Kokkula, Emma Kuzara, Nora Strahs, Maia Vasady-Kovacs, Ani Washburn
Thank you to all who contributed. This would not be possible without you!!
Cover Art:
Untitled - Kaitlyn Deptula
Winter Wonderland
It is finally time to go skiing, Along with every other human being. Snow pants are covering everyone's knees.
Animals go to sleep like bears and bees, And snow blankets all of the trees. Little children love to go sledding, But when they get back, they can't wait to get in their bedding.
To keep warm, people will light a fire, And friends with all gather to admire. It is finally time to put away the shorts, Start building snow forts, And travel to the ski resorts. - Anonymous
The Dance - Kaitlyn Deptula
Warmth within the cold
My brief slumber comes to end, My nose, struck by a scent of wood and flames,
Fireplaces breathes to life in my room, Snow settles softly, lifting the gloom.
Winter moves so gently, so quiet and calm.
Inside the warmth gathers, we are safe from the cold.
Fire flickers in the dark giving us light and heat,
This irresistible feeling that summer cannot beat.
The sun falls early as the night settles in, A quiet stillness keeps my calm within, Fireplaces heats us up, warming our chests,
Winter’s peaceful atmosphere is nothing like the rest. - Anonymous
Don’t Speak, Don’t See, Don’t Hear -
Kaitlyn Deptula
Transcendentalist
I step outside and the subtle chill of the air conditioning subsides
My skin feels rejuvenated as golden light floats through the air and envelops me
The first warmth of the year is refreshing and radiant
I embrace the comfort of warmth and watch as flowers wane away and welcome leaves
Water flows noisily in the distance, daring me to jump in
The sun falls and the forest erupts with life, crickets competing with frogs for their song to be heard
The atmosphere is alive and the air is perfectly cool as the day begins to take its toll
I hang in a hammock and a sound sleep swallows me whole
I awake to a cacophony of chirping and chiming; upon me lies a curious bird.
I sit up and smile as the warmth of the sun smothers my sorrows - Anonymous
Hidden - Molly McCaffrey
Cola - Molly McCaffrey
City Lot - Molly McCaffrey
The Maiden’s Return
So begins the blackberry winter, as forests flourish in green, though the weather remains bitter.
The song birds sing and the snake slithers; at the Maiden’s awaited return.
Her mother sings praises as she withdrawals from her strife, and Earth at last blooms to life.
The sleeping creatures emerge from their dens to see their Lady once again.
Flowers rise eagerly at her passing, And the soil, once hardened, opens in welcome.
Reborn is Spring where leaves turn green
And rain washes away the cold, refreshing the promise of new growth.
Radiant gleams from the sun cascade, upon the land
As mortals sing praise, hand in hand.
Human jubilation rings through the valleys and hills,
For rest is easier beneath the comfort of light.
Demeter’s rejoice ends the cold rejection of the world, when her daughter was stolen away.
Seasons change marks the return of the fair spring maiden from her throne in the Underworld.
Hope takes root where sorrow once lingered, for Persephone’s return is not just a changing in season, But a reminder that darkness is never without end.
- Sarah Justin
A Snapshot in Time - Kaitlyn Deptula
The Hush of Fall Red, orange, yellow, brown, Fall does not cease to make me frown. One after another, a leaf falls down, To the dying grass on the ground. Doom and gloom around the dark room, It is not as light outside when the flowers are in bloom. The sun smiled down on us even as the days grew shorter, We reach the last quarter and see. Fall is not as it used to be, There is no more glee. Red, orange, yellow, brown, The last leaf has fallen down.
- Anonymous
The cold shoulder of mother earth
The snow insults me, it seeks to Belittle
The air bites me, it feeds, it nibbles
Ash coats my skin and it feels frail and brittle
No coat can save me from natures fiddle
The song it plays is violent and mean
The warmth of the world remains to be seen
From the suffering and chaos that suffocates the lawn
To the darkness that strays from dusk till dawn
Why douse the earth with your tyranny mother earth
You have been terrorizing this world since its birth
Tis only a matter of time before you go away My hatred for you keeps me warm To this day - Anonymous
The Eyes Tell All - Kaitlyn Deptula
The Bummer of being in Summer
What a bummer to be in summer
The concrete is too hot for my feet, they cook like meat
The big bugs sleep in the day
But later give painful hugs that cause me dismay They fly in a flash, leaving me with a rash
Buzzing in the dark
Like a sneak attack
Leaving me with a mark
After I whack and smack I scratch and itch
The sore grows Now we’re in a sitch
This summer really blows School is approaching
The thought crosses my mind
An echoey voice
Tells me I’m behind
Summer is complete, My friends are beat
They spend their last days outside in the heat
But I stay inside
looking out the window with a glare
waving goodbye to the bees as I enjoy the cold winter air
- Angelina DaSilva
Purple Secrets - Tarini K
The Ambiance of Summer
My smiles appears as the sun shines down on us,
I’m laying down by the pool, drinking my cold drink with no fuss.
I’m sitting in my shades,
As the spring fades.
The pretty lilies surrounding the yard, The beautiful aroma makes it seem like life isn’t so hard.
I swim in the serene waters in silence, It seems like the weather and my mood are in compliance.
I sing with my friends around the fire as the embers crack,
Knowing that there’s no way I could ever go back.
Go back to school when there’s so much time to play, And look at all the flowers that have been growing since May.
I hear the cheers and roars of all the viewers of the baseball game,
Watching as the Red Sox claim their fame.
I enjoy my soft serve ice-cream in the stands,
As we all sing “Sweet Caroline” and join hands. There’s a feeling about summer that you can never beat,
The feeling of togetherness and warmth that comes from the heat,
The feeling of freedom and how you can act on the fly, Like a stray comet that streaks across the sky.
- Susana Porras
Untitled - Kaitlyn Deptula
Summer’s Interlude
When wonder wanders like a vagabond. Where fireflies take flight and light the sky. A world of wild, benevolent and mild Welcoming even the wickedest of wanderers.
Trees that bear fruit, with blossoms of vibrant hue
All in wait, waiting to greet you. And on a warm summer’s day, what more can you say, Then a kingfisher’s rattle, or an owl’s hoot?
The lights pierce through the trees, Illuminating the ground as a lighthouse the seas
The scent of a fresh start will summon your courage, Another step forward into the beautiful unknown. - Anonymous
The Voice - Kaitlyn Deptula
Divine Punishment
The air is tinged chartreuse, Thick with the pollen particles That punctuate the humid spring air. My companions wetly sniffle and snort For my sanity’s sake, I hope this season is short. The weather is gloomy and wet, In mud my shoes slip and slide, And, ugh, the bright sun molests my eyes! In some way I feel punished By this mysterious meteorological phenom, Unpredictable and unstable like Summer’s crazy mom. Exam season approaches, And as this miserable season comes to an end, For the next, I feel only dread.
- Nora Strahs
Untitled - Kaitlyn Deptula
Sparkle Sparkle Sparkle sparkle in the sun, The snow glistens for everyone. Sparkle Sparkle on the ground, The snow falls with no sound. The cool breeze hits my face, As the snow sinks into place.
Holidays are near, everyone is excited, On every street, the houses are lighted. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen.
The children are ecstatic and the parents are preparing,
Gifts are wrapped and ugly Christmas sweaters are what everyone is wearing. Slipping and sliding like a skater on ice, The snow makes everyone feel nice.
Sparkle sparkle the snow returns, Sparkle sparkle, something everyone yearns.
- Caroline Haher & Adyson Carignan
Drew Capello
U.S. Navy Blue Angels
Spell of Summer:
The glistening glow of grass, beneath the summer sun
Its light shines brightly atop my skin
Illuminating the sky, the world seems to come alive
The clouds dance happily across the big blue sky
A signal for everyone, to wake up and come outside
As the many forest dwellers run wild as children
Nature’s endless wonders become ready to be explored
The cooling summer breeze breathes life into us all
Summer’s distinctive gleam brings a wave of joy upon us all
The beauty of a single season enchants us all
A constant reminder of why summer is the best season of all
Joao Carlos Monteiro
Summertime Sadness :
I find myself reminiscing of a time long forgotten
As the blistering heat of the sun bleeds me dry
I rest within the shade and find a sense of relief
Yet within seconds I’m quickly reminded of my grief
Summer’s cruelty follows me wherever I go
I can only dream, of the now melted snow
The change of season draws out nature's many creatures
However I find myself cowering as if part of my regular procedures
And the grass beneath my feet becomes pitiful and frail
I’m left to the count the days till summer will pass
The burdensome summer weighs down on us all
The pesky bugs are unavoidable for us all
The pains of a few months a reminder to us all
Undeniable proof of why summer is the worst season of all.
THE ETERNAL LIGHT
No more hiding in the shadows
Sun is up and sadness shallows
Time to feast from long starved hours
Busy bees brew honey for you
You’ve waited long enough
Feel the breeze no longer freezing
Listen to the wind it’s calling you
Out of the darkness of your cave
Come see the light that’ll never die
Flowers in the plains you’ll know it’s
true And you’ll find something that you crave
Come see the light that’ll never die
What has been lost is brought back
Flowers that gleam and that glow
Rivers that stream and that flow
Follow that path out of the gloom
Where you’ll find the eternal light
That pierces even the darkest night
- Emily Kim
Untitled - Kaitlyn Deptula
False Promises
As the winter is melting, I start to remember that it is no longer December.
It is soon time for my queen to depart. Darkness enveloping my hollowed heart.
Her duties lying untouched and forgotten
Her throne beside me, empty, longing, crestfallen
Colder does the underworld feel, its climate no longer needing appeal her radiance gone now and as our realm stills,
The walls echo, muffled cries of these dreaded souls, these creatures forgetting that they still have punishments to fulfill.
As the nights feel shorter, the wind bites harder, and the light from above streams its wretched light farther, through these stained glass windows, the pain becomes longer, pushing wounds, a painful reminder,
Rising from my throne, my footsteps echo down these empty halls,
The structures, ancient, cursing mortals with befalls
In the courtyard, Ascalaphus gently tends the orchard
Watering and praying for it to be nurtured
Quiet and still til he feels my presence.
Tending to the gift that caused this vengeance.
As he scurries away in fear, my eyes drift to the tree,
Its branches, laden with fruit, red rubied seeds
Well grown since Demeter’s joy for her daughter’s return.
As my feelings die slowly, the joy in me burns
A singular fruit falls and rolls to my feet, its interior cracks open, its flesh rotted beneath
The maidens gone home, leaving behind false promise
Here in my kingdom, a punishment of nature’s accomplice.
- Maria Lambarena-Tanaka
Star-faced - Molly McCaffrey
~Blue Moon
The wind brushes against her long hair. The wind follows her steps. I could see her smile. The way she’s happy with me.
The same way the grass brushes the ground quietly. Her wings set aside my hilt calmly, waiting for a true miracle.
Walls of forgotten paintings, beating faintly. Artifacts pulsing with meaning and hatred. Yet the moon would always find her. Without no shining armor to help her. Her pleas and cries reach the wall of emptiness.
Except it never came. Yet it flew away..
Split the moon in half. She disappeared for good. Raindrops falling off the moon’s cries.
A sparrow, flying happily. Enjoying their life anew. Waiting for the moon to come out again.
Fading slowly, the moon comes back into view. Her smile, a feeling of true remembrance.
Moondust coats the ground. Crossing my boots with glimmer and beauty. She whispers me words, hoping I would reach her in time. And so then, the blue moon and the sparrow would reunite, sparks flying from the sky to the moon’s eyes.
~“ I love you even if I explode. The blue moon never fades, Sora. It’s born anew. ” -R
Capera
Amara
Loveless - Kaitlyn Deptula
The Spill - Kaitlyn Deptula
Alone In The Snow
Snow is falling birds are calling but my foot is stuck, Stuck in the snow that’s slowly rising, Rising up into my boots, Where the snow can plant its roots. Once it’s there it stays a while, Hardens and forms a pile. That pernicious piece of snow, Leaves a rash on my little toe. Now it’s itchy, wet, and freezing, But I can’t quite reach in Because I tied my boots so tight, Now they’re putting up a fight.
“Alright” I say “I guess I’ll do it”, “I’ll take my mittens off and remove it”, With one warm hand I grab the other, It slips off and I shudder, I try again but it’s no use, My grip is far too loose. I look around desperately Can anyone help me?
But the only friend in sight, Is the sun’s fading light.
The sun watches as the snow grows, it watches a snowflake land on my nose. I nudge it until it goes, And when it does I begin to see, This snowflake was made for me. It follows a predetermined path, An intentional route, To the depths of my boot.
- Anonymous
Untitled - Kaitlyn Deptula
A Rest for Earth
The blazing sun finally cools
Tiny kids can no longer jump into pools
The trees are coated in beautiful white snow
The temperatures are crisp and low
The fireplace roars as we cozy up
Hot chocolate will soon fill our cup
At dawn, we arise and race our sleds
Parents don’t care to tell us “make your bed”
Christmas spirit is all throughout the chilly outside air
It is the season to show how much you care
The trees glisten and sway all throughout the day
The vibrant white snow covered mountain is the desired place to stay
The earth tells the year is finally a wrap
All the wild animals can wind down to have a winter nap
Tis the season humans and nature can rest
All Nature and humans add a year they progressed - Anonymous
Untitled - Kaitlyn Deptula
A barren land
The days feel shorter. The mornings are bright, but dark by four.
Everyone’s mood is down, the world is colorless, sunless, and sore.
Icy roads lead to accidents and slush makes people miserable.
Mrs. Percoskie complaining every day makes the rest miserable.
Cold and dreary days never end, wind blowing our hair in every direction.
Everything’s dead around you, no more bright fall leaves, just crunchy, wet, cold snow.
Nature disappears, animals burrow, everything is a shade of grey.
People stay hidden away in their homes, huddled around the fireplace glow.
The winter breeze crawls up your legs, making it impossible to stay warm.
Skies stay a colorless shade of dark, stormy grey.
Snow barricades you into your home, locking everyone inside because of the storm.
Shoveling snow takes all your energy, but gives no reward.
Bills are high, fun is low, and you feel like you need to escape this mess.
Six more weeks of winter, he says, our fate being decided by the groundhog.
- Anonymous
Drew Capello Portland Head Lighthouse
Does Spring Hate Me?
The weather rolls a dice, And for a moment the weather looks nice,
Until we have to pay the price.
The flowers look beautiful,
Until they drown,
And all you do is frown, I wish I could though, I cannot because of all the sneezing, But at least it’s not freezing
Nevermind.
Dressing for the weather is harder than my physics test.
I never know what to wear—It makes me stressed.
Do I dress for zero degrees or one-hundred? It’s as if the weather is playing chess.
Whoever you are, controlling the weather
Whether you like me or not, Is this not enough? What have I done?
I’m sure everyone hates spring,
I cannot be the only one, But I know one thing, I am so done.
