RecStory: The Art and Literary Magazine of Rectory School

Rec Story 2023-2024

The Art & Literary Magazine of Rectory School

Taylor H., Grade 6

Jack M., Grade 7

Faculty Advisor and Editor Robert Oakes Art Director Katherine Oakes RecStory Elective Members Kinaya B. ‘25 Rylie K. ‘24 Julia T. ‘28 Yanwen C. ‘26 Chloe L. ‘27 Hannah V. ‘25 Samantha F. ‘26 Fay S. ‘27 Emily X. ‘25 Front Cover Art James S. ‘25 Back Cover Art Monica M. ‘24 Flower and Heart Drawings Tori G. ‘27 Published by Rectory School, Pomfret, CT Volume 15, Spring 2024

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Distant Lights If tomorrow came as it did today The lights would still be shining As radiant as they shine this way There is still so much in darkness So many eyes from lonely windows Looking at a hopeless sky If the clouds moved as they do Someday the sun will come to you Or stars and comets can break the veil So equally there is day and night As there is love and hate Intelligence and ignorance These things polluting and igniting us As these clouds of acid and stars These memories of pain and laughter Together make the true beauty I see in blood and lessons learned As those in love and light and warmth Don’t attempt to understand these things You will find them again and again Slipping between the day and the night As if there was nothing ever there As if these eyes peering through empty cities Were these lights that are shining Ace A. Grade 8

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The Sky What do you think of when you look at the sky?

I think it’s a barrier to the rest of the universe Because at day, we can’t see if there’s anything Behind it.

That’s why we think it holds something we don’t understand But we can see, during the night as stars Poke through, traveling millions of miles Just to appear to us as lonely dots That’s what dreams are When you can’t see behind the facade Those ancient beauties can poke holes Through our minds as we sleep As a reminder that we don’t hold Everything sacred And that we’re not alone while we sleep.

Ace A. Grade 8

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Steven C., Grade 9

Leon L., Grade 7

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A Friendly Companion After “The Minor Key” by Clara Ann Thompson Dogs are very energetic. Dogs make me feel thrilled. Their brave souls are what makes them a man’s best friend. Dogs are like a million golden hearts.

They are loyal companions that will forever stay by your side. If you have a struggle a dog will always be there for you on your most challenging time. Just know you’re not alone.

Mary-Alma T. Grade 6

Life Is Memorable After “As the Eagle Soars” by Jean Toomer A good memory was when I enjoyed my good childhood. I would let nature play outside, and my toys would laugh with me inside. Life is memorable. Your life will get harder, however it will get so hard that it knocks you into many pieces. Doing things that will help you enjoy your life, will make your memories of enjoying your life be glorious and gorgeous. Life is memorable. Loving life makes life a piece of cake. An amazing memory was in cross country with my nice team, and we did a good exercise.

My team was so fun that we could…BOOM!...outshine a ton out of the sun. Seeing my notperfect family every day makes me feel as joyful as Spongebob when he goes to work. An amazing thing in life is a chance to show interest in what you love, just like an exhibition.

Mary-Allegra T. Grade 6 Fun After “The Minor Key” by Clara Ann Thompson My notes seem to be mocking me. I look out the window at luscious green trees. I try to study. No luck there. Life is made for fun. I look at the other wall so bare, like a sheet of white. Life is made to be tuned to happiness. Made to allow for joy and not much stress, in minor things that come to be. My voice is forever in a cheerful key.

Abi V. Grade 6 7

Lost After “Truth” by Nikki Grimes Inspired by “Storm Ending” by Jean Toomer Traveling through the midnight streets, I turned around and the people were gone, behind the wall, tough and strong like a lion. The truth is I was scared, scared of where the people were and what they were saying. The truth is I was lost, away from everyone I thought cared about me. A new turn at every corner, it felt like I was lost for years but I reminded myself, just make it through this day.

In my darkest times, the light burned its brightest, and I remembered the times we would run together, now I am running by myself until I reach the sun at its rise.

A street, like a rat’s eye, people are ghosts who were lost in the wind, and I thought what is the point of running if you stay in the same place? The truth is, it is like running on a treadmill, but now I have to wake up and hear the thunder.

Ellen H. Grade 6 Seeker After “For a Poet” by Countee Cullen Are you a person who always seeks what can not be found?

Did you know that what you seek is deeper than Earth’s ground? Take a deep breath and you will dive so deep into the wonders of life. Only at the end will you be keen on life and death. For life is hot and cold.

Abigail L. Grade 6 Life After “As the Eagle Soars” by Jean Toomer Life is like a storybook, chaotic and adventurous, but we all face the real challenges of life. We move in mysterious ways and learn to love the pain and experience all of the hustle that life is, we all rush and hustle, but you and I both know we all lack life’s true meaning, to be happy and live our lives in its true rhythm.

Taylor H. Grade 6 8

King of the Jungle After “For a Poet” by Countee Cullen Many come and many ask who.

We all gasp. He is the only one to not be found on Earth’s broken ground. The elephants will bow at their final breath, the birds will fly into trees so they can get just a glimpse. He is so keen but so stern, he has helplessly had everything put in his hands and this will continue. He is the ruler, the king of the jungle, and he is cold.

Taylor H. Grade 6

Taylor H., Grade 6 9

The Big Lion After “In Search of a Superpower” by Nikki Grimes Inspired by an excerpt from “To Unsward”

by Gwendolyn Bennett Be confident about yourself, stand like you own the world. And as you are the queen of the jungle. Act tall even if you aren’t, the brain in your head could be smarter than others, or it isn’t, but always think like it. You have your trophy held in the air! High in the sky, as high as you can hold it! Do not brag, but do at all times, be grateful and happy. All day be confident about yourself, times may seem difficult at times with rude people, but you never need to bow to them, just humbly walk away. Don’t let someone ruin your day. When someone is mean to you, it’s due to the lack of confidence that the person has in themself. On any occasion, be confident and love yourself, or you’ll get warrants!

Nia S. Grade 6

Throw It Away After “Common Denominator” by Nikki Grimes Inspired by “The Minor Key” by Clara Ann Thompson Throw away anger.

Anger is spicy, something that makes your throat burn in pain. It also is hard to get away from. If you throw it away, a knot in your throat will untangle. Anger is hard as rock. It sometimes makes you itch.

When you decide to get rid of your anger, you scratch.

Nia S. Grade 6

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Anna P., Grade 7

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Nuwa’s Creation of Mankind Legend claims, After Pangu tore the sky from the Earth, There remained nothing but Devoid of intellectual beings The hollowness of life persisted.

Until, Out of loess and ocher, humans emerged, Molded by Nuwa.

But preoccupied with trivial matters, Nuwa failed to meet the god’s demands.

Thus, to catalyze the making of mankind, She simmered hemp ropes in mires Shook them as mud droplets Fell from the heavenly sky, Becoming humans.

Descendants have come since.

The noblest and wealthiest Were molded by loess.

The peasants Were created from the shaking of hemp ropes.

Ethan H. Grade 9

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Eiocha Once upon a time, before it was called France On the shore where the sea meets the land A white mare was born made of sea foam by chance Eiocha, who started the world by hand The tears of the sea fell from the giant oak tree Eiocha ate them in order to live Her baby was transformed from the tears of the sea The Stag God Cernunnos has arrived with Eiocha’s relieve In Eiocha’s birth pain, she ripped at the tree A bark flowed into the deep, stormy marine Which eventually became the giants of the sea The evil force was formed in the peaceful scene Cernunnos and Eiocha created four gods Took care and raised them until they became adults Eiocha was sad and returned to the sea Known now as Tethra, goddess of deep On the shore, she left with the five gods Needed to be worshiped, so they took the oak From the bark, the Stag God then called Forests to grow and the beasts of the land Using tree branches, the gods invent and create Tauranis made the thunderbolts, Maponos created the harp Teutates invented weapons in order to protect all Bows, arrows, and clubs that were incisive and sharp Epona created horses In memory of her mother And together, they used the bark once more To make a man and a woman for the first time in forever The sea giants grew envious after all this creation Terrible, devastating sea waves were thrown at the land A battle raged, and the gods had to defend They fought for the last stand 15

Shelter was provided by the giant oak tree Gods and goddess stayed inside and safe Powerful Tauranis threw a thunderbolt Separating forever the land and the sea Maponos ripped the sky, throwing pieces into the marine The giants used the waves protecting themselves from the blue Skilled anchor Teutates utilized his machine Finally defeated, the giants were cast back into the sea The five looked back at the paradise they made Humans were crushed, and the peace was drained Epona, with her love of all living things Saved one man and a woman to start it all again Monica M. Grade 9 The Babylon’s Days of Old In Babylon’s days of old, A story of gods was told.

Marduk, a hero brave and true, Fought chaos and made skies blue.

Tiamat roared, there was a watery fight, But Marduk’s arrow shot in light.

With tablets of laws, Anu’s decree, Babylon’s myth, a tale to see.

With Ea’s wisdom and Enki’s grace, Crafted a world, a wonderful place.

Year by year, the story was told, Babylon’s myth, forever bold.

Jiongkun (Taylor) W. Grade 9 Top to bottom on opposite page: Kevin C., Grade 8; Anthony B., Grade 8; Hazel L., Grade 8 16

Cuniraya Huiracocha Cuniraya Huiracocha, The creator of all things, Smart and respectful, But poorly dressed, Fell in love at first sight, With Cahuillaca.

Adored, gorgeous, angel-like, That was how people described her.

She refused all proposals.

Under a tree, Where she was weaving, He turned into a bird And dropped his seeds Into a fruit she ate.

Nine months later, She brought an infant to birth.

Gods were assembled To find the father.

Infant crawled Up to a man Clothed in rags.

It was Cuniraya.

Ashamed, she cried, ran With the infant Towards the ocean.

He chased, Begging her to stay.

Faster and faster she ran.

He was too late, For they became two stones In front of the beach of Pachacamac.

Anonymous

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The Creation of Us From the depths of darkness, The great Father of All spirits arose, And woke the sun mother Who was given a role.

With her radiant warmth She cast her light on the bare Earth.

Breathing life into existence Wherever she goes.

As she waltzed the fields, Flowers appeared But the father was not satisfied.

He asked for more.

Insects awoke, Lakes and rivers too The father was pleased With the world she has built.

She rose to the sky and became the sun, The creatures froze from fear, Jealousy crept into their hearts Arguing and bickering appeared.

The Sun Mother seeing this, New creatures were created: The Morning Star, and the moon The ancestors of all.

Helen Y. Grade 9

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A War among Gods At the start there was nothing Then came the gods of Heaven and Earth Named Rangi and Papa; they interlocked together And to six sons and gods, they gave birth There was Tane-Ma, god of the forests; Tawhiri, god of storms and wind; Tangaroa, god of the fish and reptiles; Haumia-tiki, the god of uncultivated food, along with Rongo-Ma, the god of cultivated food; And Tu-mata, the god of human beings who would populate the Earth for countries and miles There was a disagreement between the brothers Five of them wanted to push Rangi away To make room for light and reveal the land But Tawhiri disagreed and wanted to make them pay With humanity and wildlife existing in peace Tawhiri rained storms down from above Creating havoc among the other gods Causing them to all fight, abandoning brotherly love Tu-mata and the humans successfully weathered the storms As the other gods fell into chaos and ran mad So angered by their cowardice, he set to destroy them himself And one by one he consumed them, but he couldn’t reach his fifth brother or dad Tu-Mata, with his humans and Mother Papa Against Rangi and Tawhiri’s raging storms A perpetual standoff between the Earth and the Heavens And from the endless battle, humanity as we know it was born Aidan B. Grade 8

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The Beginning of the Aztecs In the beginning There was nothing Ometeotl was formed And so a hole was torn The almighty god Who created gods Weaves a tale of creation In the Aztec realm A divine sensation Huitzilopochtli Fierce and bold A warrior god Stories unfold Quetzalcoatl The plumed serpent’s grace Brings wisdom to the Aztec embrace Tezcatlipoca The smoking mirror Envelops the cosmos Both far and near Xipe Totec In skin-adorned Symbolizing regeneration reborn War echoes in Huitzilopochtli’s name A deity of battle In honor and flame order In Quetzalcoatl’s serenity Balancing chaos A cosmic amenity Tezcatlipoca With his enigmatic sway Guides the fates on destiny’s array Xipe Totec Draped in skin so fair Nature’s cycle of life Beyond compare Fortune dances in the cosmic design 20

As gods interweave destinies divine Regeneration Xipe Totec’s decree Nature’s eternal cycle For all to see In the tapestry of time The Aztec lore Divine entities Forevermore Creation’s dance A cosmic rhyme Echoing through the corridors of time Knox R. Grade 9

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Chloe D., Grade 9

Global Journeys Photo Colorization Project George Timothy Shera was born in 1956, which makes him currently 67 years old. He attended Rectory and was in the graduating class of 1971. According to the research, his nickname when he was at Rectory was Gerbil and may go

by David Shera nowadays. His family members include Therese M. Shera, Kristopher Michael Shera, and Mary Beth Shera. While George Shera attended Rectory, he lived on the upper floor of the Doris Gardner Bigelow (DGB) Dormitory, which was created in 1970. At the time he attended Rectory, George Shera lived in Hamilton, Ohio. However, he moved to Frankfort, Kentucky after he grew up. George Shera was really interested in soccer, hockey, rocketry, jukido, archery, and choir, as he wrote.

Anonymous

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Take Your Time Listen is all I ask Listen to the doe’s hooves.

Listen to the wind whistle.

Listen to the heartbeat other than your own...

A rhythm of life flows through all A rhythm that thrives A rhythm that will one day expire One day, it will not be heard by any.

So let it be heard once by you So let it be heard So let us thrive So let it live if it will not damage any Listen is all I ask Anonymous

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Anonymous

Little Things in Life I noticed that We all think back But the past is past There’s no going back There was never a time When it all felt right It was always my grades and those friends Or that teacher I wanted to please But when I searched For every smile this one day It was just one common taste Or a “hi” that made my joy The little things in life Can be a smile from a friend A little song that never ends Cuz I keep repeating that one tiny bit As I think deeper There is more that I can say I am walking, I am breathing I can feel my heartbeat beating It’s simple Just that smile I will cherish for the day I will always I’ll remember Just how fortunate I am I have family I’ve got teachers And a lot of friends who care The little things in life I’ve got so much They’ll never die 24

The little things in life The list keeps going It never ends I am smiling now I am happy now Just thinking about The little things I love Anonymous

James S., Grade 8 25

The Apple Tree My family, Like an apple tree, A mature apple tree with roots spreading miles deep down With leaves that change different colors of clothes every season With flowers dancing in the springtime sun With fruits that keep their core inside, the sweet and juicy flesh.

Like an apple tree, our family needs Care, food, nutrients, and seeds.

My grandfather, tall like a tree trunk, Holding the tree steady and strong, His loving heart created our family bond, But who should help him when diseases come?

My grandmother, responsible like the roots, Supplying the nutrients to help it grow and make fruit With her considerate and caring soul But who should help her when bugs approach?

My father, fertile like the leaves, Collecting the sun’s energy as a lifeline, Protecting the family, rain or shine, But who should help him when he grows old and weak?

My mother, beautiful like the flowers Giving birth to the fruits, with pollination Feeding the family with her stamen But who should help her when the wind blows her away?

My brother and I, shiny and ripe as fruits, Our love turns into tools, pruning dead branches away, Our love turns into pesticides, spraying the tree while protecting the trunk from bugs, Our love turns into sunshine, helping the leaves stay robust and healthy, Our love turns into nutrients, nourishing the flower to grow and blossom.

We are not perfect when we are picked up off the ground; our family will still be proud of us, Because love cures everything, We love Anny C., Grade 7

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Dear Spring Dear favorite Spring, All the forever fields of seeds.

I’ve missed you.

Out my window, Reborn Again and again.

In everything–and nothing at all You keep coming back, and seeing potential.

I hope you bloom everywhere you plant.

Anonymous

Jiongkun (Taylor) W., Grade 9 27

Untitled Not responding for days on end Was not the worst thing that you did to me When you left me with memories that I deemed precious You threw them away like leaves in the wind Never to think about me ever again Fool me once Shame on you Fool me twice Now I’m the fool I hope you never do that ever again I hope you’re happier with your new friends When you took me skating for the first time You crushed my feelings as you fell When I fell off of that 20-foot halfpipe You took my arm and told me “Try again” Little did I know You were laughing at me with your friends Fool me once Shame on you Fool me twice Now I’m the fool I hope you never do that ever again I hope you’re happier with your new friends You threw me away like leaves in the wind Never to think about me again I hope you never do that to your new friends Anonymous

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Betrayal “Don’t trust a soul, because friends betray.

You’ll sit and watch as they turn you to prey.

You believe from your heart that their love is true, But it is only them who rip your heart into two.

They leave you wondering, ‘How could it ever be That a betrayal like this I could not foresee?’

I’m not saying this to be cold and bitter.

I only truly wish I was sharper and wittier.

So don’t trust a soul, because friends betray.

They’ll crush your heart and watch it decay.”

Anonymous Seasons The seasons have changed yet again, and now I’m playing outside.

Now the sun is out, and the rain gives me chills, but I am willing To get sick just to be blooming like the flowers. “Splash!” my boots and the hem of my raincoat get soaked. “Stomp! Splash!” The puddles seem inviting.

“You’ll get a cold!” my mother yells to me. I ignore her. “STOMP!” I feel cold water trickling down my shirt. “Get inside!” my mother yells. The spring flowers are blooming and so am I. The puddles seem inviting. But yet again back inside. Until tomorrow.

Anonymous

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Annie S., Grade 9

The Lonely Moon When the night has come And the world is asleep I find myself awake, Enjoying the peace that the night has always brought With the shy mellow sense that comes from the moon And its enchanting yellow lens But the moon looks so lonely Because the sun gets to play And the moon sits alone While the sun gets to ray So I’ll sit with the moon On this warm August night And I hum a sweet melody As the stars light up bright Then I’ll talk to the moon As I drift off to sleep And when I wake again The Daystar will keep But when I listen real close I can hear the moon sigh So I’ll stay up again, And the moon will not cry.

Anonymous

Be Careful Rain rain in the air Rain rain everywhere Rain rain on the ground Rain rain don’t you drown Reese B. Grade 6 30

Be Your Strongest Moment The story begins in 2023, December during the winter.

I was sitting on the cold bench with a frozen face.

After the break, I tried my best and run like a dog in practice, Then my captain taught me the play and helped me.

I played a starter next game.

After the game, I sat on the bench again, and it just felt like a jail.

Every practice, my heart was gray and heavy like a rock.

My sight was dark and vague, I couldn’t see lights.

The nightmare seemed like a night that never ends.

One day, I finally had my chance. I tried my best and broke the night.

I pumped out from the dark and held the lights.

A normal practice changes a lot. I played and shined the light.

Everyone has the darkest moment, just try your best!

Porry L. Grade 8

Vision The air cools in the fall and drops in the winter And rises in the spring, but she is still playing her woe, Because that is her need, that is her calling Every note is a new tale, and every miss is a life gone.

She will stay seated and never rise She will stay playing and never stop The leaves can fall, and the leaves can grow The worms will dig, and the air will still Yet nothing will take her out of where she is left She will die there, though, live through her life’s work, live through what she owes.

Her crimpled hands will grip the pencil because that is what she loves A new song and a new tale for all to indulge in.

Anonymous 31

Judgmental Even in the year 2024, women, in general, still have it worse than men. There is still racism in our towns, cities, and schools. Heck, people are still sexist! But why? Why do we criticize our brothers and our sisters by the size of their shirts or by the job they work at? Why are you making fun of someone because your belt is from Versachi and theirs is from Walmart? Aren’t they both belts? Just like male and female. Aren’t they both humans? What about an XXL T-shirt versus an XXS T-shirt? Aren’t they both just shirts? If a man works at Subway and his buddy works at a car dealership, don’t they both have jobs? Can you see where I’m going with this? Even though people have different qualities, they are still people, people who deserve to be equal.

So, why brag that you got a 98 while someone else got a 38? What is the point of comparing yourself or others to the people around you? You walk down the halls of your school and hear, “Did you hear what happened to Mary?”

Or maybe you hear, “I can’t believe he wore those shoes to school!”

It’s a whole bunch of yada yada, blah, blah! But at the same time, the same people who participate in spreading rumors are going around saying, “We need more respect in this school!” So, why do we do this? Why does racism exist? Why are people still sexist? Why is our world so judgemental?

Samantha F. Grade 7 Power Samantha F., Grade 7 Power. Depending on the context, it can mean lots of things. If you say we lost power, it can mean you have no electricity. If you say someone has special powers, it means they are some kind of mutant superhero or something. Or it can mean someone has more power than another.

Samantha F. Grade 7 32

Haiti Hello, my name is Chloe L. I’m here to enlighten you about my country’s issues and how we can help. Haiti is very dangerous at this time. It wasn’t always like this, however. Around 2001, Haiti was awesome! People would vote correctly, be kind, share sugar with neighbors, and more. It’s only an issue because of people getting laid off from their jobs and expensive health care.

People worldwide are desperate for money, so they go drastically for it!

In most parts of Haiti, people live in broken and crumpled houses. This is due to many tornadoes and disasters. Not many Haitians own nice houses or have enough money to repair their old ones.

Haitians commonly express their fashion sense through intricate sewing designs and stitches. We have many designers in Haiti.

My culture has been me my whole life. Maybe yours too! Perhaps your culture has influenced your every move. Typically, kids follow cultural rules, yet some don’t. I find it “disrespectful” to talk back to your parent, for example.

That is just part of the religion to follow.

Chloe L. Grade 6

Aliki P., Grade 9 33

Untitled My name is Davis C. I am currently 13 years old. I was born in the small town of Lincoln, Rhode Island, on July 17, 2010. My family consists of me, my mom, my dad, and my sister.

Every single year since my sister and I were born, our family would go to Nantucket. This has been a family tradition ever since, and I look forward to it more and more every year we go. We stay at the same beach house every year.

Once we arrive at the island, we go and get breakfast. We then head into town and then get settled into our house. My friends arrive at the house shortly after, and then we all go out to dinner. The next day we go to the beach or go into town and walk around.

When I was just three years old, my dad signed me up to learn to skate. I hated it at first and was pretty nervous to step onto the ice for the first time.

But after a few days of going and learning the basics, I started to really enjoy it.

When I was seven, I joined my first club team, “Providence Hockey Club.” I made a lot of new friends quickly, and they are still my best and closest friends to this day. When I turned eight, PHC elite reached out to my parents and asked them for me to come to one of their practices. I went and eventually went to more and more until they asked me to join the team. I excitedly said, “Yes.” My parents filled out all the forms, and the next week, I had my first elite hockey game. I played for them for three years until I was 11. I then moved to the South Shore Kings because PHC was falling apart. I only played for one year there because we didn’t like the coach. I’m now 13 and play for the Providence hockey club but not any of the previous teams.

Last year, I started to play golf and really enjoyed it. I immediately started taking lessons and played for up to ten hours a day everyday during the summer. I went from an 18 handicap to an eight handicap in just one summer.

Almost every day, when I would practice on the range, people would always tell me how great my swing is and how well and far I hit the ball. On average, I hit the ball 290 yards on a good swing. I’ve competed in over five different tournaments since then, and they have gone pretty well. In my first tournament, I came in fifth place out of 22 people and shot an 84.

I look forward to golfing and playing hockey more and more every day of my life, and I can’t wait for what else awaits me.

Davis C. Grade 8 34

The Ghost of Rectory School One day, when I went to my cubby in the morning, I felt somebody watching me, and when I walked to my cubby, I saw a classroom light go on.

I went there to check, but nobody was in the classroom. I heard somebody walking in the hallway. When I said, “Hello,” nobody answered me, but I heard somebody was walking in the hallway. It was so creepy! When I walked out of the classroom, I heard somebody calling my name, but when I looked back, I did not see anybody in the hallway. So, I thought it was the ghost of Rectory School. I ran out of the building and back to dorm!

Aijia (Amanda) X. Grade 6

Sofia A. S., Grade 8

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Ace A., Grade 8

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Ace A., Grade 8

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Ace A., Grade 8

From the Artist, Monica M. ‘24 This painting was inspired by the beautiful sunset at Rectory every day. As Rectory started to accept female boarding students in 2007, this painting depicts girls finally finding a place they belong to on their journey of exploring new things. The sun symbolizes a bright and equal future for female students. The light in the girl’s hand features the Father Bigelow Memorial Building bell tower. It shows that students at Rectory will keep all the good things they learned here as they go on their journeys.