Lisle Junior High School Inspire Magazine

Inspire

Volume 1 2019 - 2020

Artwork By: Angela W

Dedicated to Principal Kearney Without his unwavering support,

Inspire

would not be possible.

Volume 1

2019 - 2020

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

Enjoy the Premiere Edition of

Inspire!

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

Volume 1

2019 - 2020

Humanity and Nature - Anonymous

shbaa llen - Ali u C d r a Edw

K

Some say our lives are the most important.

Some say nature’s survival is.

I hold with those who stress nature’s survival.

But humanity to me is nature.

We walk this path with nature.

I have enough to say, So why not realize we are with it, Before it’s too late.

That is to survive.

The Black Sheep

by Sierra F

Everyday…

Walking Through The Doors Of Hell…

I Am The Prey…

This Place Is A Bombshell…

I Act Like It Doesn’t Hurt…

But It Doesn’t Help…

I’m Always On Alert…

But Every Day I Yelp…

I Cry And Scream…

I Always Feel Like I’m Not Wanted…

Even Though I Feel Numb…

It’s Like A Violent Stream…

The Memories Are Haunted…

I Always Feel Dumb…

The Curtains Are Closing…

My Show Has Been Cut Short…

I Am Frozen…

My Friends Won’t Be My Escort…

Diente d e León Sydney B

gic

Silent Ma

by Emily

L

ering wind es The whisp ets of leav k n la b p u Rustles es ward hom to s d ir b s Carrie new land a to fe li f aths o Brings bre iving wind g t a e r g e Th

1

Inspire

By: Angela Wang

2019 - 2020

Volume 1

My Melody - Anonymous We all lose.

And you’ve listened to the blues.

But I put in my earbuds to suffocate the burning.

Turn up the volume to shut up my whining.

Keep me from my state of vulnerability.

Drown me in sincerity.

Close up the blinds to stop them from prying.

Take all my feelings and stop me from crying.

I say thanks to your tune.

With words from the moon.

Untitled - Avery C

Acquainted w it

h a Monster

Soaring Sky - Anonymous

- Anonym

ous I have been ac quainted with a monster.

The type that makes you wan t to sleep...fore The type that ver. doesn’t want yo u to ge t out of bed.

I have been ac quainted with a co uple of monst Some that mak ers. e you feel sad, so le m n …

Some that mak e you feel anx io u s about when Sometimes the they will appea monsters like r again. to ta k e over me.

Sometimes the monsters chew me up like bub Sometimes it ra ble gum. ins cats and d o gs in si de of me.

Being acquain ted with a mo n st er isn’t like being Except you ca acquainted; it’s n’t because it like running aw w il l ge t yo u anyway… ay from a hurr I have been ac icane. quainted with th e monster….

But maybe…I am a monster .

Inspire

By: Angela Wang2

Volume 1

2019 - 2020

Gravestone

By: Mr. Jason Lumsden

As I walk beneath the cloudy sky I don’t know whether to laugh or cry Streets of stone I used to roam will no longer do to call my home Neighbors are gone that I once knew The merchant, the baker, the seamstress too Can still hear their laughter if I listen close It mattered back then and it still matters most.... matters most

Bang Minah Alishbaa K

Give me a smile, I’ll give you one of my own it’s only a while until my gravestone Do as you wish while you are here Search for the light through the darkness and tears May we both have the courage to face all our fears may we both live our dreams in the rest of our years Taste the marrow from the bone it’s only a while until your gravestone Here’s to you and here’s to me Here’s to learning to love to living carefree to living your life to flying high when it’s falling apart know it will be alright

Dancing Daisies - Anonymous

here’s to the government leaving me be remember when this was the land of the free Here’s to finding your peace to touching the sky here’s to finding true love before you die before you die.

Give me a smile, I’ll give you one of my own it’s only a while until my gravestone Do as you wish while you are here Search for the light through the darkness and tears May we both have the courage to face all our fears may we both live our dreams in the rest of our years Taste the marrow from the bone it’s only a while until your gravestone

3

Paris - Mr. Jason Lumsden

Inspire

By: Angela Wang

2019 - 2020

Volume 1

I have feelings for you - Anonymous I found you And you found me We’re a melody found in a tree That’s where all the beauties are I can’t think of anything right now Is it because of me Or is it because of you This is really new I don’t know what’s true This is confusion Will this be a conclusion I think I have feelings for you Doo doo, doo doo doo doo Doo doo, doo doo doo doo Doo doo doo doo La la la la There’s a part of me that wants to tell you Hope this will be in the right tune Can this be a one into a two Like harmony, we are in a song Can we not be close but closer together This will make the weather smiling high And so my heart will too Not be in the blue so, I found you And you found me We’re a melody found in a tree That’s where all the beauties are I can’t think of anything straight right now Is it because of me Or is it because of you This is really new I don’t know what’s true This is confusion Is this a conclusion That I think I have a feeling for you La la, la la la la la La la, la la la la la La la la la

Inspire

Here we go I’m walking through the door Please don’t get sore Over my lullaby There’s no need to cry I know what you like What you do And so much more We are like birds soaring high In the blue sky I am here for you And I hope we can take this into a different level Because I found you And you found me We’re a melody found in a tree That’s where all the beauties are I can’t think of anything straight now Is it because of me Or is it because of you This is really new I don’t know what’s true This is confusion Is this a conclusion I think I have feelings for you And I hope you feel the same way.

Stormed Fire - El izabeth N

By: Angela Wang4

Volume 1

2019 - 2020

Acquainted with Loneliness

by Iyana R *Inspired by Robert Frost’s poem “Acquainted with the Night”

Frosted Prison

I have been acquainted with loneliness.

I have been in a place where I don’t belong.

I have been in and out of the darkness.

by Fiona P Like the quiet after rain Silence settles over ice Shimmering in the chill like moon glass.

Fragile whispers of snow drift like cosmic dust The whole world a blue pearl.

But Iced berries like cinnamon stone Yank on brittle black evergreens.

And biting winds Sting and slap frail branches The whole world a frosted prison.

You have been in and out of the light.

You fit in and stand out at the same time.

Everyone around you is smaller than you think.

I’m as quiet as a statue.

I stand by myself like that one cloud in the sky.

Your days are grey and your skies are dark.

Because you live alone.

Because your days are grey AND Because your skies are dark.

You stand in loneliness.

I have been acquainted with loneliness.

Wor

thless Sometim Anonym es I feel ous that my h That eve eart is a rything I big h do And that nobody c is a waste of spa ole in my chest. ce ar Sometim es isolati es about her, me . o , n or she.

But whe can be a nn g It really h obody wants to ta ood thing, I lear ne ur lk to you because d.

I’m good ts… you’re w at hiding orthless, m I’m the ty pe to suff y emotions. er in sile But whe nce. n nobod y is look ing, I pou r a rainfa ll of emo tion out.

ai The Bund in Shangh Avery C

Fly Free - Ms. Katherine Braun

5

The Sunset Mikayla S

Inspire

By: Angela Wang

2019 - 2020

Volume 1

Rain - Anonymous water droplets trailing down my sun-kissed hair. the sweet scent of rain clinging to the air small purple violets and long strands of grass cry out for the water that comes at long last

A Walk in Nature - Hunter C

Inspire

By: Angela Wang6

Volume 1

2019 - 2020

Untitled - Elizab eth N

7

ymous Untitled - Anon

Inspire

By: Angela Wang

2019 - 2020

Volume 1

Summer Dayz by: Isabella A

I had always been taught that if you ever do take a risk, take precautions. Well, that day I got lucky I didn’t break a bone or got injured. My dad had always been a weirdo about the olden days. Such as how phones did not exist and neither did the internet. He would always complain about how my brain was being filled with devices.

The day I had turned 9, my dad brought in a shoebox that was wrapped in a light blue wrapping paper. I was confused when I saw it. I had so many random ideas on what it could’ve been. I tore the tape off and started ripping the wrapping paper. The first thing I noticed was that the box didn’t have shoes inside.

4 years later I still have the same skateboard, along with the other 3 broken ones. I wasn’t that careful when I went out in public with any of them. I would constantly trip, tumble or just somehow fall off. It wasn’t so easy at first, but now when I ride it I feel like nothing could stop me, except my curfew.

I would always get in trouble when I came home late, with my mom and her dozens of questions. Sometimes I would just stare at one of my skateboards, my red wheeled. I would caress its surface and pick at its cracks while I would remember my memories with it. The wheels were shiny, like rubies.

I had just gotten out of school and I wanted to try something new. I snatched my phone and went on YouTube.

“Grinding on a railing! That should be easy!” I shrieked on accident. My mom came in and asked why I sounded like a hyena laughing.

I grabbed my skateboard and headed off to a park not that far away. I wanted to invite my friends to see me practice, but I didn’t wanna embarrass myself. I warmed up on small railings and then tested myself by trying to hop off, it took me forever to actually land on the board. I kept slipping off the tall railing but, the more I heard people snicker, the more I wanted to prove them wrong. Eventually, I got tired and plugged my headphones in. I sat down, thinking. I wasn’t paying attention until my phone dinged.

“It’s getting late, don’t forget to be home by 8” It was a text message from my mom.

I rode off and started heading home. I noticed that I had to go down a stairway in order to get home. I didn’t even think about what to do, but the next thing I knew, I was riding down the railing and landed somehow safely on my board. I was extremely excited. he moment I got home I told my mom what I did. She was happy but instead of admitting it, she checked my arms and knees to see if I had any bruises. I enjoyed myself that day, and I’m glad my dad did get me that skateboard.

Inspire

By: Angela Wang8

Volume 1

2019 - 2020

The Shadow - Anonymous

11/17/19

“I can’t believe he would run away like that,” exclaimed Ava. “According to your evidence, it seems like he went north from town.”

“Yet, he barely left any DNA evidence,” stated Detective Tony. “This might be harder than we thought.”

••• 12/3/19

The community had tried to help the police with Wren’s case, but as weeks went by, the people lost hope. Detective Tony gave up hope and closed the case, but a group of kids was determined to find their friend.

“We’ve all been friends with him for a while, right?” Ava questioned.

“Yeah,” the group replied.

“Then, we have to find him. Friends help each other.” Ava said with resolve

••• 12/20/19

“We’ve tried everything, but we still couldn’t find anything,” stated Ron.

“We shouldn’t give up. We know that he is still out there and he is probably relying on us.”

“I doubt it,” Ron said. “Realistically, he is probably relying on the police or the Feds. I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t rely on some middle-schoolers to find him.” The group of kids falls silent.

One of the kids from the group called out, “I agree with Ron. We’re just gonna make it worse or end up not helping at all.”

“If you feel that way, then you should get out,” replied Ava, pointing angrily towards the door. Ron and his friend cautiously backed away and walked back home.

The remaining group of kids followed the trail of their evidence, which led them to Wren’s house. They didn’t want to disturb the already uneasy family, but they decided to go anyway.

“Hello,” the group said in sync.

“Hey, guys,” said Wren’s mother.

“May we have a look around?” Ava asked.

“Um, sure,” Wren’s mother replied reluctantly. The group of kids headed into Wren’s room but found nothing useful. They checked the basement and also found nothing. But, then, Ava remembered about Wren’s workshop in the garage. Ava started running to the garage, with the rest of the kids following right behind her. They found a briefcase full of Wren’s gadgets, but Ava didn’t recognize any of them and checked them out. A transmitter-like tool started to glow when Ava held it up. The rest of the kids crammed in awe around her. She felt the burning of the light in her hand but still held on tight. The light grew brighter to the point where Ava had to close her eyes.

Once Ava felt the heat of the light fade, she opened her eyes. The kids around her opened their eyes as well.

They looked around and realized they were in a warehouse. The group of kids huddled together and Ava shouted, “There’s no going back now!” The squad of kids explored the ancient warehouse and found many different types of symbols, but they didn’t recognize any of them.

All of a sudden, a kid from the group shouted, “Guys, come over here, now!” They surrounded the markings and noticed that there is a handprint sliding out of the warehouse and across the soil, heading into a dark forest. They looked at each other and started heading toward the forest. Suddenly, they stopped when they heard an intimidating voice.

“I see you all have noticed what happened to Wren,” a familiar voice echoed. The familiar voice started to fall upon the group of kids, and the kids noticed who he was. The voice boomed, “Wren didn’t run away, he was taken.”

•••

Wren ran into a dead-end and found a crate to hide in. He looked through the small cracks in the crate and saw the shadow that was following him. When the shadow came by, he held his breath. The dark shadow stopped to look at the crate with its lifeless eyes then darted in the direction of the crate. Wren looked up and screamed…

9

Inspire

By: Angela Wang

2019 - 2020

Volume 1

It Comes with the Game - Anonymous

aK

shba aos - Ali h C e iv t Crea

ngela nes - A o B n e Rav

The crowd is filling up Last game was tough Cheerleaders cheering And the other team roaring Adrenaline rushing And heart pumping It’s almost game time Today will make or break me It is my time to shine Gliding through the courts Basketball is like heaven I am in my happy place One day I will be in the pros Balling every single day And until then The basketball grind awaits

W

She Is Strong - Anonymous ...My eyelids start to open and I see one of the cars in the parking lot. It sticks out because it is red. The car door starts to open. Then my birth mom steps out, and I start to freak out. I realize that it’s been a long time.

I start to think, What if she isn’t the same and how will this affect our relationship. I slowly step out of the car, thoughts still running through my head. One foot after the other. My birth mom starts to walk towards me and I can feel my heartbeat in my eye and I don’t like the feeling of it. I have no idea what to say because I don’t know whether or not to be mad or sad or if I should laugh. I am freaking out….

Inspire

By: Angela Wang 10

Volume 1

2019 - 2020

Metamorphosis By: Ms. Katherine Braun A graceful flap of orange and black adorns the tear-streaked face of dusk, wiping its eyes and peeling back its disconsolate mask, revealing strips imbued with an orange as vibrant, striking, and stark as the traveler’s wings—bright against dark.

That is, until the day her cocoon violently swayed, and the branch to which it was attached broke off with a snap as a fierce tempest lit up the sky, and she had two options— remain trapped or fly.

Yet, this sanguine spirit wasn’t always such a confident sight, creating colorful ripples on the eve of night, but instead she was a forlorn wanderer, weltering in rejection, failure, and fears, earthbound, lost, despising her years, and overflowing with her own tears all while watching others take flight.

So, inches from a crash a wing broke out at last into the pelting, wet cries of the skies; and thus she was thrust from the comforting caress of her cocoon into a discordant life expected to take flight so soon.

For the agony of soaring rests solely on those left behind filled with self-loathing at all times.

She inched across the land clad in stripes of yellow, black, and white, letting comparisons cloud her eyes and rejection be her blight.

She felt like any inner light had faded from her soul and anxiety had surely taken its toll, so she bid the world adieu and curled up into a cocoon.

Black velvet darkness encased her life, superficially shielding her from struggles and strife, yet her safe enclosure dually served as a restrictive cage, diminishing her confidence and barring her from the world’s stage.

She desperately wanted to empower, inspire, and make a positive impact but despite her strong desire, fear never let her forget what she lacked; and so, she could not find a way out and instead of hope, became filled with doubt.

She hurriedly opened her wings in spite of this harrowing mess, and as she took a deep breath, she realized in herself she must believe.

She flapped, fluttered, and faltered and then flapped some more, and in that savage storm, she learned to soar.

And never did she lose her hope for brighter days ahead, and never did she wish she was back in her cocoon instead; for somehow she knew deep in her heart that believing in herself was only the start of a new life she ardently wanted to be a part.

Metamorphosis - Ms. Katherine Braun

11

Inspire

By: Angela Wang

2019 - 2020

Volume 1

You Were My Sunshine - Anonymous You were my sunshine You were my light through the day And when I see you now….

That’s all gone……..

Now a scow takes me to a new path To take me far away through this town of broken hearts And now I’m off to say goodbye...

You were my Honey The smell of flowers through the day It’s now all gone Now a start of something new Of freedom Welcome onboard And now I let my heart sing on its own….

Now I stand proud and strong Let my faith guide me along I’m sorry for what I did…

But that’s too late to say…

You were my sunshine You were my light throughout the day And that’s all gone Now a start of something new Like a path to a new way Now a scow takes me to a new path Of freedom Welcome onboard And now I take myself far away through this town of broken hearts….

I’m not feeling the same way All these feelings are not the same My heart tells me not to be blamed.

But now I must be strong Better not to get along With…..

You were my sunshine (My sunshine) You were the light through the day Now that’s all gone (I’m not sorry) Now a boat takes me to a new path Of freedom To take me far away through this town of broken hearts My Heart is singing at last….

Goodbye.

Inspire

By: Angela Wang 12

Report Card - An

Volume 1

2019 - 2020

onymous

prehending I’m staring not com l pending The vocab test is stil rain is bending b y m g, in k n si is rt My hea worth attending ot n e ar s ce n re fe n co My e answers are stuck th t u b e in h ac m g in d My brain is a ven ck My grades are bad lu d Tests are just too har a bodyguard as h er sw an e th e k It’s li ed My grades are doom my report card soon e se l il w ts en ar p y But m

A Very Heart Luck Elizabeth N

Color I See ColorisisWhat What I See by Avery Collins

by Avery C Leaves

by Soren

M

Leaves f all From tre es like ra in Flipped b y the win d like ca Always t rds urning, t wisting, Falling tumbling ,

Colors Colors What when I hear WhatI see I see when I hear The voices of of others Thesoft soft voices others Colors Colors What WhatI see I see When I When taste I taste The sweet, savory, and salty The sweet, savory, and salty Of all tasty things Of all tasty things Colors Colors The I feel Theway way I feel Colors Colors

13

Inspire

By: Angela Wang

2019 - 2020

Volume 1

That Brown Bear by: Sydney B That bear. That brown stuffed bear, watching me while I sleep. Its eyes as black as the night.

It watches my every move, its head, tilted to one side, and its legs stuck, twisted over each other. He stares at me, and no one else, propped up facing me on my desk. Aunt Carol got it for me, but it watches me, still as a statue. This place, where I shall stay until I am an adult.

This horrid place, a place I cannot call my home, a place where I cannot stay. Not for long.

This “home” with Aunt Carol is dreadful. Absolutely dreadful.

I sit up from my bed, the one with all the yellow and the blue. The one that Aunt Carol got me, with its grainy texture and pink polka-dotted covers. Aunt Carol said all girls like pink. Not me. Aunt Carol says all girls like polka dots. Not me.

“Act like a decorous girl,” she says. “Act like a proper lady with all the best manners.”

I walk to my dresser and change into my daily clothes: a beige cotton sweatshirt and black leggings. I then walk downstairs to the living room where Aunt Carol is. The television displayed the recent news, where someone was killed in a forest fire. I stop and stare at the screen. I couldn’t move, the memories of Mom and Dad crossed my mind.

“What’s the matter, my proper little lady?” Aunt Carol asks. I look at her with my eyebrows curved, wondering how clueless she could possibly be. She looks at me and assumes a small but subtle grin. I stop and stare at her, my face expressionless. I shake my head very slightly and proceed to the kitchen to grab my favorite breakfast: cereal. It’s very unsophisticated. Just milk and a bowl and a spoon and cereal. I look at the back of the box, which is a scene where a piece of the cereal is running away from the spoon. Awfully childish, I think of it. Awfully... wait. Awfully, smart. I look at the box and grin, thinking.

I have it all: my clothes, money, and that brown stuffed bear. I decide to bring it because it gives me the feeling that I’m not alone; that there’s someone by my side. And even though it may be a bit creepy, it’s better to have something than nothing, right?

“Aunt Carol, I’m going shopping for you!” I yell at her. I hurry downstairs with the small bag.

“Oh, goodies! My young lady is deciding to take action for herself, and for me for that matter.” She looks at me with a smile as large as the Cheshire Cat’s. But then, she looks at my bag. Her countenance changes from excited to perplexed.

“What is that for?” She questions. I try to think of something quick because although Aunt Carol is smart, she’ll believe me if I have a reasonable excuse.

“It’s, uh, for the bag to hold all of the unquestionably delicious foods I’ll get from the shop,” I tell her.

“Oh, alright then. Run along.” She scurries me off. I run out the door, feeling the wind roar in my face. The temperature shift from warm to what seems to be freezing surprises me. I take a deep breath, excited but anxious. I turn to the right and start heading toward the prairie. This is where my plan for escaping will begin. I look around and notice the differences between people. A lady in a wheelchair. A man walking his dog. A woman pushing a stroller with a baby in it. I loved the noise and not the quiet hum the silence makes.

I headed over to the prairie, but I noticed there was an abundance of men working. They weren’t there a few days ago.

Traversing their path would mean I would get in trouble, so the only other option was to cross the forest. I didn’t want to go into the forest, so I stopped to get that brown stuffed bear out of my bag. I thought he could keep me company.

As I ascend into the forest, I realize that I could have walked all the way across town down to the hills, where I could go to the next town, by the name of Felton. I realize that I could just walk through the forest for a few minutes and then go to the next town.

A few minutes later, I hear, “Fire! Fire!” I turn around and see men running into the prairie. A moment later I see flames.

Flames everywhere, some of them spreading into the forest. I freeze. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t hear. I just saw people running, and the fire is spreading. I see a man motion for me to run over to him. I freeze, with my eyes locked on him and my mouth open. I notice I still held that brown bear in my hand and think of it sitting on my desk, it’s legs stuck, twisted over each other.

My thoughts altered back to reality. I had almost forgotten about the flames, which were now spreading rapidly. The closer they get, the more I think of Mom and Dad. I attempt to run from the fire, but I make it only a few steps before tripping on a pile of rocks. I wince and glance down. A scarlet cut form on my leg. The pain was like sharp swords, piercing through my skin. I tried to crawl, but there was no use. I gave up. I would inevitably have the same fate as my parents.

The last thing I saw was that brown bear, its eyes as black as the night.

Inspire

By: Angela Wang 14

Volume 1

2019 - 2020

AN ODE TO THE WOLF - ANONYMOUS Oh, how unique you are, your footsteps make me curious and lead me to investigate and write.

Your move and actions invading my mind through day and night.

As ready as you are to attack, you see the easy way to fulfill my questions.

Your hunger to hunt makes me wonder if I will thrive or just survive.

As frightening as you are, you find a way to attract enemies as if life itself were just a game, And only some had the knowledge to play the game that we call life.

As dark as your soul may seem, as if it was dark paint with no color, as if there are no emotions.

Your life is just a mystery that is patiently waiting to be solved.

Anika M Rushing -

Untitled - Sydney B

Les Chiens - Anonymous

15

Inspire

By: Angela Wang

2019 - 2020

Volume 1

A Dragon Redeemed by: Soren M

In a place the humans called the Swiss Alps, with its leaden rocks covered by snow as white as a pearl; I sat on my eggs for 275 years, no other dragons to comfort me or tell me how to prepare to be a mother. In 1944, I looked down the mountain to see the humans in the middle of yet another war; all they seemed to do was fight about this or that.

Long ago, on March 11th, 1669, I was flying over Italy when my mate spotted a nice, juicy deer and dove down to get it.

Right when he did, Volcano Etna erupted and killed the deer instantly. My mate was not as lucky. He almost made it above the smoke when suddenly he stopped and fell. We had survived thousands of years together watching humanity evolve from cavemen to modern humans, and now, he was dead.

275 years later, I was peacefully sitting near my nest when some humans arrived. I glared at them and puffed smoke, but they didn’t run away like I was used to. Then they each pointed a long black stick at me. Before I could charge, I experienced pain like never before. When I was too injured to do anything, they took them. They took my eggs—the only things keeping me from going insane.

I attempted to roar in defiance but was too weak. I couldn’t fly or even walk or run after those no-good thieves with the weird symbol jackets. I dragged myself by my forelegs in an attempt to chase after them but fell after only a few feet.

I lay there in pain, mourning my loss for weeks, looking down at the little town of humans. One day I noticed a human running past me carrying books and notebooks, and a bulging cloth bag on his back.

Again, he didn’t scream or beg for mercy. What is up with humans these days? They don’t get scared anymore. He glanced back, as pale as the snow that covered the mountains.

“I could patch those wounds if you will spare me,” cried the human.

“How can you heal me? I have been wounded by warlocks with hot metal launching sticks.”

“What warlocks? There is no such thing,” said the human.

“The ones with the weird symbol jackets,” I replied.

“Do you mean the Nazis?” he asked.

“So, that’s what they’re called,” I said.

“Yes, and I can heal those wounds.”

He warned me that he was going to put something called Iodine on my wounds and it burned like fire, but I did not have the strength to cry out. Then he put some cloth over it. He did this for all of the wounds, and then he stopped and said that there was a bullet still in my body, and he had to take it out. He asked me to use my fire to disinfect his pocket knife so he wouldn’t infect me. I did and then passed out from exhaustion. When I woke up, I immediately remembered the Nazis who stole my eggs, and I felt rage coursing through me like water through a river.

“The human race is an inferior species,¨ I yelled for all to hear. ¨I will not lose my eggs to humans.”

“Well, this inferior being just healed your wounds, and the human race will bring you down if you try to fly in and take your eggs back, but I can help you,¨ he said. ¨I can walk amongst them and gather information about them.”

I considered this for quite some time. I could not do this alone. As much as I hated it, I needed that human. “Get on,” I growled.

We landed outside of Berlin, Germany, where the human told me the eggs would be. He spied on the leaders of Berlin for many weeks and finally, after months of spying he told me that they were planning to use my eggs for a bomb so destructive that it could destroy entire countries leaving nothing but a barren wasteland behind. I was petrified. Of all the things I thought the Nazis would do to my eggs, this was not on that list. I asked the human where my eggs were and barely gave him time to answer before I rushed in to save my eggs. I tucked my wings in and dove into the bunker where my eggs were being held. I was faced with row after row after row of humans with guns; I froze. One human came forward and said, “Back down or I shoot.”

“Not until you give me my eggs,” I said. He shot, but a dart of green fire melted the bullet before it reached me. One of my eggs had hatched! Then two small dragons landed next to me: one blue like me, one red like my mate who would never get to see our children. Then the green one landed in front of me and said, “Hello, mother.”

“Hello, my child,” I said through all the emotions coursing through me. “Go, there is a human outside of town. Go to him and tell him that I sent you.” They fled and I was left to face the army alone. I used my claws and my teeth to maim them and to destroy their guns; my fire melted their bullets, but nevertheless some bullets hit me. My only thought was of my children. I must keep them safe. Eventually, the last human fell to the ground. I must get to my children. I found them and took them along with the human back to the Swiss Alps. Finally, my children are safe. I wish my mate were here to see this. As I was flying home, I realized that although the human race may be inferior, the human who helped me was definitely a superior being.

Two weeks later I heard from the human who had helped me, who I now knew was named Rothstein, that the war had finally ended after six years of fighting. On August 6, 1945, America dropped a bomb, equal to the proportions of the one using my eggs, on Japan. As I heard this I only thought one thing. I hope no poor dragon mother’s eggs were used for those bombs.

Inspire

By: Angela Wang 16

Volume 1

2019 - 2020

Staff - 6 Word Memoirs Plans were made. Outcome is better. - Mrs. Broadus Please plug in your Chromebook children. - Mr. Sergeant Life is short; try new things. - Mrs. Cornfield The sun never set that day. - Mr. Lumsden Two Sid ed Elizabeth N

In kindness and creativity I live. - Anonymous

Pride passion persistence produces purposeful prosperity. - Mrs. Nelson

Crazy, fast, it is already Jan. 21. - Mr. Meyer

Attitude and effort! All you need. - Mr. Meyer Kindness can be contagious, spread it. - Mrs. Dooley Reach to listen then understand reality. - Mrs. Burris

Spark a heart on fire: Inspire. - Ms. Braun

The Sunset Flower - Avery C

Don’t give up. You got this! - Mrs. Davis Never settle, Always do your best. - Mr. Kearney Baby girl is my entire world. - Mrs. Miller Be vulnerable, be brave, be you. - Mrs. Reband

Stardust Angela W

Be kind. Speak gently. Love unconditionally. - Mrs. Klepper

All challenges not addressed remain challenges. - Mrs. Norwood

17

Inspire

By: Angela Wang

2019 - 2020

Volume 1

8th Grade - 6 Word Memoirs Skating is fun happy birthday dude. - Anonymous Wrestling is an amazing underrated sport. - Ian J Nice things come to nice people. - Kyle G Soccer is a physical sport, really. - Anonymous Hit two birds with one stone. - Nathen D Laughing every day keeps blues away. - Anonymous

Fiery Pink - Cooper W

Life is what matters the most. - Anonymous

McDonald’s yogurt parfaits are very passable. - Anonymous

My dog is annoying and black. - Anonymous

Life is short make it last. - Anonymous

Math keeps me up at night. - Anonymous

Cat and Dragon -

It hurts to live and breathe. - Anonymous

Esperanza G

Blossoming lilies, flowing waterfalls, chattering squirrels. - Anonymous

Art is everything and makes life. - Anonymous

My nephew my niece no peace. - Anonymous I came I saw I conquered. - TJ K I will win this crazy thing. - Anonymous

I like to sleep every night. - Xander H

No sleep, only love or pain. - Ali B Take baby steps throughout your life. - Anonymous

Tears of Ve nom

- Ano ny

mous

Works hard, is small, gets involved. - Anonymous Determination causes success laziness causes failure. - Anonymous

Inspire

By: Angela Wang 18

Volume 1

2019 - 2020

7th Grade - 6 Word Memoirs Time to win, I already won. - Anonymous Life is complex but very fruitful. - Anonymous I got bad grades this year. - Anonymous We die… but by fire? Ice? - Erin R I am doing this by force. - Anonymous Rolling over hill then we stop. - Anonymous

Icey Blue - Cooper W

My PE teacher is the bomb. - Jake L

Friendship is the best thing ever. - Anonymous

Keanu Reeves is a cool dude. - Anonymous

Friendship is the key to life. - Anonymous

I will fail my math test. - Anonymous

Melting burning we can fix this. - Anonymous This is a mighty fine school. - Anonymous Sun Serene Setting Mikayla S

The food here is really good. - Anonymous This is an interesting school year. - Jacki C Life’s a stream silent but deadly. - Zianna B This is my six word memoir. - Anonymous

Days go by but never end. - Izzy W Love means you never say sorry. - Anonymous I’m a part of the Lgbtq+. - Ava D

Inspire Anna S an d Abb

yG

Fell out of tree broke arm. - Ryan S

Never late. No mistakes or else. - Anonymous

To be honest, who knows anymore? - Anonymous

Everyone is beautiful in every way. - Anonymous

Could my happy tears save you? - Avery C Cat Pond N Elizabeth

For sale: little brother, really annoying. - Angela W

19

Inspire

By: Angela Wang

2019 - 2020

Volume 1

7th Grade - 6 Word Memoirs...

cont.

Save someone’s day by being generous. - Anonymous Mom was there so I dance. - Anonymous The past is the future now. - Anonymous Best friends, I got your back. - Evie R Walk the road paved with stars. - Fiona P If you’re not first, you’re last. - Anonymous Secret - Nicole P Happiness makes everything better in life. - Anonymous

Friendship is the key to life. - Meygan M

Like a diamond I shine bright. - Anonymous

My mistakes are proof I’m human. - Sydney B

Jump, fly, fall, get up again. - Anonymous

Fish are friends not food, yes. - Luis G

Two birds are better than one stone. - Anonymous

Paper and pencil, art is life. - Anna S A Morning at Long Beach Avery C

4 weeks for 7 small boxes. - Anonymous Everything, death leeks love seers through. - Anonymous Plastic belongs in recycling not oceans. - Anthony B Sliding down the slippery water slide. - Anonymous Short people can do so much. - Anonymous Live to give, not to gain. - Anonymous Growth is to succeed in life. - Anonymous Ball is life, ball is life. - Kamren H What you lose you may give. - Iyana R Polluting Mothe r Earth Angela W Fun and stressful, sunrises there is. - Anonymous Painful experiences lead to healing consequences. - Anonymous What happens today doesn’t matter tomorrow. - J.T P

Inspire

By: Angela Wang 20

Volume 1

2019 - 2020

6th Grade - 6 Word Memoirs The school year: fun, exciting, inspiring. - Elizabeth H

Change the world by being yourself. - Ally R

Being different is the only option. - Anonymous

Empty desk empty voice so scared. - Anonymous

-

We laugh, cry, learn, had fun. - Anonymous

Pond Box

A Forest beth N Eliza

Nobody else is you, be you. - Lily K

Good vibes only good vibes only. - Anonymous

Everything you can do is possible. - Emma K It’s not impossible just a challenge. - Katie S Write your six word memoir here. - Anonymous Great grades, good days, school rocks. - Anonymous Kindness can change the whole world. - Anonymous Everyone can be kind even you. - Alex A

Friendship - Ava D

Life isn’t a guarantee DEATH is. - Anonymous

Never let NO-ONe steam your joy. - Anonymous

Try your best with no regrets. - Fausta G

Flowers - Sydney B

Snow falling down, gentle as laughter - Sadie L New subjects, new work, new fun. - Anonymous Don’t Let your feelings overcome you. - Anonymous

Pressure study persistence stress drama repeat. - Anonymous The journey of life is eventful. - Rory S Persistent kindness respect loyal responsible helpful. - Anonymous

21

Inspire

By: Angela Wang

2019 - 2020

Volume 1

6th Grade - 6 Word Memoirs...

cont.

Anyone is loved even you yourself. - Anonymous

Paper trees leaves, partch trucks, nothing. - Anonymous

New challenges mean more new experiences. - Anonymous

Be kind every day to everyone. - Natalie A

Ivory Ella Design -

Isabella F

Every despair leads to better times. - Megan L

Be kind, to every living thing. - Anonymous Give kindness and then get kindness - Jude O Confidence is good but it’s cooler. - Anonymous 6th grade is fun and chill. - Luis A The fun inside you is beautiful. - Liam W

Love only comes if you love. - Sophia O

Owl - Jeremy L

Dog is sick his name Zues. - Anonymous

Life to short to be worried. - Esther N

In life you are the protagonist. - Anonymous

Everyone has a legacy, even you. - Vinny K

Flower Of Hope -

A great is an amazing time. Anonymous

The past is in the past. - Anonymous

Sierra F

It is important to be you. - Anonymous Don’t let fear rule your life. - My’yana P If you are sad deep breath. - Kai H

The past isn’t easy to forget. - Kocyce W Make your life the best life. - Peter E

Inspire

Mechachromatic Angela W

By: Angela Wang 22

Volume 1

2019 - 2020

Autumn’s Gift

by Emily L

Leaves fall from the trees Little worlds are flying down Blanket for the ground Sajal Ali - Alishbaa K

The Night

by Avery C The night.

A snowbank.

All I could see.

The moondance of the snowflakes Swirling in the wayward winds.

The glistening gray of The craters of that ever so bright moon.

The night.

My flannel pajamas clinging To my skin as the snow Melts against my rosey, warm skin.

The night.

The paws of an alley cat Lead me to a black flame The pitch black of night.

The night.

Waterfall Rainbo w - Avery C

Wish

by Erin R The water shimmers, The waves play, The gulls fly, The people talk, The pier creaks in protest, The rocks grumble and shift, The trees conversate and sway, The boats dance in the smiling sunshine.

The ocean, I wish

Purple Plum- Cooper W

23

Inspire

By: Angela Wang

2019 - 2020

Volume 1

Soon the Grass Will Fade - Anonymous Even though the grass is green, we should still appreciate it because soon the grass will fade, and soon you will never be seen.

Inspire - Ms. Katherine Braun

So many symptoms!

What is up with M’Kenna?

Maybe stomach bug…

NK

MAR10: An Intrinsic Reflection By: Mr. Andrew Sergeant Invincible star Orange bricks are breaking A fire flower

Untitled - NK

��ke w�at you s�� �ou �an �e �n �ns��re t�! Just �o to �e �ns��re we�s�te �ro� �y��a��, ����k on �e su���t �u�on, add your work, and PO OF! you’re a �u���s�ed au�or�art�st!

Inspire

By: Angela Wang 24

Artwork By: Anika M