Reflections Literary & Arts Magazine, Vol. 43

Reflections Literary & Arts Magazine Volume 43 2024-2025

OUR

VOICES 1

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Victoria Moya

OUR VOICES

Reflections Literary & Arts Magazine Gulliver Prepatory School 6575 North Kendall Drive Miami, Florida 33156 305-666-7937

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Olivia Bueno

dear

READER...

The pages that follow each tell a story told through a different lens. ​​Memories carry a unique narrative, shaped by experiences, beliefs, and perspectives. Our stories help us reflect, connect with others, and appreciate the beauty of our journey.

Although we are all on different paths and of different backgrounds, these stories connect us. Through art, we can relate to one another by way of human experience.

So turn the page, dive in, and immerse yourself in the expression of dreams, challenges, and tales contained within.

Take a moment to reflect, relate and realize the power of OUR VOICES.

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TABLE OF

CONTENTS Poetry 6. A Voice Speaks for Itself - Brooke Quevedo ‘27 9. The Ambiguous Stars - Antonella Aguero ‘26 10. February 15th - Aleah Sawyer ‘27 12. A Touch of Fall - Sadie Scheiner ‘27 14. Enter Sun - Emilia Rubalcaba ‘25 16. A Dark Place is Aglow - Chloe Lyon ‘25 18. The Failure of Words - Audrey Hwu ‘27 20. Crack your Armor - Nirvana Sharma ‘25 24. A Double Rainbow Lights Up New York City - Emilia Rubalcaba ‘26 26. Stranger - Anna Meyer ‘27 28. Where I’m From - Paola Malpica ‘25 32. Anxiety - Paloma Pinilla ‘24 34. The Ultimate Cure to a Bad Day - Dylan Biondo ‘27 36. Sorrows Light - Monica Chao ‘27 38. Colossus of Roads - Dylan Calero ‘24 40. Poor Man’s Salvation - Matthew Bartel ‘27 42. A Race Redefined - Emilio Jose Perez-Garcia ‘27 44. Beyond Compare - Ella Rodriguez ‘26

ZIP ODES 22. 33156 - Addison Schumacher ‘28 22. 33143 - Stella Cardoso ‘27 23. 33149 - Nico Sacerdote ‘28 23. 33149 - Jose Ortega ‘28

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2D ART Cover - Our Voices - Olivia Bueno ‘25 1. View - Victoria Moya 2. The Ray Between Us - Olivia Bueno ‘25 6. Untitled - Claire O’ Neil ‘25 8. Grandma’s Glass - Olivia Bueno ‘25 18. Scream - Alejandro Marin ‘24 20. Wings - Ella Gurdijan ‘24 28. La Catrinita - Tamara Santoyo ‘26 32. Shoes - Justin Fieler ‘24 34. Knock - Alejandro Marin ‘24 38. Yellow Spring - Ginevra Bonati ‘27 44. Screens - Sophia Varabyeva ‘25 46. Oranges - Olivia Bueno ‘25 48. The Stare- Olivia Bueno ‘25

SCULPTURE 4. Artifact - Kayla Carey ‘25

PHOTOGRAPHY 10. To the Other Side - Sydney Wider ‘27 12. Timeless - Sydney Wider ‘27 14. Sunrise - Charlotte Nedee ‘26 16. Shadows of the Forest - Gina Copetti ‘25 22. Together in Stance - Sydney Wider ‘27 24. Another way to say “I love you” - Lilyrose Tobins ‘26 26. See Through Me- Sydney Wider ‘27 30. Don’t Let Go - Sydney Wider ‘27 31. Boy and Poles - Sydney Wider ‘27 36. Light - Hannah Matuk ‘27 40. The Forgotten - Sydney Wider ‘27 42. Running in the Rain - Aston Conrad ‘28

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Claire O’Neil

A VOICE SPEAKS FOR

ITSELF

Brooke Quevedo

Where silence resides, there must be a voice to break the void The problems they face, they feel they should erase Our voice is a lone candle in the darkness Challenging the shadows of silence with a single defiant flicker Our voice is like roaring thunder in a quiet sky Shattering the chains of silence Staying silent feels like an eternity Speaking up feels like just a moment of uncertainty My voice is water, pulling me into further darkness Taking over, I don’t have much control

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Ambiguous STARS

THE

Antonella Aguero

The stars huddled together Casting their light into each crevice of the woods Their job was to protect the vulnerable Making it so they could see And be aware of the dangers surrounding them The deer lay in a bed of flowers Spots arranged like stars throughout its narrow body A stream of salty tears trickled down her moonlit eyes The deer had been scared of the danger So she found comfort in the protection the stars provided But what she did not understand was The light cast by the stars Was the same light that helped The fox Find its way to her

Olivia Bueno

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February 15th

Aleah Sawyer

February 15th, 2020 3:28pm A day to forget, A day to remember He fought like a stubborn flame refusing to be extinguished While I clung to hope, not wanting to believe he was really slipping away The thought of his absence was a haunting melody Echoing through my heart

Denial.

With each passing moment, my heart sank Like a brick, in the pit of my stomach His breath So soft and shallow, saying “let me go” February 15th, 2020, 5:30pm A day to forget A day to remember In the last moment, we finally release the thread that held us together Setting his soul to dance freely among the stars

Reality.

February 15th, 2020, 5:39pm As he took his final breath His soul dissolved like a whisper in the wind February 15th, 2020, 11:31pm In the still of night, his spirit surrounded me In his empty bed, I laid Lost in a sea of memories February 16th, 2020, 9:36am Like a fading sunset, I yearn for it all again The moments I took for granted Wishing I could turn back time and hold him close once more.

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Sydney Wider

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Sydney Wider

A TOUCH OF Sadie Scheiner

fall

Yellow, orange, red leaves sway to the ground below while the air turns crisp

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ENTER

Sun

Emilia Rubalcaba

Okay, yeah, you’re reaching out to me from the other side of the universe, like God to Adam, and sun tears through the slightly cracked windows like hellfire, but by the time it gets to you it’s Irish cream butter.

Eyes half-closed, here’s you but hazy; hair lit up like the Fourth of July, back stretched out like a cat as you’re basking in it, in the light. I’m pretending I’m still asleep because here’s you and here’s me and there’s the sun.

Or maybe it’s you, and not the morning.

Maybe you’re just lit up from within.

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Charlotte Nedee

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I sit in the silent, dark woods of ebony The campfire crackles and the dancing flames flicker excitedly The warmth of the fire burns me The sizzle is actually soothing Bright red flames leap and grow in my eyes like dancers As I blink….

The cackle of the forest wood Potent scent of swirling smoke Scary stories pass the time that is eternal Beneath the starry night sky aglow I feel like connecting the dots I look up and begin to draw with the stars Imagining the different shapes Stars align to create Or zig zag to confuse the looker The campfire begins to slowly fade out Flames dim and wither Active light from the fire becomes darkness Day to night The woods become quiet again Alone with nature Yet I am not really scared I am content

With the peaceful quiet.

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A DARK PLACE IS

Aglow

Chloe Lyon

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Alejandro Marin

Audrey Hwu

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WORDS FAIL

As I sail across the sea of faces I stare blankly at the crowd of onlookers Skin pale Mouth bound shut I hear the giant dreadful thumping of the beast coming to swallow me whole and bewitch this body which I reside Clear the mind they say But the monster evokes drops of blood down my face I race to cover the atrocities which ooze out of every pore My hands shake and I am unable to wipe anymore My eyes covered in the mist of the beast clouding my view, ready to feast Facing the crowd of onlookers Who are no longer in view The beast bestowed these words on to me “It’s time to feast” “It’s time to feast” The monster’s mouth opens wide But I search for something which resides Though nothing is presently there I find that the monster was never there It was me I held the tears and horrified the onlookers Who were forced to stare at the atrocity Scared to speak the impurities of civilization Which would lash the face Justice does not reside for cowards or the unwonted For this beast who is inaudible Forced to speak amongst the crowd For the pleasure of no one But to be mocked and loathed By even the kindest of simpletons

THE FAILURE OF WORDS PLAGUES MY TONGUE AND THROAT Words form but my face is numb Strangers stare with things to say But they stay mute and look away And the monster Who’s words fail Lives on For Another Day

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C R A K C

YOUR ARMOR Nirvana Sharma

My knuckles are bruised and bloody.

You’ll hold them in your hands.

Careful, not to dirty your own My calluses and chipped hands never stood a chance The black hole in the pit of my stomach begins to swallow My soul is nothing but at least it’s endless…

You giggle Pure…

Untainted…

In life you must be able to take a couple of hits An occasional cracked rib and the light can reach within

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Ella Gurdjian

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Zip Odes 33156 The Pinecrest greenery Divine in itself Vegetation Thriving beneath the scorching sun In a display of vivid beauty Addison Schumacher

33143 Homes line streets Flowers on porches Peace Bells in the distance Dogs on walks Stella Cardoso

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33149 Tropical crowded beaches With natural spacious parks Full of golf carts An isolated island surrounded by crystal clear blue waters Nico Sacerdote

33149 Sunny humid island surrounded by coconuts.

Cool breeze comes and goes.

Filled with peace and love. A dream vacation spot.

Jose Ortega

Sydney Wider

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A DOUBLE RAINBOW

Lights Up Emilia Rubalcaba

Lily Rose Tobins

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New York City

You walk in the subway see the scar tissue.

The sore spot pressure point in anyone’s West Side story The war-torn American flag framed in every corner My name on the monument and flowers crammed in letter posts, All over again, It’s hard to notice at first, but once you do, it’s everywhere– The big gaping hole in the skyline and the concrete Sun rising over Ground Zero Pen leaking blood in writhing rivulets half the town stopped short on the way to work Coffee in hand in hand A thunderstorm washes out Brooklyn Leaving piles of piled trash floating in the street, oily puddles glimmering with something that could be

PEACE

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STRANGER

Anna Meyer

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You were my identity I wore you with only pride.

You held my hand And guided every stride.

You granted me serenity You held me when I cried.

I don’t know if you planned To leave me behind.

There must be a remedy One that I can’t find.

I refuse to understand Why I feel so blind.

If only I knew The imposter you’d be I wouldn’t have lost Myself so easily All that you do The way you look at me Hurting me cost Absolutely nothing.

If my hands are bloody Yours are drenched.

Not even the sea Would expel all the red You spent all my money You put me in debt At this point it’s funny That I saw no threat I was always in danger I knew it when I fell Into your quartered, confined Camouflage cell Sydney Wider

NOW YOU’RE JUST A STRANGER But you know me so well My story is mine But it’s yours to tell.

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WHERE I’M

FR M Paola Malpica

I am from warm, soft blankets, from Walmart and La Comer.

I am from the sweet smell of my mom’s perfume.

I am from the grass we never cut, the orchids in the kitchen and in the living room.

I am from Dia De Muertos and curly brown hair, from María and Juan and all the Malpica.

I am from fishing trips and movie nights.

From “di por favor y gracias,” and “no me contestes feo.”

I am from ghost stories and missing the dead.

I’m from Mexico and Spain, quesadillas and torta Española.

From, the acceptance letter my dad got from Harvard, The dream my dad had of me before I was born From packing my bags and leaving everything I know.

I am from old, brown photo albums and memory boxes hiding in the closet.

I am from those photos showing many generations of faces who fell in love with each other.

I am from those special moments held by memories, and I proudly carry them with me.

Modeled after ‘‘The House on Mango Street’’ by Sandra Cisneros

Tamara Santoyo

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Sydney Wider

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ANXIETY Paloma Pinilla

In the wardrobe of my soul fear lurks a garment of shadows heavy and dark yet amidst the darkness a glimmer sparks hoped thread woven through the fabrics of my heart I shed the cloak of doubt embrace the light and encourage embrace take flight for I am more that the sum of my fear A masterpiece in progress through joy and tears.

Justin Fieler

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Among the racks of couture, a story unfolds, Funky accessories, shoes, and bags they hold.

Each thread whispers secrets of days gone by, I sift through the past with a heartfelt sigh.

So here I stand amid vintage allure, Organizing and reliving, my heart feels so pure.

My closet, a special sanctuary, reflects me, that I'll ensure, A timeless haven where memories endure.

Allure In a closet tucked away, a treasure trove hides, Vintage garments catching discerning eyes.

With care and purpose, I begin to sort, Each piece a memory, each item a passport.

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the

ULTIMATEto aCURE bad day Dylan Biondo

The morning gloom, the clouds look gray, Your toast is burnt; your hair won’t stay.

The coffee spills on your brand new shirt, The day just started and you're already hurt.

You miss the bus; just a second or two, The rain starts pouring on top of you.

A cab stops by to end your plight, Just to stop at every red light.

While at work, the clock ticks slow, Spent so long typing; nothing to show.

A call from your boss, but your phone dies, Stranded in your chair with no alibis.

When all goes wrong, here's a cure, I think of this often, however obscure.

That time when, as president, William Howard Taft, Once got himself stuck in his own bubble bath.

(And everyone knew about it. So things could be worse.)

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Alejandro Marin

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sorrow’s light

Monica Chao

In sorrow's depths, I find myself adrift, Seeking comfort in a world so swift.

Longing for a soul to share my plight, To hold my hand and whisper through the night.

I ache for love to mend this broken heart, In a world where pain tears life apart.

Yet in the darkness, a glimmer of hope, A touch of kindness helps me cope.

For in this moment of despair, I know that someone, somewhere, will care.

Through storms of grief, love will prevail, A glimpse of light to lift the veil.

So let us reach out, hand in hand, Together we'll weather this shifting sand.

For love, though tested, will always endure, A balm for wounds, gentle and pure.

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Hannah Matuk

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Colossus of

Roads

Dylan Calero

Colossus of roads, the season that connects winter and summer As the new warm air chases away the cold and gloomy Out goes the old, in comes the new Birds return with joyful songs to sing Winter is gone, no more cold Grass grows greener, the river now flows summer is coming, coats stored away spring arrives, legthening the day When all seemed lost, a new hero has risen The gap between the summer blaze and the winter chill The season of hope, to new beginnings None to fear, spring is here

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Ginevra Bonati

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poor man’s

SALVA

Sydney Wider

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ATION

Matthew Bartel

I am cold, scared, hungry, Alone beyond belief, I have no shelter from this storm, No place to find relief.

The wind howls all around me, The breeze chilled me to the soul, There’s no light to keep me warm, No lit campfire or furnace fueled by coal.

I spot a strange building nearby, Its lights powered even through the storm, I slowly creep towards it, Perhaps the fluorescent lights can keep me warm.

I peer through the windows, a lovely aroma seeping through the walls, I see lines of people just like myself, their clothes ragged and dirty, Yet I see them smile throughout the halls, Large trays in their hands filled with food, a sign of mercy.

I begin to make my way inside, Yet instead of being turned away, I am given love, kindness, compassion, A fate I thought reserved for ones who pray.

I may not have money, Nor riches, cars, or clothes, But I have company, friends to support me, A family to call my own.

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Aston Conrad

a race

REDEFINED Emilio Jose Perez-Garcia

“CLICK-CLACK”spikes on the track, Finding our lanes, there’s no going back, Walking up to the line, nervous as frack, We’re ready to go, take two steps back.

“SET!” echoes through the silent night, The starting gun’s call ignites my might, In this race, runner’s hearts ignite, Heart pounding, feet take flight.

I burst forth, no place to hide, Into the curve, I swiftly glide, My refuge, the rhythm of my stride.

“CREEK” a whisper in the air,

Breathless, I push through despair, Through every lap, I confront the dare.

With weary legs and thoughts worn thin, I press on, refusing to give in.

“GIVE UP,” it calls, a daunting tone, Legs heavy, but I’m not alone, Through the dim, my strength is honed, To conquer fears, to reach the unknown.

Two-fifty to go, I can hear the cheers, It ignites a surge, a newfound gear.

Out-kicking doubt, leaving it behind, Passing competitors, A Race Redefined, With each stride, victory defined, As I cross the finish, a champion outlined.

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Beyond COMPARE Ella Rodriguez

You pick up your phone, and as you begin to glide your thumb Comparison kills, and can make your confidence as small as a crumb Flicking through the newest posts on your feed Your motivation and happiness, as small as a seed A girl who has the perfect flat stomach and the shiny hair you crave Little do we know, She spends hours editing, and has become social media’s slave With each different and mature body, she scrolls past on the screen She wonders what we can do to look like that Even though she is only fifteen The scale becomes our best friend Wanting that number to drop just to fit in with the trend Workouts become excessive And one skipped meal, expecting that to change how we feel

Sophia Varabyeva

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Curly-haired girls are envious of the straight You figured this out on the playground when you were eight As you punch that like button, and raise one’s self-esteem This just motivates their unhealthy behaviors, creating a sick theme A cycle of endless unsatisfaction Toxic thoughts that result in toxic action Scroll and stare, our standards are not fair Self-love is rare, beyond compare Our bodies our like a symphony, each part playing its tune Harmoniously keeping you moving and grooving Body with might in day and night Cherish it right, in every sight Float above the press, of social stress Your worth is not less, Our bodies are the best!

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COLOPHON The 2024 edition of the Reflections Literary Magazine was printed by Executive Printers of Florida in Miami, FL, with a press run of 200 copies.

Designers created the magazine using Adobe Creative Suite on iMac computers. Fonts included TOMMY MEDIUM , TOMMY REGULAR, TOMMY THIN, MARKET DECO, Charlotte Southern, and Helvetica Neue Thin, and Helvetica Neue Bold. The 4-color process cover is printed on 80# Dull, with a gloss aqueous coating. The magazine consisted of 48 pages, printed in 4-color process on 80# Dull Text. Reflections features additional online content through our companion website gulliver.life/reflectionslitmag, which is student created, managed, and produced. All submissions are reviewed, selected, and edited by the Reflections Literary & Arts Magazine editorial board. All literary and artistic work featured in Reflections is created by Gulliver students.

Editorial Policy

Olivia Bueno

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STAFF EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Gina Copetti ‘25 Valentina Mouhaffel ‘26

MANAGING EDITORS Francisca Binello ‘27 Sadie Scheiner ‘27

LAYOUT & COPY STAFF Samantha Alonso ‘27 Emilia Rubalcaba ‘26

ADVISER Monica Rodriguez

EDITORIAL POLICY As the official literary and art magazine of Gulliver Preparatory School, Reflections provides a forum showcasing the wide creative scope of the student body. Works are solicited from the student body. Submissions are carefully reviewed by the magazine’s student editorial board. Reflections is part of the curriculum of Gulliver Prep’s Digital Mass Media program, and is conceptualized, designed, and produced by students in the Principles of Journalism and Print Media Production courses.

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Olivia Bueno

Pacemaker Award, National Scholastic Press Assoc., 2021, 2022 Pacemaker Finalist, National Scholastic Press Assoc., 2023 Silver Crown Award, Columbia Scholastic Press Assoc., 2019, 2020, 2022 Sunshine Standout Award, Florida Scholastic Press Assoc. 2018, 2022 REALM Superior Rating, National Council of Teachers of English, 2019 REALM First Class Raiting, National Council of Teachers of English, 2024 NSPA All American, CSPA Gold Medalist -*All Columbian Honors, FSPA All Florida Ranking, 2013-2023

MEMBERSHIPS: FSPA, NSPA, CSPA, NCTE

ONLINE

gulliver.life/reflectionslitmag

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