Mosaic Literary Magazine v.5

2017

MOSAIC LITERARY MAGAZINE VOLUME V AISJ HS 2017

Your creativity, Our Collective Memories

Staff Editors

Faculty Advisor

Editor-In-Chief

Managing Editor

Publicist

Jakob Bierbaum Katrina Rbeiz

Israa Peeran Omer Alamin

Designer-In-Chief Fai Alwazir

Zak Abu Jasmine Akbar Faiez Al-Luqman Mohamed Al Sayed Abdulla Alsayrafi AbdulRaheem Awad Sarita Crockett Hamza Malik Ariq Moyeed San Sung Park Lazuardi Rinaldi Maryam Sindi Angel Tapia Lilian Tawfik Berfe Unal Abdullah Yousuf

Editor’s Note I would like to begin by saying that this has been one of the most productive years in Literary Magazine history. With the help of the dedicated members and editors, we managed to compile a magazine filled with varying student submissions and expressions of art. I’m proud to be the Editor-in-Chief of this magazine and I couldn’t be more pleased with the members’ dedication to the completion and creation of the 2017 Mosaic Literary Magazine.

To our devoted Faculty Member, Mr. Bierbaum, thank you for allowing us to use your room for meetings and for guiding us throughout this process. We are so lucky to have you as our advisor and without your motivation or advice, none of this would have been possible. Your knowledge continues to inspire me.

Thank you to all of those who chose to express themselves and who submitted to the Mosaic Literary Magazine. Your countless hours and effort shines through in each and every piece. Although these submissions range from beautiful pieces of artwork to challenging essays, each one is unique and riveting in their own way. Not only should you all be proud of yourselves, but you should also recognize that you are beacons of encouragement for others.

While this is my final year at the American Interational School of Jeddah, I’m lucky to say that I have been surrounded by passionate individuals who spend their time perfecting their work and expressing their inner thoughts and ideas. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine being the Editor-in-Chief for two years in a row,and now looking back on my time here, I can’t begin to think what my life would have been like without this magazine. I can honestly say that this club has improved my experience at this school and has left me with warm memories. I’m excited for the future of this club and to think that it has come this far since Omou Barry founded it, I couldn’t be more proud of the members, the readers, and of course the people who have submitted. Thank you to all of those who have supported us in our endeavors.

-Katrina Rbeiz

By Iman Tayeb

Table of Contents...

WRITING

PHOTOGRAPHY

Story by Zak Abu_______________________________________________________________ 6 The Ancient Manipulator by Angel Tapia__________________________________________8 Gray Sky by Jasmine Akbar_____________________________________________________ 10 Haiku 1 by Mohamed Al Sayed___________________________________________________ 12 Untitled by Jasmine Akbar_____________________________________________________ 13 Falling by Zainab Hassan______________________________________________________ 14 In the Time of the Butterflies by Mohamed Al Sayed_____________________________ 16 The Blue Light by Berfe Unal___________________________________________________19 A Modest Proposal by Israa Peeran______________________________________________20 Haiku 2 by Mohamed Al Sayed____________________________________________________22 Help Me by Jasmine Akbar_______________________________________________________23 Big Brown Eyes by Anonymous____________________________________________________24 Let It Go by Jasmine Akbar ____________________________________________________26 Who Are You by Jasmine Akbar___________________________________________________27 Haiku 3 by Mohamed Al Sayed____________________________________________________28 Haiku 4 by Mohamed Al Sayed____________________________________________________29 Time Doesn’t Heal All Wounds by Berfe Unal_____________________________________30 Solitary by Israa Peeran_______________________________________________________33 Haiku 5 by Mohamed Al Sayed____________________________________________________34 Flag of Pride by Jasmine Akbar_________________________________________________35 Xenecon’s Emotions by Angel Tapia______________________________________________36 Dede Narrative by Lilian Tawfic_________________________________________________38 The Magical Cabinet by Jakob Bierbaum__________________________________________40 Stain by Jasmine Akbar_________________________________________________________42 I have an Element by Jasmine Akbar_____________________________________________44 Belinda by Katrina Rbeiz_______________________________________________________46

Culture by Maryam Sindi________________________________________________Title Page Clouds by Iman Tayeb____________________________________________________________5 Kites by Iman Tayeb_____________________________________________________________6 Pillar by Omer Alamin___________________________________________________________9 Traffic Light by Maryam Sindi___________________________________________________10 Flower by Maryam Sindi_________________________________________________________12 Panoramic by Iman Tayeb________________________________________________________13 Hues of Orange by Maryam Sindi_________________________________________________16 Poland by Lazuardi Rinaldi_____________________________________________________20 Sea by Sooyoung Lee____________________________________________________________22 Seabird by Zainab Hassan_______________________________________________________28 Temple by Hamed Al Hamed_______________________________________________________36 Nature by Sooyoung Lee_________________________________________________________46 English Story by Zak Abu_______________________________________________________51

ART

Girl by Layal El Masri________________________________________________________ 18 Colors by Sofia Crockett________________________________________________________25 Sunset by Israa Peeran_________________________________________________________26 Sunrise by Ariq Moyeed_________________________________________________________30 Woman by Muzna Jaafari_________________________________________________________32 Stallion by Ariq Moyeed________________________________________________________34 Forest by Ariq Moyeed__________________________________________________________39 Vanity by Yesom Son____________________________________________________________40 Belly Dancer by Layal El Masri_________________________________________________43 Phoenix by Ariq Moyeed_________________________________________________________44 Untitled by Zak Abu____________________________________________________________48 Brain by Muzna Jaafari_________________________________________________________49 Knitting by Muzna Jaafari______________________________________________________50

Story By: Zak Abu Rain and mist covered the Forest not letting even light penetrate its cloak. Outside the rain and mist laid a world undiscovered. It had been nearly 3 Years since it had settled, many tried to escape but were never heard of. Only their screams and cries echoed throughout the forest. Fear, hardship, power mongers, swelled and flourished in Holiday Lakes. However Holiday Lakes had become self-sufficient, Prosperity spread like wildfire, engulfing the town. Food was no longer a gift, it was a right, heat was no longer scarce it was in abundance, clothing, people, and everything had become just like before. This was a new start, a new era of light, it was time to break the darkness vowed Jack But then the Mist started singing.

The Town was suddenly shaken awake but an ear piercing scream. Lights turned on all over the town, people running outside, some to the mist and others to the army base. The Screams intensified, Colonel Bradley stepped outside the base, the Screams were coming from the Mist. He called back all patrols and ordered a report, Liam had not returned yet, neither had Samantha.

By: Iman Tayeb 6

7

The Ancient Manipulator

By Angel Tapia

The year is 2067. Human conflict continues to grow; we all continue fight with one another and cannot decide whether to help others. There are very few humans who try to make the best out of life. Sadly i am part of the very small percentage of humans who try to make life peaceful. My species now faces extinction and we are hopeless to stop it. I remember there was a time earth wasn’t dying, my people were at peace, forests grew larger, and animals weren’t slaughtered. Now that has changed over the years; my country has been very close to nuclear war. People say that our leaders will be the end of us. Which i disagree because i think something much greater will come and bring the end to humanity.

As i wake up in the middle of the night, i hear my wife sobbing in the kitchen. I see her walking in circles in a rapid paste. I was worried but i didn’t want to make matters worse, I slowly approached her and asked what’s wrong. She didn’t reply and it didn’t seem like she even noticed me at all. Now i was frightened, then i grabbed her by the hand and asked her again “Samantha, what’s wrong?” She slowly looked at me with a emotionless stare and cold eyes. She then said to me in a soft voice “Turn on the television” I looked at her with confusion and asked “why?” she yelled at me in a harsh voice “Please go look for yourself” i then walk up to the television. I grab the remote and turned it on the television, the news channel was on; nuclear war was all over the news.

I couldn’t believe it, just yesterday; our government was close friends the other countries. This didn’t make any sense whatsoever, everything was completely fine the day before. I looked at my wife and asked “how did this all happen?” she looked at me in confusion and said “what are you talking about? Our country has always been in conflict with the other countries.” i said in a shocked tone “what? Our country hasn’t been a conflict within this year.” She said in a upset tone “well whatever, the point is we all gonna die. What can we do?” As I heard what she said. I slowly walked to the screen door of my house and opened it. I heard my wife calling for me. I didn’t pay attention, I was now afraid for the worse. As i left the house and walked in the grass field in my backyard.

I looked at the stars and said to myself “what has this world come to”.

I feel a warmth on my hand, it was my wife’s hand. She looked up to in fear. She asked “What are you thinking about?” i turn my head towards her and said “I’m not even sure what to think” She looked down and look back at me and said “let’s just go back to sleep, there really isn’t anything we can do at the moment. There is no escaping this.” I sighed and told her “okay, let’s just go back to sleep”. As i laid down in bed with her, i couldn’t stop but think there’s no more to this war. I’m starting to fall asleep now, I close my eyes.

8

By Omer Alamin

9

Gray Sky

by Jasmine Akbar The gray sky is howling and I feel drops of water on my nose.

The traffic light is still green and I wait patiently, along with the rest of the crowd.

I pull out my small umbrella from my bag to protect me from the upcoming heavy rain.

The weather is chilly and the lights are starting to glow even though it is only four in the afternoon; the wind is howling and I know that soon enough, everything is going to change.

My stable life will be turned upside down soon; I can feel the chill of the winds seep into my bones, whispering in my ears my dreads and convincing me that the worst scenarios are going to happen. I try to keep my mind in a blank slate, to look around and wonder what is going on inside everyone’s heads, but my attempt is futile. The traffic light is still green, and it doesn’t look like it would turn red anytime soon, and I am stuck with my dark thoughts that are drowning me.

I look ahead as I stand under my umbrella. The shop across the street has a big window with large letters on the front; it’s an ice cream shop that seems to be empty except for the staff members of the shop. Everyone around me are staring at the window -- or a large TV inside the shop, to be specific.

Curiosity is driving me, what are they looking so serious about? Their faces are filled with scowls or frowns, wrinkles are forming on their forehead, and some of them sighs exasperatedly as if there is no hope in the world. I avert my gaze towards the ice cream shop, and my eyes are instantly glued to the big TV inside the shop. The screen shows coverage of the latest news, and my heart skips a beat in an instant.

A city was bombed, the buildings falling apart as people scrambled out of their hiding places to run away from the terrorists that were shooting their guns everywhere. Guns were everywhere, bodies were scattered on the road, fire was burning on the street. Those cruel villains merely shrieked and shoot more, and more, and more, as if they haven’t found the satisfaction from killing and injuring the innocent souls. Everyone is running and shouting, everything is a blur; even though I can’t hear the news, I hear their pleas for life. I hear their cries of panic, their screams filling my ears albeit I hear nothing but the wind that is whispering loudly in my ears. I want to close my ears, my eyes, and my senses; I want to run off and pretend this never happened.

But in reality, all that I’m doing is standing on the side, watching the news as my mind screams internally for everything to halt. The dead bodies are everywhere, the buildings are collapsing, everyone is panicking, and car horns are blaring right in front of me with their lights shining brightly. I feel suffocated, I feel nauseous as though someone had punched me in the stomach again and again. I want to vomit out all these emotions and forget that this ever happened; I need to run away.

I thought that the bombed city would always be my safe haven, a place that I can always I feel scared. I have left the country for studying, and I have never felt as safe as I back to my home country. After all, it is a small country that not many knows about; it lar country that everyone in the world would have knowledge about. Why did this happen? destroyed my safe haven?

go to whenever was when I went is not a popuWho could have

It is as if everything that I have ever believed was a lie. But I wouldn’t mind if they are, just not this one.

My country -- my city have been tainted by the blood of those terrorists and it has been dragged into the messy tangles of the world conflicts. I have always hoped that my country would be left out of the messy problems of the world, but my worst nightmare is happening right in front of my eyes. If my safe haven is tainted, then where should I go? Where can I seek safety and some peace of mind?

I feel nauseous and cold. The rain is getting stronger and time is slowing down; the traffic light is still red that I am starting to believe that it’s broken. More people are standing by my side, their eyes are glued to the TV screen inside the ice cream shop. The car horns are blaring in my ears, and the whispers of people around me are making me sick. They all wouldn’t care, after all, it’s not their safe haven that is being threatened of bedlam.

I am screaming internally, trying to find a way to convince myself that everything is going to be alright. But with the state of the world and how messy everything is, there will never be an “alright”. I feel panic filling up my chest as I realize that soon, my stable life will be turned upside down into a chaotic mess.

I didn’t notice the traffic light turning into a red, allowing people to cross the street due to my thoughts and the moment of panic I am feeling inside my chest. Everyone around me walks along, the thought of what happened on the news leaving their mind and floating away like it was never there in the first place. How easy would it be, if I can just forget that this has ever happened and pretend that everything is still normal and that the world is not going to be turned into debris in a moment.

I step forward, one step into the future.

Soon, the people around me will feel the ripples of the upcoming war. Soon, the ice cream shop will melt; soon, shoutings will fill this road I am about to cross. I feel it in my bones, and I am praying that my worst nightmare is not going to happen.

10

By Maryam Sindi

I lost my haven, I can’t lose my life too.

11

Haiku 1

By Mohamed Al Sayed

Untitled

By Jasmine Akbar

One day, you will die Shine bright, to shine after death Take it for granted

Paint me the story so Rich in truth and tell me if I am doing the wrong thing by letting Desperation take the wheel, discarding and throwing away Everything

By Maryam Sindi 12

13

Falling

By Zainab Hassan Calm, but chilly brushes of a breeze That whisks through forests of shedding trees The blades of grass start turning brown The colored leaves of autumn float down The biting cold slinks through the air The wind rattles through trees that stand bare The nights are long and the days hurry by Snowflakes fall from a pale winter sky Budding blossoms release their perfume Bright colors bursting as they bloom Bees hum and birds sing Rain is unleashed in the season of spring Leaves fall in autumn Snow falls in winter Rain falls in spring Summer is the season that I fell For you

By Iman Tayeb 14

15

In the Time of the Butterflies

By Mohamed AlSayed

Below, Is an altered excerpt from the book know as “In The Time Of The Butterflies”, which gives a detailed scenario of a certain event in the story:

It was just like a normal Dominican summer day. The sky was as clear as my mind. The sun was shining enough to blind everyone, even those who were wearing sunglasses. Planning this out with Dede, and Maria yesterday, we decided to go to the beach alongside Jaimito. Stepping on my door’s matt, I could feel the warm breeze blowing upon my wings, allowing me to fly higher than ever, but then as soon as I heard Jaimito’s voice calling from the car, the wind calmed down. “I’m coming” I said as I walked towards the car. As soon as I stepped into the car, I heard Maria say “What took you so long?” “I had to make sure to bring the sunscreen, and the beach ball.” I replied. “It’s not like we are running late, we are just going there to enjoy the view, and play beach ball there.” stated Jaimito. “And be back at home by 4” added Maria. “Look at the clock, We are not going to spend three hours at the beach are we?” asked Jaimito.

On the road, I could see my people. How the adults are working hard, and the children play with their friends, maintaining a smile that stretches from ear to ear. Above this whole scene was the sun, burning everything it touches, striking everyone in our Dominican society. “We are finally here.” said Jaimito as he parked near the beach. “Look at the amount of people here!” said Dede. As soon as a stepped out of the car, I saw the beach covered in humans, and umbrellas. Taking a deep breath of the air, I could smell the amusement of the people. Then again, I see the sun standing higher than the scenery, burning it faster than fire. “Minerva, pass me the sunscreen.” stated Maria. “It is good that you brought sunscreen with you.” said Dede. “The sun is burning my skin.” added Dede.

I proceeded by taking out the sunscreen and rubbing it on Maria, and Dede. Then, I handed Dede the sunscreen to rub it on me, and Jaimito.

Sitting on the chair with Maria, I could see the waves creeping in on Dede, and Jaimito until it hit them. The waves have hit them as strong as the wind breeze, to the point where I doubt they would ever feel it. Once they stepped out of the water, and Maria and I entered. The waves starting becoming vigorous, and forceful.

After staying in the water for a short time, we decided to play beach ball, and leave. On our way home, I could see dark clouds homing in on Dominica, blocking the view of the sun. I could tell that it was going to rain, but not today. We reached home fifteen past three, and once we opened the door, we heard the agonized voice of Mama. I dashed through the house to Mama, to find her sitting on the edge of her bed. “What happened? What is wrong?” I asked. “It’s your dad, he….” she replied, stopping for a second to cry. “...died.” At that second, thunder struck, and the sky started crying. Maria stormed into the room, and asked: “What’s going on Minerva?” Collapsing on the floor, I answered “Papi is dead.”

Minerva then went to grasp Dede in her arms, bursting into tears. I could feel my heart being shattered. That night, sleep betrayed me. I kept remembering moments of me and my father throughout the whole night. Just when I was able to ward off the thoughts, Maria’s tormented voice was spread throughout the entire world. Even when Maria calmed down, the rain was there nudging my memory of mama’s exact words “It’s your dad, he….... died.”

The next day was the funeral. We all wore a black dress, alongside black heels, except Dede. She decided to wear her shoes. The clouds were still crying, and so we had to bring our umbrellas with us. At the funeral, I could see Patria, and Pedrito there. Even though she was in labour.

She still attended Papi’s funeral. Dede had Jaimito by her side, calming her down. As I saw the coffin being lowered, I started remembering my times with papi. The times of when he protected me when I was young. The times of when I never listened to him, and then regretted it. The times of when he suffered only to make me happy for a couple of seconds. Suddenly, I heard a papi’s voice from above saying “I’m sorry...I wanted to be a good father...I’m sorry...I wanted to raise you up like a princess…, but I..” “If someone was to apologize, then it would be me papi.

I never listened to you, and because of that you have suffered. I drove my car into yours on purpose. I even got you into trouble with Trujillo.

If someone has to apologize….” I interrupted as I burst into tears. “But I was happy.” he replied “You always treated me well. Thank you! I...was always happy to have you as my daughter.” “Papi!!” I screamed with a waterfall of tears bursting from my eyes.

By Maryam Sindi 16

17

The Blue Light

by Berfe Unal There is this bright flickering blue light. The room isn’t dark, it’s lit like a Christmas tree. There are people around me, talking. Yet I make eye contact with this blue flickering light and every sound and light ceases to exist. It’s all gone. Why? Why is that my brain is focusing on this tiny blue light. Suddenly everything goes empty. The room is still lit but I don’t see anyone. Papers and bags all over the floor. The students who wore glasses, the lens cracked on the ground. The doors shattered and scratched. I get up to move but then everything comes back.

The people are back the sound is back and the light is still there.

I look at again focusing really hard on the light. Close my eyes and open them, they’re gone again. This time I don’t look around. I get up with my eyes still on the light. Nothing changes, I move towards it and it’s not changing. It’s not moving away, neither is it getting bigger.

I’m face to face with it, and I touch it. Suddenly everything starts to shake. I squeeze my eyes shut and open them again. Where am I? It’s dark. I take a small step and I make contact with an object. “A counter?” I thought to myself. Following the counter I reach a door. Open it up and the hallway lights up. My sister runs up to me and yells “You ruined the game! Now how are you meant to hide in…”. She stops mid way.

Why am I taller than her? She screams a blood curling scream and runs away. I was too focused on my sister’s appearance I didn’t notice the house I was in. I walked only two steps before the bathroom was on my left, pretty small too. I look to my right and there is a short hallway that has the door on the left side of the wall to leave the house. Before it is an opening on the left too. All too scared I walk a little further to the right and stand in front of this opening. I see a living room full of windows. Green couches, not bright green but army green, it’s nice. There is a dinner table in front of me. The floors is this wooden floor but polished. Behind me is another opening leading to the kitchen. I don’t go in to the rooms. I walk back to the dark hallway. I don’t close the door, and open the rest of the doors. While nothing had any effect on me I walk into a bedroom. I come face to face with a girl with long brownish blonde hair. She has this really shocked expression on her face. The room is somewhat purplish. Two beds one either side and she is sitting on one of them. “Who are you?” she asks me. “I’m…”

I can’t process what I’m looking at. I’m looking at…I’m looking at me.

I’m in my old home. I’m looking at my younger self. Before I could say or ask anything, I’m back in the loud room. The people are all around me and I’m still frozen seeing myself before me. The light was gone. Why am I stuck in the dark hallway now? I just have to open the door. So do it, open the door and get out.

18

by Layal El Masri

19

A Modest Proposal Dear Mr. Trump, I would like to congratulate you on winning the presidency through the system. I am sure you will do an exceptional job with those big words you know. Recently I have been thinking about the issue that so many haters are crucifying you for, immigration. I have come up with a plan that will ensure the safety of white America and keep the American dream alive.

I have watched you debates religiously Mr. Trump, and have come up with a more complex form of a talent show. The objective of it is to bring in the terrorist immigrant whom we think best fits the characteristics brought forth by your esteemed self.

The qualifications are simple: - She must be lone - Willing to be grabbed - Is willing to pay for the exceptional wall - Has to have Ivanka’s bod - Has to have the best biggest words out there.

- Is able to delete the internet.

- Long and beautiful fingers.

Before entering the country, she must go through the audition.

If she manages to succeed she can then proceed into the country, otherwise she can go back to where she came from.

I hope you find that this modest proposal meets your standards.

Make America White Great Again!

Abdullah Ahmad P.S. If she wasn’t your daughter, I would date her too.

By Lazuardi Rinaldi

20

21

Haiku 2 By: Mohamed Al Sayed

In the calm playground Memories from the past flash “C’mon, Let’s go play”

22

Help me By: Jasmine Akbar Help me feel alive And see the world in color To breathe and feel the air flowing through my veins To laugh and feel the happiness in my throat Help me see the light And see the end of the tunnel -- help me walk To find the happy ending I’ve longed for in my brain To leave this empty void of darkness and space Help me breathe And untie the choking rope around my neck To remove the gun posed next to my temple To lessen the burden and the pain Help me be alive And remove the monster out of my head To erase the fears and lock them away To drown the nightmares and the shouting pleas Help me feel the life And see the flickering lights of happiness To breathe fresh air and feel wind on my fingertips To smile and cry at the beautiful things Help me be aliv--

23

Big Brown Eyes

By Anonymous When I look around me all I see are faces.

Faces all unique in their own way.

Eyes, some dark and others lighter than anything I’ve ever seen in my entire life.

But, yours are different.

They’re dark, almost chocolate like.

I always told you how much I love brown eyes, you never believed me.

It’s cause I don’t.

I hate brown eyes, I find them dull and ordinary.

You make it something else.

You’re eyes make something so common look so special.

There is so much about yourself that you don’t like but you fail to see that everything that you hate is the very reason my mind day dreams about you.

I hate being this way.

I hate that I’m writing this because it has no effect anymore.

I know I have no effect anymore.

Nothing about me is special to you anymore.

You don’t care.

Your heart no longer wants to be around me anymore and I get why.

The part that hurts the most isn’t knowing that I caused it, it’s knowing that I can’t have you back.

It hurts beyond imagination.

I miss how captivated you were by me.

I felt like someone actually wanted to be around me, that someone was drawn to a personality so many people hadn’t seen.

It’s true, I didn’t show the side you saw to anyone.

Not even the closest people to me know that side of me.

Sometimes the girl I live with is shocked about the side that you brought out.

But that’s all gone now.

It’s all in the past.

All you bring me now is misery and I don’t feel special.

I feel unwanted, unneeded, and broken.

I know I hurt you too, but you healed better and faster.

I’m still breaking more and more everyday.

I hide it and it’s getting better but it still hurts.

At first I wasn’t able to sleep.

I would wake up dreading the next 8 hours of misery I would have in school without running to you or taking in your smell.

Now, your smell is something foreign to me.

You eyes aren’t a wonder, they’re a burden.

A memory I’ve forgotten.

Everything you said use to say replays in my head and now, I don’t even remember what your laugh sounds like.

It hurts so much that you no longer just randomly walk up to me and talk.

You just walk by and it doesn’t even look like you feel anything about it, but for me, my whole world is coming down on me.

I remember a world without you, I was miserable.

Now I’m there again, but now the only difference is that it is a world without you that I have known you.

I miss your big brown eyes so much and that’s something you’ll never know.

24

By Sofia Crockett

25

By Israa Peeran

Who Are You

By Jasmine Akbar Who are you to judge Who are you to look And decide Who’s the devil to be gifted with the grudge

Let it Go

By Jasmine Akbar Promise me that you won’t Run away, like everyone else when I reveal the empty spot -- so dark, so void that Dreams made it become Eager for more, so desperate that I let it go.

26

Who are you to scowl And laugh At the desperation that I feel And the steps I took -- the fouls Who are you to determine The worth of my blood, sweat, and tears So long it hurts no one but me Who are you to judge?

27

Haiku 3 By: Mohamed Al Sayed

By: Zainab Hassan

Out of the ER Comes the doctor, discouraged Bearing gloomy news

Haiku 4 By: Mohamed Al Sayed Goodnight mom and dad Rising awake, as blood drips Huh? Mama? Papa?

28

29

Time Doesn’t Heal All Wounds

By Berfe Unal Time heals all wounds.

Time heals all wounds.

Time heals all wounds.

Are you sick of hearing it yet?

I know I am.

I’m tired of hearing that sentence because it’s nothing but a lie.

It’s nothing but a way for a friend who is too lazy to give real advice to say something.

I hate that sentence with it’s 4 syllables, 18 letters, 4 words.

It’s a mere collection of sounds and letters.

It doesn’t heal anything.

It makes it worse.

Time.

That 4 letter word haunts me through my whole life.

When I hear it my breath hitches and my heart beat picks up.

It gets so fast sometimes I’m pretty sure it stopped beating for a good minute.

Time doesn’t have to be in the form of a clock or watch or blinking digits on a screen for me to tremble in the thought of it.

They say good days feel like they go by faster, that time almost feels nonexistent.

On bad days you feel it with all it’s weight.

The ticking of the seconds and the slow movement of the big hand making the small move just enough for you to dread the next sixty to come.

If these statements are true then I haven’t had a good day yet.

I feel time.

I don’t have to be looking at any sort of clock to feel those sixty seconds.

It’s been years, I still haven’t healed.

Where is the indication that time has healed me?

No.

Time hasn’t healed me.

Time has ripped open my wounds day in and day out.

It’s pushed it’s miserable seconds into my mind making them feel like decades.

It feels endless to the point of which I can’t seem to bare the milliseconds.

I’d tear open my mind and pull out the knowledge I have of time if I could, but then…

Then I remember, I remember the sense of being aware of time yet being able to count those seconds and minutes to something great.

Like the seconds to the new year where I set the idea in my head to not rebuild myself, but reshape.

The minutes it takes to get a pizza order to your house when you’re spending time with your friends feeling every second cause you’re all starving to death.

The months counting down to when I go on summer vacation and go back home to see the friends I’ve been longing to see.

The years I spent waiting to graduate and now it’s here and I can feel all that time.

So no, there had never been a time I was so happy I never felt time.

I felt every second with it’s miserable longing, but I always felt it while waiting for the good.

So time never healed me.

It’s the things I counted to that did.

Time never stops.

So I’m never going to stop counting.

As long as that ticking hand continues to burden me with it’s seconds.

I’m always gonna look forward to the next sixty.

By Ariq Moyeed

30

31

Solitary

By Israa Peeran

33

32

By Muzna Jaafaria

The room was cold His clothes were wet, from spilling the water I knew he couldn’t do it by himself, He was--- it had progressed He had no control over his own body He had no control of his own mind But every once in a while He’d have a few seconds of lucidity He turned to me and said, “It’s time” I took It and he got quiet And it was over and I was alone – again And I know, I’ll get that sick And no one will be there when it’s time.

The room felt warm, I know that because, I was the only one in the room.

33 33

Haiku 5 By: Mohamed Al Sayed

Flag of pride By: Jasmine Akbar

At an orphanage 511 Kinderheim Survivors: Johan

The The The And

flag is rising, slowly and calmly color of greed paints the canvas, painfully vibrant preying eyes unleash the fears, letting it lurk in the dark I am holding on to the last piece of light

The flag is rising, slowly and painfully Each second is agonizing, guilt tripping I'm reaching out for a time machine, another way To undo the fouls, to set the planets in their orbits Alas, I can never Undo my mistakes and free myself from The cage of lies, the web that trapped my existence.

Nothing could be done, my thoughts are no longer sound The paint brush dipped in red ink Paints the jealousy on the big flag -- oh, the guilt It chokes me with its fingers, guides me to the void And let me see the core of the monster, raw in its flesh.

The flag is big, it's rid of beauty.

A flag to celebrate The poison of pride, the lonely tag That will stick with me, until I die.

By: Ariq Moyeed 34

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Xenocon’s Emotions

By Angel Tapia Spending my time alone in Universe twelve. I’ve never felt so lonely in my entire existence. This feeling of having no one i know around felt so weird. It’s hard for me to understand why Katrina stationed me here, but i hope the long millennia i’ll be spending in this universe won’t be a personal torment. If only I can comprehend what Katrina meant by giving oneself emotions.

I still remember when she told me “Xenocon, now is the time for you to understand what you will experience in the next lesson in order for you to become a Faction Leader. You will be stationed alone in Universe twelve for the benefit of understanding emotions.” Then I said in a confused tone “Why must I learn more about emotions? I already studied them enough to know what they are.” Katrina politely asked “If you know what emotions are, then explain what is Anger?” I replied “Anger is a second emotion and hormone that the body produces in the brain” katrina “No child, you may have studied emotions but you must understand them by feeling them. The only emotion you know so far is fear. Which shouldn’t be the only one”. I quietly asked “ Oh i see. So how do i understand them?” katrina replied “ You are expected to visit many civilizations and observe them.

You’re going to try to understand what makes these species feel anger, fear, sadness, and joy. Once you understand that, then you will decide to leave the species alone or destroy them yourself.” I asked her “Why should i be the one to destroy them if i decided so?” katrina then replied in a sarcastic tone “You have powers of destruction right?” i said in a soft tone “Yes i do” katrina said “Good now put them in good use. Now go child.” As soon as i left the The Great city of Katrina; I didn’t have time to say goodbye to my older brother. When I left the Echo I started feeling a weird sensation in my chest. It didn’t feel life concerning or uncomfortable, but this feeling in my chest did stick around.

So i decided to visit the first planet instead of getting settled in the Argotho region.

As I approached the planet; It was very dull and had a crimson red shade to it.

Then I started to levitate down. It didn’t take me long to find a local city. The species looked at me with a facial expression i’ve never seen before. They slowly walked backwards; their faces had the look of fear. I kindly asked “Does your species have a leader?”. They quickly stopped and spoke to me in their language.

I couldn’t understand them at first but then i tapped into their minds to understand them, so i decided fly away and observe them from afar. I’ve noticed they didn’t have any form of military nor any form of weapons. Which that bewildered me; I needed to know why the species does not acquire any form of weapons. Then i noticed something from the woods, it was a child with a round blue orb.

The child stopped, she slowly walked towards me and stared at me. The child slowly raised the round orb and tossed it at me. I quickly vaporized the round orb with my hand. The child started to snivel and shook it’s hand up and down. I tried to calm the child down because I didn’t want this child to interfere with my observation. But i didn’t know how to calm her. I’ve never seen a child have liquids leave their eyes before. I didn’t know what to do at this point so I decided to show the child my powers. The child quickly stopped crying and mumbled the words “Colors”. I said in a confused tone “Colors?”. The child wanted to touch my hand where my powers were present.

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I couldn’t let her touch it or she would be erased. I raised my hand towards the sky and blasted my powers in the sky. The child kept staring at the sky where the blast exploded. I wondered what was going through this child’s mind when i created the explosion. At this moment started to feel an even weirder feeling in my chest. I wanted to know what it is was, but I couldn’t figure it out. Then I decided I had enough with my observation.

I flew back into space. I watched the planet, I couldn’t decide whether this planet dies or lives. Then a few things came into mind which made me think that this planet should live. It doesn’t have any military or weapons which means the race is peaceful. I think the planet should be allowed to live. I wants to make sure, so I called Katrina to aid me. She answered by the hologram. Katrina asked “How can I assist you Xenocon?” I told her about my findings “The species that live on this planet is a peaceful one. They don’t acquire any form of weapons nor military.” Katrina looked at me with a smile on her face and asked “Have you encountered any of the species?” I said “Yes I have, I’ve encountered a child that seems to be very innocent than she looks.” Katrina looking down for a second then looked at me and asked “Do you feel that this planet should be allowed to live?” I took one second to think about that question then I thought of one thing that was on my mind and I told her “I don’t understand the word feel but I know this planet should be allowed to live. The child is the prime example of the planets peace.” Katrina looked at the planet and said “Good. Now I want you to do something for me.” I asked her “Which is?” She said “I want you to destroy the planet. Make sure it’s erased. I don’t want the species to live.” My chest was pounding now. My head started to hurt. My eyes felt uncomfortable. I asked her in a confused tone “Why Katrina? They aren’t a threat to themselves or other species!” She answered in a deep voice “Xenocon I’ve made up my mind. I want the planet erased. Do what your superior needs you to do. You must understand emotions and this is a way of teaching you.” I wanted to raise my voice but I couldn’t. My voice felt softer and I couldn’t speak against her wishes. So I said “ I understand Superior One. I’ll do what you wish.” She said “Good. I’ve must get going. I have a lot of meetings to attend to. Goodbye.”

Katrina’s hologram disappeared. I looked at the planet and raised my right hand towards it. As my powers were charging, I couldn’t look at the planet anymore. I didn’t want to look, every time I looked at it. The only thing that came in mind was the child. There was something about the thought of the child that made me think different. Then I vaporized the planet. I looked; I only saw nothing but space. The planet is gone I thought to myself. I started to feel a new feeling in chest but also in my eyes. Liquids were leaving my eyes. It longer felt right to be at the site of nothing. As I flew away, I only thought of the child. I felt as if I could’ve saved her. Now that I’m flying to my next planet. I did learn many things from the first planet but one thing does stand out from the rest.

Inow know who is my true enemy.

BY : Hamed Al Hamed

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Dede Narrative Lilian Tawfik

Her mind was filled with treacherous waters trying to drain away the flood of emotions through her eyes. It seemed as if the scent of the flowers that she once used to enjoy, now brings back the memories of the pain she endured, carried like a weight and buried too deep for the light to ever touch it.

Dede remembers the poem her dad read to her years back, “As the leaves begin to fall, the anacahuita tree remains bound to the earth, destined to renew the legacy of the old leaves.” Perhaps he was right, perhaps the leaves fell so that the anchanui tree can continue breathing.

“So how did it happen?,” the interview women asks carefully. Dede’s eyes closed tight, as if she were trying to block the sea of waters from spilling all over her. She notices the shriveled brown leaves of the anacahuita tree fading into the depths of the earth, one by one, until the tree was almost completely bare. Perhaps she should let these leaves go, for they are destined to die.

“Ay the accident,” Dede says, as her eyes traveled back in time. She remembers pulling off the driveway to Mama’s house and hearing a penetrating scream that roared louder than the heavy thunderstorm collapsing on her shoulders. Her mind was trying to give her the benefit of a doubt, assuring her that it was just a fire, but the horror of their voices made her think otherwise. She ran as quick as she could, with her shoulders falling down like teardrops caused by the soulful cries. When she reached the house, Something odd happened, the kids were screaming “Mama!”

“Mama!” to Dede. Right then and there she knew what happened. Dede’s arms wrapped around the kids so tightly, she could feel the limbs of her body breaking down. Just when she was about to lose all hope, Mama told her about the telegraph sent to her earlier.

Suddenly, Dede felt a burning hole in her heart, a fire that lit inside her that she never felt before. She heads towards the anacahuita tree to replant her decaying heart with the seeds of life. As she peered through the darkness, she could see a blooming flower sprouting beautifully among the dead leaves of the anacahuita tree. When Dede finally got the courage to go see her sisters’ corpses, she drove towards the SIM post, cursing in every word and language she could think of. It was raining violently at the time she reached the gates of the hospital, but it started lightning when the guards refused to let Dede in. At this moment, Dede could feel the roaring fires engulfing her soul, causing all of the damage that was created to mount into flames. She said to the guards.

“I will go in, even if you have to kill me. I don’t care anymore!” The guards looked stunned as they took a step back.

When Dede first saw them, she couldn’t move. She felt as if her spirit was trapped in a dark shell, trying to break out of this earthly hell, but the knots tied around her wings were too tight. “Trujillo is a monstruo!” Dede cried, when she was finally able to move. Her soul was drained with tears, for she felt there was no beacon of light left inside her. The three butterflies that once lit up her life, flew to the heavens, and murdered her paradise.

At the ride home, Dede could remember Jamato saying, “ this is your martyrdom, to be alive without them.” Slowly, the good memories that she nurtured and stored became lost treasures, pieces of missing gold. The sun began to set, the birds of paradise continued to sing, and her heart continued to beat. It was when her sisters died that she was able to escape the dark shell that she has been confined in for years. She could feel the warmth of the cold wind that once separated her from her sisters and soak the light she thought would never touch her. Life has gotten so busy for her, she no longer continues mama’s tribute of a fresh blossom for the girls everyday. Now instead, she settles for an artificial orchid. Perhaps that is the only way she can just let go.

There has been a car accident Please come to Jose Maria Cabral hospital in Santiago

Like a bird, she spiraled into the house through the doors that were opened all along. It was in the dead of the night, when Dede next notices the lights of an upcoming car coming closer and closer until she could finally see clearly. She notices the telegraph deliverer handing her an envelope. Her heart starts pounding out of her chest, for even the hombre mask he put in his face could not hide his tears. After scanning each and every word of the note, she swallowed a sea of tears back and slowly delivered the terrible news to Mama.

By Ariq Moyeed

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The Magical Cabinet

By Jakob Bierbaum For miles and miles around and The fame of the cabinet spread Some said “it glistened” while But all were in agreement that

across the land along the winding road. others “it glowed” it definitely did stand

A beacon, a shrine, a monument to man.

All named it to suit their personal goals.

Full of treasure: trinkets, knick-knacks, and gold-adorned bowls.

Some walked, some jogged, and many even ran To see for themselves, the magical prize And to take a piece to remember it by.

Searching down low and scanning up high The people admired it with their desirous eyes.

The cabinet bristled with joy and with unabashed pride So that when a brave man inquired about a canvass The cabinet swung open, no more protection from the glass And hands greedily grasped the art from each and every side.

Laughing off the loss, the cabinet shuttered its doors But the next day, they came again, pleading and begging at last For scrolls and poems that surely taught lessons about the past So they gathered, swiped, filled their bags, booming with laughter and roars.

The cabinet felt the missing loot and grieved the empty space But still held tightly to the treasure buried deep inside That warmed the shelves and pulsed so strongly no longer could it hide.

Especially when a woman arrived with a smile and that elegant grace.

Charming and mesmerizing, she stole the last vessel at night.

Promising to cherish it, and return in the morning, the cabinet trusted her words But sunlight had come and the day moved on with nothing to see but wind and the birds Looking inside the cabinet found nothing: no treasure or trinket or light.

All that it was And when it was Left hollow and Wondering where

had been taken by others claiming a desperate need empty the people disappeared and not one returned. frozen, opened yet closed, love-struck and burned could it turn to and to whom could it plead.

And one day, a young wandering boy, lost and alone, but eminently good Found the place the magic had been and shed a tear on the broken, lifeless wood.

By Yesom Son

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Stain By: Jasmine Akbar When I saw I felt the When I saw I realized

how stained he was grin forming on my face dirt on his shirt, revealing his flaws I was not the only loser in this race.

When I saw his face hiding underneath the golden mask, I snickered, how dare he pretend?

He was Lucifer, the worst angel at task And I was the devil, happy that he was nearing his end.

By: Layal El Masri 42

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I have an Element By: Jasmine Akbar A fire burning with passion Water flowing with creativity Air dancing with knowledge yet to come And earth brimming with stories to be told I I I I I

know that I own an Element can feel the burn as I let my fingers dance can see it flow as I embrace the sensation can hear it whisper lovely tunes of joy can smell the fresh fields brimming with hope

“Find your muse, then dream big.”

“Love what you do and dream big.”

“Shoot for the sun, dream big.”

I was afraid to find my Element, to dream big.

Many Many Many Many

dreamt big and shot for the moon had arms that were not long enough failed and simply fell gave up.

My Element whispered hopes My survival instinct shouted words to bring me back To reality Where colors are muted, where lives are tough Where fire is subdued, where water is blocked Where air is contained Where earth is stepped on and forgotten

By: Ariq Moyeed

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Belinda By: Katrina Rbeiz

In her 1801 novel, Belinda, Maria Edgeworth introduces Clarence Harvey, a pretentious suitor chosen for the protagonist, Belinda. The purpose of this passage from the novel is to develop the pompous characterization of Mr. Harvey as well as to convey his tentative emotions towards Belinda. Edgeworth uses the third person point of view, scholarly diction and varying syntax to establish a haughty and satirical tone throughout the passage. This excerpt emphasizes Edgeworth’s cynical view of society during the late 1700s and early 1800s, as it makes a social commentary on the elite stereotype and the dysfunctional means of courtship.

The passage begins with an initial perception of the type of man Clarence Harvey appears to be, followed by his arrogant “desire of being thought superior in every thing” (3). His need to be regarded as intelligent stemmed from him being “early flattered” and placed on pedestal at a young age, exemplifying the childhoods of the other privileged men (5). Edgeworth notes that this air of self-importance creates a false sense of entitlement to being “imprudent wild, and eccentric” (7). Because this is written in the third person, Edgeworth is able to mock Harvey’s character while simultaneously mimicking the typical speech of an arrogant man. The multisyllabic diction reflects Harvey’s egotism and his “considerable literary talents” (9). Despite Harvey’s apparent insecurities about “passing for a pedant”, his contradictory actions of playing a “chameleon character” accentuates his portrayal of a man who excessively worries about insignificant details (11, 14). If he was truly trying to appear nonchalant, Harvey would not have to compromise his character and would instead embrace his identity. Edgeworth makes it clear that Harvey is a deceitful man who comprehends the means of manipulation in a judgmental society. Readers are able to discern his ability to “be all things to all men - and to all women” (17). The dash places importance on Harvey’s disingenuous experiences with women as it seems to imply that he has had multiple relationships with them. Edgeworth adds that he “was supposed to be a favorite with the fair sex”, making sure to include the word “supposed” to inject her own personal opinion of men like Clarence Harvey, citing that in spite of his grandiose perception of himself, he fails to please the ladies (18).

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As his relationship to Lady Delacour unfolds, readers notice Clarence Harvey’s judgmental thoughts surrounding the Delacour family. After frowning upon “the idea of disturbing the peace of a family”, he obnoxiously states that “there was no peace to disturb”, granting him the ability to infiltrate the home and follow his own rules. This thought diverges from the third person and quotes Harvey as having expressed this idea.

Edgeworth includes his personal thought to highlight his critical opinion of the family, only furthering Edgeworth’s social commentary on the insincere elite society. The passage continues with Harvey receiving “amuse[ment]” and “flatte[ry] from “Lord Delacour’s jealousy” (34). Instead of feeling a sense of embarrassment for his behavior at “all of her ladyship’s parties”, he takes this time to relish in the feelings he manages to conjure from the husband of a really rich and fashionable lady (36). Edgeworth includes this childish behavior to highlight the elite’s lack of responsibility or sense of moral compass. At these parties, Harvey would “consequently [see] Belinda almost every day, and everyday he saw her with increasing admiration of her beauty, and with increasing dread” (38, 39).

Although he saw her every day, Harvey only took notice of her physical beauty, and instead of trying to get to know her, he focused on the downfalls of marrying the “niece of the ‘catchmatch-maker’”- a derogatory name he gives to Belinda’s aunt, Mrs. Stanhope. This is yet another example of the superficial world in which the elite live in, where their priorities include organizing soirees for young women to marry into rich, yet artificial families. Edgeworth grants Harvey an awareness of the society he lives in, yet allows his character to continue on the path of egotistical elitism and harsh judgement to illustrate the point that the rich are rooted in their selfish ways and will never change. Harvey “draw[s] back with sudden terror” at the thought of falling for Belinda’s attraction, as he is plagued with the horrible thought of her “premature [...] coquetry” and of her “artful dame”, Mrs. Stanhope. Harvey fails to see the similarity between Mrs. Stanhope’s desire to control Belinda and society’s need to control him. Both Belinda and Harvey are unable to unlatch themselves from the undesirable hook of the elite, rendering them as mindless puppets functioning under the pretense that they are in control.

In conclusion, Maria Edgeworth characterizes Clarence Harvey as a pretentious, judgmental man who serves to symbolize the deceitfully complex archetype of an elite citizen living during the early 1800s. Edgeworth successfully delves into the overcritical and immature mind of a privileged man.

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