P OETR Y
l anguage barrier
I tell my mom the dunking story as she cuts my hair again, hoping to rid the sadness from her eyes. That night I call Jack’s house and his dad answers. When I ask for Jack, his dad says he is already asleep. The next day, I try again and this time Jack and I talk like nothing happened. We meet up and he buys me an ice cream from the gas station. He compliments my new look and says it suits me more than he thought it would. He also invites me over and has me try on some of his little brother’s old clothes. On Monday, instead of hiding in the bathroom stall, I meet Jack on the stairs and he gives
me a blue beanie. He says I look cool and we bump fists. Mrs. Lungly walks over to us, and compliments me. “I like this new style of yours, Teddy. Beanie, khakis, friends. I’m happy for you. Keep it up.” She pats me on the shoulder, and for once, I don’t get upset that she calls me Teddy. It actually feels warm. One day, Jack and I spot a seventh grader being bullied. I know him as Jacob from my biology class. We rush to his aid and Jack scares the attackers off while I introduce myself and Jack to Jacob.
An x and a y come together to make lines when they should make words.
japanese new year
Misty Day by Rae Clinkenbeard photography
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Kiosk18
Allison Linafelter
Greg Guelcher
An old temple bell, Tolls the New Year’s first greeting… Her warm hand clasps mine.
Kiosk18
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