WELCOME TO THE JUNE, 2011 EDITION. SCROLL DOWN AND FIND STRONG POEMS, BOTH FORMAL AND FREE VERSE, STRONG STORIES, FOUR WELL CRAFTED PICTURES AND A PHOTOGRAPH THAT GOES WITH ONE OF THE POEMS. WORDS RATHER THAN PICTURES TOOK CENTER STAGE AMONG THE SUBMISSIONS THIS TIME. ALL OF THE ARTISTS PROVE THAT LINN COUNTY KIDS DO, IN FACT, CREATE GREAT ART.
PENCIL
This haiku and the illustration are the collective creation of Mark Gullickson's 5th Grade Class at Central. The work was done just before the graduation ceremony which turned them all into Middle School scholars.
Held tightly in hand,
lead flowing freely in verse
my thoughts run wild.
lead flowing freely in verse
my thoughts run wild.
WAKE UP AND SMELL THE VOICES
By Jonah, Grade 8, Memorial
If people can truly hear others,
they’d smell it
Sweet voices smell like vanilla
Loud voices peppermint and a melody
of voices is like a tropical
flower. Proud voices are like a
fresh spring shower.
Scratchy voices are like pineapple,
deep voices like chocolate.
But the most wondrous smelling sound is music.
Music smells like hot chocolate on
a winter day.
Or the greatest meal on earth,
when you haven’t eaten in days.
Now do you smell the voices?
they’d smell it
Sweet voices smell like vanilla
Loud voices peppermint and a melody
of voices is like a tropical
flower. Proud voices are like a
fresh spring shower.
Scratchy voices are like pineapple,
deep voices like chocolate.
But the most wondrous smelling sound is music.
Music smells like hot chocolate on
a winter day.
Or the greatest meal on earth,
when you haven’t eaten in days.
Now do you smell the voices?
ANIME DRAWING
by Mickey, Grade 8, Homeschooled
HIS PRINCESS
by Tamara
There’s a story,
About a boy and a girl,
She has a tainted soul and a broken heart as sharp as glass,
He’s got a heart of gold and sincerity that makes her melt like snow on a summer’s day.
Her wings are black and faded but she is told that she is a princess,
A princess of the darkness is how she appears, covered in battle scars and wounds, most to remind her of all the bad things that have happened,
She hides the truth, from everybody
Except him,
She breaks down her walls and openly and willingly lets him cross her boundaries of safety,
When he looks at her is when she feels most serene, floating on a cloud over the beach in the middle of July, is what she feels when he pulls her close,
She doesn’t want to go to sleep tonight because she is petrified of the morning and what it will bring,
That night was worth remembering, and always will be
Skin on skin,
Embracing one and others flaws and perfections,
For once in her life she actually felt,
Accepted, for who she really is.
But she is starting to crack,
Go back to her old ways,
She wants help, she needs help, and she is asking him for it.
He pulls her close into his chest holding her close and while cradling her he says that she is beautiful,
Her pain slowly dissolves,
And a real smile appears upon her once painted and fake face, she lets go and becomes the true girl she really is.
She feels secure and safe,
With him she feels invincible,
She finally has self confidence, and quietly he is melting her broken heart back together,
He is diligently helping her pick up the pieces to the puzzle to figure out where they go,
So that she will be whole once more,
She was at her breaking point,
Ready to give up and let all her hard work go to waste,
Ready to begin her life in a new realm,
She had no reason to be on earth anymore she was ready to move on,
Until he came along,
She knew nothing of princesses; they were only true in fairytales to her,
She never believed that it would be possible for her to find a man that thinks she is a princess,
Until now,
She realized it and embraced him,
She came to know that there is something out there for her,
She stopped looking and he came to her,
She could really be something,
Maybe not a princess,
But something simple,
Because in all actuality she really is and always will be;
His Princess
About a boy and a girl,
She has a tainted soul and a broken heart as sharp as glass,
He’s got a heart of gold and sincerity that makes her melt like snow on a summer’s day.
Her wings are black and faded but she is told that she is a princess,
A princess of the darkness is how she appears, covered in battle scars and wounds, most to remind her of all the bad things that have happened,
She hides the truth, from everybody
Except him,
She breaks down her walls and openly and willingly lets him cross her boundaries of safety,
When he looks at her is when she feels most serene, floating on a cloud over the beach in the middle of July, is what she feels when he pulls her close,
She doesn’t want to go to sleep tonight because she is petrified of the morning and what it will bring,
That night was worth remembering, and always will be
Skin on skin,
Embracing one and others flaws and perfections,
For once in her life she actually felt,
Accepted, for who she really is.
But she is starting to crack,
Go back to her old ways,
She wants help, she needs help, and she is asking him for it.
He pulls her close into his chest holding her close and while cradling her he says that she is beautiful,
Her pain slowly dissolves,
And a real smile appears upon her once painted and fake face, she lets go and becomes the true girl she really is.
She feels secure and safe,
With him she feels invincible,
She finally has self confidence, and quietly he is melting her broken heart back together,
He is diligently helping her pick up the pieces to the puzzle to figure out where they go,
So that she will be whole once more,
She was at her breaking point,
Ready to give up and let all her hard work go to waste,
Ready to begin her life in a new realm,
She had no reason to be on earth anymore she was ready to move on,
Until he came along,
She knew nothing of princesses; they were only true in fairytales to her,
She never believed that it would be possible for her to find a man that thinks she is a princess,
Until now,
She realized it and embraced him,
She came to know that there is something out there for her,
She stopped looking and he came to her,
She could really be something,
Maybe not a princess,
But something simple,
Because in all actuality she really is and always will be;
His Princess
LIFE IS
by Norah, Grade 7, Homeschooled
Life is happiness, presented in the form of smiles and hugs
Life is joy wrapped into a bundle of opportunities
Life is chocolate, sweet, sliding down your throat in a cacophony of tastes
Life is standing, when it feels like everything else is falling
Life is living every moment to the fullest, tasting every berry’s juice
Life is never-ending feelings, every one precious
Life is a mystery, a riddle that may never be solved
Life is family and friends, laughter and stories
Life is never-ending, even when it ends
Life is hugs and smiles, dreams and hopes
Life is a gift that never stops giving
Life is a flower that grows through the cement, breaking to the surface
Life is happiness, and love, peace and forgiving
Life is the most precious jewel, priceless
Life is unexplainable and unexplained
Life is everything you make it, and everything you don’t
Life is…
Life is joy wrapped into a bundle of opportunities
Life is chocolate, sweet, sliding down your throat in a cacophony of tastes
Life is standing, when it feels like everything else is falling
Life is living every moment to the fullest, tasting every berry’s juice
Life is never-ending feelings, every one precious
Life is a mystery, a riddle that may never be solved
Life is family and friends, laughter and stories
Life is never-ending, even when it ends
Life is hugs and smiles, dreams and hopes
Life is a gift that never stops giving
Life is a flower that grows through the cement, breaking to the surface
Life is happiness, and love, peace and forgiving
Life is the most precious jewel, priceless
Life is unexplainable and unexplained
Life is everything you make it, and everything you don’t
Life is…
IRON, THE WOLF
by Sean Marie, Grade 7, Memorial
REBELLIOUS
by Kayla, South Albany
You have a grinning mouth full of ash,
A yellow soul muddied with flaws.
You have brains, but you don’t know yourself.
Like an ominous shadow, I dread your presence.
My personality is snuffed out when you arrive.
Say what you want to get your way,
And you get it.
Oh, how anger seems to lurk around every one of your falsely upbeat smiles.
You wear the shoes of a tyrant.
Everything you say I do not want to hear,
Simply because
You are saying it.
This was never about me.
You never allowed me to have a cat.
Anger fails to crash on the shores of definition,
Because resentment is indeed the tsunami that has
Broken down our relationship.
I love the smell of freedom and the dark
Blue sky.
I want you gone; you’re like a cold.
The policy of hospitality
Is something that I’ve grown immune to.
Don’t turn around—I’ll be gone.
Actually, please do.
I am rebellious for I resist
The policy of hospitality.
A yellow soul muddied with flaws.
You have brains, but you don’t know yourself.
Like an ominous shadow, I dread your presence.
My personality is snuffed out when you arrive.
Say what you want to get your way,
And you get it.
Oh, how anger seems to lurk around every one of your falsely upbeat smiles.
You wear the shoes of a tyrant.
Everything you say I do not want to hear,
Simply because
You are saying it.
This was never about me.
You never allowed me to have a cat.
Anger fails to crash on the shores of definition,
Because resentment is indeed the tsunami that has
Broken down our relationship.
I love the smell of freedom and the dark
Blue sky.
I want you gone; you’re like a cold.
The policy of hospitality
Is something that I’ve grown immune to.
Don’t turn around—I’ll be gone.
Actually, please do.
I am rebellious for I resist
The policy of hospitality.
HORACE NEVER WANTED TO BE A HERO
by Sean Marie, Grade 7, Memorial
Horace Ebony never wanted to be a hero. Heroes had a nasty tendency of getting knocked off early on, and he had planned to live a long life. Many since have called him a hero, many more have called him an opportunist and coward. It is true that his profession was not the least bit noble or brave- he was a spy, and later a spymaster, someone who put a price on people’s secrets. His training never covered being a hero- it always taught it was better to save himself.
His first brush with heroism was when he was sixteen, on his fifth assignment. The country was filled with tension- several governors had been attempting to secede, and a lot of citizens were demanding lower tax rates, saying that the government was bankrupting everyone. Rumor had it the Queen was readying a plan that would put the whole country in its place, but nobody seemed to be sure of anything. Wild theories ran rampart in the newspapers and television. The border between politicians and normal people was bigger then anyone remembered. It was the perfect time to be a spy- everyone wanted to know what was going on, and nobody did. On the night of the catastrophe that would alter his and everyone else in the country’s lives forever, Horace was at the manor of a minor governor. This particular governor had a rather inflated view of himself, and held frequent old-fashioned balls to try to show the other politicians just how important he thought he was. Everyone gossiped mercilessly at those kinds of functions, and it was a good place for spies to overhear the secrets of the government- when the politicians were drunk and loose-lipped.
Just around 2:00 am, the floor started to shake. At first, all attributed it to lack of coordination from drink- all but Horace, who generally viewed being inebriated with contempt. Earthquakes were not common in the area, so it was unlikely it was anything natural. That was the reason he was already heading toward an exit, when all hell broke loose. The building was shaken by what sounded like a huge explosion outside. The enormous domed roof started to collapse, exposing the partygoers to the sky, which was a fiery red. Everything was silent for a moment, as the room seemed to draw a collective breath. Then the screaming started, as people started running, trying to find an escape through all the smoke and dust. Masonry fell from what was left of the ceiling, raining down on the terrified ensemble. Horace was about to duck out of the exit and leave the mayhem behind, when something caught his eye. A woman his own age was trapped behind a chunk of stone, trying frantically to squeeze through the small gap. Unlike the other ladies in the room, the girl was clad in the uniform of Queen’s guard. Against his better judgment, the spy darted over to the woman, and helped her shove the stone out of the way. He pulled her toward the exit, but they quickly lost sight of each other in the chaos outside. Although nobody knew it yet, the country had just gone through a short, bloody revolution. The queen had been messing around with demon magic a bit too much, and had unlocked the door to the demon world. In mere hours, the whole country would be in the control of the demon who escaped. By rescuing the young woman that night, Horace had saved the woman who would one day be responsible for freeing their world from the talons of evil.
It was twelve years later when he met the woman again. Business as an information broker had flourished under tyranny. Repressed people were desperate for answers, and would pay anything. Horace had quickly risen in the ranks of the organization, until he became its leader. One day he was contacted by another organization- the Resistance. When the country had been taken over, the seeds of rebellion had been sown, and now there was almost an army working against the demon, in secret. They wanted an alliance. To take a side in the war would be dangerous, and for the time being it was more logical to be neutral, or so Horace reasoned. He was going to refuse the offer, when the Resistance added another thing- they had uncovered the location of something that could turn the tides of the war. Though skeptical, he agreed to go along on a mission with the third in command of the Resistance. She was a woman called Alexandria, the same woman he had saved the night of the takeover. They didn’t work well together, at least at first. Alexandria was purely logical. She didn’t like the way Horace manipulated people for her the world was a simple set of cause and effect. Sacrifice a few pawns here, win a battle there. It made her unpopular as an officer- she didn’t grasp how to be charismatic. Horace lied, cheated, and often had a long string of schemes that would make no sense to the normal person, but he knew how to talk his way out of any situation. When they finally managed to get along enough to concentrate on finding the object in question, they realized too late they had been ensnared in a carefully laid trap. Horace paid for the mistake with his life- though it didn’t kill him then and there, he received an injury that would slowly drain his life until it sucked him dry.
It completely changed the way he viewed the world. Before, his goals had been merely maintaining his organization and earning enough money to keep it afloat. Now he turned his eyes toward much bigger goals. Logically, if he was going to die anyway, might as well use the remainder of his time trying to actually accomplish something. So he devoted his time to orchestrating a plan that would topple the demon’s government, allowing the Resistance to take control of the country. His subordinates thought he had gone crazy, but went along with the bemusement of people who didn’t have anything to lose. It took six years to set everything in place. He correctly anticipated each move of the enemy’s forces, and when things didn’t go as expected he would pull strings until they did. His methods were much more underhanded then the Resistance would condone, but they worked.
Horace died before the last part of his plan could play out, but it worked nonetheless. Two generals led the demon’s army- due to his influence, they were both individuals that never should have come into positions of such high power. Their morals and political stances clashed constantly, and the army was split down the middle. All it took was a little nudge, a little push to set the factions at each others throats. With its forces warring with each other, no matter how powerful the demon was it could not win. The Resistance defeated it, and its reign was ended.
So, was Horace Ebony a hero? It’s all a matter of opinion. His methods were not conventional or very heroic, but the ends results saved many more lives then they took. I think anyone who saved lives is at least a bit heroic. However, I’m not here to force an opinion, merely to present the facts. There are rarely pure heroes in any wars, despite the stories. So in the end, the classification falls to you, if you care to make it.
His first brush with heroism was when he was sixteen, on his fifth assignment. The country was filled with tension- several governors had been attempting to secede, and a lot of citizens were demanding lower tax rates, saying that the government was bankrupting everyone. Rumor had it the Queen was readying a plan that would put the whole country in its place, but nobody seemed to be sure of anything. Wild theories ran rampart in the newspapers and television. The border between politicians and normal people was bigger then anyone remembered. It was the perfect time to be a spy- everyone wanted to know what was going on, and nobody did. On the night of the catastrophe that would alter his and everyone else in the country’s lives forever, Horace was at the manor of a minor governor. This particular governor had a rather inflated view of himself, and held frequent old-fashioned balls to try to show the other politicians just how important he thought he was. Everyone gossiped mercilessly at those kinds of functions, and it was a good place for spies to overhear the secrets of the government- when the politicians were drunk and loose-lipped.
Just around 2:00 am, the floor started to shake. At first, all attributed it to lack of coordination from drink- all but Horace, who generally viewed being inebriated with contempt. Earthquakes were not common in the area, so it was unlikely it was anything natural. That was the reason he was already heading toward an exit, when all hell broke loose. The building was shaken by what sounded like a huge explosion outside. The enormous domed roof started to collapse, exposing the partygoers to the sky, which was a fiery red. Everything was silent for a moment, as the room seemed to draw a collective breath. Then the screaming started, as people started running, trying to find an escape through all the smoke and dust. Masonry fell from what was left of the ceiling, raining down on the terrified ensemble. Horace was about to duck out of the exit and leave the mayhem behind, when something caught his eye. A woman his own age was trapped behind a chunk of stone, trying frantically to squeeze through the small gap. Unlike the other ladies in the room, the girl was clad in the uniform of Queen’s guard. Against his better judgment, the spy darted over to the woman, and helped her shove the stone out of the way. He pulled her toward the exit, but they quickly lost sight of each other in the chaos outside. Although nobody knew it yet, the country had just gone through a short, bloody revolution. The queen had been messing around with demon magic a bit too much, and had unlocked the door to the demon world. In mere hours, the whole country would be in the control of the demon who escaped. By rescuing the young woman that night, Horace had saved the woman who would one day be responsible for freeing their world from the talons of evil.
It was twelve years later when he met the woman again. Business as an information broker had flourished under tyranny. Repressed people were desperate for answers, and would pay anything. Horace had quickly risen in the ranks of the organization, until he became its leader. One day he was contacted by another organization- the Resistance. When the country had been taken over, the seeds of rebellion had been sown, and now there was almost an army working against the demon, in secret. They wanted an alliance. To take a side in the war would be dangerous, and for the time being it was more logical to be neutral, or so Horace reasoned. He was going to refuse the offer, when the Resistance added another thing- they had uncovered the location of something that could turn the tides of the war. Though skeptical, he agreed to go along on a mission with the third in command of the Resistance. She was a woman called Alexandria, the same woman he had saved the night of the takeover. They didn’t work well together, at least at first. Alexandria was purely logical. She didn’t like the way Horace manipulated people for her the world was a simple set of cause and effect. Sacrifice a few pawns here, win a battle there. It made her unpopular as an officer- she didn’t grasp how to be charismatic. Horace lied, cheated, and often had a long string of schemes that would make no sense to the normal person, but he knew how to talk his way out of any situation. When they finally managed to get along enough to concentrate on finding the object in question, they realized too late they had been ensnared in a carefully laid trap. Horace paid for the mistake with his life- though it didn’t kill him then and there, he received an injury that would slowly drain his life until it sucked him dry.
It completely changed the way he viewed the world. Before, his goals had been merely maintaining his organization and earning enough money to keep it afloat. Now he turned his eyes toward much bigger goals. Logically, if he was going to die anyway, might as well use the remainder of his time trying to actually accomplish something. So he devoted his time to orchestrating a plan that would topple the demon’s government, allowing the Resistance to take control of the country. His subordinates thought he had gone crazy, but went along with the bemusement of people who didn’t have anything to lose. It took six years to set everything in place. He correctly anticipated each move of the enemy’s forces, and when things didn’t go as expected he would pull strings until they did. His methods were much more underhanded then the Resistance would condone, but they worked.
Horace died before the last part of his plan could play out, but it worked nonetheless. Two generals led the demon’s army- due to his influence, they were both individuals that never should have come into positions of such high power. Their morals and political stances clashed constantly, and the army was split down the middle. All it took was a little nudge, a little push to set the factions at each others throats. With its forces warring with each other, no matter how powerful the demon was it could not win. The Resistance defeated it, and its reign was ended.
So, was Horace Ebony a hero? It’s all a matter of opinion. His methods were not conventional or very heroic, but the ends results saved many more lives then they took. I think anyone who saved lives is at least a bit heroic. However, I’m not here to force an opinion, merely to present the facts. There are rarely pure heroes in any wars, despite the stories. So in the end, the classification falls to you, if you care to make it.
GRANDPARENTS
by Breanna, Grade 9, South Albany
Gentle, good-natured, softhearted, and grand,
Ready always with a smile and a warm helpful hand.
Admired and regarded as knowledgeable and wise,
Nurturing their grandchildren to reach for the skies.
Disciplining us when we need it most,
Proudly showing pictures for everyone to see!
Always telling stories of how things used to be,
Reading books, playing games, or listening patiently.
Easy-going, easy-living, enjoying life’s pleasures,
Noticing that long life brings so many treasures.
Truly grandparents are wonderful in so many ways,
Special people who always seem to brighten our days.
Ready always with a smile and a warm helpful hand.
Admired and regarded as knowledgeable and wise,
Nurturing their grandchildren to reach for the skies.
Disciplining us when we need it most,
Proudly showing pictures for everyone to see!
Always telling stories of how things used to be,
Reading books, playing games, or listening patiently.
Easy-going, easy-living, enjoying life’s pleasures,
Noticing that long life brings so many treasures.
Truly grandparents are wonderful in so many ways,
Special people who always seem to brighten our days.
HER HEART
by Daryll, Grade 10, South Albany High
(Below is a picture of the author's grandmother, Helen Robinson)
Her heart is like a river,
Her heart is like a bird.
Free as the wind,
Wild as a mare
Courage for many a sun
Love for many a land
They call her bright
They call her brave
She is power
Never is she rage
The animals they trust
For people a must.
For contributions her goal
For without they, empty is her soul
Wild is her passion
Activity, never old.
For creatures she befriends,
Doesn’t she mind any of those silly trends
Once the day is done, for still , She is one with the sun.
Her heart is like a bird.
Free as the wind,
Wild as a mare
Courage for many a sun
Love for many a land
They call her bright
They call her brave
She is power
Never is she rage
The animals they trust
For people a must.
For contributions her goal
For without they, empty is her soul
Wild is her passion
Activity, never old.
For creatures she befriends,
Doesn’t she mind any of those silly trends
Once the day is done, for still , She is one with the sun.
ENDLESS DOUBT
by Shakira
Who am I?
What separates me from the crowd around you?
Who can really see me, the girl behind the flesh?
What lies in my core, except the doubt that plagues its center?
Can you see me for who I am?
Do you see through my strong persona, to the small and vulnerable girl who cries herself to sleep, praying one day that the love I willingly give you is returned?
Why?
Who are you?
Who, but you, has the power to elicit these emotions from me?
Can’t you feel it?
Can’t you feel my irregular heartbeat on your lips?
Can you feel the heat of my skin radiating through my clothes?
Is it not enough to burn through and shine, lighting the heavens?
Don’t you see how your simple touch affects me so?
Am I wrong?
Is this not what I so fervently dream of?
Is this the love I long for?
Am I asking the wrong question?
Is this love?
Is love honest and true, like a virgin’s virtue?
Is this my interpretation of love, questioning myself with near obsession?
Should I ask you again?
Is my love returned?
Are the embers of my love burning inside of you as well?
Do you love me with pangs the jealous and timid know?
Did you love me in the beginning?
Will you love me in the end?
Do you love me with the sweet sadness I see when you look at me?
How is it I didn’t understand before, when now you profess your love like no other, and look into my eyes, touching my soul?
How could I have ever doubted you, when you paint such a vivid picture in my head of the same love you feel for me?
How are our pictures so similar, the colors blurring together in a spectrum not known to those who do not understand?
How can it be that your picture is so similar to mine; your image so fresh and abundantly colored?
How could I not see before, and ask how am I different, when I am yours?
Who am I, but without you I am no one?
How my doubt plagues my core, when it was only superficial?
Who are we together?
How can it be when without one, we are neither?
CAN'T TAKE IT
by Anna
When all is said and done
I cried like I never have before
Held it all in until I couldn’t take it
Anymore.
Residing in my well-being
Though I know it was for the best
I hate to go to sleep at night
I don’t ever get any rest.
You tore my soul up
And hastily spit it back out
Through snarling teeth
I’m feeling so corrupt.
Telling me it’s not my fault
But I can’t help feeling like it is…
My heart is sealed up tight
Inside the vault.
Hollowing out my lungs
Shallow breaths jump in and out
Of my ever-frowning mouth
And I can’t seem to control it.
You tore up my soul
And hastily spit it back out
Through snarling teeth
I’m feeling so corrupt.
When all is said and done
I cried like I never have before
Held it in until I couldn’t take it anymore…
ANIME DRAWING
by Mickey, Grade 8, Homeschooled
LOST
by Chelbie, Grade 9, South Albany
I’ve walked this road
Many times before.
You have shown
Me what was behind the door.
Never will I see the day
When you tell me the truth.
We both know neither will say
That we wish to hear.
I will continue to walk
Alone and broken.
We haven’t had time to talk;
I wish we had spoken.
You act as though
Nothing went wrong,
When we both know
It has been lifelong.
I hope to see
You one day.
Though I foresee
You will betray.
Many times before.
You have shown
Me what was behind the door.
Never will I see the day
When you tell me the truth.
We both know neither will say
That we wish to hear.
I will continue to walk
Alone and broken.
We haven’t had time to talk;
I wish we had spoken.
You act as though
Nothing went wrong,
When we both know
It has been lifelong.
I hope to see
You one day.
Though I foresee
You will betray.
BLACK INK
by Danica, Grade 9, South Albany
Black ink, Black ink, Black ink
Everywhere I look
Are we made of black ink?
If so how are we different?
All we have to make us unique is our size and name.
Is there anywhere that isn’t made of all black?
What wonders it may bring, of some other color.
Although I only know of the color black nothing other.
Black ink, Black ink, black ink--
I HATE BLACK INK!
Everywhere I look
Are we made of black ink?
If so how are we different?
All we have to make us unique is our size and name.
Is there anywhere that isn’t made of all black?
What wonders it may bring, of some other color.
Although I only know of the color black nothing other.
Black ink, Black ink, black ink--
I HATE BLACK INK!
DEATH
by Catlin
Death!
You have
Broken my
Heart!
Death!
Why have
You
Kidnapped
My love!
Death!
You’ve
Stolen
My heart
My soul
My true
Love!
You have
Broken my
Heart!
Death!
Why have
You
Kidnapped
My love!
Death!
You’ve
Stolen
My heart
My soul
My true
Love!
ALL GOOD THINGS MUST END
by Misti
(AUTHOR'S NOTE: My name is Misti and I’m turning 16 in June. I started writing when I was really young and just kept going. Short stories about nothing are my specialties and they come in handy when I’m babysitting. I love to go on and come up with new and creative ideas about what’s going to happen next. I know I’m not the best at it, but it still is really fun to do and I enjoy it a lot. I’m not too good at poems, but I still try. I’m very outgoing and very fun to be with and my friends have helped come up with all good ideas I’ve had for my short stories and without them I wouldn’t be writing.)
He cheated on me. Simple as that and I had no clue as to why. I had no clue why she, my best friend, would either, but all I know is that it happened. They both tried to reassure me it was nothing, but what ever they said it couldn’t make me any less angry with the both of them. This led to many phone calls and text messages which all of which I had very limited so I went over and eventually got grounded. As if it wasn’t enough I got cheated on by my boyfriend with my best friend my parents added being grounded from car, phone and any contact with the outside world onto it, all summer in fact. I was beyond angry with the world and I couldn’t have been more pissed when I heard moving trucks backing into the drive way next to ours at seven in the morning, little did I know it’d be the best thing that had ever happened to me.
That morning I woke up to the sound of loud beeps as they backed it in. I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs “shut up and let me sleep.” I knew it’d do no good so I just went back to my bed and laid there when I heard a knock on my door. It was someone I didn’t know, someone new, super cute, and he was my new next door neighbor. I started fixing my hair and wiping my face as he apologized for the noise they’d be causing: he and his family of course. I told him it’d be no problem and left it at that. I think I forgot to mention it was no problem because he was super attractive, but I’m glad I didn’t. I ran up stairs wanting to call someone but I couldn’t so I lay on my bed thinking of the mysterious handsome man who had just “dropped” in. I couldn’t wait to get to know him, and what parent would tell their daughter they couldn’t help the new neighbors! It was golden and nothing could stop me; I was determined to get to know this new neighbor boy no matter what.
That morning I got up and showered and was ready to go by nine. I went down stairs, ate a bagel with cream cheese as I started doing my hair and make up all I could think about was how great he looked. I then got on my sandals and told my mother I was heading over to help out the neighbors, she looked at me as if I was crazy and at the moment I couldn’t blame her! I was never up this early or ready, or this happy in weeks and I’ve got to admit it felt great.
I then went outside the door and down my steps out and got the mail slowly so I’d get to talk to him as he walked outside to unload some more stuff I then shouted to him “Hey! Wanted some help with all that?”
He smiled and said “It’s pretty heavy lifting. You sure you could handle it?” I took this as a challenge and dropped the mail back into the slot and went over. He showed my all that was left and as I picked up a box we walked into their house together. We soon started to talk about where he was from and all about him and his family, it got really fascinating. I never thought I’d be so interested in every word of a conversation as I was with him and I didn’t think someone could make me laugh that much within a five minute time period. It felt amazing to be able to talk to someone about anything and know they were interested in what you had to say. I never had had that before and I couldn’t get enough.
Soon we spent everyday together as I showed him around places like the local Coffee Shops, our school, malls, all the best places to shop and of course, the best food places in town. We started spending every second together and soon began inviting eachother over for dinners and to family events as this was happening I completely forgot about my ex, my “best friend” and all my worries. It was as if nothing else mattered but him and I and the small world we created around us and I was completely alright with this reality.
The school year came around and as fall passed we stayed the same. Inseparable. I loved this fact. We became closer day by day and soon winter vacation was coming and we were deciding what we should go and do, where families were planning on going and anything else we could think of when he surprised me with an idea to go to a cabin out in the woods. He had already paid for everything, he asked my parents and they said alright as long as we check in and promise not to do anything “too stupid”. I couldn’t believe my ears! I was ecstatic! One whole week just him and I, it couldn’t have gotten any better in my mind.
Soon the winter weeks passed and it was time for our big trip so we loaded our stuff and said our good byes. My parents stood there waving in the drive way as did his as we drove north to the cabin. It started out great! No slippery roads, the best CD playing in the new stereo, everything was perfect until it became night. “Where are we?” I asked
“I’m not sure babe, I’m sure I went the right way though. Here look on the map and I’ll look for some street names” He said. He started to get closer to the wind shield as I did to the map. I told him where we should be by now and then THUMP! The tire blew out as it started to rain harder.
We got out of the car and as he examined the wheel I noticed a bunch of nails on the ground for the last 15 or so feet all across the road. I pointed it out as I heard something coming behind me, it sounded like foot steps but I couldn’t be sure. I ran back to my door as I told him to get inside the car we both started for the doors when suddenly from the other side of the road lights turned on. Head lights of a truck were on blinding us as we were going for the doors he started to turn on his engine more and more. Jason and I looked at him wondering what we should be feeling he soon showed us it was fear as he pressed the gas pedal and peeled out towards us BAM! He pinned Jason in between his truck and ours! I started screaming and cry for help as he turned his lights down so I could see his face. It looked like the devil himself. He was tan, wrinkles throughout his face and a grin that send chills down your spine. I started to cry harder as I moved backwards I started to fall and trip. The man backed up and then turned his car in my direction and so I started to get up and run when suddenly someone grabbed my by the arm and wouldn’t let go. I started screaming and crying for someone, anyone to help me.
He started to drag my towards the car as four other men came from the bushes. They were waiting for me and I didn’t know what to do. They through me into the truck as they picked up Jason’s body. He was so bloody I started to gag. They through him over me and then go in and started to drive off. I started to try and examine his face and see if he was alive when they shoot him. Jason was dead now and I had his blood all over me. I started crying even more when all of a sudden he hit my in the head with his gun. I was knocked out.
When I woke up I wasn’t sure what time it was but I was tied up on a chair with little sunlight coming in and a pounding headache I couldn’t get rid of. I head the men talking in a different language y the doors. I was surrounding by torture tools and different types of knives. I started to cry and when they heard me they looked over and smiled at me as if this was some kind of sick game they liked playing. What ever it was I didn’t like it and I wanted out. I started trying to bargain with them saying I wouldn’t tell anyone and I would go home and say he got lost that I’d leave them and just never come back. They didn’t seem to have cared all that much as they hit me to silence me.
They started to pick up the knives and make cuts on my body slowly cutting my legs so that’d it be too painful to walk and I couldn’t take it anymore I started to scream out in pain and knew that my life was going to end there. Slowly but surely, it was ending. They tortured me for hours it seemed like then without saying anything they both just left me there. I didn’t know what was going on but it became night fall and I fell asleep after a bit from exhaustion and couldn’t help it.
When I woke up the next day it was to paramedics asking my name. I had no clue where I was how they found me or what had happened to the men but I knew I was safe and that’s all I could ask for at that point. I was in intensive care for the next couple of weeks when the Doctor came to explain to me that my parents called out and was worried. They reported me missing since I never checked in and neither did Jason when someone found the car along the road along with blood and nails they knew something had happened so they sent the best out to find him and I and luckily they found me. They said that they found Jason and that he was dead on sight and there was nothing they could have done, I already knew this but hearing it again made me cry even more. They told me how strong I was, how I’m lucky to have survived and I guess in a way I am, yet I was traumatized by that experience alone. And that’s my story of how I lost everything that day, by doing something I thought was going to be amazing I lost the two most important things to me, Jason, and myself. I was never the same after this experience and know I never will be.
That morning I woke up to the sound of loud beeps as they backed it in. I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs “shut up and let me sleep.” I knew it’d do no good so I just went back to my bed and laid there when I heard a knock on my door. It was someone I didn’t know, someone new, super cute, and he was my new next door neighbor. I started fixing my hair and wiping my face as he apologized for the noise they’d be causing: he and his family of course. I told him it’d be no problem and left it at that. I think I forgot to mention it was no problem because he was super attractive, but I’m glad I didn’t. I ran up stairs wanting to call someone but I couldn’t so I lay on my bed thinking of the mysterious handsome man who had just “dropped” in. I couldn’t wait to get to know him, and what parent would tell their daughter they couldn’t help the new neighbors! It was golden and nothing could stop me; I was determined to get to know this new neighbor boy no matter what.
That morning I got up and showered and was ready to go by nine. I went down stairs, ate a bagel with cream cheese as I started doing my hair and make up all I could think about was how great he looked. I then got on my sandals and told my mother I was heading over to help out the neighbors, she looked at me as if I was crazy and at the moment I couldn’t blame her! I was never up this early or ready, or this happy in weeks and I’ve got to admit it felt great.
I then went outside the door and down my steps out and got the mail slowly so I’d get to talk to him as he walked outside to unload some more stuff I then shouted to him “Hey! Wanted some help with all that?”
He smiled and said “It’s pretty heavy lifting. You sure you could handle it?” I took this as a challenge and dropped the mail back into the slot and went over. He showed my all that was left and as I picked up a box we walked into their house together. We soon started to talk about where he was from and all about him and his family, it got really fascinating. I never thought I’d be so interested in every word of a conversation as I was with him and I didn’t think someone could make me laugh that much within a five minute time period. It felt amazing to be able to talk to someone about anything and know they were interested in what you had to say. I never had had that before and I couldn’t get enough.
Soon we spent everyday together as I showed him around places like the local Coffee Shops, our school, malls, all the best places to shop and of course, the best food places in town. We started spending every second together and soon began inviting eachother over for dinners and to family events as this was happening I completely forgot about my ex, my “best friend” and all my worries. It was as if nothing else mattered but him and I and the small world we created around us and I was completely alright with this reality.
The school year came around and as fall passed we stayed the same. Inseparable. I loved this fact. We became closer day by day and soon winter vacation was coming and we were deciding what we should go and do, where families were planning on going and anything else we could think of when he surprised me with an idea to go to a cabin out in the woods. He had already paid for everything, he asked my parents and they said alright as long as we check in and promise not to do anything “too stupid”. I couldn’t believe my ears! I was ecstatic! One whole week just him and I, it couldn’t have gotten any better in my mind.
Soon the winter weeks passed and it was time for our big trip so we loaded our stuff and said our good byes. My parents stood there waving in the drive way as did his as we drove north to the cabin. It started out great! No slippery roads, the best CD playing in the new stereo, everything was perfect until it became night. “Where are we?” I asked
“I’m not sure babe, I’m sure I went the right way though. Here look on the map and I’ll look for some street names” He said. He started to get closer to the wind shield as I did to the map. I told him where we should be by now and then THUMP! The tire blew out as it started to rain harder.
We got out of the car and as he examined the wheel I noticed a bunch of nails on the ground for the last 15 or so feet all across the road. I pointed it out as I heard something coming behind me, it sounded like foot steps but I couldn’t be sure. I ran back to my door as I told him to get inside the car we both started for the doors when suddenly from the other side of the road lights turned on. Head lights of a truck were on blinding us as we were going for the doors he started to turn on his engine more and more. Jason and I looked at him wondering what we should be feeling he soon showed us it was fear as he pressed the gas pedal and peeled out towards us BAM! He pinned Jason in between his truck and ours! I started screaming and cry for help as he turned his lights down so I could see his face. It looked like the devil himself. He was tan, wrinkles throughout his face and a grin that send chills down your spine. I started to cry harder as I moved backwards I started to fall and trip. The man backed up and then turned his car in my direction and so I started to get up and run when suddenly someone grabbed my by the arm and wouldn’t let go. I started screaming and crying for someone, anyone to help me.
He started to drag my towards the car as four other men came from the bushes. They were waiting for me and I didn’t know what to do. They through me into the truck as they picked up Jason’s body. He was so bloody I started to gag. They through him over me and then go in and started to drive off. I started to try and examine his face and see if he was alive when they shoot him. Jason was dead now and I had his blood all over me. I started crying even more when all of a sudden he hit my in the head with his gun. I was knocked out.
When I woke up I wasn’t sure what time it was but I was tied up on a chair with little sunlight coming in and a pounding headache I couldn’t get rid of. I head the men talking in a different language y the doors. I was surrounding by torture tools and different types of knives. I started to cry and when they heard me they looked over and smiled at me as if this was some kind of sick game they liked playing. What ever it was I didn’t like it and I wanted out. I started trying to bargain with them saying I wouldn’t tell anyone and I would go home and say he got lost that I’d leave them and just never come back. They didn’t seem to have cared all that much as they hit me to silence me.
They started to pick up the knives and make cuts on my body slowly cutting my legs so that’d it be too painful to walk and I couldn’t take it anymore I started to scream out in pain and knew that my life was going to end there. Slowly but surely, it was ending. They tortured me for hours it seemed like then without saying anything they both just left me there. I didn’t know what was going on but it became night fall and I fell asleep after a bit from exhaustion and couldn’t help it.
When I woke up the next day it was to paramedics asking my name. I had no clue where I was how they found me or what had happened to the men but I knew I was safe and that’s all I could ask for at that point. I was in intensive care for the next couple of weeks when the Doctor came to explain to me that my parents called out and was worried. They reported me missing since I never checked in and neither did Jason when someone found the car along the road along with blood and nails they knew something had happened so they sent the best out to find him and I and luckily they found me. They said that they found Jason and that he was dead on sight and there was nothing they could have done, I already knew this but hearing it again made me cry even more. They told me how strong I was, how I’m lucky to have survived and I guess in a way I am, yet I was traumatized by that experience alone. And that’s my story of how I lost everything that day, by doing something I thought was going to be amazing I lost the two most important things to me, Jason, and myself. I was never the same after this experience and know I never will be.
