Quintessence Spring 2024

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2

“Blossoms”

By Joseph Wood

Carle Place Middle/ High School Carle Place, New York

Quintessence Art and Literary Magazine Volume 2, Spring 2024

FACULTY ADVISORS: Samuel Plotkin and Jessica Albert ENGLISH/LITERACY DEPARTMENT: Leslie Rubenstein, Chairperson

ART DEPARTMENT: Michael Limone, Chairperson

Jessica Albert

Sandra Dietz

Simone Giacalone

Emily Ferreira

Cherie Gisondi

Daniel Krause

Alana Goldberg

Melissa Mehling

Jenique Nijboer

Kim Nickel

Ivana Pezza

Samuel Plotkin

Matthew Woythaler BOARD OF EDUCATION

President: Lawrence F. Zaino Jr.

Trustee: Joseph LoCurto

Vice President: Neal McLaughlin

Trustee: Vanessa Dong-Monaco Trustee: Kathleen Reardon

ADMINISTRATION Dr. Ted Cannone, Superintendent Eileen Fredericks, Deputy Superintendent Joanna DeMartino, Assistant Superintendent for Business Dr. Philip Molnar, Assistant Superintendent for Special Education & Pupil Pers. Services Jennifer Bambino, Executive Director of Technology Thomas DePaola, Middle and High School Principal Gerald Baratta, Assistant Principal Alan Foraker, Assistant Principal Front Cover: “Street” By George Tsivikas

Back Cover: “Bee” By Jason Pereira 3

Background Photo: “Sunset” By Milana D’Alessandro

SEHAJ SINGH

MR. SAMUEL

“Art doesn’t have to be good. It just happens to be good enough.”

PLOTKIN

-NORTH OF THE BORDER

“Were I called on to define, very briefly, the term Art, I should call it 'the reproduction of what the Senses perceive in Nature through the veil of the soul.'

-EA POE

EVANGELINE REINOSO “I have never thought of my life as divided between poetry and politics.”

-PABLO NERUDA

Table of Contents

(By student’s last name) If reading online, click the page number to be brought there Agostinho, Abigail…………….………………….Pg. 43 Cui, Tongtong……………………………..………Pg. Aguilar, Tyler……………………...………Pgs. 10 & 45 11 Anonymous*.....................................Pgs. 21-25, & 43 Cunha, Isabella…………………………………..Pg. 10 Arenas, Mimi………………………...…....Pgs. 15 & 19 Cunha, Jason……………………………….……Pg. 37 Azam, Samira……………………………..……..Pg. 35 D'Alessandro, Milana...Pgs. 3, 7, 16, 17, 38, 39, & 48 Berasti, Ryan………………....…Pgs. 10, 12, 18, & 40 Daniel, Angelina…………………..……………..Pg. 36 Bongino, Jadyn……………………….…………..Pg. DeGroot, Isabella………..…...…Pgs. 22, 38, 39, & 47 11 De La Cruz, Nangelly…………………….Pgs. 11 & 35 Bonna, Kota………………..…Pgs. 6, 13, 32, 38, & 48 DeMarco, Amanda…………………….…Pgs. 37 & 40 Breen, Colin…………………………………..…..Pg. 11 DeOliveira, Cathleen…………………………….Pg. 16 Canzoneri, Alessandra……………….….Pgs. 26 & 34 DeOliveira, Christeen……………………...…….Pg. 39 Canzoneri, Giulianna….. Pg. 12, 31, 38, 41, 45, & 48 DeRidder, Thomas……………....Pgs. 19, 26, 34 & 44 Castillo, Tatiana……………………….…….……Pg. 46 Farheen, Faiza…………………………...Pgs. 19 & 37 Chavez, JP……………………..……….………..Pg. 48 Gaiser, Zoey…………………………Pgs. 10, 32, & 46 Chowdhury, Arya…………….………..…………Pg. 35 Gaulrapp, Nora…………………………………..Pg. 45 Colon, Justin………………………………...……Pg. 30 Gelgand, Zack………………..…………..Pgs. 11 & 19 Coronel, Emi……………………………...………Pg. 43 Gomes, Ava………………………………..……..Pg. 42 4 Cruz, Jason………………………………….……Pg. 34 Gomes, Ishaan……………………………..…….Pg. 35

Table of Contents

(By student’s last name) If reading online, click the page number to be brought there Gomes, Sparshaw…………..………Pgs. 19, 40, & 48 Gonsalves, Aiden…………….…Pgs. 15, 26, 34, & 48 Gonsalves, Liam…………………….……Pgs. 30 & 48 Gorman, Lorelei………………………..…Pgs. 33 & 40 Green, Bernadette……………………………....Pg. 42 Grima, Brandon…………………………………..Pg. 30 Han, Abigail………………………………………Pg. 47 Hawkins, Kaveon……………………Pgs. 13, 34, & 48 Henglein, Sofia………………………………...…Pg. 43 Holsgrove, Victoria…………………………..…..Pg. 40 Iadevaia, Grace………………………..…………Pg. 45 Kang, Ava………………………….…Pgs. 14, 43, & 47 Kelly, Leah………………………………………….Pg. 7 Kruk, Hailey………………………………………Pg. 42 Koutsogiannis, Gregory………………….Pgs. 33 & 45 Lamhaouhi, Eliana……………….…Pgs. 19, 34, & 48 Leary, Caitlin……………………………………..Pg. 46 Leary, Ryan…………………Pgs. 17, 20, 27, 47, & 48 Lenihan, Brianna…………………….Pgs. 13, 18, & 34 Lima, Emily…………………………….….Pgs. 11 & 48 Liveris, Arianna…………………………...Pgs. 42 & 43 Lopes, Isabella………………………Pgs. 26, 34, & 41 Lora, Camila……………………………………...Pg. 42 Losito, Joseph……………………………………Pg. 34 Maglione, Jennarose…………………...Pgs. 8-9, & 41 Manchester, Chloe…………Pgs. 20, 24, 26, 34, & 48 Marasco, Nina…………………………………....Pg. 34 Marrero, Mikayla……………………….…Pgs. 18 & 34 Marte Pena, Joel…………………………Pgs. 38 & 41 Martinez-Fernandez, Breanna…….……Pgs. 28 & 40 Martinez, Jazmin………………………………...Pg. 18 Martins, Logan…………………..Pgs. 13, 18, 26, & 34 Maurro, Michael………………………………….Pg. 48 Mercado, Jelise…………………………..Pgs. 21 & 48 Moretta, Nicholas……………….Pgs. 16, 32, 46, & 48 Morgan, Kerri……………………………………..Pg. 44 Naraine, Paul………………………………..……Pg. 44 Natalie, Vincent……………………..……………Pg. 29 Nosovitch, Marissa……………………….Pgs. 29 & 34 O’Boyle, Madison…………………….………….Pg. 34 O’Brien, Mackenzie………………………Pgs. 28 & 44 O’Driscoll, Clodagh…………………Pgs. 18, 29, & 43 Oliveira, Gianlucas………………………………Pg. 19 Oliveira, Steven…………………………..Pgs. 15 & 40 Ortega, Max………………………………….…..Pg. 34 Pascarella, Nicholas……………………………..Pg. 16 Pena, Victor……………………………….Pgs. 19 & 34 *Note- Anonymous denotes a student who either 5 requested their name not be given or submitted anonymously.

Pepitone, Jake……………………………………...Pg. 17 Pereira, Gabriel………………………………………Pg. 6 Pereira, Jason……………………....Pgs. 5, 38, 48, & 50 Powers, Justin………………………………………Pg. 43 Psalidas, Angeliki……………………….…..Pgs. 11 & 38 Quiah, Ridley………………………………..Pgs. 31 & 33 Ramalhete, Jenna………………………………….Pg. 36 Raza, Alessandra……………………..Pgs. 18, 28, & 40 Reinoso, Evangeline…………………………Pgs. 4 & 11 Reyes, Mayra…………………...…Pgs. 10, 12, 19, & 31 Richuitti, Kyle……………………………..…Pgs. 38 & 48 Rodriguez, Arianna………..…Pgs. 30, 36, 38, 45, & 48 Rodriguez, Jovanni……………………Pgs. 19, 25, & 47 Rodriguez, Nicolas…………………………….…..Pg. 36 Romano, Daniel…………………………….Pgs. 30 & 40 Roussis, Angelo……………………….Pgs. 19, 34, & 38 Ruebenacker, Madeleine…………………….……Pg. 20 Rubim, Julia………………Pgs. 14, 25, 26, 34, 37, & 40 Ryan, Olivia…………………………….……Pgs. 14 & 37 Saca, Jayden……………………...Pgs. 10, 32, 40, & 46 Salcedo, Posha………………………..Pgs. 18, 40, & 46 Sanchez, Anthony………………………..…Pgs. 10 & 19 Schoch, Thomas……………………………………Pg. 15 Scibilia, Giulia……………………..Pgs. 19, 26, 34, & 48 Skulikidis, Michael…………………………….……Pg. 32 Skulikidis, Nicoletta…………………..……………Pg. 15 Seglin, Michael………………………………..……Pg. 14 Selhorn, Paige……………………………....Pgs. 32 & 38 Seligman, Victoria…………………………...……Pgs. 10 Shi, Zixuan…………………………...Pgs. 23, 26, 34, 35 Singh, Sehaj……………….…………….Pgs. 4, 19, & 27 Stellato, Devin………………………………………Pg. 40 Tsivikas, George……………………..Pgs. 1, 6, 30, & 38 Valentis, Eleni………………………………………Pg. 37 Velasquez-Bermudez, Alejandro…Pgs. 11, 19, 40,& 46 Venza, Angelina……………………….Pgs. 26, 34, & 40 Verdade, Julianna…………………………….……Pg. 30 Viegas, Carolina…………………..…..Pgs. 14, 36, & 48 Vlada, Alexa…………………………………..……Pg. 42 Webber, Daniel…………………………..…………Pg. 41 Weilert, Sierra…………………Pgs. 33, 38, 41, 45, & 46 Weilert, Dylan……………………………………….Pg. 18 Wilgosz, Katherine………………………………....Pg. 40 Wood, Joseph……………………………..... Pgs. 2 & 49 Wu, Vincy……………………………………………Pg. 43 Yehuda-Smith, Ziv………………………….Pgs. 35 & 48 Zannino, Emma…………………….….Pgs. 32, 40, & 42 Zhu, Jonathan………………………….Pgs. 15, 29, & 35

“Texture”

By Jason Pereira

“Divided By”

By Gabriel Pereira One girl, one boy.

Divided between the light and darkness.

If one crosses to the other side, they will be turned into dust.

They have been trying to contact each other for their entire lives on this island, but have never been successful other than casual conversation.

“I Hate Her”

Their only wishes to hug one another.

Neither have ever felt physical touch before.

By Kota Bonna

6

”Cloud Lake”

By George Tsivikas

“My Grandmother”

By Leah Kelly

Remembering youth, where time was a friend, Each day a beginning, no sight of an end.

The beach, a reminder of life’s simple pleasure, Each visit a memory, a moment to treasure.

Growing old is a journey of letting go, Each year whispering by with a soft, wistful glow.

The hands of time, they weave and spin, As some chapters close and new ones begin.

The seats at the table, once full, now gone, Oh, the beach with it’s endless blue, Each absence is silent, a sadness She dreamed of things she used to prolonged. do.

The laughter of children, a melody so The echoes of laughter, now memories held dear, sweet, In her heart's quiet chamber she Echoes of innocence in the summer keeps them near. heat.

Photograph7

“Sunset” By Milana D’Alessandro

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9

“Doom”

“Sip”

“Pumpkin Love”

By Ryan Berasti

By Mayra Reyes

By Victoria Seligman

“Cactus”

“Jay”

“Water”

By Anthony

By Jayden Saca

By Tyler Aguilar

“Buzz Mug”

“Home”

“Z”

By Isabella Cunha

By Mayra Reyes

By Zoey Gaiser

Sanchez

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“Chanel”

“What a Treat”

“Piggy”

By Nangelly De La Cruz

By Angeliki Psalidas

By Jadyn Bongino

“Lonely Heart”

“ER”

“Peeled”

By Alejandro

By Evangeline

By Colin Breen

Velasquez-Bermudez

Reinoso Moya

“Idol”

“Monstrous”

“E”

By Tongtong Cui

By Zack Gelgand

By Emily Lima

11

“A Music Reality”

By Mayra Reyes The second the music plays The world seems to stop.

All my problems suddenly go away All the catastrophes seem to drop.

At that very moment, the only thing that matters Are the following three minutes of a captivating tune.

Songs of love, death, or even new chapters All happily enjoyed in the comfort of my room.

What I truly love about music Is that it's almost like a form of therapy.

Everything about it is real, authentic Exactly like a remedy.

“Light”

By Giulianna Canzoneri

For a brief moment, I am stuck in my own bubble And no one else seems to exist.

All of my previous bothersome struggles Thankfully fail to persist.

It is like a temporary escape from reality Good vibrations surrounding me.

The euphoric feelings comes so naturally I finally feel free.

A world without music Is like a day without sun.

I cannot go a day without it.

A life without music wouldn’t be very fun.

“Nirvana”

By Ryan Berasti 12

“I am Completely and Utterly Alone”

By Kota Bonna

“Crushed”

By Kaveon Hawkins

I am completely and utterly alone.

I wasn’t always this wayMaybe that's what makes this worse.

I once had someone, Someone so beautiful…

Most people have an idea, of what their dream girl or boy is.

But in truth She was even better than my dream girl.

“Solo Point”

By Brianna Lenihan “Ribbon”

By Logan Martins

She was real.

She was who she was And I was in love with it.

I felt complete.

I could stare into her eyes for hours And would never get tired.

It was like looking at the most beautiful stars I hate looking at stars now.

They always remind me of her.

And of what I once had.

I am completely and utterly alone.

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“Rubber Ducky”

By Ava Kang

ise” “Torto bim ia Ru

By Jul “Touc

By Oli an” via Ry an By “Sh M ark ich D ae uc l S k” eg lin

hant” as p e l E “ a Vieg n i l o r

By Ca

eal” “Baby S ang

By Ava K

14

“Octopus”

By Julia Rubim

ck” u u cy D an Zh n a “F nath Jo By

“Angl er den G ” onsalv es

By Ai

“Eagle” Oliveira

By Steven

“Frenchi

By Mimi e” Arenas

“Dog” ch

By Thomas Scho

“Sw

By N ans” 15 Sk icoletta ulik idis

“Golf”

By Nicholas Pascarella I am a golfer.

It's a good sport.

Many people don't see it that way.

Tiger woods; I read a book about him.

I could give an entire story about his life.

But who wants to read about that?

Many people see golf as boring And probably not fun to write or read about If they are not golfers.

But I am a golfer.

So reading, writing, and most of all playing “Sleep is Such a Is the best thing in the world for me.

Strange Thing”

By Cathleen DeOliveira Sleep is such a strange thing.

Every day you go to bed just to wake up.

But why must we give up our nights?

Why must our bodies shut down for hours?

Why must we waste our precious time doing ¨nothing¨?

To think about what we could do in the hours in which we are still.

But sleep is beautiful in a way.

Our bodies can rejuvenate and regenerate.

Our problems feel like they disappear and just for a second.

Life feels perfect, and just when it feels too good to be true.

You open your eyes, and all your biggest dreams just vanish.

Until later in the day when you do it all over 16 again.

For I am a golfer.

“Metal”

By Nicholas Moretta

“Tired” By Milana D’Alessandro

“Oh, How Time Flies”

By Jake Pepitone When I look into the eyes Of the clearest reflection Oh how the time flies With the change in complexion.

Oh, will heaven call my prayers From the world when I’m extinctSave me from countless nightmares Which make me slowly shrink?

Walk down the stairs And grab a drink Using the shiniest wares My eyes rapidly blink.

Scared out of my mind About what my life might become What I shall find When my age has reached its sum-

How have I been so blindBecoming deserted scum, After all my grind, Just to end up glum.

What I will see In the new world that may be For I lay in bed And now… I am dead.

Will I be so wise Lost in various sections Preparing for my demise Having the deepest depression? ” Light f o d ro “Spee ssand e l A ’ lana D

By Mi

“Tim e

By R Lapse” yan L eary

17

om” “Ven zmin a J y B inez Mart

ck” “Boja enihan nna L a i r B By

tles” “Bea erasti an B

By Ry

k” y Duc e l r a h “H odag l C y B scoll i r D ’ O ttery” o P h “Poo ikayla

By M ro e Marr

By

’s aman “Aqu nt” Tride eilert lan W

By Dy

otte” N a l l “Be lcedo a S a sh

By Po mo” “Cos artins gan M o L y B

18

ro” “Toto ra Raza sand Ales

vin” “Krueger” “Mar oussis R

By Anthony Sanchez gelo n A y B

m” “Albu dro ejan

By Al quez Velas

a” “Flor haouhi “Handsome S quidward” a Lam n a i

By Gianlucas l OliveiraBy E

“Hello Kitty”

By Faiza Farheen

” -Man r e d i “Sp enas r A i im

By M

” “Sally eyes R ayra M y B

“Scary Green Skull Man”

By Sehaj Sing h

“Fra n

By Z kenwee n ach Gelg ie” and

b’s ey” gebo k n c i o p M a “ li “S pple” Scibi a a e i l n i u P Singh

By Gi j a h

By Se

rs” “Lake Gomes w 19 y Sparsha B

ball” m u G “ ena P r o t c

By Vi

er “Sup ces” n ainta Ridder u q c A as De m o h

By T

s” “Mile driguez Ro anni v o J By

Christmas Time

By Madeleine Ruebenacker The wind gets colder and the nights get longer.

Fall faces change and smiles grow stronger.

Children laugh at movies on the TV Cuddled in blankets, snug as can be.

White flurries float down outside Like blankets made of wool and twine.

Thoughts of Christmas cloud their minds As children dream of presents divine.

The lights glow on the tree so bright.

Meanwhile little ones tremble in fright.

A green man flashes across the screen The Grinch flees and leaves the scene clean.

“Winter Sun” By Chloe Manchester

White Christmas in their heads Stockings wrapped in tinsel and threads Winter, a cold season for all Waiting for Santa’s sleigh to call.

“Snow Ball” By Ryan Leary

20

“Night of the Girl with the Pearl Earring”

By Anonymous

The light switches off at the end of the day, and Amalia can finally breathe. The day hadn't been any longer than those before it, but it certainly had felt like forever. Having something to look forward to at night always makes the work day go slower.

It's not to say that she doesn't love her job, she certainly does.

She loves having people fawn over her, praise her beauty.

She could do without those who complain that she is too small or underwhelming, but it doesn't hurt her all

“Night Falls”

by Jelise Mercado

too much. On the day to day, there is nothing she would rather do. But today?

She just wants the night to fall.

As soon as the security guard flips off the switch and disappears past the corner, Amalia takes a large step outside her frame. She lands

“She just wants the night to fall.” off-kilter but stays on her feet. She can't say as much for her neighbor, Halwig, who steps out and falls over, like usual. She rolls her eyes and steps over to him, holding out her hand 21

to him. "Good day, Amalia." He uses her hand to steady himself as he stands.

"Good day, Halwig." They bow their heads to each other and move on. People are stepping out all over the exhibit, and it gets a little crowded. It's mostly portraits over here, but there are a couple with a bunch of people, and their wing always fills up pretty quickly. Amalia looks around with squinted eyes. She can't

“Her favorite days are the days she sees her love.” stand fluorescents.

exhibit to Lucienne's, they meet. If Amalia had breath, it would have been stolen from her lungs. The woman looks no different than the last time they saw each other, but it always feels the same. Her brown hair is pulled away from her face, showing her dark eyes. Her white

is Amalia's favorite part about her. During the day, she never smiles. She isn't painted that way. But that just means this moment, the smile she gives is all her own. Not Monet's, like the billows of wind that follow her around.

Amalia's face mirrors the smile. They stop a few feet away just to look at her. It's a moment she's been waiting for for a week.

She turns down the corridor on her right, and once she sets at it, she finds herself running. She can't help it. Her favorite days are the days she sees her love. She wishes desperately to see her “Her white dress twirls as though she were still every night, but she knows that Lucienne's in her windy fieldscape…”

The two of them son is her priority and dress twirls as though surge forward accepts it. Tonight, she were still in her suddenly, meeting in William from two windy fieldscape, and a hug. The force has frames down, is as ever her green them spinning, and watching Pierre, and parasol is in her left so Amalia gets to see hand, closed. Her lips her beloved again. stretch into a beautiful smile.

About three-quarters of the Lucienne's smile way from her own “Eye See”

by Isabella DeGroot

22

Amalia lifts Luci up in her arms as they twirl. Luci's laugh rings out like a beautiful melody, though Amalia can't think of a real song she would choose over the sweet sound.

She kisses her lover's cheek repeatedly, settling her back on her feet, though not letting her go. "Hello, my love."

"Hello." Luci pulls away from the hug and holds out her elbow. "Shall we make our way on?"

"I suppose we shall." Amalia takes her elbow with a giggle. "How have you been these past few days?"

"Oh, you know."

Luci waves her hand

away vaguely.

"Pierre's been the same as always, running about the place causing trouble.

He threw a fit last night that he did not want to go back into our frame at the end of the night. He

“Untitled”

by Zixuan Shi

wanted to stay in the Café Terrace." She rolls her eyes, shakes her head. Luci is always expressive that way. It's so endearing. "How about you?"

"Oh, you know."

She teases, mirroring 23

“...settling her back on her feet, though not letting her go.” the gesture Luci had just made. "I went to the new Garden of Earthly Delights we just got in. It's quite gorgeous. We'll have to go sometime." Luci nods with a faraway look, focusing on the twists and turns of the hallways. The museum is quite large and it has always made sense to Amalia, but it's nice to let her love lead her around. It always takes longer than when she is either by herself or with friends, but it just lets her

“...it's nice to let her love lead her around.”

“Beach Ride”

by Chloe Manchester

“It's nice to have someone who listens to what she has to say. ” enjoy the night more.

Every night with Luci feels like a fun adventure, with a new look at the museum she's explored so thoroughly.

Amalia continues to talk about her days without Luci, describing the portraits she's been in and the different nights in detail. It's nice to have someone who listens to what she has to say. When she is with her friends, Amalia always feels like she goes unnoticed. But never with Luci.

They arrive at the intended frame, which Amalia recognizes as

Island of La Grande Jatte. She smiles widely. Her favorite.

"Aw, Luci, how sweet!

You know I love it here."

Luci smiles right back at her and untucks their arms.

She looks around the room before holding out her hand, which the blonde takes easily. "I know you do,

“With that, the two step into the portrait, hand in hand.” dear." With that, the two step into the portrait, hand in hand.

The park is always a popular spot, but it spans wide. They find a spot easily, settle in, and look out to the water.

Luci keeps looking between the water, 24

Amalia, and the part around them. Amalia always enjoys the calm waters, and they make her feel content in herself.

"These waters remind me of you, you know?" The blonde tells her love.

Lucienne's head turns back to her immediately, and her face flashes from one of concern to a sweet smile. "They're still and calm, but they're beautiful. They move slowly, but they know

where they are going. Constantly flowing, but still sturdy and always there when I'm not feeling my best."

Luci's smile only grows and her dark eyes soften. She brings their combined hands up to her lips and presses a kiss to her hand. Amalia blushes.

"You remind me of the boats. They have no destination, no plan, but they always find a way to wade through the water and they seem content."

Amalia's eyes fall closed as she leans back against the grass. Her hand is heavy with the hold from her lover, and the gentle moving water sound relaxes her. She lets the waves carry all her cares away, simply enjoying the time she has. She lays her head down in Luci's lap, and her hand comes up to run through her blonde hair. Her pearl earrings dig slightly into the skin behind her ears, but the calming hand in her hair makes her forget it immediately. For the first time in days, she is finally at peace.

“Girl”

By Jovanni Rodriguez

“Serenity”

by Julia Rubim

25

Venza a n li e g An

lves

r ridde

onsa G n e d i

as De Thom

A

n Shi Zixua

Alessandra Canzoneri

Chloe Manche ster

cibilia Giulia S

Julia

Isab

ella

Rubim

Logan Martins

26

Lope

s

“Taco Bell”

By Sehaj Singh Without it, my life is hell Without my precious… Taco Bell.

The crunchwrap supremes are truly sublime, The meal is an a ordable ten - ninety nine.

The sauces come in all di erent flavors, You could get mild, but fire is for the braver.

All the burritos are filled with beans, And stu ed with rice, cheese and sour cream, You can never go wrong with Taco Bell’s tacos; If you’re still hungry you could get their nachos.

If you hunger for cheese, they have a quesadilla, Wrapped up in the finest tortilla.

Their signature soda, a Mountain Dew Baja Blast Is a burst of flavor, be sure to drink it all fast.

But taco bell does have its consequences Rearing its ugly head from behind the picket white fences.

For while the beans and meat are truly sublime, The dairy products are just fine.

But together in your stomach, this amazing feast It all rumbles, it begins to become quite the beast And the rumbling down there it doesn't ceaseRunning to the bathroom, shoes beginning to crease.

In the bathroom the battle on the seat Leaves even the mightiest stomachs in defeat But in the end, although it's quite the feat, Taco bell is worth all the heat.

“Lightning in A Bottle” 27

By Ryan Leary

“Response to My Last Duchess”

By Mackenzie O’Brien To my dearest Lord whose ire I evade, I urge you now to not send your daughter For the Duke will only make her degrade.

This man sent his last duchess to slaughter.

“Hiss”

He thought his wife was too quick to a smile So he locked her away in a tower.

By Breanna Martinez-Fernandez

He would rather she die than beguile

“Response to My Last Duchess”

Because she did not appreciate his power.

By Caroleen DeOliveira

Your daughter is too beautiful for this man And his jealous history with such wives.

My Lord, Oh Lord this Duke is absurd The man wants love, but with him I have strife.

Though her demeanor is always deadpan,

He kept his past wife like a caged bird

Sending her here would only end more lives.

She hid alone in the castle fearing for her life.

I would be a better husband to her

Oh Lord, Oh Lord please hear me out

And I am nothing more than your chauffeur.

The ladies are compelled under his money’s smell.

They seem so certain, there isn’t any doubt.

But clearly life in the castle is like living hell The Duke is never pleased even with three He works in the shadows taking innocent lives He will keep searching and never set them free He is a murderer with many lies Please save your princess or you’re in for a shock.

If you send her there she will be buried under

“Paper Person”

By Alessandra Raza

a rock.

28

“The Oregon Trail”

By Vincent Natalie

oll

c y” Dris x o ’ “F h O ag d o Cl y B

The Oregon trail Could make one turn pale.

Some want a farm Just a place to disarm The long road ahead Could bring much dreadUsually pleasant and slow But there may be some snow.

“

By J Swan” ona than Zhu

The bear gets covered in white he could even seen at night All pretty and scenic Until it becomes comedic The bear start to run And the fight has begun The bear propels the wagon in the air Causing all to say a prayer Biting flesh and tearing skin The family has no chance to win.

After seconds they lie dead causing the journey to end.

d” tch “Bir osovi sa N s i r a

By M

The bodies lay for weeks Finally at peace Life is like the oregon trail Always destined to fail.

Life has no meaning So stop your scheming Don't prolong your life Just end it with a knife…

Or the bison will get you too.

29

“Autumn is Approaching”

By Juliana Verdade

“That Time”

By George Tsivikas

As the chilled air flows over my body The vellus hairs on my arms raise vertically.

The feeling of goosebumps heightens my senses.

Autumn is approaching.

The aroma of pumpkin spice rushes towards me Filling my heart with joy and nestling the warmth within.

Leaves evolve and descend from the oak branches.

Autumn is approaching

“Seasons”

By Brandon Grima Life’s always changing Where nature is flourishing Often improving

Children play in piles of leaves, Laughing and jumping faces are enlightened While parents sit indoors preparing for the transition.

Autumn is approaching.

Fall is amazing Leaf colors change in the wind Winter is second Winter breeze is here Where air grows crisp and pale Regrowth follows suit Spring grows buds all over Where trees bloom with a fresh smell.

With the sun shining

The days grow short and the nights grow long Mother Nature shifts Her way to a more colorful scenery Embracing the seasons changing form.

Autumn is approaching.

“Sun Down”

Soon is the summer Where nature’s grace is displayed With its vibrant colors.

“Leaf Collages” (L-R) Liam Gonsalves, Justin Colon, and Daniel Romano

By Arianna Rodriguez

30

“Sun Up”

By Arianna Rodriguez

“Leaves” anzoneri C a n n a li iu

By G

“Intercalary Chapter Piece”

By Mayra Reyes The once dark blue sky suddenly turned into a light beautiful shade of baby blue with a comforting white mist in the air. Even from far away, one can still hear the soothing splashing sounds the running waterfall makes as it rushes against the smooth silver stones surrounding it. The crystal clear blue waters look exactly like one of the existing gemstones of the earth, aquamarine. It gives off a refreshing cold sensation as the water comes in contact with one’s skin. Across the distance, the baby birds chirp as they see their reflection right below them as they pass by, looking for their mothers. Surrounded by the flowing gushing waters are the thick emerald green bushes, carving out a path exactly like how a sidewalk would along the street.

31

“Waiting For Winter”

By Ridley Quiah Sun radiating Illusions going rampant All the way till dawn It’s sweltering hot My shirt’s stuck to my body uncomfortable Leaves fluttering down They’ve nothing better to do These things are quite dumb It's cold outside now Fin’lly, time for hot cocoa time for a good book

“The Vacation”

By Paige Selhorn Punta Cana is the place to be.

Waking up to the sea, And the breeze from the ocean, makes me feel all sorts of emotion.

Throughout the day with my body burning from the sun Dunking in the pool to put my hair in a bun.

Just to lay out until the duskDrinking pina coladas until I’m skunk.

Washing my body and watching the sand go down the drain, Just to yell and scream about my burn and complain, And seeing the tanlines that I received, Filled me with joy because of the tan I achieved.

As I got out of the shower I sprayed my perfume and smelt like flowers Picking my outfit out to look so pretty Looking over at Caitlin as she gets ready.

Making fun of her and laughing together Going out to dinner and have this nice weather.

Having a blast on the best vacation Punta Cana is definitely a great location.

Shells: Background- Michael Skulikidis Top- Nicholas Moretta 32 Bottom- Kota Bonna

“Palm Tree”

By Jayden Saca

“Beach”

By Emma Zannino

“Paradise Flower”

By Zoey Gaiser

“Horror Scene”

By Ridley Quiah The smell nauseated me, something down here had been marking the place. Something had been leaving all sorts of bones down here as well. Not bones of the animal nature either. But all of a sudden I saw something. It felt like rough leather to the touch with a rather fleshy underside. I relapsed, suddenly realizing that it was really human skin I had just felt, torn bits of it as well. There had been enough in the surrounding room to easily make up 5 whole people. I know not what had the strength to completely rip human flesh off of someone and leave barely any skin.

33 33

“Shudder”

By Sierra Weilert

“Cirque”

By Lorelei Gorman

“Lightmares”

By Gregory Koutsogiannis

By Chloe Manchester

By Ales

sandra

By Brianna L

By Aiden Gonsalves

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Canzon

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By Giulia Scibilia aouhi

By

Lamh Eliana

By Isabella Lopes

By

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By Jason Cru

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By Jos

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o ison O’B d a M y B

By Max Or

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By Nina M

34

arrero

M kayla i M y B

“B y

By An Jo y O na t he th r a n Na Zh me u ”

” “Butterfly es o nG m

By Ishaa

“Butter f

By Zixu ly” an Shi

“Sh Wa ” B Aza Samir an Ary Chowdhur Sh wa th helpfu han everyon turne t whe the ha nowher els t g , las reso bu nonetheles sh ’ alwa o e suppo .

Da an nigh sh ’ wor an wor , he labo unappreciate . Fo validatio , sh neve waite , o erin he helpin han wit smil o he fac . H e warmt radiate fro he smil , an non th whil sh wa neve vil . Sh neve wavere i th fac of adve sit , bu wa neve favore b an . Sh wa to kin .

“Swan”

By Nangelly De La Cruz

“Flower Print”

By Ziv Yehuda-Smith

“Alone”

By Daniel Webber

35

t” Hear s y d o “Blo ina Viega ol y Car

B

Photo by Giovanny

n” ectio te l f e ure R amalhe t x i F “ R nna e J By

ture” z a N er ue “Fath s Rodrig icola N y B

nset” ez u S d u “Fiel odrig R a n rian

By A

“Don’t Trust The Duke: A Sonnet”

By Angelina Daniel My Count, I ask you heed these words of mine.

You my Count are strong and wise,

The Duke of Ferrara isn’t a catch;

Having a heart warm and true.

The Duke tells a tale of love’s dark design

Surely you can see through your eyes

And is clearly not your daughter’s right match.

That the Duke will make her blue.

The Duke’s a guy covered in cold disdain.

So let us hope and keep searching your grace

His last duchess, a sweet and poor old soul

And hope that one will take his place.

Suffered her whole life going through a pain And he, my Lord, left her heart with a hole.

36

“The Eyes of a Servant”

By Eleni Valentis

As a servant I watch and see all.

The king is my master, and I admire him.

The daughter of the king named Maule.

Master wants to have her marry a boy from the gym.

I think young Maule should marry this handsome boy.

He seems to be nice and good for such a nice girl.

They hung out together and she smiled with joy.

They went on a dance together and they danced with a swirl.

The joy on both of their faces made me smile.

She has never been as happy with a boy like him.

A Dane and handsome man is exactly Maules lifestyle.

They both are pure and they both like to swim.

They are happy and this is why Master it must happen.

Don't look down on this love and lets all just take chances.

“Borea lis”

By Jas on Cun h

a

“Tro By pical S Faiz u a F nset” arh een

co lm” “Pa DeMar da man

By A

“

By J Pier” ulia Rubi m

set” n u ter S m “Win lia Rubi u

By J

37

“Tropical Su nrise”

By Olivia Ry an

B

t nk” “Dri DeGroo bella y Isa

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By K

“Break ing Da

By An y” geliki Psalid is

ndBackgrou “Forest” e Tsivikas

By Georg

om” “Blo Weilert ierra

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lets” “Drop essandro l na D’A a l i M y

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“Bud” rte Pena

By Joel Ma

ads” “Be Pereira ason

By J

“Trio” Selhorn y Paige

B

“Sunflower”

By Ariana Rodriguez

als” s “Pet Roussi o l ge y An

B “Rose”

By Kota Bonna

38

n” atio root n i l l “Po lla DeG sabe

By I

“Time”

By Christeen DeOliveira

“Bud” By Isabella DeGroot

When the people you know begin to say “bye” The years begin to creep I soon begin to see myself begin to cry.

Why has time gone by so fast?

When my days slowly turn in to my past The bad days don’t seem to last.

But oh do I dream That my luck would appear within a beam (of light).

Good days begin to appear And no fear is on my shoulder.

As I’ve gotten older I have not yet picked a four leaf clover.

Even though I am scared to what is to come I know I should not turn away and run.

But one thing I can say is Time flies by when you have fun.

“Blossom” By Milana D’Alessandro

39

Alejandro VelasquezBermudez

Alessandra Raza

Devin Stellato

Almanda DeMarco

Angelina Venza

Lorelei Gorman

Breanna Martinez-Fernandez

Jayden Saca

Breanna Martinez-Fernandez

Breanna Martinez-Fernandez

Julia Rubim

Katherine Wilgosz

Posha Salcedo

Emma Zannino

Daniel Romano

Steven Oliveira

Victoria Holsgrove

40 Ryan Berasti

Sparshaw Gomes

“Natural Disasters” Hypothermia

By Jennarose Maglione Twisting and turning Devastation in its wake Not in Kansas now “City”

By Isabella Lopes

“Rocks”

By Joel Marte Pena

Sinking or swimming Only water left in sight Land becomes ocean “Water Glass” Rumble, shake, and quake

By Ryan Leary

Tectonic plates shift roughly Broken glass and homes “Tree 1”

By Sierra Weilert

Once green and thriving Now reduced to ash and smoke Smokey Bear warned us

“Tree 2”

By Sierra Weilert

Vision turned to white Wander the icy wasteland Hypothermia

“Rubble”

By Daniel Webber

41

“Bark”

By Giuliana Canzoneri

“We be Popping”

By Paul Naraine The popping of the kernels makes such a great sound.

Like little grenades going off upon hitting the ground.

When the bag opens the salty aroma leaves The sensation is so extravagant it brings me to my knees I visualize the kernels hitting my plate Bro I really can’t hardly wait The strong buttery flavor “Crushed 2” makes every bite one to savor.

The roughness of the corn makes it sharp to feel,

By Thomas DeRidder But when Mr. Plotkin puts more on Christopher’s napkin I'm going for the steal.

“As I Go Around”

By Kerri Morgan As I go around in circles, I feel myself popping and jumping up and down It’s getting hot, I’m burning up, and a roaring scream of the microwave can be heard over my pops A buttery aroma fills the air as I’m taken out of the microwave and I’m opened to the fresh air I start to feel dizzy as I’m being moved around the room, and I begin to become room temperature As I’m being poured out onto paper towels, my layers are shiny white and buttery yellow When people begin to pick me up, a buttery scent wafts up to their noses Everyone in the room was brought back to the movie theater memories of their childhood “Disappointment in a Bag”

By Mackenzie O’Brien When he first brought in the microwave, I was more wary than excited.

With the stories we'd heard of burinings, there was no way to know how this would go.

Once the packet went inside, the hum of the microwave picked up.

Slowly, my expectations rose as the familiar buttery scent filled the air.

The constant electronic murmur was intercut with loud pops.

We were well on our way.

The sounds cut off abruptly and are replaced with the incessant beeping.

Yet he didn't retrieve our golden treat.

The whir started up again, the buttery air intensifying.

“Pop Pop” Cautiously, he opens the bag away from him.

By Thomas DeRidder The steam releases, and we rejoice.

As it dispersed, my heart sank. The golden greasy treat I desired was nowhere to be found.

The styrofoam-esque kernels are almost brown, the taste is bitter and not salty or good like I want.

I eat more, excited even despite the popcorn failure.

The trash can comes around, and my empty napkin goes in.

It's a great day all together, even with the disappointment hanging in the air with the butter.

(From Pages 42-43: Genre- Alexa Vlada, Symbolism- Arianna Liveris, Chorus- Bernadette Green, Mood- Ava Gomes, IronyCamila Lora, Resolution- Hailey Kruk, Monologue- Emma Zannino, POV- Vincy Wu, Rising Action- Anonymous, TragedySofia Henglein, Dynamic Character- Arianna Liveris, Antagonist- Justin Powers, Dialogue- Clodagh O’Driscoll, Scene- Abigail Agostinho, Stage Directions- Emi Coronel, & Hubris- Ava Kang)

44

“Once the Brown Bag…”

By Grace Iadevaia Once the brown paper bag filled with the buttery white popcorn is placed in the microwave The kernels begin burning up The intense popping sounds emerge from the bag I begin to smell the buttery popcorn fill the entire classroom My classmates and I begin to crave the rich greasy scent Eventually after what feels like years the loud beeping sounds come out from the microwave Exiting everyone that the delicious snack is finally ready The teacher reaching into the steamy microwave He begins dealt out the delicious snack We all quickly devour the buttery sensation

By

A few seconds later we all realize the treat was tragically burnt The dark, gloomy and ill-lit kernels glaring back at me I place the pieces into my drooling filled mouth Spitting them back out into the cloud like towel This experience will forever stay with me

“L Gr ight E eg ory xplo Ko sion uts og ” “As the Microwave Began” ian nis

By Sierra Weilert

As the microwave began to murmur, you could feel the anticipation in the room rising.

Sporadic crackles and pops.

Soon the aroma of freshly popped popcorn wafted out of the microwave And all through the room.

As the popped kernels shuffled out of the bag and onto the paper towel The steam of the bag escaped into the air.

The salty, yet buttery puffs, still warm to the touch, left a pleasant flavor in everyone's mouths.

“Explosion of Light”

By Giulianna Canzoneri

“Popcorn and Chris”

By Tyler Aguilar The seconds winding down, He’s visualizing the popping of the corn.

The sound, soothing to the ear; “Explosion of Light and Color” Pop. Pop. Pop. “Color Explosion”

By Nora Gaulrapp As the bag opens, and the steamy aroma exits,

By Arianna Rodriguez Chris is excited to enjoy that nostalgic snack.

Grab some and eat, and wait for the pillowy goodness to melt in his mouth.

The salt, butter and the greasy taste all at once makes it ever so enjoyable.

Those little clouds bring joy to all… but especially Chris.

Movies, hangouts, shows, and more, It brings goodness for all to adore. …But mostly Chris.

45

“Kindness in the World” By: Caitlin Leary

“Kindness”

By Alejandro Velasquez Bermudez

Kindness makes the world a better place Each and every day.

Helping people out puts smiles on their face So there's no reason not to start today.

Generosity spreads like a sunset across the sky Which means we need to all give it a try Friendliness is something to embrace And never get pushed away.

Boosting confidences should always be the case At least that’s what they all say.

Kindness brings about a positive community And also leads to people filled with unity.

“Panda”

By Jayden Saca

“Tortoise”

By Zoey Gaiser

“The Everlasting Silent Chaos” By: Tatiana Castillo

“Colorful Balloons”

By Posha Salcedo

“Light Explosion”

By Nicholas Moretta

Chaos seems to be all we make.

What else from me do you want to take?

So I continue to pray things change.

The love you show seems to be a range.

Now you continue to fool me And I realize this is how it will always be But I continue to yearn for your notice Is this really worth my focus?

There’s a moment where I feel That your acceptance will never be real.

I accept the silence and stares I guess life really isn’t fair.

46

“Colorful Chaos”

By Sierra Weilert

“He Knows”

By Abigail Han I talked with my secrets today The voices in my head were screaming But they were different, something was changingMy insides were splayed open and wholeThey had their own mind, their own heart that I can’t control

“Skull Light”

By Ryan Leary

It's beyond my soul now I let him have admission without the fee Like a living heart separated from me And placed in a cage full of crows While I pray they won’t make their final blows It’s my fault, I did it I made it this way But oh it felt so good to see my secrets slip away Just a little was taken off, the chip grew smaller But the pieces evolved into someone stronger Stronger than me in all the weight that it carried And I pray that one day my secret’s fate is to be buried But for now I’ll sit here and wait for them to come back I can’t control them no more, but I'm hoping he’ll never crack Background- “Pencils”

By Isabella DeGroot

4747

“Heisenberg”

By Ava Kang

“Leaking Universe”

By Jovanni Rodriguez

“Me”

By Aiden Gonsalves

“Swan”

By Ariana Rodriguez

“Green Peppers”

By Carolina Viegas

“Cat”

By Chloe Manchester

“Baubles”

By Eliana Lamhaouhi

“Jellyfish”

By Giulia Scibilia

“Fish Light”

By Giulianna Canzoneri

“Storm in a Bottle”

By Giulianna Canzoneri

“Toad”

By Liam Gonsalves

“Piano City”

By Emily Lima

“Camera”

By Jason Pereira

“Time Lapse”

By Jelise Mercado

Breanna Martinez-Fernandez

“Knotted”

By Jason Pereira

“Print”

By JP Chavez

“Sneakers”

By Kaveon Hawkins

“Music Cutout”

By Eliana Lamhaouhi

“Slice”

By Kota Bonna

“Light Fish”

By Kyle Richuitti

“Glass Model”

By Michael Maurro

“Bumpy”

By Milana D’Alessandros

“Foggy Ornaments”

By Nicholas Moretta

“MTV”

By Sparshaw Gomes

“Mirror Image”

By Ryan Leary

“Tom and Jerry” Victoria Holsgrove By Ziv Yehuda-Smith

4848

“Freeze!”

By Joseph Wood

50