Lisle Junior High School Inspire Magazine Vol. 2

Artwork By: Sarah M

Inspire

Staff 2020-2021

-Editor-in-Chief-

Ms. Katherine Braun -Short Story & Poetry Editorial Committee*Emily L - 7th grade *Danielle E - 6th grade Anya K - 7th grade Reagan G - 7th grade -Art Editorial Committee*Nicole P - 8th grade *Angela W - 8th grade Salem V - 7th grade Megan L - 7th grade Molly M - 6th grade -Inspire Workshop Committee*Isabella F - 8th grade *Cooper W - 7th grade Sophia O - 7th grade Katelyn B - 6th grade -Technological Design Committee*Richard A - 8th grade *Arbab J - 8th grade Jayden B - 8th grade *Starred names denote current leaders in each committee.

Dedicated to all those inspiring positive change, hope, empathy, and kindness in our world and LJHS community—including the voices scattered across these pages “In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Volume 2

2020 - 2021

Thanks to the Staff, 6th, 7th, and 8th Graders for their submissions to make this magazine possible.

Enjoy Volume 2 of

Inspire!

- Student Poetry - Student Short Stories - Student Art - Staff Submissions - 6 Word Memoirs -

Volume 2

Held Down

Want to Be Me - Rachel Z I just want to be free.

I just want to be me.

I want to live in a way where nothing is expected of me.

Because I know, I’m not expected to be me.

I know I’m expected to be quiet.

To be silenced.

To not be heard.

To be the shadow.

Because I know, I’m not expected to be me.

I’m not expected to be free.

I’m not expected to speak up.

I’m not expected to be in charge.

I’m expected to be overlooked.

I’m expected to not be heard.

I’m expected to not be seen.

Because I know, this is not where I’m meant to be.

This is not where I’m meant to be me.

This is not where I’m meant to be free.

2020 - 2021

By Katie S

I arose in the darkness no light ahead I could tell I was low by the dim light above my head.

But then you fell down, as far as could see you fell even lower, lower than me!

I peered down to ask why we fell but all I saw was nothing to tell, I wondered if it was all just a thought just a war that my eyes and mind fought, but just before I could question any more I awoke from my sleep right on the floor...

I was never that low, and nor were you!

Nothing we saw had happened, nothing we thought was true~

But I am expected to be me.

I am expected to speak up.

I am expected to be heard.

I am expected to be seen, and I am expected to be free.

Lake of Despair - Anonymous The wolves howl at the darkest nights The full moon is out tonight I watch and listen The moon is glistening to this beautiful night sky I stumble upon a dreary lake This lake I suppose has a bit of dark magic The touch of one’s self can cause anything to their despair As I touch this lake that shows my darkness and shadows It pulls me in and where am I? My despair Loneliness and death My agony is showing on this lake of despair

1

Eye Drawing - Chloe C

Untitled - Krystyna B

Inspire

2020 - 2021

Volume 2

A Dead Hamster and a Kid’s Wild Imagination

- Anonymous

Kids do weird things. I would know, I’m a kid and I do weird things. Well, one of my favorites is the story of what I did after my dwarf hamster died and how I found out about it. Maybe this doesn’t sound weird (yet), but I didn’t like the hamster.

In fact, I’m pretty sure I only fed that hamster when I walked past it’s cage. Which was not often considering the cage was in the corner of my living room that my mom doesn’t let us go into because “she still hasn’t paid off the rug.” But that’s beside the point.

I woke up at 6 am on a weekend and walked down stairs after listening to

music for an hour because at the time that was my only hobby (I’m just kidding, it still is). I was 9, but I could pass as a 13 year old considering I was unnecessarily tall for a 3rd grader. Anyway, I saw my dad in the kitchen drinking coffee.

“When was the last time you fed your new hamster?” He said after helping me make breakfast. The answer to this was obviously never, so I walked over to her cage. I took her food bag and gave her some. I watched for a few minutes waiting for her to come out. Because I was impatient and I guess had anger issues; I shook the cage.

Nothing.

I opened the cage waiting for the hamster to come out but still, nothing. So I shook a bit harder. Now you may be thinking uh that’s literally animal abuse. Well, in my defense I don’t know why my parents thought it was a good idea to give an irresponsible 9 year old a living creature. Always blame the parents. Anyway, I told my parents I thought that my hamster was dead. Well it turns out it was.

You’d think a kid my age would be quite upset. Well unfortunately that wasn’t the case. I was excited to plan a funeral. Before, I had only been to one funeral at the age of 5, so I didn’t remember much. This didn’t stop me. I began by making a guest list: Mommy, Daddy, Helen, and Kotek (my cat). Then I took out the foldable chairs from our garage; I set them up in a row and column format. I also sat down a few flowers in the middle of the room. I put name tags on the chairs and told my entire family to get out of the kitchen and come downstairs. They looked a bit terrified that this is the first thing that came to mind when I found out my hamster was dead. But they all sat down (except my dad, I don’t know where he was), and then they waited for me to explain.

I was a bit offended when I saw they did not show up in their nicest attire, but that’s okay. I began to tell stories about all the times she had escaped her cage, all the times she bit me, and of course that one time when- My mom’s chicken she was making for lunch was still in the oven, so she left. I guess that explains the burnt chicken smell running around the house. My sister also left because she didn’t like me, nor did she care about my hamster I got from the clearance section at Petsmart. Yeah there is a clearance section… Anyway, luckily my cat couldn’t go anywhere, because I was holding her against her will.

At the end of the funeral I put her into a Nike shoebox and gave her to my dad. I still have the cage she lived in; it smells bad. That is the story. That is why you should never trust an irresponsible child with a living animal.

Inspire

By: Angela Wang2

Volume 2

Pink

2020 - 2021

Monsters

-

Rachel Z

By Isabella K

Pink is the color of fun Pink is my bedroom

Pink is beauty

Pink is happiness Pink is amazing Pink is cool Pink is special Pink is everything

Pink is the world Pink is me

The monsters are there.

I think they want me dead.

I can’t run away.

I’m trapped anyway.

The monsters are there.

I think they want me dead.

I can’t run.

They stole my breath.

I feel suffocated.

I feel dead.

The monsters are there in my head.

Anxiety.

Amusement Pa rk at Night

By Isabella K The amusement park is closed fo r the night And is still and silent But what no one knows Is that the am usement park is wil And makes a bunch of sou d n The pirate ship goes swoosh, sw ds o o sh, and starts up The spinning cu ps go woosh, w oosh, and watch all the rides The tilt-a-whirl goes es every ride twirl, twirl, and runs the food stands T he swings go swoosh, swoo sh and fix all th The drop goe e broken rides s droop, droo p, a The Rock Star goes rrrr, rrrr, sw nd tests the newest rides oo The zipper go es zoop, zip, a sh, swoosh, and creates new rides nd runs all th The games g e games o, go, go, go a n d buy all the But the ruler of the park prizes The one that controls it all Is the roller coaster the goes Ra, Ra, Ra , and rules the park And stands in the ce nter, big and tall.

3

Good Vibes Only - Anonymous

vin d - De

Untitle

B

Inspire

2020 - 2021

Volume 2

Swamp Green Walls

By Chloe C

Moving day was hot and sunny. It was the kind of day that we had longed for all summer. I heard the birds chirping as the sun shined on my face and I looked out the window of my grandma’s leather-scented car. I hope my new room is just as amazing as I had dreamed it to be! I thought. We were moving to a new house, in a new neighborhood, with a brand new room of my own. As soon as we pulled up, I jumped out of the car and rushed into the house. I took in our new house with all of its glory. I walked up the stairs to the door leading to my new room. This was the moment. The moment of truth. My brand new room. I opened the door and- What? I was shocked. There, standing before me were endlessly awful swamp green walls.

I couldn’t believe it. All of my imaginative ideas of what my new room would look like were so deceiving.

This wasn’t the room I was expecting. In fact, it wasn’t a room I would ever choose to be in at all. I slowly took a deep breath and walked in.

As I walked further into the room, I felt the icy-cold floor beneath my feet. The walls were green like an abandoned forest filled with mystery and fear. My heart sank to the bottom of my stomach. I looked to the side and noticed the old tattered mattress that was the current sleeping arrangement. I looked around at the empty lifeless room that brought tears to my eyes and started to cry.

“What’s wrong, pumpkin?” questioned my mother. Her voice was sweet like honey, and she could tell something was wrong.

“Look at the walls!” I wailed. “They’re green! Not just any green, swamp green!” The ugliest of ugly greens was the color of my room. How could this be my room? The room I am to live in until college, is this? It can’t be.

“Sweetheart, we can paint your room you know.” My mother explained as she dropped the brown moving box with a muffled thud.

I looked up at her and continued to pout. “You don’t get it Mom!” I yelled. For a moment there, it was completely silent. I had my family with me, yet I felt so isolated.

My mother started to frown. “Chloe, your father and I worked very hard to get this house. You should be grateful that we were able to even move!” She stated this with disappointment as she looked down at me.

“I’m sorry Mom.” I started. “I know I should be more grateful, but it’s hard moving. What if I miss my old room?”

She looked at me with a smile and stated, “We are going to do everything we can to make this room special.

Okay?”

I took a deep breath, “Okay Mom. I love you.”

She started to walk out of the room, “I love you too.”

I sat there with my thoughts. I feel bad. Really, really bad. I looked around the room, took in a breath of air, and felt it travel throughout my whole body and calm me down. I took in another deep breath and let the cool air fill my lungs. There is no reason to cry anymore. I have a room, a new house, and that’s all that matters. I’m going to make so many memories here. It was at this moment that I realized how much my parents have done for me. They have always been there and this house was amazing. The thing was, I realized that I should always be grateful for what I have. So what if my walls were green? It sure makes a good reason to be the first to pick out a new paint color.

Inspire

By: Angela Wang4

“Bad” Day - Dani E “Having a bad day,” Countless people say, But they’re looking the wrong way.

My dear friend, No matter what you felt, What you said, What you heard, What you saw, A day cannot be ruined.

Each day is perfect.

Each day is filled with imperfection.

A day must be perfect, as it’s creator Knows not imperfection, but our world does.

Rejoice my dear friend, In what your creator has created.

Look out your window, Realize, The sun rose, Realize, The trees still stand, Realize, God is by your side, Now I ask, dear friend, is the day not perfect?

Volume 2

2020 - 2021

endings

by reagan g

every good thing must end, and nothing can last forever. i’d like to think that in other lives we may return together. i wish i could rewind the clock, and relive every moment. but our mortal souls don’t work that way, beginnings need fulfillment. i’m afraid our time is short now, and we haven’t got much longer. so i’ll keep you in my heart until my head can become stronger.

The Art of Baking Mrs. Chrysan Rankin

Untitled

- Anony mo

us

Anxiety - Grace K It starts with a small thought, and evolves into a storm.

That feeling of being trapped within your own thoughts.

It takes one trigger, and like that, boom!

It’s an attack of thoughts and feelings.

I see the signs everyday. Panting, shivering, shaking, and sweating.

I pray every night that one day I’ll wake up and just like that, it’s gone.

As fast as it builds up.

Sophia O Regal Kitty -

Gone.

5

Inspire

2020 - 2021

Volume 2

Taming the Giant

- Anonymous

The crisp frozen air forced its way into my lungs, grasping them with such force it was hard to breathe. The wind whipped around furiously, like an animal in a cage, starved of freedom. Thick gray clouds loomed over the park ominously. There were puddles of rain on the ground from when the clouds last cried, and the air smelled of wet grass and warm funnel cake.

“What about that one?” my dad asked, breaking the thin veil of silence surrounding us. He pointed, and I turned to face the giant known as Goliath. The Goliath, with it’s sharp metal teeth, wooden skin, and screams embedded in its core was the very last thing I wanted to see. Its prey rattled in a metal cage as it shot through the monster. Going, going, gone, down into the depths of the giant’s stomach. The beast was well over the size of a small building, as wide as a 4-lane highway, and looked about as safe as a starved lion. That was the monster my dad wanted to go on. Immediately, my instincts kicked in, telling me not to go.

“I don’t think so,” I said. My dad turned to look at me with a puzzled expression on his face.

“Why not?” he inquired.

“What if we die?” I asked.

“We’re not gonna die,” he said.

“You don’t know that,” I retorted.

My dad sighed, his expression changing. “This may be our last chance to go on here,” he said. “If you really want to miss out on this opportunity, then that’s on you. I’m going on.”

The guilt I started to feel was monumental. What if this is my last chance? I thought. I don’t want to disappoint my dad. But it’s so… big. I could never go on that. Then again, what’s the worst that could happen?

“Okay,” I said. “I’ll go.”

As soon as I saw it up close, I immediately regretted my decision. It was just too big. I couldn’t do it.

I started to panic. My throat closed in on itself, but this time it had nothing to do with the wind. I told myself I wouldn’t go on. I turned around to go back down when my dad stopped me.

“Are you sure you don’t want to go on?” he asked.

I stopped, considering his words. If this is my last opportunity, do I really want to give it up to let fear win?

I asked myself. I’ll probably end up regretting this decision for the rest of my life. Do I really want to do that to myself?

With that being said, or rather thought, I faced my dad, and uttered two words that changed my life forever.

“Let’s go,” I said.

It was even more terrifying than I thought it would be. I was flung down a mountain at such a speed I didn’t think possible. I felt my insides churning, my body shaking, and my hands turning white, clasping against the only thing separating me and certain death. The twists, turns, and loops were nothing compared to the somersaults happening in my stomach. The wind cackeled in my ear, mocking me for my foolishness.

The core of the beast was even worse. The rotting wood, the ice-cold steel, and the even colder knowledge of all the shrieks and screams it had seen over the years were all more terrifying than I could have ever imagined.

This monster could not be described as anything else but fear itself. The beast wailed its sharp, metallic cry as we narrowly escaped its ruthlessly unforgiving grasp.

I hated every second of it, but it was worth it. It was worth it because I had faced my fear. I had tamed the giant.

At the end of the day, the air still pierced my throat, just a little less harsh. The wind still howled, but not as fierce. Gray clouds still floated lazily in the sky, yet posed no threat to anyone but the birds. The sun had found its way behind them, and was creeping up ever so slightly. There were still puddles, but they had begun their journey upwards, to begin someday again.

Inspire

By: Angela Wang6

Volume 2

2020 - 2021

The Battle Against Gravity - Anonymous

Standing on top of the mountain on that hot summer day, I wondered how the world could be so small. My worries were miles and miles away. As I inhaled the fresh mountain air, I quickly turned my body, my foot hitting a patch of loose rock. Then, I felt the earth give way.

Of course slipping was the last thing on my mind as we drew closer to the mountain. My eyes grew wide with excitement. My heart was beating a mile a minute.

Today we would be hiking the Y in Provo, Utah! As we slowed to a stop I didn’t even wait for my dad to park before I excitedly unbuckled.

As I raced out of the van after my siblings I gazed in awe at the huge mountain that lay before me. Is this really happening!?!? I thought.

I’ve heard many stories about my mom’s adventures hiking the Y when she was in college. So when she announced earlier in the summer that we would be doing that, I got very excited.

Mom stepped out of the van after me, and headed over.

“You ready?” she asked. I eagerly nodded my head and started to run towards the mountain. I felt the excitement surge through me as I took off up the steep trail.

A third of the way up, my burning legs ached and I felt weak. My swollen feet hurt so bad, but I was too afraid to say anything. I didn’t want to turn around. I didn’t want to go back to the van. Nothing was going to stop me from making it to the Y. When we reached halfway up the mountain, I gazed down. Everything looked much smaller. The people looked like little ants, and our big red van looked like a tomato. Then, something dawned on me. We were SO far up… so high.

Suddenly, I felt the air being sucked out of my lungs. One slip could knock me off that mountain. As I firmly gripped the railing, I heard, “Rachel. Breathe.” I didn’t even realize I was holding my breath. I let out a long sigh.

“There we go,” Mom said. “Come on. We’re halfway there.”

As we slowly ascended further up the mountain, I felt like I was going to pass out. My lungs were screaming; I was gasping for air and felt like I was going to die. Breathing wasn’t this hard before - why was it now? My feet were killing me. I was dehydrated but afraid to drink anything because I didn’t want to have to use the bathroom. And I. Was. EXHAUSTED. Yet nevertheless, I kept pushing. I desperately wanted to stop and turn around, to go back to the van, but my feet kept going. And going. And going.

Finally, we took a much-needed break, but it only lasted a few minutes. Too soon, we started walking again and rounded a bend. A sign directing us to the bottom of the Y shouted out to us. Were we almost there??

With renewed energy, I sped up. Relief washed over me as the big white Y came into view. I triumphantly walked over to the side of the mountain as the crisp air hit me in the face. Home was thousands of miles away, and I didn’t have a care in the world.

As I enthusiastically turned to express my excitement to my family, the rocks under my feet shifted, and I felt myself falling. My mind tried processing what was happening.

Before my mind could completely register everything, a firm hand suddenly grabbed my arm and pulled me back onto stable ground.

I breathed out a sigh of relief as I clung onto Mom. Sensing how exhausted I was, Mom released my arm and pointed to the base of the gigantic whitewashed Y that we were next to. “Go sit down,” she demanded. I obeyed.

A few minutes later, while we started making our way back down the trail, I saw a sign out of the corner of my eye that read: Parking Lot. 6 miles.

Wait… 6 miles?? No wonder it took so long! Wow! What an accomplishment!

But it was all worth it, I thought. It was all worth it.

7

Inspire

2020 - 2021

Needle

Volume 2

Then I find the needle Very small yet shiny I push all the hay away and I start to work on the needle All I can focus on is the needle I keep it close to me and I don’t let it go Finally after working on the needle for what feels like 100 years I can let it go I am done with it

What if the day was cloudy What if I failed my test What if I was late to class What if I had a fight with my friends What if I fell, slipped, and fell again What if I got grounded What if I came in last What if the world was ending But, What if the sun was out What if I aced my test What if I was early to class What if I had a great time with my friends What if I got back up after I fell What if my parents were proud of me What if I came in first What if I got to see another day What if I was happy What if I had hope

Dani E

I look at my paper Nothing It seems as though hours have gone by Nothing All I can think of is Nothing What to write about?

Other poets make it look like so easy Like a press of a button But to me its feels like finding a needle in a haystack Like trying to find an idea with writer’s block

Fausta G

Namaste

- Anonymous

What If

What if Everyone said “namaste,” not bowing to perfection or divine, not as worship, but as simple respect, respecting the imperfection, respecting the pain and suffering, respecting natural resilience, respecting that we are all Human.

We are all human.

Created by the same creator, so unique, so similar, we all share passion, love, hate, fear, hope, “Namaste,” I respect you, you in your mistakes, your misery, you in your beauty, your hope, respect is something we don’t share.

What if we did?

Miniature Library - Anonymous

BTS’s RM - Alis hbaa K

Inspire

By: Angela Wang8

Volume 2

2020 - 2021

The Waiter - Anonymous Henry Daley is an acclaimed food journalist. In this story, he is visiting a new restaurant in the hopes of writing about it for a review. What follows is his recounting of the event.

The restaurant was filled with deafening silence. No one spoke except for the forks and knives, in a conversation with the ceramic plates. Then I heard them. The footsteps, pitter-pattering like rain against the restaurant carpet. I saw no one, smelled nothing, touched lifeless air, and tasted only the pool of saliva growing in my ever-hungry mouth.

He appeared out of thin air, as if a shadow had swallowed him up and then spit him out again. The waiter set down the plate and walked away, his feet pitter-pattering like rain against the restaurant carpet. I turned my attention back to the steaming plate in front of me. A huge wave of the sweet, chocolatey aroma washed over me as the mini volcano sat there, perfectly still, waiting to be devoured. I took my time looking it over. It seemed such a shame that I would have to ruin such a masterpiece, such a carefully crafted work of art. With a heavy sigh, I dug my shining, silver spoon into the mountain, and a river of hot, chocolate lava rushed over the edge of the fallen cake, covering my plate in a mess of hot, sticky goo. I managed to get some on my spoon, and lifted it to my mouth, blowing on the chocolate, hoping to cool it down. My mouth exploded with a firework of flavors. The island of cake matched perfectly with the bittersweet ocean of melted chocolate in my mouth. It was by far the best dessert I had ever had.

When the waiter came to collect my plate, I was speechless. I had never written well about a restaurant before, but now I was itching for a pen. I needed to let the world know of this wonder. But the waiter. The waiter’s face was smooth like river stones, rounded by constant waves. His skin was so pale, it was almost translucent, glowing faintly in the dim lighting of the restaurant. And his eyes. His eyes were worst of all, pure black eyes staring into my soul, judging my every move. Finally, after standing in silence, he spoke.

“Did you like your dish, sir?” His words felt as if they were piercing my skin, making their way through my flesh, burrowing themselves in the marrow of my bone.

“Yes, I enjoyed it quite well,” I managed to spit out.

As I walked home for the evening, I recounted my experience, hoping to remember enough for a review. I could not get over how exquisite the dessert was. It seemed a little peculiar though, I thought. The entire evening, I felt as if I were the only one there. Strange, but not unordinary. I would like to think I would have forgotten that thought, pushed it out of my mind as quickly as it had gotten in. Yes, I would have forgotten the thought, if it weren’t for one key thing: the waiter. The way he seemed to appear from the shadows, the way his face glowed in the light, and the way his voice sounded ghastly - like a spirit. It was at that moment I chose to look down at my hands. Except they weren’t there.

In a panic, I started running. I didn’t care where, it just mattered that I was running away from whatever was happening. As it turned out, I didn’t care so much that I ran into the street. The next thing I remember was the bright lights of a car barreling towards me. I prepared myself for the impact, but it never came. The car had passed right through me. Suddenly, I realized why the restaurant had seemed so quiet. No one was there. At least, no one alive. …

I can’t recall why or how but I found myself back at the restaurant. A young couple had just taken their seats. They seemed so happy, unaware of their surroundings.

I almost felt sorry for them. Then I heard a voice in my ear. I turned to face the waiter; the cold, lifeless waiter staring at me with his dark, piercing eyes. “This way, sir.”

He started walking towards an empty table, and I followed. I followed with my feet pitter-pattering like rain against the restaurant carpet.

- From the secret diary of Henry Dale -

9

Inspire

2020 - 2021

Volume 2

Everything is Nothing - Anonymous Why is grass always emerald and the sun, a bright big orange Why can’t the sky ever be blue?

Why can’t words just speak true?

Rivers always seem to rage Stories always dance off a page Deafening is the silence The memories, ever timeless

Eye of Sorrow Anonymous

Millie Bob

by Brow n Drawing Chloe C

So, you think you’re a poet?

Really, just don’t show it You and I both know it In the end, you’re gonna blow it Words are words, of that I’m sure Dogs go woof, and cats go purrrr No need to make a metaphor Your word choice is always poor You say that small crystals are the snow And at night, the moon, it glows

Untitled Eye of Mystery Anonymou s

- Devin B

To you, the lake is smooth like glass A trumpet is beautiful, gleaming brass How awful it must be to see through your lens Seeing things that aren’t there, it just never ends If only I could see what you see Happier, my life would be And while it’s true that everything is nothing You, my dear, you are my something

Ghoul Eye - Anonymous

Inspire

A Wond erful Nig ht Isabella F

Hitting the Rocks wit h Water Lucinda K

Lymerick - Anony

mous There was once were some stud ents from Lisle Who always w ent ‘camera on’ with a smile Now the teacher b That the learnin elieves g And can give ou is a breeze t A’s by the pile.

By: Angela Wang 10

Volume 2

2020 - 2021

You Are Perfect - Anonymous You are perfect

Stop putting yourself down

Naming all your flaws, comparing yourself to others You are perfect

Fire and Ice

By Isabella K

You are perfect

You have all those qualities

Fire

That other girls wish they had You are perfect

Hot, Dangerous

You are perfect

You are as strong as a brick wall

And will not agree to change no matter what people say You are perfect You are perfect

Flaming, spreading, burning Heat, flames, chills, chunks

Those “flaws” are perfection

Love them because that’s what makes you YOU You are perfect

Slip, shiver, break

You are perfect

Don’t apologize for choosing yourself; break the ice This is what we’ve all been waiting for You are perfect

Cold, slippery Ice

You are perfect Love yourself

You’re not designed to be what others ask for You are perfect !

You are perfect !

You are perfect !

Whale

What was 8th Grade..

By Isabella K

The whale will swim The whale will swim around The whale has swam

8th grade wasn’t small..

8th grade wasn’t a fantasy 8th grade wasn’t rainbows and butterflies. .no But 8th grade was.. A lesson.

It has taught me what the world really is.

It’s taught me who I really am.

Its taught me what “friends” really are but yet again we ask What was 8th grade?

-Iyana R

11

Inspire

2020 - 2021

Volume 2

The Mysterious Ringing

By Hailey V

“Hailey, go answer your phone,” said my dad with a mischievous grin on his face.

I rolled my eyes. Since I was in 3rd grade I’ve jokingly asked my parents if I could get a phone.

I mean, if all my friends had them surely I could have one too, right? Wrong. My dad had said things like this before like, “Call us when you get upstairs,” “Look it up on your phone,” “Text us when you get there,” or “I hope you brought your phone.” He’s as devious as a devil. He just liked messing with me because he knew I wanted a phone. So I just assumed it was one of those times.

We were sitting on the couch in the living room watching the news when I heard the ringing. I didn’t even think about the ringing when it started. It was normal; phones ring all the time, but when my dad said to go answer my phone, I narrowed my eyes. I got up and went searching for it anyway.

I went down the hallway towards where I thought the origin of the ringing was, by my sister’s and my bedrooms.

“Where is that coming from?” I asked my dad, exasperated.

“I don’t know,” he called out from the couch I could see the smile shining through his confused expression. “That’s not true,” I retorted as I burst into my room. “Where is it?”

I started searching in my room for the mysterious ringing. It wasn’t on my desk. It wasn’t on my bookcase. It wasn’t on my bed. Then I saw it.

“Found it!” I shouted at my parents. This time when I looked at it, I soaked in all the details. It couldn’t be mom or dad’s phone, it was way too small. It was a shocking black on the wood of my dresser. It was only about four inches by two inches. The phone was vibrating as I picked it up, my hand was shaking like the phone as I held it.

“What is this?” I asked my dad as I walked back to the living room with the strange object in my hand.

“It’s your phone silly,” my dad responded.

“But why is it so small?” I questioned further as I felt a smile spread across my face.

“It’s an iPhone 5. When you prove that you’re responsible enough for a better one you’ll get a newer one.”

“Wait are you serious?”

“Yep!” “Yay!” I exclaimed while jumping up and down. “I have a phone! I have a phone!” I chanted.

My mom looked happy for me, she had a big, kind smile on her face. My sister on the other hand looked jealous. She had wanted me to get a phone but now that I had one she didn’t like it.

“But if you misuse it you won’t have a phone,” my dad warned “Ok dad I understand,” I confirmed, “Thank you so much!”

“You’re welcome, but we have a lot of work to do so you can use your phone.”

So we sat on the couch all night coming up with my password, trying to find my friend’s numbers, connecting my email address, downloading apps, and him showing me how to use it.

As I looked up at my dad I realized that it wasn’t only that I had a phone, but I also had my dad’s trust. He finally thought I was responsible enough to have a phone. And that was the best part. Ok, maybe the phone was the best part, but being “responsible” in my dad’s eyes was still nice.

gela W Nefelibata - An

Inspire

Untitled - De vin B

By: Angela Wang 12

Hope

Volume 2

- Rachel Z

It’s the first day of fifth grade, and I am so nervous.

It’s a new school year, brimming with new possibilitiesnew chances...

And I. Am. Terrified.

I see the bus round the corner and anxiety surges through me even more!

As the bus stops the door flings open, signaling a new school year was about to start.

I stare up the bus’s stairs, too afraid to move.

Slowly I take a step, then another step, then another up the stairs.

My eyes ransack the seats to see any open spaces, any faces I might remember from last year.

Anxiety builds up when I can’t find either.

But then, the sunlight shines down on an open seat, next to a face I know.

I quickly make my way over to the seat, afraid that the next second it will be gone, and I won’t find either again.

I sit down.

The girl’s head jerks up and she looks at me.

I was expecting her to smile, to say in her usual, soft voice that I was so used to, “Hey girl! How was your summer?”

But instead, she scowls.

And her words aren’t what I am expecting.

“You know, I was saving this seat for someone else?”

That’s it?

No hello?

My heart drops.

My face heats up, and all I want to do is curl up in a ball and cry.

I am SO embarrassed.

To try to hide my embarrassment, I look away.

But that doesn’t stop the girl from talking.

Again she says, “Did you just hear me? I said that next time, ask to sit down first before you do.”

Again, I avoid eye contact.

But she STILL doesn’t stop from talking.

“Hello? Did you just hear me? I said-” “I know. Okay?” I say to get her to shut up.

But then, she says, “Then what did I just say?”

So I look ahead and say what she said to me a thousand times before…

The rest of the day goes on, and on, and on.

All I want is for it to end.

Days after that I avoid the girl as much as possible.

But when I try to talk to others, they don’t even bat an eyelash at me.

Before fifth grade I had always had trouble fitting in.

That situation just made it worse.

Throughout the years I’ve lost so many friends. What makes this year any different?

I make friends in the start, and try SO hard to hold on- to never let go, because I know Once I let go, they will float away, on the tides of loneliness into the sea of despair, and it will be so hard for them to come back to shore.

2020 - 2021

But I’m tired of holding on- of being the only one to put effort into keeping the raft near the sand.

But for some reason, I can’t seem to let go.

And when the raft does slip away, I think, I should have held on tighter.

Because perhaps if I held on tighter, the raft wouldn’t be so far away.

But for some reason, it’s always them that kick my hand away so they can drift.

So why am I blaming myself? Why am I blaming myself for something they did?

I feel so at fault for some reason.

Maybe because it’s society making us feel this way?

Maybe it’s because we think that whenever someone leaves us it’s automatically “Our fault.”

But maybe it is because of society?

Because society paints this picture of perfection for people to like us, or In order for us to fit in.

Society judges us on the way we dress, our cultures, the way we speak, the way we look, and the way we walk.

We think that society might be right.

But let me tell you this: Society is NOT right, and it never will be.

Society just wants us to feel bad, To feel like we don’t belong.

But we DO. Society and trouble fitting in and anxiety will all make us feel bad.

We feel worthless because we listen to what everyone says.

But society isn’t always right.

We all have worth.

We all are precious.

And no one has the right to say we aren’t.

Sure, times can be hard, and we can feel like we’re drowning and everything is falling apart around us, but eventually... things will get better.

So don’t listen to the haters.

Because if we don’t listen to them…

And we stop trying to make society happy by destroying our identity in the process…

They will become powerless.

We would all be happier, because We are all precious.

And in the darkest of times, There is always hope.

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Inspire

2020 - 2021

Volume 2

Ol’ Saint Nick! - Anonymous The footsteps in the snow crinch, crunch, crinch, crunch, The window reveals darkness and shadows, A tall, slim figure pierces the black night, Dark and depressed are his eyes Tap, tap, tap, silence, The man was at my window, I didn’t dare look out, “It’s only me, Ol’ Saint Nick,” The voice crawls into my ears, I try to scream but can only mumble, BANG, BANG, BANG, At my window, The peaceful night prevailed, “It’s only me, Ol’ Saint Nick,” The voice strangled my peace and ignited my fear, A darker black than ever before enveloped me completely.

The darkness seemed to never end, But again the light shined, In a new surrounding, I felt just fine, The confusion of the darkness vanished in the light, Only scars to remember that night.

Anya K Fierce Cat -

A Spring Blossom Lucinda K

Out - Anonymous Oh how I wish it were easy Just mutter the words And feel uneasy Just sit there as she observes That look on my face As I try to speak the sentence “Mom, I’m-” I’m out of breath like I just ran a race Can’t breathe in a moment this tremendous I look at her expression, sour as a lime As I try to say it again One. more. time.

“Mom, I’m gay.”

Her expression suddenly changed just then She gave me a sweet smile And said, “I know.”

I looked at her as my jaw dropped to the floor And smiled at her once more

Luna Lovegood Drawing Chloe C

Scaw y - Arely A

It’s The Most Dreadful Time Of The Year - Anonymous It’s beginning to look like a nightmare Corona be the devil The world is burning to ashes Vaccinations are spreading around There are stores that are shutting down It’s beginning to look like a nightmare

Inspire

By: Angela Wang 14

Volume 2

Bee’s Books

2020 - 2021

- Nisa G

I don’t know why we are at this place; it’s cramped, and it smells like peppermint. My mom says that it is a bookstore, but all I can see is a desk with an old lady sitting behind it. The desk has piles of blankets on it. She has gray hair up in a bun with a big silver clip, and brown eyes. Sitting down she looked short, but her legs were stretched out very far underneath the desk. Since COVID-19, we have been encouraged to shop at small businesses. I think that must be why my mom dropped me off here.

My mom said, “I’m going next door to go grocery shopping. Pick up a few books. I’ll be back soon.”

“Ok!” I responded excitedly. I loved sci-fi and adventure books. This place seemed like it would have a lot of them.

The lady at the desk spotted me and said, “The books are in the back room. If you need to find anything specific, let me know; I can help.”

The back room had so many boxes and shelves; I barely found room to step. I shouldn’t have a problem finding something I liked here. I looked through the many dusty, brown boxes and found a few books. My mom wasn’t back yet. While I was waiting, the woman who was at the front desk asked me, “What is your name?”

“Suzie,” I responded, “What’s yours?”

“You can call me Bee. Can you help me fold these blankets? I volunteer at the local hospital down the road, and I make blankets for people in the hospital. It takes time to make them, but it’s really fun. I would go to deliver them directly to the people, before COVID-19, we went through each room and handed a blanket to each person. It makes my day to just think about the smile on each person’s face. It took almost a whole week to give each person a blanket, but I do it every year. I love doing it because the patients appreciate it.”

“That’s so nice of you. I wish I thought of that idea.” I replied.

“We can’t do it anymore, but there are other ways to help during COVID-19. I’m sure there are many facilities like the one I work in that would really appreciate some help.”

“Bee, do you have any ideas of something that I can do to help out during the COVID-19 crisis?”

Bee offered to help me think of things that I could do, and after a while of thinking up ways that we could help, we decided to make masks because we heard there was a shortage. My mom came to pick me up. Promising to come back the next day, I went home. The next day after school, I left for the bookstore with some ideas for our new project. When I arrived there, I was surprised to see that most of the boxes had been stacked up against the walls, and Bee was in the process of moving the shelves into organized lines.

She said, “I figured we were going to need some space. Do you think this is enough room?”

“Yes! It looks so much bigger back here now.”

“For a long time, I forgot what it looked like back here. I have some extra tables and chairs in another storage room that I can bring out.” Bee said.

“Let’s get started!” Bee and I began to make lots of masks. In the first few hours, Bee had a big pile of masks next to her, and I had only a few. When I began to gape at her pile, she only laughed and reassured me that I would get better. Soon it became time for me to go, so I said goodbye to Bee and walked home.

That night, I fell asleep really fast and hard. I had a confusing dream. I was in my room talking on the phone. When I tried to leave, there was a huge pile of masks sitting outside, covering the entrance to my room. I attempted to step through it and accidentally fell in. I fell through a pool of masks. There were masks with hearts, and masks with stars, green masks, and purple masks, yellow masks too. There was literally every pattern and color of a mask that you could ever think of. Eventually, I got to the bottom of the hole, and there was a guy standing on top of a pile of masks in what looked like a throne made of masks. He was yelling something about being the king of all masks and how all the masks of his land should obey him. Then I woke up.

I got up and got ready to go to Bee’s bookstore to see her. I decided I might tell her about the weird dream. Maybe she can be my psychic dream reader for a day. When I got to the bookstore, Bee and I got started making masks. When I told Bee about my dream, she laughed and said that I was hilarious. I felt like we used every kind of color and pattern to make

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Inspire

2020 - 2021

Volume 2

them, like in my dream. We did this for a few weeks. Bee and I became really great friends, and she told me about all her brothers who played pranks on her. She also told me about how she and her brothers were always getting in trouble. She told me lots of things about her childhood and her life.

After making masks every weekend with Bee, we decided to get them all ready to take to the hospital. I boxed some, and Bee put ribbons on some. We walked to the local hospital that Bee worked in. When we got there, the person who worked at the front desk greeted us outside, he took most of the masks to give to the employees and patients. He told Bee that there might be some people walking around that she should give the rest to. Bee gave her boxes away super fast; I wasn’t allowed inside because I was a kid.

The next morning, Bee called me and said that she wasn’t feeling very well. My mom and I were worried. My mom was a nurse and suggested that she should get a COVID-19 test, just to be safe. I worked on the masks from home for the next couple days, but making them wasn’t the same without Bee. I didn’t have as much fun, and I missed her. Eventually, Bee called and told me that her test results had come back. She had COVID-19! I was really sad and worried for Bee. My mom had told me that older people can get really sick from the COVID-19 virus. That day, I made a get well package for Bee. I gave her tissues, hand sanitizer, and her favorite cookies. I checked up on her every day for a few weeks.

Bee had gotten a call from the local hospital that we helped the last time we gave masks asking for more masks because they didn’t have enough. Bee couldn’t work on the masks because she was so sick, so I had to make them myself. I resumed the tedious work of getting the masks made, but I was faster now after all my practice.

After a couple days of making masks on my own, Bee called and told me that she got a negative test result. We could make them together again starting the next day. I woke up super early because I was so excited to see Bee again, but when I was walking out the door, my mom stopped me to ask where I was going.

“I’m on my way to Bee’s Books.”

“Aren’t you quarantining?” My mom asked with a worried look. “You should stay home, if you go out to meet other people, your grandparents won’t be able to come over anymore. It’s not as safe as it was before you guys took a trip to the hospital. We don’t know much about this virus, so you should stay home.” I didn’t know what to do. I had to see my grandparents, but I also had to help Bee make masks, we already were behind from her getting COVID-19. I called Bee and we decided to make masks on facetime together.

We could still make the masks together, just not sitting right next to each other like we had done before.

The next day, I had great news. My grandparents were getting the vaccine really soon! I could go back to helping Bee with the masks in-person together! When I got on facetime with Bee, she had great news too. Since she worked in healthcare as well as at the bookstore, her vaccination was scheduled. Bee and I would continue to make masks on facetime. But, that day, instead of making masks, we needed some new materials, so I went online shopping for some patterned cloth, thread and elastic bands to make the masks. To package them, I bought some cool boxes and ribbons.

Bee had told me to drop off the masks I made to her when we finished them, so that she could package them and mail them to the hospital. I dropped off the masks at the front of the store, and I danced in front of the window for Bee. Once my grandparents finally got the vaccine and waited long enough for it to take its full effect, I surprised Bee in person at the bookstore.

We just played board games the whole time, with our masks on of course.

That night, I wanted to prepare a surprise for Bee. I wrote her a letter, put a red seal on it, and then mailed it to the bookstore. Hopefully I would be with her and be able to see her reaction when she read the letter.

The next day when the mail came, I was there to see Bee open it. When she opened the letter, I asked her to read it out loud. The first one was from the hospital. They finally had enough masks to supply all the staff with enough to keep them safe.

They wrote us a letter of thanks, and they mailed us each a pin. She opened the next few letters and they were all bills and junk mail. After what seemed like forever, she got to my letter. I asked her to read it out loud.

She read, “We would like to inform you, Beatrice Cavarelie that you have won the Nobel Prize.

There will be more information coming soon. Wai- Wait. What? Did you hear that? I won the Nob-” “Turn it over, there is writing on the back.” I interrupted her.

Bee did so and read, “April fools. Love, Suzie…”

Inspire

By: Angela Wang 16

Words Of Wisdom

Volume 2

2020 - 2021

- Anonymous

Wow, I’m already done with middle school. To be honest, I’m scared, only a few more years until college, then, the real world. I remember being in 6th grade, excited to become part of a society, meet new people, and have an education. Can I say, not only did I change, everybody changed in some way, and not only by looks, their personalities too. We express ourselves in ways we never thought of. For me, my goals in middle school were: get good grades, have some nice memories, grow into something/someone that is helpful for me, but also other people in society. Sure, some people don’t want help or say they are “a loner”, but it can help sometimes; believe me, I know. For some, middle school was a time where they became anxious, depressed, things they wouldn’t have thought of. I would say this is not the best part of middle school, but it happens, and that’s okay. We learn from these challenges. This is how you change and express yourself as a person. Middle school can have positives, you meet new people, you have fun, you get a better education. Middle school is important to many people’s lives, it’s a time for them to change, and “Do something new,” - a motto I like to say. Everyone should respect that by all circumstances, but changing for popularity, fame, looks is not the best. People judge, that’s their personality, and that is very much wrong, but they chose that lifestyle. You should be you. Don’t care about someone’s opinion. Middle school has changed me and almost everyone. Anyways, people who are new to middle school, (the 6th graders) hi! Welcome to an experience you will remember, where you spread joy, a place where you should honestly be positive and not care about judgment from others. You are, you.

Don’t forget that. Take these two or three years to think of some goals, some changes you want to make. May I be prideful with all my lion spirit, this was a great three years, and may I say, “Welcome, our job as 8th graders are done, take our places with pride.” And what I’ve been meaning to say for a long time, “High School here we come!”

Th e G i r l a n d t h e Wo l f S h e p a rd -

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Ange la W

Inspire

2020 - 2021

Volume 2

Playing A Song On Trumpet - Anonymous When I first played trumpet, The songs were a piece of cake.

Now that I am more advanced, Playing trumpet can be as hard as getting up on a Monday morning.

When I started working on a hard song, the beginning came easy.

I played through it until it became too hard.

But when I got to the rest of the song, It seemed impossible.

I played it at least one thousand times through, Slower than I usually play, Trying and trying and trying again.

“WHY CAN’T I PLAY THIS??!!” I thought.

I felt so frustrated that I felt like I was going to explode.

I wanted to give up.

But I knew that I couldn’t do that.

So I stopped playing and took a rest.

The next day, I came back and started over with the song.

I played each measure slowly until I made a mistake. Then I slowly played through it until I got it right.

I kept going through the song, and then finished it. It wasn’t perfect, but I had played it.

Even though I had played through it, it was like the trumpet was telling me to keep going.

I went through it again, a bit faster, and it went well.

“Oh, this is actually going better than I thought it would go!”

But I was tired from practicing so much, and I stopped playing for the day.

Finally, I came back to my trumpet, warmed up, and started to play.

My notes came out as smooth as a calm river.

When I ended the song, I was shocked.

“I must have practiced so many times that I basically perfected the song!”

The satisfaction that I felt was like I had just won an award for being the best trumpet player in the world.

I was so glad I had perfected that song.

I have found love - By L. F.

Snake - Camila H

The Phosphenes Angela W

Inspire

Glow y

- Arely A

Brave Lion Anonymous

I have found love in the colors of your fur You came to me with the sweetest look I wanted to squeeze you to death.

But you ran and hid under the couch With your sister Like a mouse in its home it was so cute I wanted to scream my head off but I knew that if I did I would scare you and you wouldn’t want to come out and play with me.

By: Angela Wang 18

Volume 2

2020 - 2021

The Moon I Visit - Miles V The moon I visit every night It Is Like A Routine So I Do It Again when i am on a trip things fall out of order But when I visit the moon it is round and bright It is mesmerizing and beautiful and bright and round I Go Outside Every Night To See The Bright And Round Moon but on a trip i wonder if the moon misses me as much as i do When I get home I say sorry to the moon and ask it questions I Go Outside Every Night To See The Bright And Round Moon It is mesmerizing and beautiful and bright and round But when I visit the moon it is round and bright when i am on a trip things fall out of order It Is Like A Routine So I Do It Again The moon I visit every night

yUp in the Sk Isabella F

Online - Kaitlyn S

Bunny Angela W

The Ice Ce am Parlor Lucinda K

Waning Hope Angela W

Here Comes the Sun Dani E

The world is awakening, rejuvenated from the winter rest, eyes opening to the subtle yet sudden transformation.

The sun awakens too crawling out from her quilt of clouds, her rays shine strong as she warms and softens the hardened ground, she brings warmth to the hearts of the world, the hearts that were hardened by the bitter beauty of winter.

She prepares the Earth and its people for growth, blooming, blossoming buds of hope.

Spring’s sweet beauty.

It Comes from the Heart - Megan B

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2020 - 2021

Volume 2

Train Ride - Illustrated by Angela W and Written by Anonymous *PLEASE READ* RIGHT TO LEFT Reading Manga Traditionally, manga stories are read from right to left and from top to bottom, in the same way as Japanese writing.

Inspire

Page 4

Page 3

Page 2

Page 1

The narrative is contained within frames called koma. So, to read a page of manga, you start with the koma in the top right-hand corner and you end with the koma in the bottom left-hand corner.

By: Angela Wang 20

Volume 2

2020 - 2021

Night Galaxy - Megan B Jolyne Cujoh - Alexa N

Fading Memory-

Anonymous A fading memory.

A different universe.

A different time.

The little boy is still there.

In the back of my mind.

His name is on the tip of my tongue, But before I can say it, it’s gone.

The boy is gone.

His light brown curly hair in the back of my memory.

And his eyes that I can’t remember the color.

And I’m mad.

Why did he leave? I wonder.

Where did he go?

And the thought that keeps coming back: Does he remember me?

And Does he think of me at all?

In the back of my memory The little boy with light brown hair.

He’s there.

But not close enough.

And the name of him is on the tip of my tongue, but before I can say it, it’s gone.

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2020 - 2021

Volume 2

-Broken loop=) Kaitlyn S -_-

Peachy - Arely A

To Drown in Dreams Angela W

Inspire F light Alishbaa K Covid C hanges Kaitlyn S

Syrup - Anonymous

Untitled Sophia O

show) Bill (Gravity Falls TV s Anonymou

niverse Parallel U us Anonymo A House in the Woods Simon K

Inspire

A Random Piece of Art AnaLee R

I woke again all alone, I aroze in the misty dark I looked at my alarm just to see, it was only 3 o’clock I lay back down, resting my eyes, just to reawaken To the piercing sun, shining down, and right away past me I tried to get up, not yet awake, just to fall back over I knew that it was time to go, but I couldn’t get much further.

I then got up and went to school, nothing but me alone…

Head in a hoodie, hands in pockets, and barley looking forward I never wanted to get up and go, but before it would have been in sequence If only things had stayed the same, if it weren’t for these diseases.

School was different, it just wasn’t quite right…

I didn’t see anything out of the ordinary, Class was weird, no friends in sight Just half the class, not quite right We just sat there awkward, our words stayed in Except for the teachers who said- “begin”.

We were having a group discussion, something about what to read.

She spun a wheel to land on a number, which just happened to be me.

I didn’t want to talk or share, but I wanted to state my opinion, So I read out my theme, and couldn’t believe it, the teacher actually liked it...?

I heard a laugh, and then another, again and again…

I didn’t want this to keep going, but then it all came to an end...

All I wanted was to be back home, away from all these collisions, I just wanted to disappear, even though it was my imagination All the people right here with me, I didn’t like the feeling, But yet again, I would have, if it weren’t for these diseases.

Finally, it was time for gym, we went out to the track I could finally let go of all my thoughts, and walk outside the pack.

I could finally breathe, I could finally talk Away from the people, away from the flock I can run my own pace, think what I want Nothing to start, nothing but thoughts.

I didn’t want to go back to school, I was fine online, where I new what to do But I would have been excited for this class to end, To go back inside, and talk with a friend, I would want to sit inside, all nice and warm, Huddle up in the corner, and far from the swarm I would want time to just stop, and freeze…

Away from the people, away from disease.

When I got home, I ran straight inside, ready to collapse I ran straight to my room, flopped on my bed, where I finally relaxed I had lost all the social skills that I thought I had known, Over the few months that began what seems like ages ago.

Now that I think, I’m not one to talk, I can’t say I hated my long lonely walk.

Up until now I’d gotten much done, For me online was easy, if anything, fun!

I wish things could stay like this forever,

Online, out of sight, but nope, never.

I’m glad this year happened, I had a blast!

But now that’s It’s over, it seemed to go bye so fast.

I found a new talent, I conquered a fear, I made new friends, And I had a great year.

By: Angela Wang 22

Volume 2

2020 - 2021

We Never Get 1st Place Erin B

I stand there, the sun beating down on my back, nervously waiting for my team to touch home.

Beauty, Ho pe, Dream Megan B

Pacing back and forth, hopeful in the dugout, chants echoing all around, a win means we are finally champions.

Strike One, I clench my fists.

Strike Two, I hold my breath.

Strike Three, My heart sinks.

“Batter’s Out!” Another second place medal to hang on my wall.

lines. een my aun w t e b Br read therine Ms. Ka

Loud cheers from the other team as they rush to say, “good game.”

They are now the champions.

Writing a Poem

Receiving our second place medals once again, glaring over at the other team as they receive their first place trophies.

Silence falls over my team.

We give our compliments and pack our gear, back on the road.

Dreaming, always dreaming.

I’m dreaming about the day we finally become champions.

Unlocking My Voice: A Progression in Three Parts By: Ms. Katherine Braun

I do not have

a voice in this world

worth listening to anything valuable

that I have to communicate

you will find I keep locked away rather than displayed

in my writing and art so that the world can’t know not only my voice but also my heart

Plant - Anonym ous

Izaak F

I was going to write the best poem ever or at least gonna try .

The page stared up at me blank as always waiting for me to try, with the coldest stare upon its face that still had nothing.

Like the words in my mind that danced with no sync as I chased them all around.

I raked my mind for clues the words might have left behind, yet there’s nothing.

I thought of all the famous writers and their inspiration to at least try, knowing nothing’s perfect, but still nothing.

I had to try, or I would fail the goal I had in my mind.

I looked forward for instruction but alas still nothing.

I imagined voices laughing saying that I will fail but I had to try to show that I very even slightly cared.

That’s when I gave up, full of doubt, knowing I yet still had nothing.

That’s when it came by with all the words that had all the color.

With that I ended the poem knowing I had given it a try, excited for the next lesson we will surely learn next time.

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2020 - 2021

Volume 2

Aishwarya Rai Bachan Alishbaa K

Secret - Anonymous

Forever Beauty Isabella F

No Mention Needed Anonymous

Inspire

Shrek - RC G

Untitled

- Devin B

BTS’s V - Alishbaa K By: Angela Wang 24

Volume 2

2020 - 2021

Still I Rise By: Iyana R

*Inspired by Maya Angelou’s poem “Still I Rise”

I may upset you You may look at me differently You look down on me because of my past But like a cloud, I rise.

Does my look offend you?

Does the way I talk bother you, or is it my walk?

How about my name…

Does it take a toll on you?

I walk with the BRIGHTEST smile on my face The goofiness i carry The smartness i bring And you still try to bring me down BUT still I rise.

Does my failure make you happy?

Does my happiness affect you?

You drop down like the storm…

With your eyes full of hate But do my soulful cries weaken you?

My prettiness stands beyond you.

My smartness outsmarts you.

My laughs out laugh you but You still try to bring me down.

Your words may shoot like a gun Your actions may hurt like a scar Your eye contact may kill the game but...

As I recover…

Still i rise Outside this world you are small...

You need some motive So you pick on me like i am a dead flower to play with You look beyond my looks and personality Yet my dancing is beyond you So you look no further.

Leading myself out of the dark I rise Awakening to the haunts I rise I am as deep as the ocean As deep as I can go, and yet I still thrive.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear I rise From dreadful tears I rise Like the young lady i am I rise I rise And I rise.

ings Dress with W Anonymous

A Leaf Anonym ous

Real

- Anonymous

I question life sometimes The meaning of it And the negative thoughts I have But I always come up with at least one of these to stop my negative thoughts in their tracks 1: What is going on in your head is temporary, not permanent 2: You exist for a reason that can’t yet be identified; you don’t know what you will become 3: These thoughts are selfish, and think about who they will affect other than you 4: Even you have said that humans are worth fighting for; this is not fighting for a human 5: You have thought of these thoughts, but they are not rational thoughts; they are irrational thoughts and nothing good will come from them; there is a reason why you were born

and this will pass and you are worth fighting for

and there is no reason

for you to tortue yourself with these thoughts; you are an amazing example of what humans can be, and if you give into these thoughts, one less group of humans will learn how to be

Real

Rinnegan

- Anonym o

us

Inspire - Anonymous

evin ed - D Untitl

25

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Inspire

2020 - 2021

Separated

Volume 2

2099

- David N

Author: R.C. G Editor: Ryan S

They’re Separated.

They’re Separated.

They’re Separated.

This story was based on a dream that I had once then I thought that it would be a good short story.

So strange to say.

It’s like a puzzle and you only have two pieces left, but you lose one, and the puzzle will never be completed.

People always say, “At least you get two of everything” And that makes me so ANGRY and I just want to TAKE THAT PERSON’S HEAD OFF. All it does is remind me that I will never get them both again, and will always have to choose one.

All it does is remind me how separated they really are.

It is 2099, the planet known as Earth is about to collide with an asteroid the size of Mexico.

Only the children between the ages of three and seventeen are allowed to be evacuated for human salvation on Mars.

As every child is saying their goodbyes, there is a sudden rush to the spacecraft after it is revealed that the asteroid is about to hit the planet.

Once every child has made it to the spacecraft, they launch.

The kids onboard have settled in on the spacecraft, reuniting with their friends that got onboard; Mars is now getting closer to becoming the place of humans.

This is a llomady comedy production

-My Mask

egan L Untitled - M

Ramen (Ponyo Movie) Anonymous

Inspire

Alishbaa K

My mask is my coping mechanism.

I put it on when I feel like curling up in a ball.

I put it on after losing someone…

Sure, sometimes my mask breaks or cracks.

Sometimes it gets flooded with immense depression, in the form of salty water streaming down my face.

My mask is a seducer and a liar.

It makes me lie about my true feelings and thoughts in front of others.

The only time I let it rest is when I’m alone.

When my thoughts consume me, I cry and my heart starts to beat and pound.

The vibration of it can be felt throughout my whole body.

It creates a whole in my stomach that eats me up.

My mask makes me numb to any type of pain.

When I get a paper cut or get scared by a jumpscare or feeling.

My mask is a big facade.

I hate it.

It makes me tell white lies and hides my true feelings...

Why? I hate you, mask.

But… Thank you. You’ve made me be more honest and upfront with myself.

You’ve shown me what I really am.

By: Angela Wang 26

Volume 2

2020 - 2021

why? by: Kaitlyn Sims Husband “My friend just called, she asked to come play, May they please come? I swear she’ll behave!”

Wife “No they may not, they have their own home She comes every week, even when I say no” Husband “What?! but why?! They’ll leave before six!

I’m sure you won’t mind her, this she can’t miss” Wife “No and that’s final, this is our home, She will not come today, I will not stay alone.”

Husband “But why!? But Why!? You always say no!

I should have left you, before I proposed!”

Wife “I never let them come, now I guess that’s right, But I still say I love you!” even though I know It’s a lie…

Before he could leave, I pulled out a sheet, He stared for a moment before signing with ease I couldn’t help but smile, I had finally done it, We were finally divorced, I could finally leave this.

Narrator The questions that Annoy Us, the relationships we don’t like, the words with which we struggle, oh how they’re alike.

From that day forth she had never felt better, She knew it wouldn’t have been the same if she told him through letter.

She had finally escaped from her prison, the treacherous place, By simply handing him the half signed paper, face to face~

- Paris Collection Mrs. Lindsay Norwood

Theme Don’t let your so called “loved” ones get the best of you, It’s your life you’re living, so you’re in control.

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Inspire

2020 - 2021

Volume 2

Staff - 6 Word Memoirs

Time greater valued, together or apart. - Mr. Jason Grau

Kindness is glitter on life’s canvas. - Ms. Katherine Braun

Live to be kind, thoughtful, adventurous. - Anonymous

Make life fun and loving...LAUGH! - Ms. Patti DeNichols Inspire - Megan L Remember, things can always get worse. - Mrs. Lindsay Norwood

Looking back, we all needed foresight. - Mr. Jarvis Alexander Since kindness exists, we’re passing through! - Mrs. Tara Dooley

Building and fixing. Making stuff. Projects. - Mr. Pete Meyer

I choose the path less travelled. - Mr. Andrew Sergeant

Believing that brighter days are coming! - Mr. Tor Erickson

No matter what, make some music! - Mr. Jim Stellmacher

Never say no to anything fun. - Mrs. Karen Cerveny

Untitled I planned, God laughed, I lived. - Mrs. Gretchen Broadus AnaLee R “Everybody! One, two, ready, play!” *Silence* - Mr. Phillip Meyer

Weekends Holidays Family Home Hearts Full - Mrs. Tamela Seastrom

8th Grade - 6 Word Memoirs

NEVER impossible, just believe in yourself. - Isabella F Life is a journey, take it. - Nicole P

Opening exciting experiences in hard times. - Anonymous Wish Upon a Flower Miya S

Watch as the days waste away. - Angela W

Fell Out Of Tree, It Hurt - Ryan S

Life is tough through these times. - Anonymous

(tell it.) Relive the past, miss the future. - Krista A Ms. Katherine Braun

Inspire

By: Angela Wang 28

Volume 2

2020 - 2021

7th Grade - 6 Word Memoirs Day plan: eat, sleep, watch Disney+ - Hailey V Believing in yourself is the key. - Leena M

We will be together until Death. - Zaylen H

Fresh snow falling through the sky. - Anonymous

Covid makes life different and weird. - Anonymous

eD Cadenc d le it I have a snail named Gary! - Sophia O t Un

I love you, I miss you. - Anonymous

Trumpet playing: very enjoyable, not easy. - Anya K

Stuck in the house playing games. - Anonymous

Dark and dreary, that is me. - Anonymous

Watch your distance, don’t spread Covid-19 - Erin B BTS’s Jungkook Alishbaa K

Life is swaggy so enjoy it. - Ally R

The lord God makes everything beautiful. - Anonymous

School is boring, seeing my cousin. - Anonymous

Packers were better than the Bears. - Andrew S

What is a Six Word Memoir? - David S

One day, six words, whats yours? - Izaak F

Untitled - Evie R Dog and I play and sleep. - Anonymous

Family stayed in the house, played. - Anonymous

Log on computer: next class math. - Anonymous

Give the price of your choice. - Kaitlyn S

Landscape Decisions have consequences, so pick wisely. - Anonymous Watercolor Chloe C

Crippling anxiety challenges hope; keep fighting. - Rachel Z

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Inspire

2020 - 2021

Volume 2

7th Grade - 6 Word Memoirs...

cont.

Laying on the floor is nice. - Anonymous

Tulips rise as the morning dawns. - Sadie L

Miles is a waterfall of knowledge. - Miles V

Never stop fighting for what’s right. - Anonymous ge Water’s Ed Sunset on Lucinda K

us - Anonymo Bioshock

Trying your hardest is what matters. - Lea D

Go Lio ns - A nony

mous

IDK Splash - Anonymous

Warming Soul Arely A

6th Grade - 6 Word Memoirs

Mochi, ice cream but in spheres. - Anonymous

Pushed into a locker all alone. - Simon K

This year is a whirling tornado. - Isabella K Day in the Sun Antwain W Life - constantly learning who I am. - Anonymous

Covid has come, hearts have grown & I want death to world problems - Alicia R

When nothing goes right, go left. - Anonymous

Inspire

Inspire

M - Molly

Inspire Earth - Egzona D

Choose to Inspire Izaak F

By: Angela Wang 30

Volume 2

2020 - 2021

Winter Serenity - Mr. Dan Schraub In a year unlike any other year, it’s easy to get down sometimes. I miss the way things used to be. The normalcy. I miss a freshly cooked meal at a restaurant. I miss being in a packed stadium watching a concert or a game. I missed getting to see my family over the holidays. But in a way, I don’t think I ever fully appreciated life before this terrible year struck us. This year has taught me to be thankful for what I do have instead of resentful of what I don’t have. The hustle and bustle of normal life sometimes causes me to miss the simple beauty around me. I’ve never been more in tune with nature than I am right now. Most winters, we trap ourselves inside for months just waiting for those early days of spring. But the last thing in the world I want right now is to be trapped inside. I encourage you to bundle up and take a walk the next time it snows. Watch how the top layer of snow glistens after a fresh snowfall. Look at how it sticks to the trees for that first day and creates a magical wonderland. Feel how soothing it is when it crumples underneath your feet. Watch the sun rise on a sunny day. The purples and oranges in the sky against the snow on the ground creates the most beautiful juxtaposition you’ve ever seen. Go outside on the first night after a fresh snowfall and look at how light it is. You can play catch at 10 pm if you want to. Also, take a second to just pause and listen to the quiet. There’s no lawnmowers or construction projects. There aren’t many people outside like there are in summer. It’s just quiet. And so calming. I will remember this year for a lot of bad reasons, but I will also remember it as the year that I learned to appreciate the beauty of winter.

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Inspire

2020 - 2021

Volume 2

Society :/-

Anonymous

Welcome to society, We hope you enjoy your stay, And please feel free to be yourself, As long as it’s in the right way, Make sure you love your body, Not too much, or we’ll tear you down, We´ll bully you for smiling, And then wonder why you frown, We´ll tell you that you’re worthless, That you shouldn’t make a sound, And then cry with all the others, As you’re buried in the ground, You can fall in love with anyone, As long as it’s who we choose, And we´ll let you have your opinions, But please shape them to our view, Welcome to society.

When My Love Faded - Anonymous Darkness.

Total darkness.

There was fear hanging in the air.

Silence all around.

But then the curtains opened.

A beam of light cast upon me.

The music started to play.

I flowed with every move and beat.

As delicate as a flower.

There was excitement and joy that replaced the fear.

A smile so big, my cheeks could break at any moment.

The music stopped.

The curtains came to a close.

A woman came from the side of the stage.

Her eyes sharp and cold like a shark.

Her teeth clenched in disgust.

She was supposed to be my mentor.

She was supposed to help me grow.

Instead she brought out the fear.

A wall formed around her, and the curtains trapped me inside.

Restricting me from that joy and excitement.

The wall was bolted to the ground.

And has yet to come crashing down.

f Good Half Evil Hal Camila H

W hiteout - Soph ia O

Starry night - Anonymous

y Color Use Ever n rine Brau Ms. Kathe

Inspire

As the year goes by, Morning and night every day, The constellations are changing, I say is their battery dead that we can’t see the stars anymore?

The moon shines bright while the stars died, This will be no longer a starry night tonight.

By: Angela Wang 32

Artwork By: Salem V