bluethe independent middle school

literary magazine

2014-15

blue 2014-15 executive staff:student editor: abby ottaway

assistant editors: brenna donnelly, pax koenig-weber,natalie johnson, sophie solomon, and malina wagner

marketing: edward sturmadviser: mrs. debra cole

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staff members:olivia burkhart, grant burmeister, cole chandler, nitai dasa, rmaya davis, brenna donnelly, julie douglas, julia fetters, hannah hecox, rachel hugo,

caroline jiang, natalie johnson, zoe johnson, carter jones, uday kabirapanthi, ashlyn mahoney, madison martin, miles martin, kylie mitchell, malar muthukumar, sebastien patino, aidan scott, sophie

solomon, malina wagner, pax koenig-weber, and johanna yang

cover art by - allyson murrayshadow photo by edward sturm

aboutus

table of contents----------------------------- confidence & pride“midwest dreams” by sebastien patino.............................................................................7“my freckles” by madison martin......................................................................................8“my lips” by hannah hecox................................................................................................8“truth” by brenna donnelly................................................................................................9“vibes” by madison martin................................................................................................9“city selfie” by reema moussa............................................................................................9“julia” by julia douglas.......................................................................................................9“miles” by miles martin.....................................................................................................9“dear little brunette” by tori dexter...................................................................................9“6 word meme” by carter jones.......................................................................................10“6 word meme” by zoe johnson.......................................................................................10“6 word meme” by nitai dasa...........................................................................................10“6 word meme” by kylie mitchell....................................................................................10“hello my name is hannah” by hannah hecox..................................................................11“my eyes” by graham burmeister.....................................................................................11“my feet” by natalie johnson............................................................................................12“dear false prosecutor” by johanna yang.........................................................................12“our squad” by campbell flemming.................................................................................13nature & animals“escape the deathly forest” by brenna donnelly..............................................................14“blondie” by amaya davis.................................................................................................15“the barn” by abby ottaway and miles martin.................................................................15“the bird” by natalie johnson...........................................................................................15“prisoner” by abby ottaway..............................................................................................16“away” by julia douglas....................................................................................................17“the pile” by lanna chase..................................................................................................17“secret” by johanna yang..................................................................................................17“whispering trees” by graham burmeister.......................................................................17“quiet stillness” by campbell flemming.............................17“leaves” by malina wagner.............................................17word art by alex steven................................................186 word meme by edward sturm....................................186 word meme by hannah hecox......................................18“cat kitten” by tate clem................................................19

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“blue sparkles” by gina defazio........................................................................................19“beautiful sight” by aiden scott........................................................................................19“he is free” by johanna yang............................................................................................20“time” by edward sturm and nitai dasa..........................................................................20“fox in the grapes” by natalie johnson............................................................................20“cat in jail” by jonah bolin................................................................................................21“the beach” by deena eichorn..........................................................................................21art by hannah hecox.........................................................................................................21art by JoAnna Pistotnik...................................................................................................21art by Kiarra Farha..........................................................................................................21“serenity” by jonah bolin.................................................................................................22“dreaming on the beach” by grace gill............................................................................22“rose” by julia fetters.......................................................................................................23“coral” by malina wagner................................................................................................23 “teal” by zoe johnson......................................................................................................24 “violet” by madison martin............................................................................................24“mint” by miles martin....................................................................................................25“blue” by nitai dasa..........................................................................................................25“pumpkin” by amaya davis..............................................................................................26“amber” by abby ottaway................................................................................................26“persimmon” by caroline yiang.......................................................................................26“leaves and berries” by eleena armani............................................................................27“fickle flowers” by abby ottaway......................................................................................27“brown” by rachel hugo...................................................................................................27“flight” by ashlyn mahoney.............................................................................................27humor & shenanigans“the new thing” by bryson toubassi................................................................................28“hygiene is our life” by madison martin and carter jones..............................................29 “not wearing poetry pants” by edward sturm and miles martin...29 “i’m sorry” by chase farha...........................................................29 “world war snow” by tate clem................................................29 “students’ favorite game” by aiden scott..........................30 “ready” by edward sturm and nitai dasa...........................30 “Classic dreams” by lauren skelton................................30 “war against twizzlers” by abby ottaway, zoe johnson and caroline yiang........31 6 word meme by sophie solomon.....................................31 “ yo, yo, yo, man: a one act”....................32-34 by johanna yang and bryson toubassi

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fear, sadness & loss“aliens are coming” by hannah hecox.............................................................................35“the raven task” by nitai dasa..........................................................................................36“grandpa” by tori dexter..................................................................................................36“him” by malina wagner..................................................................................................36“loss” by sophie solomon.................................................................................................37“‘til the last hour” by julia fetters....................................................................................37“the end is near” by uday kabirapanthi...........................................................................37“alone” by madison martin..............................................................................................37“chains of death” by abby ottaway..................................................................................38“warning” by nitai dasa...................................................................................................38“lost and found” by sophie solomon...............................................................................39“again” by edward sturm.................................................................................................39“justice” by natalie johnson.............................................................................................39“grief” by julia fetters.......................................................................................................39“a bully” by hannah hecox...............................................................................................40“collaspe” by malina wagner...........................................................................................40“bear attack” by miles martin and sebastien patino.......................................................40“souls rise” by a big crew of talented writers...................................................................41“the wall” by johanna yang..............................................................................................41“misunderstanding” by sophie solomon.........................................................................41“the horror of truth” by malar muthukumar..................................................................42“where?” by malina wagner.............................................................................................42“normal” by sophie solomon...........................................................................................42“near the end” by kylie mitchell......................................................................................42“the world has changed” by brenna donnelly.................................................................42“the hunted” by cole chandler.........................................................................................43“the hunter” by zoe johnson..............................................43“the hunter” by malar muthukumar.................................43“the black car” by sophie solomon....................................44“falling in war” by pax koenig-weber................................44“chained” by malina wagner.........................................44“after death” by brenna donnelly.................................45“dreams of suffering” by campbell flemming..............45

Hand Artby Brenna Donnelly6

love, joy & fantasy“peace man” by tori dexter..............................................................................................46“love” by kylie mitchell....................................................................................................47“shoot the moon” by graham burmeister........................................................................47“remember” by caroline yiang.........................................................................................47“variance” by malina wagner..........................................................................................48“broken” by julia douglas................................................................................................49“dropped from the heavens” by abby ottaway................................................................49“the saw” by graham burmeister.....................................................................................49“what she once was” by abby ottaway.............................................................................506 word meme by madison martin...................................................................................50heroes & hope“best teacher” by carter jones..........................................................................................51“the state fair” by abby ottaway.......................................................................................52“not yet” by miles martin.................................................................................................52“the note” by graham burmeister....................................................................................52“a hero flying high” by lanna chase.................................................................................53“dr. king” by brenna donnelly.........................................................................................53“joyland” by carter jones.................................................................................................536 word meme by malar muthukumar.............................................................................546 word meme by natalie johnson, malina wagner, and malar muthukumar.................546 word meme by kylie mitchell.......................................................................................546 word meme by abby ottaway........................................................................................54“scavengers” by brenna donnelly....................................................................................54“felling” by hawk breen...................................................................................................55“she is one of a kind” by rachel smith.............................................................................55“blue” by hawk breen.......................................................................................................55“looking” by julia douglas................................................................................................56“the lotus” by pax koenig-weber......................................................................................56 “baby cinnamon” by ashlyn mahoney....................................56 “am i flying” by edward sturm...............................................57 “the super 7: graphic novel”.............................................58-79 by graham burmeister, lanna chase, tori dexter, julia douglas campbell flemming, bryson toubassi, and johanna yang “quest” by abby ottaway...............................................80

Midwest DreamsPhoto & Words by Sebastien Patino

cool beanson the very top

chase your dreams and find the bestcast across the Great Plains

achieve greatness or fail

confidence&

pride

7

My Frecklesby Madison Martin

My best feature is unique and uncommon.My sister and I are the only ones in our family who have them.

Sweet.Other people tell me that they are like angel kisses,

and others judge me.I wish the best part of me would let me see the good in people

before it was too late.My freckles are a characteristic that makes me who I am,

and without them, I wouldn’t be me.

My Lipsby Hannah Hecox

My lips, pink and sweet,tell others my thoughts and feelings.

The best part of meA reflection of my beautyA first love. A first kiss.

They speak somethings I couldn’tand somethings I shouldn’t.

The best part of me8

Truth by Brenna Donnelly Vibes by Madison Martin City Selfie by Reema Moussa

Juliaby Julia Douglas

The Independent SchoolJoyful - Expressive

To Inspire - To Grow - To ShineLights, Camera, and Action

To Create - To Control - To ExpandBeautiful - Friendly

Determination

Milesby Miles Martin

The Independent SchoolCreative - Berzerk

To Express - To Understand - To ExploreSee What is Possible

To Challenge - To Develop - To BloomFriendly - Resourceful

Community

Dear Little Brunetteby Tori Dexter

Dear Little Brunette:I would like to tell you that the person you taunted is now long gone.

You called me a name that no girl should ever be called.You told me that I was a waste of time.

You told me that no one would care if I dropped dead.So during our next encounter, I’m going to forgive,

but not forget, and act as if it never happened,but always remember the fact that those words

will not affect my life.I will never forget those words.

9

6 Word Memes:Upper Left by Carter JonesUpper Right by Zoe JohnsonBottom Left by Nitai DasaBottom Right by Kylie Mitchell

10

by Hannah Hecox

It means creative, different, and smart.It is the number 11.

It is like a mermaid’s tail, the shallow sea.It is the idea of the family all together again.

It is the memory of Annie,who taught me to be myself and live life to the fullest,

when she shows me the world,and we splash in the water together.

My name is Hannah;It means a forest of animals awaiting my protection.

Hannah

My Eyesby Graham Burmeister

My eyes - The best part of meThey’re blue and light and help me see.

They help me cry and feel.I can see the world and how it heals.

They are the best part of me.I would be sad if they left me.

They look like my late grandpa.I hope they will one day stop giving me migraines.

I would be sad without my eyes.

11

My Feetby Natalie Johnson

My feet are the most beautiful part of me.They are unique, like no one else’s.

They take me to beaches and mountains.They take me to forests too.

I need them to do what I want,and I want them to do what I need.

They take me to places I loveand away from places I don’t.

I like them to be polished, pink, blue, and green.I like soft socks.

My feet are the best part of me.

Dear False Prosecutorby Johanna Yang

Dear False Prosecutor:I would like to tell you that I don’t know why you feel the need to be rude to me.

You tell me that I’m not worth anyone’s time.You tell me that I am not a Christian.

You call me something that no girl should ever be called.You make me feel like I am less than I am.

So during our next encounter, I will tell you that I don’t need your idiocy.So when it’s all over, I will have said my grace,

but when it’s REALLY over, you will have absolutely no significance.I am in charge of me.

Your words are irrelevant, and I am choosing to like me.

12

Our Squadby Campbell Flemming

our squadbig freaks and dorks

you mess with us, we bite backyou never know where we are at

look out world, here we come

13

Escape the Deathly ForestPhoto and Words by Brenna Donnelly

sky climbvine to the clouds

girls dream of reaching the skyforest, grabbing for my future

sever all human ties

nature&

animals14

The Barnby Abby Ottaway & Miles Martin

Early morning rooster callThe cluck, cluck, cluck of a chicken

The barn is awake

Outside there’s a lamb so smallBe ready with your gloves and feed

It’s time to start the day

The horses stand so tallTrot, trot, trot trotting along

The pasture is teeming with life

The clanging of the foot hitting the troughAfter they eat, they roll in the mud

The pigs with curly pink tails

As the barn grows tiredThe eyelids grow heavier

The barn is asleep

Blondie by Amaya Davis

15

The Birdby Natalie Johnson

The rooms of the palace were simple and cool; the windows were kept open so that

birds could fly in and out.The mockingbird perched

on the Queen’s hand.She loved that mockingbird’s song,

so she ensnared it.She kept is in a golden cage,

with the purest waterand the fined food.

No matter how much she tried to cheer him,he still would not sing.

The bird was forever unhappy.The mockingbird died sad and alone.

Prisoner by Abigail Ottaway16

Awayby Julia Douglas

It’s cold as can beWet and cold but still alive

Life, it flows away

The Pileby Lanna Chase

Woods have been cut downAll in a tremendous waySo brown this rustic pile

Secretby Johanna Yang

River rushing byPerfect image of stillnessWe came here - Don’t tell

Whispering Treesby Graham Burmeister

The trees speak to me.They say when the seasons end.

The trees whisper with ease.

Quiet Stillnessby Campbell Flemming

The quiet stillnessThe sound of machines far, deep

A dead bird in a cage

Leaves by Malina Wagner17

6 Word Meme by Hannah Hecox

Tree by Alex Steven

186 Word Meme by Edward Sturm

Cat Kitten by Tate Clem

Blue Sparklesby Gina DeFazio

The way blue sparkles,from the wind to the seaThe sky is the happiness of the day.Saltwater is the fresh smell.You can hear the wind roar.

And the twilight zone is on the dark blue side.The taste of blueberriesTo the sea, to the shore,the sea shells flow.The sky is light and darkon different days.In the winter, the snow sparkles.

19Beautiful Sight by Aiden Scott

Fox in the Grapes by Natalie Johnson

He is Freeby Johanna Yang

“Then what are you?”He is a cloud soaring high above -

The height of any plane.He is also the sky, a deep endless

picture of freedom.He is an eagle as

he flies up through the clouds into the sky.The other birds envy him.

He is free.He is free.

Timeby Edward Sturm & Nitai Dasa

Unnaturally SpeedingRound and Round

ConfusingNumbers Circled

Sequentially SittingSilently Waiting

Hands-a-SpinningWhirling ByThe Clock

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Top Image by Hannah HecoxMiddle Image by JoAnna PistotnikBottom Image by Kiarra Farha

Cat in Jail by Jonah Bolin

The Beach by Deena Eichorn

21

Serenity by Jonah Bolin

Dreaming on the Beach by Grace Gill22

Coralby Malina Wagner

Coral looks like a light rosecomplete with thorns.

Coral sounds like the crunch of freshly fallen leaves in the fall.

Coral smells like freshly cut fruit,ripened to perfection.

Coral tastes like a grapefruit with tang and no sugar.

Coral feels like a cork board,pockmarked with pinholes.

Coral is like Peeps, covered with sugar and squishy without an

ounce of staleness.

Roseby Julia Fetters

Rose looks like the tintof a teenager’s lipstick.

Rose sounds like salmonslapping on the shore.

Rose smells like a sweet perfume.Rose tastes like tangy and tart

cranberry juice.Rose feels like orange chocolate

melting in your mouth.Rose is a girl’s bouquet at her

wedding.

23

Violetby Madison Martin

Violet looks like a million dollar watercolor painting that

drips with thedarkness of the unknown.

Violet sounds like the tinkling crystals of a chandelier swaying in the wind.

Violet smells like sweet cotton candyat the state fair.

Violet tastes like a juicy popsicle onthe fourth of July.

Violet feels like the confidence of a model wearing a jeweled necklace

at a photo shoot.Violet is like a retro dance night complete

with couples popping and locking.

Tealby Zoe Johnson

Teal looks like polka dots on afreshly painted wall.

Teal sounds like water droppingof a petal after rain.

Teal smells like the airbefore a storm.

Teal tastes like a homemadeblueberry pie.

Teal feels like a luke warmbath on a summer day.

Teal is like floating freelyon top of water...

just because.

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Mintby Miles Martin

Mint looks like the skin of a sea turtle drifting with the new

morning current.Mint sounds like the water flowing

gracefully over the waterfall.Mint smells like the mist of the

sauna slowly coating the room with a moist layer.

Mint tastes like the tangy slurpof a hard-earned pop.

Mint feels like the bubbly surfaceof a block of soap.

Mint is like dessert after thesatisfying main course.

Blueby Nitai Dasa

Blue looks like a cool skyon a hot day.

Blue sounds like the songof birds at noon.

Blue smells like a saltyocean breeze.

Blue tastes like ice creamtreats on the beach.

Blue feels like the soft caressof a bird’s feathers.Blue is like gentle

waves on the sand.

25

Amberby Abby Ottaway

Amber looks like a glowing lightin the dark attic at midnight.Amber sounds like a maiden

bellowing a low note.Amber smells like carmel,

all chewy, gooey, and smooth.Amber tastes like freshly

squeezed white grape juice.Amber feels like angled, sharp,

and hard-like stone wall.Amber is like perching on a window sill on

a rainy day, snuggled up in a warm blanket.

Persimmonby Caroline Yiang

Persimmon looks like a warm smilefrom a kind grandfather.

Persimmon sounds like a cracklingfire in the woods.

Persimmon smells like fresh citrus fruitwhen it’s ripe.

Persimmon tastes like a gush of sweet & tart lemonade hitting my tongue.

Persimmon feels like warm sunlighton the skin of a careful student.

Persimmon is like a stone of amberready to put on a royal crown.

Pumpkinby Amaya Davis

Pumpkin looks like a tabby catsitting on a chilly window sill.

Pumpkin sounds like thesnapping of crunchy vines.

Pumpkin smells like autumn’s earthy soil.Pumpkin tastes like swirly Cool Whip

thawed and ready to top.Pumpkin feels like the warmth of a

Jack O’ Lantern candle on Halloween.Pumpkin is like Apple Jack’s Pumpkin

Farm ready to treat guests to warm food and drinks.

26

Leaves and Berries by Eleena Amarani

Fickle Flowersby Abby Ottaway

Mrs. Gibbs’ Garden:peas, beans, hollyhocks, heliotrope, and

lots of burdock.He placed his hat on a rock beside the

picket fence -a place of serenity, a place of growth,

and a place to think -wavering between these three choices.

The flowers seemed to lean in and listen to his thoughts.

The garden decided for him.27

Brownby Rachel Hugo

Brown looks like sweet, German, milk chocolate - smooth and mellow.

Brown sounds likes the sounds of wood being chopped in the woods.Brown smells like the earth in our

garden after a rainy day.Brown tastes like what ugly worms

might taste like.Brown feels like the mustache of a

young man.Brown is like a woods full of animals.

Flight by Ashlyn Mahoney

The New Thingby Bryson Toubassi

tush touchfist pump our way

only good friends greet like thiseveryday after school hours

this will be the new thing

humor&

shenanigans28

Hygiene is our Lifeby Madison Martin & Carter Jones

A Poem?Forget it, Mrs. Cole.

You are joking, right?Sorry, we’re vegetarians.

Um....we broke a nail.Our freckles fell off!

We didn’t brush our teeth and dental hygiene is our LIFE.His pencil just broke after I stepped on it.

Sorry, we just found out that...we’re deaf? What? What?HIS doctor said that I am allergic to poetry.

Time’s up? Is that the bell?Wait....You like our poem? No kidding?

Thanks, Mrs. Cole.Want us to write another one?

Not Wearing Poetry Pantsby Edward Sturm & Miles Martin

A Poem?Forget it, Mrs. Cole.

You are joking, right?Our Uncle’s fish just died,

and the sorrow is overwhelming.We just had math! You think we can THINK?

HE’S not wearing his poetry pants.Our eraser is off kilter.

Oh no! Mike and Ike just broke up.We left our glasses in our good suit,

and we don’t wear THAT until Sunday.We just had school lunch. Our digestion is all

we can focus on right now.Wait! We have one more excuse to write...

What?Time’s up? Is that the bell?

Wait....You like our poem? No kidding?Thanks, Mrs. Cole.

Want us to write another one?

I’m Sorryby Chase Farha

I’m sorry if this poem is not so great.I don’t want this poem to stink like fish bait.

I want to be good at writing poems, but I’m not.Good writing skills aren’t something I got.I’m sorry you have to go through this pain.

Writing this poem isn’t something I should sustain.I know this poem is not worth pay.With this sentence, I say good-day.

World War Snowby Tate Clem

dry aircold and chilly

soft but coolfree and white

a personafriend

a snowballin my hand

zipping throughthe air

100 pointsit hit!

anger whilelaughing

ready to attackbut fled

I was sorrybut instead

I was not sorry

29

Students’ Favorite Gameby Aidan Scott

Who will I hang out in the ladies’ room?That’s all the kids at my school’s favorite activity.

Even the boys enjoy it.We just sit around on the toilets and

talk about boyfriend drama.The teachers don’t think it’s fun though.They say it’s “not school appropriate.”

But, it’s loads of fun.

Classic Dreams by Lauren Skelton

“Ready”Ready

by Edward Sturm & Nitai Dasa

Sunshine awaits me.Darkness engulfs me.My happiness is free.

My sorrow overwhelms.Simple joy.

Complicated sadness.I’m ready. I always have been.

I’m dreading. Forever dreading.It’s time for math.

30

War Against Twizzlersby Abby Ottaway, Zoe Johnson & Caroline Jiang

A Poem?Forget it, Mrs. Cole.

You are joking, right?Our arms are cramped! We have to go to the nurse!

Her shirt is black, and she can only write when her shirt is green.......AHHH!The peanut butter touched the jelly on our sandwiches! How horrid!

We’re from Minnesota, so we can’t write poetry.The Jollyrachers declared war against the Twizzlers.

I MUST HELP!We have split ends! We need to get our hair cut.

Her mom’s middle name is Susan,so basically, poetry is impossible.

Our favorite show just ended,so we are too depressed to think.

Time’s up? Is that the bell?Wait....You like our poem? No kidding?

Thanks, Mrs. Cole.Want us to write another one?

6 Word Memeby Sophie Solomon 31

Yo, Yo, Yo, Man!A One Act Playby Johanna Yang and Bryson Toubassi

Narrator:This is the story of 2 lost causes and the bear that helped them see the error of their ways.

It all started deep in the woods around a campfire.

(Scene opens around a roaring campfire, where two young rappers are “blinged” out and don’t fit in their surroundings.)

Skittle:Yo, Yo, I’m a rapper, yes I am. I rap all day and …… Eat some yams?

Large Wayne:No, no, man. Hear this: Beats, beats, all day long. If I can’t rap it…..in must be….Singed?...Sunged? How should this end?

Skittle:We’s gonna be rich, Large Wayne with our boss raps!

Large Wayne:Yeah man, I’m gonna buy a home theatre system and huge pool with a slip n’ slide!

Skittle:And I’m gonna buy myself some money and a Bugatti.

Large Wayne:AAhh yeah man this gone be sweet. It’s a good thing we dropped out of college to do raps.

Skittle:But I want a degree in rappin’, man.

Large Wayne:You can’t get a degree in that man… that’s why we did this. Duh!

Narrator: From the depths of the woods, came a bellowing growl.

Large Wayne:Did you hear that?

Skittle:Yeah was that you? That beat was sick!

32

(GROWLS AGAIN)

Uhh...yeah that was definitely not you…

(LARGE FEROCIOUS BEAR ENTERS STAGE RIGHT - Large Wayne and Skittle panic and hug in fear.)

Narrator:Our 2 “big and brave rappers” weren’t so big anymore.

Large Wayne:Dude, I never had a chance to get my rapping contract! Or my Jacuzzi! It was gonna have lights and everything!

Skittle:Oh shut it! You’re not the one who just lost his shot at a Bugatti!

Beau the Bear:Rappers! I think rappers are sooooo juicy and flavorful.

Large Wayne:This isn’t good man, we gotta climb that tree over there.

Skittle:But I can’t climb trees, bro. What do I do, man? Hey, where did you go?

Large Wayne:(Yells) Every man for himself!!

Skittle:That’s not cool, mannnn! What’s yo prob’m?

Large Wayne:It stinks to be you right now, Skittle.

Narrator:Just then, Beau the Bear tried to knock down the tree, and Large Wayne fell out.

Large Wayne:Heads up, Skittle! Catch me!

(Skittle moves out of the way and lets Large Wayne fall on his face)

Hey man, that’s not cool! I told you to catch me!

Skittle:You’re the one who bailed on me to climb a tree.

Large Wayne:Dude, it’s time to come clean! Hey bear, were not really rappers!

Beau:Hold up….

Skittle:No, were actually quite intellectual, and we want degrees in physiology!

33

Large Wayne:Yeah, I LOVE playing chess... and checkers...and Mahjong!

Beau:Wait a second. You’re both talking differently!

Skittle:Well, yes, were actually nerds not rappers.

Beau:That changes my whole perspective. You have to be yourself these days or it can get you into a lot of trouble! You are free to go.

Large Wayne:I guess it’s back to Harvard, Skittle... oh wait... Melvin III!

Skittle (Melvin III):Okay, you’re right, Large Wayne. Oh who am I kidding... your name is Dumbley!

Narrator:In the end, both former rappers earned their degrees in physiology and ended up being professors at Yale.

The End

34

Aliens are Comingby Hannah Hecox

two headsmutant woman

coming toward yousucking bloodit gashes teeth

roots finding goldyou taste better

than gold

fearsadness

&loss

35

The Raven Taskby Nitai Dasa

She nervously twisted one of her curly, raven black locks around her finger, a habit she would retain all of her life.

Tomorrow was the initiation day.She had come so far - so many tests.She looked up at me and whispered,

“I’m terrified.”This moment would make or break her.

I squeezed her hand, “I’m sure you’ll get in.”After letting go of my hand, she drew her knife

and walked through the door.

Grandpaby Tori Dexter

Grandpa Dexterbrilliant - sharp

to thrive - to excel - to achieveheart stopped pumping

to decelerate - to fight - to surrenderliterary - genius

grandfather

Him by Malina Wagner36

Loss

Desire life, you graciouslyHumbly desire

AdmirationFriendship was kept a secret

Loss of a friendImmediately alone

bySophie Solomon

Alone

I understoodI was alone

I driftedonly slowlyin the quiet

frozen country byMadison Martin

“Til the Last Hourby Julia Fetters

His voice never rose above a whisper.I knew that this was the last voice that I would hear.

My version of dying wasn’t like this.I always imagined I’d be at home,

and all my family would be around me.I never thought I would die this young

and this way.I hope I will be remembered for who...

The End is Nearby Uday Kabirapanthi

We are face to face with the rest of the world.The aliens have shown themselves.

The dragons have shown themselvesand scorched the humans.

The end is near.My life is so short, and I forgot to mention

that monsters...have combined forces.I feel frightened for my soul. 37

Warningby Nitai Dasa

Cassidy let out a yelpand nudged his head under my leg.He seemed terrified - the poor dog.

I scratched his head and asked,“What’s wrong, boy?”

He whined and curled up, looking at me as if he was trying to tell me something.

“Dad, something is wrong with Cassidy.”And then, sirens started crying out.

I bolted to the basement.

Chains of Death by Abby Ottaway

38

Again

I can’tI don’t seeI’m afraid

I haven’t found it yetPerhaps

I ought to turn awayagain by

Edward Sturm Grief

Scream of griefImpossible to describe

ArrowsMy hands and face

My spectaclesUnder water

I was drowned

byJulia Fetters

Lost and Foundby Sophie Solomon

That stormy night, his life was lost.Who knows where it went.

What terrible thing happened that caused him to loose such a valuable thing?

Some say it was out of nature.I know what happened.

Once a life lost, now’s a life found.

Justiceby Natalie Johnson

Absolute justice could never be attained in practice.A crime like this is worth the morgue.

He said that people were“drowning in their own blood”

like it was a good thing.The long black coat was flowing from behind him.

The hat was five feet tall.The sky was red.Who is this man?

39

A Bullyby Hannah Hecox

Some kids liked to go behind himand drop pennies down the gaps.

He never knew.Children.

Joking with him.He did find out.He was furious.

Anger flowed through him.He slammed one head on the wall.

Then he saw what he had done.

Collapseby Malina Wagner

They just didn’t get it.I would love being here,if I had made it honestly.

It wasn’t my fault;It wasn’t.

Free yet trapped,trapped by myself.

Pressure suffocates,suffocates more than the body.

Emotions suffocate and die off too.Too much pressure for me.

Bear Attack by Miles Martin & Sebastien Patino40

The Wallby Johanna Yang

Avalon, St. Martin’s land,the place of sudden mists

A land of dragons, griffins,and magical creatures

This land was created to causeboth joy and disorientation.The creepy twists and turns

led me to the wall.I didn’t know that it would

the last thing I saw.

by Abby Ottaway, Natalie Johnson, Julia Fetters., Edward Sturm, Pax Weber, Brenna Donnelly, Graham Burmeister, Hannah Hecox, and Malar Muthakumar

Souls Rise

tenderit pierces the souls

slated, fractured, broken beaststo the frigid sky they risesudden death defies all

Misunderstandingby Sophie Solomon

Because you never let us.We have been captivated by these chains

that so strongly grasp us.We tried to explain our reasonings,

but you never let us.I’m sure if you just listened to

our every single word,you might understand why we did what we did.

But before we had the chance, everything went black. 41

The Horror of Truthby Malar Muthukumar

I was getting off the bus.The mailman dropped an envelope

into the mailbox.It was red.

I cried in shock and ran to grab it.Hands shaking, I opened the letter

and read the first line.I froze.

All at once, I screamed, tears streaming out of my eyes.

The World has Changedby Brenna Donnelly

They believed they were living in a new age.The world was different before...better.

People were nice, sharing...human.Then it all changed. We changed.Our souls are now cold and dead.We walk around the cold Earth

numb and emotionless.Help me.

I am the only one left in this world.

Normalby Sophie Solomon

Normal...hah! I was never meant to be what people these days refer to as normal...never will be. One may call it “a 6th sense.” I don’t understand the

obvious, but the deeper, more complicated things are as simple addition would be to an adolescence. Well...to me that is. I have never been one to fit in with the normal happenings these days. Perhaps

the whole world has just become blind to the things they call invisible. Normal...now what does that

word even mean?

Where?by Malina Wagner

Half a dozen attendants forward to...I don’t know what...interfere no doubt.

But with what?I can’t remember.

Black.Then suddenly light.

I woke up here.But where is here?

Who am I?I look down at a body not my own.

Near the Endby Kylie Mitchell

Adults don’t like the idea of kids.It is because they remind them

of their own youthand remind them

they are near the end.Near Death.

Death is a weird thing.If you go to hell, what is it like?

Fire? Unholy?Death is weird.People mourn.

People cry,yet those people

go with God.42

The Huntedby Cole Chandler

My friends and I went to the woods to film a scary movie, but we didn’t know the myth was real. As the monster chased me, I let out a blood-curling scream as I saw my friends dead on the ground. Their eyes were as white as the clouds above. My heart was beating quickly. I was sweating. I thought sweat was dripping, but it was something else...blood. I l o o k e d b a c k , a n d t h e monster was running the other way. I looked again and saw the monster was ten feet taller. I then remembered the pistol in my pocket. I could use it. I reached down only to find where the monster had sliced me - right through the pocket. I had no pistol, only a bloody leg.

The Hunterby Zoe Johnson

I finally saw the perfect person in the perfect place to me my prey. As I chased my prey, it fell, and I went in for the kill. I felt the sense of its fear pulsing t h r o u g h m y v e i n s a s adrenaline followed. It was going to fight back and make it a game for me. I hoped it would run. I hoped it would run so long that it became night and dark. It needs to run long enough, so that I won’t be the prey - the hunted.

The Hunterby Malar Muthukumar

I lurked in the woods, await ing prey, hunger pinching the insides of my belly. At last! My keen ears heard the tiniest snap of a twig in the field. I turned my head, bared my sharp, pointed teeth, and charged. The world was a blur. I saw nothing but the food before me. Closer, closer, closer to meat. Closer to ripping flesh off bones. Closer to food sl iding down my throat. I smiled viscously. I had forgotten what it was like to be on the hunt. Which part was the juiciest? Today, at last, I will have a full belly. But as I leap into the air and roar, I wonder, how long will this meal last?

43

Chained by Malina Wagner

The Black Carby Sophie Solomon

Was it supposed to be this way?I don’t understand...

Well...then again,I don’t understand many normal

things....Do I?In this room, well, I know I don’t

belong here. It happened through the course of a day. A day which

seemed normal...at the time...I dreaded that big, black car.

The big, black car which had parked RIGHT in front of the building. RIGHT where I could see it as I

excited the building.She walked up to me.

“What are you doing here?”I sternly questioned here

appearance.“Get in the car” were her only

words. I obeyed, knowing what would happen if I refused her

command. We drove and drove. We stopped at a large, crowded

building. They sat me in a room, leaving me for hours and hours. Finally, I was brought to another room, and questioned about my

doings in the past week. After we talked, they put me in another

vehicle, taking me to where I lie now. I didn’t rest ‘til midnight.

Restless, I thought about all that had happened. It put me here. In a

hospital. All alone.

44

Falling in Warby Pax Koenig-Weber

been stabbedstaked and falling

impaled, I’ve been - friend belowheat of battle - warriors forged

I’m dying good-bye, friends.

Dreams of Sufferingby Campbell Flemming

The people who might have landedand poked and pried

saw only clouds of whitenessand went on their way.

It was dark.The white clouds were mist.

They heard the monsters were roaring.They heard the screams of humans suffering.

The devastating crash led them there.They were marooned on Monster Island.

After Deathby Brenna Donnelly

On the right, close to the mouth, you’d see a large creek named Wist. I was my

Wonderland, full of dreams and nightmares. Angels and demons flew around. I was

enchanted, yet scared...curious, yet hesitant. It came up to me...the demon.It reached for me, and I ran.

Something saved me. I don’t know what.

45

Peace ManWords by Tori Dexter

focusmeditation

floating in the air, peace out!flying high on the cold concrete

Woohoo! Yoga is fun! love, joy&

fantasy46

Loveby Kylie Mitchell

We were huddled over a game,my head on his shoulder.

Would we grow old together?Would we love each other forever?

I wonder.Does he love me?

Do I love him?Are we right?I look over.He’s gone.Forever.

Then I realize,I do love him,

but it doesn’t matter.

Shoot the Moonby Graham Burmeister

Remember when I used to “shoot the moon”

with only an ace, king, queen,deuce, and trace? Ten Point Pitch was an awesome game.

We were the kingsof Ten Point Pitch. All we did

was win. If we were on opposite sides, we

usually would tie.But, everyone knew I would be a

really good player.We used to have contests and toward the end, and I would

beat you.You were so good because you

played it often.I was so good, because I learned

from the best.

Rememberby Caroline Yiang

Remember when you used to give me cherries, and I ate themand spit out the seeds?

My grandma would clean the floor, since the seeds were all over the ground.

My mom asked me why I spit the seeds on the ground. I replied, “I aimed for the

table, but I guess it rolled on the ground, and I don’t know what to do.”

My grandma chuckled and said that my excuse was reasonable.

I was 2 years of age at that time.

47

Variance by Malina Wagner48

Brokenby Julia Douglas

bendyI am broken

toes and hands touch the cold groundthe morning sun wakes to greet me

the dawn has arisen

Dropped from the Heavensby Abby Ottaway

The queasiness has stopped.The worry has gone.

The dizziness vanished.I’m completely still,

yet descending toward the Earth.Falling.

The Sawby Graham Burmeister

The saw vibrated in Dad’s armsand his whole body shook under the

force of it.Will he slip and fall?Will he stay strong?Will he cut wood?

Will he run and cut a tree down?Will he sever his hand by accident?

No.He will spend time with me

and build a birdhouse.

49

What She Once Wasby Abby Ottaway

Muncie stumbled backward into the electric fence.Her back hit the wire.

She fell to the grass scattered with wilted daisies.They were just like her -

Once beautiful with sparkling potential.

6 Word Meme by Madison Martin

50

Best TeacherPhoto and Words by Carter Jones

high fiveI’m teacher’s pet

slowly reading and findingin the sun with the best teacher

spending time together

hope&

heroes51

Not Yetby Miles Martin

She was pretty and that was nice,but he did not really know her.

He knew she had a secret that he needed to know.

He knew that he couldn’t judge a book by its cover.

She wasn’t “too pretty” to resist. She was beautiful but mysterious.

She was not the right person.Keep looking.

The State Fair by Abby Ottaway

The Noteby Graham Burmeister

He should come forward and set things right.But what should I do?

Should I go up and talk?Should I just wimp out?

I need to do this.There she is.

She is looking at a note that was mine.52

A Hero Flying HighThe Richard Chase Storyby Lanna Chase

The altimeter was spinning out of control and the left engine had smoke steaming out of it. There was a great deal of snow on the ground-about 8 feet! His head had many thoughts racing through it. He hoped to land safely, and if he did, he needed to have a plan to make his way back to the Air Force Base. No time for that now, he had to prepare himself to crash, with his seat belt fastened, his arms wrapped around his knees, and his head tucked in between his legs. KABOOM!!!!! He had crashed. Snow covered up all the windows of the crashed plane. He scrambled to see if the crew was okay. Luckily they were. Everyone on the massive plane had to help to try to open the door. They soon opened the latch, despite the snow that tumbled in the door. Richard Chase was a hero to me by serving in the Air Force. He was 22 when he started, and 24 when he left. He served in the Intelligence Department within the Air Force branch. During his service, the Korean War was raging. Richard had many secrets to keep, because he was the Security

Officer. One of his secrets that makes him an even bigger hero was that he was the one that carried the codes to the nuclear bombs. His son, Cran Chase, found out only a couple of years ago about this big secret. “My father has many accomplishments to be proud of, but he would never think of himself as a hero. He is one of the most humble men I have ever met,”explained Cran. Growing up in the country side of Kansas, Richard Chase never dreamed of the adventures he would soon have, or how he would be in charge of such a huge responsibility. “I learned a lot in the country about hard work, self reliance, and responsibility,” said Richard. After his time in the service, Richard spent his time ranching and farming for several years. He then decided that he needed a good job to support his family. Richard started his own bank called Chisholm Trail State Bank. The success of that endeavor enabled him to purchase another bank in Derby, Kansas called First

53

National Bank of Derby. Later, he sold CTSB and changed the Derby bank’s name to “Verus Bank”, where his family still works today. Two of his sons, Kevin Chase and Cran Chase, now work as Executive Vice President, and a Chairman for the bank. “Verus” is a form of the Latin word “Veritas” which means true and genuine. These two words also describe Richard Chase. A hero doesn’t have to wear a mask or a cape, a true hero is also someone who puts others before themselves, or is an act of bravery and courage. Richard Chase doesn’t think of himself a hero, but others will probably say so. “I don’t personally think of myself as a hero, I’m just trying to live my life with high values and morales,” explains Richard. Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. A hero is someone who is brave, strong, and most of all kind hearted. Richard Chase is clearly those three things. He was brave to enter the Air Force, he was strong when he crashed in the airplane, and he is truly kind hearted to the people around him.

Left: Dr. King by Brenna DonnellyRight: Joyland by Carter Jones

6 Word Memes:Upper Left by Malar MuthukumarUpper Right by Natalie Johnson, Malina Wagner, and Malar MuthukumarBottom Left by Kylie MitchellBottom Right by Abby Ottaway

54

Scavengersby Brenna Donnelly

She rummaged through the trashcan vigorously. She found a bright blue egg and squealed in excitement. Happiness spread across the children's faces as they ran through the yard. This would happen

every Easter. But children grow older. We lose traditions.It's nice to see we haven't forgotten it.

Feeling by Hawk Breen

Blue by Hawk Breen

She is One of a Kindby Rachel Smith

She is very heart-filled. She loves life, animals, and people. She can be bossy at times, but that is just her. She gets confused a lot, but that makes her try

harder. She can frustrate me, but I get over it. She likes different things than I do, but that is why we are friends. She

is sweet and innocent, but bold and neat. She has a creative mind, and she

likes to share it with the world. She laughs at a lot of things that I don’t get,

but it makes me laugh. She seeks knowledge. She thinks hard and words

hard. She loves to smile and have a good time. She is kind to all people.

When she is scared, she looks for help, and this is were I come in. She makes

me cry. She makes me think. She is one of a kind.

55

Lookingby Julia Douglas

The majority of women came from nearby midwestern states.

One thing was their goal:Water.

The famine was great and had killed many.These few women made it out alive...

alive.An expedition for foodLooking and searching

For forever homes

56

The Lotus by Pax Koenig-Weber

Baby Cinnamon by Ashlyn Mahoney

Am I Flying?by Edward Sturm

fallinggone forever

pulled into darkness...I thinkfloating, flying, fleeting, falling

hold your breathdon’t feel

fly

57

The Super7A Graphic Novel

By TIS Advanced English 6Written by Graham Burmeister, Lanna Chase, Tori Dexter, Julia Douglas, Campbell Flemming,

Bryson Toubassi, Johanna Yang - Designed & Photo Edited by Mrs. Debra Cole58

“Before you embark on a

journey, dig two graves.”

-Confucius

It is widely known that most heroes start from tragic circumstances. These 6 young warriors were no

different...

In one room, a pensive young man, examined ancient plans and writings. His journey to that exact moment had been long and painful with the memory of his

parents’ tragic death.

As architects in Tokyo, their death by The 7 Deadly Riders shocked all at the

building dedication.

Deep in the forests of Japan, a large dojo stood among the echoes of the

ancient waterfalls.

This time, he would be old enough and strong enough to stop them. Maximum

Method was ready.

As engineers, examining power lines was a weekly activity. The 7 Deadly Riders made sure it was their last check up.

In the meditation room, an energetic young woman absorbed the energy from the nearby

waterfall. Power had always been her strength, but it was the downfall of her parents.

The power from that explosion was her now her fuel. Next time, she would be

charged enough to zap their hearts. Miss Moxie was energized and waiting.

Deep in the lab, one brilliant young man was creating a new deadly bacteria. His scientist parents had discovered a brain

growth chemical.

MaximumMethod

MissMoxie

The 7 Deadly Riders thought they had destroyed their dreams with

their deaths. Little did they know, their dreams had absorbed into

their child.

His intellect would now be

the key to their demise. The Brain was educated and

ready to teacha lesson.

Behind the Dojo, stood a tennis court with a determined young lady

refining her deadly serve.

As tennis coaches and doubles partners, the young girl’s parents were not expecting the deadly match at the

1973 Wimbledon final rounds.

With the force of an enchanted tennis ball and an ancient

Japanese racquet, she planned on this match being The Riders’ painful last. Game, Set, Match was trained and a score of love

was not a part of her plan.

The

Brain

GameSetMatch

In the pitch-black basement of the Dojo, one young man moved without being detected by the razor sharp

lasers.

Being invisible to enemies was not new to his parents as government snipers. Sadly, they did not see

The 7 Deadly Riders who shot them in the backs.

Next time, The Riders would not see HIM coming.

For Stealth was his name and silence

was his game.

The practice room had amazing acoustics in the Dojo, so one talented young girl chose it

continuously to practice her piercing high notes.

As the infant of Broadway Phantom of the Opera stars, her

cries could be heard in the balcony when she witnessed a fellow, evil castmate slice the ropes of the chandelier causing their deaths.

Waaaaaa!!!

Waaaaaa!!!

Waaaaaa!!!

Stealth

Known now as The Drama Queen, she vowed that her heavenly high notes would burst the eardrums of cast

mates of The 7 Deadly Riders.

These were the young warriors that Gordian needed in her army - for

righting the wrongs done by the evil was her mission in life.

These six were no puppets. Strings would never hold them down. These Super 6 would be legends if all went

according plan.

Together, they would train and plan for The 7 Deadly Riders’ final ride.

DramaQueen

Gordian

Anger had always

consumed a man named Repulse, but the day he

lost his parents... something snapped.

His evilness splintered into 7 different pieces, each with their

own sins.

From that day on, Letharg, Jealousity, Averice Avie, Conseta, Narcissa,

Insatia, and Desiree left death and destruction in their wake.

Big plans were brewing for the evil 7, and the result would be lethal.

Through a secret door in the Dojo bathroom, The Super 6

met Gordian in preparation for the upcoming showdown.

“Ohayoo gozaimasu,

my warriors.”

“Konichiwa, Gordian-san. We

are ready.”

“And it is a good thing that you are, for word has

reached me that The 7 Deadly Riders are near and

ready to strike.”

“What is their target?”

“They are attacking what young people should treasure

most.”

“Game Stop?”

“Starbucks?”

“My iPhone charger?”

“Nuclear power plants?” “My props?”

“No. They are going after parents. The 7 Deadly Riders are

planning on harming all the parents at a Friday night football game. There, they have access to

the masses, and we must stop them. You six know more than

everyone the pain of losing parents.”

“We need to save the parents, my friends. We must train everyday in preparation, for The 7

Deadly Riders are surely doing the same.”

The Super 6’sTraining Dojo

The 7 Deadly Riders’Training Lair

After a full day of training, The Super 6 awoke to a silence that worried the crew.

“Anyone notice thatsomething is missing?”

“The energy has certainly shifted in

the Dojo.”

“Then it hit them... “Gordian is GONE!

On the doormat, stood two photos.

“The game in ON!” “Surely I can find a way to be undetected while

releasing her.”

“No. Clearly those explosives are C2S5 hydrogen nuclear

bombs. It will take more than invisibility to save her.”

We haveGordian.

As the The Brain stepped to lean against the wall,

a button was triggered, and the

wall opened.

Inside the walls of the Dojo, were powerful suits with technology never before seen. Each suit tailored to each

heroes special ability.

“They messed with the wrong squad.”

As the Sun set, the glorious and bright moon shined upona crowd of anxious parents at the local high school football field. It was game

night, and the stands were full.

With all the excitement in the stands, few noticed the dark figure tied to the goal post,

strapped with explosives.

A group of sinister figures, the 7 Deadly Riders, gathered

behind the concession stand, ready to detonate.

“I’m going to push the button. No one else

can.”

“Are you kidding me, Desiree? I can’t get

enough of pushing buttons. It should be

me.”

“I am the beautiful one. It should be me!”

“You think you are the beautiful one? They call

me Conseta for a REASON! I am the beautiful one.....on

the outside at least. I should push the button.”

“Me. It should be me, Losers.”

I’m too lazy to push the button....but I can’t reach it from here.....Pwew....I’m worn out. I could care less

who pushes. Knock yourselves out. I just want

to see the BOOM!”

“Out of the way everybody! In 30 seconds, these

parents will definitely go BOOM, and I will push the

button that destroys everyone.”

Slowly The 7 Deadly Riders start to walk onto the football field. A hush washes over the crowd for evil is

in the air.

“Parents: We are the 7 Deadly Riders, and today is your final day on earth.

Prepare to say goodbye to your kids, for we never had parents, therefore THEY

will no longer have parents.”

Just as the scoreboard showed a villainous countdown to destruction, one loan sibling in the audience noticed hope

on the horizon.

“Look! Help is on the way....and there are 6 of them!”

Tick Tick Tick

With suits as slick as speed skaters, and pure determination in their eyes, our heroes headed onto the field from all sides.

“Exactly! They call me Stealth for a reason.

“Oh, no....I can’t run fromthese guys.

It’s curtains for me.”

“RUN!!!!!!!”

“Whoa, we didn’t see you.”

“LETHARG, you need therapy....two times a day.

Laziness is infectious.”

Just then, Maximum Method released Gordian to help with the battle that raged upon the field between good and evil.

Using his intellect and Maximum Method’s plan, The Brain grabbed the explosives that were once around Gordian, and while Drama Queen hit a screeching high note, Miss Moxie electrically

helped him wrap The 7 Deadly Riders with the explosives.

With the strength of thousands, the heroes lifted The 7 Deadly Riders up as Game, Set, Match lobbed the evil crew into the air with her super racquet.

“YOU ARE TRUE HEROES, ALL SIX OF YOU, THE SUPER 6!”

“ACTUALLY...with Gordian by our side,we are now The Super 7!”

Once the dust had settled, out from the behind the bleachers, seven tiny shadows were cast upon the now Super 7.

“What did you do with our parents?”

The End

Revenge had indeed dug a second set of graves.

“A child can ask questions that a wise man cannot answer.” - Unknown.

theend

Quest by Abby Ottaway

exploreadventure waits

look forward to the futuredawn approaching sparking unknown

maybe we can make it

special thanks tomrs. margaret floyd,mrs. laura norman,

mrs. elizabeth brosius, mrs. penny cornett,

mrs. marianne burch, mrs. elizabeth johnson,

mrs. amanda evan,ms. jen pence,

mrs. allison raney, and mrs. barbara morgan and her fabulous pre-k kiddos

The Independent SchoolBLUE Middle School Literary Magazine

Attn: Mrs. Debra Cole8317 E. Douglas Ave.

Wichita, KS 67218