The Back Porch Review 2021

Illustration by Alyssa Kozdron, grade 12
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Pull up, tie up, and enjoy your stay.
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The
Back Porch
Review
2021
Safe Harbors
Vernon Township High School
1832 Route 565, P. O. Box 800, Vernon, NJ 07462
www.vtsd.com
VOLUME 45
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This has been a year of struggle; we have all had to cope with unexpected
hardships. This literary magazine is a tribute to all those places that have
made us feel safe. We hope this becomes one of your “Safe Harbors.”
Cover Illustration by Alyssa Kozdron, grade 12
Table of Contents
The Literature
To a Lighthouse Keeper – Sara Mazzella – 5
First Madness – Palmer Papson – 7
Let Me Go In Peace – Mia Amato - 10
The Light – Payton Shultz – 12
Message in a Bottle – Tabitha Sherwood – 13
Foxy – Alyson VanGulick – 14
Rock, Paper, Scissors – Alyssa Kozdron – 16
everywhere else on another day - Gabrielle Flig – 17
Obituary for Normalcy – Gabrielle Miller – 20
early lights passing on – Gabrielle Flig – 21
Reflections on Yard Nature – Brianna Cimo – 22
Cape Cod – Janelle Colyer – 23
A Journey through Words – Michelle Brown – 26
Take Me Home – Nadine Yamout – 28
Where Hope Lives – Sara Mazzella – 29
Mask – Palmer Papson – 32
Wake Again to Hope – Sebastian Leak – 33
January Walk with my Grandfather – Riley Mills – 36
To Broken Sails – Victoria Annunziata – 37
Safe Place – Jack Howes – 40
Quiet World – Shane Lyden – 41
Obituary for Normalcy – Morgan Mulvaney – 44
My Safe Place is Not …. Maya Rodriguez- 45
Happy Hound – Sean McGinnis – 48
Ode to a Wave – Robin Gindhart – 49
Seagull Plight – Gabrielle Miller – 52
Peeled Clementine – Alyssa Kozdron – 53
Clearer Waters – Abby “Del” LaGreca – 56
Time by the River – Thomas Birkland – 57
In Just – Winter Version – Robin Gindhart – 60
Game Night – Palmer Papson – 61-62
Obituary for Normalcy – Robin Gindhart - 63
Journey of Seashells – Anisa de Stani – 66
Anchored in Peace – Sara Mazzella – 67
Lost and Love – Victoria Annunziata - 69
Hot Air Balloon Escape – Keely Greenhalgh – 72
Avoiding the Fall – Angis Kellish – 73
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Let Good Win – Boriss Von Frankenstein – 76
Message in a Bottle – Gabrielle Miller – 78
Ode to Snow – Jennifer Marcinkowski - 79
The Dock – Samantha Dombrowski – 82
The Crayon Box – Tristan Hakala – 83
Cosmo – Hailey Perise – 86
In the Trees – Timothy McQuaid – 88
“57785” – Jon Weyant - 89
the place where static sings – Gabrielle Flig –91
Table of Contents
The Art
Joanne Baez – photo - 70
Megan Calkin – photo – 27
Avery Crafton – photo - 75
Kayla Cruz – art – 39
Richard DeGraw – photo - 47
Skylar Ehman – photo - 35
Kaden Haw – art - 34
Patience Hevi – art – 8, 30
Nathaniel Horn – art – 54, 74
Isaiah Ingino – photo - 64
Kiana Kerton – art - 43
Erich King – photo - 14
Alyssa Kozdron – art – cover, 15
Christina Lavorini – art - 77
Riley Lewicki – photo – 11
Ethan Lewis – photo - 68
Mark Maffia – photo – 25
Alexis Malec – photo – 46
Kayla Patterson – art – 71
Emily Rhode – photo - 59
Jonessa Rodriguez – art – 80, 84
Terry Sabia – photo – 21, 92
Idalis Santiago – art – 19, 85, 87
Kailee Seeley – photo - 38
Patricia Soriano – photo – 6, 55
Dyllan Terwilliger – photo - 18
Katelyn Thienel – art –9
Hannah Thompson – photo – 24
Will Toll – photo – 50
Laura Waschek – photo - 58
Kathy Weyant – photo – 42, 51, 65, 81
Loeghan Winstock – art – 31
Faculty Advisor – Mrs. Kathy Weyant, with thanks to the student writers, artists and the art teachers for
reaching deeply into their hearts to create art that soothes, that comforts and that heals. With remote, hybrid
and scattered in-person learning, this creativity is a true testament to the beauty and strength of the human
spirit here at Vernon Township High School in Vernon, New Jersey. When all else lets us down, there is
always art and literature to remind us of the heights we were born to inhabit.
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To a Lighthouse Keeper
by Sara Mazzella, grade 12
Standing tall above the deep-blue water
whitecaps painted on top
a father’s soul protects his daughter’s
as the lighthouse fields a raindrop
the keeper awakens to a howling twilight.
Raging wind falls upon the sea
the gleaming lantern flickers on
as boats the harbor seek
she lets out a tired yawn
and continues with her dreams.
The guardian keeps his watch on her
during the loneliest of hours
whistles of the wind whisper
stories of the towers
sending streaks of light into the night.
For the word will travel far
in the chill on a stormy breeze
in the faintest glimpse of a shining star
two souls to help the sea to ease
one hope anchored in both hearts.
5

Patricia Soriano, Faculty
6

First Madness
by Palmer Papson, grade 12
Blue tides rush in and out
carrying the mystery of the sea
from afar a child shouts
her name is Bree
As the cold water splashes on the beach
it sends sand flying
this way and that, all about
suddenly Bree is crying
Are the tears of joy or sadness?
not even Bree can tell
the ocean thrusts forward madness
the sand sinks in and swirls around.
Bree searches and begs for a sign
a creature emerges from under the ground
a baby turtle, Bree claims it “mine!”
all is restored and hope is regained
as the tide once again disappears
7

Patience Hevi, grade 12
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Katelyn Thienel, grade 10
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You do not
get to say
that you miss me
when you
are the reason
I’m gone
You forced me out
then pull me back in
like the tides
of a storm-riddled sea
I have left
and I will not return
so please
grant me one
last
wish
and let me go
in peace
Let me go in peace
by Mia Amato, grade 12
10

Riley Lewicki, grade 10
11

The Light
By Payton Shultz, grade 12
Down the stained wooden stairs and a few steps from the edge
I drop my thoughts and stress into the fluffled green blanket of grass
when darkness creeps into my head, I claim my security
The kiss from the sun brushes my skin,
the touch of Nature traces my body
The clouds in the blue sky wildly mild and unpredictable
shooting wanderous objects in the sky.
In a world of darkness
where would you go to find the light,
a spot, song, person or book?
If the darkness is chasing you, will you stay and let it consume you
or find your perfect escape into the light?
Go hand-in-hand with the fire deep inside you and
burn down the terror of your world
forever safe and unstoppable
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Message in a Bottle
I wonder what year it is and where you found me. There are a few
things I would like to share with you.
It is the year 2021 and we are still in a pandemic; I wonder if it will
ever end. We may never know. It’s very annoying to wear masks
24/7.
I have lost most of my friends because of it but I guess I know
who was fake and who is real. I feel like I’ve changed a lot. I talk a lot
less than I did before. I stay in my room all day because we’ve all
gotten annoyed having to be around each other. Don’t get me wrong, I
do love my family but sometimes it’s hard to be near them.
I never realized how much things have changed, how much I
would regret, how many things I would miss. Like even human
interaction, just a smile from another person. Even having an
awkward conversation just knowing someone is there. Now because
of masks, you can barely see anyone’s emotions. It’s scary because
you never know if the person is happy or not. It’s hard to start a
conversation, too, because you’re afraid that if you do that person
might be sick and then, boom, you’re sick.
However, it could be way worse than it is now. I just hope by
the time you find this it isn’t like that anymore. I hope it’s much better
with more human interaction and less disease.
Sincerely,
Tabitha Sherwood, grade 10
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Erich King, grade 12
FOXY
By Alyson Van Gulick, grade 11
Bristle in the bushes
Getting tangled in the vines
A fluffy fox tail
Brushes against
Many tails brushing
in the bush,
Many yellow eyes
looking through
Tiny fluffy paws,
Making their way through
the other side
Of the valley
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Alyssa Kozdron, grade 12
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Rock Paper Scissors
By Alyssa Kozdron, grade 12
Rock: polished, round, jagged
Primal usage: to break
Slam down and scrub across the defeated
Paper: slices the holder by accident
Everyday use: to create
Spinning off the page in words and art
Scissors: Intentional edges
By choice: weapon or tool
Cleanly slipping through paper
Yet held like a dagger
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everywhere else on another day
By Gabrielle Flig, grade 11
i could have been to _____
where the bakery sells freshly baked
loaves every day at 7 sharp.
or maybe visited ______ back at ____
where i can see ___ and _____ again,
it’s been so long.
i heard that _____ just came back
from ______ where we would run
through the cornfields and over the
running creeks.
perhaps, on another day.
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Dyllan Terwilliger, grade 10
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Idalis Santiago, grade 11
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Obituary for Normalcy
By Gabrielle Miller, Grade 10
It’s hard to fathom how it was before, the normalcy.
The random interactions with strangers that will have no impact on
one's life.
The warm spring day, after school, meeting with your classmates
under the setting sun.
I remember the warm winter nights eating soup with family friends.
The rides on the swim bus with all my friends, three of us squishing
into a seat.
I miss the family parties that I used to hate; the way I used to be.
The person I am no longer who still holds places in people's hearts.
How I wish I can get back the time, my innocence.
The year has washed over, faster than the last.
I wish I could have experienced normal life as the person I am now.
I have not lived long enough in the normal life, and I crave more.
I am missing out on life, all that used to be.
As I grow older, I understand more and more
how experiences are the true fruits of our lives.
.
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early lights passing on
By Gabrielle Flig, grade 11
early lights will pass on overhead
all collectively in a fluid motion
no pause, they keep passing on
you, however, keep still
silent, patient, where you sit
you may shout, you may cry,
but you aren’t seen by passersby
no pause, they keep passing on
all collectively in a fluid motion
early light will pass on overhead
Terry Sabia, faculty
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Reflections on Yard Nature
By Brianna Cimo, grade 11
I sit on my front porch listening
to the chirping birds.
The wind blows the clouds
like balls of cotton.
Water puddles fill the street
like a lake after a rain.
I feel water droplets hit my head.
All is calm and quiet,
like a church ready to start.
The wind blows and some leaves drop
signaling a step closer to Fall.
My dad begins to work on the lawnmower
in the garage, making noise and
the chill sends me inside.
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Cape Cod
By Janelle Colyer, grade 12
The salty wind in my hair
the seas, the trees, the gentle breeze
the beach, hot sand on my feet
tubing in the water, the sun getting hotter
gazing at the lighthouse
my cousin and I in Cape Cod
two sunburnt peas in a pod.
23

Hannah Thompson, grade 12
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Mark Maffia, grade 9
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A Journey Through Words
by Michelle Brown, grade 12
Like trees, humans constantly change
but from a distance at times we still look the same.
With the naked eye you can’t tell what remains
as our traits arrive, appear, and fade.
What one must do is get close and observe,
for the effects of change are seen through words.
Through these statements, intentions are inferred
for our language is the limit of our world.
So here we arrive at the summit of humanity
on the horizon we can see ever-changing personalities.
With the constant flowing tide only one fact still stays,
that just like trees, humans constantly change.
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Megan Calkin, grade 9
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Take Me Home
By Nadine Yamout, grade 12
A little place, I call my base, my safe space
where the wind whistles and the dew perspirates
for how can I leave this little town I call home?
How can I leave this place?
They say you don’t know what you’ve got until you don’t “got it.”
A few more months and I’ll be miles away
I just wish I could stay.
I’m not ready to move forward
I’m not ready to start my life.
College is scary but I know what is right.
No more sounds of barking or daddy’s laugh.
No more momma’s cooking or sissy’s math.
Twelve years go by in the blink of an eye.
How is it already time?
For nothing else will compare to the memories born here.
Take me home.
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Where Hope Lives
by Sara Mazzella, grade 12
Sharp with simple purity
of grace and softness;
never to be dulled
by deceitful saturation.
Ominous illuminations
echoing through eyes.
Empty and invisible,
clarifying its divinity.
A quiet reflection of light
cleanses the spirit
and refreshes the mind,
bringing balance from chaos.
Hope dwells within
this space of peace,
yet to share its goodness
with an unruly canvas.
29

Patience Hevi, Grade 12
30

Loeghan Winstock, grade 11
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MASK
By Palmer Papson, grade 12
A time so surreal yet inexplicably authentic at the same time.
My first time on this bus was fifteen years ago though
it feels like the very first time all over again.
I don’t know if it’s the mask’s ego or maybe
just the new person I’ve become in my endless quarantine,
but it’s very odd. Part of me is glad that my peers
can no longer see my face.
My inner monologue is halted abruptly
with the cold swoosh of air wafting in from the open bus doors;
it’s time for my last first day of high school.
Walking down the bus steps reminds me of when I was little.
The fresh fall air surrounding me,
the leaves so gently falling,
smiles from strangers…
all of which are foreign now.
The crisp fall air is repelled by my cheap plastic covering,
making me more of an outsider than I was before the virus hit.
In a way, I’m glad I don’t have many friends.
I can’t recognize anyone’s faces
except those who want to be seen.
The cliché groups are still here and ready to make my last year
another living hell. If only they knew what I could do.
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Wake Again to Hope
By Sebastian Leak, grade 12
He rises from his bitter bed,
thoughts of sadness fill in his head.
He idolizes death.
Staring at the clock on the wall
watching the days go by
I see him frown.
So I cry “hello.”
He gives his destiny a shake
as he watches his tears
burn out the smoke
hoping for a joyful day.
33

Kaden Haw, grade 10
34

Skylar Ehman, grade 9
35

January Walk with My Grandfather
By Riley Mills, grade 12
The first time I walked with you
I was five.
Whimsical, hopeful
with gloves in my pocket.
January. Snow falling
beneath our steps, footprints left in our path.
As we walked passing blue slides
and red swing sets
we talked.
Now you are gone
but when I close my eyes I still remember
the swing sets red and the slide blue
and you.
You walk with me still,
your heart in mine.
The first time I walked with you
I was five.
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To Broken Sails
By Victoria Annunziata, grade 10
A girl was headed West,
daydreamin’ that she’d get out.
She’d set out on wide-open waters.
Funny thing is she had a lowered anchor.
Wind’s no match for an anchor with a sail.
A boy lived in a humbled, rickety house,
believin’ he’d make it big in the broad sea of science.
He’d go out and mark his map onward.
Funny thing is the stars didn’t shine upon him.
There’s nowhere to go with a broken sail.
To say one can’t go anywhere without a sail is truly a fable.
They say once you are able,
a paddle or oar or even a mighty engine will do.
Without a sturdy sail, one can still motor through.
Remember to inflict gratitude upon her bow.
A sail’s irrelevant when there’s another way through.
37

Kailee Seeley, grade 10
38

Kayla Cruz, grade 12
39

Safe Place
by Jack Howes, grade 12
Listening to music is my safe place
head phones in with a straight face
escape from reality my favorite place
music easily takes my mind off things.
Headphones out anxiety takes its place
thinking how I’ll spend the rest of the day.
First time this year
I take the bus home today
close my eyes
crank the volume
for now I’m safe.
40

Quiet World
by Shane Lyden, grade 12
The world can be loud at times
Sounds of hatred
Sounds of stress
Like drums echoing in my head
But when I am with my friends
then I am safe
The drums stop
and this big world we live in
narrows to where it is just me
and my friends.
41

Kathy Weyant, faculty
42

Kiana Kerton, grade 12
43

Obituary for Normalcy
by Morgan Mulvaney, grade 11
Normalcy died a little over a year ago; it seems like just yesterday we first heard
the news. The lives we were so used to living were coming to an end. Normalcy kept us
around the people and places we loved.
Since she's been gone everyone is so lonely; we have nowhere to go, we cannot see
anyone. I remember having at least 20 girls over to sleepover; now I can only have one.
I remember visiting family members out of state without any hesitation, except now
it is almost a fearful thing to do.
I remember being able to go out to eat and be able to actually hear the waitress say
what the specials were for that day.
Normalcy is missed greatly by everyone; we want her back. We aren't sure how
long it will take for us to see her again. Every month begins and I wake up hoping she is
here with us again. It is so draining having to stay inside most of the time, and when we do
go out we have to wear masks. It went from being able to smile to people as they walk by
to awkwardly staring at each other without any expression.
I hope to see her again. I miss Normalcy. I wish her the best.
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Where My Safe Place is Not….
By Maya Rodrigues, grade 12
My safe place is not home or school
It is not my grandparents’ house in the middle of nowhere
It is not even a physical place.
My safe place is seeing the people I love
It’s going on drives with no destination
It’s singing songs around a campfire
It’s sharing crab legs on Christmas Eve
It’s being free and happy
45

Alexis Malec, grade 9
46

Richard DeGraw, grade 10
47

Happy Hound
by Sean McGinnis, grade 12
Oh how happy is the small hound!
Look upon his wide smile with tenderness
and compassion, for he loves us, too.
His fluff surpasses all else, and
his bark is like the roar of a mighty lion.
He prowls around looking for his meals,
scaring even the greatest of predators.
Despite his small frame he intimidates those around him,
but also attracts admiration from all.
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Ode to a Wave
by Robin Gindhart, grade 12
Bringing pain or clarity
Its biggest mystery is its polarity
Its simplest aspect is its name:
The wave.
Some use the soothing sound to fall asleep
While others find their biggest fear within: to drown,
blue nightmares where they awaken to weep.
When the ocean is angry this blue beauty starts to rise
She gets quite cranky
You can sometimes hear surfer and swimmers’ cries.
But this miracle of nature can so calming be,
leaving beach bums feeling cooled.
A wave is not so different from you and me.
49

Will Toll, grade 12
50

Kathy Weyant, faculty
51

Seagull Plight
by Gabrielle Miller, grade 10
You fly with the weight of the world
as you harness the soul of the ocean
you fly as crisp as a cracker
you eat off the beach.
Sun bathers don’t know you didn’t catch dinner
they don’t know the truth behind your beak
Young seagull will never be loved
she carries the weight of the world
young seagull doesn’t understand
she carries the tears under her beak
waiting for love
You will never know this --
It's better that you don’t --
You will never know the extent of her desperation
It’s better that you don’t know the hesitation
of little seagull.
52

Peeled Clementine
by Alyssa Kozdron, grade 12
Clementines, if they could speak
would tell you words of sweet reassurance
and if you opened up, they would peel away
revealing their true selves as well
Underneath the smooth surface
it is bumpy, plump, and flakey
like all people
yet it glows
The bright color whether ripe or not
is like a lantern in the night
such a color brightens your day
you take the clementine to school that day
A never-before-seen-look on your face
it is bumpy, plump, and wide
clutching the fiery fruit
it smiles back at you
53

Nathaniel Horn, grade 10
54

Patricia Soriano, faculty
55

Clearer Waters
By Abby “Del” LaGreca, grade 11
This water is supposed to be clear, reflective.
Sometimes, that is not the case.
Life can pump pollutants into its beautiful consciousness.
Leading to an unknown, uncertain danger.
You can keep it this way and forever immerse yourself in its new dark
world.
Or you can clean up your waters, clear your consciousness.
See the light from the sandy bottom, see the life within.
You can flow freely through these waters and bathe yourself in safety
and purity.
From time to time your waters will darken, become less clear.
That will happen, just like night and day.
When it does, do not let that darkness consume you.
Clean up your waters and thrive in the waters of your inner self.
Keep yourself clear and don’t let hard times and sadness cloud you.
See clear through your crystal waters,
Only you can do it best
56

Time by the River
by Thomas Birkland, grade 12
Time passes
Those who pound their fists grow old
Their thoughts soften
While growing old they lay by the river
Watching their lives float by
Streams of memories change with time
Change of hearts, you could say
Their bodies morph, their thoughts change
They grow old with regret
The river flows even without them
57

Lauren Waschek, grade 10
58

Emily Rhode, grade 11
59

[In Just-] (Winter Version)
by Robin Gindhart, grade 12, inspired by ee cummings
in Just-
winter
when everything is white and frozen
and the birds fly south
because they hate the snow
but the snowmen
and I
well, we love the snow
it glistens in the sunlight
but the sun is its worst enemy you know
winter
brings coldness and warmth all in one
Christmas lights on all the houses down the road
make everything feel warm and cheery
but the snowmen
they need the cold to stay alive
so the snow may make my hands freeze but
it’s winter
and
the
birds
well I hate to see them
fly far away
but
the
snowmen
60

GAME NIGHT
By Palmer Papson, grade 12
Scene starts in Kevin and Arnold’s living room, around 6 pm; they have a friendly game
night every week. Note that the sentence structure is a little off (missing periods/commas)
to make the characters seem more chaotic during the conversation. The living room is
nicely furnished and very neat, with white walls and dark hardwood flooring. There is a
large sectional sofa that nearly overpowers the small NYC apartment living room, but the
vibe is more modern and cozy, not claustrophobic at all. There is a black foldable table
with four multicolor chairs in the center of the room, between the couch and television.
Opposite the living room is the kitchen (though it is not shown on stage, only referenced),
and beside the living room, in the foyer, is the front door (which is shown).
Kevin: Alright I’ve got the popcorn and monopoly! Now I just need the TV remote.
Arnold: No, Kevin, we don’t need the television remote for game night.
Kevin: Yeah, but it’s nice to have the TV on in the background; it creates a nice ambiance.
Arnold: You know I can’t focus on the game when you have the television on. I get too
distracted! Also, is this microwave butter popcorn? Do you even know what’s in this stuff?
Definitely poison.
Kevin: (turns on the TV) Oh my god, Arnold, calm down about the popcorn. It’s literally
fine.
Arnold: No! Turn that television off! Kevin,
<this is why you always win at monopoly. You fill me up with disgusting poisonous snacks
and then distract me with trashy reality television.
Ding dong!
Kevin: Oh, good, he’s here!
Evan: Hey, you two! Were you outside today? It was a picture-perfect afternoon. Did you
get the pictures of the trees I sent you? They were gorgeous today and there were four new
types of birds. Wait, Kevin, why are you eating that crappy popcorn? You know how bad
that stuff is.
Arnold: (shouting from the other room) THANK YOU, EVAN. Kevin throw it away I
don’t want it here.
Kevin: No, it’s my snack and I’m going to enjoy it. Evan, I didn’t see the trees and quite
frankly I don’t care. Just set up your game.
Evan: Ugh! You never appreciate my artistry. Arnold, I know you like my photographs of
trees.
Arnold and Kevin exchange a glance
Arnold: (perky) ohmygod, yes, of course I love your photographs and trees, Evan! You’re
a true genius when it comes to botany.
Evan: Arnold, cut the crap. I saw your glance at Kevin! You guys are really upsetting me.
I’m just going to leave.
61

Arnold: No, Evan, really. I’m sorry; please stay. I’m already worked up because Kevin is
refusing to turn off the television.
Kevin: (shouting from the kitchen, off-stage) I need it on!
Evan: Kevin, you only have it on so you can distract Arnold! I mean, it’s a genius plan if you
want to win, but c’mon, turn it off.
Arnold: (defensive) What does that even mean, Evan? I can’t just turn it off. It’s my brain. I
don’t question your incessant need to be in the apple orchard taking pictures of trees and
sending them to everyone on your contact list.
Evan: Arnold, calm down. I was talking to Kevin- saying to turn the TV off- wait what do
you have against my trees? It’s a beautiful orchard, you should really learn to appreciate
nature.
Kevin: (returning to the living room with a new bucket of popcorn) Okay, can we just start
the game, please? This is exhausting.
Arnold: (under his breath) What’s exhausting is you refusing to give up that popcorn bucket.
Kevin: Arnold! What do you care? It’s literally just a bucket of popcorn that I eat once a
week on game night! What else are we supposed to snack on, (sarcastically) an apple?
Evan: Oh, do you want one? I just picked a few!
Kevin: Evan, ever heard of sarcasm?
Arnold: Okay, guys, stop. Just set up the game.
The three finally start the game of monopoly. Not even five minutes into the game, another
argument begins.
Arnold: Evan, could you be any more obvious?
Evan: What? What are you talking about?
Arnold: There’s $100 missing from the bank.
Kevin: Yeah, I saw him take it the first time too-
Evan: (interrupting) No I didn’t! Sorry that I’m just so good at monopoly.
Arnold: Evan, we both saw it! You cheat every week. It's not a new thing, just admit to it
already.
Evan: You’re making things up again, Arnold. I didn’t this time. It’s probably Kevin!
Kevin: (audibly gasp)
Evan: You always eat that butter popcorn and get the money stuck together, then blame it on
me! Arnold, back me up… Arnold?
Arnold has left the game table and sat on the couch, glued to the TV.
Kevin: Hah! Told you it was a good idea to have the TV on!
Evan: (rolling his eyes) Every week, Kevin. Every week passes by and we have yet to finish
a game of Monopoly. I’m just going to leave now. I’ll see you two next week; hopefully we
can finish the game then.
Evan leaves. Arnold and Kevin look at each other with smug expressions.
Arnold: I can’t believe it’s been fourteen game nights and our plan works every time.
Kevin: Annoy him with the popcorn, distract you with the TV, cheat the game until he gets
annoyed and leaves…
Arnold: until next week then!
62

Obituary for Normalcy
By Robin Gindhart, grade 12
Here is an obituary for normalcy and all of its fantastic ways.
An obituary for the smell of movie theater popcorn and the sound of faint voices
from far away in the mall.
To showing our full identities in person and hello to sometimes not recognizing the
people you know the best.
No more going out for special occasions and being surrounded by happy people in
the dim lighting of marvelous restaurants.
This was a death that we were totally unprepared for, or at least that I was. You can
never know how painful this death is until you fully experience it and never see it
come back even a year after its passing.
At first, I was shocked by normalcy’s death and wasn't quite sure how to handle it.
I got sick of being home and felt like I was going a bit crazy.
Then, after I had some time to make peace with its death, I embraced it and got to
know myself a little bit better.
I took the time to just relax and reminisce about the times before its death, the good
and the bad, that I never really had time to before.
Now, more than a year after its death, I'm in the same place that I started, feeling
like I'm going to go insane if it all doesn't end soon.
I need to move on from this death, but am unable to; it's completely out of my
control. Whoever would've known that it was normalcy that I have missed more
than anyone else before while its death has been slightly consuming me.
63

Isaiah Ingino, grade 12
64

Kathy Weyant, Faculty
65

Seashells, rocks, and sand
side by side
zipping through the ocean water
travel to unknown land
Ocean water is no longer calm
seashells, rocks and sand
hurling through an ocean wave
uncontrollable of its rage
Journey of Seashells
by Anisa de Stani, grade 11
SMACK!
Seashells, rocks, and sand
wave breaks at land
sand stays with water
rocks fall to the ocean’s bottom
seashells fall onto the soft sand on land
Seashell
colorful layer broken
ripped into pieces
by the rage of the ocean wave
A child walks by
grabs the broken seashell
throws the pieces into the ocean water
a wave pulls the broken seashell back in
where the seashell’s journey began.
66

Anchored In Peace
by Sara Mazzella, grade 12
I am anchored in the undertow;
pushing me out, then pulling me in.
I am anchored to the sweet Southern smell of honeysuckle
dancing through my kitchen windows,
holding me back.
A sailboat in the distant sea
wanders through the calm waters,
as the fresh scent of sun-dried linens
flows through the crisp breeze.
A raging wind twirls around my home;
the heavy clouds taunt the peaceful birdsongs,
and turn them into roars of thunder.
The riptide is calling my name,
but I am anchored in peace.
67

Ethan Lewis, grade 9
68

Lost and Love
By Victoria Annunziata, grade 10
Things I have lost
jewelry friends pencils socks
shorts sneakers my childhood
money rocks a paper glasses
names
birthdays
people ideas words my beliefs
Things I don’t want to lose
friends family my dog my wit
my memory me a chance
a journey/adventure life a moment of peace
a moment to just be
growing old
69

Joanne Baez, grade 11
70

Kayla Patterson, grade 11
71

Hot Air Balloon Escape
by Keely Greenhalgh, grade 10
We will jump into the basket
your hand grabbing mine
they don’t know we’re gone yet
we’ll fly past the stars we outshine
free in our hot air balloon escape.
Have they gotten the hint?
Is their obliviousness even real?
Do their glasses have a rose tint?
I’m unsure how it makes me feel
thinking about our hot air balloon escape.
I’m already on thin ice
the situation’s dire
it’s one thing to be nice
and another to be a liar
about our hot air balloon escape.
We haven’t lifted off yet
I cannot wait until we do
seeing you, I’m dead set
and I hope you are, too.
on our hot air balloon escape.
72

Avoiding the Fall
by Angis Kellish, grade 12
It’s just like a brick wall
hoping that I won’t fall from that roof
when I fall for you
my brain exploding with the thought of danger
if I ever fell for you
growing up I didn't think it would be this way
cruising on that rainbow
instead of the whole normal way
everyone is different
and I guess I’m just this way
I hope you know I don't even love you
the way that you had treated me
I’m so glad I got out of there
because I was very scared,
afraid of what that would be.
73

Nathaniel Horn, grade 10
74

Avery Crafton, grade 9
75

Let Good Win
by Boriss von Frankenstein, grade 12
So many things can be so beautiful
bringing light to your own life
you just need to go out and find it
what is beautiful
what makes your life worth living
watch out for the worst
it may linger around you or within
don't let the evil take over
overpower it with goodness
show the evil who’s boss
you are a wonder of beauty
needing to shine out into the world.
76

Christina Lavorini, grade 11
77

Message in a bottle
By Gabrielle Miller, grade 10
We live in a world where money is worth more than human beings.
The genocides, slavery, and wars are not ancient history,
YET NO ONE CARES.
I wake every morning in this world where nothing I do will make a difference.
Humankind must readjust its values to solve our world problems.
Once we get past the greed of the billionaires of this world,
and once they stop taking advantage of the poorer, we can begin.
WILL WE EVER BEGIN?
From smog covering L.A. to the hunger crisis in Yemen,
nothing is being done.
When will we not feel like pawns in the games of the rich?
I feel helpless in this world of hate.
I feel helpless because of the people who decide to let humans die.
I feel helpless because the barriers of race, religion, and culture divide us.
I can’t not think about it.
My whole life is consumed by the suffering of others.
I wish I didn’t know.
It may be selfish, but ignorance truly is bliss.
I wish I was ignorant, I wish I didn’t care.
The light inside of me gets dimmer and dimmer
every year as the lights of these others dim.
Where is our spark?
78

Ode to Snow
by Jennifer Marcinkowski, grade 12
As the sky begins to darken
the weather begins to sharpen
chills spike against your body
you get the greatest feeling
you know it’s about to snow.
Animals hide away from the cold
protecting every piece of food they have
counting every last blessing of the warmth they feel
a change in their mood begins
they know it is about to snow.
Hot chocolate with marshmallows warms up the soul
the fireplace burns filling the air with a wintry smell
candles are lighted so darkness does not take over
all you want to do is cuddle and stay in bed
you know it’s about to snow.
79

Jonessa Rodriguez, grade 11
80

Kathy Weyant, faculty
81

The Dock
by Samantha Dombrowski, grade 12
On a sunny June afternoon
after a long day of classes
my worn Converse scuffing the pavement
strolling home from the bus
breathing in the tranquil air
I slip off my shoes
and weave my way through the house
to take a clementine off the counter
my feet light on the hardwood floors.
I fill the watering can waiting for me at the front door
I stop to refresh the veggies and flowers
on my way through the dewy grass.
Before I hear the creaking of old wood
feeling the memories through my bare feet from years before
as I walk to the end of the deck and sit.
My feet slip into the still lake as I slip the peel off the clementine.
Peace is in the air, stillness in the water,
happiness in the clouds and youth in the dock.
I think I’ll stay a while.
82

The Crayon Box
by Tristen Hakala, grade 12
Everyone always looks at the crayon box
Dreaming of the colorful creations
Shading, mixing, the colors all flow across the canvas
The crayons whittling with each stroke
Do we care, though?
I mean, everyone is a part of the bigger picture
The sun can’t shine without a white booster
The blues can’t fill an ocean without their brothers
The grass doesn’t lie a motionless sea of green
Even black needs assistance to truly bounce off the paper
We’re all a part of the picture whether seen or not
There is no one crayon in the middle
No champion of the colors,
Though some may speak of the attention to a certain color
Never do they own the stage,
In order for a picture to be, the colors must work together
To turn a blank sheet to a sunny valley
83

Jonessa Rodriguez, grade 11
84

Idalis Santiago, grade 11
85

Cosmo
by Hailey Parise, grade 12
As she sits there, mirrored in a chair
All capped and gowned and waiting
Anxious and scared as the scissors work
Feverishly between cuts and snips
The hairdresser listens with a friendly ear
An empathy at her fingertips
Day after day week after week
Remaining focused on the task at hand
86

Idalis Santiago, grade 11
87

In the Trees
by Timothy McQuaid, grade 12
Within the trees there is only grace,
soft silence interrupted by birds’ songs,
a feathered choir sounding.
No distractions,
no chaos of the world surrounding.
A gentle breeze like a subtle touch
sets all the leaves to dancing.
Nature celebrates together all day long.
In the trees there is music and grace.
88

“57785”
By Jon Weyant, ‘05
My best friend retired a long time ago,
hitched a ride from a truck down in Mexico.
His racing number tattooed in his ear
where it would stay for the rest of his years.
My best friend came home with me soon after that.
His belly I’d rub and his head I would pat.
I’d call him “good boy” and he’d wag his tail
but one day, eventually, he’d become frail.
My best friend got sick and left me too soon,
my doggie named after a dino cartoon.
We did all the things and we had the best time
his life was complete and complete he made mine.
My best friend is gone but his spirit lives on
in the colors of sunset, his light brindle fawn.
Because he’s retired, his number I took,
to walk with me always,
tattooed on my foot.
Rest in Peace, Littlefoot.
89

RIP, Littlefoot and all those beloved pets we have lost.
90

the place where the static sings
by Gabrielle Flig, grade 11
distorted singing buzzes by the ear
stuffy, clotted lumps of space pass by.
at times, a melody becomes clear.
at times, a cacophonic choir rocks the brain.
perhaps, it could have all made sense before
but now, it’s just a burning memory.
91

Terry Sabia, faculty
92