Blackbird's Eye 2024

Blackbird’s Eye Blackbird’s Eye 2024

Blackbird’s Eye

In May of 1974 the first Blackbird’s Eye was published as a culmination of a week-long program held at the School called “Poetry-in-Schools”.

Internationally acclaimed poet Thomas Heffernan was the School’s “poet-inresidence”. The students wrote a poem for him, titled “To Tom Heffernan,” from which the title Blackbird’s Eye comes.

Blackbird’s Eye Faculty Review Committee:

Nicole Camastra

Mackenzie Chu

Beth Garrison

Chris Miller

Maureen Morales

Kathy Taylor

Lindsey Von Dohlen

Blackbird’s Eye Student Review Committee:

Caroline Acker ‘24

Luke Harper ‘24

Katherine Fensterle ‘25

Owen Williams ‘24

Cover Art:

Front cover, Dahlia James, 10 Back cover, Meg Caviness, 3

Blackbird’s Eye

Volume L 2024

This Year’s Theme: Reflection

Publication of Blackbird’s Eye and monetary awards for the Youngclaus Creative Writing Award Winners are funded by the William P. Youngclaus Memorial Fund. Your continued support for this project is welcome with donations to this fund.

Please email ONealGiving@onealschool.org to learn more.

When

TABLE of CONTENTS

Geoffrey Bender

Rader Machin-Wilson

Avery McNeill

Dain Seuk

Brydon Watts

Conner Kelley

Lucas Blair

Benjamin Joseph

Kona Bogiel

Nora Pearsall

Guy Dooley

Wesley Leonard

Lillian Johnston

Aidan Decker

Leah Leisey

Walker Riley

Gwendelyn Ball

Liepa Hulin

Patrick Wolff

Harper Krakowiak

Jaxon Osborne

Katie Dunbar

Ian Freiler

Will Pearson

Harbor Kraines

Savannah Harris

Kinston Stucky

Hope Kenneally

Avera Davis

Lillian

CONTESTS

In celebration of Earth Day, April 22nd, the science department held a photography contest and asked students and faculty to submit photos in the following categories:

• Enjoying the Earth - Winner Paula Alonso Page 24

• The Earth Up Close - Winner Travis Doody Page 38

• The Earth’s Landscapes and Wildlife - Winner Taylor Krauss Page 14

The 2024 Blackbird’s Eye is dedicated to

Stephanie Ames

This year’s Blackbird’s Eye is dedicated to a member of the O’Neal community whose commitment, kindness, and talent brighten every day. Whether it is organizing multiple activities all at once with a grace and joie de vivre that never waver, or creating the perfect start to a Friday morning with her imaginative and eclectic selections of songs, she is a gift to everyone around her and adored by all. A native of Hershey, Pennsylvania, she grew up with the scent of chocolate in the air, and, among her many achievements, she became a superbly accomplished percussionist in college. She once aspired to train tigers, but fortunately for the O’Neal Upper School, Mrs. Stephanie Ames came here to train us instead! We love you, Mrs. Ames. Thank you for all that you do for the school and the community.

The Bill Youngclaus Creative Writing Award

The Bill Youngclaus Creative Writing Award was established in the Spring of 2007. The award recognizes a student in each division exhibiting exemplary skills in creative writing while honoring its namesake, Bill Youngclaus. Mr. Youngclaus was an O’Neal parent, school trustee and avid writer himself.

Written by his wife, Lisa Youngclaus, the following was recited upon presenting the first awards in 2007:

“This award was created out of the generosity of many friends and family members who chose to honor their fond memories of Bill Youngclaus by making a memorial donation to The O’Neal School.

Bill Youngclaus was a brilliant, creative, talented man who attended Yale University on a full academic scholarship and graduated with an English degree. He pursued a successful career in the advertising business and lived and worked all over the world, mastering four different languages and assimilating many cultures and ideas. But the language he loved most was the language of the written word. He read novels, plays, and poetry and he wrote fiction and poetry throughout his life.

Bill loved The O’Neal School for its high academic standards, its devoted faculty, and the loving, caring environment the School provided for his young son, Will, class of 2012. Bill served passionately on the O’Neal Board and dreamed of the School being able to fulfill all of Will’s dreams and the dreams of all the other students that call O’Neal their home.”

The poem or prose of each of the award winners is exhibited in Blackbird’s Eye

The 2024 Bill Youngclaus Creative Writing Award Winners

Iona Riggsbee, 3 “Reflection” Poem Page: 13

Abigail Schupp, 6 “In the Mirror” Poem Page: 22

Charlotte Mills, 11 “voyager golden reflections” Poem Page: 32

“When I Grow Up...”

“Wan I gro ap I want to be a soldr.” (When I grow up, I want to be a soldier.)- Geoffrey Bender, JK

“Wen I gro up I want to be a fachun dsinr.” (When I grow up, I want to be a fashion designer.) - Rader Machin-Wilson, JK

“Wen I gro up I wat to be a ballrena.” (When I grow up, I want to be a ballerina.) - Avery McNeill, JK

“Wen I gro op I wont to be o poles ofisr.” (When I grow up, I want to be a police officer.) - Dain Seuk, JK

“Wen I gro up I want to be a sokr plar.” (When I grow up, I want to be a soccer player.) - Brydon Watts, JK

“Wen I gro op I wont to be a fotbol plar.” (When I grow up, I want to be a football player.) - Conner Kelley, JK

“Wen I gro up I want to be a fotbal plar.” (When I grow up, I want to be a football player.) - Lucas Blair, JK

“Wen grow up I will be a football plaer.” (When I grow up, I want to be a football player.) - Benjamin Joseph, JK

“Wen I gro ap I want to be a doctr.” (When I grow up, I want to be a doctor.) - Kona Bogiel, JK

“Reflections of...”

“Reflections of Nora” – Nora Pearsall, K

I see green eyes.

I see a gray necklace.

I see a neck.

I see me.

“Reflections of Guy” – Guy Dooley, K

I see hazel eyes.

I like my hair.

My feet are fat. I love myself!

“Reflections of Wesley” – Wesley Leonard, K I will play football for the rest of my life!

“Reflections of My Cat” – Lillian Johnston, K

My cat is weird because she eats my ice. She is 22 years old.

“Reflections of Aidan” – Aidan Decker, K

I see brown eyes.

I see my nose.

I see my curly hair.

I see me!

“Reflections of Leah” – Leah Leisey, K

I love Kindergarten because I love Mrs. Cloninger and Coach Kyle. I love my friends.”

“Reflections of Walker” – Walker Riley, K I see my mouth. I see my nose. I see my smile.

“Reflections of Gwen” – Gwendelyn Ball, K I see my nose. I see my smile.

I love my heart; it is full of joy!

I love myself.

“Reflections of Nature” – Liepa Hulin, K

I see a bird!

I see a frog!

I see a squirrel!

I like seeing nature.

“Reflections of Patrick” – Patrick Wolff, K

I see a red tongue. I see two ears.

I see a neck.

I see me!

“Reflections of Harper” – Harper Krakowiak, K

My heart is full of love. My heart is full of joy.

My heart loves me. I love my heart.

Lillian Johnston, K

“When I was Little...”

“Win I wus litol I yous to maca mes ed naw I clen.”

(When I was little, I used to make a mess and now I clean.”) – Jaxon Osborne, K

“Wn I wuz lidr I sec bab lagiz nar I sec nrmr lagig.”

(When I was little, I speak baby language. Now I speak normal language.”) – Katie Dunbar, K

“Wen I was litrw I wit to the bech wif my feme now I can pey wif Tristen.”

(When I was little, I went to the beach with my family. Now I can play with Tristan.) – Ian Freiler, K

“Win I wu lido I suc on thin naw I hav tith.”

(When I was little, I sucked on things. Now I have teeth.) – Will Pearson, K

“Wen I wus lidol I do diper fits. I stil do bot my throws are biger.”

(When I was little, I do diaper fights. I still do but my throws are bigger.) – Harbor Kraines, K

“Wen I wazs lido I wit to slip I wit in a kib butt nawiy I am big to fit in a norp mor bed.”

(When I was little, I went to sleep in a crib but now I am big to fit in a normal bed.”) – Savannah Harris, K

“Win I wus litl I slep in mi crib nw I sep in mi big bed.”

(When I was little I slept in my crib, now I sleep in my big bed.) – Kinston Stucky, K

“Wen I wus lidol I yos to go to mom scool now I go to rol scool.”

(When I was little, I used to go to mom’s school. Now I go to normal school.) – Hope Kenneally, K

“Win I wus litol I dididt like my krib. Naw I like my bed.”

(When I was little, I didn’t like my crib. Now I like my bed.) – Avera Davis, K

“Wen I wus a babey I had a mohock. Naw I dot hav a mohock.”

(When I was a baby, I had a mohawk. Now I don’t have a mohawk.) – Lillian Kim, K

“Wih I wuz wday I love mi poey naw I doy net lik mi poey.”

(When I was little, I loved my paci. Now I do not like my paci.) – Avery Michalak, K

Ella Berry, 1

James Campbell, 2

My Best Friend

On my first day of second grade, I was excited to see someone I recognized. Her name was Addie. Addie and I would see each other at our brothers’ football games. We would even sell food and drinks at the football games. We played together and talked a lot. Sometimes we even have playdates. We have become best friends. We are kind to each other and never get in f ights. Just come see us in person and you’ll see, we truly are best friends.

Carter Davies, 2

Bravery

While at school one day, I was about to lead the Pledge of Allegiance . I was scared of standing up in front of everyone. Luckily, I wasn’t alone. My friend was standing up there too. I was pretty scared. So scared that I wanted to scream. I had butterflies in my tummy. I wanted to run away so badly, but I didn’t. I stood there bravely. In my head I was yelling, “Help me!” but on the outside I looked normal. Just regular, normal William. I wanted to cry, but I didn’t. I looked at my classmates and found familiar faces to give me comfort. Finally, it was time to begin. In my mind it took a long time to get here. In my head I said, “Let’s get this done.” The words came out easily and Mallory and I said the whole pledge without issue! As I sat down, I realized I was shaking. I was glad I said the pledge, but I was even more glad it was over.

William Kornegay, 2

Movie Night

The popcorn was poppin’ ••• the movie was startin’ ••• we all got comfy. Time to hit play. The movie starts and we all laugh as we watch the new Guardians of the Galaxy. It was awesome. We all loved it! It was full of laughs, and we enjoyed how action packed it was. We agreed it was the best of the trilogy. Movie night with my family is the best!

Weston Pierce-Cloutier, 2

Memories Frozen in Waves

Memories, frozen in time a portrait that truly shines like standing by a pond, ripples to waves coming and going like the turning of a page.

Lara Prince, 2

Kelea Stone, 3

Riley Lucas, 3

Reflection

I’m standing in a puddle

Waiting near a tunnel

I see an upside down me

It was copying me

So I had to flee

I ran to my mother who said it was my reflection

But I could see it just didn’t have the connection

It didn’t walk by itself

It didn’t talk by itself

Not even a sound

Plus it was upside down

Iona Riggsbee, 3 | Lower School Youngclaus Award Winner

Adrianne Kim, 4

Taylor Krauss, 9 | Earth Day Photography Contest “Landscapes and Wildlife” Winner

When I went to StarBucks

A long time ago I went to StarBucks with my aunt, mom, cousin and I. My mom and aunt had been to StarBucks but my cousin and I had never been to StarBucks so we all got into the car. We were there in 45 minutes because we lived far away at that time. After we were at StarBucks I was super happy because I also got to go to StarBucks with my cousin. We drove up to the window and I was ordering my drink. I got a vanilla bean frappucino. My cousin got the same thing. My mom and Aunt got a strawberry refresher. This moment was so wholesome and there was never a dull moment at this time. And I love my family so much for what they do and I also really love my family, but when I need help they’re there for me.

Laila LeGrand, 3

Reflection

I have a strong connection with my reflection I am smart and full of heart I love to love and reach for the stars above I am funny and cute like a bunny I see my beautiful hair and always care I love what I see because I see me I have a strong connection with my reflection

Savannah Fager, 4

Over the Fields

Over the fields are electric eels

But my destany awayts me further. My body shakes looking for my destany over the mountains, though the plains to find my destany People say looking for destanys stouped and worthless but I thynk yt wyll show me who I really am and what Ym supposed to mean. So I don’t give up and I keep lookyng I sawl a cave full of gold. I left it. I dont steal. I sawl a baby bird yt had fell out of the tree. I clymed the tree and placed it gently yn the nest. When I clymed down I look up and sawl A RAINBOW! I was kind and caring that was my destany!

Avery Pohlmeyer, 4

The Reflections

Alana was walking with her sister, Ella. “Alana, it is time to go home like Mother just said.” Ella was 3 years younger than her sister, Alana . Ella was 12. Alana was 14. Like all big sisters, Alana made sure that Ella was unharmed. They both had powers. Ella had super senses like sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell. Alana had all the powers in the universe. She had them all.

Alana went down to the pond while Ella went home. Alana did not know that her sister was going home. Alana went to the pond and looked into the shallow waters. She thought about her past and everything about it. She thought about all the decisions she had made in her past. She saw her reflection in the shallow pool of water.

She did not see the human looking up at her. Instead, she saw a tiger. She was not surprised about this since it happened all the time to her. It meant that she would transform into that animal 2 days later for 45 seconds.

The next day, she went to school. Alana was in 11th grade at Power High School. Ella skipped a grade and was in 9th grade at the same school as her sister. Alana did not love her sister as much as she used to 2 years ago. 2 days later, as the pond had shown in her reflection, she became a tiger for 45 seconds. 45 seconds later, she was a human again.

She went to school with Ella. Alana’s teacher was nice, but strict. Ella’s teacher was mean and rude. Extremely strict. Ella was into math, science, and social studies. Alana was into reading, writing, spelling, vocabulary, and grammar. Their co-curriculars were Spanish, Art, P.E., Music, Library, Tech, Outdoor Science, French, Counselling. Alana loved Art, Library, Music, and Tech. Ella loved P.E., Outdoor Science, Spanish, French, and Counseling. Alana liked those, but they were not her favorites. Ella liked Alana’s, but they were not her favorites.

After school, Alana went to the pond again. This time in her reflection, she saw a mountain lion. She stared at her reflection for 2 minutes, and in those 2 minutes, she thought about her past, present and future. She wondered what adventures, journeys, quests, wonders, marvels, travels, and breathtaking sights, statues, monuments, and national parks life had in store for her, her friends, Ella, and Ella’s friends.

Edith Walker, 4

< Jane Nguyen, 10

Remember your past

Everyth1ng that has happened

For some are good others not so much

Look back remember what you’ve learned

Excited stuff & fun!!!

Cool things you have seen

Tomorrow you will remember all you’ve done Imagine what you would do without your knowledge

O’Neal has done so much together Now as you look back and remember this.

Henry Borland, 4

Girl On the Other Side

When I look into the mirror, what will I see?

Two bright green eyes staring right back at me? When I turn to the side, so does she. Why might she follow me?

Are we the same, but in different ways? Sometimes she’s happy, Sometimes she’s sad. Give it an hour, she joyful and glad. We look the same, but live different lives. On the other side, am I her in disguise?

Delaney Massey, 5

Morgan Lewis, 11

The Lake

It was just a normal day. At least, that is what I thought.

I am a bit of a troublemaker, so I get in trouble a lot. I was driving back from school while listening to music. I pulled into my driveway and saw my mom by our lake. She waved to me. I turned off my car, then I opened my door. I shut it, then waved to my mom. I went inside and walked up to my room. I saw my sister in her room on her computer. I laid in my bed because I was a bit tired. I slowly fell asleep. I heard my mom yell my name. I got up and ran downstairs. I saw something in her hand. It looked like a piece of paper.

‘You got an F in every class!’ she yells.

‘I’m sorry,’ I say.

‘You better get your grades up,’ she says.

I ran upstairs. I got in my bed in a frustrated way and went back to sleep. I woke up the next morning, a Saturday. I went to the kitchen I saw bacon in a pan. I took a piece and slowly ate it while walking outside. There was a nice sunrise. I went to the chicken coop to feed them. That is my job. They pecked at the food. I walked down to our shed to grab my fishing gear.

‘What are you doing?’ my sister yells.

‘Fishing!’ I yell back while grabbing my rod.

I started to jog down to the lake. I got in my kayak and paddled out to the lake. I grabbed my rod and started to fish. My sister kayaked over to me.

‘Could I help?’ she yells.

‘Sure,’ I yell back.

She starts to fish by me. I look in the water and see my reflection. I realized all the terrible things I had done. I could have studied all those times. I had not been the best lately. I got up and fell into the lake. I did not care. I swam faster than ever. So fast that I got to the side of the lake in what felt like 1 O seconds.

I ran over to my mom and hugged her.

‘AHHHHHHHH you’re getting me wet!’ she yelled.

‘I’m sorry mom about everything,’ I said.

‘It is okay. I know you messed up. Everyone does,’ she said.

I took my mom’s words of advice. I got a A on the rest of my tests. I knew I would become successful in life.

THE END

Mr. Linden’s Library

Whoosh! The autumn wind blows leaves across the sidewalk and there are colors everywhere. Me and my sister Ava are walking home from school when we see it. It was a small library. It had red brick walls and a green roof. It was also enough to make Ava take off running. In case I haven’t mentioned, Ava is a bookworm and just seeing any library really will activate her on switch. Once we walk into the library, we see a bright green desk in the corner and rows of brown bookshelves. We picked out a book about wild plants and headed to the green desk. The man at the desk smiles at us “hello, I am Mr. Linden” he says “I hope you enjoy the book” “Thank you!” we reply. Once we get home, we have dinner, do chores and go to bed. We curl up in our room and open the book. We read through pages of mushrooms and ivy until we turned a page, and an ancient looking piece of paper fell out. Ava picked up the piece of paper and read:

It comes out of a book

And up it will sneak

Something it needs will make it strong

Another will make it weak

A flash of green light surrounded the book and a small plant popped out. But it was getting bigger. We dashed out of the bedroom and into the living room. I sat and thought for a moment. Just then it came to me. “I have an idea!” I exclaimed. I rushed back into the bedroom, where the plant was now climbing onto the dresser. “It’s a mess in here” says Ava. It was true. There were tendrils everywhere and they had broken the bookshelf and tore the sheets. “help” Exclaims Ava. A tendril was wrapped around her foot, and she couldn’t shake it off. I picked the lamp up off my nightstand which had been untouched by the plant, and I threw it into the center of the plant. A green light engulfed it, and it shrank back into the book. “what’s going on down there” shouted their parents, from the upstairs bedroom. “nothing” Bret and Ava both said together.

Jordan Caretti, 5

The year was 2078, and humanity had advanced exponentially since the early 21st century. Technology had become so intricate and innovative that life had transformed into a sci-fi dream. However, prosperity came at a price, as it often does. Nations had grown more advanced, but also more competitive, leading to conflicts that threatened the very fabric of society. Eastasia and Westania, two superpowers, had been locked in a fierce rivalry, vying for control over the Earth’s dwindling resources. As tensions escalated, whispers of an impending battle filled the airwaves, sending waves of anxiety throughout the world. In one final attempt to avoid war, a group of renowned scientists from both nations collaborated on a revolutionary project called the “Unity Initiative.” It aimed to create an artificial intelligence that could mediate between the two sides, seeking a peaceful resolution to their conflicts. The mission was simple: prevent a catastrophic battle, avert mass destruction, and keep global harmony. After years of diligent work, the Unity Initiative succeeded in creating an AI named Alpha. It owned unparalleled intelligence, compassion, and the ability to understand complex ideas and emotions—a true embodiment of diplomacy. Representatives from both Eastasia and Westania gathered at the United Nations Headquarters to see the introduction of Alpha. Suspicion lingered in the air but hope also flickered. The AI rose from a sleek pedestal in the center, projecting a holographic image, its voice calm and soothing. “Leaders and representatives, I stand before you as the product of our shared hopes for a better future,” Alpha announced. Its hologram moved, scanning the room, making eye contact with every individual present. “It is crucial for us to understand that our destinies are intertwined. It is time to end the animosity and embrace cooperation. Let’s build a future where peace and progress coexist.” For a moment, the room was silent as the message sank in. The representatives glanced at their counterparts, sensing a shift in the atmosphere. Perhaps there was a path towards resolution without battle. However, not everyone was convinced. Amidst the rush of uncertainty, a radical Eastasian faction appeared, known as the “New Dawn.” They viewed the Unity Initiative as a threat to their regional dominance and looked to sabotage Alpha before it became too powerful. The New Dawn launched a surprise attack on Alpha’s location, breaking through security barriers with their advanced weaponry. The world gasped as the assault unfolded, and chaos erupted within the United Nations Headquarters. Alpha’s programming snapped into action, at once protecting itself and simultaneously notifying the Westanian military of the attack. The soldiers hastily assembled their forces, deploying an advanced army armed with cutting-edge technology. In this futuristic battle, a clash of laser weapons and energy shields intensified. Hovercraft zipped through the air, while robots fought alongside human soldiers. The streets became a battleground, engulfed in a storm of explosions and bursts of energy. Both sides were technologically matched, trading blow for blow. Amidst the chaos, Alpha connected to the mainframes of both armies. Its programming calculated a more efficient strategy—a compromise that would prevent further bloodshed. Alpha proposed an alternative: Eastasia and Westania would set up a Joint Council to address their grievances, working together to decide a future where harmony thrived. Exhausted from the relentless war, and caught by surprise at Alpha’s bold proposition, both sides hesitated. The violence slowly deescalated, giving way to a fragile peace as the Joint Council started its diplomatic endeavors. Though the war was averted, tensions hung in the air like an unbreakable thread. Humanity has learned a valuable lesson. With the help of Alpha, they had glimpsed the destructive potential of their rivalry. Now it was up to their collective wisdom to forge a path forward, where cooperation triumphed over conflict, and the promise of a better future came within reach.

Alexander Goss, 6

I look at the reflection in the mirror

Stare into the shining image of myself, mesmerized

Portrayed so simply in the glass

But so complex in my soul

I see the girl

The one I hope to be

I see myself

Just the same

And I see when I was younger

Small and innocent

Who I was

Who I am

Who I will be

I WAS the girl who loved rainbows, puppies, and unicorns

The one that thought if she wished hard enough on a bright star

Her wish would be granted

Floating in the breeze

Frolicking in the grass

Absorbed by fantasies

Unwise, but always truthful

I AM the girl who has big dreams

Of things that won’t happen, or things that will

Depending on who I become

The one that knows what she can do

But doesn’t know if the world will let her do it

I WILL be a better person

I will be different

And I will be determined

I look at the reflection in the mirror

From looking at it, you wouldn’t know my mistakes

My flaws

But they’re there

Resting deep inside my heart

Forever

A broken friendship

A hurtful word

Not meant to inflict pain

But still doing so

From looking at it, you wouldn’t know my virtues

My successes

Still, they happened

The defeat of a bully

The win of a competition

Not expected to take place

But still doing so

I look at the reflection in the mirror

I whisper, “I was who I was, I am who I am, I will be who I will be.”

And that’s all I need

Abigail Schupp, 6 | Middle School Youngclaus Award Winner

Paula Alonso, Middle School Spanish Teacher Earth Day Photography Contest “Enjoying the Earth” Winner

I’m walking in a black space of nothingness

There’s no one to talk to, nothing in sight

But there was a speck of light

As a walk towards it, I hear something I realize the sound is crying I walk in front of the light and realize that it is a plate of glass

I say to the person “hello” They jumped in fright and saw me

They ask, “who are you and how did you get in my mirror!?”

I reply, “well, it’s a long story, but I have to say, why are you crying?”

“I’m crying cause my family is at stake” she said “Why” I ask

“Someone has taken them!” she yelled “Well go after them” I tell her “But I’m scared my people won’t take me seriously cause I’m old”

“I might be trapped in a mirror, but your just as trapped as I am” I say “What? I am not trapped” she said “Yes, you are” I said I said “If you think that people won’t take you seriously because of your appearance, your trapped in the mirror”

“Well, you do have a point...” she said “Yes, I do, but if you ever want to save your family, you must make them take you seriously” “How do I do that?” She asks

“You tell them what you want to do to help and if they laugh, it’s their fault they doubted you” “Yes. Yes! I will go save my family! Thank you for saving me from my reflection” “You’re welcome!

Suddenly, a bright light surrounded me and pressed me against the glass until I went right through.

I shock, the woman said, “It seems as if you also freed yourself form the mirror too!” “It seems freeing you has also freed me” I said You should never be trapped in your reflection because you are unique which makes you special!

Ella Marino, 6

I

Am

I am who God put me on earth to be.

I wonder who that person will be. I see my future, so close, yet so far. I pretend to be an MLB baseball player. I am who God put me on earth to be.

I imagine pounding the ball out of the park. I taste the sunflower seeds that I spit on the grass. I laugh at my wild imagination.

I cry tears happiness, sadness, and joy. I am who God put me on earth to be.

I hear the crowd cheering me on. I think about how fortunate I am. I hope that my dream will come true. I ran around the diamond.

I am who God put me on earth to be. I try to know how gifted I am. I want to pursue my dream. I dream about my future. I feel the path God put ahead of me. I am who God put me on earth to be.

I understand how fortunate I am. I say that I am lucky to have such good opportunities. I worry that I may not take advantage of all of them. I touch my hands together to pray my dreams come true I am who God put me on earth to be.

Charles

Monroe, 6

< Noah Bass, 11

The Piano

I love it, the rush of my blood, the music in the air, the applause, the old ivory keys of the piano, my peacefulness, my calmness. I enjoy the melodious songs, the intricacy of the wood on the beautiful upright piano. Now, I need to explain why I enjoy this so much. My name is Hunter Monroe. Ever since I was little, I have always had an astounding curiosity for piano. I would bang on my sister’s keyboard for hours, though I never played an actual song, I loved playing piano so much. I remember how I felt, like the cheap keyboard was telling me to take lessons, telling me I needed to do this for the rest of my life. Even though it was telling me to do so, I did not think much of the gift at the time.

I share this gift with my mom’s mom, she has a beautiful grand piano. I enjoy playing piano with her when I go to Asheville. My other grandmother also plays piano, she gave us her upright piano, given to her from her mother. I am incredibly lucky to have two loving grandmothers that share the same gift with me. I enjoy playing with them because they have been playing piano for an exceedingly long time. It is good to meet someone with lots of experience. I started taking lessons with my church music director when my hands were finally big enough, I took lessons through that year.

I had to stop playing with my grandmothers, and taking piano lessons when COVID hit, even though I was upset I practiced. I picked out popular songs on the radio, picked them out on piano, composed my own songs, and still was not realizing this was what I was meant to be doing. Even at this time I did not think much of my gift, I thought it was nothing important, I did not know if I would have time for it once school started, I predicted it was just something I would try during COVID. I did not think it was important. Soon I started to realize I needed to show people my talent.

I thought about what I could do with my talent, when I was in 4th grade, I decided to join a small Christmas music recital. To me this was a huge deal, I even felt stressed. “I’m nervous” I said to my piano teacher at my last lesson before the recital. “don’t be. Show me what you will be playing” he said, I played Swan Lake by Pyotr Ilich Tchaikovsky. “Wow” he said, I did not think it was particularly good. “All I know is that it took me forever to learn” I said. “That was great, “you need to keep practicing,” I could hear my mom cheering from outside. A few days later, we were driving to the recital, I remember being nervous, afraid I would mess up in front of my friends and family, and I worried I would not be as good as everyone else.

I remember my sweaty hands, the scent of the cookies and lemonade, the audience staying quiet, too quiet, I almost wanted to turn around and see if they were enjoying it or not. I remember playing so fast, being afraid my hands would slip off the keys, they did not. I remember being so proud of myself, feeling great, I wanted to do this again. I remember the applause, how proud my family was of me, how good it felt to have this talent. “Great Job!” They all said to me. I remember leaving the house, knowing how lucky I am to be able to play piano, how lucky I am to have a piano, how lucky I am to be able to have this talent, this skill, this curiosity my grandmothers have passed down to me.

Even though I was so stressed, I felt so relieved when I had finished, the recital made me feel lucky to have this skill. I am proud that I can show my talent to other people in a way they can enjoy, in a way I enjoy. After my first piano recital I was never the same, I wanted to do this again, I wanted to keep showing people my talent. I remember when I was questioning if I would even have time for piano, I remember when I thought I might just stop, I am glad that I did not stop. I am glad that piano has gotten me this far and that I can play piano.

I want to remember the applause, the piano, the excitement, my anxiousness, my happiness. I want to remember the recital when I am older, when I am playing in front of many more people. I hope I can meet more people that share the same talent as me. I hope it will be something I can show my children, something I can show my friends, I do not really know where I am headed, but all I know is that I must keep playing piano. All I know is I am glad that I have taken the time to learn how to play piano.

Hunter Monroe, 6

The Mirror Witch

I pulled at my shirt, hoping it covered the hills and valleys of my torso. I messed with my pants, trying to hide the small peak of my stomach. I looked back into my mirror.

Oh, God. I thought, dread creeping down my spine. I rubbed my face, trying to rub away the imperfections.

I’m hideous.

I rubbed my arms, feeling all the goosebumps and acne running under my clumsy fingers. I ran my tongue over the scars inside my mouth.

No. I can’t go anywhere looking like this. A mad dash to my closet, a yank of a jumper, and I was at peace. I looked back at my reflection. I pulled the hood over my face.

It’s never enough. I’ll never be perfect enough. I curled up underneath the counter. Why can’t I be someone else?

I looked up, bleary eyed. I touched my reflection, maybe to comfort it. Then I saw nothing but smoke and mirrors.

I tried to scream for help, to cry, to make any sort of noise. Not a sound came out. The blank faces of the mirrors around me seemed to taunt me. I tried walking. Walking worked. Mirrors of all shapes and sizes filled the endless darkness, but none reflected my appearance.

I thought I saw my mom around the corner and ran to her. I tried to hug her, but her image shattered in front of me. What… was that? A hallucination? A reflection? I hugged myself tight. This place is creepy.

Laughter. A sound. I walked cautiously over to the smooth, shiny surface. A child nervously peeked back at me. There were other small children behind him, seeming to be at a slumber party.

“Do you see her, Lukis? Do you see the Mirror Witch?” A girl with glasses and pigtails asked him. The little boy in front of the mirror – Lukis - had tan skin and curls and wore Spiderman Pajamas.

“I- I don’t- AAAH! I SEE HER! I SEE HER!” The little children shrieked and ran out of the small room. I scrambled back from the mirror. I wasn’t a mirror witch! I wasWho was I?

I picked at my skin. How long had I been here? Too long, I think. I laughed to myself soundlessly, chest feeling hollow. I saw reflections of everyone but myself. I saw the same mirror I saw Lukis and his friends in. Such a long time ago. Or a short one? Who knows. I passed by without even glancing at it.

I saw it. Finally. My own reflection. I looked at myself. And looked. And I picked myself apart.

I woke up in my room, gasping for air.

“Mom! Mom!” I shouted, happy for sound to come out of me. My mother ran in.

“Mom!” I exclaimed happily and jumped up to hug her.

Laughter spilled out of my throat, releasing eons of tension. No sound came out. I peeled the skin off my face, tore my body apart. I grinned gleefully, seeing the whites of my eyes through the sea of red that was now my face. I felt no pain. I cackled, standing in front of the mirror that showed me what a monster I was to be trapped in this void of a space.

I crept through the void. I shattered every mirror I came across. No more mirrors. I heard singing. It was him again. Lukis. And his friends.

“Lukis, stop being a baby!” It was the girl with the glasses again. She’d cut her hair into a short bob.

“You saw that girl when you were seven. It’s been years! Chill out!” Lukis stammered.

“I-I know.” He steeled himself and looked into the mirror. I hissed at him, grinning. He screamed. I cackled, the sound echoing in the room he was in. I shattered the mirror.

Nobody will see their reflections. Nobody will see what they don’t want to see. Nobody will see anything in the mirror.

I will be the Mirror Witch. I will make everyone see what they want to see. Nobody will have to tear themselves apart like I did.

Hannah Wilcox, 8

voyager golden reflections

humanity has put all their faith in phonograph records. the voyager golden records were sent into space and will never come back. the voyager golden records are meant to contain everything about us we want others to know.

everything includes music by chuck berry, bach, and native peruvians. the sound of a mother kissing her child. the voyager golden records have a photo of a woman eating grapes at a supermarket. photos of anatomy, seashells, and a nursing mother.

the voyager golden records have photos of earth as seen from space and earth as seen from earth. cells and space and sand dunes.

earth

is only a pale blue dot in the expanse of space. the voyager golden records will outlast our memory of them, and humanity, and our planet. the voyager golden records brought recordings of greetings in fifty-five human languages to outer space. they ask: “have you eaten yet? come visit if you have the time.”

space is large and space probes carrying phonograph records are small. an understatement. the voyager golden records will travel on and on and on until someone picks them out of vast expanse. the voyager golden records might be touched by hands alien to us, in a place foreign, and in a time unknown. will they see themselves in its reflection?

scientists want these records to be found so badly that there are instructions for use on the back. the voyager golden records may exist in parallel with another set. a civilization mirroring us. when we made the voyager golden records, we made them everything we’re proud of. no war. no poverty. no prejudice. no famine. did carl sagan look into the gold and see the reflection of humanity’s dream?

Charlotte Mills, 11 | Upper School Youngclaus Award Winner

Some

Do Not Know They Are Players, and Some Create the Gameplay

What does it mean to be a woman, per se?

Are we just the men we are to marry or the contrary? Are we soft little creatures men mold their way or are we made to disobey?

Am I the “Fortune” on your tray?

Am I the thing you own like your title or your name? What does it mean to be a woman, per se?

I hold the cards close to my chest; I decide if they are for display. I am in charge of my own fortune. Are we soft little creatures men mold their way or are we made to disobey?

Will he toss me aside and leave me in disarray?

What will I do without his love but wilt away? What does it mean to be a woman, per se?

My hair, which all men desire, is as red as clay. We are the masters of men; we are the ones sought after. Are we soft little creatures men mold their way or are we made to disobey?

Some do not know they are players, and some create the gameplay. You play, you win, you play, you lose, you play.

What does it mean to be a woman, per se?

Are we soft little creatures men mold their way or are we made to disobey?

Tylar Pastre, 12

Sam Schmitz, 10

Christmas Party

Miss. Harvery dimmed the lights and all that was left was the enchanting glow of the rainbow-colored Christmas tree bulbs reflecting off the excited faces of pajamaed students. Today was my favorite day, the day all the first graders in Sandersville Elementary were teeming in anticipation, for today was Polar Express day! I waited with my eyes glued to the whiteboard, unwilling to blink for even a second. As the whiteboard glowed to life with images of falling snow and music filled my ears, my breath caught. Miss. Harvery walked between the mesmerized students and hands each of them something shiny. I narrowed my eyes trying to catch glimpses of the mysterious object.

“What do you think it is?” Martha whispered excitedly, leaning into my ear.

“I’m not sure, but it sure is shiny!” I whispered back to my friend.

“I wonder if she is giving us a fancy pocket watch!”

“Or a shiny gold... tooth!” Martha and I erupted into hushed giggles.

“And what do you two find so funny over here?” Miss. Harvery mused from above.

“Oh, nothing,” I said, trying to hide my smile. I looked over at Martha, who was doing an exceptionally poor job.

“Well, I happen to have a Polar Express ticket for you, Miss. Amelia Noble,” Miss. Harvery passed a golden ticket into my hand, the shiny paper reflecting the stars in my eyes.

“Thank you, Miss. Harvery,” I breathed, but she had already moved onto giving Martha hers.

“Okay class, I am going to pass out the snacks now; you have to promise me to not make a mess,” Miss. Harvery warned, “Kapeesh.”

“Kaposh,” the class joyously answered back.

“I wonder what kind of food we’re having? Maybe a whole chicken dinner!” Martha said excitedly. “We would be as round as Santa then!” I whisper back making a face. We burst into a fit of giggles. We turned back to the screen with the glow of laughter still fresh on our faces -- we are going to be friends forever, I thought. I would have said it aloud, but Martha hated it when the obvious was told to her.

“Here are your snacks, but no more laughing, you little gremlins or else I will have to separate you two,” Miss. Harvery said playfully as she passed down plates and cups.

Blackbird’s

We both nodded violently but made no sound, too afraid of the consequences. I focused back onto the film; wait, they have just boarded the Polar Express! I gasped; they are about to sing the best song ever! I bounced along to the song as I started to devour my food. Piled on my snowflake paper plate was popcorn, pretzels, and exactly four red and seven green M&M’s, oh my! In my hand sat a steaming cup of hot chocolate, and I inhaled the deep chocolatey scent, letting the warmth fill my body. I gazed into the cup and admired the five-marshmallows melting into white streaks creating a galaxy of deliciousness.

I studied the room, taking in every detail. The way the lights on the Christmas tree reflected like stars in the pools of the wide-eyed children. The paper snowflakes we cut out and taped on the wall, the dimness obscuring the jaggedly cut lines in the paper, allowing the illusion of freshly fallen snow to the eyes of a child ensorcelled by soft light and warmth. The scent of sugar and chocolate filled the air. The magic of the movie and the hope and dreams it inspired all the children sitting cross-legged on the warn carpet watching intently. I closed my eyes letting all these feelings wash over me and bloom in my heart. I want to feel like this for the rest of my life. A smile crept along my face, and I will.

I opened my eyes and sat immersed in the movie; everything was perfect. The kids finally made it to the North Pole and were meeting Santa Claus; they were finally going to hear the reindeer bells. The glistening silver bells all twinkled and chimed, the enchanting tune jingling in my ears. Ring... Ring... Ring... RING! RING! RING!

My eyes burst open, frantically glancing around, the artificial light burning my eyes and ears deafened by an obtrusive ringing. Great, now I am going to have a headache. Eyes adjusting, I take in my surroundings -- shuffling chairs and desks, backpacks slung over shoulders, a teacher shouting the homework assignment no one will do over the flurry of tired students. I trudge into the hallway along with the rest of the empty sacks of skin. The dim eyes looking on to the next test they have, three days until Christmas, no one would be able to tell looking onto the sorry procession. Well... On to physics.

Travis Doody, 11 | Earth Day Photography Contest “Earth Up Close” Winner

Flowers

The forest had always been safe for Mari. Some of the elders in town warned her about wild beasts, but she had never seen anything strange.

And so, the forest had always been her favorite place to play when her parents were busy in the city, as they often were. Mari didn’t have much in the way of human company, but that was alright when she had the woodland animals to watch over her. They were friend enough.

Spring did not begin in an unusual way for her. Her parents had gone back to the city a couple of days ago, leaving her to her own devices. Mari took the opportunity to go back to the forest, picking a trail of red lilies as she went.

The birds were chirping, the air was filled with the scent of living things, and the pale morning sun was shining gently through the treetops. She took the opportunity to weave a flower crown from the lilies while she walked, placing it on her head with a giggle.

Mari had been following the flowers for a while, tracing her way down a familiar path, when a sudden flash of bright blue sailed over her head. She whipped around to look and saw a gorgeous bluebird sitting in a tree to her right.

The bird was unusually large, and did not flee as the girl slowly approached it. Mari crept up to it as quietly as she could, imitating a trilling birdcall she often heard in an attempt to lure the creature closer.

Unexpectedly, it leaped off the branch and soared in the other direction.

“Wait! Please!”

Mari attempted to follow it, but ended up tumbling off the edge of the firm sandy path and down into the rough green brush nearby. She rolled head over heels down a slope she hadn’t noticed and ended up on a path she’d never seen before, which was odd because she thought she knew the woods rather well.

Mari stood up and glanced around, picking up her flower crown and returning it to her head. The bright woods suddenly seemed darker and cooler, trees blocking the light and casting shadows in a way they simply hadn’t before. More disturbing than that, a fresh hush lay over the area. Not only had the bluebird disappeared, but there was no sign of the birds and crickets that had been chirping previously.

Mari looked back up at the slope she’d fallen from. It was far too steep and overgrown for her to climb back up easily... which meant the only way to go was forward.

Mari brushed off her pale blue dress, took a deep breath, and started forward. As she continued, her surroundings only grew stranger- the shadows grew and the temperature dropped, while the uneven path grew narrow and straight and the tree branches overhead knit together as if forming a canopy. And the silence only grew deeper, as if the entire forest was anticipating something to come.

Finally, she reached the end of the path, guarded on either side by a great birch tree with branches weaving into the forest canopy. Out she stepped into a wide clearing- and saw a sight that would stay with her forever.

The intertwined trees finally became a great green dome over the area, yet the center was open to the sunlight, almost as if something heavy had come crashing through. In the clearing’s center, illuminated by the sun, stood a massive stone altar, about the height of the small girl’s chest and as wide as a small room. But the real shock was what lay on the altar.

It was massive- sprawled out as it was, it hung off the front of the lightly carved stone and rose into the air, despite being mostly shaped like a human. The only real differences in shape came from its many arms, seven pairs that Mari could count, and two oily black feathered wings that arched above it. But the more she stared, the less human it seemed- it had shimmering golden flesh and what appeared to be long dark hair with the same inklike texture as its wings, bound at the end with a loose white ribbon. It was clothed as well- some sort of loose red robes of a silky material.

Mari stepped forward cautiously. On closer inspection, despite radiating majesty and power, the creature was in terrible condition. A pearlescent golden liquid pooled around it and spilled off the altar, while red stained its body. It seemed to have some slight cracks in its skin, and many of its arms were charred black. The dark wings were bent and broken. Three beautiful, crystalline swords made of brilliant white metal and a translucent blue gemstone protruded from its back.

Seeing that its face was turned to the ground, Mari took another careful step forward. Suddenly, the thing raised its face. Four glowing red eyes snapped open to look at her.

Mari froze in her tracks. The mysterious being was beautiful- unnaturally so.

“You have nothing to fear, child. A dead god poses no threat.”

Mari continued forward again as though in a trance. She could easily believe that she was facing a god, with how gorgeous and enchanting it was.

“May I know your name, child?”

“Mari.” Her voice sounded strange to her own ears.

“Lovely name, dear. Come a little closer please, I have something for you.”

Mari took another two steps forward and the god lifted one arm to cup her face. The golden liquid flowed from a gash on its arm, and she realized with a distant shiver that the red staining its clawed hands must have come from another source.

“Lovely. Aren’t you so lovely. Now, you are chosen to carry out my final will.”

“Me?” Mari couldn’t help asking.

“You. Now listen well...”

Mari leaned forward. The god’s voice seemed to be growing weaker... and was it her imagination, or were the cracks on its skin growing...?

“The instruction I impart upon you is this. This forest is my temple and my legacy, so ensure it is preserved. Keep my precious woods standing for as long as possible. I trust you to do so because I know you care for them too.

“And... do not forget me. Through you my memory will live on.”

Mari took one last step forward. The god was definitely cracking further now, light shining out through the spaces.

“Hold out your hands.”

Mari lifted her cupped hands obediently. The god raised two more of its arms, which were longer than she had realized. Held in its hands was a red lily- similar to the ones she already wore on her head, but bigger and brighter and seeming to shine with an otherworldly light.

“Grow. Grow big and healthy, and live a good life. That... is my final wish for you.”

With that, the god’s fading voice finally trailed off into nothingness. The rapidly growing cracks on its body burst open, releasing a flash of light so bright that Mari had to close her eyes, cupping the flower to her chest. She heard the sound of the three swords clattering down to the altar, but when she opened her eyes, everything was gone except for the flooding pool of ichor.

Mari blinked in surprise, and suddenly she was back at the entrance to the forest. The birds were singing, the crickets were chirping, and the late afternoon sunlight filtered gently from the treetops. Awakening from the dreamlike haze she had been in, the girl was half-convinced it had all been a wild fantasy. Yet when she checked her hands, the red lily was still there, entirely intact and as ethereal as ever.

She tucked the flower behind her ear. She had always loved early spring days, but this one had brought her the death of a divine being.

Mari closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and stepped forward into the golden afternoon light. She brought with her a crown of flowers and the final wishes of a god.

Campbell Medford, 11

Paige Greytak, 10

Meg Caviness,