find me with the rest You’ll find me here and you can Tell mama all about it But don’t tell me that this will ever end.

No sweeping exit or off stage lines could make me feel bitter For even now that the doors are closed I still hear the music, It whispers in the midnight wind, It wakes you on those restless nights when In your heartache you ache for life, To feel alive again,

Down there with the swampers On 6th street.

Photo Courtesy of Rachel Golla

The Empty Desk Katie Stump Excitement filled the air as the bell rang for the closing prayer.

The tires then hit the snowy atmosphere where we jumped in the air and shouted “we’re here, we’re here”.

We played all day until our sleds were bear.

I layed with ease when my mom tapped me to come here.

An unseen look made me tremble in fear.

Every step I took felt like a year.

I close the door with a feeling that death was near.

I sunk into the seat while they explained what had happened.

The words that came out were never forgotten.

My thoughts suffocated my lungs.

My feet slowly treaded towards my room.

My ears went deaf when I heard “I am sorry”.

The constant unwanted attention I received as if I were a newborn baby.

The next day I walk into the room that was once filled with laughter.

Now sat 23 students shocked by the disaster.

The room completely silent as if time stopped.

After the bell rang the desk stayed empty.

O how I miss Mrs. Mummary.

Photo Courtesy of Kaela Verner

Last Train to Memphis Hannah Waller I was once afraid that they’d all forget my name, That it was all for nothing, That it never mattered anyway.

Stars, They only shine at night, When the curtains are closed, When the lights are dimmed, And the years that blinded them They can finally see, And I saw them.

Through the eyes of a young boy, On that crowded Memphis street, Happy, And free.

I don’t believe in God anymore, At least not the way that I did, God was never out there, He never is.

The stage was never set for two, And they screamed only one name, Screaming, And screaming, Dragging me deeper into my own grave.

So I take my final bow, For this scene is my last, There’s nothing left, I left everything behind all those years ago, I have nothing now but to find myself again Aboard the last train to Memphis, Into a life I once knew.

Where the screams are muted, And the lights are all dimmed, If I can live it again Then bring the curtains down And let me stay forever, Where it all began.

Artwork Courtesy of Harry Panagopoulos

Bare-Bones Market Law Joseph Barbour I am an anarchist. Barely any controversy surrounds that statement, not because it’s widely accepted, but because, in contrast with the more superficial political trifles of the day, virtually no (normal) person questions what is assumed to be a fundamental truism: The State is necessary. Desiring such controversy, I invite you to think about what you may not have considered before…

Imagine an island society. Person A and Person B are picking apples. If there arises a conflict between them, say, over the ownership of a certain apple tree, they have three options: 1) Violent resolution of the conflict, 2) Peaceful resolution between themselves, 3) Third-party arbitration. Option 1 is, in most cases, not preferable, for obvious reasons. Option 2 sounds nice, but is often not feasible. What about Option 3? A and B may ask Person C to arbitrate for them and agree to abide by his/her decision.

Suppose Person C declares himself/herself the sole arbiter among the three in all cases, even those involving himself/herself. This would obviously be a problematic setup. If we expanded the population of this island society, it remains the case that preserving the freedom of anyone to offer the service of arbitration is preferential. In fact, with many more people, a more sophisticated island economy, and many possible arbiters, it would most likely be the case that some individuals make a living off of offering this specific service. At this point, the system is vastly preferable to C’s monopoly, benefiting from market competition. Those who ruled unreasonably would find themselves struggling in business. Standards would emerge, as they do in language, science, or any other industry, for that matter, though there would be room for variance. The society would have law and order without central monopolistic authority. If you don’t believe law can emerge this way, you may be interested to learn that many laws you follow did in fact come from decentralized common law.

As the society grew more sophisticated, law would have to grow more sophisticated as well, but there is nothing to suggest that the market wouldn’t allow for this. To assume so would be to ignore the fact that every industry in the world is capable of responding to increasing demands. An industry failing to grow more complex with society is virtually unheard of. One might consider an economic version of Murphy’s law: What can happen and is profitable will happen.

Enforcement of law would likely be a much more simple matter. Any arbiter could hire mercenaries, and, if their decisions are respected within the market, so too would be the enforcement of those decisions. Any person could pay for protection as well, as could communities. If you think market enforcement couldn’t handle the complexities of modern society, refer to Murphy’s law above.

Criticisms do exist for what I’ve proposed. However, I will not list or address them, as this essay was meant not as a comprehensive defense of anarcho-capitalism but as an introduction to a topic I want more people to consider (the title says “bare-bones” for a reason).

Such in-depth defenses exist in plenty, and they are easily accessible. I invite criticism and further investigation. With that, I bid you adieu.

Photo Courtesy of Elise Darby

A Sunday to Remember Houston Jennings The sun peeks above the skyline Like a small kid standing on the tips of his toes Sneaking a look at the freshly baked cookies resting on the tall kitchen counter.

Many Americans presume this day to be one of holiness and rest.

Naval workers settle back due to the day’s laid back work schedule.

Soon the Japanese will use America’s perception of this day to their advantage.

The USS Arizona hears the sound of the waves rather than the continuous Clatter of feet entering and exiting the boat unlike the typical work day.

The Depression was in its finest state ruining Japan’s chances of expansion.

America’s resources were admired as they sailed across the unbothered waters That lay between Hawaii and Japan.

Tempting Japan to go in offense, America keeps Japan’s valued oils to themselves.

A delayed attack notice becomes worthless to Americans.

The job of a naval worker in the watchtower becomes pointless.

As a Japanese fleet plane swoops past A breath on the USS Arizona becomes their last.

A Pearl Harbour leader realizes his misjudgement of the situation As he mistakenly thought the enemies were Americans flying home.

A Japanese submarine appearing in the early morning.

A fleet of planes taking over the radar, fly by soaring.

All of Japan’s warnings make sense within a flash of orange.

The bombs took the lives of twenty-three-hundred American lives. The USS Arizona finds a place to rest in a new home Forty feet below the panic and ash filled naval base.

A droplet of oil is released every twenty Seconds giving Hawaii a daily reminder of America’s poor prevention of a tragedy As well as a remembrance of the many lives lost.

Photo Courtesy of Marche Ashford

*3rd place*

Cross Roads Grace Stump

As I walk the streets the bright, vibrant sun reflects off the colorful building.

The fresh, everlasting air fills my lungs like balloons.

I walk with ease as the wind brushes through my hair. Spring is coming.

The laughter of children playing on the playground is overheard.

The old man joyfully shouts, “good morning�.

O how I long for this world, a world filled with clarity, tranquility, and equality.

I jolt then suddenly remember the darkness The black, smoggy clouds filling the sky.

My lungs burn with every breath I take Riots can be heard throughout the city.

Children coming home crying.

A world filled with confusion, dissolution, and isolation.

I come to a crossroads On my left, I see rising oceans, mass shootings, and political division.

On my right, I see kind actions, empowerment, and future generations.

Looking around, I know which way to go.

I wonder which way we will go?

Artwork Courtesy of Rachel Golla

SpongeBob Shapes the Human Race Dominick Caballero

In a world surrounded by negativity, how are we supposed to trudge through life? How are we supposed to get out of bed and be great if all we ever face is negativity? At first glance at the title of my This I Believe paper, you may be thinking “Wow how did this idiot possibly write about Spongebob?” but as you read, I hope you understand what I see and firmly believe about Spongebob.

I believe in laughing so hard as to incapacitate one’s self. I believe in a developmental phase influenced by loving, caring, and most importantly funny people. I believe in perseverance even at the hardest times. I believe in true friendships and my opinions as a whole were decided solely by one small, yellow, animated, aquatic invertebrate. I believe in SpongeBob. Imagine waking up on a Monday morning groggy, tired, infuriated, and most likely looking like a scene out of a horror film(I know I did). There is no possible way to make this day even mediocre until you hear the click of the remote, the hum of the TV and of course the gleeful sound of the unforgettable pirate yelling, “OHHHHHHHHHHHH who lives in a Pineapple under the sea!” (I know you started to sing along). Since nineteen ninety-nine, the joyous, yellow sponge by the name of SpongeBob has brightened the lives of many people through the form of television and influenced many through humor, laughter, and love. For all of my life I have loved SpongeBob and have applied the show as a comfort blanket; you might even say it is my guide on how to live a good life. Although new episodes are rarely made, the show is still very prevalent through most of the society in many older and younger viewers and they too love Spongebob at the same caliber that I do. Though most view SpongeBob as childish and many parents disallow their children to watch the show, many overlook the impact he has. SpongeBob wakes up every morning with an ecstatic outlook on life and goes to the Krusty Krab with a smile brighter than the sun, despite getting paid very little. He endlessly works and exemplifies what it means to love a job despite the environment surrounding him. Furthermore, it is quite amazing how SpongeBob stays sane and controls his life even at the hardest of times.

SpongeBob shows how to live with hardships. He shows perseverance in struggles with work, hope when losing a pet and overall mental strength (though lacking physical) even at the roughest of times. Spongebob must find an outlet to release his feelings and humor is the big part of why SpongeBob stays so positive in his life.

In his everyday routine, SpongeBob goes out of his way to make jokes to better the moods of people around him. He does this by making fun of himself or doing ludicrous actions with his body for the sake of the person. He also brings laughter and light with his best friend Patrick. Spongebob and Patrick show what true friendship means. SpongeBob and Patrick hang out and do frivolous actions despite what others think about them. SpongeBob could try to fit in and abandon Patrick, but he knows that true friendship is better than changing who you are. The two rely on each other, support each other, and most definitely could not live without each other.

SpongeBob stills holds immense power and a great message that can be learned by the whole world and that merry, yellow square of happiness with always be near and dear to my heart.

Photo Courtesy Brylee Maddox

August, Osage County Hannah Waller August, Osage County, What is there to say?

Here, On this empty street.

I find myself thinking about the other day, About the light soon to vanish, There, Dancing under the summer sun.

They’re all watching, They’re all thinking it to, Aren’t they beautiful Those two?

If only it could last.

August, Osage County, It was written in the stars, Then, That we’d never dance again.

There’s still tonight, You say, As though tomorrow will never come, But it’s here, It walks between us, Watching me through your eyes, Holding my hands within your own, And speaks tears into my eyes, “This is not the end.”

I try not to think beyond this moment In my heart, This is where I close the book, So that when I go back in time, To all those chapters before, The last thing that you say Is that our story has no ending.

But with the break of the prairie sun, I find my mind restless, Thinking back to that morning In the forbidden chapter of my mind

In August, Osage County.

As the moon in the morning sky faded, Making the night before feel farther away Until it felt gone forever, While they prayed for your safe return, I settled my eyes on the rising cedar smoke, Trying desperately not to look your way, Because I knew there was no sense in praying, So like the smoke, I wished only to disappear far into the air, Maybe even reaching the moon and pleading for its return, To last night, On that empty street, Where together, We meet again.

August, Osage County Here rests a beloved brother, friend, and son, Whom God called home too soon, Who served his country well, His family and people more, He cannot be found here, Nor anywhere in sight, But with his hands in mine And his eyes branded to my own, There, On that empty street.

He was right, This will never end, We live on forever, In this moment In August, Osage County, I knew it all along, There was never any sense In saying goodbye.

Photo Courtesy of Nick James

In the Garden Joe Goddin In the garden, I see you Standing out amongst others The most eye-catching beauty The most vibrant red sight The fragrance of you So unique to me Remembering the smell Feeling of nostalgia There’s a catch, although Of your prickly thorns Without handling with care Reminds me to value The treasure you share

Photo Courtesy of Brylee Maddox

Flowers Brylee Maddox The red is vibrant The black is dark as night time The yellow brings light

Photo Courtesy of Lillian Jennings

Autumn Lillian Jennings Vibrant colors all around Leaves hitting the ground with no sound As we look through the crystal ball We feel the atmosphere of it all Orange, yellow, and red Creating colorful memories in my head

Photo Courtesy of Greer Boedecker

Party Vibes Jada Estes

Small crazy disk We love party vibes With a party comes risk Time to go for a dive

Photo Courtesy of Julian Walker

What I see Julian Walker Flowers are a symbol of life Open to the sun No harm done All kinds of fun When thinking about flowers

Photo Courtesy of Kegan Doyle

Summertime Joe Goddin Gathering Pollen.

Bee’s sing in sweet harmony, Flower to flower.

Photo Courtesy of Gracie Henderson

Panic at the Disco Jada Estes Disco party time Go crazy ahhh go stupid It’s panic at the disco

Photo Courtesy (Top down) of Marche Ashford

Perspective Marche Ashford As the water falls I stand still But what is actually still The water falls down for me But not for someone else My down could be someone else’s up What is day is night somewhere else What is right is someone else’s wrong Always try to see a different perspective

Photos courtesy of (left right, top down) Nick James, Haley Polson, Hayley Polson, Brylee Maddox

Bill Maher

Anonymous

GT Security Read the familiar blue shirt With your ball cap And cowboy boots You had my attention Before you even introduced yourself Side by side We hit it off Heart beating fast Thinking no way this is possible We talked all night As you stood in my aisle Blocking out the noise of Bill Maher In the background Before leaving that night We swapped digits We texted nonstop So much in common Every show from then on after And every time we met up I got crazy butterflies in my stomach I swore this was some kind of love But as all good things must come to an end So did our relationship One fateful night after a concert we both had been looking forward to I came to the painful realization That I had made a mistake That my 19-year-old mind Didn’t quite fit in with your 22-year-old mind I sat in the hallway Called someone for a ride You didn’t even realize what you had done Said, “what’s wrong?”

As you looked me in the eyes The butterflies confused The tears soon to follow I left that night With less than I arrived with.

I guess the saying is true, Life is full of surprises.

Photos courtesy of (left right, top down) Eli Griffin, Lexie Raley, Ava Sorenson, Megan Walters, Lillian Jennings

The Elephant in the Room Jadon Jordan

On March 3rd, 2017 A somewhat mysterious door Was opened to me A bubbling mess I entered the soon-to-be Comforting room Anticipating a call That would result in my doom A fragile girl in the utmost distress Your quiet nature Laid my tears to rest As I told you my dilemma You sat and you listened With no judgments to offer And no hasty criticisms Your only concern To bring the girl in front of you To good health To ensure her she’s loved And to think nothing else The raw emotion Presented that day Encouraged my hurting heart To keep living, if only through the motions And time after time Ever since that horrendous day I’ve felt my feet wander to your office With its comforting surroundings A wall chart - a schedule display A bookcase with photographs and big comfy chairs And when my sperry’s reach the threshold Of your once mysterious door I know I will be welcomed inside It doesn’t matter what for It doesn’t matter what I need To simply chat a little Or to steal your peace Your door is always open To a bothered soul

Like me.

And when I walk across that stage In fifteen short days It is with a pained smile That I will leave The guidance of the man Who assisted me When I no longer wanted to be. ~A promise is a promise, no matter how hard to keep. Thanks for the company American Hero~

Photos courtesy of (Left right, top down) Layla Drotar, Kegan Doyle, Lillian Jennings, Zoe Daniels

Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday/ Friday

By Jadon Jordan Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. BEEEE- Silence. Fall out of bed. Crawl to the bathroom. Turn on the shower. Sit in the tub. Let the water wash away my dreams. Turn off the water. By now my legs are working. Put my prison uniform on. Fall down the stairs. Wake up, sleepyhead. Groom and feed my child. Sloppy kisses. I’m out the door. Big white truck. Seat warmer. The Bobby Bones show. Haha. Share a laugh with my old man. Swallow my sadness.

Climb out the truck. “I LOVE YOU.” vroom vroom. Just me now. Take a deep breath. Brace myself. Walk to the lobby- this place is my home- sit in the living room. Wait for my friends.

Where have they gone? Chat with a passing father Stephen, joke with a pencil breaker, a nod to the principal, wish him a good morning. “Good evening, St.John,” give a big smile to Mrs.Heatherman, a warm statement from The Pilster, baby pics with mrs. Wilson, and “Doug screw off.” How could I feel numb surrounded by so much love? I don’t know. Head to first hour. Sit in the corner. Engage in class. Very interesting subject. Get lost in my thoughts. The darkness. I see a light. Come back to reality. My thoughts are a fright. Share a grin with Blue.

What happened to us? Look away. The guilt is too much. The bell rings. Pack up my stuff. Keep my head down take a left, up the stairs. Slide into my seat. Raise my hand. Leave the classroom.

Take a left. Take another left. Go straight. Use the restroom. Walk to class. Telepathic communication with Jassa. Feel nothing. Go to break. Walk around for 20 minutes. Class begins. Tell every detail of my life to my bff. Class ends. Go to math. Do 5 problems. Class ends. Study Hall. #Do Hard Things. This period isn’t long enough. Go to lunch. Eat strawberries.

Sit outside. Bath my depression in sunlight. Cry a little. Go to 6th hour. Very interesting, but a lot of work. Bell disrupts my focus. Where did the hour go? Take my time walking to 7th hour.

Get in the room. Work on my pages. Bell rings. Words of encouragement from the teacher.

Moment of relief. Rush to my locker. Get my books. Get in the car. “You’re never gonna believe what happened today…” Kind of interested. Mostly just tired. “Uh-huh...that’s not surprising.” *Snap* Tell the Wolves I’m home. Hi kids. Someone smells. Not surprising. Diaper check. All 3 kids. One second please. Change my clothes. Come downstairs. Take a breath. Change the kids.

Make dinner. Shower time. Change the kids. Change the kids. Change the kids. Change the kids.

Change the kids. Change the kids. Car pulls up. No words. Go upstairs. Clock reads 10:00.

Anxiety attack. Choose between homework, AP exams, Graduation preparations, College preparations, or sleep. Go to sleep. Clock reads 5:00 AM. Fall out of bed. Crawl to the bathroom.

Turn on the shower…

Photo courtesy of Kiara Verner

Étoile Hailey Polson Flame Vivid, Valiant Blistering, Striking, Persevering Star in the Night Engulfing, Concealing, Lurking Dismal, Delusive Ocean

Photo courtesy of Taylor Street

Ghost Train Jake Krout Groups of people come and go.

Boys travel along the tracks, Looking for treasure on their maps.

Searching as if they were rangers, To fill their thirst for danger.

There was a lovely lady, Waiting for the train that wouldn’t come.

She used to have books, she wished she had brought some.

But now all she can do is dream of an impossible outcome.

Someone is coming.

Step, step, thump. Step, step, thump It’s an old man with a cane, Who has come to wait for the train.

But little did he know, The train had come and left long ago.

Photo Courtesy of Jake Krout

Birds

Jake Krout They had found one at that was all they needed. They had been living in this abandoned city by themselves for so long that they had lost count of the years, only able to find food for each passing day they had recently found some books in what seemed to be the basement of a burned down library. They had found quite a few that a caught their attention, specifically one about hunting and traps. They set one up on one of the taller buildings yet nothing was caught for what seemed like months. And then one day, there was a bird and that was all they needed. It was already dead, probably from starvation, but that was also the first day of the storms. a giant funnel of clouds had come down picked up a few buildings and then left. At first they were shocked by the power of this monstrous thing that the books called a tornado. But as more and more appeared it became clear that this would soon become normal for this area. However with the storm came more birds, they had eaten most of the first one but was smart enough to leave some for another trap. As they trapped more birds they learned they were more filling when cooked. eventually they had numerous skeletons of these birds and had a impressive collection.

However with the increasing storms they knew they would have to leave soon but they had become more attached to their collection as it was increasing every day. Eventually a storm was on the way to the home of their collection. They were faced with a tough problem, to leave and survive or stay and face death. Many years later search and rescue teams came across the city found in the middle of the sea. In the rubble of one of the building they found piles upon piles of skeletons. However there was one skeleton that stood out, all of them were birds except one, the human skeleton.

Photo Courtesy of Houston Jennings

Beware Eli Griffith Don't scream or shout, You're gonna let the dragon out.

Quiet the fire inside of us, Don't let it out don't make a fuss.

Red flames flying through the air, Too bad life isn't fair.

Photo courtesy of Marche Ashford

Mirror

Nick James Mirror, mirror on the wall Cascia Hall through the ball.

The buildings grand and tall, Like a magic castle wall.

Photo courtesy of Jake Krout

No Exits Nick James There were no exits. The birds came in.

No matter how they struggled, they could not overcome the rubble.

Their hope to leave was dashed.

They lined up first to last.

Photo courtesy of Nick James

Smiley Face Alfonso Enriquez Smiley face, Life’s just a race, Got to keep the pace, Or you’ll lose your place.

Frowny face, Don’t be in last place, Or you’ll regret your case.

Photo courtesy of Elise Darby

Looking for Paradise Eli Griffith

Out the window is paradise, Just a few more hours and we will be there, I can't wait to put my feet in the sand, And relax in the moving waves, The island is my home, And i never want to leave

Film Criticism

A note from the founder:

Welcome! I’m pleased to have finally established Lit Mag’s first Film Criticism Column; an outlet for all things film criticism, theory, etc., I hope continues for editions to come. Last year, we received a fabulous reflection on Cool Hand Luke from Joseph Barbour and, thereafter, the idea for this column sprung! This one’s for you, film amateurs (myself among you)! Don’t be afraid to get creative with this column. Hated a movie? Write a poem exhausting your longing for your precious twenty dollars and two hours of your time back! Maybe it was a movie about pursuing one’s dreams that inspired you to chase those of your own? Such was the case for me as I was fumbling around, agonizing over whether or not Early Decision was the right decision for me in applying to me dream school. Film found me at a pivotal time in my life and I am eternally grateful for my silver-screen idol that’s exalted my wildest dreams and imaginations for as long as I can remember. My point is that whether films offer us life-changing experiences or simply make us think, art remains faceless. Art is anything that you make it, just as one’s experiences with cinema is.

Best wishes, Hannah Waller, Co-Editor in Chief of Cascia Hall Literary Magazine P.S. This clip-art totally looks like Martin Scorsese and or Francis Ford Coppola circa 1970s (Godfather, anyone?)

Queen Doesn’t Care, So Why Should You? Historical Inaccuracies in Biopics--With Bohemian Rhapsody, You Couldn’t Care Less Hannah Waller

Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody Credit: Courtesy of 20th Century Fox

An instant blockbuster since its theatrical debut in November 2018, grossing $215,353,053 domestically and an additional $445,113,629 internationally as of early 2019, Bohemian Rhapsody has starstruck generations young and old, Queen fans or not. Actor Rami Malek’s mesmerizing and almost haunting portrayal of Queen frontman, Freddie Mercury, in the film has since earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama, Satellite Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy, and Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Award for Best Actor. His performance has either conjured impassioned accolades from audiences and critics or left both utterly speechless. I was never a Queen fan. Malek and Bohemian Rhapsody changed that for me. Walking out of the theatre whilst the film’s credits continued rolling, I remember envying my father greatly--he saw Queen twice! Yes, I had become a fan.

When I become a fan of anything and anyone, whether it be an author, actor, musician, etc., I do my research. Essentially, I study anything and everything that I can get my hands on.

Malek’s performance inspired me to learn more about a man whose sweetness, audaciousness, passion, brilliance and all else I had come to adore. So I did. Yes, I found, Freddie really loved his cats. He would often call them while on the road and when one ran away, all hell broke loose and everyone had to pay until his little darling showed up again. Aside from music and performing, Mary Austin was the love of his life. “I’m leaving it all to Mary and the cats,” he once adjudicated in regards to the placement of his assets upon his death. Research affirmed my fascination, admiration, and something else--when it comes to Mercury’s life, Bohemian Rhapsody got a lot WRONG.

“Nobody goes into a movie expecting a pristine history lesson. Cramming the entire saga of a rock band like Queen into a two-hour PG-13 movie necessitates making a fair amount of difficult decisions.”--Rolling Stone Over the years, I’ve learned not to expect the whole truth and nothing but the truth from Hollywood. I understand, with the strings being pulled from countless directions, history’s presence on movie call sheets will be sparse. Again, as is the case with Bohemian Rhapsody, one’s entire life and all of the people, experiences, sorrows, joys, and all else that encompass it must be compacted into two to three hours or so. Such is almost laughable to fathom.

Nevertheless, cinema, like music, poetry, and literature among other mediums plays a paramount role in relating the human experience. Even moreso, cinema especially plays an integral role in introducing people to others and in turn, hopefully, emoting a greater sense of compassion and understanding in the world in which we live. With I on one end of the spectrum and my mother on the other, we both felt as though we had become acquainted with Mercury after watching the film. Whereas she remembers when Live Aid dominated all media coverage, I knew nothing about it in part from having been born fifteen years later. The film depicts Queen’s stealing of the show beautifully, but not flawlessly.

The film sets up the events before the band makes history on stage at Live Aid as a combustion of tensions sparked by the band having not spoken in years after Mercury decided to embark on a solo career in addition to lingering anguish and grief over his recent diagnosis of AIDS. In reality, the band wasn’t broken up and was on speaking terms leading up to the gig.

Also, Mercury wouldn’t learn of his diagnosis until years after the concert. Even then, he was especially reticent to share the grave news with anyone, including his musical family. In the film, however, the historical incongruencies within the presentation of these events makes for an astounding conclusion to audiences’ grasp of Mercury’s life from the moment of Queen’s conception until its frontman’s tragic death in 1991 as a result of complications related to his disease. Moreover, audiences sense overwhelming irony in Mercury’s opening of “Bohemian Rhapsody” at Live Aid in that the film’s depiction allows for parallels to be drawn between Mercury’s own fatal demise and that of his lonely, wretched subject in the dramatic ballad. Oh yes, did I mention that Ray Foster, played by an unrecognizable Mike Myers, isn’t real?

Laughter pervades seas of audience members when in the film, one of the band members hurls a rock through Foster’s office window after the record executive refuses to make “Bohemian Rhapsody” the leading single on the band’s new album. With this, the band breaks ties with Foster. Essentially, the character of Ray Foster embodies the obstacles that threaten the brilliant maestros’ success. At the world premiere of the movie in London, Myers expresses that even though “there is no actual Ray Foster,” his fictitious antagonist implements “a nice irony” into the narrative. At the end of the day, as many involved in the film both on screen and off contend, Freddie would have wanted his film to be if anything, wildly entertaining. But explain this one to me; Why is Freddie’s late partner, John Hutton, presented in the film as one of Mercury’s hired help during their first encounter with one another when the two actually met in a nightclub? There are other inaccuracies in the film, however, with these few in mind, I want to point out something more important--Queen LOVED the film!

When it comes to one’s opinion of the film, it’s one thing to be a lifelong, die-hard Queen fan and another to be a member of the band itself. So despite the historical fabrications within the film, Queen lead guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor express nothing shy of sincere admiration for the film. “Casting Rami in the role of Freddie absolutely blew us away,” says May in an on-set interview, “The first time we met him, we kind of saw Freddie in him and

we could sense his passion and [the film] was put together around that.” “They got very close to us visually and as actors,” Taylor boasts about the film’s ensemble, “After a couple of viewings you just start to completely believe ‘Oh that was us!’ and it’s not.” These comments make for somewhat of a dilemma. If Queen can praise the film as a true embodiment of the spirit of the band, whilst obviously aware of any historical inaccuracies embedded within the framework of the narrative, then is there something more important to pay attention to in the film than whether or not every event presented was “spot on” with reality? At the film’s world premiere in London, May affirms that from watching the film, “people will really get Freddie...they will understand what made him tick, what drove him...they’ll understand his incredible confidence on stage...balanced by his great kind of sensitivity off stage... and his inner turmoil. It’s all there.”

Brian May, Rami Malek and Roger Taylor attend the World Premiere of Bohemian Rhapsody in London.

Credit: Courtesy of Mike Marsland/WireImage.

Freddie’s sister, Kashmira Cooke, also gleamed at the film’s world premiere in London.

“I was very touched as to how all of the band portrayed themselves,” she expresses in a redcarpet interview when asked about her reaction to the film, “It felt very real and it made me cry. I think [Freddie] would have said ‘I hope you enjoy my movie and the show must go on!’” The dilemma has reached its pinnacle; If Mercury’s own sister can be moved so deeply by the film’s recreation of her brother’s life, then so can the rest of us. With Bohemian Rhapsody, audiences, Queen fans or not, have as sound of access possible to Freddie Mercury’s life and moroso, to those experiences off-stage that in some way, fostered the musical genius that danced across stages worldwide during a career that spanned for nearly two decades. As an audience member, I felt as though the spirit of this magical icon had danced into my heart. Bohemian Rhapsody is a film for everyone just as, and as the film highlights, Queen sought to make its music for

everyone. When it comes to the ways in which a man experiences the world, whether he view it amidst flashing lights and thousands of fans screaming his name, even on the lower frequencies, he speaks for everyone. Pain, triumph, sorrow, fear, and joy are felt by all, even the greatest of us. So I urge you--see the film. Be moved, be entertained, and most importantly, don’t be caught up in anything other than the brilliance that is mankind’s capacity to render life to stories new and old allowing characters as magnificent as Freddy Mercury to light up the stage all over again.

“The fact of the matter is we had two hours and the goal of this movie was to celebrate the man. If you wallow in certain elicit aspects of his life, you really lose out on the glory of who this authentic, defiant, revolutionary human being was and is.”--Rami Malek

Getting Into Character While preparing for a role, music takes center stage for some actors

Hannah Waller

Method actors can be just as peculiar off-screen as they are on screen. Winning the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his portrayal of a transgender woman dying of AIDS in Dallas Buyers Club, actor Jared Leto told NPR in an interview that refusing to step out of his character’s shoes was essential for him in bringing his character and her story to light. For actors, Leto urges that staying in character “can educate you and give you an opportunity to build the character” in such a way that is unparalleled. To truly see the world through a character’s eyes, in other words, demands that an actor step into the world as his or her character. During a break in between shooting, Leto recalls venturing in public while still in wardrobe and the three distinctive looks that he received. “One was ‘who is that,’ the other was ‘what is that,’ and the third was ‘I don’t know what that is but I don’t like it.’” The power behind these condescending gazes fostered a connection with his character that couldn’t be conjured by any director’s call for “ACTION!” But for some actors, emulating a character can be achieved through other sound means.

For some actors, life is one soundtrack and in order to understand and ultimately assume a character’s identity, the right songs must be extracted from the mass. To prepare for his role as the Miami drug-dealer who mentors and essentially becomes a father figure to the young Chiron in Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight, actor Mahershala Ali resurrected an old method of his own, constructing the right mixtape for his character. To his amazement, Jenkins had already crafted special playlists for some of the film’s characters. The music encompassing these playlists inspired Jenkins in making the film, according to Ali. The one handed to Ali from Jenkins was unorthodox, to say the least (but aren’t all playlists?) The playlist wasn’t what one would have expected, but perhaps neither is Ali’s character. The playlist consisted of the likes of Aretha Franklin, Outkast, Bach, and Frank Ocean. Makes sense, right? “There was a good bit of music that was there that really spoke to me and gave me a real sense of the character, the pace and feel, what the weather of Miami felt like, the spirit of the project, I had enough in there to go off of,” Ali holds.

“Music plays a really, really, really big role in all of the acting I do….I wouldn't know how to act if I didn't have music….to me acting doesn't exist without some sort of soundtrack underneath, whether heard or internalized or whatever.” --Timothee Chalamet For actress Kirsten Dunst, a Dolly Parton song aided her in preparation for one scene in her hit TV-series Fargo. “It depends, like, I’ve gone through phases where I don't want to listen to anything or one scene I think like ‘ok this is the piece of music I thought of when I was preparing and so I’m going to use it,” Dunst shared with actor Rami Malek in an episode of Variety’s “Actors on Actors” on youtube. Listening to these interviews back to back, I was amazed! It’s all perfectly logical, really. Music, after all, is an affirmation of life and the human experience. Music frames in so few words and yet with such incredible momentum much of the experiences and emotions that shape who we are. Songs can even presume stories, as we all know. Whether it remind you of your junior prom, cool summer nights, tragedy, discovery, the “good old days” and everything in between, music, in any fashion, tells a different story from one person to the next. Thus, it makes sense that in order to play a certain character with his or her own unique set of experiences, ideas, joys, and sorrows, you just have to find the right song.

A Darker Side of Paradise: Two Films, Dreams, Nightmares, and Everything In Between Hannah Waller

Paradise is a paradox. The bright sun, lush palm trees, crystal clear skies, warm sand, and silky waves that encompass earthly paradise can mask something darker lurking in its midst.

Taking from Sean Baker’s The Florida Project and Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight, it’s apparent that sometimes when paradise and reality mix, they render a world of their own. You could call it a beautiful nightmare, but I prefer to call it life and the reality is that life, even in its darkest of moments, happens in dreamlike color and contrast. Set against the backdrop of vibrant Miami, Moonlight follows the turbulent coming of age of Chiron, an African American male whose sufferings, both internal and external, juxtapose the lively city that surrounds him. In The Florida Project, Mooney, although armoured by the oblivion that young children possess against almost all odds, must eventually grapple with among the most tragic grievances of all, all whilst under the shadows of the infamous dreamland itself, Disney World.

Visually, bright colors are alluring. Granted I admire many cinematic masterpieces that arose before technicolor existed, I must admit that there’s a reason why black and white cinema has all but faded in the decades following The Wizard of Oz and Gone With The Wind, both which essentially solidified technicolor’s prominence in filmmaking. Audiences want to see the Florida sunset and the moonlit ocean at dawn. Color, although not essential for bringing stories to life as black and white cinema can testify to, nevertheless immerses audiences into the worlds of the characters on screen in a way that feels very real. When it comes to films such as The

Florida Project and Moonlight that tackle difficult subject matters, color can ultimately engage audiences with lives that on the surface might appear wan and despondent. What both films mentioned achieve is a visual accentuation of the humanity of their characters and their worlds which in turn elicits a profound on-screen beauty that can’t be ignored. What both films achieve even more so is a visual representation of life itself. Where there is life, there is beauty, and where there is beauty, there is darkness.

“[The playwright for Moonlight] calls Miami a ‘beautiful nightmare’ and I think what we’ve done is paint this nightmare in beautiful tones. We wanted to embrace the tension of that beauty, juxtaposed with the very dark things that are happening to the characters in the story.”

Barry Jenkins

James Laxton, cinematographer for Moonlight, said in regards the side by side contrast above between the raw and edited shot of Mahershala Ali’s character, Juan, that the latter “has everything about ‘Moonlight’ in it. It has our lush, tropical palm trees in the background with the bright blue sky peaking through. Great saturation. It has that Miami sheen on his skin and Mahershala’s skin has this amazing color and still relatively dark on one side. It sort of encapsulates how we wanted the film to look.” And the film’s cinematography is truly spectacular. The film’s contrast elicits a sense of profound intimacy for audience members with respect to the characters as audiences feel as though they’re looking right at the character, into their eyes, into their souls, experiencing their emotions, and ultimately as though they understand their perception of the world. Going back to the prismatic exterior that is the city itself, the

Miami backdrop in the film doesn’t lessen the intensity of the film, as stated the film’s contrast actually elevates it, but rather renders an element of hope to the narrative.

Back in Orlando, Mooney and her gang of misfits wreak havoc along the boundaries of the strip. Without adult supervision and a dollar to spend, what else is there to do but to make their own fun? The Florida Project achieves presenting life through the eyes of a carefree child whose only care in the world is how to scramble together, or panhandle, a few cents to buy an ice cream cone. Whereas we as the audience grasp Mooney’s immediate obstacles including being raised by a single mother whose own maturity level deviates not far from her six year old daughter, for Mooney, this is just the way that things are. Unlike Moonlight, The Florida Project doesn’t necessarily create a particularly intimate atmosphere in which the facial features of characters are contrasted in such a way that makes their on-screen encounters feel real. However, the film still achieves emphasizing the humanity of some of its less than admirable characters.

Because the film is like its counterpart, visually exciting, already attentive audiences can more readily grasp those moments in the film where, for example, Mooney’s mother, Halley, asserts herself a better parent than most in very key respects. As unorthodox as it is, many parents ought to learn and thing or two from the mother who smokes weed in her pajamas while her child runs around rampantly across the Florida projects.

Halley is, like the outrageously ornate structures that decorate her poverty-stricken strip, including the purple castle (yes, a purple castle) motel where she and Mooney live, a conundrum.

Just as it’s a conundrum that her “castle” rests just a few blocks down from the grandeur Disney castle, so is it also a conundrum that despite her intense hardships, she never takes it out on Mooney. Furthermore, regardless of the lengths that Halley finds herself forced to undergo in order to do so, she provides in the only ways that he knows how for her and her daughter and even when such lengths reach an especially degrading point for Halley, she ensures that Mooney never has to feel as though she has anything to worry about. And when Halley spends time with her daughter, she spends time with her. If anything is more beautiful in either films than their cinematography and editing it’s their ability to capture human love and connection amidst great trial and tribulation.

Monthly Contests

Cascia Hall Literary Magazine’s

OCTOBER WRITING CONTEST A Poem to Your Favorite Candy

Freshman Submissions *Winner*

Memory Isabela Fermo

A distant memory.

She smiles warmly, When she sees the picture in the box.

The taste.

The melty layer of chocolate.

The savory crunch from the toffee, Which stuck to her teeth.

A flash.

It burned through her eyelids.

The picture.

It rose out of the slit and she grabbed it.

She shook it, placed it on the table, And waited.

She snorted when it finally showed, And she called it.

Her friend whined, “You’ve already gotten all of them!”

The same friend who, While the girl had bit down on the candy, Had blown the mini candy bars into the lens, Like pieces of confetti.

Sophomore Submissions

*Winner*

Chocolate Yum Yum in My Tum Tum Pete Boyaci

There is a man who lies in my mouth, who doesn’t favor sweeties such as a patched kid that is sour, instead he has a love for the chocolate that leaves stains on your hands for an hour.

In particular it is the Kit Kat bar that weakens my power, and eating a chunk of it relates to the feeling of taking a hot shower.

Why does that pesky Kit Kat bar get the best of me?

The crunch in one bite fills my mouth with joy, but only a few bites later it is gone completely.

They come in different sizes, Like fun size, or maybe 6-pack, and traditionally the 4-piece.

There is a catchy slogan that everyone knows, Except for Andy on The Office who has remembering slogans as one of his foes.

Kit Kat bar you never fail me, and you’ll never catch me sharing!

Ultimate Trolli Lover Zoe Gardner

Chocolate overrated Carmel way to sweet Jolly ranchers way too hard and sometimes hurt my teeth But gummy worms Sweet and sour gummy worms they are perfect I must admit Red, orange, yellow, green, blue The colors that soothe me when I’m in a mood The sugar on top hits the right spot And the sourness of the worm hits me like a gunshot (but in a good way of course) Gummy worms oh gummy worms My favorite late night snack If it was up to just me I’d eat the biggest pack Thank you Trolli gummy worms For being beautiful through and through From the ultimate Trolli lover I'll always love you

A Kit Kat Fighting Force Zack Yuan

If a Kit-Kat was a combatant that was fully amassed today, A Kit-Kat could exterminate a delightful Milky Way. A complex confection and an amusement for the gods.

Extremely better than Snickers. Just ask me, Ill nod.

Oh, the scrumptious Kit-Kat with its wafers inside Cracks when you bite it with a tasty chocolate vibe.

No chocolate on my fingers, I don't need a cleanup kit.

If you need it cleaned up, just signal your kat.

They even come in the delicious flavor white chocolate, So you know for sure it will not melt in your pocket.

The crispy crunch that keeps you satisfied.

Don’t eat it whole, simply break it in half.

You can find them in machines and at concessions everywhere.

They contain a chocolate fragrance that fills the atmosphere.

Oh, Kit-Kats with their river flowing with gold.

I just keep eating them, they never get old!

Peanut M&Ms are Pretty Neat William Drake I love the peanut M&M, Even more than Eminem,

I think his music is terrible, But at least the peanut M&M is bearable.

Their taste is utterly delicious, Those at Hershey are malicious, I love other chocolate candy, But the peanut M&Ms are handy.

My pal Patrick can’t eat ‘em.

He dies of a reaction when he meets them, He’s missing out on a lot, I’ve been eating them since I was a tot.

If I had to choose to eat another candy or lead.

I’d gladly eat the latter with dread, Because the peanut M&Ms are the only one for me, And their chocolatey goodness delivers people glee.

Twix Steven Stagg Twix, Twix, my favorite candy bar, my love for you extends so far.

Every time I bite inside, Through creamy chocolate and sweet caramel, my teeth slide.

After a couple of bites, you are almost gone, In mourning, I will remember you with a somber song.

During my final bite, when all hope is exhausted, I will think back on the love I found then lost.

I Just Can’t Reese’s Sophia Martinez Oh my Reese’s, my only delight Your peanut butter crunch is my only light

I can’t resist your creamy interior That simply proves you’re superior Your milk chocolatey goodness Leaves me with a fullness That I can never compare Or ever want to share Your golden wrapper shines Like a diamond in the mines I simply can’t Reese’s

Almond Joy Shea Skidgel I love almond joys!

The silk delicious chocolate, With sweet coconut underneath.

With one crunch, two yummy almonds Explode from underneath.

On a hot summer day, Or on a chilly autumn evening.

On a cold winter night; On a warm spring morning You can eat one anytime with any sort of desire.

Oh almond! Oh sweet delicious almond joy!

I crave you this instant.

Don’t listen to people who don’t like you, For they have no taste.

When the words “trick or Treat” leave my mouth, I hope you to come on out.

You are the first candy I look for in my candy bag.

Haikus don’t make sense But sometimes they do, ha, ha, Candy is awesome, Yeah!

But the best candy is…

Dots, Dots, Dots, super squishy Has many flavors, To appeal to all Cherry, lemon, lime, orange

The Dot Haiku Sebastian Molina

And many more, Yeah!

They are super good The texture is delightful It is very round It is also small, But at the end of it all It is the best, ha!

Baby Bears Naomi Malloy We are a miniature breed of bears.

Some might even call us “bite size.�

We are found mostly in supermarkets.

We are served raw, and have quite a sweet taste.

Our friends are hybrids; some sour flavored, There is even a rare jumbo sized breed.

These are only found at certain special stores.

We even have our own song about us.

It was very popular on youtube in 2007, but still brings back good memories to most.

We are one of the best treets, but the worms would beg to differ.

If you leave us in the heat, we will all melt like snowmen.

If you buy us we will be beary happy though.

Tasty and Crunchy Treat Maria Salas My sister walks in with something in her hand.

Is that what I think it is?

A Kit Kat She doesn’t want it. Why is that so?

It makes me really happy though.

That means the new Kit Kat owner has to be me.

She hands me the chocolates.

I get rid of the bright red wrapper and begin to munch.

I have to keep that secret as I eat.

Having siblings who love chocolate as much as me,

I know they won’t let me have what is right for me to keep.

I laugh as I eat a Kit Kat in my room.

Boom! Boom!

My brother drops his books as he sees me eat.

Now I have to share, and we both hide the rest for no one else to meet.

Crunch! Crunch! Crunch!

Kit Kats Oh! so tasty, oh, so sweet We gather more kit kats as he cries “Trick or Treat!”

After lots of sweets all you can do now is try to sleep.

There is now a secret we need to keep.

Kit Kats in the room all for my brother and me.

I sleep and think of my tasty treat.

I rise from bed the next morning with the biggest smile in my face.

Thinking of the crunchy delightful sweet makes me hungry.

My brother and I race.

We eat lots of chocolate as my sisters eat bread.

The little one and I are now ready for the tasty day we have ahead.

Reeses Madison Shaffer Reeses You are so good Filled with peanut butter Covered in chocolate You make many people happy Orange wrapper Many sizes

Reeses You are so good

Kit Kat Lexie Raley I’ve seen the commercials.

The ones with the catchy songs, And happy people cracking sweet chocolate In two narrow halves.

The light and sweet cocoa coating, And crispy, crunchy wafers Make one’s mouth water with the satisfying pop That makes my mouth drop.

I’ll always pick them first from a bag, Or when rewarded in a class.

I’ll trade and bargain on halloween night,

Making an argument to friends and family why they should be mine.

Wafers beautifully simple, Blanket of chocolate light and sweet.

It’s not hard to believe that Kit kats are certainly man’s most remarkable feat.

The Bad Roll Kegan Doyle

This candy is always the last one to be eaten, and despised by many.

Only the ones that feel complete with this Oowey, gooey, gross chocolate flavored Taffy enjoy this sticky stringy sugar stuck in the teeth of the chewer.

Sugar, the greatness that inspires kids to go out on a night of terror and fun.

Incompatible with braces, for it would require a whole night of cleaning.

Every bite you take this substance of pure evil gets more and more ingrained, Recking not for the health of your fangs of life.

Obloquy of this candy comes from many, for Life is not meant to pick out taffy for the entire night!

Late you will stay, Scared you will be, Branded into your brain all the horrors that this cand will bring, And all can be avoided, if you just don't eat.

Dare you eat this demon, and you shall live, God have mercy your soul!

These evil sugar pills should be put to death.

Twix Jake Dukes 1 Dear Twix, 2 I love your crunchiness, yet your silky smooth texture.

3 The caramel is my favorite part.

4 I also love two tear the two apart.

5 People say the two strips are different, 6 but have the same mixture.

7 Although chocolate is not my favorite food, 8 Twix will always be my favorite sweet.

9 Most candies are made out of just chocolate, 10 but the addition of caramel makes Twix my favorite.

11 The traditional Twix is always great, 12 but he Twix with peanut butter is truly amazing.

13 The left strip may be better than the right strip,

14 but both are essential.

15 I love the rich, crunch, and gooiness of Twix.

16 Chocolate, caramel, and peanut butter make Twix peanut butter the best.

Almond Joy: Halloween’s Delight Jacqueline Perkins The almond joy, It’s sweet chocolate flavor Is something I’ll always savor.

On a trick or treat night This candy I search for, For I can always have more.

By the end of the evening my stomach is full, But still I yearn for more of the sweet treat.

My blood sugar high and tongue full of sugar, I hate when people say they taste like a booger.

Many hate Almond Joy’s, But I love them and cannot relate.

On a Halloween sunset, This candy gives you a joyful feeling.

With nuts, coconut, and chocolate, What more is there to ask for.

This candy’s delight,

Will satisfy you within one bite.

Reese's Pieces Jack Gero I love Reese’s Pieces!

I love to put them on popcorn, I love to mix them with other candies, I love to add them to trail mix I want them to be in my tummy I want to have them at all times I want to see my friends eat them I want Mrs.Brown to eat them I can’t always have them I can’t have them when i’m playing sports I cant have them when i’m taking test I cant have them when i’m full I will always want them I will get them on popcorn I will eat them on Halloween night I will eat them anywhere I can find them

I love, I want, I can't, I will have Reeses Pieces.

Salty and Sweet Hudson Luessenhop Peanut M&Ms, a salty and sweet confection.

A smooth, sugar-filled chocolate delicacy contrasted by the salty crunch of a peanut.

One after another, the bag of multi-colored morsels becomes vacant.

They are oh so unhealthy causing my blood sugar to go awry.

One bag has a multitude of calories.

Unable to stop, I tear into the next bag.

My conscious says stop but I continue to eat.

No other candy can compare to the irresistible chunks of chocolate.

I salivate at the sight of the bright yellow bag.

I compulsively buy the M&Ms; they’re gone in a matter of minutes.

Although I find M&Ms to be extremely toothsome, some may find this addiction loathsome.

Hot Tamales are good Grant Holley Hot Tamales are my favorite candy for multiple reasons.

I like the fact that I can eat them no matter the season.

Although they are a little spicy, I still eat um.

And I make sure not to leave any crumbs.

My Dad, my brother, and I usually fight over the boxes.

When Hot Tamales are at the house my family turns into rabid foxes.

The cinnamon flavor is a fantastic part.

I love the perfect taste with all my heart.

I could probably eat these all day long.

By the end of the day my fingers are strong.

I love to eat them while watching movies And also while i'm in the jacuzzi!

I like most candies but these are just so good.

And most likely I will eat them after my childhood.

The best part is hanging with my family.

That is why they are the best candy.

Reeses!

Grace Ahlfenger I love Reese’s!

Doesn’t matter if they’re Reese’s pieces or Reese’s peanut butter cups.

I love all of the above!

I hate how M&M’s are trying to copy Reese’s.

M&M’s will never be as good as Reese’s, And that is a fact.

Peanut M&M’s are maybe the worst candy I have ever tried.

Reese’s pieces are way better than peanut M&M’s.

I mean peanut butter M&M’s are okay, but they will never be as good as Reese’s.

Reese’s is just so good!

The creamy peanut butter with chocolate is just the best!

I don’t know who came up with this combination, but I think this combination is so good!

I love Reese’s!

Jolly rancher Eli Griffin Jolly ranchers are rare to get while trick or treating.

Many people say they are sour!

I think they are a perfect mix of sour and sweet.

Blue razzberry is the best flavor by far, But cherry is great too!

They are very hard to hide from your parents.

The rapper is very crinkly and loud!

My second favorite candy is swedish fish.

They are very light and airy!

They are very chewy and sweet!

I can eat tons of them and not feel full!

They never hurt your stomach!

Swedish fish are pretty rare to get too, but :( they are easier to get than jolly ranchers though!

I love candy in general, So i’m not picky!

Sour Punch Straws Chloe Stephens Sour Punch Straws are the most glorious candy of all.

They come in all different flavors and sometimes even different sizes.

My favorite are the blue straws.

I eat them all of the time, no matter where I am.

I eat the straws very slowly, hoping to savor each and every bite.

When I see the last straw in the container, I feel a sense of sadness come over me.

After I eat the last straw, I lick the container afterward to get the sour sugar off.

The last lick of the container is the saddest lick of my life.

I sit there longing for more straws, but I know it is over‌

At least for now.

Until we meet again, my dear friend, Sour Punch Straws.

Candy Chase Moody Out of all of the candy in the world, Snickers is a Godsend.

They can turn any frown upside down.

They are so good that I wouldn’t mind sharing one with my best friend.

They can make me very happy when I am having a nervous breakdown.

When you get them your day goes from zero to one hundred real quick.

I am not always very excited to share them.

Despite what you might think you shouldn't eat them with chopsticks.

I personally think that Snickers are a hidden gem.

They provide the perfect mix of caramel and chocolate.

It’s amazing how fast they can brighten up your day.

They are extremely delicious and very edible.

They bring you up when you are feeling grey.

What they say is true, Snickers do satisfy.

You can enjoy them if you are young or old.

I want as many of them as money can buy.

You offer to sell me one and I say, “sold.’’

Swinging on Sweet Ropes Cara Rogers In groups of five I see you sit untouched.

The one thing that I crave I can not get enough Chewy red on the outside with a cherry punch flavor.

Soft pink on the inside I try to savor As I grab one bag, I turn my head and see the value pack.

I think again before I walk ahead and decided not to put mine back.

I open the bag with excitement Starting to chew on one.

My smile now vibrant I look back down and noticed that I have eaten all of them.

To Whom I Enjoy Brock Hannagan Although I only eat you on occasion I only chose to, because I love you If I ate you all the time I would become addicted.

I feel that as I consume you, you slowly consume me I won’t use you, and you won’t use me.

I’ll eat you at the theatre or on my way to Colorado, I won’t eat you in my room or even my condo.

I will never grow tired of you, but I will never see you I try to hold myself back, but all I want is to eat you.

Is this love or am I just hungry, I need to eat something I’m getting angry.

I regret what I’ve done, you will be cherished I want to say it to you but now you are perished I miss you already I want you back I guess I’ll go to the store, to get another snack.

I love you Skittles.

The Greatest of All the Candies Brendon Blake

Little multi-colored chocolate pellets, labeled with a white letter. Pretty much all the stores sell it. There’s not many things that could make them better.

There are many types, like peanut and caramel. The pretzel is amazing, and the crispy is divine, But the best kind for me will always be the original, which taste so good I almost want to make them a shrine.

They come in many colors, Like green, red, and blue, And for only a couple dollars You could buy some, too The hard candy shell gives them a satisfying crunch, And the creamy milk chocolate is something I would truly like to digest. So if you look at me and I am eating these at lunch, You shouldn't be surprised because they are simply the best!

Chocolate!

Bobby Byers Out of all the chocolates in the world, my favorite are Kit-Kat’s.

Kit-Kat’s are so good to eat all the time.

For breakfast, lunch, and dinner, there is no bad time to eat Kit-Kat’s The wrapper, containing the best chocolate, is a vibrant red.

Inside there are four long strips of chocolate.

Each strip of the Kit-Kat’s are able to break into single strips, Making the most satisfying noise “chrrr.”

Next you take a bite and your world goes insane.

Crunch, crunch, chew, chew *eyes wide open* An experience you have never had before, Something you have never felt before.

A warm tingly feeling in your body, telling you to eat another one.

Instead of eating one of them, you eat all of them.

Kit-Kats can turn a bad day into a good one with just a bite.

So, the gist of this poem is simply, Have a break, have a Kit-Kat.

October Delight Aidan Welsh Cold October days and nights filled with excitement, waiting for the 31st night, filled with scary decorations and candy.

I love to eat, scare people, and eat candy bite after bite.

I like all kinds, but starburst, the most I have in my bag. I know they will come in handy.

I can not wait to get home.

I skip through the skittles and pass by the peppermint to get to my favorite treats, even though I know it’s bad for me, it is a desire I can not defeat.

Beginning to unwrap them I become aware of a great terror.

All the starbursts I had imagined weren’t really there.

I then realized my mistake.

I had gone to the wrong part of the neighborhood, and had not checked my bag.

All that was inside of it was chocolate and candy corn, which I all hated so badly.

I couldn't believe what I had done. I ruined my night full of fun.

So there I sat until I saw the morning sun, then I realized Halloween had just begun.

It was all a dream.

I sprang up out of bed, got completely dressed, and then I sped to the store and grabbed my starbursts extremely past.

Even though the dream had passed, still in me the feeling lasts, that I would not get my favorite treat, but I saw them in the store, and knew that now, I could not suffer defeat.

Junior Submissions

*Winner*

Edible Happiness Zach Uhren

It’s spooky season, And the tricks and treats are back for a reason.

Candy corn, oh so sweet So sweet to eat, I can’t wait.

How much is already on my plate?

Yellow, orange, and white Oh what a wonderful sight.

Eating all my candy on Halloween night, A complete tummy delight.

Jelly Beans Olivia Nalley Colorful and small Jelly beans, I love you all So many flavors Many Favorites Skittles, m&m’s, Sweet tarts, and laffy taffys You can’t just pick one Crunchy and gooey

A Haiku about Twix Kate Dreyer

Smooth chocolate engulfs it Pure satisfaction

The smell of peanuts

A Haiku about Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Kate Dreyer

My taste buds quickly flare up Mmm, I can not wait Skittles are the GOAT

Skittles are the best

John-Martin WIlmann

They are better than the rest Now taste the rainbow Skittles Jackson Pool

You are delicious You are there for me always Skittles, I love you.

Halloween Cravings Isaac Soto I go walking through the streets, Looking only for some candy to eat.

Peering through the dark halloween sky, I see a new house, ready to be tried The house ahead looks quite threatening, However, my desires are everlasting Just for one piece for me to taste A Reese’s, and I want it with haste.

The delectable coco mixed in milk, The flavorful peanut butter, smooth as silk I Walk toward the house, full of anticipation But when I get there, there’s nothing but agitation.

For there is no candy there, I’ve been mislead, now with no spare Of that delicious thing of which I still yearn.

I head home, having made a U turn.

Reese’s Elise Darby Peanut Butter Cups, you are an obsession Don’t stay in my possession Or I will have a full-on snack session

Leftovers will be out of the question If I could give one suggestion, It would be to have some Reese’s in your possession peanut and chocolate leaves a good impression Without you, I go into depression.

Chocolate heaven

REESES Clara Stephens

that covers peanut butter, makes my mouth water.

Yellow and orange stripes

CANDY CORN Clara Stephens

that are so sweet and yummy-fill up my tummy.

Kit Kat Caitlyn Nguyen

Candy Corn Christian Clark

Sweet Crunchy.

Chocolate and Wafer in a red pack Slim strips of goodness Delicious and the best to Receive from strangers in cos -tume on Halloween night. No other Can top it or beat it at all, the best part of Halloween candy is available all Year long. I love you sweet Kit-Kat.

Skittles Annabel Hubner In the bag is an assortment of colors Round and small like precious sand dollars

All are guaranteed a sweet and sour sensation It makes for the most enticing combination There is not just one but many in a pack The perfect everlasting snack Red or Yellow or Blue or Green Always my favorite treat on Halloween Senior Submissions

*Winner*

The Movies Wynter Hatcher

Hands touching The big screen brightens and the lights dim You glance over at me and smile My heart races, I feel my cheeks darken I reach out for a piece of candy The rope of sugar that ties us together.

We bite into either end, For a moment our lips touch Then all is back to reality

Andes Mints; A Haiku Trey Peters Taste like not other I won’t eat anything else

Everlasting bliss

Andes Mints; A Rap Trey Peters The wrapper is so fine with that perfect design.

Im’a work and make some money so they all will be mine.

It truly is unbeatable with the flavor so mint.

Each of them is different just like a fingerprint.

If I hear you talking trash you’re gonna make me mad.

The only place you will be safe from me is in Trinidad.

Lollipops Rosie Ferrell Green apple caramel lollipops are the best When they come in season.. I put them to the test Dipped in caramel a lick makes them thinner I begged and pleaded to have them for dinner Come desert time my feelings did not waiver The taste of green apple caramel lollipops I sure did savor As I lay down to sleep, I begin to dream Green apple caramel lollipops tend to be a reoccuring theme.

Staff Submissions

*Winner*

Mike & Ike’s: I Don’t Need my Health Mrs. Kathleen Brown

Candy. That sweet delight that withers with age because we realize our metabolisms degrade, and there are never enough miles on the track to run to escape the guilt of confectionary joy.

Yet, I am drawn back.

Each and every time.

Pulled like a doll’s string to always return to that one aisle, that one place in the grocery store, the gas station, even the vending machine, or the movie theater where cavities are birthed and thighs enlarged.

Oh, candy, I will not apologize for my love of you, for there is no greater delectation than Mike & Ike’s.

A third of my daily sugar intake in just one box doesn’t deter me from the purchase.

One, two… I take all three of those exotic flavors, and I know that means a few more crunches and a few more squats and a few push-ups.

Like a soldier going off to war, I gladly sacrifice my body for the scrumptious temptation of Mike & Ike’s.

Tropical Typhoon provides an oasis of palm trees and sandy beaches.

I can feel the pineapple move from my tongue to my fingertips.

Then there is the Berry Blast; a neurotic combination of favorites that transports me to childhood memories of summer nights and late-night movies.

Of course the Originals generate a sense of peace, tranquility, and of simpler times that remain static in an ever-changing world.

Though Mike & Ike’s are nothing but sugar and corn syrup, I hold my head high WITHOUT REGRET! So what if I give-up my body to the modified food starch and fruit concentrates?

I will live.

And I will do so eating Mike & Ike’s!

Starbursts Camryn Hurley Personally, my favorite Halloween candy has to be starbursts.

It is always a surprise of what flavor you are going to get.

Obviously, some flavors aren’t as good as others.

Yes, they are awful for your teeth but that won’t stop me From enjoying my favorite Halloween candy.

A Poem To Gummi Bears Geni Gallant gummy bear I love sweet, squishy, colorful, fun good for all the meals

Resist Margaret Barbour Hands folded politely Over a simple burgundy dress Barely audible, the symphonic music Floats over a chillingly still crowd Attempted attention

But eyes flicker down: Temptation resting on her lap Resist Mouth waters The box pops open “SHHHHHHHHHH” She looks around with A smirk, tossing the Milk Dud Onto her tongue Chewing, chewing The tough taffy caramel Chewing, chewing Her teeth ache- the right jaw Beginning to lock Resist But she keeps on Chewing, chewing The neon orange pumpkin Is overflowing, yet no sign Of a little golden box The neon green pumpkin Labeled “Joe” Just within her reach She peers inside- at least 6 Why resist?

She takes them all.

Literary Magazine Presents: The Holiday

Writing Contest Write a short story of 250 words or less about Christmas or Thanksgiving from the Turkey’s Perspective!

When Turkeys Talk eƽǜǕƑǯ FƑǯƽ The freshly combusted yule log splinters are catapulted past two stockings from the quaintly ornamented fireplace near my marble slab of dwelling. From the kitchen, I have an excellent panoramic view of the entire two-room apartment, with scenery consisting of flashy bay windows that fail to white out the bustling noise of New York traffic. These windows are my lenses to a world I deeply yearn to return to, but solemnly understand I never will. From my initial deposit into Whole Foods Market some 48 hours ago, the realization that I am solely a Thanksgiving delicacy struck me as violently as the mallet butchers claim to be “humane.” It is through these windows I learned a lesson more useful than my cohorts’ fables “The Ugly Duckling” and “The Fox and the Crow”: one of rationality, one of thankfulness. My life in the New York wilderness was as immaculate as a turkey’s could be. I had a bountiful food supply, regular migration patterns, and of course I attracted all of the hens with that extraordinary gobbler of mine. Life was perfect, so perfect I didn’t have to think about it—I guess that’s where I went wrong. I don’t know if it’s just a turkey thing but we tend to take privileges for granted. I

for one never thought about anything but satisfaction with my life. As I’m marinated, seasoned, and plattered, however, I suppose I wish I had savored life as much I was about to be savored.

*Winner*

A Thanksgiving Poem

Rosie Ferrell As a turkey I severely feared That big ole man with the big ole beard He wraps his hands around my neck Just so he’ll get that big fat check Around these busy holidays Americans turn to evil ways I am the prized possession of their eye They take advantage because I cannot fly I accept my fate, I’ll end up on the table My fluttering heart, suddenly unstable I hope they find me nice and yummy And my tender taste satisfies each tummy But I wish they’d understand my toil My life cut short for one large boil

An Open Letter to Thanksgiving Julian Zanders Dear Thanksgiving, You suck. I left you out of my will.

Best wishes, The Turkey

The Bane of My Existence Conner Wood Thanksgiving is the holiday I am the least thankful for. Halloween? Spooky time.

Christmas? Who doesn’t love Elf? Easter? Who doesn’t wanna see a big bunny hopping around everywhere. Heck, I will even take National Selfie Day over Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is the holiday where my family, loved ones, and weird second cousins go to die. That said, I don’t blame Benjamin Franklin, who stood up for us when he demanded for the national bird of this country to be the gorgeous and smart turkey. Even back when Thanksgiving was celebrated, the humble Puritans and the Wampanoag didn’t eat us! I will tell you who I blame; the tall, smug looking Abe Lincoln. If he never would have announced us as a holiday, turkeys would have nothing to worry about! I live in the cold state of Minnesota, where everyone only cares about the Vikings and Prince. This is only one of the six states that allows for the terrible and inhumane industry of turkey farming. I plead with you: do not buy a turkey this year. If it is only legal in six states, should that be allowed? Maybe try to go vegan! Even though it tastes like nothing, please eat your leaves and granola. That said, under no circumstances, must you ever, ever, buy the abominable creation of a turducken. It is a disgrace to nature and to turkeys everywhere.

Literary Magazine Presents: February Love Letters 1) Write a love story without the word “love�

2) Write a poem or short story about February 3) Write a poem or a letter to your celebrity crush

*Winner*

Love Is ǕƪǐǀƑ /ǹǖǶǯǕƑǖ

A fire that you can’t quite seem to smother It’s the way your face cracks open when she laughs It’s the way she smiles when she sees you Love is how no matter how well you hide, Your heart cracks everytime she mentions him Love is how you just can’t seem to tell her no How when she’s sad, clouds seem to fill the sky It’s how you melt when she tells you she thinks you’re pretty too Love is when she gives her hugs, so rare and so wonderful Love is when she breaks, and you feel yourself break with her Love is when you see her, and everything else disappears Love is how your heart seemed to beat out of your chest when she helped zip up your dress Love is how her name flickered across your phone and your lungs stopped working Love is how she is the most beautiful girl you’ve ever seen No matter what she’s done Love is the way your heart exploded when she kissed you It’s how you were bumbling and felt like a fool How she was so calm and so good It’s how your skin was on fire, even as you broke apart It’s how you laughed and shattered inside After all She was just messing around Love is how, even now, with the fire smoking and dead, You just can’t help but smile when you see her.

*2nd place*

Charles II (2) of Spain Jadon Jordan

Dear Charles II of Spain, Hey handsome.

How are you?

You’ve been dead a long time, huh So have I. Hint numero uno that our love was written in the stars If I refer to you as ‘Carlos’ This is a compliment, I assure you.

It reflects your Spanish heritage, Your unfortunate descendancy In the Habsburg line.

Oh, and by the way, It brings out the desolate nature of your eyes And speaking of eyes, Mine are, and always have been, transfixed on the prize.

Can you guess who the prize is?

The prize is you.

The apple of my eye You will be the trophy on my shelf I’ve already cleared a spot.

For the last ruler in the House of Habsburg Such a shame that years of selfish inbreeding Has resulted in an empire in ruins.

As I’m writing this love letter The night is getting late But before I must depart I do wish to say That Carlos, my dear, Your Habsburg Jaw Drives me wild.

The food that you can not chew Will not go to waste I assure you Because I will be thy honored Queen To chew up the royal food Made for my ugly honey boo king No I must tell you this, You shan’t be shy Because you are illiterate And wobble just a mere little bit..

For you can lean on me When you feel a little unsteady And I will read you bedtime stories And fight the monsters under the bed I’ll tuck you in and kiss your cheek If and only if you promise to marry me And make me queen Of the Habsburg Empire.

Yours truly, Jadon Jordan

*3rd place*

Zac

Sophie Pazzo My dearest Zac, Throughout my childhood, my friends called me "The Zac hater." I tried to convince them that you were extremely overrated and definitely not cute. I refused to put your face on my wall, which seriously bewildered my friends who had your face all over their room in your Wildcat basketball uniform, of course. While they were convinced that they were going to marry you someday, I was convinced that you would never make it past High School Musical 3.

I have never told anyone this, so it must stay between us. Although it is hard for me to admit this, I thought you were "cute" throughout most of my childhood. I mean, you have to be blind to think otherwise. However, I wasn't going to commit myself to be your future wife if you weren't successful, smart, thoughtful, and kind. Around a decade later, however, I believe that I am almost ready to make this commitment. You're welcome.

Here's the deal; your dreamy eyes, rock hard abs, gorgeous hair, and brilliantly white teeth are only a small(ish) portion of why I am ready to make this commitment. You have exceeded my expectations with your philanthropic and charitable endeavors. THAT is hot. You said that you used to flip out over B's in school? Also hot. I've heard you like to read? Yep. Hot. I have heard that you've acted in over thirty movies, but I have honestly only seen probably around three. I am busy too, Zac. I don't (usually) have the time to sit around and watch your gorgeous self distract me from my many responsibilities. However, I would like to get to know you more before you realize that I am the one for you.

This is the start of something new.

Love, Sophie Pazzo

No Title Please.

Samuel Wilkerson Love is watching a movie that scored a 5% on Rotten Tomatoes only because she’s in it.

It’s buying a second monitor so I can watch Pitch Perfect and Interstellar at the same time. It’s getting an F on several assignments in Mrs. Kennedy’s class because I managed to turn every paper into a love letter to Anna Kendrick. Just as the sun brightens the day of man and provides a purpose to Solaire from Dark Souls, the Anna Kendrick subreddit illuminates my day with new and old photos of the scrappy little nobody whom I love so dearly. When the day is dark and dreary, and the roads are cold and icy, her definitely-not-pirated audiobook comes in handy to keep my mind on track.

In the Age of Ancients, the world was without form, just an everlasting wasteland of gray crag until the light of my world showed up and ignited the true bonfire, caressed only by my heart, no Kiln with metal walls and ash-laden hatch. The First Flame was no mere fire, it was an immense display of love in its natural form; brighter than even a tremendous quasar. As time passed, my love became more like embers, furiously burning with the heat of a thousand suns, but no longer spreading. The flames had enveloped the abyss and the furthest reaches of the void were blackened with soot. The Age of Light had been ushered in to drown the world in warmth, holding true for the rest of time.

Joseph Cooper exclaimed it himself as he floated through an infinite tesseract constructed by fourth-dimensional humans, “love is observable. Love is quantifiable.” Much like me, Cooper doubted love. It was a superstition for people who call themselves happy… and every band from the 70s. Not until I saw her in Pitch Perfect, existing at the same time as me, breathing the same air that I breathe, and singing the same songs that make me cry while I listen to the Pitch Perfect: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. She got me to try Taco Bell. I love Taco Bell. My undoubted love for Anna Kendrick transcends time and dimension, existing at both the beginning and end of time in every reality.

February Trenton Tabler Oh February! How you tease and tear at my heart! why? Why would you do such a monstrous thing!!

You are the month of grief and strife for some, but for others a time of romance and adoration. Leave us alone! We have enough difficult things to deal with without adding you to that unending list! For the people that love you it is a curse that you only come once a year. For the people that despise you it is a blessing that you come only once annually. Please, save us from making the cheesy cards, from eating those weird, chalky heart candies, and from making us realize that we will never find a true love! Thank you, next!

Yolotti

“Flavors were ON POINT.”

Lindsay Colgan

“...MY FAVORITE EVER! It was SO GOOD!” “This place takes the FROYO of cakes.”

Above are some excerpts from the Yelp review page of Yolotti Frozen Yogurt, a special place that has since been converted to yet another ubiquitous, unoriginal nail salon.

Yolotti was the heart of Brookside: the soul of a street, a social hub, an after-dinner retreat, the perfect destination for a sweet pick-me-up. Beloved by all. Gone forever.

I sometimes mull over what caused the downfall of Yolotti. Did my unwavering belief in its preeminence prevent me from noticing the flow of patrons slow to a trickle towards the end? I would frequently stop by throughout the year, no matter the season. Were others deterred by the idea of a frozen snack on a cold, wintry day? I guess I’ll never know.

Perhaps I miss Yolotti so much because it served as a backdrop for countless memories with loved ones. Possibly it’s because it reminded me of my friends: each a different flavor, yet always better when paired together. Perhaps it’s because Yolotti provided me with the chance to venture into new delicious experiences by introducing a plethora of unique choices each month.

In a perfect world, Yolotti would make a comeback. I love Yolatti and miss it dearly.