Applewild School

Golden Apples
2013

Table of Contents
6TH GRADE............................................................................................................................................................................................3 YNGVAR BY ANGELIKA H ..................................................................................................................................................................3 HERMIA BY ELISIA M .......................................................................................................................................................................11 A TRIP TO CHEWONKI BY ALLISON O .............................................................................................................................................12 PARIS BY ABBEY B ...........................................................................................................................................................................14 THE GULCH BY BETAME D ..............................................................................................................................................................18 RUTA (AN EXCERPT) BY AVERY H ...................................................................................................................................................20 HELENA BY CLARA M ......................................................................................................................................................................23 A DAY IN THE WATER BY CHRIS M.................................................................................................................................................24 CREEPY CRAWLER! BY DAKOTA M ............................................................................................................................................27 A TRIP THROUGH THE WOODS BY ETHAN H ..................................................................................................................................29 LIFEN BY IAN W................................................................................................................................................................................31 BEES < SPIDER FAMILY < JACOB BY HARRY J............................................................................................................................35 HELENA BY MICAYLA B...................................................................................................................................................................36 MARLIS BY JACK G ...........................................................................................................................................................................37 FOUR FRIENDS IN A TENT BY JOLENE L ..........................................................................................................................................40 LOGAN BY JACOB M .........................................................................................................................................................................42 A FUN DAY AT CHEWONKI BY K ATELYNN B..................................................................................................................................44 JORDAN BY KEITH D.........................................................................................................................................................................46 A MIDSUMMER NIGHT S DREAM SONNET (H ERMIAS POINT OF VIEW) BY HANNAH R .............................................................50 THE GULCH BY MIKIE T ...................................................................................................................................................................51 SA BY STEVEN J..............................................................................................................................................................................53 HELENA BY LILLIANNA H ................................................................................................................................................................56 CORMORANTS WALK BY QUINN Y.................................................................................................................................................57 ABELLE BY MITCHELL J ...................................................................................................................................................................59 AFANAS BY SEREY K ........................................................................................................................................................................63 FELICE BY SHRIYA B ........................................................................................................................................................................71 ATALINE BY WEST L ........................................................................................................................................................................75 CHEWONKI BY W ESLEY C ................................................................................................................................................................80 7TH GRADE..........................................................................................................................................................................................82 GOLD BY JACOB B ............................................................................................................................................................................82 MUSIC BY JAMES W..........................................................................................................................................................................82 BANZAI BY ANDRE B .......................................................................................................................................................................83 FLYING BY EMILY A .........................................................................................................................................................................83 YELLOW BY EMMA R .......................................................................................................................................................................84 THE WAVE BY JACK J .......................................................................................................................................................................84 VALENTINES DAY BY AYLA D........................................................................................................................................................85 JELLYBEAN'S FLAVORS BY LUVIANA M ..........................................................................................................................................85 UPPER SCHOOL VS. LOWER SCHOOL BY MADDIE L .......................................................................................................................86 IN MY HEART BY LILY T..................................................................................................................................................................87 MY HOBBY BY JAMES T ...................................................................................................................................................................88 SONNET: BUNNY BY BEN N .............................................................................................................................................................88 LIFE OR D EATH BY JAMIE A .............................................................................................................................................................89 CATS VS. DOGS BY MILES B ............................................................................................................................................................90 HAIKU BY LIAM C.............................................................................................................................................................................90 MOTIVATION BY LAUREN L .............................................................................................................................................................91 DREAM BY BRETT C .........................................................................................................................................................................91 FALL BY ISABELLE R ........................................................................................................................................................................91 THE MANY ADVENTURES OF MUSTARD MAN: A BRAINSTORM BY JACK C..................................................................................92 PLANETS BY JIMMIE H ......................................................................................................................................................................92 MILK VS. EGGNOG BY MICHAEL N ..................................................................................................................................................93 THE LONELY MAN BY AIDAN Z .......................................................................................................................................................94 BUS BY N EIL S ..................................................................................................................................................................................94 1

MY HERO BY JACK H........................................................................................................................................................................95 FLAGS AND FIREWORKS BY G RACE L..............................................................................................................................................95 SEBASTIAN THE SEA TURTLE BY DANIEL S.....................................................................................................................................96 THE SWING AND PLAY BY ANTHONY M..........................................................................................................................................97 WIND BY COLLEEN F ........................................................................................................................................................................98 8TH GRADE..........................................................................................................................................................................................99 THE POWER OF THE W EATHER BY JULIA H .....................................................................................................................................99 WHO BY GREER W..........................................................................................................................................................................100 THE CAP'N BY D ELANEY F .............................................................................................................................................................100 MICHAEL JORDAN BY PHIL A.........................................................................................................................................................100 LAUGHTER BY DEREK F .................................................................................................................................................................101 CHRIS BOSH BY ZACHARY M.........................................................................................................................................................101 THE POWER OF TECHNOLOGY BY MATT O ...................................................................................................................................102 ENJOYING THOSE AROUND YOU BY ANNALISE G ........................................................................................................................103 THE OUTDOORS BY ANDREW E. ....................................................................................................................................................104 I BELIEVE THAT WE SHOULD INCREASE FUNDING FOR THE MENTALLY ILL BY ANDREW M. ...................................................105 BIG THOUGHTS BY ETHAN O .........................................................................................................................................................106 STORM SAILING BY GEORGE-HENRY W........................................................................................................................................106 MISTAKES BY BETHANY G.............................................................................................................................................................107 NIGHT FOUND POEM BY MEGAN C. ...............................................................................................................................................108 THE POWER OF WORK ETHIC BY RYAN Q .....................................................................................................................................109 I BELIEVE IN RECESS BY MYLES W ...............................................................................................................................................110 I BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF SMILING BY SARAH B......................................................................................................................111 READING BY DANNY K...................................................................................................................................................................111 SPORTS BY EVAN B.........................................................................................................................................................................112

6 th Gr ade
Yngvar by Angelika H I woke up. It was dark as usual. My sister Elin and our husky Einar sleep in the same bed to conserve heat. I slipped out of the bed shivering. I found my wolfskin jacket, put on my city-made snow pants and went outside to start my chores. The sun never rises here. We are in Vardo, Norway, the coldest place in Norway. The mountains block out the sun because they are taller than the valley. It never gets above 37. At night it gets below 00. I went into my parents room because they are usually up by now. I walked in and there was a draft. The window was broken and my parents were gone. I ran back to my room and shook Elins shoulder. Yngvar, what the heck, god! Elin scowled. Elin, we have to go, Mom and Dad are gone! I think wolves took them. I heard barking, but I thought it was Einar. You know how dangerous it is out here in Vardo with no parents, we could get caught by the authorities! They will find a reason to banish us! We would be just two extra mouths to feed. We need to go NOW! Alright, Im coming. Elin got up and put on her parka and packed her bag. I got Einar up and packed my bag and put as much food and water in it as I could. *** We ran all the way to the boat dock. We were just in time to make the petroleum boat going to who knows where. When we got inside the lower deck I realized how stupid this was. It was dark, dank, and smelly. Inside it was a long narrow hold filled with broken oil drums. So what now, where is this going? Couldnt we get poisoned from the fumes? asked Elin. You have great plans! Oh thanks sister dear, I said, I love you too. Have you ever thought about this actually happening? asked Elin. Why would I? Nevermind. After what was probably a week or so the boat finally landed. We snuck out the cargo hatch and ran some more. Sadly, we left Einar behind for obvious reasons. We probably look like outcasts here, Elin stated, we should go shopping! Ummm.... where? Over there! That store! Ummm..... it looks like it has good clothes. Do we have money? I asked. Only if you have it, Elin said. Lets steal! I said. Yngvar!!! ....... Well, that is a good idea. Lets do it!
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We sauntered into the store and casually looked around, slipping articles of clothing into our parkas. Looking for anything, dearies? the store attendant asked. Umm......... no not really, thanks, Elin said. Phew, that was so close, oh my god! We walked out of the store and walked down the street. We slipped down a back alley and quickly changed into the clothes we just stole. Once we had changed we hid our parkas. Yngvar, where will we go? We dont know anyone! Elin pointed out. I dont know. Maybe someone will take pity on us. Do you know where Grandma Ana lives? I asked. I think somewhere in Ohio. Hey look a train! Lets get on quick, before anyone sees us! So we jumped onto the train and hid in between train cars. The conductor never came through until the end of the ride. Suddenly the conductor opened the door! Hey! What are you scallywags doin on my train? Where are your parents? Eh? Elin, Jump NOW!! AHHHHHHHHHHH! Oof! Oof! Where are we? asked Elin. You think I know that? I dont live here! We walked into a bright city. As we walked in the bright sunlight we poked each other playfully until we found ourselves in a run-down neighborhood. There were brick run-down apartment buildings and people milling around in the street and in the garden. Hey look, a pot of roses! Lets keep it, said Elin. I knew there was no point in arguing so I went along with it. I looked into a window and saw an old woman smiling kindly at us. I thought I recognized her face. Grandma Ana! Elin, I know where we are now! Cleveland, Ohio! I saw Grandma Ana! I said, and pulled Elin up the stairs and knocked on her door. Hello, come in, Yngvar and Elin. Elin looked surprised. You will stay here with me. I can recognize my grandchildren anywhere. My name is Ana, your grandmother, remember me? Ummm........Grandma? I found this rose plant, can I plant it.......... in the garden? Elin asked hesitantly. I rolled my eyes. She is sooo girly. Well, I suppose so. Just watch out for dangerous people. There arent very many of them, but still, warned Ana. Ok, Grandma, we will be careful, said Elin. We? I asked. We! Elin said defiantly, and she dragged me down the stairs. When we burst out into the bright sunlight the first thing we saw was a man. He had dark skin, a pitchfork, and a dangerous look about him. He was standing in a back alley looking right into our terrified faces. He started started walking toward us. I couldnt move. I knew Elin couldnt move either. We were frozen in fear. I knew I had to do something! I
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snapped back to reality just in time. I pulled Elin away and into the garden. We kept running until we were sure he didnt know where we were. I pulled Elin down into the underbrush. Stay down, I hissed. We found ourselves in an empty plot in the back of the garden. Might as well plant here, Elin said. Do you realize that we could have been killed, and you want to plant something?! I asked as I stared at her in disbelief. Well ya! said Elin. She placed the pot of roses on the ground and started digging with her hands, which is weird because she hates getting her hands dirty. Yngvar, go fetch me some water! Elin said, liking the small amount of power over me. What am I? Your slave? No way! I said. Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease? begged Elin. I gave in, because then she would be sad and make you feel guilty. Shes annoying that way. I got up and walked toward the spigot in the garden, picked up a bucket, and filled it with water. As I walked back to our plot I saw a girl. She had long dark hair and looked Asian. I walked over there. Hello, who are you? I asked. The girl looked startled. She jumped up and looked like she would run away, but then she saw that I was just another kid. I am Kim. Whats your name? Kim asked. YNGVAR!!! WHERE ARE YOU???? Elin yelled. Sorry, I have to go. Its my sister. I started to turn around. Wait. I will come with you. I have never met other kids here. Must come with you, Kim said. So we walked together back to the back of the garden where Elin was waiting. Its about time you came back. Give me the water, Elin demanded. I handed it over. It was just then Elin noticed Kim. Who is she? Elin asked. This is Kim. I met her when I was heading back from the water spigot, I said. She wanted to meet you, so be nice, I warned. Looks like you got yourself a girlfriend. SHUT UP! Just because Im older doesnt mean I am in love. And thats your first thought when you see her?! Sorry Kim, thats my sister for you. Thats OK. My friends at school do that too. Come with me? she asked. Ok, come Elin. I said. No, only Yngvar. OHLALA! She likes you, Yngvar. You always were a hit with the ladies. Elin made fake kissing noises. Come Yngvar, Kim said. She took my hand and pulled me along through the garden. When we reached her plot of land she sat down. How old are you? Kim asked. Fourteen. Im nine, she said sadly. Why do you look so sad? I asked.
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Because I......... you remind me of the few glimpses I have of my father, she said. I got up to leave. Wait! Where do you live? she called. I turned around. Apartment 3C. Ok, bye. Bye. * * * I stumbled back to the apartment. When I came in Ana and Elin had just sat down for dinner. Oh hi, Yngvar! Come and join us for dinner, Ana said. I sat down at the table and ate some mashed potatoes. Its about time, too. So where did you and Kim, or sorry, your girlfriend, go? Elin said. Will you let it go? I can see why she didnt invite you!!! I shouted. I got up from the table and ran to my room. I sat on my bed fuming, trying to see a reason Elin is like this. She was never like this when our parents were alive. Maybe she wants her friends and our parents back. * * * The next morning, I awoke to a scream. I immediately jumped out of bed and ran outside. A woman got her purse stolen. I ran as fast as I could and caught up to the man we saw the day before and another Indian man. We chased after him, the man stealing the purse, caught up to him, and then the man with the pitchfork pinned him to the side of the building and I gave the purse back to the woman. When that escapade was over I went to check on the plant Elin had planted. The earth was dry so I hauled over some water and poured it over the plant. There, at least they have water. Yngvar! A shrill voice said, Where are you? Oh no its Elin. Uggggg!I groaned, coming! Hello, what happened to you? Youre all disheveled! she said looking disgusted. Rough night. Woke with a start. Uggggg, I said. * * * The next week was a blur. On Monday the plant grew a bit more, but then it wilted from lack of water. Elin was hysterical and I couldnt calm her down. So I finally gave it some water myself. It wasnt my idea to have a baby, but Elin insisted. I think, why raise a plant if it will die? She retorted, why were we raised if we would just die? That is a good point, but people are different. We have a reason to live! Well, so do they, I dont know. On Tuesday Kim visited me and Elin thought up more smart and annoying comments. She is so annoying. I wish she would just shut up! Kim said that on next Tuesday there is a party. A harvest party. There will be food and music and dancing. She dragged on dancing a little too long. On Wednesday I woke up to Elin crying in her room. I looked in the doorway and then turned away. She misses somebody. I will do what she wants today, I vowed. After breakfast Elin insisted that I come to the garden with her. I agreed only because I knew she was crying and I made a vow. As we walked down the paths to our part of the
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garden I saw that man again. The one in the alley. I averted my eyes and kept walking. I helped Elin water and pat the soil. It needs some fertilizer, Elin said out of the blue. And where are we going to get said fertilizer? I asked. Where there is a garden there are nutrients. Ok, I will look around. Go back to Grandmas apartment, I said. She and I headed off in different directions and I watched her go up the steps to the building. I turned around and started looking around. Empty building,empty building, empty building, ooh Maricelas Seed Shop. Lets try that. I walked in and a small bell tinkled. A woman was tending to her baby, but when she heard me she turned around. Hello, I havent seen you around much, what is your name? the woman said. Im Maricela. Im Yngvar. Do you have any fertilizer? I asked. Yes, right over here. I have a good variety. What is your plant? she asked. A rose pink knock out, I think, I said. Then you would want this one. She pointed at a bag. It was $9.98! I am broke........ Im doing this for my sister, I managed to say. Maybe you can work for me as a payment... help shelve seeds and fertilizer. Business is down so I need the money or help. I agreed to come the next day to help out. On Thursday, while I was walking to Maricela's seed shop, I saw the woman that had been watching us when Elin and I were running away from that man. She smiled and came over. Hi, my name is Aislinn. Yours? Yngvar. I kept walking, trying not to look at her. She has nice red hair. She is so pretty! When I got to the store, Maricela greeted me with a smile and a box of seeds to shelve. There you go. That section of the store. She pointed at the back wall. This is all Elins fault, and mine, I guess. On Friday it rained. But Kim came. I snuck her into my room (i.e. a curtained-off area of the living room with a bed.) What are you doing here? I whispered hoarsely. I had to see you, she said. I need you to know this before the party. She whispered fiercely. I am in love! She got up and ran away. I just sat there, stunned. Elin insisted that since we have the fertilizer we use it. So we went outside in the driving rain and added some fertilizer to the plants soil. Youre crazy! I stated. We are going to get pneumonia! Oh pooh, you ruin all my fun. She laughed maniacally and started dancing. She grabbed my arm and dragged me into a twirl. I laughed too, it was the first time in weeks that she laughed. We laughed together. I feel closer to her now. Like as if I now understand her sorrow. She jumped in a puddle and got me wet. Hey, I laughed, No splashing!

Make me stop! she laughed. She started running, and I started chasing her. We ran around splashing each other. When we finally went inside Grandma was smiling. Its good to see you happy. Its been awhile. On Saturday I came out to water the flowers when I found it had many broken branches. What in the name...what? Then I heard sirens, screaming, and squealing of tires. I saw a man. The man that used to sleep here, I thought. I had heard about him. I guess he was crazy or something. Elin broke down and cried when she saw that the plants were gone. I just stood behind her with my hand on her shoulder not really thinking about why she was crying. For gods sakes, its just a plant! But it was my plant, she sobbed. What a crybaby! I thought. I pulled her up and dragged her to the building and up the stairs to Anas apartment. I laid her on her bed and she fell asleep. On Sunday, I was walking to Maricelas shop to shelve fertilizers and seeds when word on the street was that a homeless man was mad about his couch being gone and had a hissy fit. So thats what happened, I thought. When I got to the shop Maricela greeted me with a box of fertilizers. This is soooo boring, I thought. It turned out that I was done with my service to her after I shelve the fertilizers. Oh thank god! I thought. On Monday I saw Aislinn again. She smiled warmly and walked over. Hello, how are you? Fine. Well, you arent very talkative. No. I have to go. She is too friendly almost. I walked to our garden. I tried to pick the bush back up but some of the branches were broken. I was about to head off to get some water when someone tapped me on the shoulder. Oh my god! Whatcha doin? It was Elin. N-Nothing. Oh youre doin something. Getting water. Oh, ok you could have just said so. Elin turned on her heel and walked away. On Tuesday, Kim came and jumped on my back. Piggyback! Piggyback! Oh, alright. I hoisted her up farther on my back and started running. I ran through the streets like a madman. She was laughing and after awhile I realized I was too. I was free! Like I was imprisoned before, but you know, whatever. She seemed especially happy. Maybe it was the party tonight. I put her down. She sighed. Well, see you at the party, she said. Alright. I turned around and walked up the steps to Anas apartment. I was greeted by Elin at the door. Are you going... I looked blank. . . .to the party? Elin asked. Well duh... Kim would be heartbroken if I didnt. Do you like my dress? Grandma and I went shopping. She was holding up a beautiful calico dress. I also got this for you. She held out a pair of jeans and a grey
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shirt. Go see if they fit. She shoved me towards my room. I got undressed and pulled on the jeans and the shirt. I walked out into the living room where there is a mirror. I looked at myself. I looked good in the outfit. As I looked, another figure appeared behind me. It was Elin. She was beautiful. I gasped. Do you like it? she asked. Youre beautiful! She was standing there with her messy hair, but she was still stunning. Ana came out of her bedroom and started brushing Elins hair. Ana curled it so it looked wavy. We walked down the stairs and out into the hall where many people were waiting and standing around. When Elin stepped into the crowd a shy looking boy about her age came over. H-Hi Im Fenn. Lets go to the party. I noticed that he took Elins hand and lead her to the foyer. I followed them into the foyer and got in line to get some food. Elin and Fenn got in behind me and started chatting. Oh sweet revenge. Payback time. Oh Elin, he likes you. You were always a hit with the guys back in Norway, I teased. Oh shut up! Elin shoved me to the side playfully. Now you know what its like, I shrugged. I got my food and found Kim at a table and sat down. Hey. Hey! She got up and hugged me. You look nice. You too. She was wearing a flowery dress that matched the season, spring. I looked over to where Elin and Fenn were sitting at a table alone, holding hands, and talking. Leave them alone, they do what they want to do. Shes old enough, Kim said. I guess. So how about that music? Hint hint, nudge nudge, poke poke, she said with her eyebrows raised. Alright, lets go, I said. We fake tangoed, waltzed, slow danced, boogied, and discoed, laughing the entire time. I looked across the dance floor and met Elins eye. I nodded. She smiled, and kept dancing. * * * One year later I got a job as a grocer. Elin and I are much happier and have made new friends. We are closer and Elin has a job at Maricela's Seed Shop. We are going to school, and are affording a small apartment and have lots of friends at the garden who are willing to help. Our, yes our, rose bush made it and now sits proudly in the back of the garden. Many people comment on the bush as if it were a prized possession, and to us it is. It is where we relax and let our thoughts go. Where we tell each other our thoughts and troubles, and then let them go into the breeze to somewhere else. Now and then I think about Mom and Dad. But I dont miss them as much. Elin, Kim, Fenn, Evelynn,and I are best friends. Evelynn has long blond wavy hair that goes down to her waist, and bright, laughing blue eyes. She has the greatest smile.

It was a Monday when Evelynn came walking down the road as I left the grocery store at the end of my shift. I saw her and waved. She waved back enthusiastically. She ran toward me laughing. As she reached me she jumped on my back. Hey! she said. Hi! Hows life treating you? Pretty good, you? Good enough, I said. Lets go check on your prized possession. And we walked off into the sunset towards the garden.

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Hermia by Elisia M I am now so confused in the dark woods Lysander does not like me like before He now loves Helena though not before And Demetrius also loves her too Before this I was in Helena's place But now I am ridiculed in her place Helena thinks that we are making fun I am serious and think not of jokes Lysander and Demetrius are hogs I dont get why things have to be so hard. Demetrius should just love Helena And Lysander should just love Hermia But instead everybody is confused I think Helena has betrayed me And has stolen Lysander that was mine I can't believe I even trusted her She was my best friend for my childhood But now she has taken my true love Maybe things will turn out for the better But I won't forget what Helenas done.

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A Trip to Chewonki by Allison O After a delicious breakfast of eggs, sausage, and english muffins we headed towards town. It was time for group challenge. Yay! screamed everyone. The first challenge we did was called Lava River. We stopped in an open field and it was just us. There was a skimpy bar in the distance. We trotted towards the bar and turns out we were doing a game standing on that bar. The game seemed really exciting! We all had to think of a candy in our heads. Mine is Skittles! yelled Ian. No, youre supposed to keep it in your head, said Hersh while she was cracking up. Then, we had to line up in alphabetical order by the name of our candies without talking on the bar. It was so hard. Everyone kept falling off. Ian said, Hey, how about we sit down and step over each other? We did that and it was much easier. Then the hard part was lining up in the right order. Some people had letters on their clothes so we would point to those. Or, we would try to make the letter with our fingers as best as we could. So finally, we got all lined up and said our candies and we were in correct alphabetical order. Yay! The next one we played was called Row Row Row Your Boat. There was this one gigantic board that was on a thin piece of wood the size of toothpick. It was 4 inches above the ground. The game was not so simple as everyone thought it would be. You have to hop on the board and try to balance like it was a tight rope except way bigger. One by one people would hop on and the board would shake a little and sometimes give me a mini heart attack. If the board touched the ground three times we would have to start over again. Once everyone as on and not breathing, so that it would be still, we would have to sing Row Row Row Your Boat. This one looks hard, said Micayla. What if we go two by two? Micayla thought again. Good idea, I said. So, two people went on. First Micayla and Dakota, Katelynn and I, Jack and Wesley, Keith and Betame, then finally Ian. We did it! exclaimed Betame. Quick, sing the song! Hersh reminded us. We all sang the song really fast. It sounded like row row boat stream down gently merrily merrily dream. The board was wobbling up and down. It hit the ground a few times and we all got scared, like we were not going to make it in time. We played another game. It was very interesting and kind of complicated. There were ropes tied between two trees like a spider web. There were little holes to try to climb through. Some were so high that we had to lift people up and through them. I call the outside hole! yelled Dakota.
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I got the other one! said Betame. Then everyone climbed through the outside two and the game was over. No way! said Hersh. No hole can be used twice, said Will. Now it started to get hard. How about the tall kids climb through the bigger holes on the bottom? I said. Ya, and then the smaller kids go through the top ones, said Jack. So Micayla, Katelynn, and Wesley went first through the very bottom ones by lunging and ducking in very odd positions. Then Jack crawled through the middle one. It was my turn now. I had no easy way to chose, so Katelynn lifted me over and I was hanging onto her like a monkey. Thank you, thank you, I said to her a million times. Then we lifted Ian and Keith through the top ones and Betame and Dakota went through the side ones. We accomplished the game! The last game we played was called stinky football and Will was the tagger who had the stinky football. He would throw it at all of us and whoever he tagged was it with him. Cant get me! I yelled as I ran past Will. He spotted me, aimed and threw. I dodged to the ground and the football just missed me. Phew, that was a close one I said. Look out! I warned Keith as Will whipped the ball his way. He got me! exclaimed Keith. Then there were only a few people left and the winner was Ian. Good job, Jack said to Ian. Yeah, good job, said everyone. Then we were off to a fun day.

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Paris by Abbey B Im having a strange day. I come home from school and my brother Leon and my sister Marseille are sitting in our home, alone. I ask them where our parents are and Marseille answers, Mommys sick at the hospital. I am freaking out! I know Mom has been sick, but she has never just gone to the hospital out of the blue. Only for appointments about her extreme case of asthma. I run to my bedroom crying. Its unusual for a handsome teenager like me to cry. I am the most popular boy at my high school, La Lycee de Paris. Popular boys dont cry, but this is my exception. I cry myself to sleep. The next day, I wake up and my mom and dad are home. I think it must have all been a nightmare, until my dad tells us all to sit down. Now I think its real again. Listen, you all know your mom has been sick, and her doctor said it would be best to leave Paris and start fresh somewhere else, my dad says sadly. Cant you and Mom go to where evers best for her, and Leon, Marseille, and me can stay here in Paris? I start to shout, I dont want to leave Paris, Ive lived here my whole life! Were not leaving you three in Paris and moving to the United States! my mom yells to all of our surprise. You want me to move to the United States in the middle of my senior year? NO WAY! I answer angrily. Were leaving next week, Paris, collect your things, say goodbye to your friends, and then we have to go! my father says in an alarming manner. I stomp out of the room and call my girlfriend, Caterine. I tell her about us leaving Paris, and she speeds to our house. Paris, it cant be true! Youre leaving Paris next week? Caterine exclaims while walking through our door. Believe it, Cater! It is true! I answer, so fakely sad. I dont even like Caterine. But the tradition at my school is that the most popular boy and most popular girl go out and she happens to be the most popular. Only my best friend Esme knew I did not like Caterine. Oh my gosh, I forgot to tell Esme about the move! I had to get Caterine out of my house now! She doesnt like Esme and he needs to come over! Caterine, I just remembered I have to start packing and you have to get going! Bye, see you soon! I scream out of nowhere. What about us? Are we going to stay together, or is this the end? Where are you moving to? Um, Im moving to the United States, and I dont know about us. I think this should be the end. Wanting to stay, but needing to go, Caterine says bye with a tear in her eye. Goodbye Paris, I hate you! What has happened to you? You used to be so nice, but now youre being a jerk! Caterine shouts.

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That was when I actually liked you, before I got to know you! I yell. Caterine storms out my front door for the last time! Yes! Shes gone finally and now I never ever have to see her again! Except tomorrow at school for the last time. Last time that I would be there, and I should never have to be there for a last time seeing Caterine! I really have to talk to Esme! Ring, ring, ring, ring! Hello? I say into my phone, who is it? Its Esme! I heard about your breakup with Caterine! Why did you do it? Why? Huh? I didnt hear an answer! Esme attacks me with questions. Um, Im moving to the United States next week, and I dont like long distance relationships. Please come over and help me! Okay Im coming! See you in a couple minutes! * * * A week later I was leaving Paris, France forever. I say goodbye to Esme, and tell him I would call him when I arrive in Cleveland, Ohio (I just found out thats where were moving). I load my bags into the moving van to the movers disapproval. They tell me that its their job not mine, and I tell them they are not putting their dirty hands on my stuff. Thats the end of that. We drive to the airport with our small amount of stuff that we could bring on the plane. We then take off and are going to Cleveland. My sister sleeps the whole way, leaning on my mom and dad. I have to sit with Leon, who talks about all the cute American girls he would meet in Cleveland. I cant take him anymore. Leon, if you do not shut up in the next ten seconds, I will punch you. Leon shuts up instantly. * * * As soon as we leave the Cleveland airport we lose Marseille. She ran away! We search the city, even going into city hall. We cant find her, and we search for hours! We find this little side street, and decide just to check for Marseille there. We walk about ten feet, then see this little garden. Marseille is just standing there watching a young girl water her lima bean plant. Marseille! There you are! We have been searching for hours! my mother shouts to her. I got lost in the airport, so I decided to go out, and got lost again! Marseille answers. Sweetie, come here. But I want to plant in the garden too! Okay, well come back tomorrow with seeds. Right now we need to get to our new house! Excuse me! My names Kim! I heard you were looking for seeds. Ill bring you some tomorrow! Kim yells to Marseille. Thank you, Kim! Marseille answers. We then left to go to our house. As my mom cooks dinner I ask, Mom? Can I plant something too? I saw a seed store down the street. Please? Okay honey, Ill give you five dollars and you can go after dinner, my mom replies. Thank you so much!
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Why do you want to plant? And what? I want to plant a Bicolor Buddleia Butterfly Bush, because theyre your favorite! I thought you were mad at me for making you move here. Ive gotten over it! This soon? Dad talked to me and I realized its not your fault youre sick and needed better medicine that they had here in America. Im sorry! Its okay, Mom! After dinner I run down the street. When I get to the store, I pick a started bicolor buddleia butterfly bush. I bring Marseille to the garden the next day to plant the lima bean seeds Kim gave her. Marseille asks Kim for advice and for help planting the lima beans. I plant mine far away from Marseille. I find a spot and this girl about my age with a little baby came over. She asks me why I was at the garden. Im here to plant, why else? Just asking. Not a lot of teenage boys choose to plant in gardens? By the way, Im Maricela! Hi, Im Paris! I just moved here from France. What are you planting? A butterfly bush; they are my moms favorite! Cool! I have to go, its time for Joses nap! See you tomorrow? Yeah, probably. Bye Maricela! I plant my seedling in full sun with room around it for when it grows and found Marseille. Next time, Ill need to bring wooden posts to hold my plant up when it grows; its supposed to be six to eight feet tall. Marseille is still with Kim. They are the same age, two ten year olds in one place! I tell Marseille its time to go, and we go home to tell our family about our plants. My mom tells me I will start school at Cleveland High tomorrow. I dont want to start at a new school in February. But Ill be off to college next year! I could go back to Paris for school! With that in my mind I drift off to sleep. * * * Months later, Marseille and I go to the garden for the hundredth time. Marseille has been counting. My bush is almost in full bloom! Full bloom is in the middle of the summer. I have ten more days of high school. During my free periods Ive been planning a garden party for the day Im graduating high school with Maricela whos in my class and a freshman named Gonzalo. He also plants in the garden with his Tio Juan. We are trying to get people in the garden to donate their goods to be appreciated at our party. Money we raise from fundraisers is going to be used for food, decorations, and favors for our party. I now have two friends in Cleveland because of the garden. Now we are working together for a great cause: the garden! Our last fundraiser is today! We need to raise one hundred more dollars. Todays fundraiser is at the Ninety Nine restaurant on Lindsey Lane. We get fifty percent of all

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sales tonight. Weve done two other fundraisers there, and raised an average of $350 dollars at each. I think were going to raise all the money needed. At the end of the night they give us our check. We raised $453! We have extra money to spend on supplies for the gardeners! Maybe watering cans or new shovels! Today is my graduation, and so is the party! This is going to be a great day!The graduation is fine, more boring though. I almost fall asleep, but Maricela keeps me up. Its now time to head to the garden for the party. My whole family arrives at the party and I show my mom my butterfly bush. Its now in full bloom with its lavender and yellow color. She loves it so much it brings a tear to her eye. Mom, Im glad we moved to Cleveland. Youve gotten much better since we came, I say to my mom as she was hugging me. I am, too! I feel better! my mom replies. I love you, Mom! I love you, too! My life has been a whirlwind since we came to America and I dont want to go back to France for college. My life here is going to stay the way it is with my friends in the garden. My sister has helped me open my eyes to the world around me, and shes not that bad, I guess. She is my sister, and shes changed my life forever.

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The Gulch by Betame D Crunch, crunch. The leaves crackled under my feet. The sun was pounding on my back like a big fist. My group had just left the campground and was prowling through the woods like wolves. We were going to The Gulch. I was so excited plus a little bit scared!! We hiked all the way to Gulch territory. It was all full of trees and little spikes from pine needles kept hitting me and sap kept getting stuck on my jeans. I could smell sap in the air and smoke from a chain saw in the distance. I was hiking up with my friend Ian. Do you want to be first? Ian asked me. Oh yeah, I tried to say confidently. Every hill we went by, everybody would say, Is this the Gulch? Will, the instructor always said, Not yet. Finally I could not handle it, so I asked and he said we were at the Gulch. The Gulch is like a big canyon with half salt water and half lake water. You have to hook yourself to a scrawny rope and pull yourself about forty feet. If the rope snaps you fall thirty feet to your death. Hersh, the other instructor, was there waiting for us. She had her back to an oak and was looking over the edge. When she heard us coming she turned and came toward us. She told us about the Gulch and how the Gulch is really old, then asked if we were all ready to conquer the Gulch and we all cheered. I was all sweaty as Hersh called me up. I was going to be the first person to try the Gulch. My hands were numb and my heart sounded like an Indian drum. Boom, boom! I had a hard time trying to put on my two harnesses but I finally got it buckled to my chest and waist. I was going to be harnessed to a rope and go across a canyon that is thirty feet deep. I put on my gloves and helmet and crept up to the hook. This is a once in a lifetime experience that I would not want to try again. In Chewonki language I was in YOYO PANICO zone!!! I crept to the edge and slowly I grabbed the hook and hooked myself in. One step at a time, Betame, I coached myself. Just one step at a time. I hooked the scrawny rope and let myself hang by sitting down on AIR!!! Not bad, I thought. At least Ill make it across alive. I had everybody's eyes nailed to my back as I tiptoed to the edge. I looked back at everybody one last time, closed my eyes and pushed off. AAAAAHHHHH! I screamed as I shot off like a Ferrari on a highway. 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds. Im dead, I thought as I opened my eyes. I was in the middle of the Gulch hanging upside down and seeing the most beautiful sight Ive seen in my life. I was

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looking at the sun just rising over the hill. The ocean was all differents colors. Red, blue, pink, and yellow were reflecting off of the water. Wow, I said to myself. THIS IS AWESOME, GUYS!! I yelled over to my group. I grabbed the the rope and slowly, glove hand over hand, pulled myself over. It felt like forever but I finally got over to Will. He grabbed my harness and yanked me over. That was so much fun, I said as I slowly got my harness off. I took it off slowly because I wanted to keep it on as long as I could. I ripped off my gloves and hooked them on the rope. I grasped my harness from the ground and hung it back onto the rope. The person in the Chicken Coop on the other side pulled the harness back for the next person. (The Chicken Coop is a place where the rope is tied to a tree. The person in the Chicken Coop has to watch the rope so it does not untangle.) Once everybody was done we all headed back to camp. On the way back I talked to Ian. That was so much fun, I said. Yay, said Ian. Everybody was stilling buzzing with excitement from the Gulch. And finally I can say, I conquered the Gulch.

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Ruta (an excerpt) by Avery H Cleveland is nothing like Lithuania. I have been struggling to get acquainted with American life, crowds of people flocking to their local grocer, when in Lithuania we grow half the food we consume. Ive been here for under three weeks and Jurgis has decided to stay distant from me, he misses his father. We did not plan it to be this way, it all just happened too fast for either one of us to grab it, and things went downhill from there. I hope one day I can wake up and this will all just be a dream, because sometimes it feels like the world is resting on my shoulders. Ruta! The shout awakened me from my thoughts. Did you call, Son? When is Dad coming? Your father wasnt a person this family could handle, we just had to get a fresh start. I tried to keep him sheltered from it but somehow, it seemed, the harder that I try to do that, the more it backfired on me. Im just sorry you were there and had to witness it firsthand. You always miss him. But why dont you call me mom anymore? I ask. Because I wish you werent! The door shut in my face before I could even comprehend his answer. He thought it was my fault. My fault that things didnt work out. I went out for a walk hoping he would calm down upon my departure. About a mile away from my apartment, I ran into a thick garden filled with flowers, fruits, vegetables, anything that can grow in Cleveland I guess. It is empty as far as people, except for one Asian women tending to her plant. It was impressive how the garden thrived given that the conditions for gardening were poor, it being in a place filled with garbage and all. I walked over and ask her name. What are you doing? I asked. I plant hot peppers. How long have you lived in Ohio? I lived in Korea for long time. Name is Sae Young. Im Ruta. After chatting for awhile I realized her English still needs work, so I gave her the address of my former English teacher. You know there is a cheap English class on 47th street, it helped me a lot. Really? I nodded my head. Oh my goodness! I look for teacher for months! We shook hands, exchanged goodbyes and went our separate ways. I never thought much of our encounter, and I certainly didnt think that moment would come back to reward me. I walked home and surely enough, Jurgis is watching me from the window, hoping that Ill go away. He used to mean the world to me, but Im not sure I can keep
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going on like this. Something needs to change. I used to be able to look into his eyes and then everything would make sense. I want to be able to show him how I feel about him, how glad I am that hes my son. Not many people get a second chance, but I cant keep going if I dont get one soon. * * * Earlier today, I noticed we were low on food. I also noticed we were low on money to pay for the food. I have two jobs that pay five dollars an hour, but what other option do I have? I cant try to get a third job, Jurgis would be alone most of the day. He is only 13, and he gets even more upset when Im not there. It confuses me how he always wants me home, but he cant stand it when I talk to him. Maybe I can plant something for little cost. Putting a cheap meal on the table wont make a huge difference, but its a start. It'll be just like old times, caring for a plant. Maybe Jurgis would enjoy the process of gardening, and after we pick and eat whatever it is we decide to plant, there might not be so much tension. Ruta! Here we go again, I mutter to myself. Yes? Im bored. What should I dooooooooo? I dont know. Do you want to plant something later on? Like what? You like cucumbers, maybe we can plant some of those. Sure, but what do I do NOW? Maybe you can play with some of your friends for a while. He pauses for a moment and then looks at me like Im crazy. Friends? Since when did I have friends here? I got nothing. Now please... leave...me...alone. Later that evening, I decide to start planting the cucumbers on my own. Just like before, its quiet and only one girl and her father remain. I believe they are picking some sort of lettuce. After theyre finished, they sprint to their car and put their foot on the gas. I finally have my seeds in the ground and its long journey to an edible food begins. * * * I try to get him to come with me so we can spend a while doing something together. He is reluctant, but agrees when I tell him he can miss the school day. We finally get there and he is actually surprised how many plants have developed in such a small space. I might be right about this after all. Ruta, where is yours? I think its over here. As soon as I show him our cucumber, he stands there with his mouth gaped open. Why is it so small? I cant even see it. Calm down, Jurgis. I only planted it yesterday, give it time. Its going to take a good two months to fully develop. Okay, lets get it started. * * *
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As another month passes things are finally falling into place, I find out that Eaglebrook is a great yet cheap school. He will be enrolled in two weeks. Today is also the day we pick our cucumber. Jurgis seems to be happy too, he cant stop talking about how he grew the best plant ever. Hopefully the effect will last so Jurgis will finally accept reality. As we approach the garden, I see Sae Young again. Did those classes work out for you? I ask. Oh yes. I know more words now! By now Jurgis is so bored he goes over and sits down like he expects me to stop. Great, anyway- To show my thanks, I want you to come work for me. At first, I didnt think she knew exactly what she was saying. Woah, slow down. I already have two other part-time jobs. Im sorry but I cant juggle a third. Its full time, down at washers. You get paid well, twenty dollars an hour. Youre sure about that? Definitely. Oh, wow...that sounds great! Good, I meet you at washers on Thursday and well see what hours youre available. Great! Thank you so much. No, thank you. After my talk with Sae Young, I walked over to see Jurgis, biting at his nails, and desperate to pick it. Can I pick it, please?! He begged Sure. Go ahead. As soon as it came off the vine I already knew what he was thinking. Then he shouted, Mom! Look! Its huge! He smiled from ear-to-ear, and I was Mom once again. He gave me a hug and we walked home proud of our achievement. All seemed normal for the first time in months.

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Helena by Clara M Lysander, why do you mock me right here? Hermia, I adored you, my dear friend. Demetrius, I did love you, my dear, Our friendship was supposed to be till thend. Never have I felt worse, being bullied, My heart is breaking, it has not felt worse. I did not know I was hated, I plead. Watching you love feels like I am a curse. I have feelings, Im nothing like a joke, Nothing is worse than being hated, mocked. I hate myself, not loved, I should have spoke, Hermia, you felt this way, should have talked. I may still feel love for you, but you dont, I never would do bad to you, and wont.

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A Day in the Water by Chris M We had finished our life jacket fitting, and we strolled to the ocean. We had picked partners, a boy and a girl in each canoe, and I was with Abbey. As we walked down to the dock, laughing and walking into things (clumsy bunch), I was in awe. There was a terrific view of the ocean, the water glistened and was lapping at the shore. There were scattered patches of sand and gravel. The path was covered with leaves, and was lined with gigantic green and red canoes. I saw a brown shack; it held all of the boating supplies. The wooden dock was nice and warm under my feet. I was sitting, just waiting in awe. Our counselor finally said the words, Time to GO!! I could tell we were all really excited. Most of us had been canoeing before but this seemed a lot more exciting. This would be the first time we were actually going in the ocean. We were paddling on the dock for practice, learning how to turn and things like that. After that, we had to bring the canoes down to shore since it was almost time. That was where we found the vole... still alive, a brown mouse-like creature with a big nose and small paws. It was clinging to the canoe as we flipped it over. AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH! Lillianna and Abbey screamed. There were also spider eggs in the process of hatching. Thousands of baby spiders about a quarter of a centimeter big each. They were little grey-black dots; they looked like they had no legs, but I knew they did. We knew we couldnt canoe with them because they would crawl everywhere. All of the girls were scared or grossed out. I was, too, a little. We voted Jeff, our counselor, to pick them up and get them out of the canoes. During the process of all of this the vole was scurrying around and running through the eggs, which I thought was pretty strange, but I had seen weirder (I watch a lot of cartoons). The vole was safe and still scurrying around, and all the spiders were gone. We would have kicked the vole out, but none of us had gloves and we didnt want to pick up a live animal. We started to walk the canoes down to shore, vole still in, one after the other. Each canoe took five people to carry it. Once all the canoes were down at the shore, we got in and set sail. I was in the back steering, and Abbey was in the front paddling away. Quinn, obsessed with the vole at this point, made Elisia get into the vole canoe with him. First our counselors, Jeff and Ellen, had us paddle around in a circle, to make sure we could turn and steer. Abbey and I had a little trouble with this, but we got the hang of it. We finally got out of our bumper circle with the walls. The current was with us, but strong. We got pulled into it quite a bit, and it was making us head towards the bank on the opposite side of where we wanted to go. We were almost there when I heard a scream. I was assuming it was from Elisia, because the vole was in her canoe, and it sounded like a girl not a Quinn. I chuckled a little bit and then Abbey gave me a look and I stopped.
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We got to our destination, a little island where we had lunch. The island was small with lots of trees kind of making a cove to sit in. The view of the ocean was very pretty. I had a turkey and cheese sandwich and some (a lot) chips. There were no bees but we were on an island in the ocean. Jeff told us a few stories about when he lived in Australia while we devoured our meal. When he was done with the stories, he made us new canoe groups for the way back. We walked down to the shore where our canoes were almost piled on top of each other; it was like a small maze to get down to the water. The groups started back. I was third with Quinn and we headed back. We were paddling against the current. Yay, I thought. The current was strong, coupled with the lowering tide and wind it was almost impossible to paddle. I thought we would get stuck, our paddles were now touching the brown muddy bottom; each stroke was getting harder and harder. I was trying to tell Quinn which side to paddle on, this was an impossible task for he would not listen. I was angry and tired. Quinn was yelling and I was yelling back. Power Paddle, he yelled. I am, Quinn, I barked back. Switch sides, I commanded. This was where Quinn needed help. Every time I told him to switch he would go on the same side as me and we would start going in circles. Round and round, I almost threw up. Then after spinning for about a minute or so, he finally learned which side to paddle on and when. I asked him about the vole and he started to tell me about it. Well... the little thing was scurrying around the canoe willy nilly , and we had to keep lifting our feet. This was shaking the canoe so at a few times I thought we were going to tip over. Then at one point the little thing somehow scurried into Elisias backpack and was playing around in there. Then finally it jumped over the side of the boat into the ocean. At this point I was chuckling really hard. This was super funny. The way he described it combined with the just plain hysterical content made this seem like something from a late night show. During all of this we had made lots of paddling progress, and we were almost there. I envisioned a picture of the port; turns out that it was the real thing. There was a group ahead of us, and they were practically there. We paddled really hard for the last stretch. We had done it, we made it. Hallelujah! I said. People started to draw closer to shore. Mrs. Gregsons group arrived and said hi. When we were all there, Jeff told us the words I had been waiting for: Time to go SWIMMING! I was so excited because this would be the first time I would swim in the ocean. I took off my shirt and shoes and ran down to the dock. I was the second one there, behind Avery. There was a water slide and everything. The slide had a tube-like mechanism, which I thought poured out water. Turns out that the water was our counselors job. Oh my gosh, I said, This is AWESOME. I shimmied up the ladder, to the top of the slide. Go figure, out of all people, my counselor threw this enormous bucket of f-f-f-freezing cold water on me. I was in
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shock. The water was so cold, it felt like I was swimming in ice. The water was really salty, but I think that was already assumed, I mean it is the ocean. I got some in my mouth, BLAAAAAH ewww, it was so salty. Luckily there was a small dock at our swimming boundaries. The only thing was, the steps were coated in slimy, green, gooey moss or seaweed. I spent most of my time on the dock, until Jeff called us in. I was sad, swimming was really fun (even though I spent most of the time on the dock). This morning was REALLY fun. I love the water, and I wish we had spent more time here. Canoeing was a really great experience for me, and I hope to do it again really soon. This was my experience with the water at Chewonki, I hope yours went as well as mine.

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Creepy Crawler! by Dakota M We had just gotten back from brushing our teeth, Ally and I, and it was getting dark. It was time for bed. We had spent the last three days there, at Chewonki, and we were excited to go home the next day, but also we were sad. We would probably never go there again. Unless we went to summer camp there, but we both doubted it. We went inside the tent that we tried over and over again to reorganize but could never keep clean. All my things were in a big clump in the corner of the tent, and Allys was on the opposite side in the same condition as mine. Our sleeping bags were never made unless we wanted to organize the tent (which happened every night) and there were random pieces of clothing scattered everywhere. We had to put on our pjs. I was wearing my black yoga pants and a purple shirt, and as we did this we thought to say thank you to Ian. He had lent us his flashlight for the night because ours was broken. As we got out of the tent we left the door open because we were only going ten feet away and we would be back in a minute. The night was dark and the moon shone bright, the stars were dim as though they too would be off to bed soon. We said thank you to Ian and said goodnight and went to the next tent where our friends Katelynn and Micayla slept and said goodnight to them as well. We went back to the tent and zipped up our tent door. As I went to shut off the light, I saw IT. A huge spider was in our tent! It was black, big and you could see the hair on its legs and back. It was as big as a softball. Ally and I jumped out the tent as fast as we could, thinking that the spider would chase after us with its huge, black, hairy legs. We sprinted to get Hersh, our camp counselor, and on my way down I stubbed my toe but that wasnt important because we had to get that spider out before it contaminated all our things. We woke her up carefully, saying her name softly. When she woke up we told her what had happened. She came with us back to the tent. We told her how the spider had crawled into the back of our tent, but when she unzipped the back it wasnt there. Ally and I were speechless. She told us to go back to bed and if we find, scoop it up and throw it out. Of course Ally and I didnt listen and we waited outside. She hadnt seen how big the spider was and if she did she would have told us to wait outside anyways. If we went back in there the spider would have bitten us with its poisonous fangs. I imagined Ally and I going in the tent falling asleep, only to never wake up the next morning, our last breath being our scream of terror as the spider bites us and we fall suddenly to the ground, while our friends wake up from their dreaming to finds us silent. As we waited, we decided to sit at the campfire. Once we got there it felt so empty. The campfire was out and it was so sad and lonely. I thought about all the things we had done over the last three nights and how fun it was and how lively it was.... but now it was cold and lonely and it had felt like it had no life to it. Hey Ally, do you want to see if we can stay with Katelynn and Micayla? I offered.
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Ya, I guess. Lets go see, Ally replied. We walked up to their tent and I looked back at the campfire one last time. Once I caught up to Ally, she was already knocking on their tent door. I was thinking to myself, Why on Earth would she be knocking on a tent door? Its made out of fabric! Ally, just open the door and shake her, I said. Oh, yeah, right. Good idea, she said. I shook my head, laughing quietly to myself. It had been an hour or two since we were told to go to bed, so everyone was probably asleep. Micayla and Katelynn were. We decided to wake up Micayla because she was closer to the front. As soon as Micayla woke up, she was half asleep. She looked very confused, and I felt bad. No one could see very well because it was dark out so I turned on the flashlight and shined it at her feet so it wasnt in her eyes. We asked her if we could bunk in and she said no. I was sad and relieved. I was sad because that meant we had to keep waiting for the spider to come out and I was relieved because I would feel very weird in their tent and Hersh had already disapproved of us staying anywhere else besides our own tent. I went to sit on a part where our tent was held high on a wooden platform to think about what had happened this week. I looked at the sky; it was black but the moon shone brightly against the the sky. It looked as though it was struggling to stay bright though everything was going dark. Ally came to sit with me. I stood up to make room. I looked behind her and I saw IT. The spider had come out of the tent and... BAM!! I smacked the spider with my shoe. It fell to the ground, its leg twitching for the last time. Again I felt bad. It didnt deserve to die but then again I had to find a way to get it away from our tent. Ally and I climbed in our tent satisfied that the spider was gone. We cleaned off our things and shook them lightly. Then we finally fell asleep.

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A Trip Through The Woods by Ethan H Splash! Here I am sitting at the bottom of a water-filled ditch. Im drenched. Im tired, and I am lost. Plus I still need to go to the bathroom which was the only reason I was stuck in the middle of the woods here at a school field trip at Chewonki. I dont even have a flashlight which I was supposed to bring. (The flashlight was actually in my backpack, but I didnt learn that until my dad told me when I got home.) It all started when I woke up at around one-oclock in the morning really needing to go to the bathroom. I groped around in the dark looking for my beat up shoes that are now caked in mud. I grabbed my grimy tooth-brush, then my old pair of socks that reeked of feet. When I found my shoes I quickly scootched out of my tent and jammed my shoes on backwards. I started sprinting through the woods at full speed, bounding on the moist soil with the trees blowing by me. I did not even take note that it was pitch black out with only a far distant glow of the horizon, or that the trees around me looked so old they were about to collapse. Neither did I notice the beautiful but dark scenery of the trees whipping around in the wind, squirrels dropping nuts, or a distant hum of an engine. I got to a nice spot under an ancient, twisted, fir tree, that was sticking crookedly out of the overgrown ground. Scratches covered the old tree from being weathered into its old age. On one side of the tree the bark was totally stripped off. That was when I realized that I forgot the shovel and the toilet paper back at the campsite. When I fell, it looked liked I was falling into a black hole in the ground. Going down, and down, and down. When I hit the ground it was worse than I thought. It was not only a dark ditch, but it was also filled with an inch of water that was cold, wet, smelly and mucky. I was soaked and I noticed that I was lost. I scoured my surroundings looking for a way out. There was a tree hanging low into the water, I climbed up that. Ill just say that that tree was gross from hanging in the water for maybe forty years. I slipped and slid down the tree every time I tried to overcome this aggravating tree. I panicked, will I ever get out? When I got out of the dank ditch after many attempts, I still felt lost and alone, my only company being the soft, mushy, slightly damp pine-needles. I looked like a hairy caterpillar because I was covered in so many pine needles. Not to mention, I still had to go to the bathroom. I stood there crossing my legs and leaning against a tree. Then I took off, tripping desperately over strewn logs and sticks, wearing out the only pair of legs that I have ever owned. I actually never got the chance to go to the bathroom. I scuttled through the dank, lonely woods, tripping over logs, when something moved up ahead. At first I thought it was a bear, but it was just a man-eating-zebra...(aka Jeff). So to be on the safe side I steered away from him and headed back to the campsite. But of course something caught my attention. My divided, lonely, scared attention that is. There was a light far away in the woods. I started to follow it. I just hoped that I wasn't following some fairy tale wood fire that was surely to lead me to my death.
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I carefully scampered over fallen trees, branches, sticks and an unlucky chipmunk . When I got closer I realized the light came from someone else on a fun trip through the woods. I decided not to tell them I was there because it looked like they were also desperate. I quietly crept by until a stick cracked behind me. Another camper I guessed. It looked like it was a seafar party! Even though I like parties, I decided to not stay for long. Then I unhappily noticed that I forgot to leave a light back at the campsite so I could find my way back. This was a problem, but tonight I was prepared for problems. I decided that I would try to find my way back by myself. It was not easy. Until I heard Avery squeal in his sleep. Lets just say that I woke up in the morning finding myself covered in scrapes and cuts, and looking like a caveman that went through five T-rexes from tripping over logs and FALLING DOWN DITCHES! When I got back to the campsite it felt good to be back wrapped up in my cozy sleeping bag, not waking up my tent mates, though still soaking wet. I forgot about needing to go to the bathroom and fell asleep. I dreamed about Jeff trying to eat me, and people jumping out of dark shadows saying that there is no place to go to the bathroom and I will have to wait a million hours to go. It was not that pleasant. When I woke up in the morning I decided not to tell anyone about my adventure. Plus I realised that I still needed to go to the bathroom really, really, really, really, bad. So I went back out into the woods and went. After my uneventful trip I decided not to eat much breakfast so it would be a while until the next trip. And best of all, Jeff didnt remember my visit with him. That is until the next night. (Still no flash-light).

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Lifen by Ian W Lifen, my mother says, spend it wisely. I blink back some tears. I tuck the check into my purse. I will, I reply. I step into the plane and find my seat in first class. I see my mother walk back into the airport. Goodbye China, I think. I hear the flight attendant talking but I drown it out with my music. I close my eyes and wait for the 24 hour flight to be over. The fasten seatbelt sign blinks on. We must be landing soon. I am right. I feel a sharp jolt and we are now on the ground waiting to get off the plane. We now are in Cleveland, Ohio. Enjoy your stay, says the flight attendant. I find my way to a restaurant in the airport. I order a hamburger. I have never tried one before. I didnt eat on the plane because it makes me nauseous. After I finish eating my hamburger, I pull out my cell phone and call my mother to let her know I landed safely. I hail a taxi. Nearest hotel please. Expensive or cheap? Expensive, I say. Whats in the cooler? Baby lettuce, I sell it to a restaurant nearby. Its worth a lot. I grow it in a nearby garden. You should go to the garden sometime. When we get to the hotel I pay the taxi driver. I walk into the hotel with my purse in one hand and lug my suitcases in the other. It is very nice. Crystal chandeliers hang from the high ceiling. I walk over to the front desk and get a suite while the bellhop takes my bags to my room, but I keep my purse with all the money my mother gave me. I walk over to the elevator and get in, and wait for the elevator to stop. The suite is at the very top floor. I walk down the hallway and look for room number 478. I find the room and place the key card into the slot. I walk in. It is a beautiful room. It has a king size bed, a kitchen, a flat screen TV, and a balcony. I walk out onto the balcony and stare down at a huge garden packed with people. This must be the garden the taxi driver was talking about. I look across the street at an apartment building and see an old lady with binoculars. She must be spying on the garden. I think she is creepy until I remember what I was just doing, spying on the garden. I walk back inside and plop down on my bed and open up my purse and look at the check. Five million dollars. I put the check in a sock and hide it in the dresser. I walk back to the elevator and get in, then wait for the elevator to stop. I walk out and find myself at the garden. It is getting dark now. I walk over to a tomato plant and see a figure in a dark sweatshirt picking tomatoes off it. I know its not the owner because the person watering it was really tall. This person was short. Stop, thief! I yell. After I say that another figure with a pitchfork pins the thief to the ground. The hood falls off the thief. Who are you? the man with the pitchfork demands.
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Lateesha, she says. This is kind of awkward so I slowly sneak away. I go back to the hotel and hail a cab. I heard of this place called Taco Bell. It is supposed to be good. The cab pulls up. Taco Bell, please, I say. Hey, its you again, he says. Its the same taxi driver that drove me to the hotel. We are driving over a bridge and an oil truck is in front of us. The oil truck starts to leak more and more until we are driving in a slippery puddle. I close my eyes as we drive off the bridge. Splash. We are sinking. I scream for help but it is no use. I decide to save my breath. I look to the front seat. The cab driver is unconscious. I think he hit his head on the window. I try to open the door. I cant. There is too much pressure pushing against the door. The window wont work either. Usually cabs have something to smash the window but I dont want to waste time looking for it. I take my elbow and hit it hard against the window. It cracks and slowly water comes in. I take a deep breath and hit the window once more, but harder. Water floods through the window. I think my arm is broken. I take one last gasp of air and look towards the front seat. There is a picture on the dashboard of a young boy. I know I cannot save the driver. I swallow my guilt and swim out the window and to the surface. I burst through the surface gasping for air. I swim towards land with one arm. As soon as I get there I throw up. The guilt, exhaustion, and pain is too much. I fall to the ground dizzy. I let myself drift off and the next thing I know Im in an ambulance being rushed to the hospital. I wake up in a cold sweat, crying. While I was passed out I had a dream. The boy from the picture was crying next to a coffin. You shouldve saved him or died trying, he says. I try to speak but no words come out. His eyes stare into my soul. Then the scene changes. Its my father. I havent seen him in ten years. He was only there half my life. I want to go up to him and cry in his arms but Im paralyzed. Lifen, he says, I thought I raised you to be a hero. Hes in his military uniform. Three words bounce around in my head. Missing in action. He looks disappointed in me. I begin to cry as he walks away from me. I want to chase him, but cant. I wake up in a cold sweat, crying. I am in a hospital with a cast on my arm. A doctor is in the room, too. Lifen, do you remember what happened? he asks. I nod. Is the cab driver-? I ask. I dont want to think, say, or talk about death. He nods. What is his sons name? I ask. Virgil. How did you know he has a son? I saw a picture of him in the taxi. A week goes by in the hospital. I have that dream every night. My new therapist says its from stress, but I believe they are really talking to me.

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Today I can go back to my hotel room, but I decide to go to the garden and find the patch of baby lettuce that the taxi driver planted. Chances are his son will be there. I am right. There is a dark skinned boy with short hair crying next to the lettuce. Are you Virgil? I ask but I already know the answer. He looks just like the boy from my dream. He nods as if hes too sad to speak. I was with your father in the taxi, I continue. You shouldve saved him or died trying, he says. I try to speak but no words come, all that comes out are tears. He looks sorry that he said that but he just turns away. He was unconscious. I couldnt swim and carry him, I choke. He doesnt turn around but he tells me to leave him alone. I slowly begin to walk away and dry my tears when somebody yells wait. I freeze and turn around. Its the man with the pitchfork. Thanks for warning me last night, I fell asleep on the job, he says, My names Royce. Lifen, I say. Thats a nice name. Where are you from? he asks. China, I say. This guy named Curtis pays me to watch for who keeps stealing the tomatoes. Hes growing tomatoes for his ex-girlfriend, Lateesha, who turned out to be the one stealing tomatoes, he says. Oh, I say. I did not understand a word he just said and I couldnt care less. I just wanted to thank you for helping me catch the thief. I nod and walk back to the hotel. I am on the balcony the next day with a pair of binoculars I bought, looking down at Virgil. He cries all day long and so do I. I walk back into my room and lie down on my bed and cry myself to sleep. This time, Virgil says something different. I know you couldnt save him, he says. I cant speak. The scene changes. Its the taxi driver. You did the right thing, he says,You couldnt save me. The room fills with water. Water fills my lungs. I wake up at 5:27 and head down to the garden. And Virgil is still there. Hey, I say. Hey. Sorry I was so mean to you before. I was angry. Its okay. I would have reacted the same way. I wanted to grow grapes instead of lettuce, but my dad wanted to grow lettuce. Grapes wont grow in this climate without a greenhouse anyway. I guess I still take care of the lettuce because I feel its the only thing I have left of him. Ill buy one. Those things cost a fortune. I have money.

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I go to the bank to deposit my check and then withdraw a portion of it. Then I go back to the hotel and make a few phone calls. There is a big empty spot in the middle of the garden. Thats where Ill put the green house. A few weeks later there is a greenhouse in the garden and Virgil and I plant grape seeds in there. Do you have family here? No, my family is in Haiti. I feel bad because I know what its like to not have a father, but not to have a family at all would be worse. Every day, we water the grapes and hang out at the garden. One day we see a little sprout in the ground. Then one after another sprouted out of the ground. Every week we measure the plants height and record it in our notebook. Sometimes in the coldest days of winter The Seedfolks (thats what this lady calls us) sit in the warm greenhouse drinking smoothies to escape the cold. Sitting in this garden makes me feel alive. It makes me remember why I left China in the first place. I left to have a life. I look at Virgil and smile. He smiles back. But I know he is not truly happy.

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Bees < spider family < Jacob by Harry J On the first day at Chewonki, we went to eat our lunch. We moved while talking. We had lunch at the picnic table. While we were going to the benches, bees were following us. When I started to eat like a hungry zombie because I was hungry, bees started to attack us like hyenas. I think they were starving. We tried to run away from the bees but the bees were following us because we had delicious sandwiches with sweet jelly. Finally, I ran away from the bees! But the bees were attracted to the jelly jar! They were flying inside of the jar. Eww, I said because it was so gross. When we finished our lunch, Tessaly made the bees go out. She shook the jar, hit the bees by using a spoon, and she waved them away. Finally, the bees ran away from Tessaly. It looked like the bees ran away from a predator. I thought she was very brave because she made the bees go out with just her hands. The next day during lunch, we changed benches but the bees were still there. I kind of gave up but Steven and West didnt. Steven and West ran away from the bees like herbivores running from a lion. They believed a spider family would protect them. I thought that their trust of spiders was strange because it is like trusting devils. They trusted spiders so they ate their lunch near the amazing spider web. But the spiders didnt care for them. I thought they were sleeping. When other people went near Steven and West with their sandwiches, they shouted, Dont come, because bees love sandwiches with jelly. They made people go away even though they didnt have jelly sandwiches because they were panicked about bees. I tried to go there because I wanted to tease them. The spider family looked like devils! They had big scary red eyes and eight strong legs. Their teeth were very sharp like tigers teeth. Their web had some bugs bodies in it. When some bugs got stuck on their web, the spiders moved like sharks. It looked so scary. One bee sat near Jacob, in front of him on the ground. When he saw that bee, he tried to kill it. He kicked it and stomped it. I think they felt like a huge monster (Jacob) tried to beat them. He tried almost ten times. Finally, he stomped the bee, but the bee was still alive. However it couldnt fly. Jacob tried to pick it up. I yelled, Dont do that! because it is dirty, but he picked it up and he gave it to the spider family for their food. They didnt move at that time. However, the next day during lunch, we couldnt find that bee. I think the spider family ate it. I think Jacob is the strongest living creature at Chewonki. These happenings were so fun, but at the same time these happenings were so nervous because of the bees. Now, I think it was a fun experience.

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Helena by Micayla B I cant believe that they would be so mean. I dont know why you guys are mocking me. We have been friends since age thirteen. When we were little we would climb a tree. Demetrius, why do you mock me so? I thought we were all going to be friends. In the winter we would play in the snow. Our relationship is its wits end. Lysander, why did you say you loved me? I know that both of you love Hermia. We know one anothers family tree. You are one lucky person, Hermia. I just want to be friends again with you. Both you men have been hit with cupid's bow.

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Marlis by Jack G It feels like forever that I have been in America. People say it is the land of the free and has plenty of jobs. The people here are very different than Germany, and they dont even smile. Since the very first time I set foot on this continent, I felt different and did not like it. But in my heart I knew I was here for the right reason. My family was running out of money, and as I said before, America had lots of open jobs. But after weeks of searching for a job I found nothing. I started to get angry and thought, why would anyone put this much pressure onto a 21 year old? But I knew I was doing it for the right reason. I thought about my mom Rebekia, Romy my brother, Armin my other brother, and my last brother Ivon. My father died when I was five and my mother was never the same. She couldnt support our family so I did what I could. But when jobs were hard to find, I had to go to America and that is why I am here. After a few months I found a job at Little Johnnys. I started working double shifts so I could send more money to my family. One day, after a long day of work at Little Johnnys, I decided to take a different way home. When I turned the bend I saw the most beautiful thing: a garden. Instantly, memories flew through my mind. I remembered my dad planting cabbage and the smell of the sweet soil that was smudged on his shirt. The next morning I walked past the same garden and found a boy sleeping on a bench. Are you alright? I asked. The teenager jumped up and immediately hid behind the bench. What is your name? My name is Royce. Why are you here? I could tell that this teenager was scared and he was homeless. So without putting any intensity into my voice I said, I just wanted to see if you were all right. Royce slowly got up. Im all right, he said. Well you dont look all right. How about you sit down? Royce tentatively got up and sat down. Do you have a home? No. I have been out of my house for a couple of weeks now, he replied. Why? I asked. Its my father. He is a very mean man. Do you have a job and a place to live? No, but I do help out with garden, he responded. How do you get food? Well, the people who help in the garden are very nice and very caring. They give me food. For the next two months Royce and I started hanging out together and became rather good friends. One night when we were walking back to the garden, I asked, Do you want to come over to my place?
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Sure, he said. When we made it to my apartment and went inside, Royce's eyes widened and his mouth dropped. I have never seen anything like this. Its nothing much, but Im glad you like it. Nothing? This looks like a mansion! Royce exclaimed. It seems to me like you really need a job. I work at the garden but I dont really think that counts. How about tomorrow you come to work with me. I think my manager would like you. The next morning I saw Royce putting on the same clothes he wore yesterday. I wondered how many times had he worn that. When we went out of the apartment I saw the garden and decided to plant something there when I got back from work. Before I went to the sub shop I took Royce into Macys. I swear to this day the look on this boys face when we walked in was so saddening I couldnt bear to look. It was like he had never seen anything thing like this. What is this place? he asked. This is a shopping market and we're going to get you some more clothes. Shopping took an hour and when we were done Royce looked like a new man. When we finally got to the sub shop, Royce seemed nervous. Theres nothing to be worried about. My boss is really nice and Im sure hell be nice to you. It turns out that the boss was nice to Royce and he was hired on the spot. A month later I found Royce an apartment right next to mine. But one night I was sleeping in my bed and one thing popped into my head: the garden. I had felt good about myself for the last month because I was earning more money than usual at the sub shop. This meant I could help out my family even more. But I felt like I had let down my dad by not tending the garden. The next morning I went out to the garden and decided to plant cabbage seeds. Cabbage was what my dad had grown and I already knew how to grow it. I walked down to a nursery and asked for a bag of cabbage seeds. When walked out of the store I went right to the garden. As I was walking to the garden I saw a man with a shovel and a tool kit. I guessed that he was one of the gardeners. I walked up to the man and asked, Do you grow anything here? I do. Are you new around here? Yes. My name is Marlis. My name is Amir. So how exactly does this garden work? I asked. The garden is split up into different parts for each person. Do you think there is enough room for me if it isn't any trouble? There is always a place for one more. Dont worry. When Amir walked off I thought to myself the garden is really going to help me get a little stress free from work. Several months later, it turned out the garden was my

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favorite spot to be for relaxation. I could be by myself, and my cabbages were flourishing. The next day when I got back to the garden I saw that my cabbages were rotting and I suddenly started to cry. I had worked so hard but just to watch it rot? I knew I couldnt save the cabbage now. Just the thought of it made me sick. I sat down and stared at the ground thinking of all the things I could've done to prevent my cabbage from rotting. Just then I heard some footsteps walking toward me. I turned. I saw that a girl was walking up to me. I could see that she was at least twelve. She sat down right next to me and said, I know what it feels like to lose something you have been working so hard on. How? I asked. My father and I once grew baby lettuce. Our plants rotted just like yours. What did you do? Even though we were upset, we decided to try again. She pointed to the garden across from mine and I saw lots of baby lettuce. When she started to walk away I asked, I never caught your name. My name is Virgil. Whats yours? Marlis. When I started walking home, I thought how nice this girl was. Turns out, I was right. For the next whole year Virgil helped me garden by teaching me how to do a better job at planting the cabbage. In return, I helped her with the baby lettuce and her math skills. After a while of being in the garden it finally felt like I had found an inspiration in America. America felt like home.

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Four Frie nds In a Tent by Jolene L Clara and I were finished eating our AMAZING mac and cheese. Every bite tasted like cheesy deliciousness. We walked back to our tent trying to find our way with our headlamps. It was hard because I was only counting on mine because I was in front and I think my batteries were fading in my headlamp. I was always tripping on roots and stumps. The light from the flashlight looked as dull as a foggy day. One time I was falling and I put out my hand out. I landed on a hard piece of bark with a mix of itchy pine needles. Finally, when we reached our tent, we got our pajamas on. Our tent was dark. Clara and I put our headlamps in between our sleeping bags. It looked as if it was one faint light down a long narrow hallway. Then we did our first round of our now amazing trend of the finger runways- thats when we dress our fingers up with our surroundings like tissues and other supplies. We used the middle of our sleeping bags for the runway. Then we both had our turns as models with our finger models. Suddenly a third model came down the runway. EEEP! Clara said. I looked down only to see an ENORMOUS black spider the size of a quarter coming down in between our sleeping bag. It was black and looked as if it had a golden diamond on its back. We looked at each other thinking what we should do. Then we say to each other, YOU GO GET SARA!! NO, YOU GO GET HER!!!!! We were both too scared to get her, thinking she was asleep and not wanting to wake her up. We were both scared of the spider. I have never seen a spider that big, I said. It stopped moving. We took our headlamps and flashed it on the spider, hoping it would crumble up and die like a fish out of water. Of course that didn't work out at all. We looked up at each other then looked back at the spider. The spider started to move again. It crept under our black tarp like it was on a mission. We looked at each other trying to figure out HOW we were gonna sleep that night. We peeked under where the spider was. It was gone. We looked at each other again wondering where it could have gone. We sat there deciding what to do. Finally I spoke up. Maybe if we push all of our stuff to the side of our tent he cant come outside the tarp. As we were moving all of our stuff as quiet as we could, we were still noisy. After we did that it looked as if we had done spring cleaning. We pushed all of our stuff --bags, clothes, jackets etc.-- to the edges of our tarp. After that, we lay down and finally went to sleep. The next morning we told everyone about our adventure with the spider. Sara said we should have gotten up and gotten her. We looked at each other and snickered. After that we went about our day without thinking of the spider. Then we came back to our campsite happily. We got in our crews and made dinner, fetched the water, and chopped wood. We had our dinner, brushed our teeth, and got our pajamas on. I was

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wearing fuzzy dog pants with a pink long sleeved shirt. Then I went into my sleeping bag. We talked in our tent for a little while. We remembered that we had to do round two of our finger runways. We had a blast doing that, and then we started to go into our sleeping bags. I got up to get my fuzzy Brokeland hat and then I saw it. A HUGE daddy long leg spider. This time we yelled, SARA, SARA, SARA! THERE IS A SPIDER IN OUR TENT!!!!! We heard someone walking around. So we yelled together even LOUDER. SARA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. We finally heard her say, What? What? Is everything alright? She came over to our tent and we showed her the spider. She picked the spider up like it was a tiny seed between the tip of her fingers. She didnt seem to care that she was holding a spider. I bet she had done it a lot of times before. Clara and I looked at each other in amazement. I would never pick up a spider like that, I said. Me either, was Claras reply. We crawled into our sleeping bags. It was so cold I needed my hat and another layer on. After that we snuggled down with all of our fat layers on and went to sleep. The next morning we had our yummy bagels (I had a plain bagel but I wish I had cinnamon raisin.) It was the best breakfast so far, thanks to our cook crew that day. We went about our day swimming, canoeing, eating G.O.R.P, running from bees, and all our group challenges. When we got back to our campsite we did the same thing as the past nights. When we were getting into our tent there was ANOTHER daddy long legs coming out of our tent. This time we got Tessaly over there. She did the same thing as Sara did by picking it up. She explained how it was just a little spider and it couldnt harm us. We nodded, still being a little freaked out about all the bugs we had seen in our tents. We got our pajamas on and we talked about how we couldnt wait to go home even though we would miss Chewonki. We lay down and as I was lying down I saw it. A rolly polly maneuvered to the top of our tent. I showed Clara. I said we should go get Sara or Tessaly, but then we decided we would get it out on our own. I volunteered to take care of it. I was gonna be brave... As I was looking for my hat, I was starting to regret that I had volunteered to do this. I found my hat and I put it where the rolly polly was crawling, trying to make it climb in its way from the path it was taking. It crawled on. I had never done this at home. I always made my sister do it. She is five so does not care one bit. I brought the rolly polly and my hat outside and shook it off, hoping I didnt hurt it. I got it out. That was finally the last bug in our tent. YAY!!!!!!

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Logan by Jacob M Logan wake up, I'm not waiting for you! Mom said. Why? Because you have to go to school, and when you get home you have to walk the

dog.

Noooo! All of the kids pick on me. Do you know why all of the kids pick on you? Because I am Scottish not American. What does school do for me anyway? Do you want a job when you grow up? Yeah. Then you have to go to school because if you want a job you have to have a school education. Fine! While I was at school everyone would point and laugh because I look different. My skin color is lighter and I am smaller. I am not that different! I wanted to scream. During gym people laugh at the kind of sweatpants I wear. At art people laugh at all of my paintings because they are random splash paintings. There is no use going on like this. On my way home I see a man kneeling down crying, surrounded by a bunch of plants and people. So I go to him. Hello, are you okay? My plants are dead. What happened to them? I watered them last night and in the morning they were dead. I know why they are dead. It is because you need a greenhouse for those. I'll go get you mine. No, I cant take anything from a poor child. Three things: you are not taking it, I am giving it to you, and I dont use it at all, and I am not poor. Thank you. Bless your soul. What kind of plant is that anyway? Its a cool breeze cucumber and I guess they need colder weather. When I got home my mother looked at me with worryful eyes. It was scary the way she looked at me. It felt like we never fought. But I am not falling for it this time. Every time we have a fight when I get home she looks at me the same way. Today I am done with all of this nonsense. Mom, do you always have to do this? Every day, it seems. You need to stop. But I am not doing anything, she said as she sobbed. Nevermind. Mom, could I borrow some money please? Why do you need it? Because I want to grow mustard greens again.
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Why so? Because I want to make a homeless man not starve to death. That is really thoughtful and nice Logan, but one thing- he is too old to be your friend. No he is not. Anyway he is not my friend, I am just giving this to him. Whatever you say honey, but dont come crying to me when he steals all of your money. I was walking from home to the grocery store to buy food for my mom and me. But from the distance I saw the town garden beginning to become much more crowded and louder than it has ever been. It was like only two more people can fit. I had to be one of those people. I rushed to the market and bought five packs of savanna hybrid mustard seeds. The same kind I grew at home. But how am I going to take the rest of the groceries home? I thought. With luck I saw a wagon on sale for twenty dollars. I went and bought it and I was on my way out the door. I luckily got the last spot for my savanna hybrid mustard seeds. I was so happy because this was the last reminder of Scotland I had. The next day, I started to plant my seeds. Then as the month went on, they started to grow out of the ground. I was so excited when they were finally ready to harvest. As I picked the seeds, I saw a young kid sleeping on a bench with torn up clothes and a person talking to him and cheering him up. I went to see what was happening. They were talking about no food. So I stole tomatoes and cucumbers from the garden and gave them to them. The man with the ripped up clothes said his name was Royce. The other mans name was Drake. I told him that I have a duck named Drake and that I feed him mustard seeds all of the time. That reminded me that I had to get home to feed him. When I got home, I saw a lady on my couch. I got really scared. So I started to back away slowly, and when I went to turn around I bumped into my mom and screamed. Calm down, it is just me and my friend Maricela. OH! I gasped, I was freaked out. Maricela, meet my daughter Logan. Logan is Scottish for lowland. I like that name. Have you met my husband Wendell?" she asked. Then I took a deep breath and fainted.

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A Fun Day at Chewonki by Katelynn B I rolled over in my sleeping bag to see Micayla sitting there with this funny look on her face. She crinkled her face and said, Good morning! in this manly tone of voice. I almost jumped out of the tent she scared me so much! We heard Allison and Dakota talking in their tent and Keith making funny noises at Ian. Betame walked up to our tent and said, Time to get up! Micayla and I got ready and went to get breakfast. What are we doing today? I asked Micayla. Group challenges, canoeing, and swimming, Micayla said. After we ate, we walked to town and did some group challenges before lunch. We walked down to the canoe dock and had lunch. On the way down, our group was laughing at the prank everyone played on Micayla and me last night. They pretended that there was some sort of animal behind our tent ready to attack us. Everyone was screaming and Wesley was hiding, making our tent rattle. Micayla and Katelynn wouldnt stop screaming! said Jack. Yeah, I know they were horrified, said Wesley. Well, Katelynn and I didnt find it so funny, said Micayla. Guys, said Hersh. Lets stop arguing and get some paddles and get life jackets! THE WATER IS COLD! I said as I warned my canoeing partner that he better not capsize the boat. We were walking on the dock ready to get into our canoes. Hersh was giving us instructions on how to get into the canoe without tipping the canoe. You have to have two points of contact, Hersh warned. My partner was Keith. We set off into the ocean. Our plan was to go see the Gulch. So we started to paddle. It took us a few minutes to get the hang of it but we were pretty good. We had both been canoeing before. I was in the front and Keith was in the back steering. In some places it was difficult because it was low tide and the paddle would hit the muddy bottom of the ocean. It seemed like we were sticking our paddles into quicksand. The water was very clear but it looked brown because of the color of the ground under water. About twenty minutes later we were at the Gulch. We saw people walking around. It was hard to see who they were because we were still in the canoes, but we could tell it was Mrs. Gregsons advising group. We said hi and then we left. We started to race to the dock. Keith and I were winning the whole time. Jack and Micayla were drifting out to sea, and Allison and Wesley couldnt go straight. After we won the race we had to pull the boats up out of the water and carry them up lots of steps. It seemed like the tons of trees around us were closing in on us. The canoes were getting heavier and heavier and the number of steps kept increasing.
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When we reached the top and I realized it was only nine steps! The canoes got us all dirty because they gave off black dust and mud. It was gross! Then we went swimming. Hersh ran over a few ground rules and we jumped in as pairs. I, sadly, was the last one to jump in the water but that was because I was the last one chosen to jump in. So I jumped in and said, Its COLD!!! I swam over to the other dock as fast as possible. And when I climbed the stairs and got on top of the dock, a big gust of wind came making us all colder than humanly possible. It felt like the wind was throwing cold water and ice at us! We all started to scream, then there was tons of splashing. Everyone was jumping in the water. RETREAT! Wesley yelled while panicking. Everyone was jumping into the icy cold water which was freezing but warmer than we were before. We jumped in and out a few times, took some pictures, and then we left to head back to town. Later that night after dinner, we sat by the ocean and recorded our thoughts about canoeing and swimming. Our advising group saw beautiful schools of fish effortlessly gliding through the water. They were all sorts of colors. And that was when our advising group saw it. SEALS! Keith said as loud as possible without scaring the cute seal. It was the cutest thing I had ever seen! It had a round face, and milky white fur and the biggest cutest brown eyes! It swam after the fish in front of us. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day! We went canoeing, swimming, and saw a seal along the way! It was another great day at Chewonki!

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Jordan by Keith D No, stop, go away, Bentley! Fine, whatever, be lonely, I dont care. Whats goin on up there?! Dad shouted. Nothing! We have it under control, Dad! I yelled to Dad downstairs. Just go away, Im trying to finish my school application, I said much more quietly because I didnt want Dad to hear me and get involved. Thank you. I said thankfully, as he walked out. I concentrated back on my school application. Im almost done I thought to myself. Just then Dad walked into my room. Hows the application coming along? Its good, Im probably going to finish them tonight. Perfect, we can mail them as soon as you finish. Okay, cool, can I have some raspberries? Yeah, sure. Dad left the room. I continued to work on my application, one essay to go and its only three oclock. I bore down on my pen and gripped it tight because I only had one essay to go. Just then Dad walked in with my raspberries and said, How are you doing? Fine, Im on my last essay. Okay, sounds good, call me when youre finished. Im going to the store. Is there anything you want me to pick up while Im there? No, thanks, see ya. Chelsea, can you turn the television down a bit? I asked Chelsea who was watching T.V. in the lounge. Fine, you know, ever since we got back from America you have more sensitive hearing. And why dont you just put your headphones on? Chelsea asked. Oh yeah, I forgot about my headphones, thanks, carry on. I got up to get my headphones from the other room, when Mom started up the stairs. I turned and darted back to my room and pretended to be working, but to my relief, Mom walked past my room and into the lounge. I decided to take a break and headed to the observatory and looked out on our 59 acres of pure beauty. The observatory was made of all glass and had a long winding spiral staircase leading to it. The view was incredible and it was 360 degrees. There is no place higher in our four-story home than the observatory. Okay, Ill go back downstairs now, Im almost done with my essay, I thought to myself. * * * The planes roar could be heard even over the songs I was listening to. The movie being played in front of me Id already lost interest in. A new school and new teachers and a new classroom, and a new country. All of these thing are running through my mind like a sprinter at the Olympics. Western Reserve Academy is one of the top prep
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schools in the world. The kids there are incredible and the campus is wonderful, at least, thats what it said on the website. I moved my legs forward and pulled my leg rest up. I stared out the window of the plane blankly. I could see the towns, so disproportionate in size. I had to look away because I was starting to realize how high up we were. I turned my music up to take my mind off of things. Miss...Miss..Excuse me, Miss. I realized that the flight attendant was trying to get my attention. Miss, would you like some refreshments? Yes. What would you like? Some pretzels and some soda. Here you are. Thank you. I munched on my pretzels and looked out the plane window. I turned my iPhone back on and stared at the television, trying to find out what the characters were doing. Near me, Chelsea and Bentley were arguing about something miniscule, and Mom and Dad were sleeping. Suddenly the fight attendant came on the loudspeaker that they use to speak to all the passengers and said, Please put your seatbelts on and prepare for landing. * * * Jordan, Jordan are you paying attention? Yes, sorry Mr. Jip, I replied. Science is the most boring class of the day. All Mr. Jip ever talks about is the importance of agriculture in a community. Every day its the same thing, farming, planting and bringing the community together. Its sooo boring and he does it every day for 45 minutes straight. The only good part about his class is you get out and its the end of the day. I always have my best daydreams in here. RRINNNG!! The bell rang and it was time to pack up and go home. I walked to my locker and opened it up. I picked my bag out of the rubble and put my stuff inside. I walked outside into the cool winter sun. The once-grassy campus was now completely covered by snow. I began my usual route home. I was texting with my friends until I heard noises around the corner. I peeked around the bend to see what was happening and once I saw it I wished I had never left school. A gang was surrounding another kid. I gasped louder than I had intended to. The gang turned and saw me. I didnt need to look twice. I turned and sprinted the other way. I could hear the sound of their shoes hitting the pavement. I took another turn around a bend and looked down the alley. I could hear them running after me. I ran down the alley. A garden came into view. I ran in and jumped behind one of those wooden boxes that the people there were using to plant things in. I poked my head up above the top of the box just in time to see the gangsters run by. People started to crowd around me and one of them tried to help me up but I slapped the hand away. The person stepped back and grimaced. I was surprised to see that. I dont know why I hit that person, it was so unlike me. I never hit people when they are being nice. Just then my pocket started to buzz and I knew I had just received a text. I got up on my own and brushed myself off. None of them said anything, and they made a path for me to leave.
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They stared at me blankly as I walked out of the garden. I pulled my phone out of my pocket as soon as the garden was no longer in view. My friend Clara had just texted me, wondering if my phone died. I responded by telling her what just happened. All of these thoughts are running through my head. What if the gang caught me? Why did I hit that person? Where is my house? I said the last one again out loud. Oh no, how do I get home? This is bad. I started to look around frantically. As I was looking a middle aged woman caught my eye. She looked friendly so I walked over to her. Hello, my name is Jordan Davenport, do you know by any chance how to get to Lyons Road from here? Hi, Im Florence, and I do, the woman proclaimed. Brilliant, how might one get there? I questioned. Well, first you should go straight down this street and take the first left. Then you take about ten steps and go right. Lyons Road will be down that road to the left. Thank you so much, youre a lifesaver. Anything for a young lady like you. Well, thanks again! Okay, she said to walk straight down the road and take a left. I hope the gang people dont see me on my walk home. I took the first left. I saw the next street, then my phone went off again. Wow, thats amazing! she replied. I started to type. Yeah, and everyone at the garden was so mean. The street was long and narrow, with houses on either side of me. Buzz. I pulled my phone up and read: Thats annoying; got to go, see ya! Bye, I typed. I turned the corner and looked down the street. No one was there, so I walked on. * * * This house is smaller than the house in London, but it was still big. I was just finishing my last homework assignment when I thought back to the garden, and how that person was just trying to help. I should go back there. I started for the coat rack when Julie, the maid, asked me what I was doing. Oh, just going for a stroll, see you in about half an hour. I could tell she was suspicious, but she let me go. Dont be out longer than a half an hour, or she walked off before finishing her sentence. I grabbed my coat and dashed out the door. As soon as I got to the garden, I felt the air around me change from a vibrant light feeling and switch to heavy and dark. I tried to pick out the one that I had hit, but he was nowhere to seen. I started to search for him and I knew that I needed to keep an eye on the time because if I searched for too long then Julie would come looking for me. Suddenly, the man appeared and I rushed over to him. He recognized me but he didnt frown, he smiled. This surprised me, and I apologized immediately. He smiled again and said his name was Sam. I told him that I was so sorry and that I was so used to people holding their hands out and pulling them away so that I could fall over again. He understood and was happy to see that I had come back all this way to apologize. He even gave me a packet of raspberry seeds. I was so excited that I
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walked right over to a box and started to plant them. Just then someone stopped me and told me that raspberries are a spring plant and that it would take a greenhouse to plant them now. And since there is no greenhouse, I was going to have to wait till spring to plant them, and summer to eat them. At that moment I knew what I was going to do. I took in the sights and sounds of the garden as quickly as I could because I knew that I had to be home sooner than I could get there. * * * The first raspberries were sprouting and I could practically taste them already. The greenhouse was a huge success and it was the perfect way to apologize to all the gardeners for my misbehavior back in January. The greenhouse cost $1500 to build, but every penny was worth it. Clara is also in the garden, and our plants are next to each other. Sometimes we see Mr. Jip at the garden and now I understand why he preaches to us about the importance of a garden in a community. A garden brings a community together and bonds them. People with different personalities and backgrounds all meet on common grounds to form a community inside of a community. Everyone is friendly to each other, unlike the real community where gangs are tearing the community apart.

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A Midsummer Nights Dream Sonnet (Hermias Point of View) by Hannah R Yesterday Lysander used to love me Now he is chasing after Helena Now that he is gone I am so lonely I dont want to marry say I, Hermia Father, I wont marry Demetrius If I cant marry Lysander I will decide and choose from Theseus Lysander may love Helena, lucky her I might decide to become a nun Lysander and I were leaving for Greece I may choose to die and become no one In Athens I would become his aunts niece If Lysander and I were not to leave If Lysander was leaving I would grieve

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The Gulch by Mikie T Awesome!!! I said. We are at Chewonki and we are about to do the Gulch. The Gulch is a cable wire between two cliffs that you pull yourself across. That looks like so much fun! I was definitely going to do this. We were all gathered in one small circle. Some people were sitting on rocks and other people were talking quietly to their friends. I was sitting on the ground enjoying the beautiful September weather. It was so different to be on a camping trip with classmates who you usually only see in school. My surroundings were big brown trees and miles of woods everywhere I looked. Jeff, our Chewonki guide, said, FLAMING!!!!! and we said PENGUINS!!!! our group name. Jeff explained the rules of the Gulch and how to stay safe. Everybody figured out who was going to go first and we chose Ethan, another person in our group. He got into his harness and got connected to the wire and eventually he was ready. As soon as he started pulling himself across everybody cheered! It was an excellent moment. Everybody on both sides watched him as he pulled himself across, and once he made it successfully to the other end everybody cheered again. Then time went by and more and more people went across. And then when the time came, it was my turn. I said, This is AWESOME!!!!! I was so excited to finally do this! I walked to the edge and recall looking down and seeing a big river, except instead of water it was all composed of mud. I was assisted as I put my harness on for my chest and waist. I put my helmet on and my gloves. Then I was clipped to the wire. The view from the cliff was something I will not forget. It was breathtaking. Why? Because it was a beautiful summer day in September and in the distance there was a big pond. You could see and hear the birds chirping and the sunlight was spilling onto the cable wire. What also made it beautiful was that there was not a cloud in the sky. Once I was ready to go and I got permission, I immediately started to cross! Everybody cheered! It was a moment I will not ever forget! When I was crossing the Gulch I was slowly moving my hands across a cable wire. I was thinking about how cool it was that I was in midair! I felt like a bird! I posed for a picture. I let go of the cable wire and I spread my arms and my legs out in a flying angel. I was not scared at all. To me it was all just a whole bunch of fun! All of a sudden I was on the other end and I was sad that that my Gulch time was all over. But I was excited to see other people enjoy the Gulch because everybody I watched looked like they had a blast! Another important job I forgot to mention was the chicken tender. His or her job was to help pull the person on the Gulch across to make it easier for them. I asked Ms. Caldwell if she was going to do the Gulch and she said no because she was helping Ellen, another Chewonki guide, disconnect people from the cable wire once they came across. The Gulch was an experience that I will never forget because it was so unique and a lot of fun! It will be an experience that I will share with my family and friends. An interesting part about it was that everybody looked at it differently. Some people
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looked at it as very scary and others looked at it as very fun. That is one of the things I like about the Gulch, seeing what everybody got out of it. I hope to go back to the Gulch very soon!

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sa by Steven J I can only remember little bits and pieces, but it still makes me sad and mad at the same time. When I was a year old my parents divorced. My mom took me in. Soon she became an alcoholic caused by her depression. She could not handle the burden of a young girl so I was orphaned at three years old. Two months later I was adopted by an American couple. They took me back to their home in Cleveland, Ohio. The plane ride from Logan airport in Boston to the tiny airport in Cleveland was tiring. Watching Nemo and eating salty peanuts on Southwest Airlines and all. Over the years, growing up with my adoptive parents has been very hard for me. Aaron and Dana Smith are a very productive couple, always doing everything at the exact moment it has to be done. Me, on the other hand, Im lazy and do everything wrong. So as you can imagine we do not mix well. * * * Honey, you need to get down here and eat your breakfast, my mom yelled at me from downstairs. Uuuuuuggggggg, I replied. Dont make me come up there, she yelled back. Last night I had stayed up way past curfew with my friends. I was fifteen and my mom still said I had to go to bed at 10:00. My mom, who hated my friends just because most of them had unnecessary piercings all over their bodies, was very mad at me and had grounded me for a whole entire week. As you can imagine I have a lot of better things to do with my summer vacation. My friends and I were coming home from a radical game of bowling. I had seen a little community garden in the old abandoned lot. Something strange had caught my eye though. A young looking teenager was sleeping in a pile of yard trimmings. One of my friends said he'd seen him before. Apparently, the kids name was Royce. * * * I live in an apartment with my parents that looks over an abandoned lot that the townspeople use as a garden. People say that a little girl started the garden a couple of months ago. Its all the rage now. Personally, I think that people could use their time more wisely, but other people think differently. I could never imagine me at a community garden, ever. Ill stick to sleeping. It was nighttime and I was lying in bed trying to go to sleep when I heard a strange muffled yelp. I looked out my window and what I saw pained me. There was a little black lab puppy eating garbage in the old lot. It was threadbare of all fat. A cat was trying to take a piece of rotten meat away from the pup. Since the pup was so small it could not do anything to stop the cat. I took pity on the dog and called my mom. I asked her if we could take in the dog as a pet and nurse it back to health. She said yes as long as I took care of it. I immediately put on my sweatshirt and ran down the stairs of the apartment. I ran out to the lot as fast as I could. The sight of the pup was even more saddening up
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close. It had brown eyes and little stubby legs. Im guessing it was about two to three months old. The dog was still making that whimpering noise. I went over and picked up the pup. I ran back inside as quickly as I had come out. While I was giving the pup a bath in the sink I called my mom on the phone again and asked her to pick up some dog food and two dog bowls. The dog turned out to be a boy. His hair was long and scraggly so I decided to name him Shaggy. When my mom got home from work I immediately thanked her for getting the dog bowls and the food and filled up one bowl with food and the other with water. Shaggy ate hungrily, finishing the bowl of food in a flash. I was glad that I finally had a pet. I had had a dog before in Sweden. Her name had been Sage. My mom had named her after the plant Sage. She had been a black lab/Gordon setter mix with long black silky hair. I would always put pretzels in my lips and then let her eat them. I do not know what happened to her after I was orphaned. * * * It has been two years since I met Shaggy. We have seriously bonded over those two years. I feel like he can read my thoughts and I can read his. I have also been keeping an eye on the garden. Since I last looked a couple of weeks ago, it had grown by a lot. My interest for the garden had blossomed to a full bud. I woke up to the sounds of the garden. I was going to start a garden plot today. I called my mom. Hey Mom, can you come over after work and see the garden? I asked her. Probably not Honey, sorry, she replied. When I had talked to my mom over the phone, she had kept on saying that I should plant carrots or celery. I had something different in mind. I was going to plant dill. In Sweden they had such things called Crayfish Parties. I remember my mom taking me to a couple when I was little back in Sweden. I remember tasting some of the crayfish and spitting it out all over my mom. The Swedes put dill in with the crayfish to give them a little more umph, if you know what I mean. I walked to Maricelas Garden Supplies. I got a bucket with some soil and three dill plant seedlings. I walked to the garden, picked out a little square plot full of sunshine, and started to work. It was tough work but I knew the dill would turn out well. While I was working, I felt something breathing on my neck. I turned around to see Shaggy. He greeted me with a big wet lick. I kept on planting while Shaggy sat next to me, drooling and panting as usual. Then a scary thought came to my head. How had Shaggy gotten out of the apartment? My thoughts were cured when I heard my moms soothing voice. I see the garden is coming along nice, is it not? she asked. I think it is, I replied. Plus, how did you get home that quickly? She had such a happy face on that I could barely even recognize her. I came home early to see the garden, she said. I embraced her in a gigantic bear hug. Even Shaggy joined in and started licking her hands. I was thrilled that she had come home just for me! To add to my excitement, I saw my dad walking over too! We shared hugs all around.

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That night we were talking about the garden when something came up. My dad had said something about a party that all the gardeners did at the end of the year. I butted in and said that we could bring some crayfish to the party. My mom and dad both agreed with big smiles. For the next few months I worked my tuchus off, taking care of the little dill plants like they were my babies. A couple of times an old man with a straw hat came over to give me some tips on my plants. He introduced himself to me. His name was Tio Juan. He was really nice and his tips helped a lot. Another day I came out to see that a kid was putting a pathway around my garden. Then it struck me. It was the Royce kid from the yard trimmings. I went over, said thanks to him, and gave him $20. He thanked me many times before he finally left. * * * The party was a big hit. I brought the crayfish with the dill, and everyone absolutely loved it. I loved to see everyone together and happy. There was a huge assortment of garden grown products ranging from pumpkins, to eggplants, to even mini lettuce. People had made dishes from their plants, served them raw, or just plain out sold them. I was so happy that I had decided to join the garden. Once I got home, I sat down and tried to go to sleep, but all I could think about was Sweden. All of this gardening had made me think and remember Sweden and my mom. The taste of crayfish lingered in my mouth and the thought of my mom lingered in my head as I slowly fell asleep.

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Helena by Lillianna H Hermia, you fool, I thought we were friends Demetrius, why are you mocking me? Hermia, I thought we were friends till the end Demetrius, fool, I thought I loved thee Demetrius, you dont know how I feel Hermia, how could you do this to me? Hermia, I thought what we had was real I really can not believe what I see Oh Lysander, why do you scorn me so? Lysander, I thought you loved Hermia I want it back like it was long ago Hey, you two men are like bacteria I hate you Hermia, please leave me now Lysander go away you hurt me, ow!

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Cormorants Walk by Quinn Y The Cormorants Walk is about forty feet in the air, and is a wooden plank in a barn at Chewonki, Maine. Its in the upper left corner of the barn in mid air. Its a straight walk, but it gets narrower until you feel like your feet are going to trip. If you try to fall, you cant. The rope holds you on like a magnet that cannot let go. The scenery from the top of the barn is breathtaking. It looks like I am looking from a birds-eye view. It has so many climbs. I looked at the people trekking up the climbs, seeing the old barn with its old passages leading to areas of climbing up or down. I glanced down to say hello and the people on the floor gawked at me and said hi. Chicken wire, a canoe, and some frameworks were strewn around the attic. I thought the chicken wires made lockers for the counselors. A pair of skis and boards blocked off the entrance of the other loft where you had to turn around. And I saw that the board was getting thinner and thinner until I almost tripped over my own feet. At midway going to the other loft that was blocked off, I purposely stepped off the track I should take. I descended until the rope snagged me, which terminated my descent. I dangled by a rope 40 feet in the the air, and there I took a rest. I should be drowsy or be tremendously sleepy from the night before, because an owl was hooting and gawking at me at 3 oclock. I got out of the tent and he was just there hooting at me like he was telling me something. Well, I dont speak owl so I didnt understand. I should have been tired, but I wasnt. The energy was coming from excitement and a little bit of nervousness. I was hooked into my harness with my carabineer. Every step I took was harder and smaller. The cord was getting tighter, the track was getting tighter, and narrower in fact. From my position I could see all the climbs: the Euloa, the Wobbly Beam, both of the Window Washers, and the Straight N Narrow. Once I got to the end of the other side of the board, I had to turn around, spinning. The cord got looser and I fiddled with it at the same time. I could see the end, but I did not want it to end. I felt like I was flying. More than half the time I was in the barn I spent on the Cormorants Walk. I looked down and could see the 007, the Window Washers, and the Heli ladder. Halfway back, I could see the Moonwalk. I wished I could go on the Moonwalk. It was the highest climb and tested you on everything, ropes, bars, climbing wooden logs, and a horizontal ladder. When I got to the end I had to duck and step down, and un-harness. It was fun to be up there in the air, like a plane or a bird. I struggled down and I got my suit off. Come on the walk, Avery, I asked. Umm... Maybe... he thought. Ok, he said. He got up and ran to the middle of the board, and then I realized something... Avery, your helmet! I yelled. Oh man, Avery said.
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Avery quickly trampled back to the other side of the plank. He stumbled down and got his helmet and we stumbled down the barn stairs and had lunch. I loved the Cormorants Walk, because it was very thrilling.

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Abelle by Mitchell J Its the first day of summer as Violet and I stroll down the sidewalk, her tiny hand intertwined into my fingers. We see an old white man standing in front of an empty lot. Then I notice the people hunched over, working through the soil. Probably searching for old coins or other valuables. I hug my daughter to my side. I start to walk on when I notice her hand is missing from my grasp. I peer over to the empty lot as she runs around in circles through the soil. Violet, come here! I shout to her. Ive always been very protective of my five year old. And its been harder to do it since her father died. Dont worry, the people here are friendly! the old man says as if reading my mind. He grins a yellow toothed grin at me and says sweetly, My names Wendel. He pauses looking into the distance. I dont like new people, especially when Violets around. Who owns this lot? I inquire of him. The people who garden here. Ive watched this garden grow from a couple of people to a bustling community garden. Youre welcome to plant something here, he cheerfully mumbles, hope in his dark eyes. I shake my head and start to go to Violet when I feel a small tug on my tangerine dress. Violet is beaming up at me, a vibrant daisy sticking out of her hand from a bush down the road. I take it in my hand and feel its leaves, its petals and scan my daughters young face. OK, I guess we could do a little gardening sweetie, as one more birthday present! I say, smiling down as Violets mouth grows as wide as a black hole and she scampers over to a wooden plank propped up against a metal pole, blocking a doorway. I know its her second birthday, I think, but how many presents does a little girl need? At least its free. As I strain to lift the wooden board, it falls in a clamor and a cloud of dirt flies around the garden. When it clears, a shaded area of land is uncovered, covered by a building looming up above. When Florence stops coughing, she wobbles over to the entranceway. Quite a discovery! he proclaims. Its a wonder we didnt find this already... He starts to stumble into the lot. Violet skips in after him. Be safe, honey! Make sure its safe! I call nervously after her, as she jumps over roots and rocks. I creep in slowly, stomping every once in awhile to make sure the ground is stable. Hmmmmm. I wonder... * * * Dingalingaling! goes the brass bell attached to the door of the garden shop. We never had fancy shops like this in France, only bread shops, which were for the rich people. I wonder how much working at a flower shop pays, as for the fact that I only have a part time job of working at a daycare just on Wednesdays.

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How are you? chimes the young lady at the counter. She has a young boy glued to her side as she works. Welcome to Maricelas Garden Shoppe! How may I help you? I dont really know what I want. Maybe a type of violet, easy to raise. Something a little girl might be able to grow. I peer over the seed packets stationed next to the counter, and one catches my eye. A sort of bluish purple, forming into tiny buds. Actually, Ill take a pack of these. I stack two packs of violet seeds on the marble counter. The little boy stands on his tiptoes to see what I chose. Ahh, bastian blue violets! says Maricela excitedly. I put a finger over my mouth, and point at Violet, who is looking into the cold room. The boy, probably her son, picks them off the counter and comes around. He sticks up his dirt covered hands and hands me the seeds. Thank you. I turn away as Maricela says... Why are you getting these? The garden in the empty lot? she whispers. I nod my head at her, stunned that the owner of a fancy flower shop like this would know about a lowly community garden. As I walk around the corner at the edge of her store, I sneak the seeds into my pocket, and walk down the street with my little Violet. * * * As I enter my apartment, my first thought is, did Violet do this before we left? Clothes and play blocks scatter the floor, and Violet scampers off to her room, and sits on her bed, awaiting the surprise. She sees me enter her room and drops her doll, skipping up to me to see her last present, stationed between my fingers. Mommy, what are these? she inquires, turning them over in her hands. Flowers, darling. Do you want to plant them? Again her mouth opens wide and she hugs me. Shes never hugged me like this. And I love it. * * * The next morning, I grab a spade and the seeds. Violet runs down the stairwell carrying a full water bottle. When I reach the bottom of the stairs, I see Violet talking to a white man. When I walk over to them, Violet asks for the seeds, then runs over to show the man. I am about to intervene when the man smiles at me, and Im not so worried. I take the spade in my hand and plunge it into the soil, reading my remaining package in my hand. Im digging holes eight to ten inches apart in the main part of the garden when I notice a man planting some tan bulbs in the newfound area of the garden. And then I look at Violet and the man walking over to the boy, who leans over to talk to her, and I realize that some people arent that bad. I walk over, and Violet introduces me to Sam and Royce, who have both been in the community garden since last year, and Sam was the one who had set up the competition for collecting water. Im Abelle, I say with a small smile. Oh, are you from France? Your name sounds very nice! he compliments me. His voice is old and frail, like he might fall over any moment. Yes, my grandparents came on a boat to America some time ago. Meanwhile Violet and Royce care for the rings of soil where Royce was working.
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* * * That night, Violet snuggles up in her Hello Kitty blanket in front of the TV and I sit down next to her, brushing her hair as we watch her favorite show. I make her some cocoa with extra marshmallows. We fall asleep on the couch, with our cat Esmeralda in our lap and our Yorkie terrier Aucaman lying at our feet. And in the morning, we have donuts from the shop down on the street. I start to realize that Violet is still young, and I want her to remember being young as a good thing. After about five minutes, we get to the garden and see at least twenty new people are digging holes and watering the soil in our new section. And someone had installed a fountain, planted grass, put in trash cans and attached park benches to the ground. Seeing people using what we had found made me happy, and it makes Violet happy too. I can tell as she grips my hand even harder and tugs it along to the entrance. We look around the area and meet some new people. After a while, Mommy, can we go see Penelope? she says seriously, tugging on my jeans. What? I ponder, and she leads me over to our flower patch, which had mysteriously grown a white fence with pink polka-dots and an arch. Hi, Penelope! she calls up, and points at a small bunny doll with a white dress and bow, up on the arch. Penelope stares down at us and makes me feel uneasy. Like there are security cameras in her eyes. The soil is barely moist anymore, so I tell Violet to water them. Instead of pouring the water from the jugs we brought straight into the soil, she stands up on a block and tilts the gallons of water into a massive bucket, then pulls a string, and I watch as the water is dumped into the dusty pipes above us. Mommy, you shouldnt stand there, she warns, and I step onto the stone path lining the outside of the patch just in time, so I dont get hit by the water raining down through holes in the pipes. As I glance around, I see Royce smiling through the corn. And I mouth to him Thank you! He smiles at me awkwardly. Our eyes link for a moment and I feel something in the pit of my stomach I havent felt for years. Love. He shies away, but I dont forget the feeling. * * * Its been almost twelve weeks, and Violets about to go back into school. She still hasnt forgotten about our little garden. Im starting to trust more people, even those new to the garden. Though I still dont let Violet go down by herself, once were down there, I normally let her wander and talk to the other people. Then she skips off in her overalls and pink t-shirt. One day, as we come down, Violet asks me, Mommy, can we pick the flowers yet? Theyre just the same color and shape as the ones in my flower book. I dont know how to tell when the violets are grown up enough that well be able to take flowers, so I trust my little expert gardener. Violets been asking me to go to the library a lot lately, and when we do, Violet runs up to the
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librarian, Royces sister. Alexia (the librarian) knows just what types of books Violet likes. When we get home, Violet will be half done with the book. * * * Now, the garden is our family bonding experience. Its six years in the future and Violet, Joshua (my year old son), Royce and I are living happily in our apartment. I have a job at Maricelas store, Royce is head of a building company and is working on restoring the building around the garden, and Violets in sixth grade now. Joshua just goes on with the river of life, and is showing signs of speech. I love our cramped apartment, and I love being part of the community I was afraid of before.

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Afanas by Serey K It wasn't the first time my dad had one of his rages, but today was different. Ever since my dad got fired from the shoe factory he was never the same. It was the day he started drugs. Every time my sister and I would come back from school he would yell at us for not cleaning the house or some other stupid reason. My sister, Katia, who was only eight would cry every time he would yell. I was four years older. My mother, Luba, would come home and try to comfort her. At the same time, she would yell at my father, my father would yell back, sometimes I was even afraid he would kill her. My mother could calm him down, but it was unusual when she did. But today was the worst. We had come back from school and were eating a snack. I saw my father walk in the door. He closed it with a bang. I braced myself for the attack, but none came. My father gave me and Katia one disgusted look and turned away. I started to say something but before I could open my mouth my dad had whipped around and I was flying across the room. I hit the wall with a thud and slid to the ground. Stars were blinking rapidly in my eyes. My father had punched me. Katia screamed, and tried to help me up. Afanas! Take your sister and go upstairs... Now! my father screamed. I obeyed without hesitation and took my sister by the arm and led her upstairs. I scowled at him and had half the mind to punch him back. What good would that do? As we climbed the stairs my father began to sob. I turned towards him, surprised. Papa? Katia asked in a timid voice. My dad turned his eyes filled with something I had never seen before, grief. The next thing that happened was a blur. My sister and I had sat down and my father had talked non stop to us. He said something about Mother and a car accident. He said he was involved with the car accident. And that Mother would never come back. After I had heard enough, I took my sisters hand and led her upstairs. Katia was crying so hard her tears were running out. I tucked her in bed and said, Night. It was not a good night. As I walked towards my bedroom I heard my sisters and dads sobs. I climbed into my bed and lay awake for hours, frozen in shock. I was running, my heart beating against my rib cage so hard I felt like my chest was going to explode. I didnt know why I was running, I just knew I had to get away. I looked back, I caught a glimpse of my dad, he was gaining on me. I tripped and fell, I felt hot liquid spill from my mouth. Then I heard a sharp bang, I woke with a start from my dream. Nngh were the first words that came out of my mouth as I rolled out of bed and dropped on the floor. I heard screaming from outside. I got up from the floor and went to the window. I pulled back the curtains and saw my dad. He was screaming like a madman (which he was). He had a bag and was running. The cat was following him and was trying to curl around his legs. He kicked it, and it landed on its side. The cat got up hissed and
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walked away with its tail up. I banged the window hard, and he turned and looked at me. His gaze was fierce, his eyes red and puffy. He turned and started walking. I started banging the window so hard the window shattered. I knew I had to love my dad, but its hard when he abandons you. As quickly as I could, I started packing food. I heard the stairs creak and saw my sister rubbing her eyes sleepily. Pappa? Katia asked in a hoarse voice. He is...gone. My voice cracked with emotion. My sisters eyes filled with tears. Dont cry! Go and pack! I said angrily. Katia bit her lip and ran back upstairs. As she ran I heard her sniffle loudly. I usually wouldn't be so mean to her but its hard when you're all alone. Two minutes later Katia walked down the stairs with a small pack. Afanas? Where are we going? said Katia in a small voice. The question dawned on me. Where would we go?! Then an answer popped into my head: Cleveland, Ohio. * * * Ouch! I had cried out in pain. A box had just fallen on top of me. The ship had just made a huge lurch. Katia and I had run from our house to a port fifteen minutes from our house (Katia wanted to bring the cat but it would have died in the journey). Our uncle worked there and we were hoping he could help us. I had also once overheard mother saying that her friend Maricela lived in Cleveland. She never said how they had a relationship, but she talked about Maricela like a good old friend. I just hoped she was still there. Anyway, when we reached the port, we saw our uncle. He was lifting boxes onto a ship. He saw us and smiled (some teeth were missing...old people). We told him everything, about Dad, Mom, and Cleveland. The joy slipped from his eyes, and filled with sadness. Ahh well, I always knew your father was an idiot. I told your mom, she didnt listen. My uncle chuckled. Well you're in luck- this ship heads to New York, said my uncle. My uncle helped me and my sister into a big box, about eight feet in length and four feet in width. My uncle had said that a bunch of men would tape the box shut, but there would be cracks for us to breathe. He also said to come out of the box in an hour or so when the men left, and so we waited. Finally, we heard voices. I stiffened as they approached. On three we lift, okay? The first man spoke with a gruff voice, probably about fifty years old. Ok, said the other man. One two THREE! Ouch! The first man swore loudly. I felt the box drop suddenly. S-s-sorry, it was an accident... I was only trying to help, said the second man. He actually sounded like a boy my age. Well, I suppose Judas was only trying to help when he put Jesus on the cross! said the old man grumpily. The man grumbled some more and then lifted up the box again.

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God, this box is heavy! Must have rocks in here or dead bodies! The man chuckled. But at the sound of dead bodies my sister and I stiffened. Did you feel that? Like something moving in the box? whispered the boy. I suppose you would like to see whats in the box? asked the man in a mischievous voice. I dont think s- began the boy. Oy, whats taking so long?! I dont pay you to talk, get a move on. Ship leaves soon! Thank God Uncle intervened. The men picked up the box taped it and put it on the ship. For many days we were on that ship, with only the food that I brought in my pack. I looked out the porthole and waved goodbye to Russia. Soon only a dark smooth shade of blue surrounded the ship. * * * After the box had fallen on me, a bunch of men came to unload the ship. My sister and I scrambled to get back in the box. I had heard one of the men saying that we had arrived in a strange place called the New York. I didnt know much English but I had learned some in school (I guess school isnt such a waste of time after all). We had also learned some English... I think it was called a seed packet. We learned some words like tomato and squash. I recognized the squash thingy, my grandma plants them. Another man said that these boxes would go to some garden in Cleveland. At least we were heading to Cleveland, how my sister and I would get out...well, we'll just have to wait and see. Next thing I knew my sister and I were on a fast moving train. Great, another long trip is just what I need. * * * RIPPPP! Oh no, someone is opening the box! Well, look what we have here! You guys look like Hel- oh wait, youre kids. Well I admit I was expecting some gardening materials, but getting kids shipped in a box is... well, it doesnt happen everyday! This guy had lots of scratches on his face, and he had a pitch fork (very intimidating!). The first word that was English popped into my head was ...Uh... Ha..loy...no...uh...Halo, yes ..Halo! Its really hard to speak in a different language. The guy looked at me funny. So... Im guessing... you're not from around here.....Wait, thats a stupid thing to say! You came here in a box, of course you're not from around here! Anyway, my name is Royce. Royce was a very weird guy. Afanas? Where are we going? Katia asked timidly. Uh...where...a...re...we...go..ing? I asked Royce. Yeah, about that ...um is there anyone you know around here? asked Royce. Yes, Maricela. Wow! Ok, Ill take you right to her... follow me! said Royce. And so we followed him. As we followed Royce I saw people digging, laughing,and talking. Such happy people, I thought to myself. But a little off to the distance, near a faucet I saw an

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Asian-looking girl talking to a boy. She kept smiling. The boy looked confused. I turned to Katia to point out this odd behavior, but she wasnt there. Katia? I shouted. Some people turned. Afanas come! It was Katia. She was in a small secluded shaded area, and was admiring some handsome lima beans. I walked over. Hello. It was the Asian girl. She was standing in front of her lima beans. She was smiling and was very pretty. Uh... Hello ...my name is Afanas. I said. Why didnt I learn English faster? I thought. She looked me up and down. I must look awful. Afanas, my name Kim, what is your sister name? It.. Is Katia...Katia? I called to Katia, she was still looking at the lima beans. She looked up and said Hallo! She waved to Kim, then resumed staring at the lima beans, extending her fingers slowly. Hey, have you guys seen two kids? They are really tired loo- Royce was asking a man about two kids. I had a feeling I knew who he was talking about. Royce! Over...he..re! At the sound of my voice he turned. Hey guys, I have been looking for you for half a minute. Anyway, this is Kim and her lima beans. Kim, have you seen Maricela? I think I saw her in the back... why you want to know? Kim asked with a frown. These kids have a connection to her and wish to see her. Come on, guys. As we walked I saw more people digging. I saw a man sitting in a wheelchair, pointing his fingers, and a woman kneeling in front of him planting what looked like flowers. Soon we reached what looked like an old plant shop and we walked inside. Only a few people were in the shop. I saw two kids very young kids sitting on the floor and trading seeds. The young kids reminded me of my sister. I looked down at her. I saw in her eyes the longing to join the two kids and play with them. I knew she must feel lonely. At the counter I saw a women busily shifting seed packets. Her back was to us and I could not see her face. Hey! I brought some people to you! shouted Royce. If they are looking for seed packets help them yourself, Im busy, said the woman. Uh... Maricela? I said timidly, somehow I knew it was her...I had a feeling. The woman turned slowly. How...do you know my name? You're not from around here or else I would know you... said Maricela in a hostile voice. Maricela... you know..my mother...Luba... Im Afanas... and my...sister is... Katia. I finally finished my sentence. Yes, Luba was a very good friend of mine...Im guessing you came from Russia? She saw the astonished look on my face. Yes, your mother and I kept in touch...but she stopped emailing me recently. Im guessing you would like to know how your mother and I met, and I dont think those thing should be said in public. She looked at Royce. Fine, push me away! He waved his hands dramatically in front of him. I'll just sit in a corner! and he left.
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* * * Sit down and make yourself at home. Hold on, let me call my daughter, Emoe. We were in Maricela's home. It was a small cramped apartment with two rooms, one had the kitchen and shower, the other the bedroom and dinner table. I guess you could say it was cozy. A child with waist length hair and bright blue eyes, bounded into the room. She was singing a song at the top of her lungs. MARY HAD A LITTLE LAMB... WAS FUZZ- The little girl stopped her song, which I was grateful she did. She stared at us for what seemed like hours, and then resumed her loud annoying song. WAS FUZZY AND LAMBY! she skipped out of the room smiling crazily and laughing. Maricela came in the room. You will excuse me, my child needs a nap and gets overly excited when she has to sleep. Maricela rolled her eyes and walked out of the room. A couple of minutes later she came back with cookies. Im sure you are starving...we dont have much. Maricela smiled apologetically. Katia took three cookies and crammed them in her mouth. I felt like doing the same but there was something nagging in the back of my mind. Can... you... tell me...about...how you ...know my...mom? I was very curious. Can you understand English quickly? I nodded. Prepare yourself for a long story, and she started: You see I was very unstable a few years ago... I was pregnant. It was a mistake that I became pregnant. Some scum bag dumped me when he heard I was pregnant, and Im guessing went to get more girls pregnant. Well, as you can imagine, my parents were devastated. And they sent me to a school on how to take care of babies when you're too young. That is where I met your mother. Maricela took a deep breath. She was pregnant...with you. She paused to let it sink in, and then continued. Your mother had run away from Russia to start a new life, and ended up here. So at the school we became friends. I helped her, but mostly she helped me through my rages and pains. She was the best friend I had ever had. But a few months later she got a letter from her parents and her boyfriend that they wanted her back. At first she refused, but then she got another letter from her parents saying that they were dying. What choice did she have? And so she left for Russia. After she left I switched schools. The school that I was originally at was closing up. And so I ended up here. I waited a long time for your mother to return...she never did. Later on I got a letter from your mother saying that you guys were born and that she would stay in Russia. Naturally, I was jealous, after all I was stuck at this school hoping everyday that my baby would die. On the other hand I was happy for her, she deserved it. Soon I discovered that I enjoyed gardening...and well here I am with a living child, that I love, and a standing house. Maricela had a sad look on her face. She extended her fingers and rubbed my shoulders, her touch was numb to my skin.

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I looked over at my sister. She was slumped on the couch, her eyes glazed with exhaustion. Not taking in a word of what Maricela had said, she didnt need to know. It was painful enough finding out that you were a mistake...and that you were not meant to be in this world. A voice in my head said you are only an accident, you should not exist. I shook my head to clear it from the nagging voice. Well, I guess you will have to stay since you're here. Let me get a mattress. Maricela walked out of the room into the bedroom. * * * Weeks passed by, and then months. After Maricela had shared her story with us I shared my story. As weeks passed I sat on the window ledge watching people in the garden. One month later and Cleveland was covered in leaves. People at the garden started wrapping up their precious plants. I was on the window ledge. The second month Cleveland was covered with a soft blanket of shining snow. No one was at the garden, and I was still by the window. The fourth month it was hot and a summers day. People flooded the garden once again. I was still by the window. I rarely left the window. On countless occasions Katia and Maricela pleaded with me to leave the window. I ignored them. Sometimes when Katia would prod me with her fingers gently, I would scream at her to leave me alone. It was a misty day, and only a few people were at the garden. Afanas, please come outside with me, you have been by the window for aaages! my sister pleaded with me. I turned and glared at her, and she cowered under my gaze. FINE! I slid off the ledge onto the floor. My sister couldnt help smiling as she took me by the hand and dragged me outside. As we walked out of the building, I felt the moist air touch my skin. I took a deep breath. It felt wonderful to smell fresh air again. You see Afanas? Its good to be outside! My sister was looking up at me, her face filled with joy that I had come out of the building. She led me over to a patch of wet earth, something was growing out of the damp earth. I looked closer. It looked like a small green tree with very big leaves. Afanas, I been growing...SQUASH! Katia shouted with excitement. Kim been helping me start, and...and Maricela gave me the seeds! Katia was overcome with joy, her face bright red like a tomato I saw nearby. Katia looked up, waiting for me to say something. Uh... its nice? I had absolutely no idea what to say. And its not like I was at a loss for words...its just that I had nothing to say. My sisters grin vanished and was replaced by a scowl. Uh, its nice?! My sister was mocking me. Thats all you say?! What else am I supposed to say?! My defenses were kicking in, and I was getting angry. I dunno, lets think... oh yeah, how about its beautiful or good job? At least say thanks for bringing me outside into the fresh air, where I dont sulk!! ME SULKING? Am I the only one who cares what happens to our parents?! I sit by the window and think while you do stupid thing like plant SQUASHES! My voice
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was loud and clear, and the few people that remained at the garden looked up in surprise. Gardening helps me take my mind off our parents...I have been trying hard to start a new life... with you. Its time you get out of the past. My sisters voice was calm and soothing. Im sorry, I guess Im still... sad and angry. So am I, but you cant take it out on me. I guess my little sister can be older than me sometimes. It began to rain, and the few people at the garden started to sprint away. My sister looked up at me again. She was smiling and then she took my hand and started to spin in the rain. Mud was splattering on the plants and me. I started to spin with her. We were laughing. It felt good to be happy. As we spun I saw something in the corner of my eye. It was a girl. She was running towards the building on the left. I shouted and she turned. It was Kim. Our eyes locked for a second. Then she turned away and sprinted into the building. I felt a tug on my arm. I looked down, my sister was staring at me. A mischievous smile playing on her face. WHAT?! I hate it when people stare at you like that. Nothing, I did not say anything. Katia raised her hands in surrender, but the smile was still on her face. Whatever! Lets go in, its getting cold. We stumbled through the tangle of roots and mud. AUUGGGHHH! You are tracking mud into the house! OUT OUT! Maricela was screaming at us. She was waving her hands at us wildly. We took off our shoes. My sister walked in the house, put both her hands on the floor and shook her body like a dog, splattering water and mud on the walls and... Maricela. Bravo, Maricela said sarcastically clapping her hands. After we got washed and dried we sat and had dinner. So, Afanas, you went outside. How was it? Maricela was looking at me intently. Uh... it was- I started to say something but Katia cut me off. AFANAS and KIM had a moment in the rain! They looked into each others eyes! My sister was yelling at the top of her lungs. She looked at me and giggled. OOOOOHHHHH! Afanas and Kim sitting in - Maricelas daughter was screaming, she was leaning across the table at me and her eyes were bulging. EMOE!! Maricela was yelling at her daughter.STOP IT THIS INSTANT! Emoe stopped abruptly. You were yelling, Emoe said. She was smiling sweetly. Maricela rolled her eyes. Im sorry, Afanas, you know...little kids. Maricela smiled apologetically. Yes, I know little kids! I gave my sister the eye. * * * A month passed, and I had been working at the garden. As always, my sister had been an annoying little creep. The pain about our parents had subsided, but only a little. Katia was doing well with her squash. Apparently it takes thirty-six more days until its ready to pick. Meanwhile, I helped Royce build fences and talked to him a lot.

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Afanas, Afanas! Sixteen inches apart! Afanas! I was helping my sister plant more squash. She is so protective about her plants; she is obsessed. Yes, yes, I get it! I dug my shovel in fiercely. Thats too hard and deep! AFANAS!! OH OH, remember only one inch of water! Katia was shoving a watering can in my face. Katia, I have an idea. I was speaking quietly. HOW ABOUT YOU DO THIS ON YOUR OWN! I threw my hands up in the air and walked away. I walked towards a bench and sat down in the shade. I watched passing cars stream by. Hello. I looked around startled. Oh, hey! Kim I did... not see you there. My English was so much better. I know, I was in shade. Kim sat down on the bench, and my face was getting red. So.... the garden is nice? Yes, I started the garden... at first I was afraid of people...now they are my friends. Including you. Oh no, my face was so red she could have fried an egg on it. That is very nice. Where are you parents? Kim looked at me with interest. Dead... My father dead, mother and sister still here. Im sorry. I truly was. Kim took my hand in hers. I tensed but she held on. We both looked into each others eyes. Hers searched mine and mine searched hers. Our eyes finally locked, and suddenly I knew we understood each other. AFANAS, I NEED WATER!! It was Katia. She ruined my moment! Im sorry...It is my sister. I got off up the bench and sprinted to my sister. I looked back at Kim and she smiled. And for the first time, in a long time... I felt really happy and... hopeful.

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Felice by Shriya B Well, here we are in Cleveland, Ohio. Its pretty hot here, not as hot as Verona, but my mamma Annalisa says, Atesa fino a inveranno which means wait till winter. The flight wasnt that bad and they served my favorite, pesto pasta. The flight was about 13 hours. I watched a movie or two. My father was still crying about losing his job in the church. I missed our old house in Verona, Italy but my sister Celia says, Avete bisogno di una nuova vita, which means I needed a new life. When we got to our apartment which had been owned before by someone else, I ran inside and Ciro (our dog) followed me. I got to the second biggest room and shouted, MMYYYYY RRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMM! I dumped my stuff on the bed and took all my posters and put them all over the room. I put all my clothes in the drawer and closed it shut. I took a shower and put on some clothes and went downstairs. My 16 year old sister was watching Modern Family while petting Coco the cat. Mom was making dinner and my father Fedele was STILL crying in the bedroom. I decided to take a walk with Ciro. He is a golden retriever. We got him when I was born and he and I have been best friends since. I was the one who named him, too. Ciro means like the sun and he is like the sun shining bright and brave. My mammas name means grace and she is pretty graceful. My sisters name means heaven- can you believe that? And my dads meant faithful and he is definitely faithful. I hoped the people in the neighborhood would be nice. In Verona, Mrs.Duilio (our neighbor) gave us sugar cookies every time we visited. Then while Ciro was sniffing at a tree, I walked past a little girl, nine years old perhaps, planting some kind of bean. I gave Ciro a bone and went to say hi. Hi there, I blurted. Hello, she whispered. Come ti chiami? I mean, what's your name? My name is Felice, Im 11. I live in one of those apartments up there. Mmm...yyy names Kkkk...iimm. What you planting? Lima beans. Thats cool. Well, I got to go, arrivederci. When I got home dinner was ready. We were having, drum roll... pizza. Again! Well, I love Italian food so I was happy. CCCCCCCIIIIIIIIIIAAAAAAOOOOOOOOO, I said. Ciao dolci, my mamma said. MAMMA can you please call me Felice instead of sweetie? Hey Happy, potete ora guardare, said Celia. Thanks, for letting me watch tv. You always hogged the tv in Verona. My sister called me happy because thats what my name means. I didnt really care though...
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FEDELE, GET OUT OF THE BATHROOM AND STOP CRYING! Mamma was getting pretty mad with Papa. I looked over to Celia. She was texting on her phone. Typical teenager. She put her hands over her ears and we both cracked up. When Mamma gets mad, the house gets loud. When dad came out of the bathroom his eyes were as red as a tomato. We all sat at the table Awkward silence, I blurted. I mouthed the words help me to Celia. Wow, Mamma, amazing pizza! Mamma, what did you do differently? Well, I put extra olives and some pesto with mozzarella. That must be it. I can really taste the pesto, I said. Sniff sniff. Papa, you will love your job in the new church, I am sure, Celia assured. B-b-b-u-u-t-t. . . Well, since we are all done, lets all go watch a movie. How abouuuut Rise of the Guardians? OMG, I soooo want to watch that. Sandy is SOOO CUTE. Well then, its done. Everyone go change and get into the Honda. I ran into my room and wore some jeans and my GO GET A LIFE shirt. I got that shirt from Celia. We all got into the car and waited for about 10 minutes because Papa was still not over the loss. FEDELE, GET OUT OF THE BATHROOM, please? The movie wasnt too bad- a 4 star, I would say. Celia cried at the end of the movie. OMG, this is now my all time favorite movie. Sniff sniff. After we all got into the van, I looked out the window. The moonlight was shining on the plants in the garden. I remembered our garden in Verona when all of us would get together in the garden and plant our favorite, basil. Celia, can you quiet that down please? That music is way too loud!!! Ok, ok, OMG, you are soo annoying. No I am not, youre the one thats annoying. Fedele, please stop. The church smelled like roses. SNIFF SNIFF. Fedele, please stop. When we got home, I brushed my teeth, flossed, then put on my favorite pjs, which were teddy bears all over, and cuddled with my little bear. I named him Mr. Oso. Then Ciro came in my room did a circle on the bed. I gave him a short backrub and then read a story for him and both of us fell asleep soon. The next morning, I went out and found a spot for our little garden. I looked around and saw many little sprouts everywhere, and when I found a spot, I went around to see what my other fellow gardeners were planting. Well, there definitely was variety. Some people took care of their plants, and some tried but it didnt seem to work for them. Then I went past a garden which had probably been over watered and what looked to be baby lettuce (dead baby lettuce). When Mamma woke up I told her I

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wanted to plant basil like we did in Verona. She said, Sure Felice, but can I have some breakfast first? Sure Mamma, can I also eat a biscuit or two? The biscuits were really good. In the inside it was creamy and on the outside it had a nice not-too-hard shell and when you put butter on it, yum yum yum. At the store, it was crowded and I dont really like crowded places. I mean, people you dont know bump into you and then you say sorry and they give you a sneer, so lets not talk about that part of the trip. After we got the basil seeds, Mamma got some shovels and a watering can and helped me plant and water the seeds. Thanks, Mamma. No problem, dolci. And remember you have to commit to coming and watering the plants and taking care of them, okay? Si mamma. And if you want I can send Celia, if you need help. The next day I came to water the basil. When I got there I saw a big guy planting tomatoes. The sign said Lateesha's Tomatoes, a weird name for a boy. He was about 23, he looked kinda bulky, and wow, his biceps were the size of his biggest tomatoes. Then while I was examining him I dropped my pen. I looked around for that black pen and it went rolling next to a really nice looking lady. She seemed to be really young but she had a little baby boy sitting on her lap. I went up to her. Hello, my names Felice. Have you seen my pen around here? Oh hi, you guys are the newcomers, right, from Italy? Great to see you guys working in the garden. My names Maricela and this is my son, Diego. Looking for a pen, huh, wellll... Aha! I found it. Is this it? Si, thank you Ms. Maricela. Ill see you around. Bye, Diego. I gave them a wave and went back to my little garden. * * * As the months passed, my pap a started coming to the garden and helping me water and plant the seeds. My whole world seemed to change when he came. You see, my papa wasn't too close to me in Verona. I always tried to be the son he wanted, but it didnt seem to work. He never seemed to talk to me at home, but when we were both in the garden I felt very close to him. My accomplishments in the garden are 1) new friends and 2) getting close to my father. Sometimes I would help some of the planters who needed help, and watered the plants for fellow gardeners. Now I water everyone's gardens for five dollars. Its a good way to get money. I also get to say hi to Ms. Maricela and her little son Diego. I thought she was very nice and sometimes I would go over and babysit Diego. He wasnt a fuss at all. With some of the money got from the jobs, I bought Mamma a necklace, Papa a new bible, and Celia a typical teenager shirt. I also got a brand new collar for Ciro and I can tell you my face was very slimy after that. I gave Coco a new ball of yarn. I also gave a nice new rattle to Ms. Maricela for her little Deigo. * * *

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Three months had passed and the basil was ready. I gave the basil to my mamma and she made a pizza for all the gardeners. I helped her make the dough and I got to cut the basil. Mmmm Mamma, the pizza smells really good- I cant wait to taste it!!! Well, Felice, it will be done soon. Go change. We all enjoyed the pizza at the harvest festival. Celia said, Wow Happy, molto bene, very good, I am soooo proud of you. She ruffled my hair. Thanks, Celia. Now go away. She smirked and then walked away to get another slice of pizza. Then I bumped into a nice looking family: a baby boy, an about-7-year-old girl, and their parents. Hey, I know you. New ones right? Nice to meet you. My name is Royce, this is my beautiful wife, Abelle. Hi, nice to meet you, um... Felice. Oh hello, nice to meet you Felice. This my daughter, Violet. Hello Felice, she gave my hand a hearty shake. And this is Joshua. Hi Joshua. You have such a wonderful family. And Felice, your moms pizza is really good. Tell me when she makes it again and we will be at your house in a minute. And also thanks for watering our garden, I will always be grateful, thanked Abelle. No prob. Well, I gotta go. I'll see you in the garden tomorrow. Nice meeting you all. I said a last goodbye and was off. After we all went home, Papa exclaimed, Well, my Felice did so well he gets a reward. What do you want to do or go to? I think I already got my reward: to have such a great family. Well, now Im happy with a nice hobby. I babysit Joshua and Diego and I always have nice long conversations with Ms. Maricela and Mrs. Abelle and Mr. Royce. I still live with my nice lovable family ... Celia! Get off my iPod like NOW!

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Ataline by West L I am starting to think about moving back to Dublin. I am starting to get a little homesick, but I am not going back to my old motel with more than 30 hyperactive kids that run on candy, and even if they were out of the place.... well, I still wouldnt go back. The people there are abusive and there arent any good jobs that could pay me enough to get an actual home. I just wish I could go back. This place called Cleveland is much more different than my old town. BEEEP. BEEP. BEEEP UGHHH. Thats not an alarm clock, its my loud, but close-to-my-heart bird. Well, actually, a falcon. It was given to me when I was ten years old by my grandmother. She said that it would protect me. I named it Akas, which means white falcon. That day I also got a newborn German Shepherd. My grandmother said it would alert me of any danger, but I think that its the other way around. The bird screams everytime theres a noise outside, and my dog will make any mailman in the world run for his life. Knock knock. Thats someone at the door. Maybe if I dont answer it they will go away. KNOCK KNOCK. CAW CAW. Grrrrrrr. Great. Now everyone in my house is up and at the door. Including me. I open the door. Hi, Atline. So nice to see you. I am here to pick you up for your job interview. Thats my brother Alelli. He came with me to Cleveland to help me find a job since he had his own company in Dublin. He is extremely wealthy and he could afford a car to drive me around. In this case, to a job interview for being a gardener. Gardening was my favorite thing to do at home. Okay, thank you for driving me there. I hop into the car and wait for my brother to come in, but hes just looking amused by something. Something wrong? I ask. Arent you going to get dressed? he says chuckling to himself. I look down and I am still in a nightgown. Ill be right back. I jump out of the car, get dressed, get back in and he steps on the gas. We see a lot of strange things on our way there: an old lady looking out her window at something I cant see, guys chasing down someone and one of them has a pitchfork, a group of teens that seem to be pregnant walking someplace, and a little girl tending to something that looked like a plant. When we see the local plant store, my brother says, There it is. I am going to drop you off here. Ill be back at 1:30 to pick you up, then I need to go to the store and get some food.
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Okay, be careful, I say and he drives off. I hope he is okay. Its rush hour, I murmur to myself. At least he does not have my pets.......MY PETS! I didnt feed them and they will probably get into the trash. I walk inside and theres a desk inside a huge greenhouse. How are you, maam? Can I help you? the woman at the desk says in a cheerful voice. Yes, my name is Ataline. I say. I wrote down my nickname on the application form because my real name sounds weird and Ataline sounds better. Oh you must be here for the job interview. Right this way. She brings me into an office and asks me a bunch of questions. She seems happy with my answers. When the last then came, I was so relieved that it was all over. Where are you from? I am from Ireland, I say. She gives me a frown and says, I am sorry, but there are no more jobs available. Goodbye. I am sorry, what? Please be on your way, she says as she shoved me out and closed the door. What was that about? I was answering all of the questions correctly until I said where I was from. Maybe she has something against Irishmen. The thought makes me so mad I kick a trash barrel down and run off because my brother hasnt showed up yet. I go a different way than I came, but I still see that old lady staring out the window at something. I follow her gaze but it goes over some buildings. Since I have nothing better to do, I go ahead and walk around the buildings. I hear a lot of people talking like theres some sort of gathering. I keep on walking and then I see it. Theres an amazing amount of people at some sort of public garden. Everyone is planting something and then someone approaches me, not with a cruel look, but a friendly smile. Hello. How are you? My name is Royce. Whats your name? he says with a smile so bright it could blind someone. I never have met someone who was so nice to a stranger that they had never met. Umm. Hi. My name is Ataline, I say shyly. Ataline. What a nice name. You must be new at the garden. Something about him seems familiar, then it hits me that he was the man with a pitchfork chasing a mugger. So I ask him about it. I saw you chasing after a mugger. Did you get back whatever he stole from you? Oh, he didnt steal from me, he stole a purse from a lady. She said it wasnt important because of the money she in it, but because her grandmother had given it to her, and that was the only thing she had left of her. So he chased after a mugger who mugged someone else. If you did that in Dublin... well no one did that in Dublin. I realize I was thinking for a long time because he is looking at me to see if I am okay. Ataline, are you okay?

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Yeah. Fine. I am fine. I probably look terrible from all of the trash getting all over me. Sorry, but I need to go. Someone is helping me find a job and get some better clothes. But here, take these. He hands me a seed packet. I found it on the ground of a greenhouse. You can have it. I cant make out the name. But I can. It was my favorite plant back at Dublin. Alionushka clematis: Virgins Bower Plant seeds. Those were the first seeds I ever planted. I look up to thank him but he is already gone. I walk over to some open areas of soil but I dont know if I am allowed to plant here or if there is a specific way to plant it. Someone seems to see I am having trouble with it. She is a little girl, about nine or so, and she approaches with a smile. Hi. How are you? You look like you need a bit of help there. I can teach you. I dont need any help from a little girl, but who can deny a little girl? I dont want to hurt her feelings, so I act like I havent planted before. Yes. Please. I would love some help. I never planted before and I want to try something new. But I dont even know where to start. She looks so happy about it. She teaches me how to water the plants, tend to them and take out the weeds. She says stuff like, You need to fertilize these seeds and make sure they get plenty of sunlight. I realize I dont know her name so I ask her. Thank you so much for the help. What is your name? Its Kim. Whats yours? Ataline What a beautiful name. Thanks. You have a pretty good name, too. For some reason she seems like she is looking around at every plant and sighing. Whats wrong Kim? Are you looking for something? She looks at me and says, Most of the people here are poor, cant afford fertilizer and their plants die quickly. They just cant afford anything. They could barely get enough money to pay for any plant seeds. That is too bad. So who gives them the fertilizer? No one. Their plants die... Aww man. I need to go. My mom is expecting me back by now. Bye. Nice meeting you. And before I can say bye, she trots off. I start to get up and head home but I cant shake how badly I felt for the people who cant afford fertilizer for their plants. I stop and stand there for a while. My body is telling me to go one way but my brain is telling me to go another. As always my brain wins and I am walking back to the local greenhouse and halfway there I see my brother driving by. Where have you been?!?!?! I shout. Where have YOU been? I was waiting behind the building for hours and you didnt show up. Thats because I came out the front. Oh sorry. Did you get the job? he asks. I just shake my head. No luck, huh? Thats too bad. Do you want a ride home?
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No thanks. I can get home fine. But check up on my friends back home to make sure they didnt get into the trash, and feed them if they didnt. Okay. Be careful. And he drives off. I start to jog to the greenhouse and the lady isnt there anymore. Thank heavens, because that would have been awkward. I run in, grab a couple of fertilizer bags and do a self checkout. On my way back to the garden I see Kim. What are you doing out so late, Kim? She turns around and smiles. Hi. I was just checking on the garden. Most of the plants are dying because of the lack of fertilization. What are you carrying? Oh just some bags of fertilizer. I was just walking by with them and was going to fertilize the garden, but no one is here to help. Do you want to help me out? Her face perks up with a smile so bright that it glows like a lamp. I think you know the answer to that, she laughs. We run as fast as we can to the garden. We were racing but neither of us said so. Kim was so fast she was waiting at the garden when I got there. I thought she was right behind me. So Kim, where do we start? Lets do the plants that need it the most. Okay. We go to some grapefruits that were almost dead and poured some on. There were some pumpkins that were getting mushy so we got some on there also. Some radishes were all in a row so we sprinkled some on them. We went through the entire garden. It felt so good to do that for so many people. Kim was so happy that she went on and on about each plant. The second to last ones we got to were beans, but we had little to no fertilizer left and there were still some tomatoes left that needed some fertilizer. Its fine. These beans dont need any, she says hoarsely. Of course they d... Before I can say anything she yells. THE BEANS ARE FINE. THEY DONT NEED ANYTHING. THE TOMATOES DO!!! She bellows so loud it scares me. Okay. Okay. They dont need anything. Lets calm down. She covers her mouth and whimpers. I am so sorry. I didnt mean to scream that loud. Its okay. You can put the fertilizer on the tomatoes if you want. Yes, please. Thank you. Just as she is about to spread it on, a pitchfork pins it to the ground and Kim jumps back with a small scream. Who are you and why do you want the tomatoes? Something about that voice seems familiar. Royce? Is that you? The man steps out of the shadows and it turns out to be Royce with the pitchfork clenched in his hands. Ataline? What are you doing to these tomatoes?
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Kim is hiding behind me and is shaking. I try to dodge the question because I want it to be a secret about the fertilizer. What are you doing with them? A guy named Curtis said he would pay me to watch them during the night to make sure no one would try to kill them. Well, we were just, ummmmmm, looking at all of the plants. Nothing more. But you sure gave Kim a scare. Also, you might want to tell Curtis to put some fertilizer on those tomatoes. Why arent you going to put some on? You gave some to the rest of the plants. That means he knows what I am doing. I try to deny it. What are you talking about? We were just looking around. No, we werent. We were putting fertilizer on all of the plants, Kim said to Royce. I forgot to tell Kim to keep it a secret. Okay. Okay. Royce, all of the plants in the garden were dying so we went along and put fertilizer on them. Dont tell anyone, please. I doubt he will keep it a secret, but I couldnt lie to him anymore. I am crying now. I dont know why. Maybe its just that I couldnt keep my sadness inside any longer and I have finally cracked. Why now? I am not sure. Kim is by my side comforting me, which I bet Royce finds amusing. I look up and see Royce walking out of the garden. Royce, please dont tell anyone about tonight. I am begging him. He turns around and smiles. What is there to tell? It was just a regular night and no one was here but me. And with that he walks away. I guess I knew that my outburst would come sooner or later, but I never anticipated it. I think some of it was partly missing my mother, or I could have been afraid that I wouldnt make any friends. But this garden gave me more friends than I could ever need.

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Chewonki by Wesley C I walked over to my tent and put on a sweatshirt, then unpacked my flashlight. I clicked the button on the bottom of the flashlight and saw a dull, faint orange light shining on the trees. Dangit, I said. I realized my battery was dead. I put the flashlight back in my daypack and slogged my way down to the campfire. I walked over to our instructor named Hersh and got a small packet titled My Chewonki Journal. This was a small packet about the experiences at Chewonki that we had. Then I walked with the rest of my group down to the water. It was cold and the mosquitoes were KILLING ME!!!! I was too lazy to put on Deep Woods bug repellent, so I was getting eaten alive. I looked over at my friend Jack who was about ten feet away from me, Jack, try not to get Triple E, I said. We both laughed. Jack was paranoid of this virus that mosquitoes were (and depending on when you are reading this, still are) carrying called Triple E. I started to fill out the packet, but it was unimaginably hard to see because it was 7:30 PM. The water was still, the trees were still, and the only sound was our group writing. Just as I was about to scream because everything was silent and the bugs were eating me alive, Ian squealed, SEALS!!!!!!! I looked over at him and realized he was pointing at the water so I looked where he was pointing and saw nothing except for ripples in the water. He said that they had just gone under water. Now normally I would not have believed him without having seen it myself. Other people had said they saw it too, so I believed him. Thats when I saw one of the most amazing things I have ever seen, a school of fish frantically swimming for their lives!!!!!!! Imagine seeing a jet ski coming at you at top speed, that is what it looked like. Then the ripples started to come toward us and I realized that was the school of fish. Our guide said that the seals must be attacking the school of fish. We saw a seal jump out of the water and then jump back in. If you have ever seen a fish jump out of the water and dive back in, thats what this looked like, but you could see the seal very clearly even though it was dark. I was amazed at seeing this, and I thought to myself that I was seeing something that over 50% of the world has not seen. One of our counselors named Hersh went back up to the campfire and the other counselor named Will stayed with us. I heard a lot of people yell SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!!! I turned around and realized that the other group that was next to ours had come over to our campfire and tried to scare us. So my friends and I said, Wow, that failed, as we were walking up to our campfire. Then the people from the other campsite started to sing Happy Birthday. I realized that they were singing Happy Birthday to Hersh! So then my group and I walked over to the campfire and ran and said hi to our good friends that we hadnt seen for three days! We stood for awhile and talked. It was really fun seeing
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them, considering that we are used to seeing them five or more days of the week, eight hours a day. Also we felt abandoned because we hadnt seen anyone we knew since the first day when we had gotten into our groups and left to set up camp. The campfire was fading away as we talked with our friends. The other groups counselor told them they had to leave, so I said goodbye to my friend West and went back down to the water. Now it was very dark and I was still being eaten alive. Only a few of the group members were at the water. Jack, Ian, Keith, our other instructor Will, and I were there writing in silence. Everything was quiet except for the crackling of the fire and the occasional splash as a fish jumped out of the water. Also the water was still, glistening. The trees seemed to be watching us, anticipating our next move. While we were sitting on rocks at the waters edge we heard a splash and looked up and saw that the seals were back, randomly flopping in the water, creating huge waves, so we yelled to the other group and Hersh to come down and see them, but right before they got to the water the seals went under water. The other group was disappointed so they went back to their campground. And then we went up to our campfire, talked, and went to our tents.

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7 t h Gr ade

Gold by Jacob B The touch of gold brings a shiver to my spine Its yellow, shiny surface is very pretty, Stories and legends told of streets paved Draping around and icing the body of people Many a life's been lost in the pursuit of this precious metal Yellow-demon breeder of greed and malice deceit and destruction wealth and inequality Gold cannot supply all your needs. To trust only in gold is an awful misdeed.

Music by James W Music is the thing that makes life easier Even if youre old you can still play It even makes you happy if you are a senior Even if youre sad it makes your day Music has emotion It can connect to you It can give you motion Which is called dance to you If youre having a bad day Pull out your iPod and play the music And it will stop you from crying away It can be heard every day In the car or on the train Its nice to listen to it during a flight delay This is why music can make a day

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Banzai by Andre B We fix our bayonets and make sure our shoes are tied. My black leather shoes have only minor scuffs so far. But now I tie them carefully and tightly and double knot them. I shove the loose ends into the space between my pants and boots. I take one last peer through the ferns and low vines of the jungle to the exact place in the camp that I will charge to. I put a fresh block of bullets into my rifle. I give a nod to my comrades. We lean up onto our front leg, take a deep breath, and burst through the scrub. I yell our mighty war cry until the whole tree line is bursting with charisma and camaraderie. "BANZAI" I am darting towards that exact bench I had been targeting. I finally get to it after what seems like ages. Two more notches in the belt. Now I head deeper into the camp. I no longer see any of my comrades. It seems the charge was broken up by the tents. I finally come to a short sandbar across a narrow river. The mission briefing said this is the Tenaru. It's almost comical how imposing they had made it seem, yet how unsubstantial it now appears to be. I crouch behind the embankment on our side as I begin to see more of my men filtering in to my position. I hear some commotion on the other side of the river and see some dark shapes occasionally silhouette themselves against the early morning light. I now have enough of my men to make a push for the sandbar. I take one last careful look across the Tenaru, and make an estimate about the enemy strength on the opposing side. Probably not much more than a few sentries with rifles. I gather my men and mount the sandbar. I charge across in front of my men. "BANZAI" The familiar war cry darts about in my ears. All of a sudden the opposite embankment lights up with gunfire. I feel as though I am hit by a train. I fall to the sand and my world goes dark.

Flying by Emily A Body dangling from the cloud Im perched I relax and slip through the air a harshed stop freezes me sprawled out looking through glass the ground far below too far to reach my feet are for once free

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Yellow by Emma R Yellow, yellow thats her name Too many yellow cards in a game pushing, shoving, tripping, too everyones scared of her, you'll be too don't worry, she can't play now got caught by the crowd shes now sitting down as the game goes on she's a wreck wishing she was the ref telling people what to do where to go even you now she has the worst name just because of too many yellow cards in a game just one color can go so far yellow, yellow, yellow card.

The Wave by Jack J Waves The big waves crash against the hot sand I stop to look at what washed up I find lots of small shells then Then I notice one shell Its big and moving It comes closer Then it crawls To the Sea

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Valentines Day by Ayla D When people think of Valentines day they think of gifts, they want to impress people They think of heart stickers Cute chocolates bouquets of red roses And meaningful cards. When I think of Valentines day I think of love and happiness People spending time with family And friends Because I know it doesnt matter how many boyfriends you have How many people that want to be with you, How many people who want to be you It only matters that you have people that love you, for you And no amount of roses or chocolates will ever change that

Jellybean's Flavors by Luviana M Jellybeans have many flavors I'll just name a few Bubble gum and kiwi, Tutti-fruitti too. French vanilla, raspberry, Buttered popcorn, peach. Cotton candy, very berry, Juicy pear and plum. Root beer is my favorite, But not my number one. Strawberry cheesecake and toasted marshmallow are ones I enjoy tremendously There's pineapple pear, Mixed berry smoothie. Cherry passion fruit and mandarin orange mango. All of them are smoothies. There are much more to name, but for the sake of paper, I'll say no more.

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Upper School vs. Lower School by Maddie L Friday. Its the longest day of the week. When I get in the car at 3:40 on Friday afternoons, my third-grade brother Wil is sitting there smashing creepers on his iPod. I reach for the radio controls and put my six bags on the ground in front of my seat, and my fifth-grade brother John pants from his hour-and-twenty-minute basketball practice. How was your day? my mom asks, and I mutter something about Encounters, our band piece, being stuck in my head. Wil, who had a half-day today like every Lower School kid does on Fridays, happily cries, My day was great! Oh, shut up, John and I say in unison as we pull out of the driveway. Upper School and Lower School are like two different universes. They dont even go to school in the same building as us. Were not that competitive, but lets be honest: how cool would an Upper School vs. Lower School contest be? It would be pretty evenly matched; they both have their ups, downs, similarities, and differences. I think Lower School might win, though, because they have better schedules, get half-days on Fridays, and get better times for things. I think the most obvious difference is the schedules. We get different subjects and different times for things. While we have lunch at eleven, they get lunch at twelve. I think lunch at twelve was better, since Im not usually that hungry at eleven. I usually end up starving by 2:30, but if we had lunch at 12, we wouldnt get snack at the end of the day. They get snack at 10:20, and we get it at 2:30. Also, they get a full 45 minutes of recess before they have lunch. I think thats awesome. I dont really do that much at recess, but I think thats because we only get 15 minutes. Plus, lunch announcements usually go at least five minutes into it. We end up going outside and getting a really short recess. I liked the Lower School schedules better for a couple of reasons: the things I just said and the fact that there werent long periods. I dont know about anyone else, but I hate long periods. Its not the classes; its the fact that its so long. Im just about ready to die at 2:30 on Mondays when Ive been sitting in the same uncomfortable chair for an hour and ten minutes. And the long period of band on Friday afternoons is the killer. I really like Band, but that period is longer than most long periods and my lungs are just about ready to burst by the time 3:30 rolls around. The days are laid out and timed differently, too. Fridays for Lower School kids are AWESOME. They have two or three classes in the morning, and then they get Common Time. Their Common Time is really different from our Common Time. They all sit down in the Marshall Library and sing songs while Mrs. Lent shows everyone that calendar with the cute little bunny pictures on it. (How can we forget the collective AWWW! that went around the room when everybody saw that cute little Beagle puppy?) After Common Time, the worlds most unfair thing happens. They. Go. Home. What is this?! Really, why do they get half-days on Fridays?! I know that the fourth and fifth graders dont, but Im speaking in general. I know theyre little, but thats outright unfair.
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There are upsides to Upper School, though, too. I think the best thing about the fifth-to-sixth grade transition is the fact that you dont have to wear collars anymore. Hallelujah. I also like that we dont have to have a teacher to walk from classroom to classroom. We have socials, dances, Spirit Week, and other awesome stuff that the Lower School kids dont get. I love the dances. Most of you know from the Halloween Dance that I cant bust a move for my life, but theyre really fun. I still think Lower School was better than Upper School, but that doesnt mean I hate Upper School. Were more responsible, the leaders, and looked up to as the big kids. We get more time to do our work and more cool opportunities for events. I dont know about you, but I just enjoyed Lower School a little more. Maybe sometime, when we have Encounters perfected, we can be let out a little early from Band on Friday and get our recess fix in.

In My Hea rt by Lily T Theres a sadness that pans through my body First from the cold outside shell of myself It seeps into my blood Following the path towards destruction It enters my brain easily Where Im forced to hate what I feel My brain screams, NO! STOP! But the sadness only protests And slithers throughout my body It flows downward to my heart Where I feel its pain strike so much deeper It tears my heart in two odd pieces Not together without the other half And it cries, shrill, loud, unbearable With the immense pressure of seeing you Your snide comments Your hurting actions Im forced to be ripped into those two halves Where my heart is broken Its torn into shreds Gone forever Not to be seen as whole Ever again

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My Hobby by James T My hobby is basketball. Ive been playing since I was around three and Id like to think I'm pretty good. Last year our Central Mass team made it to the state championship, but we lost, sadly. What doesnt make sense to my parents is that when I was a little baby, the first thing I picked up and loved was a tennis ball, so naturally my parents thought I would play tennis. Boy, they were wrong. As I grew older I tended to stay away from the sports my dad loved and cherished for another four years or so, but now I'm starting to like the same sports as him (soccer and tennis). When I was about five, I begged my parents to buy a basketball hoop no matter the size. At first they said no, but then a couple of days later on my birthday, they had gotten me one! Till this day, I still use it everyday and as much as I can cram in. In the summer time, my uncle and I will be out there from noon to eight at night just playing basketball and swimming. Over the years, as I've progressed, I've played for different teams, one of them being the Applewild Varsity team. But the most memorable team would have to be my AAU/Central Mass team. Since most of us knew each other for more than three years (with the exception of one or two kids) we played like a family. That was something that made our coach very proud. Not only that, because of basketball, it opened doors to new things such as Cross Fit.

Sonnet: Bunny by Ben N There once was a very chubby bunny He once tried to race with a slow turtle Actually the results were funny The bunny took a nap ignores hurdles The turtle ends up victorious The bunny was too fat and did not win Everyone thought it was hilarious But to avenge the bunny was his kin The bunnys brother was not as chubby He was skinny and his name was Freddie Freddie told the turtle that he was tubby The race started when they were both ready Freddie was fast and outran the slow poke When he won he brought cheer to the fat folk

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Life or Death by Jamie A As I sit on the border of light and darkness I debate which way to go. I can continue to live all heartless Or a new journey I could undergo. It would be a long way to get to where I was, So I might just forget about it and go to sleep. But I want to travel to La Paz, Or I could lie here and listen to the monitor beep. The darkness means a road that everybody has to take But the light means a road that everybody was once on. It means I will never again have steak, Or visit my friends in Iran. I want to just fall asleep right here But then I wont go down in the book as a fighter. And then I will never again go to a game of the Buccaneers, Or never again will I be a writer. If I take the easy route I'll get called coward And my body in the white cloth will be carried out Or maybe Id get devoured. Here comes the doctor now To give me the result And the medicine I am allowed Or to tell me Id live to be an adult. I start to think what he is going to say The prognosis wasn't looking good. Especially because its a dreary day Or maybe its because Im no longer in the hood. Just then the monitor goes crazy, The nurses start running in. And my vision goes hazy, And I think of my twin. The main doctor arrives And barks some orders. Out come the knives, Or the disorder. As he starts to talk The world starts to spin And then it fades to white And then to black.

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Cats vs. Dogs by Miles B My grandmother's boxer is cute, but it's big and scary. When I play tug-of-war with him, he bites at a spot on the rope that is close to my hand. Its really scary! Because of this I think that cats are better than dogs, but its probably also because I have two cats. Cats are just so cute; they'll either sit on your lap and fall asleep or you can play with them. If you have a dog, I mean no offense; this is just my opinion, and it is mostly based on my grandmothers boxer. So dogs are great, but they do need more care. You have to walk them, you have to clean up their poop, feed them at every mealtime, and you have to go outside with them. Cats, on the other hand, are very easy to take care of. All you need to do is feed them once a week and keep their litter box clean. You also have to pet them, but you can do that while watching TV or playing video games. Now I will admit that dogs are more playful than cats. They will always want to go outside and play with a ball, stick, or any other random thing that you can find. But cats are also playful. They are much easier to play with than dogs and you have a much smaller chance of getting bitten while getting the toy away from them. All you have to do is get a piece of string and swing it around near them. They will go crazy trying to get it and it will make you laugh so much. Another way of playing with them is to roll a marble on the floor towards them and they will play with it completely by themselves. Then when they get bored you grab it and throw it towards the cat again. Also cats are just more pleasant to be with (if you have a good one). Dogs bark and occasionally bite. Cats only meow and occasionally hiss and scratch. But I ask you, would you rather be bitten by a dog or be scratched by a cat? Finally, cats are just better to pet and have on your lap. My grandmothers dog once sat on my lap, and it was so big and heavy that it just wasnt pleasant. Cats on the other hand are nice and light, small, and warm. They sit there and warm you up on a cold winter day. They also can be very therapeutic when you pet them. Dogs can also be therapeutic to pet, but my cats hair is so silky soft, and my grandmas dog has brittle hair. All in all, cats are better. As I said before, though, this is probably because I have cats, and I might have written my speech on how dogs are better if I had a dog.

Haiku by Liam C Fall has begun Robotics has started again Another season

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Motivation by Lauren L My motivation is my future. My motivation is that in six short years I will have to venture off into the great unknown that is our society, alone. And I dont just want to make it, I want to thrive. I not only need to learn the academics and the smarts but I need to know how to take care of myself, my home, my family. When I go home after school I dont just sit around, I dance. A lot. And not because I want to, because I have to, its my passion. I also try to expose myself to every thing possible. Cooking, baking, sports, sewing, gymnastics, engineering, programming, embroidery, jewelry making, flute, piano, chorus, songwriting, extra languages, running, anything to give me an edge when Im thrown a curveball. I dont watch TV or play video games. I work. Its by choice but not entirely. I work hard because it really bugs me not to, there isnt any other way. There is no way to explain how blessed I feel to have all the opportunities that I do, and Im not just going to waste it. It hurts me when I turn in a sloppy assignment, or fall off a turn. But, I want to thrive, and anyone or anything that stands in my way is as good as gone. Dream by Brett C Im running down a soccer field and then I fall on the line but I get up and Im fine I wake up under a huge pile of homework It is already ten o clock and I have only completed Spanish I start my math then Im asleep dreaming about soccer again I get up run for the ball laying on the green grass with no one chasing it and Im about to score then I wake So exhausted I run to bed and fall asleep Fall by Isabelle R The leaves are made into piles, For kids to jump in and play. The trees are bare with leaves gone. The colors of red and orange, Start to fill the air. It gets colder, Everyday. Its here. Fall!
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The Many Adventures of Mustard Man: a Brainstorm by Jack C A rich creature by the name of Marvin lives in a mansion with his butler named Cube Butler. Everyone in Marvin's village calls him the Mustard Man because he looks like a bottle of mustard. He is loved by many in the village and is known throughout the land for his simple heroic deeds for society. When their king of the land passed away, the heir to the throne named Ei takes control as he uses his villainous powers to have everyone obey. One day, a pterodactyl appears at Mustard Man's mansion with a parchment. The parchment says that he has a mythical power to stop the evil dictator from succeeding at his latest plan for more power: he will turn himself into a giant stone monster and try to seize control of the whole world with his army of strange creatures bent on control. But there is only one problem; he does not have the magic core to transform to the monster. Mustard Man sees this as an opportunity to free the village people and to have the land be free. So in order for him to find the power inside him to stop Ei from getting to the magic core way in the middle of the ocean, he takes his butler and the pterodactyl to an old wise turtle magician simply called The Great. He stops Ei and takes back their land while meeting new rivals, allies, and enemies along the journey.

Planets by Jimmie H Theyre traversing the universe so round The circular bodies of gases and rock With names famous, ancient, great, and profound They circle the sun like hands on a clock Humans have traveled to them very much The giant spheres in the empty night sky Theyre so high theyre impossible to touch, We get to them in rockets when we fly The planet we live on is one big sphere As are all other things in outer space When we orbit the round sun its a year Its always the same time, never a race. Since they form the bodies that never rest Its very simple: circles are the best
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Milk vs. Eggnog by Michael N I used to be a good kid that listened to his mother and drank milk as told. Then I turned two and started drinking eggnog like crazy as shown to me by my dad. I started wondering why I switched. So began my quest to discover which is the better choice for me. This quest should not only show me, but it should explain if I made the right decision. I first began by pondering which drink is more user-friendly. Eggnog is used mainly around the holidays in winter. You cant even find it in most stores at any other time, but it's worth the wait. Milk is used every day, whether in your cereal or just drinking a glass with lunch or dinner. Milk is also used in many recipes, from baked goods to mashed potatoes... scrambled eggs to hot cocoa. Milk is used much more often with more purpose. Secondly I thought about the taste. Eggnog is creamy and smooth and it tastes great all the time. Eggnog is thick like a shake or frappe...very satisfying and filling even as a snack itself. Milk is a little thinner but tastes creamy and smooth also. Both milk and eggnog have unique, somewhat similar feels to them, but eggnog tastes the best without a doubt; it's amazing, especially ice cold. Eggnog is absolutely the best for tasting great. I then considered how many different varieties were available. Milk can come in a variety of flavors such as chocolate, strawberry, coffee, and vanilla...good, but not exciting. Eggnog also comes in a variety of flavors much more fun and adventurous: cinnamon, sugar cookie, golden vanilla, pumpkin spice, and gingerbread. However, milk catches up because eggnog only has light in its regular flavor but milk comes in fat free in all the flavors as well as one percent, and two percent in the white milk, so for this reason milk and eggnog turned out to be equal at this certain point. Milk in my opinion is okay. It's good for you and keeps you healthy, but it's not as great as eggnog. Eggnog is not as great as other things, but it is still amazing. Not only does it taste awesome, it feels so smooth when you drink it. I feel like it is the holiday season all wrapped up to produce an incredible drink. Eggnog proved itself to be much more appealing to me. In conclusion, when considering which is better, eggnog or milk, eggnog wins. Milk put up quite the battle. For everyone that couldn't decide, you now know that eggnog is the best thing ever. That is the ending of my amazing quest. My curiosity led me through to this point. Where will your curiosity take you?

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The Lonely Man by Aidan Z A lone soldier stands in the long frozen field, He waits, expecting nothing but the icy fingers of the cold, For all his friends are gone, And winter has fallen fiercely upon the forlorn fields and meadows. With no regrets or cares he walks slowly towards the woods, Where he knows the Enemy, the Hostiles, the Unknown awaits. He has no family, hope, or warmth, And so, brave only because he has nothing, he walks silently into the woods Thinking only of the cold.

Bus by Neil S After several hours of school, The school day is finally over, We get on a short yellow bus, Cramming as many kids as we can in it, Sitting on a leather seat Constantly turning and shifting Trying to get in a comfortable position Sweaty, sticky, limp After a bit of trying to find a comfortable position, I give in to the punishing heat I lay there, half off the seat, Without moving a muscle. Right when I think I'm going to melt, It's my stop. I gather my things and sway down the aisle, Dizzy, almost falling down. Thump, thump, thump, My feet are heavy as they hit the floor, When I step out of the bus, there is a sudden rush of cool air, Relieving of the intense heat. A cool breeze ruffles through my hair as I stride to the car, The sweat on my face drying, as I sit in the car seat. Sinking into the seat, slowly closing my eyes. The car ride is short but tranquil When I get home I crash onto my bed, Thankful that I'm finally home.
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My Hero by Jack H I dont really have a hero, but someone I admire is Paul Rabil (who is a professional lacrosse player) because he is an outstanding athlete, does not give up on a play, and is a great team player. Paul Rabil is an amazing player because of his athleticism, skill, and determination. The best way to see this is in his achievements and awards. Since 2005, Rabil has received 28 major achievements or awards, including five championships (two collegiate, two professional, and one international). He has eight total all-star appearances in both the Major Lacrosse League (MLL) and the National Lacrosse League (NLL). He also has three MLL Offensive Player of the Year awards, and multiple MVP awards, both professionally and at the 2010 World Lacrosse Championship. (It also helps when youre 6 3, 220 lbs, and hold the world record for the fastest shot at 111 mph.) Paul Rabil never gives up on a play. Hell keep fighting until the whistle. During a college game, Rabil was behind the net, was slashed and fell down, got up, and was slashed twice more. He was then hit again just outside the crease, was about to get hit by another guy, and as he was falling, fired the ball past the keeper and into the net. Paul Rabil is a great team player because when he has the ball he looks for an open man before looking for a shot. But, if he doesnt have the ball, he is either trying to get open or drawing defenders to create scoring opportunities for other teammates. These qualities make him a great player, but also like an ambassador of lacrosse to the rest of the world. Flags and Fireworks by Grace L When days are hot and nights are oh so long, The children burst out with a mighty song. Of stripes of red and stars of pearly white, Our flag set high to wave within our sight. Its crack, then bam, now pow, then pop and boom, A rocket looks like it might hit the moon. The flash of light that streaks across the sky, And noise so loud it makes the babies cry. To share with friends this bright and clear display A mark of joy upon this nations day!
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Sebastian the Sea Turtle by Daniel S Sebastian the sea turtle His flippers flap in motion Slowly enjoying his life Perusing through the ocean Sebastian the sea turtle Eating kelp from the undersea buffet Stays mostly in the water To keep crabs and birds at bay Sebastian the sea turtle He's a leatherback profound A giant floating bathtub That can weigh a thousand pounds! Sebastian the sea turtle The reptilian sea bird Rarely swims alone And often swims in herds Sebastian the sea turtle To get rid of salt, cries tears He can outlive humans And live 150 years! Sebastian the sea turtle With leather skin to wear Can stay submerged for hours But must come up for air Sebastian the sea turtle Who sleeps beneath the docks Could die from plastic litter Or trash around the rocks Sebastian the sea turtle Lumbering on the sand Swims gracefully in water Quite prefers the sea to land!

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The Swing and Play by Anthony M

The only thing I can feel is my bat Touching my batting gloves. I am a bundle of nerves, Sweat-soaked hands I cannot hide, I desperately try to keep my grip on the bat. It is the most crucial game of the year. With this game on the line, we need the win. Down by three, its the bottom of the ninth, And here I am, at the plate, dripping in sweat. In the most important at-bat of the year What I accomplished this season does not matter. Any double play, error, out, or steal Has no relation to what happens now. I dig my feet into the batters box, Left of the plate, to be exact. I take an enormous breath And I tell myself, I will wait for my pitch. Strike one! the umpire calls out loudly. I admire the beauty of the pitch. Again, I step out of the batters box It wasnt my pitch, I assure myself. Well, it kind of was, I assert myself back into the box. The next pitch, the cursed curving curveball curved curiously, In which I miss by more than a mile. I hold my breath tight for the 0-2 pitch. I put a furious swing on the ball. It soared higher than all of the trees there. The ball was on its way out of the field. I rounded first like I was a hero. I had brought my team back, or so I thought. The center fielder, who had been blamed for His absolutely horrendous fielding, The whole entire season, caught the ball. He jumped over the wall, going all out, My eyes glazed over in astonishment and disbelief In that moment, that single moment, we had lost the game The agony of defeat.

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Wind by Colleen F The wind whips and swooshes through the thick air, It makes trees fall and crash hard to the ground. All the people stopped to listen and stare, they all looked at the destruction and frowned. It ruined buildings and beautiful homes, the ground is torn up and scattered about. The ruined streets were filled with cries and moans, Everyones heavy hearts are filled with doubt. We look up at the sky and see the sun, we hope and pray to the God up above. Everyone hopes that the windstorm is done, I hope all thats left is to give love. Now that this is the end of bad weather, We have to stay together, forever.

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8 th Gr ade
The Power of the Weather by Julia H I believe in the importance of weather and that it can be powerful in both positive and negative ways. Weather can be very helpful and also very destructive in each and everyones lives, but without the necessary element of weather we would not be able to survive. Wind is a very powerful force; we use the wind constantly to produce energy from wind turbines. The energy from the wind turbines helps us to reduce the amount of fossil fuels that we use. But a mix of a lot of hot air and cold air can produce a strong wind that can destroy buildings and forests, and can be very deadly. Tornados and typhoons cause strong winds that destroy everything in their paths. After these disasters strike, it is hard to adjust to the damage and the things that need to be cleaned up or rebuilt. This intense weather comes quickly and leaves people unprepared for the work that lies ahead. When I was younger we would often lose power in a storm due to the wind. We would spend days without electricity. I was always nervous that the wind would shatter the windows, because I knew it was possible, but it never did. I guess we were just lucky because in some places the wind really can do that amount of damage. Another important element of weather is rain. It doesnt just come along to dampen your day; it is way more important than what it seems. Rain helps water the landscape and replenishes the rivers and lakes. Farmers love the water for their fields to ensure their crop grows nice through the season. And without crop growth everyone suffers because everyone is dependent on food. The negative effects of the rain can be very disastrous. After a torrential rain or a hurricane, water starts to collect in lowlying areas causing flooding. This can damage a persons home in no time and can be very expensive to fix. One spring my basement got flooded after many days of rain and it was hard to get rid of all the water. We were unprepared for the flood and many things were destroyed. But that was nothing compared to the effects of Hurricane Sandy. More than 100 people died and thousands of homes were flooded, forcing people out of their homes. I believe in the power of the weather and that it can result in good things for people and the environment, but occasionally it can become catastrophic. The weather produces things that we could never live without, and that is why I believe its the most powerful thing in the world.

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Who by Greer W After our days I'm blue like a Pond Stuck in a haze You don't respond What's wrong with silly Dangerous is fun We go off willy nilly Way past the sun The box is bigger on the inside So show me the stars The universe far and wide We have a TARDIS we don't need cars

The Cap'n by Delaney F My brother the Cap'n Has a mind of his own He's grumpy and full of sass When you see him, you don't know what's gonna hap'n He builds things with sticks and stones He sometimes goofs off in class Sometimes I wanna give him a slap'n He's the weirdest person I've ever known This poem about Derek will be my last

Michael Jordan by Phil A MJ the greatest-No one can compare to him. He is the G.O.A.T.

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Laughter by Derek F I believe that laughter is the best cure for sadness. There are many things in life that make me laugh. Here are a few of them. One thing that makes me laugh is old TV shows like The Three Stooges. The three characters from The Three Stooges are Moe, Larry, and Shemp, and Curly so the show should be called The Four Stooges. All the guys on that show are either really oblivious or extremely stupid. They are always smashing each other over the head with frying pans or roasting each other with irons. Mostly, all old TV shows are funny and in my opinion are much funnier than modern comedies. When we were younger, my sister and I would make up words, and we would laugh for days whenever we looked at each other. Most of the words sound really funny even now. Norg, pluppong, thrispt are just a few of them. I was walking to my next class and I tripped and fell face first into the mud. My leg was bleeding but for some reason I started laughing so hard I had totally forgotten all my pain until I was accidentally kicked in the leg. One of the funniest moments in my life was when I was watching an old western movie. There was some beverage that exploded when thrown on the ground. The main character of the movie was fighting Indians. They had him trapped and he gave a bottle of whiskey to the Indian chief as a sign of surrender. The Indian chief took a sip and spit it out. He threw the bottle to the ground and it exploded, sending him off his horse and into a nearby stream. I was laughing so hard I had to force myself to breathe. I really despise it when a person, especially a teacher, is very strict and cannot stand any humor in their classroom. It can make that person very hard to work with. Remember, when you need something to cheer you up, find something funny and laugh. It is guaranteed to help. When something is funny and someone laughs it is contagious. Soon everybody is laughing too. I believe that laughter is the key to making the world a better place. This I believe.

Chris Bosh by Zachary M The Bostrich is the ostrich for you and me in the Miami Heat.

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The Power of Technology by Matt O Imagine living back in the 1600's. Your only source of heat was your fire, your sole light was your candle, and you had nothing to do all day but cook and do chores. No modern transportation, no electronic communication, and basically no way to find information, short of reading a book. Life was tough back in the 1600's. This is why I believe in the power of technology. Picture a world without cars, trains, planes, or motorized boats. Our only forms of transportation would be a sailboat or a wagon. It would be almost impossible to get across the ocean, and unless you lived in Rhode Island or Delaware, leaving the state would be a weeks long trip. A simple trip to the grocery store would take hours without a car, and without a modern boat or ship, crossing water would take an extremely long time. Since airplanes, automobiles, motorized boats, and trains were invented we can quickly and efficiently make short distance trips, comfortable long distance trips, easily trade between continents, and we can travel almost anywhere in the world in less than a day. In the 1600's the only way to communicate with someone was to talk to them face to face. This is probably the most ideal form of communication, but it is hardly ever the most convenient. As a child, I would only see my Uncle Mike once or twice a year. He lives in southern New Jersey and to get to see him in person was a rarity. Now, I can use Facetime to talk with him face to face through our cell phones. I also have many friends from Cape Cod who I don't see often besides in the summer. However, during the school year I can text them, and talk to them as we play video games using Xbox Live. Finding information must have been very difficult in old times, especially if you lived far from a library. Today, there are several ways to find information electronically. The internet is a quick and easy way to find information on any topic you can think of, using informative websites, or videos on Youtube. We can also find information on the television whether it be a show on the History Channel, or our local news station. I'm currently doing a project in history, and without electronic sources, finding all the information I need would be virtually impossible, or at least take a very long time. Luckily we can use technology to find the information we need. Technology is almost impossible to live without. Try going a whole day without it, I bet almost none of you could do it. Technology has shaped our world to what it is today, and our planet could not function without it. This I believe.

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Enjoying Those Around You by Annalise G Almost every time I hang out with friends and I get to their house every person takes a spot on the couch and boom, like a modern day cowboy draw, the electronics are instantly whipped out, and the room is silent. Im not saying I never do this, but I try not to, because whats the point of hanging out if youre not even going to talk to each other? Thats why I believe in enjoying those around you and putting down the electronics. Im not saying electronics are awful and to never use them. I love social media and video games as much as any kid, but I also think electronics take away from quality time with the people around you. It may seem hard to break away from devices, especially in our technical age. With business calls and friends texting you, its easy to make excuses. Electronics take up most of my free time. Instead of going outside and getting some fresh air, I go downstairs and play video games. When I hear stories from my dad of his childhood it seems like a simpler time: no major distractions, just outdoor work and play. Even when I'm working, devices distract me and slow me down. Electronics have come about and evolved very quickly. When I was in fourth grade flip phones were all available. That was only four years ago. Now flip phones are considered outdated. Also when I was a small child, I had a huge TV and I don't mean it had a large screen. Now TVs are thin and slick. It's amazing how well electronics have caught on, but I think they're beginning to become an addiction. Electronics have changed our lives. And what was once a useful tool has turned into an overused obsession. I believe we should put down the electronics and that we should enjoy time with the people around. Socializing with friends and family doesnt happen as much as it used to because of electronics. With all the distractions of today its hard to stay engaged with one person for very long. I know that electronics don't always distract people. They have brought people together; through Skype and texting, family can talk to each other all over the world. Still, wouldnt it be nice to just forget about work and problems in different places, and just concentrate on whats going on around you? I believe we should put down our electronics often and enjoy the people and things around us. I believe devices should be used with moderation. In this tech savvy world hopefully we will realize our problem and slow down our fast paced lives. This I believe.

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The Outdoors by Andrew E. I believe in the positive impact the natural outdoors has on a person. Being in nature makes me feel really good because I can get away from things. The woods around my house are a big part of my life because it is a place where I spend most of my time. Since we all love nature, almost every vacation I have taken with my family has been to a place either in the woods or one that has amazing natural things like mountains or different sorts of wildlife. The woods are a big part of my life because I live in the middle of them. My house is surrounded by them, except for a small driveway and yard. They are classic New England woods with two rivers, a few cascading waterfalls, and some cool rock formations. Ive spent most of my childhood being in or running through the woods with my friends and brothers, building tree-houses or forts, and jumping over the rivers. Sometimes after Ive watched TV or been on the computer for too long and I feel bad, I go outside into the woods and I almost instantly feel better, since the fresh air and exercise energize me. Every trip I have gone on with my family has been to a scenic or rural area. We go camping every year within New England and Canada. We have driven across the US, camping along the way, to visit Yellowstone and the Tetons. Weve visited the Rockies, the Olympic Peninsula, and Yosemite, and we have stayed in the rain forests of Costa Rica, living in a tree house with no civilization within our sight. I think it is important to go on trips to wild places because they are peaceful, help to rejuvenate you, and get you away from lifes complications. In all the different places weve gone on vacation, almost all of them have some form of wildlife. Some animals that Ive seen are small but extraordinary, like an otter or a toucan, or something big and powerful, like a buffalo, moose, or wolf. When you see one of these animals in its natural habitat, you stop thinking about other things and realize how amazing they are. Sometimes I wonder how cool it would be to live like one of them. When surrounded by nature, its easy to forget about everyday problems and responsibilities. The fresh air makes you breathe deeper, and calms your mind. If you listen, watch, and smell, it puts you in the moment, and you can only pay attention to what you are doing instead of thinking of other things.

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I Believe that We Should Increase Funding for the Mentally Ill by Andrew M. On December 14, 2012 a boy named Adam Lanza, who is suspected to have had a mental illness, broke into Sandy Hook Elementary School and killed 26 people. Twenty of these victims were young children. I believe that this appalling murder was caused in part by a developmental disorder, such as Aspergers Syndrome. Perhaps if Lanza had gotten proper treatments for his illness, this tragedy might not have happened. I believe that there should be more funding for the mentally ill. More funding would improve life for people with a mental illness, improve life for those around them, and it can help prevent catastrophes such as the one at Sandy Hook. If we increase funding for the support of the mentally ill, we can improve life for those who are living with an illness. These mental illnesses include depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and OCD. These illnesses are more common than cancer or diabetes, and affect peoples quality of life. About 1 in 5 Americans suffer from a mental illness of some sort, according to ABC News. However, these illnesses can be treated, if the proper funding is supplied. They can be treated using medication, psychotherapy, group therapy and so on. If these treatments are funded, they can change peoples lives. If more funding is given for treatments for mental illnesses, it can not only improve the life of the person suffering from the illness but it can improve life for the people around the person who is living with a diagnosis. These people include family, friends, and colleagues. For example, if your best friend suddenly went into a deep depression, you would want to get them help, right? The only way for that to happen is for them to get treatment. So, mental treatments affect many people beyond the individual with the diagnosis. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 21% of prisoners in local penitentiaries have a history of mental illness. This means that if we increase funding for treatment and support of the mentally ill, we can cut the amount of crimes committed in America significantly. Some of these crimes could be tragedies like the one at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Therefore we should increase funding for services for the mentally ill in order to help avoid hardships. If we increase funding for the mentally ill, we can significantly improve the lives of billions of people. We can help protect people from hurting others, or themselves. We can help prevent another incident like the one that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School. I believe that we should increase funding for the mentally ill because it improves the lives of everyone, people with the illness, their families, and possible victims of tragedies. Helping people by funding a cause like this gives me joy, because it improves so many lives. Increasing funding for the support and treatment of mental illnesses would benefit our society as a whole.

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Big Thoughts by Ethan O At first glance I appear to be small But if you look further theres more to me Decide to descend deeper and detect Big dreams and big thoughts My thoughts constantly formulating Ideas always accumulating More than meets the eye when it applies to me Im bigger than you think

Storm Sailing by George-Henry W One memory that is very memorable to me is the time I went sailing in a storm at my grandmothers house on The Cape. I find it very memorable because it was scary, dangerous, and extremely fun. It was very scary to go sailing during the storm because there was at least a thirty-mile-an-hour wind and five to seven foot waves. There was water splashing into the boat and my cousins and I were soaked to the bone even though we all had rain coats on. Our lunch that we had packed was soaked and one of my cousins was feeling seasick. It was also dangerous to go sailing then because all of the water that was splashing into our boat was beginning to pool up around our feet. I got the unlucky job of bailing it all out. I almost fell out three times and was getting continuously splashed in the face by the water I was bailing out getting blown back in my face. Even though this experience was scary, I also found it exhilarating. The waves splashing over me and the coast zipping by were awesome. It made it even more fun for me that I got a lot of the hard jobs like bailing out the boat and clipping us on and off of the mooring. All these things made this experience very memorable for me. Next time I am at my grandmothers house and there is a storm coming in, I will definitely go sailing in it.

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Mistakes by Bethany G. When people hear right and wrong, they think one is good and the other is bad. They think that wrong is wrong and we absorb nothing from it, but I beg to differ. If we don't learn from wrong, then where are we? Mistakes are another word for wrong. Most people view it as a negative, when it is actually a positive. I believe in mistakes because they are learning tools, they define who you are, and they are another name for history. Mistakes are pretty amazing things. They are necessities to life. All day and every day, we go to a school that has a mistake as our teacher. We never leave this school, unless we die. We will also gain so much information every day from the teachers. If we had no mistakes, there would be no solutions, and with no solutions nothing new is created. Every time you make a mistake, a piece of you learns a new lesson. You are carved and shaped by these mistakes. Maybe you regret what happened. Maybe you want to start over. But if you did, you would just make the same mistakes because you wouldn't know any better than you do now. Hating yourself for making a mistake is completely wrong. You probably imagine the other life you would have if you went back and changed your actions, but its all a fantasy. There are probably so many mistakes you make along the way that dont reach what you thought in your head. History is just mistakes. I made a big mistake, but it didnt turn out that great. Im pretty sure every person has done this while they were a kid: cut their hair. But sadly, mine was the day before school pictures and I looked like a boy. At my age I thought boys had cooties and when my parents told me I looked like one, I never ever wanted to cut my own hair again. There are some mistakes that turned out much better than mine. Like Richard Jones who attempted to make a meter to monitor power on naval battleships and actually made the slinky. Or Ruth Wakefield who was just going to make regular chocolate cookies but actually made chocolate chip cookies. I could go on, but I think you get my point. I mean, please, even Mr. Gillis isnt free of this. You still think mistakes are bad? What about the two people walking down the street, one carrying peanut butter and the other carrying chocolate. They run into each other and say You got chocolate in my peanut butter! or You got peanut butter in my chocolate! So without mistakes we wouldnt have Reeses. This is why I believe in mistakes and as Hannah Montana says, Everybody makes mistakes. Everybody has those days. Thank you.

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Night Found Poem by Megan C.

The race toward death had begun. (10) ... So what, it's not lethal... (11) In everyone's eyes, tears and distress. (17) We were ready. (19) They were our first faces of hell and death. They ordered us to run. (19) Who would have thought we were so strong? The world had become a hermetically sealed cattle car. (24) Unable to still our anguish, we tried to reassure each other... (25) It was as though madness had infected all of us. (26) Silence fell again... We could begin to doze again, to rest, to dream... Look at the fire! Look at the flames! (28) We had arrived. Could this be a nightmare? An unimaginable nightmare? (31) We mustn't give up hope... We're on the threshold of death. (36) We mustn't give up hope... (31) My soul had been invaded- and devoured- by a black flame. (37) Surely it was a dream. The camp looked as though it had been through an epidemic: empty and dead. Buna is a very good camp. (46) Do you see the chimney there?...You will be burned!Turned into ashes! (31) The same smoke hangs above all our heads Have faith in life! (41) Turned into ashes! (31) We mustnt give up hope (31) Block 57, forward! March! (84) By now, I moved like a sleepwalker. (87) Chilled to the bone, our throats parched, famished, out of breath We were stronger than cold and hunger, stronger than the desire to die I was constantly biting my lips so they wouldnt freeze (89) Courage! Just a few more hours! (92) I knew that I was no longer arguing with him, but with the devil (105) You at least have pity on me (110) My son, water Im burning up My insides (111) You should be getting his rations His last word had been my name. (112) I did not weep, and it pained me I could not weep. It was decided to evacuate us all. (114) At six oclock that afternoon, the first American tank stood at the gates of Buchenwald. (115) Free at last! (112)
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The Power of Work Ethic by Ryan Q

I believe in the power of work ethic. Ever since I was a kid, I've always had chores. By the time I was ten, I was officially in charge of the weed whacker and Swiffering the hardwood and tile floors in my house (a pretty big promotion, by the way). I used to complain, but I've gotten used to it. People always say things like, It'll build character and recently I've realized that doing all of that work actually did build character. After all this time, I've come to a point where I take my jobs seriously and do them to the best of my ability, something I'm pretty sure I didn't always do. You could even say that I have developed a good sense of work ethic. Of course, to have work ethic, there are some basic necessities. A key is you need to know how to do something quickly and well at the same time. Doing a job efficiently will impress superiors, and often cause them to begin to trust you with more heavy-duty projects, like vacuuming, another recent promotion. Another quality you should have with work ethic is independence, the ability to predict what needs to be done next without being told. This is crucial in jobs where your superiors may not always be around to guide you. If you have work ethic, people are willing to trust you with more important jobs I have friends who complain about taking out the trash once a day. On the outside, I'm like, Wow, that stinks, but on the inside I'm like, You have no idea. It seems like parents these days (not that I've known any other days) are a little overprotective of their kids and tend to want to do their work for them. So many parents dont give their children enough responsibility. Allowing them to learn how to push themselves will build character and make kids more prepared for the working world. Having done so much work at home, I am much more comfortable and feel prepared for when I go into the working world. If you haven't done many chores, you might wash out of your first real job. Work ethic is an interesting thing. Some people have it naturally, while others may not have it at all. One person who I know who has a natural sense of work ethic is my grandpa. My grandpa did not have a very good life. His family was extremely poor, and he had to drop out of school after eighth grade to go get a job. He worked his butt off for all of his life, never even having an education. He worked his way up the ranks in UPS and supported his family at the same time. He even went back to get a high school diploma while he was in the U.S. military. He invested most of his stocks in UPS, and he is doing very well. I am proud to know that my grandfather managed to make so much out of his life, and it was all because he wasn't afraid to work. But the coolest thing about work ethic is you can develop it. If you're interested, maybe ask your parents for some responsibility around the house, and try to do it well and with a positive attitude. As long as you have the right frame of mind and think positively, you will be able to handle any job somebody throws at you, or any assignment you may want to give yourself. So just remember that its not how good you are at something that decides things, but how hard you work at it that lets you really go places.

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I Believe in Recess by Myles W I believe in recess. Kids need to get out energy for afternoon classes. Kids are known for energy; there has to be a way to get it out. According to espn.com, 78% of all schools require students to take a physical education classes. That means 22% of schools have kids with a lot of pent up energy. Recess is a way for kids to get out their energy, interact, get fresh air, and exercise during the day. Many teachers may think that recess is a huge waste of time and that that time would be better spent on academics. I believe that recess is a thing to look forward to for kids and can relieve a lot of the stress of seven straight hours of academics. Also, to the teachers who believe that recess is useless, do you want a bunch of little kids bouncing around and screaming cause they couldnt run around for fifteen to thirty minutes? Recess is also a great way for kids to interact outside the classroom. Without a time to talk about the funny things that happened to them last night or how bad the lunch was, kids are gonna burst. Teachers may not know it sometimes but they should really want a good amount of recess so kids arent rolling and talking all class. Recess also provides fresh air for kids. I dont know about other people, but for me, I almost die sometimes in stuffy, hot classrooms. I can feel my body fill up with a cloudy heat that fogs my brain. I want to just take a break and shake it out, but I still have all afternoon classes. Recess is exactly what I need to regain my thinking mind so Im not just a big, unconscious glob on a chair with spit running down my face during science in the afternoon. Recess is also important for exercise. With the increasing obesity rate in the United States and other countries around the world, it is more important than ever to get outside and move. Kids should be able to run around and stay active during the day. Im not saying we should have recess all day everyday, but I am saying that fifteen to thirty minutes a day is a way for students to get energy out, interact with each other, get fresh air, and exercise during the school day.

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I Believe in the Power of Smiling by Sarah B Everyone, smile. Now doesnt that just make you a happier person? It definitely puts me in a happy mood. Smiling can change anyones day. Just smiling or waving at someone can make them a happier person. I believe in smiling because it can brighten your day, it can make a big impact on a stranger, and it can even heal a sick child. I can be a really depressed person. Much of my day spent at home is just me sitting in my room in the dark, moping around. What good does that do? When Im sick of being in a depressing mood, I smile. I fake a smile in a mirror and make ridiculous faces and it really does make me happier. I break open the curtains and let sunbeams encompass my room. Smiling and sunshine can make anyone happier. Have you ever walked past a stranger and not smiled? I personally dont like it at all when people dont smile at me. I feel like as soon as they saw me, they wanted to wring my neck. So I smile at them, and if they dont smile back, fine. But I know deep inside their cold-hearted, grumpy soul, they felt happier. When I was in the hospital a couple of years ago, I was certainly not a happy person. And neither were the other kids. Anyone receiving chemotherapy and radiation isnt nearly as happy as healthy people. So whenever I went out of my room to walk around the 6 West Unit, I saw other patients and smiled at them. Their face would immediately brighten. It made them feel better. I know it didnt treat them, but it made them talk to me. Smiling made them feel happier and welcome. It made them feel included. Smiling can change your day. Sure, if you want, you can spend your day being sad, dark, and gloomy. But try smiling. Smiling not only makes a difference on your day, but it can make a difference on others. Reading by Danny K When I have a book and can't stop reading it, it is probably because the writing is so good that it brings me into that world. If the book is about vikings plundering towns and villages, then I feel like a big blonde man smashing peoples belongings and burning peoples houses down. I feel like I escaped the boring school life of Danny K. and was transformed into Ulfric Aasgard, The Great Warrior. Books are just an outlet for young adults to play make-believe. Instead of playing army man or dress up, adults and young adults read books.

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Sports by Evan B I believe in the power of sports. What would life be like without sports? No Sunday Night Football, no World Series, no Stanley Cup. And, not only professional sports, but kids and adults everywhere would lose a huge percentage of their daily activity. Why? Because of no sports. Sports, to me, are a necessity for everybody to experience at least once in their lifetime. Sports are important for many reasons, you can use them as a stress reliever, they provide entertainment for people, people of all ages can play them, and finally they provide life skills. You can use sports as a stress reliever. There is a Direct TV commercial with the man who is put on hold with his cable company. Before he ends up in a road side ditch, he goes and plays racquetball to blow off his steam. Its a perfect example of sports being a stress reliever, except it doesnt have to be racquetball, it could be any sport you desire, and you probably won't end up in a road side ditch. Sports can also be used as entertainment. Michael Jordan and Babe Ruth are both examples of people who had a knack for the game, and left an imprint on even those who dont really care for sports, because they excelled so much that they were all over the news. Then people started to get interested, and thats what sports are supposed to do, get people interested. Whether you are watching a friend playing in a basketball game, or youre watching the Super Bowl with your family and friends, its a great way to pass the time and provide entertainment. Sports are great because people of all ages can play them. Whether you are 5 or 70 you are allowed to play, just pick a sport that is best fitting to your age. For instance, baseball is a great sport for younger kids, and volleyball and basketball are better sports for adults. Sports provide life skills too. Sports can help to unite enemies. Sports can also help with teamwork. If you strive to be a captain for a team, and succeed, that will not only boost your confidence in life, it also teaches good leadership skills, too. Also, if you are a good leader who follows the rules and encourages the people who are doubtful about their skills, then people will look up to you and then they would want to strive to be a leader just like you. This is why I believe in the power of sports.

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