The Oracle

Oracle

A Note from the Editor Hello, and welcome to the 2024 Fall Oracle! My name is Bella Carlini and this year I have taken on the role of Oracle Editor.

The Oracle is Bishop Canevin’s literary magazine. Here you will find photography, art, poetry, and short stories created by students.

This edition of The Oracle would not have been possible without the hard work of every student who submitted their pieces. Each submission is a representation of the individuality and creativity of our student body.

Thank you to all of the teachers who foster a creative environment in their classrooms and give their students the space to express themselves.

Finally, I would like to thank Mrs. Charlotte Smith for taking charge in collecting these submissions and for dedicating her time to this magazine and to her students. Thank You! Bella Carlini Editor

Contributors Kelsey Adamski ‘25 Ayla Altman ‘25 Henry Barbisch ‘25 Jhalil Benton ‘28 Jamin Brock ‘27 Katie Butcher ‘26 Lindsey Cable ‘26 Bella Carlini ‘25 Kya Cooley ‘27 Juliana Daniele ‘27 Sean Frosell ‘25 Kaylee Gaudelli ‘28 Addison Hillebrand ‘25 Fionn Hites ‘26 Ka’Vere Holeman ‘26 Olivia Holub ‘25 Marli Hornack ‘27 Gavin Jaki ‘27 Vaughn James ‘28 Deaira Johnson ‘28 Riley Lecker ‘25 Natalie Kirsch ‘25 Maria Leithauser-Mihalega ‘28 Walter Leithauser-Mihalega ‘28 Ja’Shawn Lewis ‘27 Zhongan Li ‘26 Lawrence Lynch ‘27

Jackson Maddix ‘27 Lucia Madore ‘27 Olivia Maida ‘27 Aidan Malay ‘25 Genevieve Marshall ‘25 Casey Marston ‘27 GIanna Matthews ‘27 Macie McClain ‘28 Olivia Mercurio-Brennan ‘27 Harrison Miller ‘28 Noelle Miller ‘25 Aidan Mineo ‘25 Isabella Moyer ‘25 Kole Olszewski ‘25 Dominique Panza ‘25 Brandon Scholz ‘25 Susan Skindzier ‘25 Aubrey Sudor ‘27 Braiden Sudor ‘25 Alexis Summers ‘25 Khamiyah Taylor ‘27 Desiah Trent ‘27 Lillian Ulrich ‘27 Matthew Vaughn ‘26 Luke Verdun ‘26 Mar Vessels ‘26 Jameson Vicario ‘25

Autumn

Fionn Hites, Junior

Autumn Leaves

With the falling of the leaves And the swaying of the trees In wind that has turned crisp Something’s different The quietest season No more buzzing summer bugs Or spring birds and showers Or winter ice Autumn is silent Perhaps that’s why it holds the most beauty Because that is why it holds the most beauty Because our eyes are wide open without the interruption of natural pollutionnoise Autumn is silent and beautiful

Autumn leaves are falling Down Can you hear the crunchy Sound?

Pile them up and jump right in, twirl around and take a Spin!

Throw them way up in the air Autumn leaves are Everywhere

-Evie Marshall

-Jameson Vicario

Fionn Hites, Junior

Beneath the sun, the waves embrace the shore.

Their rhythm hums a song both wild and free.

A ceaseless dance, a band that evermore will bind the sea to the earth in harmony.

The grains of sand, like time, slip through my hand.

A fleeting trace of moments swiftly gone.

Yet whispers linger, cast across the land, Eternal echoes of day's bright dawn.

The salty breeze entwines the sky and sea, Its cool caress a balm for weary souls.

A boundless blue, an endless melody, where tides obey the moon's unspoken goals.

Oh, beach, where time and tide in splendor meet, Your siren forever calls my feet.

-Jameson Vicario

I just wish summer lasted all year This will always be our favorite round place And melted all the snow that’s on The Outer Banks, the paradise we the ground chase -Sean Frosell -Natalie Kirsch

Determination A rtistic N atural -Lillian Ulrich Creative E xpression

Autumn’s Sonnet The crisp leaves crunch and as the rain’s pouring, The moon peeks out, skies darken further yet And the water comes and the town soaks in The bridge between summer and winter met As the sun sinks below the horizon The stars twinkle brightly, the wind starts up People emerge from their homes, enlivened Venti chai pumpkin latte in my cup Oh I love to see green and red and brown leaves Pumpkins get carved and make pretty designs It makes me happy, in the Autumn breeze The cool wind, fallen leaves, these are the signs In my favorite season, we have a ball And that’s how you know, it’s finally fall -Kelsey Adamski

Dark and stormy night.

Jack o’ lanterns glowing bright.

Chilly breeze and children shrieking, haunted houses eerily creaking. Skeletons, witches, ghosts and ghouls.

Halloween night, don’t be fools.

Lucia Madore

In The Woods A house was found in the desolate woods, With creaky floors and a very creepy door.

Tonight is the night where all the ghouls and goblins rise.

Tonight’s the night we will all be surprised.

Working in that haunted house, I faintly heard a little mouse Screams and noises filled the halls, whispers creeping and eerie calls, In this house they haunt us all.

-Olivia Mercurio Brennan

Blood Moon Rising Under a sky of crimson hue, Shadows creep, the night is new Screams echo through the chilling mist, As the darkness claims its bloody twist.

Fingers claw at graveyard’s edge, Whispers linger near the ledge In the night where nightmares play, Gore and terror come out to slay Khamiyah Taylor

Fionn Hites, Junior

Lucia Madore

Maria Leithauser-Mihalega

Noelle Miller

Perry The Panda Perry the panda was 30 feet long and weighed as much as a boulder. Perry was as white as the snow. He grew so big from the sun’s rays shining on Perry. The sun was so blinding and hot that eventually the panda turned all white. All the other pandas wer black and white and nobody knew why Perry was so different from them. Perry was shunned from all the other pandas, so he went for a vacation.

Perry was like a little lost dog, wandering through the jungle. Perry saw all types of animals, parrots, monkeys and tigers. They were as colorful as the rainbow, and they all came in different shapes and sizes. Perry thought the idea that everyone can be so different and still get along, was as cool as a cucumber. Perry was stomping through the jungle and it was as loud as thunder. Perry wanted to show the other pandas that it was okay to be different.

Perry went back to his home and roared his voice as loud as the tiger he saw in the woods, He told the pandas that he was tired of being made fun of and that he wanted to be treated better. The pandas became still as statues, and then responded to Perry. The pandas were sorry for being mean to him and that they missed him as much as the moon misses the sun. Perry was very happy that they missed him and told them that he forgave them. Perry decided that he liked his home, but it was good to take a vacation every once in a while.

-Marli Hornack

Deaira Johnson Kaylee Gaudelli

Ka’Vere Holeman

Duality of My Mind Two faces, two lives, two personalities Blurred actions, blurred minds, blurred individuality Which one is me?

Which one can I be?

Angry, selfish, bossy, sad Helpful loyal, patient, glad A different day, different half of this mysterious life All year long in this everlasting strife I feel like the villain in my own story Killing my chance of having glory I try to be the hero and save the day Being ready to help whenever they say Putting on a show for all to see When I don’t even know the real me The hero and the villain constantly playing a game When I’m both and neither just the same At war with myself not knowing which will win Not knowing who I really am within Grendel or Beowulf, which one am I? Both and neither but I do not know why

-Susan Skindzier

Two Line Horror Stories I awoke with no memory, just a vague, sinister feeling and strange wounds. By night, I had regained my memory, with the mortifying realization that I’ll forget again by morning -Lindsey Cable

I saw the demon staring directly at me, and I asked “What do you want?”. It pointed at my daughter’s room.

-Mar Vessels

I’m on a date with my boyfriend when my mom texts me that my boyfriend is at the door. I look up with a horror struck look…”So you found out,” he says.

-Dominique Panza

I received a notification that my pizza had been delivered and I saw the guy get out with it in hand. When I went to grab it, the box felt oddly light, and I saw a gun being holstered in the guy’s left hand.

-Aidan Mineo

Ayla Altman

Sean Frosell

Once upon a time in a small town in Pennsylvania, there was a soccer player named Super Steve. Steve had the ability to run as swiftly as a race car. Steve’s legs were the size of tree trunks and he had to custom order his cleats to fit his ginormous feet. Every game that Steve would play, his team would be victorious, thanks to him.

One day, Steve was playing a soccer game in Maryland. When he received the ball at his feet he looked up to find the goal and he kicked the ball. It soared through the air and slammed into the net, ripping a hole right through the net.

Super Steve then used his massive shoe laces to tie the net back together to continue the match.

-Gavin Jaki

Once upon a time in a small village called Silver Creek, there lived a man named Big Ben. Now, Big Ben wasn’t just any ordinary man. He was the tallest man anyone had ever seen, standing at 15 feet tall! He was so tall he could reach apples from the highest apple trees in the village.

Big Ben had a heart as big as his body. One year there was no rain in Silver Creek. A drought started. All the people in the town were so worried about being able to survive. Big Ben had an idea. He walked over to the nearby mountains where the snow covered peaks were. With his height he was able to reach the peak of the mountain and scooped up big handfuls of snow and brought them back to the village. As the snow melted, it provided enough water to get everyone through the drought.

The villagers of Silver Creek never forgot Big Ben. To this day, they still tell tales of the giant who saved their town. If you ever visit Silver Creek, you will see a statue of Big Ben, standing 15 feet tall

-Macie McClain

Jhalil Benton

Harrison Miller

Vaughn James

Aubrey Sudor

Kya Cooley

Noelle Miller

Kaylee Gaudelli

The Value of American Citizenship Due reflection upon the immense privilege enjoyed by so many Americans is certainly lacking in today`s United States. This land's birth was without doubt groundbreaking, and its foundations are, from a historical point of view, radical in their focus on the well-being and God-given rights of citizens. Still, these notions, in spite of their tremendous influence on the everyday lives of millions in America, often go unnoticed; they are underappreciated and too frequently taken for granted. This is likely due in part to the nature of the country's culture and the state of the world. In recent decades, city-dwelling Americans have been pictured by some as a fast-moving people that stands out in contrast to the more relaxed few who still inhabit rural America, as well as the countrysides of various nations in the Americas and Europe. The latter are commonly associated with comparatively simple ways of life, traditional Christian values, and a greater willingness to be aware of the good and the bad surrounding them. These associations could be considered stereotyping, but they prove to be the reality for a number of less urbanized regions of the United States. From this knowledge, one might infer that these are the people who would be most likely to keep in mind the blessings of liberty. The gratitude which they hold can provide a basis for greater satisfaction in life and a more content outlook on today's troubled world. It seems that this gratitude can be an invaluable lesson to the urbanized America that is too often plagued by overwhelming secularity, apathy, and materialism.

A pivotal opportunity is thus presented by my own familial background in practiced Christianity and geographical roots in the Alabama countryside and in the quiet suburbs of Southern Louisiana. I come from a family that still carries the values of its origins, and among these is the appreciative recognition of our comfortable quality of life. My years in such a household have taught me both to thank God for the gift of liberty and all of the freedoms that I enjoy and to pray for America's future in its times of greatest need. It is no secret that the United States, being a populous and greatly varied land, has its share of tragic failures; nothing can be done to repair the numerous past lives injured by poverty, violence and scandal. This is the very reason that the people of America must, with observant and grateful hearts, look to the bright hope that America has brought to millions for nearly a quarter of a millennium. They must reflect and act on how this can be magnified so that practical hope can be a joy shared by each and every American.

This obligation completes the deeply intertwined unity of an American's great blessing and great duty. As a nation, the people of the United States must put forth every effort to peacefully and patiently utilize the freedoms already won in order to make them a norm for all those who are oppressed.

-Luke Verdun

Cozy chilly Raking, baking, hiking Leaves changing different colors Fall Fun

Cookies Crunchy, gooey Mixing, baking, eating Smelling good fresh from the oven

-Gianna Matthews

-Olivia Maida

Soccer Fast feet Running, Kicking, Scoring Chasing the thrill of victory Game on

Musky Scaly, shiny Swimming, jumping, fighting Pulls on the fisherman’s rod hard Big pike

-Gavin Jaki

-Jamin Brock

Gymnast Graceful, agile Flipping, tumbling, spinning Balancing on a wooden beam Tumbler

Baseball Peaceful, Careful Hitting, Throwing, Running Hardest thing you will try to do Pastime

-Lucia Madore

-Jackson Maddix

Summer Memories In the summer’s heat, the days stretch long and bright, The sun climbs to the highest skies of blue, The world is full of colors, being so vibrant, With the fresh flowers, and life begins anew, The gentle breeze, it whispers through the trees, The children’s laughter, in the open air, The bees soaring through the gentle soft breeze, And nature's beauty flourishes with care.

To blue waves gaze over the sandy shore, Where footprints trace the stories from the day.

The warmth of summer, cherished more and more, In memories that never fade away, When summer fades and autumn takes its place, The day gets shorter and the nights are embraced.

The crickets and cicadas make noises.

-Addison Hillebrand

Fionn Hites

The Beach The beach has always been my happy place It brings me joy and happiness for days I feel as though there is a halt in the rush of life’s race I cherish my time spent in the sun’s rays My footsteps trail along in the sand While the salt water breeze blows through my hair I admire as the waves crash onto the land As i hear the sound of seagulls flying through the air I love to swim and splash while the cool water sends a chill down my spine I also lay in the sand as my skin is absorbed by the sun I feel as though everything in my life has a certain shine When at the beach, it is not hard to have fun The beach reminds me of when I was a small child The days I have spent at the beach are exhilarating and definitely not mild.

-Isabella Moyer

The Beach Upon the shores where water and land meet, The ocean’s waves whisper a soft, sweet tune.

Beneath the sun, the sand’s warm under feet, And tides engulf them like a great monsoon The seagulls shout, and their song fills the air, While feathers mark the path of which they roam The salty breeze lifts them with gentle care, And the glass sea chases them, white with foam.

The sun descends, painting a sky of gold.

A night veil falls, and stars begin to gleam.

The tranquil beach, filled with stories untold, Invites the heart to a sweet, peace filled dream.

In restfulness, where sea and land unite The beach bestows harmony, day to night.

-Riley Lecker

The Cook Called Callie Cutterman Many years ago, high up in the Rocky Mountains, lived a talented chef named Callie Cutterman. She was famous for cooking the fattest, most delicious foods ever tasted. Callie wasn’t just big in size; she had a heart as big as a canyon and an appetite so large she could eat that canyon and still be up for seconds. Legend says she would cook 3 meals a day for an entire village, 4 if you count dessert One winter, the snow piled up so high the villagers couldn’t get back to their town. Seeing her friends in trouble, Callie got out her giant pot and started a fire as tall as the trees and started cooking the biggest pot of chili in the world. She added millions of hot peppers, and ground beef made from all the cows around; you weren’t able to spot a cattle for miles. The smell of the chili spread throughout the mountains, warming up the cool air and melting all the frigid snow. Not only did her friends get back to their village, but they got to eat the delicious chili. Villagers say the chili tasted so hot that spring came early. To this day, people say if you stand on the mountainside during winter, you can still smell a hint of spice in the air.

-Lucia Madore

Building of a Boat One spring day a man named Jim gazed out upon the ocean. As he looked to the sea he saw a giant figure the size of a building. As it swam towards shore, the animal started to talk to him saying, “Come and I will take you on an adventure.” Jim swam out to the giant fish and hopped on its back and the fish swam him around the water. As Jim rode the fish he had a great idea of a structure like a giant fish that could float and transport people and things on the water. When Jim returned to land he started to build a structure that could float on the water and he started using it to move from one place to another on the water. As Jim made more of the structures he realized he needed a name and he called it a “boat”. Throughout the rest of his life, Jim built and sold many boats, making himself a very wealthy man.

-Jamin Brock

In early dawn, the gym begins to wake With clanging weights and treadmills’ steady hum Determined souls with goals they won’t forsake Push through the pain, their bodies growing numb.

The mirrors gleam with sweat and focused eyes Each rep, each set, a step towards their dream The struggle’s real, but none can hear their cries For strength is built within this iron gleam The trainers guide with wisdom and care Encouraging with every word they say Through sweat and tears, they conquer their despair And find their strength grows greater every say.

In this great hall where muscles grow and strain They find their power, triumph through the pain.

-Aidan Malay

A giggle, a whisper, a cold ghostly sigh, a chain clanks and rattles as something floats by. The eyes in the portrait all follow your stride, like a spider that gives you chills on your back inside.

-Lawrence Lynch

Season’s Calling Leaves brush the ground on a cool Autumn breeze Their paths crossing in orange and brown flurry A rush of wind sends creaks through the trees The colors and shapes all muddled and blurry When Halloween comes and fear fills the air Kids yell, “trick or treat!”, prepare for the fun Some will be happy and ready for scares Still others just take the candy and run Pumpkin patches full of laughter and joy Embrace the new season excitedly Squashes and corn, a wagon we employ Apple cider mugs for both you and me In the wind I can hear a voice speaking Calling for me to see what He’s teaching

-Bella Carlini

In the night’s cold, chilling gloom, Haunted houses seal their doom.

Specters wail, and spirits roam.

In these halls they find their home

A pumpkin sits in Autumn's glow, its orange skin begins to show. With candle light it softly gleams, A lantern full of whispered dreams

-Desiah Trent

-Dominique Panza

Matthew Vaughn

Katie Butcher

Zhonghan Li

Julianna Daniele

Valued Observant L ively L oyal Ebullient Yield B rave A ctive L imitless L eader

S wiftly moving across the field Opponents try but cannot shield C ourage drives players’ hearts Chasing dreams from the start E nergy and passion in every game R ising to victory, earning fame

-Aubrey Sudor

Foliage of orange trees A hurricane of falling leaves L onger nights and cooler days L ittle children running through a cornmaze -Lucia Madore

-Ja’shawn Lewis

Balance A ngelic L ifted L earning E xpression Technique -Casey Marston

Boo! Here you are Dressed up for the night You knock on my door hoping to fright, But I am dressed up too, I give you a scare when I yell BOO! -Olivia Holub

Candles light up a scenery Happy children prancing on this joyful day R ight as you lay to sleep, Old St. Nick will pay you a visit I am sound asleep waiting for santa Santa creeps up to the tree and gives us gifts Time flies as everyone rushes out of bed Many joyful girls and boys A ll happy spending time with family S aint Nick loves all the joy he brings -Olivia Mercurio-Brennan