Where does this flower bloom? Must it rely on water, or When unattended will it face doom? Nana always said, “Don’t pick the pretty flowers.” “Leave them alone, they’ll be dead.” But, Leaves, branches, weeds: How come they were destined to be thrown? Roses, sunflowers and lilies were protected, Since the gardener wanted every flower to be a clone. He and his whole community wanted the perfect lawn, But each of them planted different seeds, And each seed grew differently from dusk till dawn. Each seed just required the sun as their shield. If everyone knocked down their white picket fences, We would end up with a vibrant field.
So where could this flower possibly bloom? Anywhere where the gardener has no power.
Anjali D. // BLOOM
Gladys Lee // MOVING AHEAD
Walking around my house Never knowing what to do I feel minuscule like a mouse And although many years have past, and I grew
I still feel very lost Yet the years go by way too fast Still questioning everything, I feel kind of tossed I know I need to stop dwelling on my past And move ahead.
Linda Chen // GAME
I started playing this game, And it’s quite addicting really, But there’s no option to save, No checkpoints, and no restarts. I have one chance, and one chance only, So I have to make this chance work.
I am playing this game, Where I keep running and running, Only choosing the safe options But at least I’m still surviving. Until the day, my dreams still unfulfilled, And the game inevitably ending.
I finished playing this game, But I’m plagued by if only’s and what if’s. If I had chosen a different option: Slain the monster rather than flee, Accepted the quest rather than pass. Maybe then I would have won the game.
Christian Bernier // MUSEUM
The noise of children discovering fills the air. As I walk from exhibit to exhibit I see the process of discovery in progress.
Out in the lobby, I smell the freshly-fried french fries and the plethora of salad toppings, And taste the delicious smooth texture of the dressing mixing with the crunchy croutons.
After lunch I continue exploring, learning at every footstep. The calm voice of the speaker allows me to relax, as I overhear the activities nearby.
After a day of chaos and learning, I get to relax, And begin the long drive home, back to monotony, waiting to return another day.
Trevor C. // LIFE’ S PLAN
I am your caretaker and stapler each and every one of you.
Though I am not your true maker, I will give you meaning
in life. I will give you a permanent home.
Some of you won’t make it that far.
Those with metal legs bent in, and without an owner.
Those shall be cast to the abyss.
While those who are dysfunctional and difficult
will be disposed of
I see you as one of many thousand
journeyman. Your life is short and simple
it ends like all others.
To the iron jaws of a staple remover.
It’s purpose to rip you from your home.
Than cast you of into darkness.
Click!
Stapler to Staple
Natalie Chen // LIBRARY BOOK
I lie in the back Of a dusty shelf Lonely and unread, Waiting For someone To notice me.
No one ever does. I am left Alone And forgotten
The saying goes “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Clearly No one listens
For I sit unnoticed A plain brown cover, Holding a story vivid And unread.
Emily Narouz // BROKEN
Faith is like a thin, crystal piece of glass
But so is love
and hope
and trust.
One little mistake,
and it shatters into a thousand pieces.
Broken forever.
It will never go back to perfect.
The shards will remain scattered in their heart,
piercing them with every heartbeat.
Gianna Watson // NEVER KNOW
I sat down on freezing cold bench The snowflakes as thick as ever I listened to the whispers of the wind pass me by Oh how it reminded me of the day we met The cold breeze surrounding us as we sat and talked Talked about how we just wanted to get out of this boring neighborhood
How we wanted to travel the world See all the places we imagined The Bahamas to enjoy the warm weather New Orleans for the Mardi Gras festival Fiji for the beautiful sunsets And Paris to see the Eiffel tower.
I guess I just never got the chance to But you did…You left too soon We were so young, but that didn’t stop you. I wonder if you’re okay, What would life be if you hadn’t left so soon? I guess I’ll never know.
Jenny L // GAME OF LIFE
Remember, she said, to watch,
to watch for their every move
as if you are the predator
And you have to be brave
I keep my eyes clear,
my eyes straight
not letting a whisper blow past
And breathing with a freight
My prey looks back at me,
As I carefully switch a piece
Not slowing down Or wanting to cease
As the pieces moved back and forth
The game seemed to never end
Until the King is trapped
And no longer has a friend
Varun Sasisekharan // TOOTHBRUSH
Fear,
the only feeling
I have ever
felt.
Waiting…
for ages,
until finally,
nevermind.
Sad,
Stranded,
Forgotten,
Frightened,
my life
miserable.
Bright and early
I am woken with
a splash.
The churning faucet
tells me it is time.
Water all over,
then,
paste,
oozing through
every crevice.
Darkness…
rubbed back and forth,
every second hurts, but
It won’t stop.
Another gush
of water, then
back
to waiting
until nightfall.
My life,
an endless cycle.
I am unable
to escape.