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6

“He lives, my one sure rock of faith…” ~Gordon B. Hinckley

BOOM BOOM BOOM By Molly Hart, grade 3 Thump Thump Thump go my feet on the ground, My feet, when I run, make a very loud sound. Squeak Squeak Squeak go the hinges on the door I like all of those sounds but I am not sure. If any of those are my favorite, my answer is no. I have a favorite sound Of which you may not know. It’s my heart in me that goes BOOM BOOM BOOM. When I hear that sound, It wipes away my gloom. ‘Cause when I hear that sound It means Jesus is near And when he’s with me, I have Nothing To Fear.

JOY By Madeline Russell, grade 4

Joy­ is like a colorful leaf

With petals of pink and yellow The stem waving and being happy

It all started off as a seed inside you Ready to grow of happiness

­Be happy said God when he created you There’s nothing you can’t do

God’s Creation By Ava McIntosh, Sydney Cobb, and Rachel Uy, grade 2 God’s creation is good, not bad God’s creation is all that we have God’s creation is good, not bad By working together we can save what we have. All so kind, all so loving, God our Father, He loves us so.

The Holy Spirit

By Larissa Jimenez, grade 4

7

Love By Bailey deTuro, grade 4

Love is the thing made out of wood—

Standing nice and tall— Right outside a holy place—

That God made, for all With two planks crossed Right across each other—

Love is the thing made out of wood.

By Larissa Jimenez, grade 4

Poem By Larissa Jimenez, grade 4 Father, Son, Holy Spirit Come with us And we’ll believe it. High in the sky, Power and might, Our hearts will see you With their sight.

Love By Aislinn Hogan, grade 4

“Love” is something you can’t see

But can feel it in your soul He gives it to you – and – your family He is the creator­of­heaven and earth

He loves you so— And can’t wait to see you

When you go up­to­heaven You will always love Him

And He will love you He is your friend

8

Poem Inspired by WCW By Alex Napier, grade 4 So much depends Upon

A healing Hand

The hand of a Carpenter’s son

In a land that needs it Most. The Gate and Its Keeper By Ben Korty, grade 8 They lined up the walkways And back down them Through the streets they had come to know Dirty faces, dirty hands Coming from places here and fro Those with nothing Those with sums Finally equal, finally here One by one the lines move Up to the top, soon to soothe To face the One To bring forth each’s end To show what you have To show your worth Here at His dwelling Here at His mercy Two places they may go One place they want Many are scared Ill, many have fared Here at the end, all is measured, all is weighed None can avoid it, none can neglect it To go forth One way or the other.

Light in the Darkness By JanBakaj, grade 8

In the beginning there was darkness

But in that darkness was a light Unseen, unnoticed

But it was there The light grew strong

From that light came life That life grew strong, smart, and powerful

The life seemed good Yet in it there was darkness

Unseen, unnoticed But it was there

As life grew the darkness grew Eventually the darkness consumed both life and light

And darkness ruled again But in that darkness there was a light

Unseen, unnoticed But it was there

Then God saw how good it was and was pleased

By Sean Corcoran, grade 3

10

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18

the sky was can dy lu minous edible

~e.e. cummings

The Rainbow by Madeline Russell, grade 4

Rainbow, Rainbow sparkling bright

As colorful as the night As amazing as the world

God created with his sword (power)

Shows up in a flowery meadow It is there early so it can settle

Colors, red, orange, green, and blue The brightness makes you feel brand new

Rainbow, Rainbow sparkling bright As the colorful as the night

7 colors of wonder There’s a lot more deep under

Sun By Jennifer Berko, grade 6 breaks out in a pool of light trickles through the streets like molten gold inspiring the flowers to bloom and grow the light penetrates even the darkest, gloomiest of places pouring into the world like a swollen river then sets, leaving a warm buttery glow but not for long…

Blue By Johanna Delprado, grade 4

Faded blue are the radiant, fresh violets

The salty ocean is blue, So is the clear sky next to the sun.

19

Wind By Nina Fitzgerald, grade 6 No one can catch it, Stop it, Control it Soaring over mountains Running a race it will always win It can help you, Hurt you, Betray you Sailors depend on it, But can die because of it, Stranded. It can kill you, Cool you, Find you anywhere Sometimes you welcome it Sometimes you seek shelter from it Sometimes you are trapped under It can be like a wall of force Or like a gentle cushion beneath you It is a chameleon, ever changing its colors It is a leaf, changing color from spring to fall It can’t be tamed Sky

By Emily Ryan, grade 4 Dear sky, Are you the one that is above me? are you the one that works with the sun? are you the one that is blue? are you the one that is up there? are you the one up there with the clouds? I think you are.

From, Grass

20

The Cloud and the Earth By Aidan MacIsaac, grade 8 The cloud is a mix of weather It controls the fate of the world it hangs above Lightning, Thunder, Sleet, and Rain Are all in its destructive arsenal Pitta Patta Pitta Patta The rain slowly begins to fall Steadily and more steadily It becomes buckets wreaking havoc upon the earth The cloud is satisfied with its destruction But the earth takes the rain and uses it It uses the rain for preservation of the environment Like a mother, it tends to its children The plants, the trees, the animals, and the people The cloud may have thought it was hurting others But it makes everything better on earth The cloud also relies on earth Earth gives it water and land to rain down on But that is all for the good of others Soon the cloud realizes its true purpose Like a farmer, it reaps the goodness of the earth through its actions

Sunsets on the Beach By Rachel Relstab, grade 4

Sunsets are very pretty

Their red glow fills the night sky We wait patiently

The sun melts into the water

On the beach at night We wait patiently

We walk on sand

Watching the fish swim by We wait patiently

Setting Sun By Larissa Jimenez, grade 4

21

The quiet pond A frog leaps in The sound of the water

~Matsuo Basho

The Stream By Cece Waskin, grade 8 Water quietly Murmurs its freedom; Forcefully flowing. Rushing, pushing in Shallow spaces, from Gallons to fathoms. Large rocks stand firmly, Restraining water, Raising a loud cry! Small stones sympathize, Or know how vainly The large rocks protest. Moving aside, they Avoid the stress of the Influx of water. The stream overcomes Problems, prejudice Stream finds the river. The Hudson at last! Stream water empties, It mixes with brine. Fresh water sinking, Lady Liberty Smiles – satisfaction!

Lake By Gabriela Cano, grade 4

I enjoy giving food and drink to animals

And making A pool for Humans.

I reflect off my surface like a mirror For nature

My cousin flows And

Brags as he flows saying I can’t but I get

To see a Better

View of an old country home and the People inside

That come take Me

To drink. I gently give a current to all who swim

Blue Blue of the sky

Dotted with white clouds Blue of the river and lake

Moving with the multi­colored fish Indigo of the dark

Night sky

22

Rain By Caitlin Bertucci, grade 8

I am the rain who tickles your cheek; from the purple colored sky. I am the rain who pounds on the sand and raises the waves up high.

I am the rain who brushes the pavement and leaves the flowers soft as silk, I am the rain who gushes from gutters and resembles creamy sheets of milk.

I am the rain who gathers in puddles and won’t dry up until May, I am the rain who bounces off rivers and travels into overflowing bays.

I am the rain who joins with sunshine and leaves a rainbow above your roof. I am the rain who makes you wish your coat was waterproof.

I am the rain who drowns out the ticking and clicking of clocks, I am the rain who falls in the meadow on the grazing flocks.

I am the rain who is icy cold and freezes in mid­flight, I am the rain whose gentle patter helps you sleep at night.

Where I’m From By Mairin Lynch, grade 8 I’m from the place where sea gulls call, Where people swim all day long. I’m from the place where you can hear the same sounds, If you put an object to your ear. I’m from a place in which people walk on harsh grain, Where children splash one another in the rain. I’m from a place where animals leap and dive, Where thousands of fish lose their lives. I am from my father’s home when he was a young boy. I am from a place where sailboats can be toys. I am from a place where a creature’s remains are often found. I am from a place where there is a rushing sound. I am from a place where children laugh and play, Where children swim and splash around all day. I am from a land where sea gulls call. In this land that I’m from, I would love to lie there all day long.

23

I am the Ocean By Emily Ryan, grade 4

I am the ocean I watch people fish

And I hear children playing nearby in the sand I get big and scary when storms come and go

I can be calm and gentle when the sun is shining Fish swim and jump all around me

And seagulls come diving in to eat the fish for a snack I am the ocean calm or scary

The Ocean By Peyton Farmer, grade 8 It begins its journey on the sand It crawls and rushes its way towards the water Smelling the salt, feeling the breeze Dipping its phalanges into the sea

As the tide rolls out, it drifts into smooth waves No harm Just peace

The current pulls it in Swallowing it like a raging flame engulfing a forest It begins to struggle Trying to stay afloat But it is sinking It is gasping for breath It is drowning It is a beggar Begging that the tide releases it from the tight grip It keep fighting Fighting for all it has done Fighting for all it has left to do It sheds a tear

The torturous waves surrender It swims back up to the surface No longer struggling Relief Its tears blend into the water The waters of all the tears ever shed

It lets the current take control It is taken back to the shore A place of starfish and boardwalks and hakuna matata It is taken home

24

“I fall upon the thorns of life…” ~Percy Bysshe Shelley

Sink By Caroline Hart, grade 8 A girl filled with grief and sadness Turned on the kitchen sink Poured in her spoilt milk Her darkness, her emptiness She dumped in anger and spite In the sink, she put the bitterness of rhubarb The sourness of lemons And watched them go, slowly, down the drain In the sink, she washed down hatred and violence The girl poured in the sink the pool of her tears And washed down her fear The sink, she thought, was like an empty soul The drain like a cave, bare and cold Enclosing all the terror, evil, and hate The girl instantly felt lighter, happier The sink had taken away the grief The drain had funneled down the sadness The girl smiled, finally.

Theory of Life By Nikhil Vishakanta, Grade 6

Guns go boom as Water goes plop.

Markers go squeak as

Doors go knock

Teachers say “STOP!” As parents say “GO!”

But…

One may be young as Another may be old.

No Need for an Apology By Tiana Richards, grade 8

You were the only one for me

We spent years planning out what we could be A house on the beach, two kids and a dog That was our future, but now it’s all a fog.

Your eyes were beautiful, as blue as the sea Always a smile on your face, full of glee

Then one night, our neighbor came to say Sorry for your loss

Dazed and confused I sat watching Police cars go across

Just an argument this morning You left me sad and lonely

But it’s ok though, no need for an Apology.

25

Anger Poem and Illustration by Elaine Milan, grade 6 Our footsteps, our whispers Quietly, sneaking, searching Free to do what we please. Seeking, finding, betraying No heart can find us here No one will follow our hints We grab both the Blind and the seeing, Opaque and the other Wanting Nothing or everything, Our breath says it all Causing lament, Our fingers prod, Poking, lingering. Trap you in a cage, Wait while you decide To leave or stay.

Smiling is a growl, a scowl We treat you Like royal dirt.

Our hunts to capture you Are like the Moth and the lantern light.

Don’t look for us You don’t need to. It is our job To be one step ahead.

26

Reflection By Christian Bonilla, grade 8 A man blinded by his own accord Found a mirror Foggy and moist from mist The reflection distorted Inch by inch revealed He sees ignorance Killing him like a cancer He sees insecurity As if he will never be like them He sees anger Building up and raging inside He sees love Deeper then the deepest trench and more powerful then the most profound of strengths He sees faith Keeping him alive He sees hurt Families in turmoil, in need of a submission to the chaos He sees abuse He sees forgiveness A gift so beautiful He steps back and looks The mirror is no longer foggy He is astounded by what he sees He sees them

Unidentified By Mairin Lynch, grade 8

I am not named or categorized.

I am not held to the expectations of others. I am unknown.

My features are like a blank canvas waiting For someone to fill with the pictures of their imagination.

I walk along as an alien, Strange and inferior to others.

I stand out among the rest because I am different. Every move I make is being watched.

Am I living? Am I dead?

I am neither, that is to your description of living and dead. It is not possible to know me.

Nor it is possible to see me. My figure goes unthought of as a runner runs a race.

It is impossible to name or categorize me. It is impossible to hold me to expectations.

It is impossible to judge me. Why?

I am unidentified.

27

Sorrow By Carolyn Maslanka, grade 4 “Sorrow” – gone – left alone— Can’t keep going—never coming— Hard—solid—left by the beach Just keep going Won’t look back now— Too late—can’t bear— Eyes worn out— Thoughtful—listening— Nothing

Gone By Carolyn Maslanka, grade 4

Reaching out to grab her hand But she’d gone to a new land

Watching, waiting, as she went All this time that was wasted and spent

Wishing, hoping, she was here At this joyful part of the year

We stayed strong When she was gone for long

The Meaning of Life

By Lorenzo Geroso, grade 6

Life is wonderful It is playful

But sometimes dreadful People come

And people go Life is like a game of poker

You win, you lose You can’t do anything about it

You must think on what you do next Taking the wrong step can lead to bad things

That is what life is about Bad things happen, good things happen

Things come and go But everything will stay the same

28

Mirror By Patricia Gras, grade 8 Blues and browns Pinks and greens Blithe and hardworking Or so it seems Paintings and friends Doodles and things Smiles and laughter, Friends and funny things. But this is not ME No! This is YOU This is YOUR life But only half the truth. Lies and hate, Known yet ignored all the same Hardships and hurt, In your life causing strain. Cattiness and sorrow, You have seen and heard People crying of pain, But YOU don’t really care, I’m sure. Do you recognize it yet? YOUR life, not mine. Do you see the truth, Or are you still trying? To realize how much YOU let happen To all those around? Or do you only see good All around? But I am just the mirror, Reflecting back at YOU I am just the reflection Trying to show YOU the whole truth. Can you finally see, Now that it’s in plain sight? Do you finally understand That this is a summary of YOUR sorry life?

Turning 11 By Rachel Relstab, grade 4

Turning 11 means growing up.

My dad calls me an old lady every birthday.

Which is his way of saying I’m growing up to fast.

Turning 11 means giving up childhood obsessions, and moving forward.

In school there’s no more coloring or

painting it’s just work, work, work.

Math, science, spelling and grammar.

Work, work, work. When I come home from school

there’s no time to play with dolls or take a nap because I have too much

homework Everyday I grow up more Losing and gaining things

I will never be as I was, ever again.

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Communion Party Disaster By Abigail Rose Higgins, grade 2 My mom says that there has been no communicant like me. I have been looking forward to my first holy communion for years. I have planned every detail about my dress, veil, shoes, purse and party. It was all I could think about for this year. I knew that it would be my best day ever. I had been waiting forever to be able to receive communion like the rest of my family. I hated to think that I was missing out on such a wonderful experience. I would always go up to the alter during communion during weekly mass. My mom would nudge me out of the way like she was saying, “Not for YOU!” So this was my day to be a part of something so important. We had a big party at the house. All my family came. I stayed in my white dress for a long time, but then I changed into play clothes after everyone arrived and had seen my beautiful dress. Then I played and played with my friends and cousins. We played on the swings and then played some basketball. After awhile, I took out my bucket and started making a potion. (my mother calls it a concoction). We put in hose water, dirt, backwashed soda, mulch, so much grass and worms that were crawling all over the driveway because it had just rained. When we finished and stirred it up with a big stick, I put the bucket in the garage so it could cook. My cousins and I then went back to playing basketball on the driveway. My younger cousin, Richard, ran into the garage. His feet went thump, thump, thump. He grabbed the bucket and brought it to our basketball court. My older cousin named Douglas, (he is in 9th grade), took the bucket from Richard. So now Douglas had the basketball and the bucket. Play stopped. I wanted the ball, so I ran over and reached up to the ball in Douglas’s arm. I did not get the ball. Instead I got a bucket full of grossness dumped over my head! I screamed a shrill, painful scream. Not because it hurt but because I knew what was in the bucket. Imagine worm water running down your face! My scream was so frightening that my dad came running to see what was the matter. He grabbed me and without a moment’s hesitation, he had me in the tub. It was the best bath I ever took. I begged my dad to get all the worms and backwash off of me. This was the only time I did not mind getting my hair washed. Needless to say that ruined my day. Now whenever I think of my first holy communion, I think of the bucket of grossness. Though I did learn a lesson. Never make a bucket of grossness when your boy cousins are around!

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“A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men…” ~Roald Dahl

Burger King by Hannah Marino, grade 6 Burger King, Burger King, Chicken nuggets, fries! Coke, Sprite and Others, Funnel cake sticks and pies! All around the world, People get real hungry! B.K serves good food, But isn’t really healthy! Drive Through, Eat in, Its everything in one! Open 24 /7, Until the job is done! My Brother By Rachel Relstab, grade 4 My brother, oh my brother, The things he does to annoy me, my sister and my mother. He feeds the dog chocolates, He puts goo in our pockets, He puts underwear on his head, And never goes to bed. He pulls on my hair, He falls off of chairs, when he puts on his clothes, he falls and cracks his toes. But no matter what he does to drive me crazy I love him more than a ton

I Didn’t Listen By Erin Dunphy, grade 4

Super cold I was told

Not to go outside But making a snowman was really fun

And sledding was quite a ride.

Burned

By Elise Burton, grade 4

I wanted to be A little bit tanner

Not to be so Much redder But now I’m

Red From my feet

To my head I forgot

My sunscreen No tan to

Be seen I wish I could’ve learned

The lesson I earned Before I got

To be so burned

By Catherine Howard, grade 2

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Anastasia’s Story By Madeline Russell, grade 4

Well, you think that I am the bad one here. Well think not. It all started when I was 10 when my mom married that repulsive man, the dad of that decent looking girl named Ella. Of course you think I was the spoiled and greedy one, but Ella was the most spoiled brat in the entire world. She told Drizella and me that she was going to marry the prince and look what happened; she got what she wanted. That just goes to show that the whole world revolves around her. One day her dad died and since he was dead he could not give her allowance anymore, so my mom agreed to give her allowance if she would clean the lentils out of the ashes and do our house work and she actually agreed with it. That shows she is very dumb, I thought to myself. Later on we decided to call her Cinderella because she always took cinders out of the ashes. She actually thought it was a “nickname.” So it is just a little mean but sisters are always a little mean right?

One day we got a cat named Lucifer. Since he was an outdoor cat he slept outside in the horse’s stall. But one day Lucifer bit Cinderella’s hand. It wasn’t my fault right? On Wednesday, my sister and I got an invitation to a ball. Cinderella really wanted to go so we gave her a ball gown and everything she needed. But guess what she did? She said the dress wasn’t good enough and threw it in the trash! What a sister she is! Cinderella ran outside and wept just because she didn’t get her way. In the nice story you expect that there is going to be an old lady fairy saying Bibbity, boppity, and all that nonsense but that doesn’t happen in reality! What she did was go to a ball gown store and stole the most expensive and beautiful dress in the store. So now she is on the top 10 most wanted list. That is why she looked all nice and disguised at the ball.

So now she gets to dance with the handsome prince. When she lost her slipper at the ball she said she accidentally pushed Drizella and me down the stairs. When the prince came to our house, Cinderella locked me, Drizella and my mom in the pantry closet. We finally got out of there because of my superb karate skills [trying not brag] and she was not there. She already went with the happy prince. When she got to the palace she ate as many doughnuts as she could and got very fat. One day, since we were Cinderella’s sisters, the footman let us in. Cinderella however was not very pleased to see us [which we had expected]. Drizella and I ran out of the castle [to make sure she didn’t kill us]. Then we made a plan to sneak into the castle and seek revenge. When we got to the castle window I lifted Drizella up and since I am so strong I lifted myself up, easy­peasy lemon­squeezy. But after 3 minutes my plan backfired. Drizella fell down the stairs and made a lot of noise. The guards caught us and escorted Drizella and me out of the castle.

Our next attempt was a lot easier then the others. All we did was run past the guard when he wasn’t looking. When we got into the palace we peeked around the corner and saw Cinderella’s nasty little head. She was dancing with the prince. Then all of a sudden she came running towards us like a bull ready to fight. When she grabbed us the prince saw it and pulled Cinderella off of us. We fluffed our skirts and said hello in a scornful way. Cinderella said the same and without hesitation Drizella and I invited ourselves in. Now see how mean Cinderella can be? Us and the prince are the nice guys here! Especially us because the prince decided to marry her [BAD CHOICE]. Then the prince asked if we wanted to stay for the night. We said yes. When it was time to go to bed it was our time for revenge. So when [the girl I shall not name] went to bed it was time for Operation Revenge. Our plan was to put glue in her shoes and clothes. We did that and all we heard the next morning was shrieking and screaming.

We looked at each other and said perfect when Cinderella found out who it was she was ready for revenge too. But her revenge was a lot worse than ours. At breakfast she put oil in our pancakes and of course we ate them and almost got sick. But Cinderella accidentally put oil in her pancakes, too, and got sick. And guess what? She had to stay in bed for 3 weeks. We had to be at her side the whole time. She said no pleases or thank yous the entire week! When we got her back on her feet she kicked us out. Again that just goes to show that the whole world revolves around her. So now she has two children: Anastasia (and her nickname is the bad one), and her other child’s name is Drizella (and her nickname was the worse one). But we got married too. Drizella and I got married to identical twins who are rich business men. Now we have a very happy life!

So now do you see after all this that Cinderella is the bad one and this story is all right and the nice and cute one is all wrong, all wrong I tell you. I’m bored of telling you about Cinderella because you already know all of it. But I could’ve went on all night so I guess this means… the end.

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“If we could talk to the animals, just imagine it…” ~Dr.Doolittle

Wolf Poem and Illustration by CJ Mozeika, grade 6 Everybody misinterprets me They all think I’m mean, They think I’m a big ball of fury, They think I’ll gorge on them. All those fairy tales, boy I hate them! They think I’m like How the wolves were then. I don’t eat grandmothers, I don’t blow homes, I really prefer to sit in my gaping cave And possibly chomp On some juicy, genuine steak! And if you think that’s greatly cruel, Then that’s not greatly true, I just eat meat to survive And promise I won’t purposely

Eat you alive! Letter by Madeline Russell, grade 4

“Hi” worm, I’m very hungry It would be very mighty If you would come see me When spring is ready to sprout Hope you put it into consideration My stomach is waiting With hunger,

Birdie

By Mary Corcoran, grade 2

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A Folk Tale by Kate Faranetta, grade 3 Long ago before there were any cities a man and his dog were looking for a place to live. They walked day and night, but could not find a place to live. One day they came to a forest with tons of apple trees, grape vines clung onto them, and a creek went through. So the man decided to live there. Then a huge beast three times the size of a lion with a flaming tail and a spiky mane attacked. The dog pounced and they began to fight. After an hour of fighting, the beast gave in. The man and the dog lived peacefully in the forest. Now dogs bark to protect their masters from the beasts. The Cat By Yaw Asante, grade 2 The cat put on the long, colored, fancy, stripped hat. When the cat got home he was so tired with the hat he said he was going to retire.

Dolphin By Peter Alvarez, grade 2 The curious dolphin swam in the sea and always wanted a friend like me. He wished he could play all day.

The Silly Tiger By Ben Newbern, grade 2

The silly tiger lived in a house And he bought a pet mouse One day the mouse ran away And the silly tiger looked for the mouse All day.

The Monkey By Emily O’Connell, grade 2

The sweet monkey loves to cook but never needs a recipe book. With her money she usually shops until she drops!

By Sofia Ortiguera, grade 1

By Larissa Jimenez, grade 4

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The Dog By Audrey Ihlefeld, grade 2

The dog went to the lake and saw a snake. They walked to the zoo and saw a kangaroo.

Dog By Emily Behnke, grade 4

Bee Haiku

By Johanna Delprado, grade 4

Pondering around, The stinger ready to strike

Ruining good times

Little Blue Bird Poem and Illustration by

Jennifer Miller, grade 1

Little blue bird Flies from tree to tree

Nest to nest Little blue bird come to me Little blue bird I like to see

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Horses By Sofia Fitzgerald, grade 2

Every horse is my favorite animal of course. Every oat goes down the horse's throat.

Folktale By Catrina Nanney, grade 3

Long, long ago, when the earth was made, there was a rabbit. Now, in that time, rabbits just had short ears, like a bear’s ears. They weren’t long, like nowadays. The rabbit was hopping along when he met Osami, the evil wizard who lived in the caves in the sacred mountain, Mocadi. Now, this wizard was clever, and he had an eagle’s eyes. He had seen the rabbit coming from his cave. When the rabbit met him, he was disguised as an old peddler. “Hello,” said the rabbit. “Hello,” said Osami. “Would you like to buy something?” “Yes please,” said the rabbit. He looked around the apparent peddler’s sack. He had a number of strange things in there. He noticed a bottle with a strange liquid. “What is that?” said the rabbit. “It’s a potion,” said Osami. “It’s called ‘your heart’s desire and your worst fears.’” “Yes,” said the rabbit. “But what does it do?” “It gives you your heart’s desire, but I warn you, it will also give you great sorrow.” “Oh, rubbish,” said the rabbit sternly. “How can something give you happiness and sorrow at the same time?” “You have been warned,” said the wizard, selling it to the rabbit, and vanished.

The rabbit went back home to his little house. He thought to himself, “I wonder how you make this work?” So he did the normal thing. He drank it, while saying, “Potion, give me ears that will hear well. Give me ears like no other beast!” The potion writhed in his stomach for a moment. Then it ceased.

Osami, now undisguised, was watching from his cave in the mountain. He cackled. “That potion won’t ever wear off,” said Osami. “It’s in his blood, and so all of his children after him shall have ears like he!”

The rabbit went outside, where he saw the ostrich, laughing at him. “What are you laughing at,” said the rabbit, unaware of his now good ears.

“Your ears,” the ostrich said. “Look at your ears!” Now, this rabbit thought he was very handsome indeed, and when he felt his head, he

screamed. He ran home and looked in the mirror. The rabbit thought his new ears looked very ugly. That was the worst fear part of the potion.

And that’s how the rabbit got his ears.

By Sofia Ortiguera, grade 1

36

“I am from those moments…” ~ George Ella Lyon

Where I’m From By Casey Balascak, grade 8 I am from pizza, potatoes, polka, and Paris I am from good cooks, long books, And walks on the beach I am from Jersey City and Brooklyn From Ravioli and Chocolate Cupcakes I am from Homemade pickles, dips in the pool, And setting off Fireworks in the early July air. I am from “Go Yanks!” and “Giants for the win!” I am from the Creaky Swingset in the backyard I am from “Use the Force, Luke” and “Rough Sport, Quidditch” I am from Lynard Skynyrd and Mozart Blended together for 22 years I am from English Accents And Nebraska Football I am from chocolate chip cookies And corned beef and cabbage I am from Head­aches and Freckles From small Holes in my shirt made by A snuggly brown­eyed monster Chewing lovingly on my finger as he wags his tail. I am from SPS Lions and Friends I’ll never forget I am from blonde hair and blue eyes I am from drifting smoke of birthday candles As 13 years go by I am from the drops of rain That you catch on your tongue And morning dew drops that stick To the spring grass. These things are all me, And I am made by God.

Where I’m From By Cece Waskin, grade 8 I am from seashells, From waves and the Atlantic Ocean. I am from the handles of my bicycle, (silver scratches received When I learned how to ride). I am from books Countlessly opened and reopened. I’m from pencils Writing and erasing through 11 years so far. I’m from the laundry – Piles of clothing never ending, The repetition of folding Never to leave me. I’m from God And His Lamb, whose teachings I have learned. I’m from the blue leash I use for Max Every day. I am from the words I love you.

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Where I’m From By Brian Cerri, grade 8

I am from chocolate,

From snow covered mountains I am from the land of Neutrality

From the Cheese Masters and the Banking Gurus I am from the descendents of pasta makers The land of beauty and the land of a Boot

I am from the Land of the Free The House of the Positives

I am from the Generations of my past From the Life of Everyone around Us

Where I’m From By Patrick Howell, grade 8 I’m from the land of the Irish Who came during the potato famine I’m from the people of Wales Who came to clear their name I am from Germany, too And my ancestors came during WWII I am from the wealthy and poor And the wealthy in heart And the poor in spirit. I’m from Fred and Elly’s back porch And from Dave and Jenny’s backyard I am from St. Paul’s Church I am from God.

Reality By Carolyn Maslanka, grade 4

I used to think that life went by

Like a butterfly in the sky My wonders brought me through sadness

But now I’m ten – it’s all just madness I just can’t think – “What is this?”

My younger ages I truly miss I have reached the real world

Reality is all I think I have reached it – Reality

38

Where I’m From By Christian Bonilla, grade 8 I am from coffee From mountain Air and Lush forest The coconut trees and sugar canes rise high as I I am from the city From polluted air and loud cars The rough streets make my family tough No nonsense Learn to be street smart I am from the holy rollers Church every day Light and dark Good and bad Holy and evil You choose No, I’m in between From the farms in Puerto Rico To the streets of Trenton To the Pentecostal church All far from me But close in my heart.

Growing Up

By Gabriela Cano, grade 4

Then I was telling my imaginary BFF test grades Now she, the real one, and I share real secrets

Then I imagined that my floor was ocean; my bed a boat Now I’m dreaming to go on a real cruise

Then I would see a unicorn riding a rainbow Now I just see my beaten up swing set and tire swing

Now it’s study, books, and begging for imagination­free technology Then all I needed was imagination and me

Now seriousness is all I see

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My Life Story By Madeline Russell, grade 4 Once I was small But know I am tall Turning 10 years old so fast I remember when I was three and Wearing a cast All the important jobs to do Going to school and chores too! Now that I’m 10 I’m having fun Running and playing basketball in the sun No more princesses and dolls And no more pretend calls Life is reality and the real deal I’m now in 4th grade at St. Paul School Being 10 is really cool!

by Catherine Howard, Grade 2

Where I’m From By Carmen Ang, grade 8

I am from shields,

From protection and airplanes. I’m from forests in my backyard.

I am from pine trees, The long branches that I would climb,

That sap that would remind me of home. I’m from the altar of the Lord,

Forever being His servant. I’m from the grandparents of my parents,

Even though I never knew them, Their names I will always remember.

I’m from a seed still growing in the soil, Just barely sprouted but is ready to blossom.

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Where I’m From By Brendan Daly, grade 8

I’m from blueberry hole donuts that arrive at 8 on the dot I’m from the early morning boot camps we call practices

I’m from wacky Friday nights to

PJ’s on rare Sunday mornings

From the Arctic Tundra we call North America To the dirty garden I proudly call home

I’m from Beautiful Days

To Bloody Sundays

I’m from the boss To having an extra eye blinded

From Cars To a way to dance safely

I’m from “I’m thirteen and I’m in love” From get real to I am

I’m from Facebook addicts to COD pros

From get a life to I don’t have one

I’m from insecurity Not from us but the metaphorical state of well being

I’m from the under and the over

Because there can never be a neutral

But most of all I’m from myself Not what I was or will become

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“Hold fast to dreams…” ~Langston Hughes

Dream By Lauren Scalice, grade 6 I wonder all the time in my dreams far beyond the stars and their gleams thinking in a dream anything is possible anything you dream can come true in real life Just believe and whatever you do… Dream!

Star

Poem and Illustration by Larissa Jimenez, grade 4

Be a shining star,

To explore who you are, The world is your audience,

Be able to believe it!

Recipe to Happiness By Johanna Delprado, grade 4 You will need: A tablespoon of love, rinsed in warm water 1 piece of hope, diced into 4 A dash of joy, fresh, not cooked 3 cups of peace, dried 1 cup of confidence 2 cups of friendship, pickled and diced Mix love, hope, and joy slowly and thoroughly. When they are mixed well, add peace, confidence, and friendship. Heat for 25 minutes in the oven. Take your happiness out of your oven and let it cool on the pan for 3­6 minutes. Make sure to slice into pieces to release most of the extra smoke from heat. Sprinkle some kindness on the top. Enjoy your happiness cake with your friends and family!

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Untitled By Haley Clark, grade 8 Everything expressed—everything said Was suffused With an excitable energy And an impossible Envious Honeyed determination To make perfection; Bright and sparkling, but Generic. But what does it become at night? the world goes away— like water that becomes a singular unique snowflake that goes away so suddenly but for a time— it is not— Somebody.

Shadow By Marta Bakaj, grade 6

Hiding in the corner

Making up new ways To keep us going

Day after day Reaching in the distance,

Looking for a friend Waiting behind bars Waiting to break free

As we wait for someone To lean on

As quiet as shadows Silent as stars

We wait in hope, Love,

And trust in ourselves Making it through Opening our shells

Our dreams stepped on, Squashed, Splattered,

But it we believe in ourselves No one can put us down.

I Am Somebody! Are You? By Hannah Marino, grade 6

I am somebody! You think I’m

not?! But—of course—I am! I mean, I’m not shy,

But you are? I am so sorry!

You want to be somebody you say?

Well—think—um… Positive! And if you don’t you will,

Soon find out—you are nobody.

Nobody’s rely on—well—nothing Somebody’s believe

Trust me. You are—somebody.

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My American Girl Thoughts By Catherine Elizabeth Howard, grade 2A I am a big fan of American Girl dolls. They are very fun to play with. During Christmas break 2010, my parents and I went to New York to the American Girl Doll store to buy my first American Girl doll. We planned to get Addy, because I thought she was an American girl doll that gave you access to the internet, but I changed my mind about getting her because she wasn’t an internet American Girl doll. I named my American Girl doll Grace.

I was so excited when I got my American Girl doll. I thanked my family for getting me what I really wanted – my wish came true. It was the best day ever when I got an American Girl doll. I love how the store has so many pretty colors. The elevator was so cute. It had colorful flowers and I like flowers a lot. My Mom has really pretty flowers in her garden.

I wonder why the American Girl clothes are so expensive, but it won’t stop me from loving them. For some reason the American girl dolls are more expensive than the clothes. When I bought Grace, I got a star code. I forgot the star code but that’s fine because the doll comes with a booklet with instructions. There’s a sneak peek online that shows you some games and activities to do online. There’s a whole world online.

My Mom made a pretty white dress for my doll. We looked in the American Girl magazine and she copied Rebecca’s dress. My favorite dog from the American Girl doll magazine is Coconut because she is really cute.

The next American Girl doll I would like to get is Rebecca, but I would not like to get the books because in pictures Rebecca kind of looks weird. I would just get the doll and accessories.

Symbols by Catherine Howard, Grade 2

Where I’m From By Allison Desilets, grade 8

I am from the light of the sun, bright and bold.

I am the petals from a flower, small, but vibrant. I am from the wind, strong and forceful.

I am like a stream with never ending thought. I am like the moon, shining through the darkness

Like the ocean I am calm, but fierce. I am the leaves from a tree moving side to side.

Like a mountain I am always reaching high. I am like rain pure in every way.

I am loving like God, and try to live by his word.

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Mere Mirror Images By Emily Klockenbrink, grade 8 My mirror image is not like yours Your mirror image is not like mine But our mere images are the same Because they do not define us We create our image Like artists, painting their canvases By allowing our personality to shine on us The ways the rays of a sun bring out the best of a painting Our mere images that others see May be what we fear But just how the sun completes a painting Let your personality shine and complete you

My Keys ‘n’ Books

By Patrick Howell, grade 8

I have more than one key, As I also have more than one book.

Keys and Books have different purposes All Books and Keys perform different services

I have seven keys, which I can show Like a Key to my world that you’re soon to know

A Key for the tears that fall from my face A Key for the source of grace

A Key for the end of sadness and pain A Key for the knowledge that it is in my brain

A Key for the beginning of truth and light A Key for the promise that

It all will end alright. As I also have seven books, which I can read

A Book about victory and people who succeed A Book about delight, happiness, and joy

A Book about a prince, a pauper, and a whipping boy A Book about sorrow, where all are glum A Book about children, who live in a slum

A Book about conquerors, people who stand tall And a Book of my friends, who go to St. Paul.

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Where I’m From By Gabrielle Lisk, grade 8 I’m from lazy Sunday mornings, From midsummer breezes and fragrant candles, Flickering dangerously yet steadily. I am from the flowers on the windowsill, Each one different yet a piece of the bouquet. I am from the inky night sky, Dotted with hope and shooting stars. I’m from a mother’s unyielding hug, Warm and comforting and safe. From my brothers’ smiles. The way my dad holds my hand. I come from love.

A Simple Idea By Michael Elliott, grade 8

After a long day, the man sat down to work

He took chocolate cocoa, and put it out there He took celery, cut them into thin strips, and put them out there

He took rocks, made them sharp, and put them out there He took broccoli from his dinner plate, and put it out there

He took powerful and violent tears from his eyes, and put them out there He took soft fluff from his blanket, and put it out there

He took his tall fan, turned it on, and pointed it out there He took ice cubes from his freezer, chopped them up, and threw them out there

He took sugar from his cabinet, and sprinkled it out there He took a light bulb from his closet, flicked the switch, and placed it carefully out there

As the man grew tired, he yawned, and there was a great wind He lay down on his bed, and started to pull the blanket over him slowly

As he did this, it gradually grew dark He flicked the switch and put his idea to rest

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What I Have to Say By Michael Elwell, grade 8

I’ve gone to the end of the world and back,

I’ve seen all I need to see, Heard all I need to hear,

But I do not know everything.

I know no more about the world than a common man knows about his household.

I have seen so many things yet no one cares to listen.

Does anyone care for what I have to say?

I have traveled the world by myself with nothing but my mind. I have seen grass living and a sky with open arms.

Now that I return with all these stories, no one listens.

Does anyone care for what I have to say?

I’ve seen the good, the bad, the happy, and the sorry. I’ve seen the ones that struggled and the ones that are carefree.

I tried to help those that are troubled.

Does anyone care for what I have to say?

I return home to the place where I’m alive. To where my friends and family are.

These people have been there for me and I love them because

They care for what I have to say.