Inspire - 3rd Edition

Inspire

Volume 3 2021 - 2022

Artwork By: Angie E

Lisle Lions

Inspire

Staff 2021-2022

-Editor-in-Chief-

Ms. Katherine Braun -Short Story & Poetry Editorial Committee*Em L - 8th grade *Dani E - 7th grade Hailey V - 8th grade Simon K - 7th grade Riley C - 7th grade Theo P - 6th grade Henry S - 6th grade -Art Editorial Committee*Noemie-Ann S - 7th grade *Arely A - 7th grade Megan L - 8th grade Molly M - 7th grade -Inspire Workshop Committee*Anya K - 8th grade *Angie E - 7th grade Sophia O - 8th grade Katie S - 8th grade Emma K - 8th grade Eva C - 7th grade Nic D - 7th grade Ivan G - 7th grade Zohaib K - 7th grade -Technological Design & Entrepreneurship Committee*Nisa G - 7th grade *Alicia R - 7th grade Natalie L - 7th grade Carli R - 7th grade *Starred names denote current leaders in each committee.

Dedicated to all those seeking inspiration; may you find everything you’re looking for “One day you will look back and see that all along you were blooming.” ~ Morgan Harper Nichols

Volume 3

2021 - 2022

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

Enjoy Volume 3 of

Inspire!

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

Volume 3

2021 - 2022

Blue Dress - Natalie L Her long black hair, blowing in the wind Her coffee skin, shivering at each burst of cold Her full lips, quivering at every thought Her almond eyes, staring down at the imperfect city Each burst of cold in the wind makes her dress sway The ruffles on the dress flying like a bird, soaring in the sky The undercoat, staying close to her body despite The dreams of floating to the clouds The lace gracefully fluttering higher than the others The winds taking the lightweight material with it

Rainbow Infinity Rose H Untitled - N egina Q

Each ruffle, Each string of the undercoat, Each lace, They all have a meaning of who she is Who she is as a person What her identity is Maybe she’ll stay unknown forever Maybe nobody will know about her Nobody will remember her significant Blue dress Or each feature of her face She will be forgotten With no trace of remembrance

L e a vin g Th e Ne st - Riley C From eight to eighteen From a little boy to a man In a blink of an eye you grew up The second you stepped out that door You spread your wings to fly away from us To fly away from me.

The first jump was hard The second even harder But you learned to be even stronger You learned to shed your soft skin And to grow to something new And like a phoenix rising from the ashes you changed and grew

Not That Bad - Joseph U At first, it was hard.

I was blind and unaware.

I did not understand how it worked.

Homework was the worst.

Then I found the pattern.

I found the key.

It all started to make sense to me.

My grades soared.

My parents are proud.

Homework is not that bad.

ous

nonym g Up - A Messin

, me out note ca g n o imes, r A w many t o s d e tic t I prac One tha right. d An got ow? ss up n e to me v a h I Why did

Now it’s time for you to leave the nest.

1

Inspire

2021 - 2022

Volume 3

Random Thoughts and Reflections - Six Word Memoir Style - Kaitlyn S

-No friends, got friends, best friends -Look up bright sky but why?

-AT or not, just as smart

Lost Love - Elizabeth F The first time we met not on a screen, I ran.

He walked.

I smiled.

He frowned.

I kissed him.

He pushed away.

I tried going in for a hug.

He pushed away again.

I love you, I said.

Okay, he replied.

My smile was as wide as the earth.

His was as small as a nail.

The trees stopped dancing when we saw each other.

The sun got darker.

There were no more rainbows.

No more happiness.

ley C Mirrors - Ri ction. see our refle to s or rr mi We look into To see our hair, Eyes, Smile, To see us. ors though.

I hate mirr ion. ng my reflect ir, ei se te ha I ha ng my messy I hate seei brown eyes, my boring e smile. my off-whit myself. e I hate to se

Untitled - Anonymous

My Composition - Sarah M I am Sarah.

My hair is as curly as springs surrounding my head like a blanket.

I am like difficult math problems waiting to be solved, challenging others as they approach me.

I am like a bike, waiting to go forward and face life’s obstacles, brushing off the past.

I am like medicine, helping those in need.

I am so organized that not one thing is out of place for a second.

With friends and family, I am like an open book.

With others, I bottle up my feelings until I slowly open my book for them like a bird takes flight.

s nymou

This is me.

o d - An

Untitle

Inspire

2

Volume 3

2021 - 2022

The Heart - Vivian aV

The Hate We Love. - Giah B My cousin, My best friend

Except the day I found out about her smoking My ultimate reaction was numb I wondered if she’s was joking Until I could do anything, I just ate plums She stopped by my house early in the morning She told me she was sorry

I wouldn’t say anything except, I accept I will never forget Our trust is broken She left 2 weeks later I heard about her suicide.

S il e n c e is Loud - S im o n K When the re’s silence in the air, Somehow it’s louder.

My thoug hts grow bigger with no n oise aroun d .

They enra ge with vo lu me They are so loud, but some how, The silence stays.

haib K Winter Silence - Zo s from the sky The soft snow slip to dim. and the sun starts dy hymn. can hear its win u yo ud lo so e The silenc en the world.

The clouds dark d and whirled, The wind whistle as silent. but in the end, w

The Lava Lighter - Ivan G I prance through the door clutching my back-pack tight, no one knows it’s me well I think some just might.

A flick of the trigger I think it’s just right, joy floods in when I turn on the light.

While I smirk to myself with all my might, the class is shocked by all the bright light.

They feel alive, the opposite of fright, joy floods in when I turn on the light.

The lava glides down like a firefly mid flight, the thought saddens me that the light will go out tonight.

But do not worry tomorrow I will still turn it on despite, because joy floods in when I turn on the light.

3

Inspire

2021 - 2022

Volume 3

Breathe - Anonymous

s - Anonymou

Breathe and count 1, 2, 3 There’s no need to stress if you just breathe Breathe in and out feel your stomach go up and down Breathe you need to sit down Breathe if it hurts and just want to shout Just breathe and stay calm there will be help If you just breathe we will figure things out

us ce - Anonymo Alone in Silen ome, Alone at my h d, be y laying in m ceiling. e staring at th , I close my eyes , en and I list lence. to the long si d quiet, It’s peaceful an appeared, the thought and echoed. pretty, The stars are oon, and so is the m sting sky. in the everla

Untitled - Danielle E

Inspire

The Colorful Ram Josephine G More Than a Ligh

I’ve lost control ag ain, The raging dark sk y envelopes me, blinds me, The waves jerk me, toss me, Lost at sea again, I surrender to the storm, Collapsing, Out of breath, strength, hope, Where am I? Where do I go?

I can’t navigate alo ne.

Your light , Brilliant, golden sa vior, Appears, leading m e to safety, Again, Independence has failed me, Not you, Never you.

You’re more than a lighthouse, I make you my com pass, Without you, I’m sh ipwrecked.

thouse - Dani E

4

Volume 3

Inv is ib le Weather - Da n i E I was looking out the window W h i l e b e i n g d r i v e n a c ro ss t h e i nte rsta te , T h e v ie w, We l l th e re is n ’ t m u c h w h e n it c o m es to b ea uty , But you ca n see so m e intrigu ing th ings w h e n y o u p a y a tt e n t i o n .

I wa s l o o k i n g o ut my w i n d o w, S e e i n g c a r s a n d t r u c ks s p e e d i n g d o w n t h e r o a d i nto t h e d ista n c e , Becoming smaller and smaller, Until they a re inv is ib le to my eyes, d isa ppea ring over the horizon, d r i v i n g o ff t o s o m e w h e r e s e e m i n g l y v e r y i m p o r t a n t beca use of the speed at wh ich they drive.

R a y s o f s u n g l i t t e r e d o n t h e s h i n y s u r fa c e s o f t h e c a r s , S e e m i n g to b e c ko n t h e m o u t of t h e i r z o o m i n g ve h ic l e s into her g lorious wa rmth.

L o st i n t h e s e a o f c a rs , There was on e the su n d idn’t sh in e on.

A t f i rst, I t h o u g ht I w a s n ’ t s e e i n g it q u it e r i g ht, T h is c a r wa s c ove re d i n g l iste n i n g , w h ite snow.

Ye s , s n o w o n a s u n n y , 8 0 ° d a y , M y b r o t h e r t h o u g h t t h e s n o w w a s fa k e , b u t, I , I ca m e u p w ith a th e o ry .

Here I go: It’s ca l led inv is ib le weather, a n d i t ’ s p r e tt y c o m m o n i n I l l i n o i s , ma y b e it ’ s c o m m o n w h e re y o u l ive , too.

Inv is ib le weather, I t ’ s t h e a p p e a ra n c e o f e v i d e n c e w it h o u t t h e a p p e a ra n c e o f t h e e l e m e nts .

T h at c a r wa s d r iv i n g th ro u g h a s n o wsto r m , T h e i r wa s b l i n d i n g s h e ets of s n o w su r ro u n d i n g th e m , th e roa d wa s s l i p p e ry , a n d t h e i r b ra ke s , th ey w e re n ’ t q u ite wo r k i n g .

T h at c a r wa s d r iv i n g th ro u g h a s n o wsto r m , W e j u st c o u l d n ’ t se e th e sto r m .

W h e n I sa w a ma n w ith a n u m b re l la o n a b e a u t ifu l s u n n y da y , I d i d n ’ t fi n d it o d d .

No, I knew t h e re w a s ra i n p o u r i n g d o w n o n h i m th u n d e r a l l a ro u n d h i m .

H e n e e d e d h is u m b re l l a to p rote ct h i m f ro m t h e d ro w n i n g ra i n o f l ife , W e j u st c o u l d n ’ t s e e t h e ra i n sto r m .

I u n d e rsta n d b e c a u s e w h e n I B u n d l e m y s e l f i n s w e a t e r s a n d w o o l s o c ks , I ’ m n ot re a l ly c o l d , I ’ m d e fe n d i n g a g a i n st a d i ff e r e n t k i n d o f c o l d , There a re frig id breezes a l l a ro u n d m e , The w ind is screa m ing inside me, And a l l I wa nt to do, is ho ld on to a h a n dfu l of wa r mth , but no one sees the cold.

5

2021 - 2022 War - V iv iana V

Super Smash Logo - Damian G Trapped - Alina T

Inspire

2021 - 2022

What is eternity?

By: Natalie L

Volume 3

The Woods Noemie-Ann S

What is eternity?

Would it be where you’re falling In an endless hole No way to escape Or maybe it’s where you’re trapped In a lone, dark room No sound coming in No sound coming out But how long will we stay there?

How long does it last?

Does it stay with us until our final breath?

Does it go until our time is up?

Does it hang onto us even when we’re dead?

Does it even end at all?

No one will find out Because we can’t see If the dead are still stuck If the dead will stay trapped forever We can’t see if they ever escaped Eternity Such a small word Yet, so much meaning Will we ever find out what it truly means?

What is eternity?

E Untitled - Danielle

Inspire

This Poem - Ephrem W When I write I write with passio n I write with love I believe in my po ems I believe that this can be big This poem might be someone’s favo rite This poem might go viral Or maybe not Maybe people will do things with th is poem Maybe edit it Maybe take it as th eir own I hope then when you have read it th is far Maybe you have thought about m y writing And maybe start writing your own I mean “Inspire” isn ’t called Inspire fo r nothing It is here for inspira tion I was inspired by my own friend who is on staff He helped me thro ugh rough times And maybe I’m ju st some twelve ye ar old Who thinks he ca n do anything Who thinks he is the boss of everyo ne Dang.

I’ve only been writ ing about myself How about you My readers.

I thank you for re ading this poem And this magazin e.

Thank you.

6

Volume 3

2021 - 2022

My Heart - Anonymou s

Panic - Anonymous Panic!

Panic, panic, panic All we e ve r do is panic To t he bro t he rs and sis te rs To t he mo t he rs and f at he rs Slo w do w n t ake your t ime no ne e d to PANIC! Sch o ol , wor k , sports The y al l br ing PANIC The li t t le whispe r in your he ad te lling you to PANIC I t w il l ne ve r go away i t ’ll al ways be t he re f or you Lur k ing and t ur ning around a cor ne r Bu t i t ’s ok c ause one day i t w ill be gone t he re’s no more Panic Anonymous My Match -

Th e y A re t h e O nes - Anonymo us

Fa mi ly is no t al wa ys bl oo d.

Th ey ar e th e on es in yo ur lif e th at ac ce pt yo u fo r wh o yo u ar e.

Th ey ar e th e on es wh o wo ul d do an yt hi ng fo r yo u Th ey ar e yo ur bl an ke t af te r a ha rd da y Th ey ar e th e on es wh o wi ll lo ve yo u ei th er wa y Th ey ar e th e on es yo u lo ve , la ug h an d si ng wi th Th ey ar e th e on es wh o se e yo u at yo ur hi gh an d lo w Th ey ar e yo ur lig ht wh en yo u ar e lo w Th ey ar e yo ur in ne r ci rc le .

Pre s s u re - A n o n y m o u s

Mental Health - Anonymous High, low Low, high My mental health is going up and down And I don’t even know why Everyday getting told I’m not good enough Brings me down high to low knowing It’ll never stop The pressure keeps tik tik tiking like a bomb inside Why wont you just go away just why

I feel the cool pressure Everywhere I look someone is depending on me Mom, dad, brother, sister Pressure, pressure, pressure Failing my test Grades getting low Now people are yelling at me Pressure pressure pressure I can feel the pressure all eyes on me I wonder if I can heal the pressure But I know it never leave

7

Inspire

2021 - 2022

Volume 3

A m e l i a B u r ta n - E p h r e m W One hot summer morning, in the south of Louisiana, there lived a girl named Amelia. Amelia was a very intelligent girl. Even though Amelia was fourteen, she skipped two grades because of her intelligence. Amelia lived in a harsh time. It was a time when racial injustice was at its peak. Because of so much racial injustice in the South, Amelia had to go to an African-American-only school. These schools were much lower class than whites schools.

These schools were so much more dirty, unorganized, unemployed, smelly, rotten, and just about everything else in between. Amelia hated how racist people were to her. She hated the names that people called her. There was another thing Amelia also hated. She hated her mother who would never think about Amelia or her family. Amelia’s mother wanted to get out of slavery and run far away from the south. Her mother didn’t care what happened to Amelia or any of her three older brothers. She just wanted to leave.

School was terrible for Amelia. She was too smart to learn anything from her teachers and they were very terrible at teaching students her age. One day, when Amelia was at school, the teachers treated the students poorly and unimportant, unlike in the past days. The teachers yelled at the students and said they were terrible at literature and math. They told the students that they would never succeed if they couldn’t learn to be polite and humble.

One cold, dark, and eerie evening, Amelia’s mother tried to sneak out of the farm she was working at. Over the past years, Amelia’s mother, Margarett, had been digging a hole behind the big oak tree in the south part of the farm. This hole had ended up being deep enough to go under the brand new red fence that the farmer, Joshua, had bought. Margarett had snuck out of the farm and into the beautiful field of flowers, where the animals stayed. Margarett started to run. She felt free and she loved how the wind blew in her hair and eyes. She never wanted to be a slave ever again. She had no way to know which direction she was headed. All she knew was that she was free. Margarett ran and ran for days upon weeks until she finally reached northern Illinois. It was hard for Margarett to survive the dreaded cold up north. She couldn’t believe how so many people could live in this weather. She was used to 91, 92 degrees but 72 in the middle of August was frighteningly cold to her.

Amelia couldn’t find her mother anywhere. She knew that her mother had left her and her three brothers alone in Louisiana. Amelia knew this because she found the hole that her mother must have dug. Amelia felt alone and unimportant. At this very moment, she hated everything and everyone. She hated her three brothers for never ever helping her with anything. She knew that she didn’t have much time to speak to her brothers because they lived in Georgia, too far away to see her.

Amelia was depressed. So many thoughts about her mom and her life flooded her head. She figured that she had no purpose in life and that her soul was meaningless. Amelia even hated herself because of her meaningless life.

One day, something happened. Amelia’s hometown was attacked by angry white people who hated black people. This changed Amelia’s life forever. Amelia was not harmed, but the farm that she lived and served at was lit on fire and destroyed. She couldn’t figure out why people would do this.

She knew that they had different skin and because of that she was a slave. But she still couldn’t figure out why they hated them so much.

One day, six months later, Amelia couldn’t remember what her mom’s face looked like, and she forgot her name.

In fact, she couldn’t remember anything or and what she did. Amelia was sad and about her mom other than her skin coldepressed. She never felt anything but sadness. Amelia was alone.

W h y ?

-

A n o n ym o u s

When he passed, I could only say, why?

He won’t watch me grow up And I’ll never see him again.

Why? He was so special And gone, just like that.

Died from stupid cancer that should have been caught so much earlier.

Should’ve got the care that he needed and deserved.

Why did this have to happen?

Why?

Inspire

Untitled Anonymou s

8

Volume 3

2021 - 2022

The Family Recipe

Hello - Anonymous

- Anonymous By: Zohaib Khan

Hello My Son! I absolutely love the new nursing home! likes to make conversation.

The Nursing assistant is very kind and she could see it.

I love the autumnal season here, wish you too! kids Tell me about your Please visit me sometime soon!

My family’s like a cake, With traits that have to bake.

There’s still much to be done, But in the meantime we’ll have fun.

Hello my son sorry I didn’t communicate to you earlier.

Thank you for visiting me a month ago, t to write blew up in flames.

I noticed that one of the notes I was abou ous! was no smoldering paper, how preposter there that ted insis I called for the nurse but she ? they children, how are I believe I also wanted to ask about the Hello son written a letter to you, the smoldering one I had a friend tell me that I had already ed and appalled!

I had him show it to me, now I’m bewilder about my grandkids me to back write Either way, I want you to Hello son me to join them and dance I do not know where I am but they want , I want to know what is happening I do not know how to move well no more Hello who. g for a reason, I just can not remember I do not know you but I know I am writin

ymous The One I Wanted - Anon

Let’s start with the brothers, 3 Because they’re important, to me. ⅓ Cups of Kindness And a handful of trouble Bake until tall

A word that describes us all And now for the sister, You might need to assist her.

But although she’s nice, She won’t cry over a blister ¾ Cups of fun And a tablespoon of courage A dangerous recipe That I like to encourage.

Last but not least, Are the parents of me.

That without, I don’t know where I'd be.

You’ll need a gallon of love, And 5 cups of worry.

But not one bit, Have their intentions been blurry.

If you’ve done this right, It’ll appear nice and glazy.

But on the inside, We’re all a little crazy.

-Zob Ross

-Zob Ro

October Pumpkin Mrs. Karen Burris

A Circle of Hope n au Ms. Katherine Br

Waylon

- Riley C 9

Savoring the Sunlight, Savoring a Dream Ms. Katherine Braun

Inspire

2021 - 2022

Volume 3

My Grandfather by: Nisa G My grandfather is a super cool guy. I talk about him a lot because he is so important to me. He tells me a lot about himself and what he did when he was younger. He was born in India, and he had three older sisters who died very young. When I say very young, I mean very young, almost newborn. His dad moved to Africa to get a better job, it was in a printing press, then he and his mom followed when he was about five. He had three other siblings when he lived in Africa, a sister and two brothers. His first job was delivering bread when he was about 10. He told me about running around with his little brother in a stroller delivering the bread to people. He got into lots of trouble when he was younger. His friend once gave him a tattoo of an anchor, it’s kind of lopsided, and I can’t even begin to imagine his mom’s reaction. Years later, when he was in high school, his dad got sick and died. He dropped out of high school so he could get a job. Eventually, he had an arranged marriage and had one kid, my uncle. By that time, almost everyone they knew was immigrating to America. I can’t believe how tough it would have been for him to leave his home for the second time, but he did it. He went to get a job in America and, believe it or not, he got one in less than 24 hours. That’s pretty impressive considering how some people take weeks, or even months to get jobs. He finally got enough money so my grandmother and uncle could get to America. I can’t believe how much he’s got through, and that’s not even all of it. I feel so boring compared to him!

He’s so amazing, and he cares so much about everyone. Even though he didn’t finish high school, he’s accomplished so much. He’s the inspiration and drive for so much that I do.

Ode to Shel Silverstein - Nisa G Pirate Jim loved pizza He always said he would meet ya For a nice warm slice of pizza He loved it all He would have a ball And so, one day Pirate Jim Went and met his friend Tim As they ate, Pirate Jim couldn’t sedate The want for another nice warm slice of pizza When they ordered more, Tim noticed a change in Pirate Jim’s contour He said, “Hey! Jim! Your head!”

It had turned into some crust.

“Oh stop that Jim. You must!”

“Oh please,” Pirate Jim said, “It’s only some cheese.”

His teeth turned sticky And his fingers icky The waiter’s boss was at a loss As Jim’s hair turned to sauce And off he ran With a coke can He would never meet ya For a nice warm slice of pizza Ever again

Inspire

LOVE - “Big Bray” Braylon S To futurae me Love is something that goes all round.

Love is something that you can’t keep to yourself.

Love comes in various forms like books on a bookshelf.

But the best love is on the top shelf, the good love.

The good love can sometimes be misunderstood.

Love doesn’t have a barrier, it is very nude.

But love can also be very rude.

So as I’m telling you this, Put this in a good place in your mind to revise.

So please use love.

When people are sad Or mad.

Use love to make people happy.

Use love to make people NOT snappy.

I do have to go, but use love to make people happy.

Use love to make people’s bad days go away.

I hope you have a great day Love, past Braylon

10

Volume 3

2021 - 2022

Being the Oldest - Anonymous Explain to me why being the oldest comes with blame, too much responsibility, an endless rain of sadness All because I’m the oldest?

Explain to me why being the oldest comes with less attention, hate, fights, 0and less hope for a way out.

Explain.

The endless ticking of waiting for your siblings to get older and take care of themselves!

So you can take care of yourself, and have time for your friends.

You think that will be over no they’ll need you for everything for school, drama, help, relationship drama, No you’re the oldest, it’s your JOB to protect them and help them!

Sure they can be annoying but they look up to you, trust me.

They love you they want to be like you nothing can break the relationship that siblings have with each other Other than themselves Someone said “ a heart to heart conversation might help.”

Someone said “ is there a black sheep in your family?”

Sadly, the heart to heart conversations won’t help. Sadly, I’m the black sheep of the family It’s me, no one else but me in my 5 member family You might think it’s one of my siblings, nope me, the oldest!

Being the rebel of the family doesn’t help with the fact that I have to be a good example Being the rebel of the family doesn’t help with the fact that I want to be something cool and dress cool BUT I simply can’t!

I want to have an adventure. Go out and have fun in the forest jump over streams climb up trees jump on rocks But I’m stuck with two kids to look after but it’s fun to play, and help my siblings There are cons and pros of being the oldest but you won’t regret asking for a little sister or brother Trust me.

This Year - Anonymous

The Raven Jayce I

8th grade has been a great year.

I have had so much fun, Meeting new teachers, and going to see each other again, Masks are no longer needed, And I’m sad to go to high school.

So many new responsibilities, And quickly going to decide our futures.

I will miss junior high.

There may have been struggles, and days that could have been better, But most of it was awesome.

Bye, Lisle Junior High, Hello, Lisle High School!

11

Inspire

2021 - 2022

Volume 3

It’s Time By: Ms. Katherine Braun Choices.

It’s time to make different choices.

My brain has been trained to promptly plunge down a dark and twisting path.

With head bowed, I descend, driven deeper into distress.

The further I go the stronger the pull which quickens my pace even though tears race and fall freely off my face.

Despite the darkening clouds, despite the pounding rain, despite the rumbling thunder that hides my inner cries of pain, down this tangled path I remain.

For, when I try to turn down a different path, the storm clouds only thicken, threatening me to go back.

Changes.

It’s time to make changes.

Summoning all my strength, I deviate from my familiar path, this time vowing to persist despite nature’s increasing wrath.

Soon I stumble and sink on to my hands and knees, and soaked, shivering, and scared, it’s only then I see a bright and shining light that’s emanating from me.

With vague recognition, I search the dusty crevices of my mind and in wonderment find this light—my light— has been with me the whole time, and from my heart it shines.

As I stand up and move further from my well-worn way, my light steadily shines stronger surrounding me in radiant rays.

Shine.

It’s time to shine.

Although ominous skies pelt me more persistently with lightning bolts and rain, my light intensifies making me realize my heart should be my guide rather than my brain.

Eventually the storm will see it’s lost its power over me.

No longer do I choose to rush down dark but familiar roads; instead I choose to change, now going where my light’s glow grows.

It’s time to embrace my light, to embrace my heart’s dreams, to change my life’s philosophy.

It’s time.

Inspire

Good Times - Mr. Jarvi

s Alexander A Good Time

Major fashion Heat wave crashin’ Back in the hall Welcome Fall Flickering lights Staying bright Earning the mark Day to dark Winter fun Gone the sun Free to work But not in murk Soon the green Wait for spring In case there is time Watch for shine

Eye of the Cipher Anonymous

At completion This is the season Time to go A great show

ises

Prom

-

s

mou

ny Ano

Embrace Your Light n au Br Ms. Katherine

Untitled - Negina Q

Flower Hearts Maddie C 12

Volume 3

2021 - 2022

Sprouted - Dani E

When I was four years old, I made the most important decision of my life. It sounds bizarre when I put it this way. I mean, you make important decisions when you’re twenty, not when you’re four, right? Four year olds don’t get to make many decisions; so much of life is decided for them by circumstance, by parents, by teachers, by society. It was the same for me. I was just like any other preschooler with wide, curious eyes, much too large for my small body. I didn’t make many decisions either. One extremely frustrating decision made by my parents was the mandatory afternoon nap. If I could have decided to nap or not to nap, I would have certainly chosen the latter.

I was ready to make the most important decision of my life, but it happened to be naptime. An unfortunate thing, naps are. While the early summer sun was shimmering on each new leaf, I would be in my bed “napping.” For me, napping was anything but sleeping. Instead, it was one hour of my precious afternoon wasted by lying in my bed thinking. My mom encouraged me to close my eyes during this hour, believing that it would help me to actually sleep.

It’s an odd sensation, closing your eyes and creating a bit of darkness just for yourself while everyone else is living in a world bright with sunlight. At least there were many thoughts to think inside the quiet space of my self-imposed darkness. Although I had already lived in this complicated world for four years, I was still discovering, and discoveries needed to be thought about… deeply, deeply. I pondered many things during this hour devoted to thought. This time was necessary. My mind was full of stories, imagined worlds, and important plans for crafts. It was flooded with all the new knowledge that I had absorbed recently.

My mind was like dry soil, soaking up information like rain after a drought. Each drop of water enriched the soil, but nothing grew. I was still waiting for the right nourishment. One day a seed would sprout. The seed was already planted inside me. I didn’t know how it would grow, but I knew it would, somehow.

There would be a thin white stem with a single, small leaf. Fragile. It would grow. It would grow into a plant, a plant with many large leaves and a strong stem anchored by healthy roots. Eventually, my plant would grow little buds and blossom into beauty. Oh, how I wished to grow.

I needed to find my roots.

I had been thinking about Jesus. The soil of my mind had been sprinkled with Him. He was there - always. He was there when we prayed for our dinner. He was there when we were at church. He was there when I hurt myself and my dad prayed for healing. He was always there. He was following me around. When I heard about asking Jesus into my heart, it seemed right. I mean, He was already there, so why not give Him a place to stay?

I was ready. I was ready to grow.

“Mommy?” My voice was light and floating, like a leaf drifting in the wind.

“Hey, babe. It’s time for your nap.”

“Mommy, I want to ask Jesus into my heart.” My voice was a whisper; I barely uttered the words. I wasn’t afraid, and I wasn’t really nervous.

I was just hesitant, but at the same time I knew this is what I wanted.

“Okay.” She opened her eyes a little wider than normal and tilted her head to the side. I assumed she was surprised, and I thought, Maybe I shouldn’t have asked. Maybe this isn’t the right time...

I was linked to her, connected. I felt what she felt. If she was sad, her sadness flowed into my heart. If she was happy, her happiness bubbled into my life. I followed her wherever she went. However, this deep connection didn’t help me understand her. It made me over-analyze every word she spoke, normally interpreting them completely wrong. Despite my trouble in comprehending her emotions, she never struggled to know exactly how I felt.

She followed her reply with a smile that immediately calmed me. “So, sweetie, you want to ask Jesus into your heart?”

I read into her eyes, trying to uncover the inside of her mind. I could tell she was thinking, She’s ready to grow.

“Yes.” Her smiling eyes softened my serious ones. Her joy lifted the corners of my mouth into a smile. “I do.”

We walked into my room, and I sat on my bed next to my mom. The silky fabric of my vibrant comforter rubbed against me. The safety of my room calmed me. I knew I was ready.

“Okay, can I pray with you?” My mom’s eyes sparkled.

“Mm-hmm,” I murmured.

I bowed my head and clasped my little hands tightly, carefully intertwining my fingers.

“All you have to do is repeat after me, okay? Dear Heavenly Father.” My mom’s voice was strong. She was always so strong. She spoke each word with confidence that comforted my hesitant soul.

“Dear Heavenly Father.” My voice was small, but I tried to mimic my mom’s strength. I repeated her words carefully. I tasted each word as I spoke, savoring the flavor of salvation. I prayed, confessing that Jesus was the son of God, and he died on the cross for me and rose from the dead, saving me from my sins. At this moment, I decided to make Jesus my Lord. I don’t remember any thoughts while I prayed, just peace, the most complete peace I have ever felt. Every crack and crevice of my spirit was filled up with Jesus.

“Amen.”

My mom wrapped my small body in her embrace. The sweet citrus of her perfume surrounded her with a delicate cloud of fragrance. I took a deep breath, enjoying the beautiful scent that always made me smile. My mom had always worn this perfume: Happy, by Clinique. Someone knew what happiness smelled like. I had found true happiness. A happiness deeper than the delight of a preschooler. I had found joy. Sunlight streamed through my windows, illuminating my room with brilliant gold, fitting for this joyous occasion.

That one decision, prayed by the smallest of lips, resulted in a born again creature. In that moment, angels rejoiced, and my name was registered in heaven. I could feel the angels. It sounds funny but, from Earth, the rejoicing is silent, a beautiful silence that fills you with joy. I felt so warm at that moment.

I had begun my journey of growth. My salvation was the nourishment I had been looking for, the nourishment I needed. My prayer sprouted a life giving seed, a seed of prosperity and joy. It was already inside me. I was still a preschooler with wide, curious eyes, too big for my small body, but I was new inside.

The promise of my salvation is the hope that I am anchored in. The relationship I have with my Heavenly Father is an ever present peace.

The way I live is influenced by the God I serve, and I serve a good, good God. My faith and hope are in God, and he never fails.

I am His child. My identity is in Christ.

I am blooming.

13

Inspire

2021 - 2022

Volume 3

Heart Blossoms

By: Ms. Katherine Braun My hands are folded in prayer while my eyes spill over with tears.

Like waves, your words wash over me, and this time I refrain from refuting and refusing their entry.

Instead, I let them soak through to my heart’s dry, desolate depths where seeds were planted but never grew.

I let those seeds go dormant, for they appeared frivolous and unimportant.

But now, with my hands folded in prayer and my eyes spilling over with tears, I’m finally starting to see within these deserted, suppressed seeds lives dreams that deserve to be freed.

Thus, I let your prayer pour into my heart’s solitary chasm that restrictive control and criticism were unable to close, and in that miraculous moment, my dormant dreams start to grow.

For, your words, your prayer make my mind consider for the first time who planted those seeds, intending for me to nurture my dreams.

And in that moment, I never felt closer to God. And now, with my hands folded in prayer and my eyes spilling over with tears, I make a vow to rip off the restraints forged by fear and fully, openly start to embrace the dreams God plants in my heart.

Inspire

A More Accurate Definition By: Ms. Katherine Braun What’s poetry?

It’s a valid question that no dictionary definition can properly pinpoint for all who read it or write.

You see, for me poetry is the hummingbird of genres.

It’s fervently flapping wings are propelled by pure emotion all perfectly packed into a petite parcel.

Poems flutter before the eyes and imprint the mind with elusive wisps of thought that readers must find and then recreate through time.

And while they are small, their hearts are strong, fast, and full of passion, letting them fly forward, backward, and in figure eight infinity signs through open and receptive minds.

Poetry takes patience and perseverance as it soars from flower to flower, line to line so quickly that it must be watched intently, its flight often needing to be retraced, reconsidered, and reread.

Thus, while a dictionary will not define poetry as a hummingbird flying through crevices of the mind, know that if you open your head and heart, that’s exactly what you’ll find.

14

Volume 3

2021 - 2022

Happiness - Simon K

S c h o o l … - Yo h a n n B

Me: I have a dad And a mom too My mom is so kind to me.

She says I deserve her kindness because I work really hard every day at school.

Unlike my dad.

Once a there was a kid that didn’t like school This little kid feared school He said, “ugh, why does school exist?”.

Once school started, he would play games on his computer.

He would not pay attention to his class.

Dad: I’m old, I’m lazy and tired.

I’m unhealthy and fat.

I sit on my comfy couch, A few spills and crumbs, Eating my crunchy, chewy Cheetos.

Without a care in the world. (son walks in) …..

I like you son But for myself, I hate.

Somedays I wonder, Why do I keep living?

But you keep me going, You’re like a bright little flower Makin’ my day better.

I love you son, But why do you love me?

But then one day, The little kid started playing video games, But the teacher said, “Not today” The little kid was sad at first, But the teacher said, “We will be playing board games” “Good!” thought the little kid.

The teacher said to the little kid, “But not you” “Why?” said the little kid “Because you have homework.” said the teacher “Here’s your homework” The little kid looked at the homework And he thought, ‘this isn’t too bad is it?’

It was only one page, But when he started it, It felt like miles of homework.

The homework started to creep up on him The little kid started to not comprehend He asked for help But everyone ignored him He asked the teacher for help But the teacher did not help him.

The little kid went home, And thought “I should stop playing these games”

Me: I love you dad, You may not be a great success Or even a talented fellow.

But I love you I love you for your spirit and your way of making every day special and fun I love you for you, For being my dad and in my case, That’s good enough.

The next day the little kid stopped playing his games and payed attention He learned a lot so, he went to the teacher, And said “Sorry for not paying attention in your class.”

The little kid was excited. He would start answering things, and he would start raising his hand more, And the little kid started to like school.

Dad: But no, that isn’t good enough!

I’m a terrible father!

I’m not wealthy nor healthy Nor am I a bright flower Makin’ your day better!

Why do I live, son!

Why do I try anything!

Why, Why do I EXIST!!

(Silence) Me: Why do you exist?

You exist for the same reason as every single person on Earth To live That’s why you exist, To enjoy life That’s why you exist, To be… happy.

Well… somewhat.

gan L Alronte - Me

hia O Ginger - Sop

ddie C

cy Nothing Fan w Sergeant By: Mr. Andre so great Chocolate is do love it, and I Most should p stuff I eat the chea

15 n - Ma

Drippy Su

Inspire

2021 - 2022

Volume 3

Tr a n s f o r m e d - S i m o n K

I love going to school. It is the best. Now, I know what you’re thinking. School may not be the most incredible place you’ve seen, but it teaches you. It changes you. Until I discovered something back in sixth grade, I didn’t realize how important school was.

I was sitting at my work desk for school on another typical remote school day, and I finally recognized something new that I never thought about. Before this day, I was depressed because being at school felt so pointless and so boring since it was remote. I got so restless at times that I felt like a lion waiting for a gazelle to appear just to have excitement. But that gazelle never came for me. It was just the complete same thing at school every day. The seat I was on wasn’t even comfortable. It was made of wood and made my back as stiff as the chair itself.

My desk was practically the same. It was the same design as the chair, but it also had drawers in it to store all my necessities for school. Sometimes I used it to store snacks when I was especially hungry. I was so tired of doing all this work without the fun of talking to my friends at school, and everything in my room was distracting me from doing work. I daydreamed a lot. My bed was so eager for me to lie my head on its pillow and slowly drift to sleep. A delicious cupboard of snacks was begging me to eat them. Even my video games that were shouting at me from upstairs, were so eager to let me play.

5th Grade: When I was in 5th grade, grades didn’t matter to me much. Grades to me were as pointless as an ice cream cone in 110-degree weather. When I got my finished homework and saw an X on it, I didn’t revise or take any mind to it at all. Nor did I have the struggles I had in sixth grade.

But now, 2 years later I am getting grades that are as high as the Empire state building. Now when I take tests or do homework I double-check all my answers, and if I get one wrong I revise it and see what I did wrong.

But when I was in sixth grade, on this very day, I realized that anybody can do school, but it takes a special student to work hard, learn, and achieve daily. It was like a small spark exploded inside of me. After all these months of online learning, I came to realize that I should better myself. I learned so much in these days of remote learning. I don’t mean school education, I mean life lessons that I could use for the rest of my life. I thought, Should I give school my all? Should I pay attention in class?!

Should I get good grades even if it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever experienced?!?!

I know it takes a hard-working student to keep up with school and make their goals, but I was up for it and ready to achieve! I looked at my computer, staring at me so intently. My eyes were tearing from the brightness of the screen. It was as bright as the dentist’s light they use to look at your teeth. This remote learning was driving me crazy! I decided to take a mental break upstairs. I walked upstairs and went to my room. My mom said, “Aren’t you supposed to be in school right now?”

I replied, “ I’m sorry I just need a mental break.”

She understood that with all this crazy remote learning stress, I might need a break, so she didn’t take it to mind that much. When I got to my room I started to think. I remembered all the things that I have done and thought, I will change. Not today, maybe not this year. But I will change.

Now a year later in seventh grade I have learned a lot and faced many challenges. Some of which I have failed, but that has only made me stronger. As they say, if you fail, try, try again, so that’s what I did. When I worked harder I even felt better about myself. I gained more friends, more knowledge, and even a fun personality. I have changed. I became a better me.

I have Transformed into a new person, and forever I will be.

The Car Incident - Anonymous The story I always tell my friends is when I was about six or seven. In first grade I was always picked up. I was waiting in the car line looking for my mom’s car, and I saw it, right up front! Now writing this part down, that sounds pretty normal. But mind you, my mom was usually pretty far back in the car line.

Now little me didn’t think twice about this, and just went to the car. I walked up to the car and stepped inside and that’s when I realized. I think you all guessed this, it wasn’t my car. There wasn’t anyone in the car (thank goodness) but still. I turned around to find my mom honking the horn at me and motioning for me to get in the car. Then she laughed at my ignorance.

Inspire

16

Volume 3

2021 - 2022

G r i e f - Nisa G Grief. It’s almost like a wrecking ball. When you are first hit— the first moment—the question still stands, Will I fall? You still have the ability to think that you’ll be okay, to think that everything will turn out fine, as it always does. Then, once it crashes through you, you finally realize nothing will ever be the same. Ever. You are in pieces, and nothing can change that fact. You can rebuild, but the way you were built before, the order of your bricks, will never be the same. It’s sad, but made of nothing but truth, and we can’t do anything about it.

My own experiences have taught me this. I didn’t really understand sadness before. I had heard of pets dying and things like that, but I didn’t understand what it actually felt like. I didn’t know what it felt like for your heart to really hurt, and to not be able to keep the cold, wet tears away. I had simply never experienced it properly. Until I did.

It happened when I was just sitting there, on the couch. My mom and I were watching Gilmore Girls, and she was looking through her phone. She made a face, spotting something on it.

“Huh, weird.”

“What is it?” I asked, leaning over her shoulder to try and see.

“I’ve got a voicemail from your friend’s mom.”

“What does it say?” Does she want me to come over this weekend? I really hope so! I was around 10, and it was summer break, so what else would I be thinking? I know I wasn’t assuming what actually happened. I wiggled in my seat, sinking lower into our comfy couch. “Listen to it.”

My mom put the phone to her ear. I was kicking my legs against the sofa. While I was just sitting patiently hearing words like “Nashville,” and “job,” and “sorry,” questions swarmed my head. What’s going on in Nashville? It’s so far away, what does that have to do with anything?

What about her parents’ job? What in the world could they possibly be sorry for? They never did anything. What is going on with my friend? Is she ok? I wondered what could possibly be happening in Nashville. I was pretty sure that my friend had no friends or family there that I knew of. That was the thing though, I knew a lot about my friend. I basically knew about her whole family even though I had never met most of them.

My couch suddenly became lumpy and hard. My throat bobbed, choking down tears, as the realization hit me. My fingers turned cold. I was so shocked. I felt like I was caving into an endless pit.

She was moving. Not just moving though, moving to Tennessee. Moving to a new state. Away from her home. Away from me.

My mom sighed as she looked at the phone. She was overwhelmed with sadness. I could see it in her face.

I tried to hold back my tears as I looked at my mom, “A- are they moving?”

I waited for her to deny what I already knew was true. I waited for her to joke about how paranoid I was and about how that would never happen.

But she just shut her eyes and nodded.

That was all it took for me to burst into tears like a squashed water balloon.

I couldn’t believe it. My friend was moving to a new state. We wouldn’t see each other every day at school anymore, and we wouldn’t go over to each other’s house.

She would have to make new friends, and so would I. I cried uncontrollably until I felt like I was a dried up raisin. I had no more tears in me left to cry out. Why does she have to leave? Her and her family love it here. I couldn’t control my thoughts and emotions to a point where I almost felt mad at her. I’m going crazy, of course it isn’t her fault, of course she doesn’t want to leave. My mom tried to comfort me, and I leaned into her warm embrace while drying my tears on my hand.

My friend and I still talk very often. We still call each other, and we still write letters to each other. I see her during holidays when she comes to visit her grandmother. Though I miss her, I have made new friends.

Grief definitely wrecks you, and it definitely feels bad, but maybe it isn’t as bad as it seems. Maybe you can build yourself back stronger. Maybe you can be better.

17

Inspire

2021 - 2022

Volume 3

Tears - Dani E

Simple Snowflake - Anonymous

One thought causes one word to be spoken, uttered, released into the world, heard by listening ears.

PANIC, not the right thing to say, don’t take this the wrong way,

I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.

The minds around me moved on,

Move on too, they say, My mind is stuck,

She sits on her window sill, watching the droplets of snow pass by and make the wind whistle back on into the day. numb, That’s how she felt. numb.

Everyday she would do this, repeating sensation of inpatient non crying. she wished she could cry, anything to have her feel. feel something, anything.

She felt desperate. of air, of being pushed away into the wind like a snowflake sitting peacefully on a tree that she watched everyday on her window sill, the snowflake doesn’t deserve to be moved, or to feel out of place because it’s different; So why does she?

I don’t have that luck, All of my attention focuses and grows the

one

word.

Thoughts spin, suck, and spark the

Healthy and Well Balanced Bru nch! - Anon ymous

tears that pour like torrential rain down my red-white cheeks,

Secrets - Megan L

The saltiness soaks into my taste buds, Dream On - Anonymous

My unsteady breathing out of place

as - Thom Create

Inspire

J Inspiration The Strength of Zachary S

Happiness- Elijah P

18

Volume 3

2021 - 2022

Beauty - Ephrem W

Goober in a Box - Emma K

n l - Mega

Michae

L

Eyes - Ephrem W

Beauty When people think of it they think, Make-up Tan Smooth skin Skinny But me?

I think of kindness And respect Dang.

I think of emotions And religion.

I think of loyalty and art I think of human and animal I think of the dead and alive I think of honesty I think of the heavy and the light I think of big cities and underground bunkers I think of internal I think of good vibes And maybe even bad Sometimes beauty can mean family Or friends I think of life And nature Beauty is not about the looks Or the skinny body Beauty is internal And now I hope you believe the same

Eyes.

Up in Space Beautiful beautiful eyes Maddie C Blue Brown Hazel Even green Me? I have blue.

You? Maybe the same Maybe different Eyes are important They are used to see Sometimes you might have the same eye color as your friend Or maybe even your dog Eyes are beautiful things Eyes are not there for just looks They are there for seeing And for life.

Eyes are what makes you unique Goober - E mma K Eyes make you different from everyone else Untitled - Lilly H Eyes are something that no one really pays attention to Eyes should be paid attention to more Eyes are used to see the beautiful things around you al - Henry S Your family Chickens... Aren’t Re Your friends are real If you think chickens Nature e deal That’s simply not th Life itself thrives around eyes a hole in ed Because they di Your eyes. no soul Honestly, they had And always remember st aren’t real Because chickens ju Your eyes are perfect

19

Inspire

2021 - 2022

Volume 3

The Universe - by Simon K The universe has a lot to offer.

It has many special and precious things.

Some of what we don’t know to exist but it could always be there… somewhere.

The universe has galaxies, nebulas, clusters, solar systems, stars, black holes, and even planets.

One of which we call Earth, located in the Milky Way Galaxy and has the most precious thing the universe has to offer, life.

Without life, there would be no time, no sound, and definitely no sight of all the beautiful things in the universe.

Some people believe that different dimensions are real.

Which is nothing proven but is a theory, for the unknown is something that, life doesn’t yet know.

It might be something that will be invented, or will be discovered.

But the unknown will always be there, for every new thing that we discover will just uncover more, unknown.

Life is the only thing that makes the universe exist.

Actually, life is the only thing that creates anything in existence.

For if there was no life can we really say that the universe is here?

People, animals, plants, and even other life that might be out there in that neverending universe...

Is the reason why anything in all of existence, exists.

Untitled - Henry S

Inspire

Inspiring - Ephrem W

Why?

- Ephrem W

Sometimes you wonder, Why? Why do I have to go to school today?

Why do you make me take out the trash?

Why? Why are you mad?

Why are you crying?

What happened?

And sometimes….

Bad things happen.

People die So, Why are you crying?

What is happening?

Maybe it was your grandpa Or your aunt Or even your sister Maybe sometimes you feel down You ask why?

And you get no answers.

You feel nervous Maybe because you forgot to do your homework Maybe someone is going to beat you up Maybe….

But why?

You sometimes think Why did grandpa die?

Why did you think to let him leave And you get no answers You say to yourself Why? Just why?

20

Volume 3

2021 - 2022

Thoughtless Sonnet - Anonymous

No Thoughts My brain sits empty in the room today No thoughts on what to write for poetry But then I make a plan that I outlay To write this type of poem might be easy Just then my stubborn self shuts this poem out Looking at the prompt I’m thinking again When my best thought was beginning to sprout To write a poem that contains lines of ten I got excited and began to write And to finish before period two But then I thought that this poem was not right I am disappointed that this flopped too I now just want to leave and be at home Oh wait, I guess I have finished this poem

Little Miss Perfect - Anonymous Perfect, perfect, perfect.

Everything’s just perfect, I live on the first street coming into my town, I read my book turning the page as I track the words each time, I have straight A’s.

I’ve made the cheer team, and made new friends, but something about this “perfect” life doesn’t feel perfect.

Maybe my cheer uniform is too tight, or too many cars pass by my street as I sleep, or maybe even the fact that I used to fail before I got those “perfect” straight A’s.

As I read through my book, each page shows something new. a new meaning, a new word, maybe even a new beginning to a new chapter you never thought you would start.

But now you are reading this, realizing there is no perfect. there is not always a light at the end of the tunnel, sometimes you have to escape the tunnel by finding new paths, dark paths, that lead to a new beginning, a new light.

Unnamed - Dani E

A rs <3 - Arely Inspire Othe

2021-2

2 Year in Review Sarah M

Neon Pickle Ivan G Mysterious Llama Anonymous

21 Mushrooms - Anonymous

Inspire

2021 - 2022

Volume 3

NOON - ANONYMOUS

s m - Anonymou Trippy Mushroo

IT WAS YOUNG LOVE BETWEEN HER AND ME, WHO’S THIS MAN SHE’S WITH? NO IT CAN’T BE. THE WEDDING DAY IS SOON THE CLOCK IS RUNNn ING OUT I HAVE UNTIL NOON TO FIGURE THIS OUT. I STARE INTO HER EYES SHE STARES BACK I’M NOTHING SPECIAL, I’M JUST JACK THE SOON TO BE KING, TAKES HER AWAY BUT I’VE WANTED NOTHING BUT HER TO JUST STAY.

SOMETIMES I JUST WANT TO CRAa WL AWAY AND BE WRAa PPED IN A COCOON WHILE I SWOON DING DING DING IS THAT THE BELLS? OH I’M TOO LATE. IT’S ALREADY NOON.

N Flatline - Alexa

Drawing Collage - Anonymous

Tartaglia - Alexa N

Insomniac - Lilian F Here it is once again, that time when thoughts trail off into fear This time again.

I hate the dark, the endless black I feel like such an Insomniac. things that make me worry, things that I fear, gather round Whisper in my ear, “Nowhere to hide,” “Nowhere to run,” “Not until the rising sun!”

When the sun comes up, ool, I finally sleep, but then I go to sch k. wea tired, and re’s Then the pain is over, but my futu bleak Cause here it is , that time Once again.

Underwear Gladiator Wesley P Unnamed - Dani E

Inspire

ous A Sketch of My Cat - Anonym

22

Volume 3

2021 - 2022

Staff - 6 Word Memoirs I wondered. I searched. I learned. - Mrs. Sauer I keep moving in the direction. - Mrs. Broadus Love, birth, live, laugh, cry, death. - Mr. Kim Choose to be happy! It works! - Mrs. Reband Thankful. Appreciative. Take nothing for granted. - Mrs. Stevens Sunshine, trees, snow, sky, natural beauty. - Mrs. Cerveny Actively pursuing JOY in my life. - Mrs. Park You matter more than you know. - Ms. Braun Envisioned daydreams about to become reality. - Mrs. Cornfield Mario. Metallica. Maskless in the 80’s. - Mr. Grau Covid, masks, social distancing - all stinks! - Mr. Meyer Write it down; make it real. - Mrs. Dooley Life is short; eat the cake. - Mrs. Norwood

8th Grade - 6 Word Memoirs

Don’t stop, keep going, move on. - Anonymous Penguins are cute when they fall. - Emma K All hail Baby in a Trenchcoat. - Em L The Persian language is very hard. - Bilal Ahmad Q Time lost, time gained. Go on? - Kaitlyn S I’ve never been so stressed. - Kamryn M I can’t live, laugh, love anymore. - Aalyah O The purpose of life is death. - Hailey V THE EARTH IS FLAT, SHEEPLE PEOPLE. - Ben L Green eggs ham ham ham ham. - Anonymous You never know what might happen. - Anonymous My fish is on the floor. - Sophia H Trust is never required if broken. - Anonymous You only change with your choice. - Anonymous Life can be hard but fun. - Anonymous Never give up on your dreams. - Anonymous The drive for success drives deep. - Anonymous

23

L Illesial - Megan

Wirt - Megan L

Untitled AnaLee Rayleen J

gan L en - Me k a T s s h Le The Pat

Inspire

2021 - 2022

Volume 3

8th Grade - 6 Word Memoirs...

cont.

I wish it was not me. - Anonymous I am really allergic to doughnuts. - Anonymous Love is always a roller coaster. - Anonymous Success and sports are my drive. - Anonymous I’m in this for the donuts. - Anonymous The key is to be kind. - Anonymous Cauliflower is the best vegetable, amen. - Anonymous Ginger ginger ginger ginger ginger ginger. - Anonymous RC S Mountains Ups downs create a stronger me. - Anonymous The world is on its edge. - Anonymous Caden has hair, eyes, and skin. - Anonymous Believe, dream, optimistic, effort, work, accomplishment. - Anonymous Are you the impostor? Ur sus. - Anonymous Write your 6 word memoir here. - Anonymous Got different personalities every other day. - Anonymous If you don’t win, try again. - Anonymous The English language is very hard. - Anonymous Rainbo w - Eli ana G Everything changes, the world, even you. - Anonymous Cereal is a soup. Fight me! - Anonymous Well, I thought this was plagiarism. - Anonymous Negative thoughts are positive thoughts undercover. - Anonymous I play softball: Try. Keep up. - Anonymous Don’t let life get you down. - Anonymous The Whole World is On Fire. - Anonymous Never give up on your dreams. - Anonymous Yes, I like money a lot. - Anonymous The Upside Down Autumn: when the yellow turns gold. - Anonymous Alex M Dark, hands reaching out for me. - Anonymous Junk food is good for you. - Anonymous Money does not buy you happiness. - Anonymous Pizza is good, hate cutting weight. - Anonymous Don’t suck: just don’t do bad. - Anonymous sVampire Lip

Inspire

Alaina S

24

Volume 3

2021 - 2022

7th Grade - 6 Word Memoirs Typing clicks are so very satisfying. - Anonymous What? I thought this was mandatory. - Anonymous Your favorite. No S’s; your favorite. - Anonymous I’d rather be playing Google Snake. - Anonymous I am this now and always. - Anonymous Kindness spreads easily, so spread it. - Anonymous The world is only about you. - Anonymous Colorful colors, my coloring book. - Anonymous It was hard, but we grew. - Anonymous I really do not like school. - Anonymous Covid is not cool at all. - Anonymous Covid tests are not very fun. - Anonymous Birthday party - big money all spent. - Anonymous Success and failure always teach you. - Anonymous If you dream, it will come. - Anonymous Happy way less that half birthday. - Anonymous I hope this is six words. - Anonymous Six flags is fun and cool. - Anonymous I like to eat veggie nuggets. - Anonymous Every day, better than the last. - Anonymous Dance is my life, my expression. - Anonymous Zob Ross isn’t a painter, surprisingly. - Anonymous One mistake: Their true colors shown. - Anonymous Hard work and passion equal success. - Anonymous Difficult assignments, but never give up. - Anonymous Don’t bring your cousin on vacation. - Anonymous Rainbows are bright, so are you. - Anonymous Don’t give up. Believe in yourself. - Anonymous Don’t eat too many hot dogs. - Anonymous Great mind; Great choices; Great day. - Anonymous

25

Tree - Wesley P

ye - Rose H The Green E

ki V as - Nik

Christm

Are - Eva C Be W ho You

Inspire

2021 - 2022

Volume 3

7th Grade - 6 Word Memoirs...

cont.

Make time for school and yourself. - Anonymous I like to play the saxophone. - Anonymous Depression a friend that comes; rejoice. - Anonymous Say only what must be said. - Anonymous Sell your soul to the harvesters. - Anonymous Open your eyes, open new possibilities. - Anonymous - Emma K Don’t judge books by their covers. - Justas D Penguano Smarter than yesterday. Read a book. - Andrew Z Three inches ahead, seven people behind. - R.C. S Always try your hardest at everything. - Hunter M The truth hurts. You have pain. - Alex M Being a hero doesn’t mean superpowers. - Ibrahim S Life changed when I become brave. - Maddie C School’s hard, friends make the difference. - Ivan G Unnamed No, I don’t think I will. - Aiden S - Zachar yS Beaches are fun. I like swimming - Ireland W Mom birthed us; we respect her. - Negina Q I love you forever and ever. - Dani E My life is great and cool. - Brooke R Heck this, I’m livin’ good enough. - Simon K Make a wish, not too big. - Noemie-Ann S I think school will help you. - Dominic S Flip Side - Katie S I love my dogs and hamsters. - Austin B Starting swimming, leading, winning, winning. Yay! - Molly M Never gonna give you up, HA! - Wesly P The beach is bright all night! - Madison B Learning with mask at six feet. - Cameron N Happiness, Joy, Laughter, Family, Friends, Love. - Grace C Love is the best thing ever. - Sebastain L I really love my mom too. - Barylon S I really love to play video games. - Dean M Baby in a Trenchcoat - Em L

Inspire

26

Volume 3

2021 - 2022

6th Grade - 6 Word Memoirs Rain dropped very hard all night. - Anonymous How can emptiness be so heavy? - Anonymous Another year, new chapter in life. - Anonymous Winter I can only give you words. - Anonymous and Sum mer - M egan L Chick-Fil-A is the best fast food. - Anonymous A new year, new challenges arise. - Anonymous Live life everyday to its fullest. - Anonymous Don’t let negative things hurt you. - Anonymous Everyone struggles, you know. Remember that. - Anonymous Dogs are kind of like crocodiles? - Anonymous Maybe later, hey it’s later now. - Anonymous nL Bain - Mega Make sure to have some fun. - Anonymous Calm, peaceful, kind, friendly, approachable, comedic. - Kaiden J Kind, funny, some what smart, nice. - Hussain M Joy, love, fun, kind, awesome, happy. - Damian G Kindness, helpful, nice, funny, loving, Disney. - Payton L Abuse it and you’ll lose it. - Brenden P Deep, dark, destructive, disrupted, disastrous, dysfunctional. - Alex G Fun, awesome, exciting, unpredictable, cool, outstanding. - Anonymous Weird, cool, scary, fun, nice, amazing. - Anonymous Funny, nice, sports, gamer, food, family. - Anonymous A life is worth it all. - Anonymous I like glazed donuts, not strawberry. - Anonymous I wrote a six word memoir. - Anonymous You are what you act like. - Anonymous Sandwich never tasted yet never wasted. - Anonymous Enderwalk - Sophia O A life full of fun learning. - Anonymous Tired morning to tired afternoon. - Anonymous You will always have a choice. - Anonymous

27 Ponyo - Noemie-Ann

S

Inspire

2021 - 2022

Volume 3

6th Grade - 6 Word Memoirs...

cont.

Shrek is life. Shrek is love. - Anonymous Don’t let people tear you down. - Anonymous You are not an ordinary fella. - Anonymous Always say yes to having fun. - Kaden D Nothing’s normal, it’s all a mess. - Anonymous I am tired every single day. - Julien B Big kid, big heart, big brain. - Jaden J I wrote my six word memoir. - Joey S Mistakes are proof you are trying. - Zoey B Mondays are the enemy in life. - Calla H Dreams always know where to go. - Viviana V Always misses homeroom. We miss her. - Tierra J Put your mind to something awesome. - Maddie B I can do anything I want. - Emily B Life is a rollercoaster of feelings. - Rose H Rap is great. Rap is great. - Jacob C Mouse is hungry, mouse has cheese. - Laura C Fortnite is better than Java Minecraft. - Mason G Chickens don’t exist, don’t say otherwise. - Henry S I am not an only child. - Angel W Covid’s strong, but I am stronger. - John G I’m leaving. Wish I could stay. - Lilian F A life wasted on Star Wars. - Zachary S Making mistakes? Try to overly exceed. - Ryan P Never gonna give you up! Gotcha. - JT T

Inspire

Steve Alex M

SpongeBob - Alex M

Art Griffi

nN

Insomnia - Alexa N

28

Artwork By: Jennifer D