INSIGHTS SMS

Literary Magazine 2012

Gail AlterGrade 6

INSIGHTS Scarsdale Middle School Literary Magazine 2012

We hope you enjoy this compilation of literary and

artistic works created by the students of

Scarsdale Middle School!

Chiara LeoneGrade 6

Table of Contents

Literary Work Page Literary Work Page Artwork Page

Josie Blatt 4 Kendall Bensche 12Celia Berman 8Marie Ceske 4,13Jacqueline Clark 4Caroline Donat 32Abby Drucker 5Patrick Dwyer 16Hanna Eisenstein 7Kimberly Ellis 31Ecem Ertas 30Sophie Fast 24Zack Gelles 28Daniel Gliedman 23,25Dalia Gopstein 9Alex Hart 19Emily Hokin 5Lila Horwood 18Tomas Jackson 30Sarah Jathas 22Emily Jusuf 6Kathleen Kantor 22Alexis Kline 22Madoka Kumamaru 9Matthew Kuo 25Emma Lappin 32Lizzie LeBoyer 20Isaac Lee 8Samantha Lin 6Emily Markowitz 29Hernan Marambio 19Jens Mariager 23Jillian Mehlman 6Roshni Mehta 18Laila Mian 17Sophia Mohlulis 29Sophie Munoz 24Yuji Nam 27Genevieve Nemeth 11,32Dan Patrizio 20

3

Charlie Abrams 19Gail Alter CoverKendall Bensche 30Emily Berk 15Matthew Breitman 23Justina Camaj 17Kelsey Chin 34Peter Dibbini 20Gabriel Dickson 7Tom Fanning 9Marykate Filos 24Matthew Greenberg 30Jordana Kaller 13Emily Kopp 8Maya Kulick 29Chiara Leone 2Caroline Mandel 18Emily Markowitz 28Kaitlin Marrs 22Aarti Mehta 5Holly Rittmaster 4Sam Rosner 25Allison Saltz 21Sydney Schweber 31Lucas Tesler 16Bebe Thompson 34Maki Umehara 32Sydney Weber 34Hannah Weinstein 26Cherie Xu 33

Laura Pollack 31Serena Pratt 28Megan Reynolds 8,11Natalie Rosier 7Anna Rubin 27Carly Rubin 32Jaanvi Sachdeva 12Allison Saltz 21Adam Schwall 15Victoria Sciortino 16Mandira Shashank 6Julia Sheinbaum 22Lauren Singer 12Nakul Srinivas 15Annabelle Stanley 23Lily Steckel 14Stephanie Strek 11Sandra Suarez 33Courtney Swift 19Zach Tesler 11,26Vicki Tomalin 33Jessica Tsai 26,32Fefe Tuchman 9Ambika Venkatakrishnan 25Ananta Wadhwa 10Adam Wolf 27Karen Zaklama 17

4

A Writer At Heart

With expectations setAs high as the skyA pen in one handA dream in the mindThe future untoldYet eager to unfoldThe writer descendsWith a smile so lightAnd passion so brightA whole heart put inTo the story she writes

Marie CeskeGrade 8

A Painting

Could you ever relaxAnd take a look at the worldThink to yourself, “What is this place?”

You might think it’s a busy planetWhere people rush and don’t calm down

Or you could look at it with an open mindAnd say, “The world is a painting”With children in schools and animals in forests

Sometimes I wish the world could be a paintingJust a frozen moment in timeAnd I’d make it beautifulJust like a painting

So whenever you’re stressedAnd don’t know what to do

Take a step backFreeze that moment in timeAnd picture the world as a painting.

Josie BlattGrade 7

Holly RittmasterGrade 6

Friends

FriendsRemember the nice ones?The ones who stayed with you?Through all of your struggles

FriendsRemember the mean ones?The ones who called you namesThe ones that you complained to your mom about

FriendsRemember the temporary ones?The ones who you meet on vacation or at the pool

FriendsRemember the forever friends?The ones you’ve known all your lifeThe ones you share inside jokes with

FriendsThey all seem the sameNice and meanTemporary and foreverAlways in your heart

Jacqueline ClarkGrade 7

5

Pictures and Memories

When I look at them I smileWhen I see them they bring back memoriesOld and new memories will last foreverAnd ever

They are everywhereIn my room, on the walls, in my houseWe add or take new onesAnd put away old ones

Many memories are hidden in these picturesFrom vacations to even just regular daysEveryday is a pictureEveryday is a memoryOf my friends and family

Emily HokinGrade 7

Family Heirloom

it sits in my boxfilled with jewels

but it’s the most special of them allforever in my family’s memory

and when I’m older I will pass it onto future generations

I imagine my daughter looking at that diamond ringthinking how lucky she is to have a ring that once belonged to her great grandmother

I catch myself staringand seeing my grandmother before I knew herwhen she was young, a school girl laughing with her friendson the pavement in the schoolyard, excited about her birthday presentthe diamond ring,for turning ten

so special to hernow so special to me

that small diamond ringmeans everything.

Abby DruckerGrade 7

Aarti MehtaGrade 7

WORK URL 6

Costa Rican Ocean

The sunsets in a sleepy farewell,leaving behindmemoriesand colorsthat dance offthe white crested waves.

Mystery lies belowin the rainbow of coral and fish.Eternal peaceis achieved here.The craftsmanship of Godcreated an art galleryof beauty,obscurity,and illusionsthat cannot be stomped uponby the heavy feetof humans that lurk above.

Jillian MehlmanGrade 7

Beginnings: June 24, 2011

The cool rain falls;A gift of silver sparkles,Each drop a tiny mirror of my joy.

This is freedomin the earliest of mornings.Our story has just begun.

Our lips part like buds breaking open,Words like “Goodbye” and “I’ll miss you”Flitting here and there--But I promise you they will not be our last!

...Because Time is on our side todayAnd a full, fresh year to spend togetherShines promisingly ahead of us.

Is it not a miracleThat we can throw out our arms--Rippling through the crisp summer air--And not be afraid?

Emily JusufGrade 8

Fall Poem

Clouds stoop to wrap a blanket around usAnd the trees scattering golden leavesReaching out skyward for sunshine not thereCrimson berries perch on battered bushesAbove, a tree bears the weight of the skyLike an Atlas bent and twisted by timeA drooping willow weeping over deathThe bushes below like heart tears of griefA hunched tree mourning over a rock graveIcy and dead marked by barren cold stoneAbandoned tree caught by winter’s bleak fistShaking only branches that are leftCrooked tree leaks a steady stream of bloodSlowly dripping onto frozen mud

Samantha LinGrade 8

Time

Slowly slippingLying upon usGone too quickly

Giving its giftThat cannot last

Lilies budTo morning glowSand slowly driftingSifting like snow

Mandira ShashankGrade 6

WORK URL 7

Abigail StoneGrade 8

After the Rain

After the rain,The sun pushesThrough the cloudsAs if it is the starOf a show.

After the rain,Little yellow rubber bootsSplash in the puddlesOn the side of the road.

After the rain,A beam of colored light Breaks the dark shadowOf the gray sky.

After the rain,The beauty of the Fresh new dayReminds meHow much I love the rain.

Natalie RosierGrade 6

Precious Place

Nature has precious places.Places of different shades of

color, shape, size, and personality.

The sun glistening with delightThe precious places come to life.

The royal blue sky,with contrast of

fluffy, off-white clouds.Nature is so precious,

Nature makes me proud.

Fish gliding across the ocean.The reefs moving with swift motions.

Nature is so interesting,With its different emotions.

ExultantDepressed

ElegantI am impressed.

With all of itsQuirky

Feelings,As it moves from

Day To

Night.

It is so beautiful,We must be polite,

to this precious place of mine.Don’t ruin it,It only has

SoMuchTime.

Hanna EisensteinGrade 6

Gabriel DicksonGrade 8

WORK URL 8

Autumnal Callings

The lone tree standing tallOver the mist that covers allThe brown is dying, fighting to hold onWhile few crimson stand strong.

Limbs reaching out wideChestnut creeping up the sideOf the wall which stands drearyWith nothing you can see completely.

The brightest flowing circular like a riverWhile golden crunch and quiverFern regularly covering the groundBlanketed by an amber brown.

STOP! NO PARKING! FIRE ZONE!Stood out in nature’s ownBroken chains, broken heartsNature’s green is falling apart.

Celia BermanGrade 7

Last Stand

One more show to end the year,Filled with happiness and cheerThe stage is ready, cleared awayThe dancer’s body starts to s w a y Their colors change from green to redTheir pretty coats begin to shedOne by one their clothing d r o p sYellow, orange, it never stopsThe music whistles past our earsAs the dance’s ending nearsNow the color flooded groundStops any remaining soundThe dancers slow with grace and careThis time, they’re completely bare.

Megan ReynoldsGrade 8

Fall Walk

The tall figures of trees, arms outstretchedTheir long bony fingers pointing to the skyThe whispering of the bone chilling wind

whistling through themThe last ragged leaves clinging to the skeletal, cold branches

The grass waving and rippling like waves out at seaSpires of jagged rocks looming out of the foggy gloom

The mist obscuring and distorting shapesThe old, dead leaves being consumed by the earth

The dark, shadowy clouds overhead, sealing all in like aCoffin lid

Isaac LeeGrade 8

Emily KoppGrade 6

WORK URL 9

Daffodil

One day I was sitting on the windowsill,And suddenly I spotted

A daffodil.

With its yellow petalslike rays of the sun.It reflected spring,

with all the laughing and fun.

It took away the dark daysfilled with snow and hail,

and made me remember the good dayswith sunshine and swinging water pails.

Fefe TuchmanGrade 6

The Woods After Rain

The wind whistled through the evergreen treesThe transparent sky grew bright

The birds sang their tuneThe fierce lake glistened under the warm sun

The hawk soared through the cobalt canvasThe deer tiptoed on the damp surface

The orange sunlight poured onto the atmosphereLife in the woods woke with the sun

Madoka KumamaruGrade 6

Spring is Coming

Flowers blossom,Into the newly warmed air.

Bees finish pollinatingThe flowers and trees.

Animals begin to come out of hibernation.Butterflies flutter their light colored wings,

To the satisfaction of humans.The air is full of excitement!Colors begin to reappear,As they once did last year.

Green,Blue,

Purple,Pink,

And more.Winter begins to fall

As spring beings to rise.This natural occurrence is a beautiful process.

The last drop of snowMelts.

That’s when you know,Spring is coming.

Dalia GopsteinGrade 6

Tom FanningGrade 6

WORK URL 10

Rachel WolfeGrade 7

A Compassionate Cut

My mom walked into my room and held a book before my eyes. “For you, Ananta,” she articulated softly.I hugged my mom, murmured a disinterested, “Thank you.” I looked at the book and was drawn in by the eyes of the girl on the cover. They did not look sad or happy; however, the look in those eyes commanded me to read the book. Within two days, I had devoured Because of Anya by Margaret Peterson Haddix. This book became instrumental in teaching me something I had never known and inspired me to do something that I would never dream of doing. I felt the wetness of the tears on my cheeks as I learned that the main character, Anya, was one of the four million people in the United States who suffer from Alopecia areata, a disease that causes hair loss. I mopped my tears as I remembered Keely, who donates her hair at the end of the book. Suddenly, I felt stronger as I imagined Keely with her short, blonde hair, and a light turned on in my head. “I could grow out my hair and donate it to Locks of Love,” I declared even though I was the only person in the room. I dashed down the stairs like a bolt of lightning. I could feel the air whipping through my hair. I could hear the creaking sound around the elliptical, and I knew that my mom was exercising. As I announced my decision to my mom, my heart was beating as fast as a running cheetah. After that, I had one goal. It was to grow my hair another ten inches. From then on, I became more aware of what I ate and added a lot of carrots, fish, and olive oil to my diet, hoping that my hair would grow longer and healthier. I imagined it cascading down my back like a black waterfall. *** The sun god Apollo was riding his chariot high up in the sky as my mom drove me to the stylish Premier Atelier Salon. I held out my hair letting the sunlight fall on it. It glistened like black gold, and I really felt proud of my hair. I entered the salon amidst noise that came from people, hair dryers, and scissors. The smell of hair styling products made me feel uncomfortable. The salon was made literally from glasses and mirrors and was accented with brown leather chairs. As I walked in, I could see two of every person; the individual and their reflection. The small tables that were next to each chair were cluttered with many bottles of hair styling products. These products clustered together reminded me of a Christmas tree with different colored ornaments on it. My mom and I were greeted by a chic woman. She was a tall, skinny woman with short, dark brown hair. She wore heels, making her look even taller than she already was. She shook hands with me and had me sit on a squishy, swivel chair. I gazed in the mirror and saw a pair of nervous eyes staring at me. Then I saw another face in the mirror chirping, “Hi! I’m Tanya! I am going to cut your hair, pretty girl.” Suddenly, I was frightened. Soon my long tresses were not going to be a part of my body. They would not belong to me anymore. Short hair would make me look boyish. My stomach lurched as Tanya began braiding my hair. “Ready?” asked my mom.This was the moment for me to make my final decision. A simple “no” and my hair would continue to adorn my head. My mom patted my shoulder and my doubts vanished. “Ready,” I answered in a bold voice. The shiny blades of the scissors in Tanya’s hands looked like sharks’ teeth ready to attack my hair. Strangely enough, these teeth didn’t frighten me anymore. I felt a slight tug on my head and felt the scissors closing around my hair. There was a “snip snap” sound and my braid fell into Tanya’s hand. Tanya handed the snake-like braid to me. I held it triumphantly as pride surged through my body. My mom held out a Ziploc bag, and I gently placed this precious jewel inside. Soon this braid was to embark on a journey and arrive at the Locks of Love headquarters in Florida.

Ananta WadhwaGrade 6

WORK URL 11

Sad

Not excited like laughter in VeniceNot angry like when I spill my cold ice creamNot happy like when I’m hugging my familySad like a blue daySwamped over with cloudsAnd tears of rain falling downSad like a baby bird who can’t flySad like going to school after a long weekendSad when I am sitting at a cold desk instead of my warm bedSad that I can’t sleep in and stay up lateSad like a fall tree with no leavesSad like a day with only a glimpse of the sun

Stephanie StrekGrade 8

I’m TIred

not like you stayed up too late tirednot like you have jet-lag tirednot like you just exercised tiredbut happily tiredlaying down on the grass tiredlooking at that dazzling sunset tiredtired from having fun.

Zach TeslerGrade 8

I am feeling tired...Not tired from Thanksgiving turkey tiredNot overworked tiredNot from staying up until midnightBut Monday tiredSleepy, sinking eyelidsAnxious for a small napHead throbbing because

Ishouldhave slepta little

l o n g e r....(zzz)....

Genevieve NemethGrade 8

I’m confused...

Not walking into glass walls confused,Not straight jacket mental hospital “confused,”Not confused like Wingdings 2 font,But confused as in shock.Shocked about how fast time travels,Shocked how much can change,Shocked so that next time,I really should stop for a moment and smell the roses.

Megan ReynoldsGrade 8

WORK URL 12

Students in Popham 7 worked on rewrites of Sea Fever, a classic poem by John Masefield

I Must Go Back to New York City Again

I must go back to New York City again, to the land of flowing dreamsThe land of height, the land of light, the land where car horns scream.Where building tops slash through the sky, street lights blinking, staring downAn infernal labyrinth of subways screech by, rumbling underground.

I must go back to New York City again, where patches of pigeons ruleIn packs they fly and swoop in close, for a lone French fry they duel.And in Times Square digital signs blink, day and night and dayA river of yellow taxis flows, everyone on their way.

I must go back to New York City again, the capital of the world,Hot dog vendors line the street with pretzels hot and curled.And busy workers rush around, a cell phone always bleepsIt’s always busy, packed and loud in the city that never sleeps.

Lauren SingerGrade 7

I Must Go Back to the Gym Again

I must go back to the gym again, to the vault, bars, beam and the floor,Where my second family practices and life’s never a bore.Tumbling six feet over a four inch beam praying my feet will land,Scoring 10.0 is where the hopes and dreams of gymnasts stand.

I must go back to the gym again, even if I’m sore and aching,To condition every muscle, until I feel like breaking.Traveling to compete against other gyms, full of adrenaline,For the time when all eyes are on me, and I feel I must win.

I must go back to the gym again, where the memories are like scars,To stick a vault, to catch the bars, flying high to touch the stars.The grace of a swan and the strength of a lion are needed to say,I will be on that podium at the end of the meet day.

Kendall BenscheGrade 7

California

I must go back to California again, the sun shining bright in the skyThe fluffy white clouds, bright white against blue, just lazily passing by.The luscious green grass with deep rolling hills, creating a picture perfect scene,The serene sunsets, deep shades of red, forming a watercolor dream.

I must go back to California again, the beaches with oceans so grand,The soft waves crashing gently upon the shore, just barely meeting the sand.The angry waters rushing to form a wave, making such a wonderful soundThe birds soaring above the heads, of those watching the warm ocean splash around.

I must go back to California again, sunshine, the clear skies, so prettyThe soft daylight sets into dark nights, with everything all around me.The millions of white stars, against a stunning dark sky, clear and gleaming with light.The summer’s subtle breeze, creeping up through the valley, slowly cooling the night.

Jaanvi SachdevaGrade 7

WORK URL 13

Marie Ceske, a Popham 8th grader, won a Silver Key and honorable mention in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards! Below are several of her poems:

Perspective

Delicate strandsGlisten in the sunA gracious featA task well done

An invisible trapDo not fly thereIf you doYour life beware

A web of lifeIdeas so brightA beautiful masterpieceSparkles in the light

A web of deathA coffin of silkYour blood could beThe spider’s milk

A web of loveA web of hateDepending on theSide you take.

Army after Army

From far awayThe ocean stirsAnd starts to buildIts mighty forcesCamouflaging its strengthIn the peaceOf the distant sea

The armies moveCloserAnd CloserPreparing to attack

With all their mightThey stand up straightRevealingTheir powerAnd start to chargeAgainst their invaders

But once they reachA certain pointThey trip over the shorelineAnd fallFlatWith a crashTheir downfallHeard from miles

Despite defeatThe violent seaWill neverGive upSending armyAfter armyIn hopeless thought ofVictory

Jordana KallerGrade 6

WORK URL 14

More Alive

“Mhmmmmmmm” I inhaled the fresh, salty air. I looked around and saw what looked like any ordinary sea, with tons of people and an uncanny shack. It was my last day in Israel for December break in 2010, and I was loving it. My family and I had just come from Masada, which is a natural fortress in Israel by the Dead Sea. Earlier that day I had ridden a camel, which I enjoyed very much. I could tell that I was getting better after my blistering fever that I had to prevail with for four days. However, I kept taking medicine, and persevered through all of our adventures. Now it was the time I had been waiting for this whole vacation; floating in the Dead Sea. Out tour guide, Yoram, led us to the changing rooms where my sister, my mom, and I had to put our clothes in lockers and change into our bathing suits. While we did that, my dad and two brothers were led to the men’s changing room. The changing room smelled like old sweat. It looked as though 1000 people had been there and made a mess but nobody had cleaned up after them. Once I thought about it, I realized that that probably was the case, only more than 1000 people must have been in and out of there. Once we were changed, we met the boys and headed off to the beach to go into the Dead Sea. “I will wait here until you are finished. Have fun!” Yoram remarked. Being a tourist, I was stupefied that Yoram wouldn’t be going into the Dead Sea with us, but then I recalled that he lives in Israel and must have experienced this moment many times before. We got down to the Dead Sea and it was a weird sight. To my right, I could see these mud pools that looked like melted chocolate. Straight ahead I saw the Dead Sea, and to my left I saw some outdoor faucets to be used as showers. “Let’s go!” my mom exclaimed, and off we went, six of us running like dogs do when you are giving them a treat. My family went to the mud pool, and my brother Henry was the first one to go in. I followed after him and felt my body being absorbed into this brown goo that was supposedly good for your skin. As I got in my older brother and sister came in, all of us smiling, looking jubilant. Astonishingly, the mud pool felt good on my skin. It felt as though it was making my skin softer and that it was moisturizing it. I started to put it on my face and before I knew it, my whole body was covered in mud. I decided to come out so that we could take pictures, although I was struggling. It felt like quicksand, and each time I put my foot up to come out, it would slide back into the mud. “Here, let me help you,” my mom and dad remarked in unison, and they gave me their hands to be lifted out. It seemed like ten minutes, but I finally got out, and we started taking pictures, posing like we were monsters coming to haunt someone. I decided to go into the Dead Sea. The moment I had been waiting for all vacation was about to happen. I went in with my mom and was uncertain of how I was supposed to float. My mom is like my best friend. We do everything together; she is always so comforting and amiable. She has brown eyes and a soft, freckly face. I was very paranoid, thinking that if I dunk I would either get in trouble, get sick, or both. “What am I supposed to do?” I asked my mom. She just floated like it was a normal pool, so I decided to do the same. “Just like this,” my mom replied. So there we were, on a sunny day in Israel, floating in the Dead Sea. My dream had come true, and I now felt more Jewish, more religious, and more special, just because of this one activity I had done.

Lily SteckelGrade 6

WORK URL 15

A Walk in the Streets of France

I wake up to the scent of chocolate-orange crepesReady to have under my cheeksListening to French jazz tapes

As I gaze out the window at the meadows and creeks

The chrysanthemums shame the sun with their brightnessRiviera rivers rush, reflecting the blueness of the skyThe lilies are whiter than even the moon’s whiteness

I stop for a pate sandwich and a lemon pie

The sunny Sienne River shimmers and shinesThe rushing Rhone River and the Rhine

And as sunlight gets dimmer, it’s time to dineThis Friday feast was filling and fine

And when we return home, we can safely say,“I have seen beauty for the first time, today!”

Nakul SrinivasGrade 7

I will go wherever you goI will climb any mountainSearch any jungleLeap cliffsDodge fireRun foreverI will break rulesI can waitEven if the world is tumbling downI will risk it allI won’t stop fightingNo matter how big the obstacleBut it’s all just a gameI’m already too lateI missed my chance

Adam SchwallGrade 7

Emily BerkGrade 8

WORK URL 16

Our Hearts Will Meet Again

As I see you in my reflection I cry every minute thinking how I’m going to miss youI remember the memories we had together and what we will do

I pray every minute that you will come to see me againI get scared that when I say “I love you” its the last time

You have been suffering for a while and I want that to endAs the last breath gets closer I remember how much fun we had

I stay next to you throughout it all I will never forget youI look up into the sky and know that you are looking down at me

I’m not afraid to cry in front of my friends thinking about youThe last breath gets closer every breath

God is ready to get your happiness and the joy you bring when I talk to youYou can leave us just remember I love you and I’m going to miss you

You are my entire world and I pray every night that you are thereOur hearts are going to meet wherever we both are

Miles between us don’t matter love has no measurementsAlways and forever we are going to be together!

Victoria SciortinoGrade 7

Brothers

Going to war I found the brothers that I never knew I was going to haveKat whom I know as no other man

Haie who laughs so much one time he dislocated his jawWe are brothers

We lay our sacks side by side to sleep for restWe share cognac

I believe we have a more complete communion than even loversI am no longer a speck alone in the darkness

I belong to them and they belong to meAs the war goes on one by one each of my brothers fall

Here lies our comrade KemmerichIt is not possible that I perhaps shall not see them again

I would carry any of them on my backI could almost weep

As I continue on my own I miss them terriblyThose voices

They are more to me than lifeThey are more than motherlinessThey are the strongest comfort

They are the voices of my comradesOut of our time in the war we developed the finest thing

Our comradeshipOur brotherhood

Patrick DwyerGrade 8

Lucas TeslerGrade 8

WORK URL 17

On a cold winter’s night,When the snow is blowingAnd the temperature is droppingAnd it feels as if all the hot chocolate in theworldshould be yours

On a cold winter’s night,When people walk in coatsTrench, quilted, or puffersEarmuffs, scarves, and glovesall wrapped up

On a cold winter’s night,When wind gently knocks your hat offAnd your ear slowly turns extremely red,You start to shiverAnd tell your mother you are freezing

On a cold winter’s night,When the moon shines directly on your skinand the trees whistle with the breezeso that humming noise startsand becomes part of you

On a cold winter’s night,When the street lamps barely flickerbut only because you have been looking at itwatching itfor the past half hour

On a cold winter’s night,When it is below 32 degreesand a think layer of snow covers the groundand everyone who dares be out is shiveringyet smiling

On a cold winter’s night,When you’d rather be insidewatching a holiday special on TVbut something about the frost outsidedrags you there

On a cold winter’s night,So many things can change youand though it may seemfreezing, the piercing sting can still feel warm

Karen ZaklamaGrade 7

A Cold Winter’s Night

Snow on the Tree

As the snow touches the treeIt glistens

Like tiny diamondsOn the branches

It taps the tree ever so lightlyWith a soft white color

It blends in withAll the othersThey look like

White fluffy cotton candyAs one looks

At each snowflakeAt a time and then

Looks at the whole treeOne can see

The small snowflakesHave become

Snow on the treeLaila MianGrade 6

Justina CamajGrade 6

WORK URL 18

Magnolia Flowers

I watch the wind flutter byAs if it were coming aliveI see the leavesThe petalsDancing in the calm and playful breeze

Very soon a flower comes outReaching out to greet the Glazing, glorious SunAnd the natural world around it

A bee comes by,Ready for some honeyThe flower doesn’t mindIt loves animalsEspecially bunnies

The flowers release a fragranceThe sweet aroma fills the airAnd purifiesBefore it begins to wearThe magnolia flowerNature’s perfumeAfter a rain shower

The alluring petals,A splash of pristine pinkblended with whiteA beautiful sightSplendid a delightThe flowers sunbathe in the hot airThey look so peacefulSo fair

The flowers restStill with easeThe reason its aroundTo perfume andPlease!Animals, bunniesAnd someone likeA real honey!

Roshni MehtaGrade 6

Sunset

As the day turns to nightThe sun sinks into the water

Like the ocean is swallowing it up Little by little

As the day turns to nightHushed voices fill the air

The world around me has stoppedTo watch the yellow and pink sky

As day turns to night BIG and little creatures stopTo watch nature’s beauty

In actionLila Horwood

Grade 6

Caroline MandelGrade 6

WORK URL 19

Renewal

The fragile leaves bring vibrant colors,Crimson,

Amber,Tangerine,And Emerald,

Scatter across.Knots and knobs

Run up and down its back.Branches separate,Becoming thinner,

And thinner,Along the way.

Leaves fall one by one.Changing by day,

Changing by season.As light as a feather,So gentle and frail.No one will notice,Until spring comes.

Its beauty is delicate,Yet bold.

Transcendent,Consummate.

A barren shadowof its sleeping self.

Courtney SwiftGrade 6

Spring is in the Air

Spring is in the air.How do I know?

A chirping robin told me so.Spring is in the air.How do I know?

A buzzing bee told me so.Spring is in the air.How do I know?

A yellow daffodil winkedand told me so.

Spring is in the air.How do I know?

Achoo! My friend’s allergiestold me so!

Hernan MarambioGrade 6

Charlie AbramsGrade 6

Snow Melt

As the snow on the branchesBegins to meltDroplets gather

Until they fallDown to the earth

As the snow on the groundBegins to melt

New streams are bornFlowing

Down to the basin

As the snow meltsPatches appear on the earth

Branches are clearedAnd spring is born

Alex HartGrade 6

WORK URL 20

Time Machine

The world’s most amazing machineStep in and you can change anythingFrom the color of the skyTo the way the ocean sounds in the afternoonIt’s amazingA solution to all of your problemsIt sits in your fingertipsOr press a red buttonAnd go into the futureSee a picture of tomorrowOr what 3 years will bring for youI no longer have to worry about useless activitiesScheduling and planning are all things of the pastAnythingIt can do anythingEverythingIt can change everythingBut yet, you don’t get itYou can’t comprehend why I find it fantasticYou tell me, “It’s not worth it. You can’t wait for tomorrowto fix today’s mistakes”But what do you knowThings have changed since your childhoodYour sagacious eyes look distant, disappointed almostAnd this time, I can’t figure out why

Lizzie LeBoyerGrade 7

News for Sports Fans

Wake up in the morningTurned on the TVNothing on, nothing to see

Top ten plays, best of the weekWakes me up in a heartbeat

Mike and Mike in the morningTell you your info short and sweet

The not top ten on FridayFunny as it can be

NFL Blitz, football lovers’ place to beSaturday and Sunday informationis where you can see

Keys to victoryAfter Monday night football,During the football seasonSee if your team will make it

Eight o’clock, late for schoolSee you laterMy sports friend, ESPN

Dan PatrizioGrade 7

Peter DibbiniGrade 7

WORK URL 21

He stares at me with strange green eyesHis mouth is a fish’s and his snaky arms outreaching

All over there are strange brown spots over green and purple

His body is a cup with tiny veins running through itBut then I realize this strange new creature is

just an exotic orchid

Allison SaltzGrade 7

Allison SaltzGrade 7

WORK URL 22

Butler 8th graders read, discussed, and reflected on various articles about bullying and created these poems (on pages 22 & 23) as a result:

A Day in the Life

From across the roomIt may seem like

Everything is just fine.Well, take a step closer.

Look into my eyes.Is everything REALLY okay?

My life,A mystery

(And not the good kind).I step out of my bed

Each morningNervously wondering

Who will be the first to shout out,“Go kill yourself,”

Or punch meor even throw me into a locker

I am being suffered by a barrage of insultsAnd I am beginning to wonder if they are true

The perfect definition of my life isCRUELTYAnd

TORTUREAnd no one even notices.

No one cares.

I know the bruises will eventually heal,But the rest...

It stays.The scars don’t go away.

Alexis Kline & Julia SheinbaumGrade 8

The Girl With So Much Promise

Phoebe Princebeauty, brains, and big dreams

only 15bubbling with enthusiasm

victimtauntedabusive

“Go kill yourself”cyber and verbal“It was torture”

they insulted heripod in hand, cryinghardly kept a secret

everywhere she turnedcould never escape

scared

found deadbullying is not tolerated

too little, too latetoo late, too little

pay your respects to the girlwith so much promise

so her death could have some meaning

Kathleen Kantor & Sarah JathasGrade 8

Kaitlin MarrsGrade 8

WORK URL 23

Bullying is TOLERATEDas a fact of life.Targeted kids suffer - scars are left behind.Tangible or notthe scars remain.

The fat kiddeliberately excluded.The gay kidtaunted by teachers.The strange kidshunned by neighbors.The new kidas “good as gold”,but PowerfulGROWN-upslet him down.

The heartbreaking momentsof when the continued injusticeembeds the crueltyof vile namesinto the mindsof thoseTRYINGto make a differencechangedinto a painful consequence.A voice in the Universeis ashamedof kindling kindness.

You can’t change the worldwhenBullyingis a FactofLife.

Annabelle StanleyGrade 8

Misery, Infuriation, Pain, Injustice, Ostracism, Cruelty,Tormented, Victimization, Ego-centric --bullying! A target painted on your forehead Your knees buckle. You’re trapped inside your body with nowhere to go. Aggression and violence pass you by. You are his vulnerable prey.

You trust no one yet, although you don’t know it, there is, help. Teachers, parents, and friends can all be advocates but you are clueless to their abilities. Don’t let go of your HOPE because it does get

Better.

Daniel Gliedman & Jens MariagerGrade 8

Matthew BreitmanGrade 6

WORK URL 24

E X H A

U

S

T E D

Not bright eyed and jumpyNot wide awake and eagerNot pumped up with caffeineBut, exhausted like I have not yet awoken Tired from little sleep and much studyingTired from a long

hard

late night swim practiceToo tired to take on and start a brand new day

Sophie FastGrade 8

Hidden Gloom

I perch on my roofThe one place I can be alone

I shiver violentlyOn the hard white stone

I stare at my treeHer claws reach out to me

She lurks in the gloomBut comforts me like my bedroom

A dark shadow takes flightAs day turns to night

Squirrels scurry to their destinationsAs I remain in contemplation

I hear the muffled crunch of fall leavesWhispering secrets below me

And as the darkness pulls me into slumberCrickets play their violins in the nearby lumber

Sophie MunozGrade 6

Marykate FilosGrade 7

WORK URL 25

When the Moon Flickers On

At night the flashlightOf an invisible man in the skySignals the time for restIt flickers onSignaling bedtimeBirds stopTheir high pitched chatterAnd fly homeA bear guides its youngTo their denFor then as night expiresThe flashlight runs out of powerAnd the man must replace themWith the spirit Of new starsThen a new day isBorn

Matthew KuoGrade 6

The Battlefield

EnteringA new world.Brisk, fresh,

And beautiful. CloudsCaving in surrounding

Us and yet the sunBreaks through making the land

Look like a battlefield.The leaves, dead soldiers litteringThe ground. A tree named willow

Is weeping for her lossThe soldiers will soon becomePart of the earth and the world

Will become an icy fortress. But now it isFall and the world is filled with color.

Red, green, yellow, maroon, and orange allAround.

Falling likeDead

SOLDIERS

Daniel GliedmanGrade 8

The wind howls around meNothing stirsThe whole world came to a stopThe cage of rules and restrictions opens its doorsThe bare landscape of freedom beckons meI stare at the think blanket of icy white snowflakesIt pains me to penetrate its beautiful smooth white surfaceI could stare at it for hoursI open my mouthOne snowflake gently lands on my tongue and meltsSheer coldnessIcy blasts of windGlistening white specks sprinkle downAnd little white flakesSwirl around meI feel only sheer pleasureOf being aloneForgetting bothersome, worrying thoughtsMerely enjoying myselfMy happiness was the lightOn that dark, cold, snowy nightI was in winter paradise

Ambika VenkatakrishnanGrade 7

Sam RosnerGrade 8

WORK URL 26

as you take a stroll through natureyou notice the treessome have dried tear tracksyet others blossom in the crisp autumn air

the twin maples are like old soulsor friends who’ve been through it alland the evergreens are always positivewhile they stand tall,bearing their coats on the coldest dayswhile all others s h i v e r

some leaves are warm and friendlywhile some are dark and depressedthe bare branches of those without coatslook like frozen fireworks bursting towards the sky

their arms extend over meover us allforming abstract patterns fit for canvasthat make a gazebo of protection from rainsnow and wind

that’s when you realizewe live in aclearcutworldthat the trees have beentrimmedand cutand killedto make way for r o a d sand that’s when I ask youhow would you feelif I cut off your arms?

Zach TeslerGrade 8

The Fall Sensation

Wind brushing upmy cold, numb cheeks

Leaves falling off the brancheslike ballerinas leaping from leaf to leaf.

Jumping in the leaves so I can feeleach little crinkly, crunchy leaf under my bodyEach assorted color leafas I grab in my handfeels wrinkled, damp, and crumpled.

Thousands of little pieces of leavesfall out of my hand like snowflakesor like sprinkles being sprinkledon a cake

Running aroundseeing branches hitting meon every side of my bodyeach reaching out to grab mewith their hard, wet, brown branchesI feel the sensation of my cheeksturning red and getting hot

It’s time to go home.Jessica Tsai

Grade 8

Hannah WeinsteinGrade 8

WORK URL 27

Cycles of Life

I am a budFilled with curiosityI waitI wait for the dayWhen I will appearUniqueAmong my peersWhen the sun is brightAnd the time is rightI will bloom

I will bloomOpen myself upI will let my delicate leavesUnarmedSway with the windFace the emotions of lifeFace challengesObstaclesThat I will overcome

I will blossomInto my ownFigure out Who I amWhat I have to offer

As I ageI may fadeHoweverI pass along lessonsHelpful hintsFor generationsAnd generationsMore

Anna RubinGrade 6

The Life of a Tree

It is time to let goof the children I lovethat cuddled my souland kept me company for six months.

Now I standnakedin the lonely field of whitewith no onebut a duplicate of myselfto rely on.

She is always there for meeven when bitter coldalong with icy arrowheadshaunt us.

I must surviveI must not be trickedby the sweet appearanceof those arrowheadsI must waituntil the warmth of the sunchases them away.

I must be patientuntil my babies come backto embrace my empty soul againwith warmth and love I long for.

Yuji NamGrade 8

Flight Now

fly away birdand take the memories

with youfor I do not need the pain

and the lies of the past on myshoulders

I need to focuson the present

I need notthink about the future

now is what I think

Adam WolfGrade 7

WORK URL 28

Fountain 7th graders created reflective writings (pages 28 - 31) in response to discussions concerning the horrors of slavery while studying the historical novel Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

On Being a Slave

What will I do Without my servicesAbout being a slave They will complainI’m beginning to get angry As for meI’m starting to rave There is nothing I will gain

I can’t help it With a whip to my backNo one can Or my ankles broken inI’ve been a slave It pains me to thinkSInce my life began I might not live

Tears run down my cheeks Through the tortureGlistening in the sun I live day by dayFlowing like a river If only I wasn’t bornI want to run This would not be a problem today

I work forever and ever What shall I doFor hours on end When my day arrivesFor no pay To part with the worldI have only one friend I’ll say goodbye

I cannot live No more tortureI want to die No more slaveBut if I do I will thank the LordHow will anyone get by? For this day

Serena PrattGrade 7

SlaveryA hopeless adventureSeparated from familyHarsh, cruel timesSevere punishments to the pointWhere I can’t stand it anymoreLike a never ending journeyWhisked around and treated like an animalAlone, depressed, and tiredA dark pit of despairWill freedom ever come?

Zack GellesGrade 7

Emily MarkowitzGrade 7

WORK URL 29

The crowd roared, holding money in the air, prices raising higher and higher. Prized pigs snorted in the mud of their picket sties. Newborn lambs turned their heads away, scared of the spying eyes of wealthy customers. Price tags were attached to each pen, but these animals were not the only ones being sold; I was. What I think was a few months ago, I was captured from my home, Africa, and put in the bottom of a cargo boat heading to America along with my parents and four siblings. The boat ride was horrible. We were trapped down there with many other captured Africans. The stench quickly became foul. How I wished for a chance to scurry up to the deck where the salty fresh air could be my friend. There was hardly any food; the occasional meal of three stale biscuits was regarded as a king’s feast. Many passengers got sick. Their temperatures rising in rhythm to the rising heat in the bottom of the boat. Finally, after what seemed like many months, I got to where I am now. Our captors are now selling us one by one to this howling crowd. I have made it so far with my family intact. I hope we will not be separated. The butterflies in my stomach seem to be beating their wings more than one hundred times per minute. As a man with a booming voice yells something in a language we do not understand, my family and I are ushered to a small platform. The people around us stare at us with big, hungry eyes. After a moment of complete and utter distress, a man in the crowd finally raises his hand full of money. I was then quickly shepherded off of the platform with my fate in the hands of the man with the money. What would now become of us?

Emily MarkowitzGrade 7

My master controls meEvery time I hear footsteps

I cringe, waiting for the whip

I dare not hesitateAnd serve him well

If I do not please himI am flogged

I am forced to sleepIn the eerie basementWith rats and maggots

As my only friends

I fear that any dayMy sister will be sold

My life’s only sunshineExtinguished forever

Every dayIs a battle

To swim or to sinkTo live or to die

Sophia MohlulisGrade 7

Maya KulickGrade 6

WORK URL 30

Brought us from our mother countryAnimals, they think we are, not humansNo humans should be treated like slaves

Sell us for their pleasureLie to us and separate familiesAsleep on floors not beds with aching backsVictuals are scarceEveryone is equal, they sayReading and writing they ban from usYell at us and call us names

Ecem ErtasGrade 7

I Am Not Free...

I am not freeI am not me

Less than humanI am a cow, branded

I carry the mark of my ownerBut even a cow can choose what it eats

Or when it sleepsI eat when I am told

I sleep when I am toldI wake up when I am told

Free only when I am dead and coldI am a prisoner

The chains that hold me areFear and Hunger

Tomas JacksonGrade 7

Matthew GreenbergGrade 6

Kendall BenscheGrade 7

WORK URL 31

Slavery

We look outside our owners’ windowshoping for freedom to take us from them

they treat us like dirt,like we are not even human

like we are some kind of creaturethey can toss around,

owners beat us, even the children,command us to do their work,that is not even the worst part;

it is that we can be soldwithout a second thought

like we are livestock or goods,they can even split up families

without consulting with us,owners can do anything they want to us

but no one caresbecause we don’t matter in their eyes

because we are shadows...

Kimberly EllisGrade 7

I do not understand what is holding meFrom my destiny of being freePeople look at me and think I am different.And yes, I do feel distant.I feel trappedAs though I have been kidnapped by this whole worldAt times I feel as if I should collapseBut I know that time is ticking by fastMaybe one day I will be freeBut the power is way beyond mePeople walk as if they rule this universeAs if it were a play that is being rehearsedMaybe one day that will be meRunning the world, knowing I had a victory.

Laura PollackGrade 7

Sydney SchweberGrade 6

WORK URL 32

Waiting

waitingCarry precious detailsJourney to the unknownMaybe...

waitingOutstretched armsfor her children.

waitingThe story:struggle for life,dignity.

waitingTake everythingcannot return.In our hearts, always.

If hope is lost, all is lost.

Caroline Donat & Jessica TsaiGrade 8

Hold on to Hope

“Courage, children, courage”Hoping we can hold on,

Until we meet againWhen the sun shines with strengthAnd the moon glows, persistently

“Don’t be afraid”Be brave to represent our people,

To stay alive,For Mama

“Where there is life, there is hope”We must keep sustainingThe treats, the violence

Stay peaceful, my children, stay strongFor you have my love to guide you

Genevieve Nemeth, Carly Rubin & Emma LappinGrade 8

Maki UmeharaGrade 8

Butler 8th graders created the following poems (pages 32 & 33) in response to The Cage by Ruth Minsky Sender

WORK URL 33

The Pain Within

A whisper behind me, shows smiling eyes,Marching Against that Horrible day.First day, Stole, Punished, Make good use of this treasure.Shut your mouth, Insults cannot touch me, Wanting to shout for joy. Write againHands tremble, Pencil tip flows.A booklet, A friend.In a daze ... Tormented heart, grief within rips it apart.Tears Flow Freely.Friend of my sorrow, Future will build once again.My dreams,My hopes, Poke out.Swollen red eyes stare.Voice s h a k i n g

My hunger to survive.

Sandra Suarez & Vicki TomalinGrade 8

Cherie XuGrade 8

WORK URL 34

Bebe ThompsonGrade 8

Editorial StaffMaggie DonovanLaura PollackSerena Pratt

Faculty AdvisorPeggy Fox

English DepartmentJim AndreskiLisa BryanAlex CampbellKathleen ConnonDenise DelBalzoBrian FisherJanie FitzgeraldPeggy FoxCara HillerJonathan HilpertWill MaldarelliMarjorie RossMarci RothmanTrish SerafinDavid Wixted

Sydney WeberGrade 6

Kelsey ChinGrade 6

Many thanks to Ken Holvig for his efforts to help us produce

and publish thisLiterary Magazine!

Special ThanksMichael McDermottLarry ChatzinoffRochelle HaugeDenise CassanoLinda FisherMiriam Freedman-CarmenScarsdale Middle School PTA

Cover ArtworkGail Alter, Grade 6

WORK URL 35