Titan's Muse _2024

Titan’s Muse

Poetry Prose Art

Titan’s Muse

A Journal of Prose, Poetry, and Art 2024

Mission Statement

Titan’s Muse is a student-produced journal sponsored and advised by a cross-departmental and divisional group of staff and faculty. Titan’s Muse seeks to cultivate a campus culture that celebrates reading, writing, and creative expression. This publication is a space to recognize the high-quality work of our students. The magazine accepts submissions in poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, academic writing, reviews, and art.

All of the writing and art published in Titan’s Muse is created by York Technical College students. The pieces are selected by students in the Literary Arts Club who serve as the magazine’s staff.

Views Expressed

York Technical College is not responsible for opinions expressed in Titan’s Muse. The opinions expressed within published content are solely the author’s or artist’s.

Content Reproduction

The content of Titan’s Muse cannot be reproduced, in part or in whole, without the permission of the magazine and the contributor.

Acknowledgements

Titan’s Muse was made possible through an Innovation Mini Grant from the York Technical College Foundation, the Student Leadership and Events’ Literary Arts Club, the IT Department’s Digital Arts and Design internship, and the English and Foreign Language Department.

Letter From Exec. Vice President

Dr. Jamie Cooper

Academic and Student Affairs Executive Vice President

I am delighted to present you with Titan's Muse, York Technical College's literature and arts journal. This journal reflects our mission to transform lives and elevate the communities we serve by providing our students with the opportunity to develop and showcase their unique voices and perspectives. Creating time and space to share and appreciate different forms of creative expression is core to who we are as a local community within a globally connected society. Here, you will find a variety of works in writing and visual arts created by our talented students from different backgrounds, disciplines, and interests. These works were selected and edited by the members of the Literary Arts Club, who also manage the journal with the help of our dedicated faculty advisors. We are grateful for the support and collaboration of our sponsors and partners, who make this journal possible.

Titan's Muse is more than a publication; it is a celebration of our collective community, creativity, and expression. We hope you enjoy Titan's Muse and, perhaps, find new inspiration and understanding.

Student Staff Bios

Matthew Adkins Managing Editor

Matthew Adkins is the Managing Editor of Titan’s Muse. In his last semester at York Tech, Matthew plans to pursue an English degree at a four-year school. He’s an avid fan of writing, literature, poetry, and an extreme bibliophile.

Jaiden Beck Graphic Designer and Layout Editor

Jaiden Beck serves as the Graphic Designer for Titan’s Muse. Using his years of experience as a student, Jaiden intends to create the best possible viewing experience and the highest achievable quality magazine for the students and faculty of York Technical College to experience.

Tyler Mathews Poetry and Prose Editor

Tyler Mathews serves as an editor for Titan’s Muse for the Spring 2024 commission, bringing his passion for storytelling and art to his work for the school's literary magazine. When not editing, Tyler enjoys writing, exercising, reading, and exploring the rich narratives of TV shows and films.

Faculty and Staff Advisors

Moriah Allen

English and Foreign Languages Department Chair

D

Cari Potts Instructor/First Year Writing Program Coordinator

Jennifer Roberts

Student Leadership and Events Clubs and Organizations Liaison

Table of Contents

1-2.......................Photography..................Gas Welding and Cutting Students.........................................Handcrafted Metal Roses

3...........................Photography...................James Hedrick..............................................................................Flowers of Glencairn

4...........................Poetry..............................Kenyatta Robinson Wood..........................................................A Season for Summer

5...........................Artwork............................Charliese Gilyard.........................................................................Friendship

6...........................Poetry..............................Emi Torres....................................................................................The Regular

7...........................Poetry..............................Emi Torres.....................................................................................To My Sweet Camellia

8...........................Artwork............................Catherine Randall........................................................................Biltmore Hills

9-10.....................Poetry..............................Annmarie Lumpkin......................................................................To My Family, Love Moose

11.........................Artwork...........................Hunter Yeatts................................................................................Mystical Village

12.........................Artwork...........................Cierra Hamilton............................................................................It’s Okay to Need Help

13-14...................Poetry..............................Cierra Hamilton...........................................................................She’s Nice

15.........................Poetry..............................John Michael Dantes...................................................................Lily

16.........................Poetry..............................Angelo Allison.............................................................Silence

17-18...................Poetry...............................Lily Bailey.....................................................................Fate

19..........................Prologue..........................Grace Tuthill...............................................................The Bringer of Magic

20..........................Artwork............................Grace Tuthill...............................................................The Bringer of Magic

21..........................Poetry..............................Matthew Adkins.........................................................Morning Jazz

22..........................Photography..................James Hedrick............................................................Flowers of Glencairn

23..........................Poetry..............................Matthew Adkins.........................................................Checklist

24..........................Poetry..............................Matthew Adkins.........................................................Old Pond

25..........................Photography...................James Hedrick............................................................The Moth

26..........................Poetry..............................Matthew Adkins.........................................................What’s What

27..........................Poetry..............................Matthew Adkins.........................................................Beat

28..........................Artwork............................Marianne Vesich .......................................................Dream

29..........................Photography...................Jacob Ellis....................................................................Fakie Ollie at Dusk in Belmont

30..........................Poetry...............................Alicia Moore...............................................................Who Am I?

31..........................Art.....................................Madison Chapman....................................................Lines, Shapes & Points Oh My!

32-35....................Essay................................Jessica Jenkins..........................................................This is Water

36.........................Artwork............................Zoe Leonhardt..........................................................Alice

37.........................Poetry..............................William Vanderveer..................................................The Man Who Touched the Sun

38.........................Artwork...........................William Vanderveer..................................................Moon Man

39.........................Poetry..............................Lori Robinson............................................................Resilience

40.........................Poetry..............................Samantha Fickett......................................................Blue Light

41.........................Artwork............................Tabatha Pope............................................................Starry Seas Unicorn

42.........................Poetry..............................Samantha Fickett......................................................Summer Morning

43.........................Photography..................James Hedrick...........................................................Flowers of Glencairn

44.........................Poetry..............................Samantha Fickett......................................................Comet

45.........................Artwork............................Madison Chapman..................................................Part of Your Creative World

46.........................Poetry..............................Adele Cravens...........................................................Moonstruck

47.........................Poetry...............................Adele Cravens..........................................................Rose

48.........................Artwork............................Madison Chapman..................................................Grow

49.........................Fiction..............................Origin Story Contest Winners...............................Titan

Handcrafted Metal Roses

2024 SP1 Gas Welding and Cutting WLD 104-002 Students

Handcrafted Metal Roses

2024 SP1 Gas Welding and Cutting WLD 104-002 Students

James Hedrick Flowers of Glencairn

A Season for Summer

Kenyatta Robinson Wood

I was just as surprised by your absence

As I was by your presence

You came and went

Like a thunderstorm in mid-August

As turbulent to my body

As a tornado looking to land

I came to love you

Though you came as a surprise

When I lost you

I shed a million tears for you

The trials, triumphs

The BIG upset

I miss you

I reminisce every day

The only reason I’m standing

Is that I know you’re with my ancestors

Every day I feel the Sun’s rays

I will always remember

The Season of my Summer

Friendship

Charliese Gilyard

Dimensions: 24” x 32”

Medium: Acrylic

The Regular

Emi Torres

decaf dark roast iced oleato double shot shaken espresso light ice golden foam with toffee nut sub whole milk for pistachio milk with chestnut praline syrup two pumps and two pumps chai and sugar in the raw coat cup with caramel brulée sauce and add sweet cream cold foam swap the two percent for oatmilk add one pump hazelnut stevia extract on top of cold foam add dark caramel sauce and coconut cream then crushed himalayan salt serve with sustainable plastic straw

To My Sweet Camellia

Emi Torres

The pale pink stain disguised as a flower rests on my blouse over my frail pink heart. I tried to erase you, poured whole quarts of bleach on you, tried dyeing away that stubborn last trace of you. But there you remain, my pretty pink stain. And I’ve grown to cherish pink blossoms.

Biltmore Hills

Catherine Randall

Dimensions: 5” x 7”

Medium: Acrylic

To My Family, Love Moose

Annmarie Lumpkin

I've been weak Fighting for so long

To stay strong

For this family I belong

It’s nice out today

My mommy came to visit again

Yesterday we laid out in the sun

Today she wants me to go out again

I’m too weak

She helps me walk

To my favorite spot

By the basement door

The sun hits my black fur

Perfectly

There's new people here today

Everyone looks sad

Daddy called today

I miss him so

Everyone is standing around me

Mommy, her friend, granpappy, grandma

And those two new people

The one in a white shirt is walking this way

He puts a needle in my butt

There's daddy again

He's on mommy’s phone

They keep telling me I'll be okay

It won't be long

What are they talking about?

I'm getting sleepy and calm

I just lie here and watch

Grandma’s trying to get a paw print

The other guy is shaving my leg

Mommy lies with me, daddy stays On the phone

They both look real sad

The old guy in the white shirt said it’s time

Mommy and daddy keep saying I'm fine

They love me

I know

He put a needle in my leg

It’s cold

Everyone's voices are fading

Mostly unclear

Like static I hear I love you mommy and daddy

It's clear now

They’re helping me

They knew I was tired

So, they’re breaking their hearts

Letting me go

Mommy, daddy

Can you hear me

I’ll miss you so I’ll miss you all friend or foe

This medicine so cold I'm ready to sleep

Please don't cry We’ll meet again

Goodbye

Mystical Village

Dimensions: 12” x 12” Medium: Acrylic

Hunter Yeatts

It’s Okay to Need Help

Cierra Hamilton

Dimensions: 5500 x 6900 px

Medium: Digital Art

She’s Nice

Cierra Hamilton

She says things I don’t want to hear Things that I don’t want to know

“He’s wicked”

“We’re doomed”

“You’re just as low.”

But she’s nice.

Rooted to her, I stay near For I know she’d fall so low Without me, My heart, And ears.

She’d hurt herself Perhaps him, too. She’d tear them both apart And ignite another fight I wish

That I knew what to do.

She conjures up my darkest fears And tears it all apart: My body, soul, and Battered heart. She saves my ears.

But she’s nice.

My mind’s in tatters

My all is torn I wish I had never been born.

The screams

The scowls

Slammed doors and tearsI carry it all, My spine cracking From the weight. Still I take another step.

But she’s nice.

So I shouldn’t complain. I shouldn’t cry. I shouldn’t scream. I shouldn’t shudder.

I’m not the one who’s hurting, right?

She’s only “trying to help.” I should be grateful she’s here When she should have left. She stayed for me. So I should stay, too.

She’s “nice.”

At least, That’s what her pictures say. That’s what all the neighbors see. So what am I supposed to do? Who am I supposed to be?

Lily

John Michael Dantes

Lily, If I lost you My heart would sink much like the Titanic. This loss, it hurts me to think. It would be so tragic. Each moment with you, I'll never forget. I'll recall the memories and never regret. Every second with you is like a movie scene. So lovely, it feels like I'm in a dream. Ich liebe dich.

Du machst mich glücklich.

Silence

Angelo Allison

Don’t mind my silence

I’m just off in my own world

Busy creating

Being creative

Silence allows me to think

I embrace silence

Don’t mind the silence

It’s so my thoughts can run free

Free to manifest

It lets me escape

Escape deep within my mind

In order to dream

Don’t fear the silence

It’s so a thought can run free

Free to create change

Don’t mind the silence

It serves as another world

A stage to create

Fate

Lily Bailey

I came in mourning

My feet ache

My hands shake from yesterday’s wrongdoing

Eyes burned open yet I'm unwilling to see

Is there anymore rug left under me?

My throat stings, acid in my drink

Face wilting, melting into the sea

Bright evergreen trees

Leave me confused

No pointing fingers at those accused

They play cautious killer

Shallow breathing machines

Skipping cracks in the concrete

I pray I won't fall through

Down into the unknown

Lifeless eyes carefully watch me

Pruning each choice I make,

Leaving me to pick up dead leaves

Before they are crushed beneath my weight

The stars are done shining

The moon appears dark– forgetting

Blending into the night

The sun hides behind clouds

Each step I take

Every breath that flows from me

All my hidden movements mirror the one I resent

Continue to dig this grave

What will these wrongdoings cost me?

However, my feet no longer ache from these steps

They don't scream in unbearable agony

Am I now the cautious killer

That once haunted these woods inside me?

Am I the one pouring acid in my drinks?

Stomping on cracks in the concrete

These dark evergreen trees wilt when they see me

The sea recedes from me

A shallow breathing machine

Has fate come forth for me to do its bidding?

The Bringer of Magic

Grace Tuthill

Solara walked among the acolytes and priestesses of her temple, whom she saw as her own children. These fae who trusted the goddess with their safety cowered in fear before her. Blood dripped down the stone stairs, as young females were cradled by elders. The pure souls of her children had been tainted. The fae curled in on themselves, knowing that their vows had been forcefully broken. The fear and pain radiating from the fae overwhelmed the deity. Solara cried out with them, allowing their pain to become hers.

At the sound of his other half grieving, Solarous rode hard to reach her. The deity of the sun leapt from his mount; the sight of horror spilled upon the sacred ground caused rage to fill him. Solarous met Solara’s eyes; she had been broken, and this was a wound he could not heal. This was an act of war.

The father deity Solarous called a meeting of the deities at the Allstone and spoke of the grievous act committed by their creations. All assembled were distraught. Some called for revenge, others complete destruction.

Adia, the deity of motherhood, spoke out, “Please, do not take away our children. Many of them remain faithful to us. Their lives are worth saving.”

After much deliberation, a decision was reached. The fae would be stripped of their magic, of their relationships with the deities, and of any memory of the bond they shared. For the fae, magic would simply die out.

Until a soul from humble origins, pure in love and character is born, the fae will live as powerless, weak, and unguided by the deities. May the fae allow this child to guide them back to their origins.

The Bringer of Magic

Grace Tuthill

Dimensions: 2048 x 2732 px

Medium: Digital Art

Morning Jazz

Matthew Adkins

I’m a beast, but Ella soothes me. She makes me smile at what isn’t, When I’ve been stuck inside my head With terribly familiar thoughts.

Crowded, sluggish creatures like me, Not worth listening to, mostly. A simple, melancholy song Makes morning coffee less bitter. Anything better, brighter? No, I just notice more around me.

Simple, foolish things strewn about: Cigarettes, scratch paper, vinyl, Pulp mags, gin bottles, and handguns.

Telling stories I can’t manage, Bleaker than I’d first envisioned. Maybe that’s just the way it is, Smoke and grime instead of roses. I pray they don’t portend an end.

James Hendrick Flowers of Glencairn

Checklist

Matthew Adkins

Whatever troubles you, remember:

Dante’s on the shelf, Next to Dempsey. Tom Waites is in the tray, Ready for a drive. There’s whiskey in the bottle, Make sure you have a reason. Smokes are on the table, Keep ‘em close, Sick Boy.

Write, eat, sleep, and remember, Your .45 is under the pillow. Just in case.

Old Pond

Matthew Adkins

Geese on the pond

Strutting about, brazen little monsters. Couple of coy in the water, Don’t know how they manage the cold. Beautiful things.

Same old swing belongs to the same old man. Picnic tables, still where they ought to be. In thirty years, I don’t think Anyone’s used those public grills.

Used to have a diamond, All red clay and dust with Chain link. Now it’s Just a field.

James Hedrick The Moth

What’s What

Matthew Adkins

A bird is a bird, Whether it flies or not.

A fish is a fish, Even if it walks.

A snake is a snake; It will warn you.

A dog is a dog, Because it loves.

A cat isn’t a cat, If it doesn’t keep secrets.

A man isn’t a man, Without a pair.

A woman isn’t a woman, If she can’t be cruel.

A poet isn’t a poet, If he doesn’t write.

Beat

Matthew Adkins

Never thought I’d take To old drunks and junkies. They shoot the shit, Drink, and bemoan Life, women, and the Weakness. Sometimes It gets me down, Or maybe I’ll smile. Figured it wouldn’t Be for me, all the Grit and grime. Then, I remember That they were me: Deadbeat and restless. Question is: Am I gonna be them? God knows I’m tired.

Marianne Vesich Dream

Dimensions: 2048 x 2048 px

Medium: Digital Art

Fakie Ollie at Dusk in Belmont

Jacob Ellis

Who Am I?

Alicia Moore

Who am I?

Honestly I don’t know

I’ve lost myself

Last thing I remember I was happily in love Then my whole world changed Where I once saw light Quickly changed to darkness Down in this pit

I can’t see my way out

But I have to fight I can’t give up

The journey is hard

But I’m not alone

Others need to know

There is a way out I will find it I have to fight

Fight for my mom

Fight for my kids

Fight for me

Fight for the ones who couldn’t get out

The journey is hard

But I’m not alone I choose life

Lines, Shapes & Points Oh My!

Madison Chapman

Medium: Acrylic

This is Water

Jessica Jenkins

One November night a group of people gather in a Californian backyard, thinking how lucky it is that the skies are clear. Chairs are lined up behind a medium-sized pavilion, waiting for friends and family to take their seats. To the pavilion’s right are tables decorated with sunflowers and book centerpieces. The time arrives, and guests take their seats. My now husband, Phil, walks alongside his uncle, Howard, as they take their places in front of an arch filled with sunflowers and hearts created out of old newspapers. A popular country song plays as I walk to the pavilion in a white dress.

All eyes are on me. They don’t know I’m just trying not to fall over in my heels. I take my place across from Phil, and we turn to Howard; he opens our wedding with a greeting and a quick speech. Howard’s speech states we are all gathered for this joyous occasion to witness the union between me and Phil. On this lucky November night all feel very joyous to celebrate this wedding ceremony because they have been a part of either my journey or Phil’s journey up to that point in our lives. While the ceremony itself is a celebration, it is not the whole picture. The journeys that brought us to this day contain expe-

riences that we carry with us as our own personal education. It’s life, and it’s not always pretty or joyous. It has layers beyond just a picture-perfect moment of a wedding ceremony.

Education is defined as “the act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoning and judgment, and generally of preparing oneself or others intellectually for mature life” (Dictionary.com, 2020). A more generally acknowledged definition describes it as “the result produced by instruction, training, or study” (Dictionary.com, 2020).riences that we carry with us as our own personal education. It’s life, and it’s not always pretty or joyous. It has layers beyond just a picture-perfect moment of a wedding ceremony.

Education is defined as “the act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoning and judgment, and generally of preparing oneself or others intellectually for mature life” (Dictionary.com, 2020). A more generally acknowledged definition describes it as “the result produced by instruction, training, or study” (Dictionary.com, 2020).

The first definition best states how I interpret what David Foster Wallace discusses regarding education in his speech "This is Water.”

The value of education is choosing for yourself what to think in situations that occur in your life (Wallace, 2005). There is more to education than sentences written onto a piece of paper, or equations solved through a mathematical process. The education from your life experiences that teaches you about who you are as a person and how those experiences influence your interactions with the world holds just as much value as education learned from pen, paper, and equations.

Marriage can be described in many ways, based on the experiences two people have had when they enter that union. I chose to marry my husband Phil, and he chose to marry me on that November night, both of us knowing each other’s past choices and experiences. We brought those experiences together to say, “This is what I have learned about life so far.” I agree with what David Foster Wallace says about having to choose what you think in situations because of the education I earned prior to getting married.

Phil and I both came from extremely tough first marriages filled with negative experiences. There was lying, stealing, cheating, doubt, and abuse. We couldn’t look outside of those experiences while living them; it took years of growth and acceptance to get to

that point. Those negative experiences, once we were able to learn and grow from them, gave us a unique education. We learned how strong we could be; we learned how resilient we could be; we learned how we could set boundaries; and we learned how we did not want to be treated. We took those experiences to each other to create a new mindset that said we understand that pain, we recognize our faults in the situations, and we will continually work on issues. Life will always have its difficulties, but this is how we have “constructed meaning from experience” (Wallace, 2005).

Marriage brings questions to the table about the future. There was a lack of stability that both Phil and I had to endure in our first marriages. That lack of stability gave us another aspect of a unique education that we apply in our lives now. David Foster Wallace mentions the day-in-and –day-out experiences as experiences that can wear you down in his “This is Water” speech. The remarkable thing about the unique education that Phil and I have received through the lack of stability we once had is that we maintain a balance with the day-in-and-day-out part of life.

We acknowledge the importance of working to provide the money we need for our daily lives. We can acknowledge this importance due to repeated experiences of job losses by our previous spouses. We choose to acknowledge the importance of our

schedules, maneuvering around school pick up and drop off times because we have two children we are raising. We appreciate the importance of school schedules due to my sharing the repeated experiences of my previous spouse failing to show up for when they were responsible for either pick-up or drop-off. We choose to acknowledge the importance of maintaining a healthy savings account because of our previous spouses consistently spending money unwisely. We have quite literally “made the conscious decision about how to think and what to pay attention to” (Wallace, 2005).

There is a choice in how to interpret the type of deep, intimate education that comes from life experiences. Positive experiences tend to lead to positive interpretations; these experiences are the ones most preferred. They do not require a tremendous amount of mental or emotional energy which allows room to continue to live life more easily day-to-day. Negative experiences have a lot of weight attached to them, and they are often much harder to navigate. Second marriages are not always considered an easy choice after a toxic first marriage. The toxic first marriage experience still provides an education, and that education can turn into the unmoving belief that the entire institution of marriage is broken. The belief that the institution of marriage is broken can lead to using that

education as a wall.

A person will avoid putting themselves in the position of ever having to go through whatever negative experience they had by avoiding intimate relationships altogether. A person can carry the trauma of a toxic marriage with them for much longer than they intend to because the trauma is extremely difficult to wade through to get to a state of moving past it, accepting it, and growing from it. A person who is unable to let go of their trauma can be left with a shattered sense of security that leaves them feeling helpless in their world (Robinson et al., 2021). The choice to see the experiences in a positive light is not always an easy choice. The choice of who someone partners with does not always lead to mutual understanding and growth.

A second marriage almost doesn’t seem possible after a strenuous first marriage. It’s as if that second marriage is looking you in the eyes and saying, “Are you crazy? I have seen the worst this thing called marriage has to offer. Why would you put yourself through it again?” It takes trust, effort, adjusting, battles, and a lot of emotions combining in countless ways to make it work. The idea that resonated with me from “This is Water” is not getting so caught up in day-to-day situations in your life that you stop trying to understand them. What better representation of this idea than that of a second marriage: two

people who took what they learned even though it was the worst information and chose to turn it into positive education to give themselves that second chance at life.

Please, do not get so caught up in the negative that it consumes everything. Instead, seek out avenues to alleviate the negativity. Write in a journal; confide in a friend of family member; record yourself screaming out your frustrations; take up a physical activity; buy cheap dinnerware to smash to bits; anything you can imagine helping yourself through those experiences. There is more to the world than the feelings of our experiences. Learning from those experiences can lead to adventures, wonders, and possibilities if just given the chance.

References

Dictionary.com | Meanings & Definitions of ......English Words. (2020). In Dictionary.com. ......https://www.dictionary.com/browse/educa ......tion Robinson, L., Smith, M. M. A., & Segal, J. (2021). ......Helpguide.org/articles/ptsd-trauma/cop ......ing-with-emotional-and-psychological-trau ......ma.

Wallace, D. (2005). This is Water. Kenyan ......College Graduation. Kenyan College, Gam ......bier, OH.

Zoe Leonhardt Alice

Dimensions: 615 x 615 px

Medium: Digital Art

The Man Who Touched The Sun

William Vanderveer

Aspirations of reaching the sun

Ones you uphold with mind, body, and soul Oh, moon man, so naïve, you’ve made it to the moon and back But what happens when you reach for me?

Your life’s mission will no longer fulfill you Perhaps you never meant to reach me?

For then you will no longer have any drive Or have your insecurities gotten the better of you?

But that’s not it anymore moon man, is it?

You’ve upheld me so long and so high that The sun rise you dream of isn’t the one you wake up to This indecision won’t get the better of you moon man, you’re here now

Moon Man

William Vanderveer

Dimensions: 3300 x 2550 px

Medium: Digital Art

Resilience

Lori Robinson

My family has secrets hidden under kitchen rugs. I do not need to know them all to know how strong my grandmother was. How strong my mom is. How resilience is passed down from generation to generation. They turned pain into cupcakes, chicken and dumplings, and art.

No matter what people do to women, they throw it back into the world as love.

Blue Light

Samantha Fickett

This blue light has taken control Of my eye as if to swallow it whole; Its sword pierces me so that I must take action In order to avoid an incoming impaction; Turning to those traveling alongside me With hopes that they will set my withering sight free; I am instead met with thriving delight

As though these two are entertained by my accumulating fright; Joyous laughter echoes throughout the cabin

As if our impending demise is not about to happen; Confusion takes hold as one apprehends the villain at large, Then I spectate as the other one shows off what was dislodged; Pray tell, the enemy was indeed malicious beyond compare, Enough to entertain my own laughter at its futile despair; Forever more, will we recall the tale of the ferocious blue light.

Starry Seas Unicorn

Medium: Acrylic

Tabatha Pope

Summer Morning

Samantha Fickett

Breathe in…

Vapor enters… Warm dew drips down grass blades With scents of earth filling the lungs

Relief.

James Hendrick Flowers of Glencairn

Comet

Samantha Fickett

Part of Your Creative World

Madison Chapman

Dimensions: 7” x 10”

Medium: Water Color

Moon Struck

Adele Cravens

The moon is proof, That although she brings light, They only see the surrounding darkness.

The moon is proof, That desolation is crucial, To experience fullness once again.

Rose

Adele Cravens

The gentle breeze fulfilled her lungs, As sunshine does to a petal. Somedays I’m the flower in soil, Others I’m rain upon metal.

Madison Chapman Grow (Cover

Art)

Titan

Once upon a time, in the quaint town of Rock Hill, nestled among rolling hills and charming architecture, there lived a legendary wolf named Titan. Legend had it that Titan was born under the watchful glow of a full moon. From the beginning, he exhibited an extraordinary spirit that set him apart from the rest of his pack and warmed his mother’s heart. Titan's fur was a magnificent blend of navy and orange, and his eyes shone with a golden glow of wisdom that made his mother proud.

In the evenings, Titan’s mother tended to her pack by comforting and warming them with her soft coat. As she stayed awake, keeping her pack safe, Titan, the eldest, often stayed up with her. She told him of her adventures as a young pup in the majestic forest. Titan was inspired by his mother. She was his role model.

One dark, stormy winter night, Titan’s mother felt uneasy about their hideout. It was the territory of a fellow wolf pack, one of the fiercest. Later, when Titan’s mother heard sounds outside the cave, she told him to stay put. It grew eerily quiet. Titan woke his siblings and warned them of his mother’s suspicion. Just as he emerged from the cave to check on his mother, he was attacked. As Titan fended off his enemies, his siblings were able to escape and find cover. Running to catch up with his brothers and sisters, he tripped over something. Looking back, he saw his mother, her body lying still upon the forest floor. Titan knew he had to keep going. He saw an opening in the woods and bravely ventured forward beyond his home toward what appeared to be many buildings. He found a bench where he curled up and dozed off.

He woke to unfamiliar sounds and found himself surrounded with eyes staring down at him. He heard voices, curious about his presence. Big arms reached for him and picked him up. “Welcome to York Tech, little guy.” Despite his initial reservations, the creatures in this new community – the students and staff – were calm and loving. He felt safe, as though he was in his mother's presence again.

News of Titan's journey spread throughout the college, capturing the hearts of students, faculty, and staff alike. Recognizing the opportunity to embrace this symbol of strength, courage, and unity, the college adopted Titan as its official mascot.

His story spread far beyond the borders of Rock Hill, attracting students from far and wide who were eager to be a part of the legacy that Titan embodied.

And so, in the heart of York Tech College, Titan the Wolf inspires students, reminding them always to keep going no matter what challenges life throws at them. They must never give up, keep striving, and keep moving forward!

Written in collaboration with York Tech students: Andrew Corp (ENG 102-003 with Adam Van Winkle), DeAsia Cousar, Kaydin Hege, Jackie Ramos, & Emma Scharpenberg (ENG 102-044 with Cari Potts)

Contributor Bios

Adele Cravens Rose, Moon Struck

Adele Cravens is an avid 19-year-old writer from Atlanta, Georgia. She enjoys creating both poetry and short stories. She currently publishes pieces online using Writerscafe.org, an online writing community dedicated to amateur authors. Her dreams? She wishes to eventually publish a book consisting of her personal poetry.

Alicia Moore

Who am I

Alicia Moore is a 38-year-old wife and mom of four. She returned to school 20 years after graduation. Alicia is getting an associate in arts and wants to transfer to a four-year school and major in theater arts. She hopes to write scripts and plays one day. An artist at heart, Alicia loves writing, making jewelry, baking sweet potato pies, and spending time with her loved ones. You could call her an introvert because she'd rather be home on the couch than going out anywhere and being social.

Catherine Randall Biltmore

Hills

Catherine Randall is a 23-year-old student working toward an associate degree in arts. Catherine prefers working in the multimedia genre.

2024 SP1 Gas Welding and Cutting WLD 104-002 Students

Handcrafted Metal Roses

Students in the Gas Welding and Cutting course completed a handmade rose project for Valentine's Day.

Annmarie Lumpkin

To my Family, Love Moose

Originally from Maryland, Annmarie moved to South Carolina at the age of 20. Now, at 29 years old, she is pursuing her AAS in business administration-entrepreneurship. In her spare time, she loves to read and write poetry and creative writing.

Angelo Allison

Silence Haikus

Angelo Allison is a first-year student in the digital arts program at York Technical College. His art style usually consists of three-dimensional abstract works of art, but lately, he has been experimenting with other mediums of artistic expression, such as poetry and projection mapping, to name a few.

Charliese Gilyard Friendship

Although Lisa's career as an artist did not begin until the age of 52, her four children were overjoyed on Christmas day when she created a special piece for each one of them. They were overwhelmed with awe and emotion. And her career as an artist began. In addition, she attends York Technical College for her associate in arts.

Cierra Hamilton

It’s Okay to Need Help, She’s Nice

Cierra Hamilton is a digital arts major. She's always had a passion for creativity and expression through the arts.

Emi Torres

To My Sweet Camellia, The Regular

Emi Torres is a 19-year-old student achieving her associate in arts at York Tech. She plans to pursue psychology but enjoys writing poetry to highlight the minutiae in life.

Grace Tuthill

The Bringer of Magic

Grace Tuthill, 23, is an English major planning on using their education to support their love for writing. Grace is both an artist and an author and plans to combine both of those talents into one illustrated novel.

Hunter Yeatts Mystical Village

Hunter Yeatts is in his first year at York Tech, and his dream is to become an artist someday. He prefers to paint colorful abstract art. This art piece was published in the Summer 2023 Celebrating Art book.

Jacob Ellis

Fakie Ollie at Dusk in Belmont

Jacob Ellis, a 20-year-old student, is currently working towards his associate degree in cybersecurity.

James Hedrick

The Flowers of Glencarin

James Hedrick is a local Rock Hill student who has worked on several video editing and photography projects, leading to several displays in the downtown Art Museum and a few entries in larger college competitions. He enjoys taking artwork that exemplifies the world around him, making it stand out and pop. He hopes to continue his work and eventually start his own freelance photography.

Jessica Jenkins

This is Water Essay

Jessica Jenkins is a 34-year-old mother to three wonderful children. She has always enjoyed creative writing as a personal hobby.

John Michael Danets

Lily

John is a 2nd year student here at York Technical College. He is in the University Transfer program and enjoys writing poetry.

Kenyatta Robinson Wood A Season for Summer

Kenyatta Robinson-Wood is a 39-year-old mother of three boys, a wife, and a full-time student. She is pursuing an Associate of Arts degree and plans to transfer to study Speech Pathology.

Lily Bailey

Fate

Lily is a 20-year-old, aspiring writer. She loves poetry and reading and is also a huge fan of classic figurative painting, especially Henrick Uldalen. Lily likes to travel and takes a lot of inspiration from nature.

Lori Robinson Resilience

Lori Robinson is pursuing her nursing degree but loves to read and write. She would love to write a book one day.

Madison Chapman

Lines, Shapes & Points OH MY, Grow, Part of Your Creative World

Madison's art style is diverse. She loves drawing with pencil, marker, and pen. She loves abstract, anime, realism, cartoon, and pointillism. Each art style is different and creative! Her program of study is Childhood Development/Education. She has loved art since she first learned to hold a pencil! It's a fun stress reliever, and she can be in her own little world doing so. She will create with anything that inspires or interests her.

Marianne Vesich Dream

Marianne is a YTC student currently pursuing an associate degree in applied science digital arts. As a creative, her personal mission is to create a wholesome and fantastical world for people of all ages to escape to -- "Life is difficult, and the world we live in can demand a lot from us. My intention is to help others reconnect with their inner magic and whimsy, while also creating a safe & beautiful realm for all to unwind within." She mainly enjoys drawing animals (both real and imaginary) and is primarily a digital artist.

Tabatha Pope Starry Seas Unicorn

Tabatha has written three books. She is an artist, photographer, and jewelry designer with her own jewelry business.

Matthew Adkins

Beat, Checklist, Morning Jazz, Old Pond, What’s What

Matthew Adkins is an English major in his last semester at York Tech and a freelance copy editor. Poetry and prose are his preferred mediums, with a fondness for Pulp, Beat, and Transgressive authors. He enjoys poetry, tabletop games, and shooting.

Samatha Fickett Comet, Blue Light, Summer Morning

Samantha Fickett is 24 years old at York Technical College. She intends to major in English. Her preferred literature genre is sci-fi fantasy, and she hopes to one day bring her imagination to the big screen, as her favorite filmmaker, James Cameron, did.

William Vanderveer The Man Who Touched the Sun, Moon Man

Billy is a 24-year-old student studying to get his Digital Arts Degree so that he can pursue a career in 2D animation and/or character design. He enjoys creating different projects for people to enjoy and hopes that one day, his work inspires others to want to join the industry for the same reasons.

Zoe Leonhardt Alice

Zoe Leonhardt is a first-year student majoring in teleproduction technology at York Tech. In high school, she was part of the literary magazine staff and that inspired her to continue her journey with art. Zoe's preferred art styles are multimedia and photography.

Contact Us

If you would like to contact Titan’s Muse, please use the QR code below.

Want to submit? Titan’s Muse will be accepting submissions in Fall 2024. Scan the QR code for more information.