You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
POETRY SHORT STORIES ART YOU ARE ZEITGEIST<br />
Writing is a way of expressing one’s<br />
innermost feelings, and poetry is<br />
possibly the most sincere written form<br />
of human emotion. Read and treasure<br />
the poetry you’ll find in these pages.<br />
Short stories are brief, but effective<br />
and powerful simultaneously, just<br />
as Shakespeare once wrote: “brevity<br />
is the soul of wit.” Peruse these<br />
selections with an open mind.<br />
The visual arts can be appreciated<br />
not only for aesthetical purposes,<br />
but also, for the feelings that<br />
paintings and drawings can instill in<br />
the life of a person.<br />
A collective of thoughts, opinions, and<br />
ideals… anyone can be a part of<br />
<strong>Zeitgeist</strong>!<br />
ZEITGEIST<br />
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2017 A LITERARY MAGAZINE p.1<br />
What is <strong>Zeitgeist</strong>?<br />
The word "<strong>Zeitgeist</strong>" can be<br />
defined as the collective<br />
thoughts and ideals of a<br />
group of people in a given<br />
time and space.<br />
"<strong>Zeitgeist</strong>" is an electronic<br />
literary magazine that<br />
includes original work by the<br />
students at Academia del<br />
Perpetuo Socorro. The<br />
pieces range from the visual<br />
arts, such as painting and<br />
drawing, to prose, poetry,<br />
and written works from a<br />
variety of genres.<br />
The objective is to provide<br />
the students of APS with a<br />
culturally enriching<br />
experience where they can<br />
express their thoughts,<br />
opinions, and perspectives<br />
on the topics that they are<br />
passionate about, while<br />
providing others with a<br />
glimpse of their creative<br />
potential.<br />
Academia del Perpetuo Socorro<br />
is not affiliated with any of the<br />
opinions expressed in this<br />
publication.<br />
VOLUME 1 - 2017-2018<br />
Academia del Perpetuo Socorro<br />
704 Jose Martí Street<br />
Miramar, Puerto Rico 00907<br />
Cover Art by Isabelle Cabán (12)
p.2<br />
A LITERARY MAGAZINE Tuesday, <strong>Dec</strong>ember 5, 2017<br />
Letter From<br />
the Editor<br />
To all members of the APS community…<br />
When faced with seemingly impossible<br />
challenges, some may opt to give up or rescind from<br />
persevering in their efforts. However, in the face of<br />
adversity, it is vital to view difficulties as possibilities<br />
or opportunities to grow, learn, and find happiness.<br />
This issue of <strong>Zeitgeist</strong> aims to portray the<br />
remarkable feat of creating art amid unfavorable<br />
circumstances. After a catastrophic natural<br />
phenomenon, we have been able to foster culture and<br />
successfully publish this literary magazine. Despite the<br />
obstacles in our path, we should remain hopeful and<br />
remind ourselves that these difficulties will not impede<br />
our capacity for self-fulfillment. Join us as we attempt<br />
to define ourselves and express our thoughts,<br />
opinions, and perspectives creatively. Each piece is an<br />
implicit representation of the act of finding<br />
opportunity in adversity. I assure you that there will be<br />
either a poem, a short story, an essay, or an artistic<br />
piece, that will appeal to you.<br />
- Alejandra<br />
Eternally Grateful...<br />
The members of <strong>Zeitgeist</strong> Literary <strong>Magazine</strong> have worked<br />
ardously to publish this first edition. I would like to thank everyone<br />
who helped me successfully share this creative project with the<br />
student body and make my vision for <strong>Zeitgeist</strong> a reality, especially:<br />
Cecilia Thon - Assistant Editor (12)<br />
Harold Peón - Secretary (10)<br />
María Elena Álvarez - Curator (11)<br />
María Freyre - Designer (11)<br />
Isabelle Cabán - Designer (12)<br />
Coral Silva - Photographer (12)<br />
Daniela Lugo - Treasurer (12)<br />
Lillian Florián (12)<br />
Isabella Bobonis (12)<br />
Mía Nevarez (7)<br />
Fabiola Rosales (7)<br />
Alexandra Díaz (12)<br />
Claudia Figueroa (9)<br />
María F. Villavicencio (7)<br />
Rocío A. Solá Pardo (7)<br />
………………………………<br />
Mrs. Mari Vega (Moderator)<br />
Mrs. Mayra Colón<br />
Mrs. Enid Pereira<br />
Mr. José M. Leavitt<br />
Mr. Jesús Ortiz<br />
I encourage students who wish to share their passions and<br />
interests creatively to submit their work!<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Alejandra Quintana,<br />
Founder and Editor-In-Chief<br />
of <strong>Zeitgeist</strong> Literary <strong>Magazine</strong><br />
Given the current situation of Puerto Rico, printed copies of this first edition will be available for the Launch Day.<br />
Remember to attend the Open Mic activity, which will be held in recess today!<br />
<strong>Zeitgeist</strong> encourages students from any grade that are passionate about cultural and artistic endeavors to join the club or contribute to<br />
the magazine!<br />
Visit the website for more information:<br />
zeitgeistlitmag.com
Tuesday, <strong>Dec</strong>ember 5, 2017 A LITERARY MAGAZINE p.3<br />
HIGHLIGHTS<br />
Poetry Stories Essays<br />
I. flowers p. 4<br />
II. untitled p. 4<br />
Chess on the Battlefield p. 5<br />
Horizons p. 6<br />
Untitled p. 7<br />
Andante p. 7<br />
Ripples p. 8<br />
A Silent Resistance p. 9<br />
Becoming One p. 10<br />
Perspectives p. 11<br />
Inv. Leg. of H.M. p. 12<br />
Essay about Carlos p. 13<br />
HGTTG p. 14<br />
Wand. Shopper p. 15<br />
You are <strong>Zeitgeist</strong><br />
Beautiful Quotes p. 17<br />
“Savage” Quotes p. 18<br />
Lit. Puzzle p. 19<br />
Lit. Horoscopes p. 20<br />
<strong>Zeitgeist</strong> Recommends…<br />
Films p. 21<br />
Music p. 22<br />
Books p. 24<br />
Gallery of Quotes<br />
"While thought exists, words are alive and literature becomes an escape, not from, but into living."<br />
-Cyril Connolly<br />
“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and<br />
that which cannot remain silent.”<br />
- Victor Hugo<br />
“The books transported her into new worlds and<br />
introduced her to amazing people who lived<br />
exciting lives. She went on olden-day sailing<br />
ships with Joseph Conrad. She went to Africa<br />
with Ernest Hemingway and to India with<br />
Rudyard Kipling. She travelled all over the world<br />
while sitting in her little room in an English<br />
village.”<br />
― Roald Dahl, Matilda
p.4<br />
A LITERARY MAGAZINE Tuesday, <strong>Dec</strong>ember 5, 2017<br />
POETRY<br />
I. flowers*<br />
You melted away in my arms,<br />
formed out of nothingness.<br />
or maybe small talk conversations.<br />
you grew so gracefully and beautifully.<br />
oh, how i loved you so.<br />
gardens full of beautiful flowers reminded me of<br />
you.<br />
almost in slow motion, the beauty in them began<br />
to deteriorate.<br />
slowly and slowly,<br />
it all went unnoticed, until the flowers no longer<br />
grew.<br />
dry patches of dirt covered your once beautiful<br />
garden.<br />
what had become of this once colorful paradise?<br />
all a girl like me can do is mourn,<br />
mourn the blooming flowers<br />
that reminded me of you.<br />
-a.s<br />
Art by Isabelle Cabán (12)<br />
II. untitled*<br />
You who made me believe i was the epitome of<br />
beauty,<br />
one who spread graceful feelings such as love,<br />
warmth.<br />
a gentle being whose mind was untouched,<br />
tainted of pain, but untouched nonetheless.<br />
whatever i touched would become gold and<br />
those who heard my voice couldn't help but fall<br />
in love with such wonder.<br />
fascinating, you would say.<br />
nothing could compare…<br />
until it did.<br />
everything looked the same to you; the damaged<br />
became the things you found special.<br />
i was no longer what you considered sacred,<br />
because sacred was your normal; your words<br />
lacked meaning, and<br />
the actions behind them would drip, fade, cease<br />
to exist…<br />
gone.<br />
-a.s<br />
Art by Fabiola<br />
Rosales (7)<br />
*The scarce use of capitalization has remained intact as intented<br />
by the author.
Tuesday, <strong>Dec</strong>ember 5, 2017 A LITERARY MAGAZINE p.5<br />
POETRY<br />
Chess On the Battlefield<br />
Your fate is unwritten,<br />
as a game of chess.<br />
Practice and practice, yet<br />
the result, you can’t guess.<br />
No matter your experience,<br />
and confidence and patience,<br />
the victor could be anyone:<br />
it’s unpredictable... shapeless.<br />
The unexpected shall happen;<br />
be ready to fight back at it!<br />
What’s unfair will succeed,<br />
defeating it, that’s your deed!<br />
Aren’t you the ruler of your kingdom?<br />
The savior of our hope?<br />
Don’t you make your own decision,<br />
row your own boat?<br />
To the front lines then, leader!<br />
‘Cause if fate’s a blank page,<br />
fight for the pen!<br />
And when your ink runs out,<br />
fight yet again!<br />
- Claudia Figueroa (9)
p.6<br />
A LITERARY MAGAZINE Tuesday, <strong>Dec</strong>ember 5, 2017<br />
POETRY<br />
Horizons*<br />
I wouldn’t call it vast<br />
I would call it neverending<br />
I fear leaving the Past<br />
I fear-not forgetting<br />
I fear the precipice<br />
At the end of the World<br />
For I leave dry land<br />
Not knowing if I’ll return<br />
I’ll be on my own<br />
With only memories and wits<br />
Learning to Fight<br />
Learning to Win<br />
Pride surges me forward<br />
But longing holds me back<br />
My mind looks onward<br />
But my heart holds back<br />
Then I remember a Celtic blessing<br />
My father would recite<br />
Sky Above me, Earth Below me, Fire Within Me<br />
A shining light for the darkest night<br />
Art by Valeria Sugden Sánchez (9)<br />
I smile at the Horizon<br />
Sea winds challenge my stride<br />
My chin begins rising<br />
Let God be my guide<br />
*The scarce use of<br />
punctuation has remained<br />
intact as intented by the<br />
author.<br />
I summon all my grit<br />
I laugh in mad delight<br />
If this is the end... so be it!<br />
Fear has yet to feel my might<br />
- Cecilia Thon (12)
Tuesday, <strong>Dec</strong>ember 5, 2017 A LITERARY MAGAZINE p.7<br />
POETRY<br />
Untitled<br />
You know what? I get it. I get why you fell in love with her so deeply,<br />
so quickly,<br />
so permanently.<br />
She’s quite the anomaly, she’s smart, funny, witty…<br />
Do you remember everything I wrote for you?<br />
That night I poured my heart out to you and you replied with:<br />
Art by María Elena (11)<br />
“I find it funny how you compare yourself to her, you guys are so different.”<br />
But that’s exactly why you chose me, isn't it?<br />
Not because of our differences,<br />
but because of our similarities.<br />
“If you can’t be with the one you love, love the one you’re with.”<br />
-Anonymous<br />
Andante<br />
He gripped my hand as I leapt into derangement,<br />
thus, submitting myself to an unfamiliar environment<br />
where delusion knew no boundaries<br />
and retired were the surroundings.<br />
I was lost between the mortal mist,<br />
but here I truly coexist,<br />
as the woman without flaws<br />
and the one with a certain cause.<br />
Not a day had passed by,<br />
yet I undoubtedly knew why,<br />
for I'd live here forever,<br />
and the crystalline light would shine more than ever.<br />
-Alejandra Quintana (12)
p.8<br />
A LITERARY MAGAZINE Tuesday, <strong>Dec</strong>ember 5, 2017<br />
Art by Lillian Floríán (12)<br />
Short Stories<br />
Ripples<br />
Millie was walking to school on a showery day, averting her footsteps from the vast puddles of rain that<br />
poured recently. The sky was tinted a dreary gray, but despite the climate, Millie's smile beamed against it. She was<br />
the bright light that was missing on that day, an enthusiastic girl, anxious to simply enjoy the school year. "Today will<br />
be a good day, - she thought - I will meet up with Matilda and Miriam, and together we will experience the<br />
adventures that the new school year will bring." Today marked the start of the adventure that would eventually lead<br />
towards countless others, until at last she discovered what would become of her in the future. When she looked<br />
back to all the adventures she experienced in her lifetime, she would be able to look back, smiling like an innocent<br />
high schooler once again.<br />
As she walked through the gates of the school, she saw her friend Miriam near the school entrance, and<br />
joyfully waved at her from the distance, trying to make eye contact. Focused on drawing the attention of her friend,<br />
she stepped right on a large puddle of water that drenched her shoe with a rising outburst. She slowly looked down,<br />
observing the also drenched sock with a stoic expression. It wouldn't dry in a short time, she was sure. While<br />
removing her foot from the puddle to examine the crew sock exasperatedly, the ripples created on a nearby puddle<br />
caught her attention. Bent down, with her hands working on folding the sock, she observed the ripples for a few<br />
long seconds. Drip, drip, drip, and suddenly she felt a similar pattern created on her back, matching the rhythm of<br />
the ripples created on the puddle. Was she turning into a puddle, perhaps? The rhythm on the nearby puddle and<br />
her ironed uniform intensified; the sudden hum of a downpour and the footsteps of inconsiderate classmates that<br />
splashed puddle water on her woke Millie from her trance. Heavy drops of rain began to fall as she ran to the<br />
entrance, where Miriam was expecting her, safe from the rain. Frantically, she motioned at Millie, telling her to hurry<br />
to avoid getting herself drenched. As Millie ran, she probably stepped over more puddles on the way, yet she<br />
hurriedly concluded that she would get wet anyway; it didn't matter whether she stepped on them or not.<br />
It was at that moment that she stopped. It didn't matter if she got wet. Although she was not far from the<br />
entrance, she turned, covered her face, and looked up, gazing at the cloudy sky, feeling as the raindrops fell on her<br />
ironed uniform, her shined shoes, her hair, her bag, heavy and full of all the new things she would learn. She heard<br />
Matilda's voice complaining about the rain as she passed by her left side. Miriam laughed, joyfully greeting Matilda,<br />
who still complained about the stupid rain, that ruined her hair, her new bag, and soaked her socks. Miriam calmed<br />
her, smiling at her grumpy morning attitude.<br />
Meanwhile, Millie was still in the rain, thinking about her bad luck, when an unexpected smile formed on her<br />
lips. The irony of her daily life made her happy, even if it ruined her plans. Millie appreciated that every day was<br />
different and interesting. She focused on those unique occurrences that happened in every day of her life. She<br />
wanted to remember the events of her youth in her adulthood, with an inevitable smile on her face. She was<br />
grateful for the good and the bad that happened in her life because, in the future, she would want to remember all<br />
of it. She always looked at the world positively, because even rain had a benefit. She imagined all the lighthearted<br />
conversations about today's morning mishap in the rain; the laughing and the smiling and the carefree chatting<br />
without any worries. Therefore, what's a drizzle going to do when she'd get drenched anyways?<br />
Smiling, she heard the voices of other classmates around her, laughing, playing in the rain, having fun with<br />
their friends, remembering those childhood years where they liked to play in the rain... Those happy moments,<br />
where the only purpose was to have fun, where things did not have to be so serious and people were more<br />
carefree.<br />
Suddenly, Millie felt someone's grip on her shoulder, and she turned around to find Miriam, who greeted her<br />
full of laughter while her hair got wet in the refreshing rain. And together, they enjoyed their time in the rain, Matilda<br />
joining them afterward. However, Millie knew that under that stubborn, grouchy attitude, there was also a girl who<br />
appreciated the unexpected fate, just like how she wished everyone would.<br />
- Claudia Figueroa (9)
Tuesday, <strong>Dec</strong>ember 5, 2017 A LITERARY MAGAZINE p.9<br />
Short Stories<br />
A Silent Resistance<br />
The triumphant sound of trumpets, the commands of loyal knights, and the province’s marvelous preparation<br />
indicated the arrival of the most anticipated day of the year. It was accustomed that the king, with all of his mighty<br />
men, visit each of his provinces once a year to examine administrative, economic, and social efficiency. If<br />
necessary, King Simond of Glassmore, as he was so nobly called, could impose new commands, orders, or rules to<br />
improve the provinces’ organization. Araea, better known as the “Gleeful Province,” had been the king’s preferred<br />
territory because of its vast lands, commercial prosperity, and sincere allegiance. The king and his men were an<br />
unforgettable sight to behold as they entered the gates of Araea’s castle. The city’s authorities received the king with<br />
pleasant conversation, boundless gifts, and infinite gratitude. Then, they proceeded to lead the king to the central<br />
plaza where the province’s population was anxiously waiting for the divine ruler. King Simond observed the<br />
spectacle with admiration and pride, blessing the state’s submissiveness and dedication. His train of thought was<br />
unexpectedly interrupted by a remark from one of his knights: “Your Majesty, you are being called upon by the ruler<br />
of this magnificent region to advise their people of its current state and impose any measures you find pertinent,<br />
since your power is so greatly appreciated.” As soon as King Simond heard this, he walked peacefully, because of<br />
his plump figure, toward the arranged stage. It took him a while to begin his, eventually unfortunate, speech.<br />
“Isn’t King Simond a grand leader?”, declared Amelyn, a young handmaiden among the clamorous audience.<br />
“Why, indeed he is!”, exclaimed Carlisle, her friendly companion. “However, I consider him quite fickle-minded,” he<br />
added. Amelyn knew her innocent compatriot wouldn’t comprehend her sardonic tone; she sighed, “By grand, I<br />
mean his power is too extensive for him to control, thus leading to cruel decisions and thoughtless actions.” She<br />
contemplated whether to explain her comment to Carlisle, but was impeded by the trumpet’s cry. The king began his<br />
lecture with a prolonged set of statements brimmed with respect and gratitude. He then explained how, after a<br />
conscientious and careful evaluation, he concluded that Araea would need minor improvements. The king bluntly<br />
declared that there would be new taxes imposed, more power and riches extracted for the central government, and<br />
less recreational activities for the public’s enjoyment. Of course, this was all very demanding and burdensome to the<br />
social strata, especially the working class. However, the king justified his decrees by stating that they would make<br />
Araea more systematic, productive, and harmonious. These excuses did not convince rebellious Amelyn, who was<br />
infuriated by how the king’s apparent honesty, justice, and morality persuaded the masses to compliance. “Oh,<br />
Carlisle, I am genuinely enraged by the king’s corrupt position and wish to rid him of his cruel domination. I have no<br />
other option but to convert to my subversive nature in order to overthrow the tyrant.” Carlisle desperately replied,<br />
“Amelyn, I will try to convey peace and tolerance to your judgment. I urge you to terminate this insensitive stance<br />
since violence can only bring destruction and misery. Remember, discretion is the better part of valor and having<br />
courage can mean avoiding potentially dangerous situations.” “I thank you, my caring friend, for your thoughtful<br />
advice. I trust that your perspective is the correct choice,” Amelyn answered. Among the noisy crowd, their concise<br />
conversation was hindered and conveniently forgotten. As night fell, King Simond retired to his abode, and the quiet<br />
province of Araea maintained its humble, hard-working, resilient attitude.<br />
After months of laborious work, the king suddenly arrived at Araea, but, this time, he was accompanied only by<br />
his most important subjects. He proclaimed that he needed to address the whole province posthaste. The<br />
authorities speedily escorted him to the plaza. Once again, Amelyn and Carlisle were among the laggard and<br />
exhausted public. King Simond began his statement by apologizing for the cruel and abusive measures he imposed<br />
and decided to abolish them. He told of a noble ruler from a near kingdom, who he met soon after imposing his<br />
decrees on Araea. This ruler, Ferdinand from Halema, convinced King Simond to relegate his menacing statutes<br />
and instilled a renewed sense of justice and honor in him. King Simond finished his prolonged speech by repeatedly<br />
apologizing and expressing the foulness of his mistake. Carlisle and Amelyn exchanged meaningful glances and<br />
conveyed their mutual gratitude without any verbal communication. The province rejoiced and cheered, and<br />
eventually returned to its gleeful condition…<br />
Despite King Simond’s fortunate decision, Amelyn never ceased to believe that her sense of justice would<br />
eventually lead her to overcome her silent resistance.<br />
- Alejandra Quintana (12)
p.10<br />
A LITERARY MAGAZINE Tuesday, <strong>Dec</strong>ember 5, 2017<br />
Short Stories<br />
Becoming One<br />
Twice upon a time, the spirits of the flamboyan trees danced to the song of a great soul. It once came to the shores<br />
of Borikén as Guamá, the lover.<br />
He knew not of the goofy pirate who lost him at sea, nor of the Taíno mother who birthed him. In fact, he could not<br />
read, write, or speak, for our special friend was raised by giant turtles!<br />
There was a reason for why the majestic Careys mistook him for one of their own. As a babe, he was attacked by a<br />
fierce darkness. This demon stormed his father’s ship in hopes of consuming Guamá’s energy. It was devoid of<br />
love and survived by leeching off others. Guamá was a gargantuan fountain of love and would give the demon<br />
immeasurable power. But never fear, the wise ocean felt the baby’s cry and sent a tidal wave to stop this. The boat<br />
capsized and little Guamá had quite a fun ride with the currents. They eventually propelled him into his new abode,<br />
an ancient turtle shell.<br />
A small pocket of air, the occasional plankton-filled volcanic burst, and a whole lot of love were his sustenance for<br />
the next seventeen years. Untouched by the ego of man, he enjoyed a very blissful existence with his turtle<br />
brethren. One day, however, a fateful storm cast him ashore.<br />
Blinded by the powerful sun, he began to move within the shell. His head popped out, and to his amazement there<br />
was a wonderful new world to explore. He began to merrily roll around the beach when all of a sudden, Paloma the<br />
Parrot greeted him with a sweet sweet mango. This was the beginning of a very fruitful friendship. From her,<br />
Guamá learned a few words of Spanish. Apart from the occasional swear word she had picked up, Paloma gifted<br />
him with a great piece of wisdom: “No le busques la quinta pata al gato.”<br />
On another fateful day, he discovered what his legs were for and wandered off into the jungle. Our lovely turtle boy<br />
chanced upon a family of escapen slaves and joined them in their naked dance. The oldest and wisest of the group,<br />
Sofia, sang the tale of the dancing flamboyans while all the others hummed, drummed, and danced to her rhythm.<br />
Finally free, the group was following Sofía’s dreams. She dreamt of a field of electric blue flamboyanes and the<br />
great soul who dwelled there. Beings of neon light surrounded this magnetic feminine figure and called Sofía forth.<br />
To find her way, she relied solely on her sense of smell as she was as blind as a bat. When she shared all this with<br />
Guamá, she suddenly began to gag. The stench was horrible…<br />
Coupled with gunshots, a sweaty troupe of Conquistadors swarmed the fireplace and captured the group. A grinch,<br />
Don Gato de León, was leading an expedition for the fabled fountain of youth. This was one of the nasty cats who<br />
decimated entire tribes of graceful Taínos. On their third night together, Sofía tasked Guamá to feed the<br />
Conquistadors. She had cooked a wandering rooster for these men. Gato ate the legs and on his fourth, sent<br />
Guamá on a hunt for more. Venturing once more into the jungle, a marvelous scent led him to a plump hen.<br />
Remembering Paloma’s teaching, Guamá was not bringing Gato his fifth leg of chicken. Instead, he followed the<br />
hen to a dark cave, where they parted. The hen would walk no longer but Guamá’s many years in the dark granted<br />
him night vision. He entered the ominous opening and roamed towards the light.<br />
The rising sun shone a beam of light through a crystalline waterfall at the end of the tunnel. Alas, in the blink of an<br />
eye, he could no longer see. Everything went black and suddenly he was once more a baby in a sinking ship. Fear<br />
was his only sense. The malevolent demon was eating his soul. Immobilized, he could do only one thing. Having<br />
no mind, he opened his heart to the creature. The love was so strong, all darkness within the cave dissipated into a<br />
shining void. The cave trembled as the illusory being disappeared and an explosion of light blew Guamá away from<br />
the cave. He soared through a shower of infinite shades of blue. These electric petals danced over the bronze skin<br />
of a radiant girl standing over him. Her marvel was great at the sight of Guamá. As his eyelids slid open, they both<br />
gazed into eternity and melted into each other. The shell had finally broken.<br />
- Joaquim Comellas (12)<br />
Art by Erika Díaz (8)
Tuesday, <strong>Dec</strong>ember 5, 2017 A LITERARY MAGAZINE p.11<br />
Short Stories<br />
Perspectives<br />
One lonely afternoon, when I beheld the blushing sky, I found myself lost in my constant state of<br />
thought, in which I would evaluate the intricate brush-strokes I’d eventually attempt to mimic upon the<br />
rough, rather unforgiving, felt of a virgin white canvas. My mental unfolding of a carefully crafted<br />
masterpiece was interrupted by a gentle, curious jingling, a noise I’d learned indicated the movement of<br />
my pet and partner, a black and silver schnauzer with silk-soft fur. I cast my gaze downwards and saw<br />
him standing on his hind legs, front paws placed on the balcony to keep him from falling. He was looking<br />
at the sky. I looked back and saw how the clouds shifted, orchestrating a beautiful harmony between the<br />
falling sun and the sky. The once doll pink sky was now a delicate shade of purple that shifted to blue with<br />
each passing heartbeat.<br />
Again, my gaze returned to my dog, who was still admiring the scene unfolding before us. My<br />
heart pulled, and I found myself kneeling down to his height. I braved my gaze to the darkening sky once<br />
more and murmured a soft question, one I knew wouldn’t be answered.<br />
“Do you ever wish you<br />
could see more of the<br />
world? Perhaps from a<br />
different perspective?”<br />
My dog looked at me, his bright eyes sparkling with the smallest hint of understanding. I pet him lovingly,<br />
running my hand down his head before I picked him up, lifting his body so his golden eyes were level with<br />
mine. For a second, it felt as if the world stopped, his gaze flickering to the sky, which was finally fading<br />
into the darkest shade of night. We remained, watching, enjoying, as the last shreds of brightness were<br />
overtaken with the cool evening.<br />
- I.C.Q
p.12<br />
A LITERARY MAGAZINE Tuesday, <strong>Dec</strong>ember 5, 2017<br />
ESSAYS<br />
The Invaluable Legacy Of Hurricane María<br />
September 20th of 2017 is a day that will forever prevail in Puerto Rican history. It was in the<br />
dawn of this dreaded day that María battered the island without an invitation. By late afternoon, she<br />
had departed, but left a legacy that will forever be remembered and felt. Every Puerto Rican witnessed<br />
the magnitude of this tragedy. Billions of dollars in losses, a destroyed electrical grid, and the<br />
government’s response may be some of the most trivial complications Puerto Rico faces, but these<br />
issues seem to be everything the press talks about. The media has incessantly exposed visible harm<br />
María did to the island, but is that all there is to this unwanted visitor? Did she not leave anything in<br />
consideration for the inhabitants of our home country?<br />
It may be an overstatement to call María a “blessing in disguise”, but some complications she<br />
brought upon us can be viewed from this perspective. María taught Puerto Ricans lessons they could<br />
not learn any other way. The destruction of the island’s electrical grid made people go outside and<br />
interact with their neighbors. It provided a hiatus from the overpowering, dominant presence of phones<br />
amid this generation. The massive material losses and relatively slow response from officials<br />
highlighted Puerto Ricans’ generosity; many were driven to provide essential resources for those who<br />
were severely affected by this catastrophic natural phenomenon. Hurricane María united Puerto Rico<br />
in a way that had never been seen before. It helped the island grow more hopeful, and each Puerto<br />
Rican persevered in their efforts to maintain hope and reconstruct, reenvision, and recreate the<br />
culturally enriching island we treasure and value so dearly. In Puerto Rico, creative alternatives to<br />
resources that are hard to attain are being devised. We have even recurred to other types of<br />
entertainment that do not require modern techonology, such as card games, that have brought us<br />
closer to one another in this time of crisis. Opportunity has been found amid all the adversity<br />
Hurricane María left in its path. Even though it may have weakened Puerto Rico in the short-term, the<br />
island will rise again, greater and stronger.<br />
- Harold Peón (10)<br />
Art by Elina Aguilar (12)
Tuesday, <strong>Dec</strong>ember 5, 2017 A LITERARY MAGAZINE p.13<br />
ESSAYS<br />
The following essay stems from a College Application prompt. In the face of adversity, due to Hurricane María, Seniors<br />
were able to continue their college admissions process, and this written piece is an example of how resilience and<br />
perseverance can produce extraordinary results.<br />
“Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your<br />
character or helped to shape it.”<br />
“The best way to be truly happy is by helping others.” Mother Rosa said that to me on my first<br />
missionary trip to Honduras. Soon after that journey abroad, three years ago, I was given the<br />
opportunity of a lifetime. An opportunity that shaped me into the person I am today. For the past three<br />
summers, during the first month of vacation, I have worked in the most amazing summer camp,<br />
established in Puerto Rico some fifteen years ago, a place called “Vida Alegre” - “Happy Life” in<br />
Spanish. A camp designed for disabled and special children who do not have the opportunity to<br />
participate in any other summer program because of their conditions. I started as a runner and my job<br />
focused on assisting the needs of all the children attending the camp each summer. A tough, but<br />
rewarding job that goes on all day: helping kids change clothes, transferring them to the pool for a great<br />
summer swim under our Caribbean sun, and feeding and helping them go the bathroom. The biggest<br />
part of the job is to constantly motivate them by giving them encouragements as they perform these<br />
daily tasks that seem so easy and normal to the rest of us.<br />
It is intense and exhausting work; however, at the end of the day, it is equally rewarding. Being a<br />
runner, I have the opportunity to share with all the kids in camp, but there is one very special kid that<br />
has become my dear friend. His name is Carlos, he is sixteen years old and has a smile a mile wide.<br />
He has a condition that affects his brain and, as a consequence, makes him deaf; he can only feel<br />
sound vibrations. We have nurtured each other for the past three summers. Often times I wonder who<br />
is really helping who? While we exercised doing aquatic therapies, he taught me sign language.<br />
However, that is not all I have learned from him; he also taught me patience, understanding, and<br />
happiness. When I see my pictures with Carlos from three years ago, I’m impressed by how much he<br />
has grown and, most importantly, how he has contributed to my personal growth too.<br />
I am very proud of all the kids in camp. I relish every little obstacle they overcome. I help them<br />
accomplish simple everyday tasks that are a challenge for them: holding the spoon correctly, kicking<br />
the ball into the porter’s lodge, and learning the words to our campy camp songs. This camp has<br />
played a huge part in my life. I would not recognize who I am if I had never been part of this beautiful<br />
experience and met the people who have changed my life forever. Like Mother Rosa said, find<br />
happiness while helping others.<br />
- Elina Aguilar (12)
p.14<br />
A LITERARY MAGAZINE Tuesday, <strong>Dec</strong>ember 5, 2017<br />
ESSAYS<br />
For the purposes of inquiry, and as a requisite for college applications, I posed a question of my own, and<br />
provided my response, as follows:<br />
After a long, arduous day, you decide to wind down in the comfort of your living room. There is a book lying on<br />
the coffee table that you had not noticed earlier. Just when you pick it up, you are immediately transported to<br />
the fictional realm of your favorite novel. What work of literature has become such an intrinsic part of your life<br />
that you feel as if you can escape, whenever and wherever, to its world?<br />
There is a very peculiar novel titled The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy that was written by Douglas Adams<br />
and published in 1979. When I first heard about this work of science fiction, it was probably around nine to ten<br />
years ago; to this day, I still cannot fully remember how it happened. Even though I technically knew about the<br />
novel’s existence from an early age, it wasn’t until four years ago that I finally found a copy at a local bookstore.<br />
After reading it, I would recur to certain remarks and moments in the novel that, eventually, became part of my<br />
daily life. The significance of the number 42, the nonsensical phrase “so long, and thanks for all the fish!”, the<br />
tedious Vogon Poetry Jam, and the inspirational motto “Don’t Panic!” are a few of the literary references that<br />
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy instilled in my thoughts and conversations.<br />
As strange as it sounds, it is not only a book about the hilarious, and wonderfully miraculous, way a group of<br />
intergalactic space travelers survive and roam the universe, but also, it is an excellent journey into the depths of<br />
human imagination. Douglas Adams’ novel is an exploration beyond the boundaries of the mind, and it has<br />
motivated me to continually seek for my purpose in the universe. This other-worldly novel is sometimes thoughtprovoking;<br />
a few other times, it is bizarre; and, throughout most of the novel, it is simultaneously both. I admire<br />
the abundance of interesting characters and Adams' genius, witty writing style. As the story begins, Arthur Dent,<br />
the novel's protagonist, is repeatedly frustrated by life's normal inconveniences and trivialities. Unexpectedly,<br />
though, he is plucked from the untimely destroyed Earth, and is naturally exasperated, bewildered, and<br />
panicked as he realizes he survived the unforeseen event. The novel pinpoints humanity's fickleness, and, by<br />
using cryptic tales and figurative elements, explains how man is nothing but a speck of dust in the vast,<br />
unknown universe. In a series of interplanetary missions, and through the main characters, Adams reflects on<br />
many philosophical concerns and questions the very essence of life.<br />
Nevertheless, I believe, as insignificant as humans may seem in the expansive universe, they are still a part<br />
of the ever-unfolding history of life. For this reason, I retain pieces of the novel in my memory as reminders of<br />
the incredible potential of humankind. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is indeed satirical, but the humorous<br />
exaggerations reveal a universal truth: the absurdity of life. Even though Douglas Adams’ initial purpose might<br />
have been to ridicule traditional science fiction novels, the novel serves as a reflection on the meaning of human<br />
existence.<br />
For the reasons stated above, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy will always accompany me in my journey<br />
through life; this novel will infinitely provide me the same feelings of relief and joy I felt the very first time I read<br />
it. At the time, I had doubts about the meaning of “life, the universe, and everything” (as described in the novel),<br />
and after reading this work of fiction, I realized that my questions do not have concrete answers. Therefore,<br />
instead of searching for rational explanations, one can choose to define their purpose in life through acting,<br />
feeling, and thinking in accordance with their character. In the midst of an uncertain future, I can turn to Adams’<br />
whimsical literary perception of the universe, and then attempt to seek my purpose in the real world.<br />
- Alejandra Quintana (12)<br />
Art by Isabella Colón (7)
Tuesday, <strong>Dec</strong>ember 5, 2017 A LITERARY MAGAZINE p.15<br />
ESSAYS<br />
The Wandering Shopper<br />
For four frenzied weeks during the month of September, I had the honor of<br />
attending most of the highly anticipated, highly esteemed fashion shows in New York<br />
City, London, Paris and Milan. Of course, the experience of witnessing each wonderful<br />
collection was brought to me by the little amount of data I had on my phone, but I must<br />
say, the quality of the pictures was so spectacular that, in a way, these images<br />
transported me to the front row, alongside social media influencers and magazine<br />
editors. Since September presents a brand’s spring/summer collection, one would<br />
expect runways to explode with flowers and pastels (“Florals? For spring?<br />
Groundbreaking.” –Miranda Priestley, The Devil Wears Prada) in order to accentuate<br />
such upcoming seasons. However, this year, as many others, introduced–or,<br />
reintroduced–a variety of styles that are worthy of showing off in the new year (of<br />
course, if only we could afford them!). As I gazed at these beautifully executed, striking<br />
pieces, I pondered: which of these collections appeal to my style–to me? This question<br />
often leads me towards a mist of doubt. What’s my style? Since the birth of mainstream<br />
social media, celebrities, models, it girls, and a new wave of perpetrators of insecurities,<br />
instamodels, have filled us up with jealousy, given their perfect style, which is seen in<br />
their perfect photos, and is indicative of a perfect life. Their backgrounds may change,<br />
some captions may be longer than others, and their follower count may constantly<br />
increase, but there is one thing that remains consistent throughout them. Yes, you<br />
guessed it. Their style.<br />
As for me, I still haven’t found out what my style is. Social media, magazines and<br />
the fashion industry in general have captivated my attention towards a number of<br />
different aesthetics. Sometimes, I want to resemble a modern Manhattan working girl:<br />
culottes, a white turtleneck shirt, topped with a blazer, the blackest sunglasses I own<br />
and loafers. On other occasions, I want to live in Francoise Hardy and Jeanne Damas’<br />
Paris. By this, I’m referring to their effortlessly chic aura: jeans galore, fluctuating<br />
between white blouses and striped t-shirts, ballerina flats, silk scarfs and a beret if only<br />
accompanied with a café noir and a croissant. Since I share a profound love for vintage<br />
haute couture and classic films, I might want to channel Grace Kelly or Audrey Hepburn,<br />
by means of lightly colored, knee- length dresses and an excessive amount of pearls.<br />
Although, let’s face it, no one will ever be able to reach the level of class and<br />
gracefulness they are known for. I could go on and on, considering I am completely<br />
ambiguous. But do I have to reach a decision? Many believe that style is not just<br />
clothing related, but that it’s a genuine way of letting the world know who you are. Your<br />
attitude, how you view life, your opinion on certain topics, how you communicate and<br />
respond to the present can also shape style. After having all of this settled, then you<br />
pick out your wardrobe (it should never be the other way around). So, if the only step<br />
towards finding your style is knowing yourself, how is it so hard?
p.16<br />
A LITERARY MAGAZINE Tuesday, <strong>Dec</strong>ember 5, 2017<br />
ESSAYS<br />
Well, people are multifaceted; this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Everyone has<br />
different qualities within them that don’t go hand in hand. And, no matter how unrelated<br />
one’s talents and traits can be, a skillful balance and an equal amount of appreciation<br />
can be held. It’s not uncommon for successful people to focus on only one of their many<br />
assets and interests. For example, Miuccia Prada, the Co-CEO and head designer of<br />
Prada and Miu Miu, graduated with a PhD in political science before entering the family<br />
business and becoming an illustrious figure in the history of fashion. Closer to home,<br />
Rihanna, besides being a well-established singer, is also a songwriter, actress,<br />
philanthropist, businesswoman and a rising fashion designer. Thus, solid proof exists<br />
that one doesn’t have to comply with a specific way of dressing, working, or behaving.<br />
Vintage or modern, modest or liberating, minimalistic or bold, Parisian or New Yorker,<br />
embrace it. Be comfortable with who you are and what you’re here for. Once you have<br />
defined yourself, style will follow, whether it’s one or a number of them. If you still can’t<br />
find a style that suits you, just create your own.<br />
- María Freyre (11)<br />
Sketches by Alejandra Quintana (12)
Tuesday, <strong>Dec</strong>ember 5, 2017 A LITERARY MAGAZINE p.17<br />
You Are <strong>Zeitgeist</strong><br />
Literature can become such as intrinsic part of one’s life that one can recur to certain quotes or moments<br />
in novels, stories, and poems that appeal to their feelings and remind them of the transcendental power<br />
of words. Treasure literature, since it can influence your perspective on many aspects of life.<br />
10 Beautiful Quotes to Remember<br />
"She wasn't doing a thing that I could see, except standing there leaning on the balcony railing, holding<br />
the universe together."<br />
—J. D. Salinger, "A Girl I Knew"<br />
"Once upon a time there was a boy who loved a girl, and her laughter was a question he wanted to<br />
spend his whole life answering."<br />
—Nicole Krauss, The History of Love<br />
“You don’t have to live forever, you just have to live.”<br />
—Natalie Babbitt, Tuck Everlasting<br />
“ Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It's splendid to find out there are so many of them in<br />
the world.”<br />
― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables<br />
“Yes: I am a dreamer. For a dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment<br />
is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world.”<br />
― Oscar Wilde, The Critic as Artist<br />
“The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind<br />
him.”<br />
― G.K. Chesterton<br />
“Pure and complete sorrow is as impossible as pure and complete joy.”<br />
― Leo Tolstoy, War and Peace<br />
For nothing, not the sun, not the rain, not even the brightest star in the darkest sky, could begin to<br />
compare to the wonder of you.<br />
― Renee Ahdieh, The Wrath and the Dawn<br />
“War must be, while we defend our lives against a destroyer who would devour all; but I do not love the<br />
bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that<br />
which they defend.”<br />
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Two Towers<br />
“We took away your art because we thought it would reveal your souls. Or to put it more finely, we did it<br />
to prove you had souls at all.”<br />
― Kazuo Ishiguro, Never Let Me Go<br />
Selected by Cecilia Thon (12)
p.18<br />
A LITERARY MAGAZINE Tuesday, <strong>Dec</strong>ember 5, 2017<br />
You Are <strong>Zeitgeist</strong><br />
Also, enjoy these humorous and/or sarcastic quotes that will make you want to remember them for future use.<br />
10 Savage Quotes to Remember<br />
“I would challenge you to a battle of wits, but I see you are unarmed!”<br />
― William Shakespeare<br />
“Do you remember me telling you we are practicing non-verbal spells, Potter?" "Yes," said Harry stiffly.<br />
"Yes, sir." "There's no need to call me "sir" Professor."<br />
― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince<br />
“I never saw anybody take so long to dress, and with such little result.”<br />
— Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest<br />
"I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you<br />
deserve."<br />
— J.R.R. Tolkien, Fellowship of the Ring<br />
“And she’s got brains enough for two, which is the exact quantity the girl who marries you will need.”<br />
— P.G. Wodehouse, Mostly Sally<br />
“Nah. They asked me a lot of questions about you. I played dumb."<br />
"Was it hard?" Annabeth asked.”<br />
― Rick Riordan, The Battle of the Labyrinth<br />
“Yes, and I’m sure the arena will be full of bags of flour for me to chuck at people.”<br />
― Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games<br />
“I don't want tea," said Clary, with muffled force. "I want to find my mother. And then I want to find out<br />
who took her in the first place, and I want to kill them."<br />
"Unfortunately," said Hodge, "we're all out of bitter revenge at the moment, so it's either tea or<br />
nothing.”<br />
― Cassandra Clare, City of Bones<br />
“Where do you come up with these zingers, Clint? Do you own some kind of joke factory in Indonesia<br />
where you've got eight-year-olds working ninety hours a week to deliver you that kind of top-quality<br />
witticism? There are boy bands with more original material.”<br />
― John Green, Will Grayson, Will Grayson<br />
“I'm sorry, but were you dropped on your head as an infant?”<br />
― Kathryn Stockett, The Help<br />
Selected by Cecilia Thon (12)
Tuesday, <strong>Dec</strong>ember 5, 2017<br />
You Are <strong>Zeitgeist</strong><br />
A LITERARY MAGAZINE<br />
LITERARY CROSSWORD PUZZLE<br />
p.19<br />
ACROSS<br />
3 Harry Potter's godfather<br />
4 Captain of a whaling ship, swore vengeance on Moby Dick<br />
6 "My name is ____, you killed my father, prepare to die.”<br />
7 Famous warrior of the Trojan War and character of The Illiad<br />
9 Main antagonist of The Hunger Games<br />
11 Title held by Ned Stark until his death, passed on to Robert Stark<br />
15 Author of Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Sense and Sensibility, Northanger Abbey, and<br />
Mansfield Park<br />
16 Sherlock Holmes' address<br />
18 Iconic image of Narnia, discovered by Lucy Pevensie<br />
19 Shakespearean play which the movie 10 Things I Hate about You is based on<br />
20 Poem by American poet Robert Frost about two diverging roads<br />
DOWN<br />
1 Figurative captain to which the poetic voice of "O Captain my Captain" refers to, president<br />
2 Winner of the 2017 Nobel Prize for Literature, of British nationality, but born in Japan<br />
5 Jay Gatsby's profession<br />
8 Author of the Lord of the Rings trilogy<br />
10 Edgar Allan Poe's morbid poem about the beating heart of a murdered man<br />
12 Name of Percy Jackson's sword<br />
13 Famous author siblings of the 19th century, works include: Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, and Agnes Grey<br />
14 Protagonist of Mary Shelly's most famous book, and creator of a hideous monster<br />
17 Futuristic novel written by George Orwell<br />
Prepared by Cecilia Thon (12)
p. 20<br />
A LITERARY MAGAZINE Tuesday, <strong>Dec</strong>ember 5, 2017<br />
You Are <strong>Zeitgeist</strong><br />
Literary Horoscopes<br />
-Lillian Florián (12) and Alejandra Quintana(12)<br />
Portraits by Isabelle Cabán (12)<br />
Learn more about famous authors and get to know which one shares your Zodiac sign!<br />
Charles Dickens {Aquarius}<br />
Jane Austen {Sagittarius}<br />
William Faulkner {Libra}<br />
Leo Tolstoy {Virgo}<br />
George Orwell {Cancer}<br />
J. R. R. Tolkien {Capricorn}<br />
Dickens was an English writer from the Victorian<br />
Era, who was famous for his stories filled with<br />
interesting characters and vivid descriptions of life<br />
back then. His works include: Great Expectations,<br />
David Copperfield, Oliver Twist and A Christmas<br />
Carol. Fun Fact: Dickens loved acting. In fact, he<br />
had his very own small theater in his home.<br />
Jane Austen was an English writer from the late<br />
eighteenth century. She is widely known for her<br />
novels: Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Persuasion,<br />
Sense and Sensibility, and Mansfield Park. Even<br />
though she published her first book at the age of<br />
35, she had begun writing poetry, novel drafts,<br />
and plays at a young age to entertain her family<br />
at home. Jane Austen thoroughly enjoyed going<br />
to the theater, and she was a fan of comedies<br />
and dramas.<br />
William Faulkner was a twentieth century<br />
American author, famous for his novels that<br />
portray the decay of Southern society. In<br />
1949, he won the Nobel Prize in Literature for<br />
his contribution to the modern American<br />
novel. His works include: Sanctuary,<br />
Soldier’s Pay, The Sound and the Fury, As I<br />
Lay Dying, and Absalom! Absalom!.<br />
Leo Tolstoy was a Russian writer who is<br />
considered to be a master of realistic fiction<br />
and one of tte greatest writers in the world.<br />
He is best known for his two works: War and<br />
Peace and Anna Karenina. Fun Fact: He had<br />
his own list of rules by which he tried to live<br />
by, as well as a journal of the things he did<br />
on a daily basis.<br />
The term “Orwellian” is derived from one of<br />
George Orwell’s most notable works of<br />
fiction, 1984, and is used to describe<br />
dystopian societies in which, just as in his<br />
novel, every aspect of human life is<br />
controlled and supervised by an<br />
overarching power. Orwell also wrote the<br />
allegorical novel Animal Farm.<br />
J.R.R. Tolkien, gifted with an<br />
incredibly imaginative mind, created<br />
a fantastical world with its own<br />
geography, language, and<br />
inhabitants in his renown trilogy: The<br />
Lord of the Rings. He also wrote The<br />
Hobbit and The Silmarillion.<br />
Charlotte Brontë {Taurus}<br />
John Steinbeck {Pisces}<br />
Margaret Atwood {Scorpio}<br />
Herman Melville {Leo}<br />
Maya Angelou {Aries}<br />
Charlotte Brontë, along with her two<br />
sisters, wrote novels that, nowadays,<br />
are considered masterpieces of<br />
English Literature. Some of her<br />
works include: Jane Eyre and Villette<br />
Fun Fact: She first published novels<br />
and poems under the pseudonym<br />
Currer Bell.<br />
John Steinbeck was an American<br />
author who won the Nobel Prize in<br />
Literature in 1962. His novels criticize<br />
social perception, and his most<br />
recognized works are: Of Mice and<br />
Men, Cannery Row, The Pearl, and<br />
The Grapes of Wrath.<br />
Canadian author Margaret Atwood’s<br />
list of admirable careers include<br />
poet, novelist, and environmental<br />
activist. She is mostly known for<br />
The Handmaid’s Tale, a dystopian<br />
novel that criticizes the unrestrained<br />
extent of a patriarchal society.<br />
Herman Melville wrote one of<br />
the most esteemed literary<br />
works of all time, Moby Dick,<br />
and is considered a maximum<br />
exponent of the American<br />
Renaissance period.<br />
Maya Angelou’s memoir I Know<br />
Why the Caged Bird Sings depicts<br />
the effects of social stigma and<br />
emphasizes the value of education<br />
in a racially divided community.<br />
She is also known for her powerful<br />
poetry.<br />
Arthur Conan Doyle {Gemini}<br />
Who hasn’t heard of detective Sherlock<br />
Holmes and his trusty companion Dr.<br />
Watson? Arthur Conan Doyle invented<br />
these famed literary characters and<br />
wrote many novels on their adventures.<br />
He is considered an important contributor<br />
to the genre of mystery.
Tuesday, <strong>Dec</strong>ember 5, 2017<br />
A LITERARY MAGAZINE<br />
p. 21<br />
<strong>Zeitgeist</strong> Recommends…<br />
10 Essential Films from the Upcoming Awards Season<br />
Even if these films are not nominated for any recognitions in the upcoming awards season, I believe this list of movies<br />
summarizes some of the awe-inspiring, excellent cinema that has been released this past year.<br />
- Alejandra Quintana (12)
p.22<br />
A LITERARY MAGAZINE Tuesday, <strong>Dec</strong>ember 5, 2017<br />
<strong>Zeitgeist</strong> Recommends…<br />
A Playlist for the Current Times<br />
Right now, Puerto Rico is undergoing a time of crisis because of the recent menace that<br />
was Hurricane Maria. During these types of ordeals, staying calm and collected is extremely<br />
difficult.<br />
After September 20 th , the stress of not knowing if your country is going to be fine after<br />
this plight haunts all Puerto Ricans, and we don’t know how to deal with the situation.<br />
Every person has a different way to deal with stress. I have found the best way to do this<br />
is to get in touch with my creative side. For me, art and music are a very relevant, calming<br />
mechanism in my life, especially music. Because of this, I have put together a small playlist with<br />
uplifting songs that can help us manage the current situation in Puerto Rico. These songs are a<br />
very important part of my life; I resort to them when I need to vent about a particular situation<br />
that is troubling me. With this, I hope to bring light to your life in a time of darkness. Please<br />
enjoy.<br />
Title:<br />
Artist:<br />
Overview:<br />
Rise<br />
Katy Perry<br />
This song is the most uplifting song I have heard in my lifetime. Lyrics like “I won’t just<br />
survive, oh, you will see me thrive” and “I must stay conscious through the madness in<br />
chaos” describe exactly what we feel in this time of crisis.<br />
Title: Fight Song<br />
Author: Rachel Platten<br />
Overview: A powerful song about being strong during difficult times. This song talks about being<br />
brave enough to power through and be successful.<br />
Title: Roar<br />
Artist: Katy Perry<br />
Overview: A song I know almost everybody reading this has heard. Important lyrics include “I went<br />
from zero to my own hero”, “You held me down, but I got up”, and, of course, “You’re<br />
gonna hear me roar.”<br />
Title:<br />
Artist:<br />
Overview:<br />
Almost Like Praying<br />
Lin-Manuel Miranda<br />
This song was written in response to the disastrous effects of Hurricane Maria in Puerto<br />
Rico. It is performed by well-known Puerto Rican and Latino artists. The lyrics are solely<br />
the names of all the towns in Puerto Rico, which gives Puerto Ricans a feeling of being<br />
seen and heard.<br />
Title: By the Grace of God<br />
Artist: Katy Perry<br />
Overview: This song is very sentimental and emotional. The work speaks to all the people that do<br />
not feel like they matter or contribute to this world. Powerful lyrics include “I know I am<br />
enough”, “I picked myself back up”, and “I looked in the mirror and decided to stay.”<br />
I now invite you to listen to these songs and to feel empowered to help Puerto Rico rise up from<br />
this difficult state. If we all unite, we can bring Puerto Rico to the state that it was before Hurricane<br />
Maria, and make it better.<br />
- Ricardo Mercadé (10)
Tuesday, <strong>Dec</strong>ember 5, 2017 A LITERARY MAGAZINE p.23<br />
<strong>Zeitgeist</strong> Recommends…<br />
Art by Ricardo Mercadé (10)
p.24<br />
A LITERARY MAGAZINE Tuesday, <strong>Dec</strong>ember 5, 2017<br />
Message from the moderator of <strong>Zeitgeist</strong> Literary<br />
<strong>Magazine</strong>, Mrs. Mari Vega:<br />
“As we approach the holiday season, let’s reflect<br />
on the importance of finding opportunity in<br />
adversity. Hurricane María might have “wounded”<br />
us, but it has also given us some blessings, such<br />
as the gift of resilience. This experience has<br />
taught us that Puerto Ricans are strong, that we<br />
can adapt and we do not give up. Let’s make our<br />
inner light shine this holiday season and simply<br />
be thankful for being alive.”<br />
Here is a collage of book recommendations from the<br />
members of <strong>Zeitgeist</strong> that include the themes of resilience<br />
and hope in the midst of adversity:<br />
Photo taken and edited by María Elena Álvarez (11)