Warrior Voices Vol. 2 Issue 2

MAY 2023

W V

WARRIOR VOICES

VOLUME 2

ISSUE 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Mission Statement Poems Photos Short Stories Art Seniors

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40

43

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Meet the Team

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Thank you

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2

Mission Statement There are many talented writers and artists here in our very own school. It’s time for our scholars' work to be seen! Warrior Voices is Western’s first literary magazine, and it’s focused on getting student work recognized. Our literary magazine’s leadership team will work diligently to publish student work including but not limited to short stories, essays, poems, jokes, comics, and art. It is our top priority to ensure that student creative expressions are represented adequately and given a place to be celebrated by our community for generations to come.

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P O E M S

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200% My world is living in the U.S. My world is living the culture of the Aztecs.

Being born Chicana is a privilege, It’s two lifestyles and two worlds But people see a different image.

Having Mexican descendants and being U.S born, Is having an identity that is unknown.

I live in the states and I’m “too Mexican.”

I visit my roots and I’m “too American.”

And maybe our lives are an opportunity that our ancestors seeked But us Chicanos can’t help but feel our sense of belonging is weak.

“No soy ni de aquí ni de allá.”

That’s our biggest batalla.

But we’re not freaks for having a connection to both sides.

We’re 100% Mexican, 100% American.

That’s what makes up our unique lives.

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Bryan Puebla Came from a mother who never gave up Had a father who never cared I am more like my mother strong and pushes through anything I am Mexican I am Red, White, and Green My skin is made of tortillas My insides are beans and rice The cheese in my hearts gets me attached My veins run with salsa I am Mexican, I am Bryan

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Life & Death In my culture we celebrate both life and death.

Everyone celebrates birthdays, but we also like to celebrate those who we have lost.

My culture and my identity is the celebration of life and death.

We don't like to be sad about those who have passed.

We like to be happy we spent time with them and the memories we have.

I personally don't fear death, it happens to everyone and whether or not there is a world for the dead to rest, I believe our ancestors and loved ones are looking over us.

There is no way we can prove any of this wrong or right, believing they are still here with us is a way to show appreciation and love.

This is my way of embracing and showing off my culture, even though it's not constant or always talked about.

I love my culture and love embracing it in any way I can, I am not in folklorico or in a banda, or even had a traditional quinceanera.

In any way, shape or form I embrace my culture by making the food, listening to the music and learning about the myths and legends.

I wouldn’t trade my culture for any other.

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No soy de aqui ni de haya So where do I belong?

I speak two languages Dream in two language Yet, I am not fully one or the other So again, where exactly do I belong In a world so big, there has to be a place Donde pueda pertenecer

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Identity I am Mexican But I am also American I'm a person in between And a young teen A person who is easily dismissed Always treated like a person who is amiss It’s no wonder why I always feel like this Not respected, nor listened to This is something we must fight through Make them listen, make them understand That we are no different just because we are tan

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Wanted Growing up wanting more Family moving, having the need to explore Jumping walls, borders, and countries Working a 9 to 5 just to be called thieves Chota always on our backs Selling just to get racks You can feel the heat beaming down ICE telling us to get on the ground Mother wailing, I can feel that ship sailing My life slipping away And I hear them everyday Stereotypes, side eyes, and racial comments All of this because of my people’s accents I guess I can only be seen As someone who is “wanted”

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Long Live Mexico Lizbeth Calleros Your greatness and glory They are removed in history Of sovereign Mexico Behind is the past Plus your bloody name It must shine forever.

Your enormous sacrifice Gives us the benefit To have a worthy homeland A powerful homeland Progressive and happy The flag of Mexico.

Your great colors in the wind To the rhythm of the drum Singing your voice out loud My chest explodes with emotion Patriotic symbol of our great land.

Long Live Mexico!

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Who Am I ?

Areli Arredondo Am I Hispanic, Chicano, or American How do I know and why do I care Does it matter if I don’t know Does my identity really define me Why do I not know what to say to people when they ask for my ethnicity Why does it matter if I know or not How do I know when I come from parents who migrated to the U.S. I was born here so does that make me an American Or am I Hispanic someone who is a native of, or descends from a Spanish-Speaking country Or Chicano/a who is someone who is native of, or descends from, Mexico and who Lives in the United States How will I ever know they are so similar

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I Don't Know My Name Roxana Bonilla Lopez Who am I? I don’t know I don’t know my name I don’t know who I am Who am I? Who am I? The answer to that question goes beyond what is underneath my skin The answer to that question goes beyond my heritage The answer to that question goes beyond who I identify as And the answer to that question goes beyond the essence of my being I’m still trying to find myself in an ocean of people But I am boundless Who am I? I don’t know I don’t know my name I don’t know who I am Yet It’s a journey A journey with no clear finish But I will persevere I will find her I hope she is the future I dream of I hope she is the girl who makes her mom proud Even from her endless sleep Even from her home in the stars above

Who Am I? Sarahi Murga Who am I? I can’t really say.

I’m multiple people, still deciding who to play.

I’m the me from home and the me from school I’m the me who's encountered all types of fools I’m stuck in between the yearning of hiding but wanting to be seen Who am I? I’m the one my brain tells me to be No really, who am I? When all I hear is opinions and expectations I’m told to reach So many voices in my head, I'm tired I can hardly breathe I thought I was supposed to be this? WRONG!! I was supposed to be that.

So as far as I know, I've failed to act Still I have hope.

That behind all the voices and all the sound There's a me waiting to be found I’m coming, slowly but surely I'll find it, the real me The one who is finally free.

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Un Sueño Kaitlyn Manjarrez Un sueño soñé una noche Un sueño raro y alocado Muchos decían que no lo haría Pero creo que lo estoy logrando.

Para alcanzar este sueño Hay que hacer sacrificios Sacrificios que algun dia Sus frutos estará dando.

Dale vida a tus sueños Y con ellos volando Tocaras las estrellas Y te sentirás realizado.

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A Dream Kaitlyn Manjarrez (Translation) I dreamed a dream one night A weird and crazy dream Many said that it could not be But I think I will achieve it To reach this dream You have to make sacrifices Sacrifices that one day Its fruits will be bearing.

Give life to your dreams And with them flying You will touch the stars And you will feel fulfilled.

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Uniquely Me Uniquely me, I belong in a world of peace A world who accepts you for you A world where identity isn’t being ashamed of A world where you can speak your native language A world where everyone unites But we can’t have those things Instead, we live in a world full of chaos A world where your identity is being ashamed of A world where no one is at peace A world where you can’t be yourself

18 I’m no one special, I’m just like everyone else, I do what I love to do, I never give up on myself Or the things I love, I’m someone nice and pretty funny from time to time, I help people in different ways, I’m athletic and smart, I don’t lie, but I’m truthful, I’m always there for those who need me, When I’m not having a good day I play my favorite music, I’m from this generation, but I prefer the older generation, I’m old school, but I’m young, People say I live under a rock, The cold never bothered me, I am who I am, I don’t change for others I change for myself, I care for my friends and family, Most people call me stubborn and competitive, but that's just me, When you get to know me you will see I’m a good guy, If you see me don’t be afraid to say hi.

19 Wake up, get ready Middle school, Make yourself look presentable Two of the most cruel years, Put on makeup and don’t get stressed Everyone will judge you, All the others look acceptable Everyone will look at you weird, Why? But they do this because Why am I not popular? they’re…

Why am I not as perfect as the others?

They’re jealous of you Why? They want to be like you Hide your insecurities One day you will understand, Suck in all the air as you ask One day you will know…

Do others have insecurities?

You will know you are beautiful, You know Haley?

You will know you are enough, She has insecurities, You will know you are you You know so called fearless Jordan?

And you will never be able to He is insecure, change that Everyone is insecure, You love you…

They just don’t want to show it because…

Well…they want to be something…

They want to be something that doesn’t exists They all want to be perfect…

All Jennie wants is to be able to look at herself From the mirror without saying something mean to herself..

All she wants is to be perfect -Mia Ortega

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Earthquake Sometimes I feel like an EARTHQUAKE. My heart feels like a BREEZE when I get something off my chest then all of a sudden my emotions start to RUMBLE when my body ROARS in rage BLASTING through my emotions CRACKLING and GROWLING through my anger. I don’t mean to take it out on anyone, but it feels like I SWOOSH through my anger feeling calm when I RUSTLE down in my deep deep secrets but forgetting them like if wind just SWISHES through my mind, finding peace again.

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What it's like in the Void The void is a place that exists in the mind.

There’s some who call it a prison, I’d call it a place outside of time That is, if it’s even a place at all.

Now, of course the void has time, If it didn’t, then I couldn’t make this rhyme.

But it’s how the void feels is what I mean The cloud of the void is where I am.

The echo that I hear when I talk to myself, the hand on my shoulder that isn’t there.

That is the void of which I try to avoid, But no matter how I try, I always get there.

It’s a sad truth that I face every week.

It’s a truth that I simply can’t control.

But if for a moment, I sat on a bench, If someone came to sit, would I be fine?

Am I making sense? I don’t think I am.

I mean the void is being alone, I mean the void is being at your party, but not feeling like it’s your own.

There’s a good thing about the void, That is, that it can make you see.

It can make you see the problems in life, And it can help you flee.

You see, the void promises comfort, It promises a place you can hide.

And while others live in the void, I try to use it to thrive.

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Flower Lourdes Garza She was just a little girl A seed planted in soil No one but others to look up to Why can’t she be like them?

When will she live like them?

She did everything in her power to destroy what others knew of her and become “brand new” Why does she feel the same?

Living with temporary joy A void that has now grown Little by little she realizes that the battle is within and not outside No one but herself can define her Took some steps back and allowed her true self to grow Became the leader instead of the follower Became the flower

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Rainy Day Fernando Quezada Look my way and hold my gaze, As the rain pours outside, I fall into a daze, And I search for something only you can provide, In those amber eyes I stay wandering, Gently I sigh and remark, As my every thought stays pondering, I remain stranded like Noah without his ark, Whenever near you pass, I am simply blown away, And although it may seem crass, It’s beautiful to observe your angelic sway, Truly no words are needed to describe you, For unfortunately they all come up short, I feel the urge to pursue, Heartbreakingly though I always abort, Although I am not a believer, You have made me see, That I am a faulty perceiver, For there is an angel right before me.

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#778 Fernando Quezada The grimy city night had been invaded by soft jazz.

The streets, dimly lit. And as the rain gently fell from dark clouds, I held you close. Your chin rested on my chest, and your eyes held mine. With a smile, you invoke happiness, and obvious feelings of desire.

When your soft lips graze mine, you make the thunderous city appear docile, and everything goes quiet. After every long and passionate kiss, you plant a smaller one upon me, like a signature that indicates beloved ownership. As the music from the street winds up, our hearts almost rip through our chests. As the notes are masterfully and simultaneously played, our emotions reach a feverish pitch, our love so grand that it was on full display for everyone to gaze with envy. In those dark city streets, I felt true love. In those grotesque and wretched paved roads, I felt complete with the simple thought of you.

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#779 Fernando Quezada Oh demon lover why do you hurt me, Equal parts lovely and dangerous, Hot to the touch from your flaming heart, Although painful, Of you I cannot get enough, Demon lover you’re a sight for sore eyes, To you I give my heart, And like butter it melts in your hands, Quietly I cry while you laugh, Oh sweet demon lover you sure are cruel, Cruel but loving, As I pledge my eternal loyalty, You despise me and dismiss me with a piercing gaze, Oh demon lover, I love you so, My heart you’ve infected, And my soul you have plagued, Please come, my charming devil, Help me feel the true ardency of your love.

Dear Love Cain Maldonado From the first day I saw you, It was love at first sight.

Although I wasn’t sure I knew it was true.

I walked closer to you, Love Your cold presence was thrilling.

But you disappeared to the shadows, I knew seeing you again would be fulfilling.

Some would say I’m obsessed, I say I’m persistent.

They say mother knows best, Maybe that’s why she’s no longer existent You know, I thought you wouldn’t show.

But there you were, shining like a flame, You are the shadow to my light Come, let me tell you how I took aim.

You tell me this wasn’t part of your plan?

But I did it for love, why can’t you see?

Why can’t you see that I’m not just a fan?

Why can’t you see that I’m your bride to be?

After spending years in this cell, I wait for the day I can see you again.

I’m let out of a sort of hell, Twenty-five years! And what have I to tell.

I’m so eager to see you, Love!

I don’t want to be apart for another day.

I’ll bring you to me if push come to shove They asked, I told them they are all by the bay.

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Seek What You Can't Have To some, this has no meaning.

But to me, it’s a song that keeps singing.

You could call me Midas, I ruin what I touch.

What I seek is companions, I seek friends.

But at the end of every attempt, All I achieved was new end, And that is a sad reality.

With every end, I learn the same lesson.

I learn that being me is not a favorable, Whenever I am myself, I know the outcome.

The outcome is loneliness, a sorrowful song.

To be insane, you repeat the same But expect a different outcome.

And every time, that I try I hope that their leave will be delayed.

To every friend I’ve ever had, I’m sorry for the troubles I’ve caused, Sadly I continue to be insane, And my attempts for friends will be in vain.

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In the night I see your eyes shine At night you make my worries disappear It fills my heart with joy when I call you mine In good times and bad times we were there for each other It would break my heart whenever I saw you shed a tear And I would try so you wouldn't shed another I know the moment I saw you, you were perfect No other would be able to compare Your care is a long lasting effect When our eyes connected I swear I loved your stare I thought when I made my choice I wasn't incorrect But everything is temporary In the end you chose someone better Now this pain I have to carry

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I finally deleted our messages Our pictures And finally your contact Probably the hardest thing I had to do I kept putting it off But I finally realized that it's time We had something not a lot of people get to experience I looked at the messages The pictures The videos Visited the places we went to For one last time Just to get closure But then realized Me going to all those places one last time Isn't going to make me move on Only time will help me do that

30 Love is a dagger When the blade faces outward You can face anything You can slaughter hate You can overcome challenges You feel like you can do anything In this small world You want to hurt anyone that hurts The one you love With that small dagger Called love It’s all fun until the blade faces you In the darkness of your room And rips you into pieces Until you can no longer breathe Eat or sleep Until you feel like an abandoned child Waiting for the love of its mother Except, the person you are willing to do anything for Never loves you back With that same dagger called love The one you used to protect, your loved one It now starts ripping you apart Because you are well aware They don't feel the same as you do It is a weapon we must use wisely Or it will end us most likely

31 I walked into my cell, I say the more that he talks, There he was, standing all alone The more my head wants to pop!

This was his story to tell, He doesn't speak anymore, How could I have known?

I drift off to bed.

Brian was never one to be quiet.

I wake up as if I'm back from war, He Always said some random things, I look over, I see Brian's head?

Like “what if I went on a diet?”

Brian is standing in his corner, Or “what if we were kings?”

It seems like he's floating?

Brian never slept either.

To my utter horror, Talks as if it's non-stop!

I look as I realize I was unknowing.

Some days he would weep, The warden comes to the cell, Some days, I hoped that he would drop.

Tells me I'm free to go?

One day we got lunch, I walk out of this hell, Of course he didn't stop talking.

Not understanding what I know.

I look around as people munched, As I turn to see the prison, No one looked, they kept on walking?

I see that it's now gone, I asked Brian why no one looked his way? now i fall asleep He was quiet for a little.

And wake up alone.

Most quiet seconds of my stay!

I shoot up from my bed!

He looks at me and starts to giggle.

It's 7 in the morning?

“No one can see me,” he says.

I have to write a poem from my head, I look at him astonished.

But I know Brian and I stay in mourning.

I go back to my cell as Brian says, “Ignore it, it's not important.”

Brian never stayed quiet, Always says random things.

“I want to be a pirate!”

“What if people had wi-” STOP! Cain Maldonado I yell at Brian to stop, He was quiet once again.

Prison on the Northwest Side

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Habbib Bundu ​The soldiers blow their trumpets They stomp their feet like thunder in the air Marching to the battlefield Drawing their swords Drawing their bows Drawing their last breath The sound and smell of iron fills the air Many pray Hoping and pleading That they will get to live another day

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The calm belt of sea Graciously moving and free It’s freedom for me -Anonymous

The best way to belong Is by loving those not loved And receiving love -Anonymous

Life is black and white Until you learn its true shades Life is dim and gray

-Habbib Bundu No silence throughout Home of warmth, never to cease Welcoming to all

-Norma Ibarra

34 There once was a bat Who had a blue hat This hat was too big for a bat, so it was perfect for naps The only problem is, the bat didn’t like naps People make claps, and taps, and ran laps which awoke him from his naps The bat started to dislike his hat For every time he took a nap, he’d get terrible memories of the loud claps, and taps, and running of laps He started to believe it was his hat, and not the people being rats!

But the little bat met a cat, who had a green hat And the cat told the bat, “little bat, it’s not your hat that makes claps, taps, and runs laps, it’s the people. Do not let these outside sources, of which you cannot even control, stop you from taking naps in your blue hat.”

The little bat cheered, “Yes, Yes! It all makes sense!”

“It was never my hat,” “There is no need to be tense!”

So the little bat took his hat and he made it what he wanted He learned to love his hat, for his hat was his companion.

Louisiana Borbon

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P H O T O S

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J u a n

S o l i s

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J u a n

S o l i s

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J u a n

S o l i s

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J e n n i f e r

M o r e n o

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S T O R Y

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In Her Dreams Lourdes Garza Go to school, do homework, go home, sleep. Repeat, Repeat.

Go to school, do homework, go home, sleep, “wake up” - wait, that was different. I was asleep but completely conscious. I walked around and walked into the first coffee shop I saw. I walked in and she walked out. I stood there holding the door for her while she stared intensely into my eyes. “You gonna go?” I asked her. And she was gone just like that. As I stood there, I contemplated what was happening. It all seemed so real and as if it was not my own dream but someone else’s.

Everything slowly faded and I was back in my room. All my life has been filled with routines. No surprises, no fear, no nothing.

I was safe. In a blink of an eye my life flipped. She walked out of the shop, just as confused as I was. I didn’t know who she was and it was for the best. No need for attention, no need for change. Keep my head forward and live life normal. Wait, one new friend isn’t that bad, is it? Even if she didn’t exist I had to find her in her dreams once more. Okay, yeah, go to school, do homework, go home, sleep, “wake up”. Little by little my normal changed. I would see her again and again until all I could think about was asking her out. I couldn’t explain it, but I had this feeling that she was real. I saw her the next night and just popped the question.

42 However, before she could answer, I faded into reality and she was gone. I was eager to get a response. Nervous but ready. I went to sleep and I awoke. I didn’t see her anymore.

Again and again I slept to go see her, but now I only slept in complete darkness. The next morning, I walked around campus when she suddenly passed me. She held her head down low and seemed to be bothered by something. In that moment, my heart raced knowing I’m in her dreams once more, wait- I’m awake! I called out to her and asked once more, “Do you have an answer for me now?”. Years passed and seasons changed, but she remained the same. No need for schedules and routines when I’m with her. I am free.

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A R T

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Rocky -Anonymous

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Elia Pacheco

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Anonymous

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Mind-Boggling -Arianna Adame

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-Sean Sheffler

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The last Blossom -Anonymous

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Tulips -Jocelyn Trejo

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Day in the life of Italy -Anonymous

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Downtown -anonymous

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Pabellon -lupita nieland

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Oregon -anonymous

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-Adamaris Ortiz Arreola

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-Camilia Robeldo Felixl

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Princess -Anneliese Ortega

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Peace -Anonymous

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S E N I O R S

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Arianna Leyva Roses are red, Violets are blue, It's been a great Senior Year, With all of you.

Times have changed, People have grown, Hellos and goodbyes to all of you, May all your hopes and dreams come true.

I hope your money flows.

Co-editor

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s e d r u o L

"Luly is a nice and loyal person, she is willing to go out of her way and try to help you as much as she can and that's what is amazing about her. I am so happy to have her as a friend."

-Fher Castillo "It has been SUCH a pleasure to see you grow over the years! I am so, so excited for you and all the opportunities that will come your way.

Congrats on your graduation!"

-Ms. Hobbs

Lourdes Garza plans to attend the Honors Program at Grand Canyon University to study Engineering. During her high school career she participated in Volleyball and Basketball. She was the Volleyball Captain and is a great role model to all the girls on the team. She has a sweet soul and is always willing to help you in any situation. She never fails to make you laugh in tough times. She is a great listener and always gives off the best advice you will ever need to hear.

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Co-editor

Alen r

"Alen, a modern thinking man with traditional values, and a heart of gold. His jovial charisma, work ethic, and unbreakable spirit are a motivation to us all."

-Fernando Quezada "Alen has a way of adding value to any conversation and situation. His intelligence is persuasive, and his kindness undeniable. He's an incredible big brother and will always go out of his way in the service of others. Thank you for handcrafting me a wooden spoon!"

-Mr. James Brenner

Alen Arredondo plans to attend Arizona State University to study Biosciences and Engineering. He ran Cross Country, played on the Boys Varsity Basketball team, participated in Dungeons and Dragons, and was a founding member of Warrior Voices. Western will miss his high-IQ humor and critical thinking abilities. In his free time, you can find him working with his dad, watching anime, playing chess, or hand carving useful tools!

Director of Design

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a n e Jim

"Jimena is one of the kindest and strongest scholars I have had the opportunity to coach.

Whatever you do, wherever you go, you will do amazing and impact others as much as you have impacted Western and your team these past few years."

-Ariana Vaca "Anything Jimena sets her mind to, she will do! She has been the backbone of this club and such a good role model for our younger members. She brightens any room and is never afraid to share her insightful thoughts."

-Mr. James Brenner

Jimena Zapien plans to attend the Honors Program at Northern Arizona University to study Criminology. Jimena excelled in Varsity Cheer throughout high school and was Co-Captain of the team. She is constantly working hard and always brings creative ideas to whatever team she is a part of. In her free time, Jimena loves learning about exercise science, listening to crime podcasts, and taking care of her baby brother.

Assistant of Design

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n a u J

"Hardworking, dedicated & driven are words to describe Juan. Cocky too but he's nice."

-Emily Apodaca "Juan Solis, is calm, cool and collected! It's been a pleasure having him in my classes and I know he is going to go on to do amazing things at Arizona State University!"

-Mr. Bess

Juan Solis plans to attend ASU's Barrett Honors College to study Industrial Design.

Juan has been involved with Western's yearbook all four years, and his creative touch has spruced up the last two editions of Warrior Voices. He was a needed addition to the team! In his free time, Juan loves drawing and creating art, working at Target, and following political campaigns.

Director of Outreach

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a l l e b Isa

"Isabella is a really good leader, she gives such good advice and is very fun to talk to."

-Arlene Lopez "Bella is a responsible, daring, and confident student. With her sharp mind and unwavering determination, she leads as cheer captain, inspiring others to reach new heights. Her grit and intelligence make her a force to be reckoned with."

-Ms. Lily Trevizo

Isabella Pacheco plans to attend Glendale Community College to study Education.

Isabella was the cheer CoCaptain for the Varsity Cheer team. Isabella is always willing to help you out with anything you may ever need. She never fails to put a smile on your face and is always joyful for any situation. Western will miss her leadership presence and fearless ability to get difficult things done.

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The Team

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Thank You! Thank you all for the submissions! This edition wouldn't have been possible without the vulnerability of our school community and their willingness to make their voices heard. We truly appreciate everyone who has played a role in supporting our club's mission. We hope everyone who reads this enjoys it as much we enjoyed making it!

Sincerely,

Warrior Voices Team