2014-2015 SISD Literary Anthology SADDLE UP Socorro ISD Board of Trustees Paul Guerra - President Angelica Rodriguez - Vice President Antonio ‘Tony’ Ayub - Secretary Gary Gandara - Trustee Hector F. Gonzalez - Trustee Michael A. Najera - Trustee Cynthia A. Najera - Trustee Superintendent of Schools José Espinoza, Ed.D.

Socorro ISD District Service Center 12440 Rojas Dr. • El Paso, TX 79928 Phn 915.937.0000 • www.sisd.net Socorro Independent School District The Socorro Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs, activities or employment. Leading • Inspiring • Innovating Socorro Independent School District Literary Anthology 2014-2015

An Award Winning Collection of:

Poetry Real/Imaginative/Engaging Stories Persuasive Essays Argumentative Essays Informative Essays Analytical Essays Letters Scripts Personal Narrative

Special thanks to: Yvonne Aragon and Sylvia Gómez Soriano District Coordinators

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 1

Board of Trustees

The Socorro ISD Board of Trustees consists of seven elected citizens who work with community leaders, families, and educators to develop sound educational policies to support student achievement and ensure the solvency of the District. Together, they are a strong and cohesive team that helps the District continuously set and achieve new levels of excellence. Five of the trustees represent single-member districts and two are elected at-large.

Mission Statement The Socorro Independent School District exists to maximize our children’s academic, artistic, athletic and social skills.

José Espinoza, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

Administration Alisa C. Zapata-Farmer...... Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education Lucia Borrego...... Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education Marivel Macias...... Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services Anthony Fraga...... Chief Academic Officer Tony Reza...... Chief Financial Officer Rudy Campoya...... Chief Human Resources Officer Thomas Eyeington...... Chief Operations Officer Daniel Escobar...... Chief Communications Officer Hector Reyna...... Chief Technology Officer

Literary Anthology Partner in Education Socorro Education Association...... Glenda Hawthorne, President

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 3 SISD Literary Anthology Committee District Coordinators

Kim Henry...... Americas High School Judy Armendariz...... Benito Martinez Elementary School Darlene Davis-Lopez...... …...... Bill Sybert School Jocabed Luevano...... Campestre Elementary School Michael Ray McLaughlin ...... Capt. Walter E. Clarke Middle School Esther Rodríguez...... …...... Chester E. Jordan School Denise Sifuentes...... Col. John O. Ensor Middle School Sandra L. Nava...... Desert Wind School Erin Nicole Wilson ...... Dr. Sue Shook Elementary School Laura Widner...... Eastlake High School Andrea Webb...... Eastlake High School Gerardo Saucedo...... El Dorado 9th Grade Academy Aileen Mares…...... El Dorado High School Maricela Armendariz...... …...... Elfida P. Chavez Elementary School Angélica Arden...... …...... Ernesto Serna School K-5 Gabriela Iglesias………………………………………………………………………………….. Ernesto Serna School 6-8 Lynn Hardiman...... …...... …………...... …………….Escontrias Early Childhood Center Mercedes Jasso...... ……………………………………Escontrias Elementary 3-5 Trini Lopez...... …………...... …...... H. D. Hilley Elementary School Mary Jane Webb...... …...... Helen Ball Elementary School Rosa E. Duran...... …...... Horizon Heights Elementary School Fernando Hernández...... …...... …...... Hueco Elementary School Lili Villareal...... …...... ……………………Hurshel Antwine Elementary School Elissa A. Beard………...………………………………………………………………..James P. Butler Elementary School Amy B. Rivera..…………………………...... …...... Jane A. Hambric School K-5 Rosa I. Talavera…………………………………….………………………………………………Jane A. Hambic School 6-8 Rebecca Kraft-Johnson...... …...... John Drugan School Maureen Garcia...... ………...... Loma Verde Elementary School Virginia Carrillo...... ……...... Lujan-Chavez Elementary School Marcela Alvarado...... ……...... Mission Early College High School Virginia Carrillo...... ………...... Mission Ridge Elementary School Melissa Buenrostro...... …………...... Montwood Middle School Richard Helmling...... …………...... Montwood High School Melissa Rueda...... …………...... Myrtle Cooper Elementary School Tina Valero...... …………...... O’Shea Keleher Elementary School Lydia Vasquez...... ………...... Paso Del Norte School Luz D. Arellano...... …………...... ……...... Robert R. Rojas Elementary School Shelly Barr...... …………...... Salvador H. Sanchez Middle School Araceli Carmona.……...... Sgt. Roberto Ituarte Elementary School Katherine Patterson...... Sierra Vista Elementary School Jose A. Tavarez...... ………...... Socorro High School Ryan Garcia...... ………...... Socorro High School Franchesca Fresquez-Pagni...... ……...... Socorro Middle School Mandy Porras...... …...... SPC. Rafael Hernando III Middle School Ana C. Martinez………………………………………………………………………SSG. Manuel Puentes Middle School Rebecca Carrillo...... ……...... Sun Ridge Middle School Bonnie Sherrod...... …...... Vista Del Sol Elementary School Caley Jo Bloom-Morales...... …...... William D. Slider Middle School

4 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Table of Contents

Poetry Page 6 ______

Real/Imaginative/Engaging Stories Page 30 ______

Persuasive Essays Page 132 ______

Argumentative Essays Page 156 ______

Informative Essays Page 213 ______

Analytical Essays Page 241 ______

Letters Page 275 ______

Scripts Page 301 ______

Personal Narrative Page 369 ______

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 5 Poetry Me Roses and Friendship I am five. When I see roses, Tomorrow I’m six. I see friendship in the biggest, Let’s have cake, bluest sky And take some pics. And clouds playing together like Nicholas Ortiz - Kindergarten friends with a blue ball. Mrs. Lynn Adame and When I smell roses, Mrs. Sam Martinez Helen Ball Elementary School It smells like lavender in the pink 1st Place and red roses And friends holding hands laughing Many Fish and playing. Fat fish, skinny fish, thick fish, When I touch roses, more, I feel smooth and soft with a rough I bought four gold fish at the store. stem One of them was very thin, With some leaves connected like Another had a shiny fin. friends holding hands. Omar Macias - Kindergarten When I listen to roses, Mrs. Nancy Reyes Escontrias Early Childhood I hear friends being nice to each Center other And roses behind them. 2nd Place When I taste roses, I Am Me It tastes like sharing coconut and I am not a bee. hot chocolate I am not a key. With a friend or a family member. I am not a tree. Brook Barber – 1st Grade I am me! Mrs. Bridget Valtierra Fernanda Felix - Kindergarten Elfida P. Chavez Elementary Ms. Sylvia Gomez School st Loma Verde Elementary School 1 Place 3rd Place

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 7 A Box Of Colorful Language Ladybug in my hat, Purple like the grapes you toss in you scared my cat. your mouth, My ladybug is so tiny. Red like the blood an arm scrape My garden is so shiny. brings, Ladybug on the tree, Green like a St. Patrick’s Day come down here and sit with me!!! st Parade, Azul Orona – 1 Grade Mrs. Vivian Belcher/ Blue like a bluebird chirping in the Ms. Rachel Thomas spring. Myrtle Cooper Elementary School Brown like mud puddles that you’re 3rd Place not supposed to jump in, Yellow like mustard on a hot dog An Odd Poem bite, There are millions of feet in One Orange like a fluffy fox sitting in a Place. log, There I sat at my old granny’s Black like my bedroom when I’m house alone in the old bedroom. scared at night Then one day came a boy named Alize Montoya - 1st Grade Ms. Lynn Hardiman Nick and a girl named Sally. Escontrias Early Childhood Sally said “Nick is sick and I have a Center 2nd Place sister named Molly. And our pet fish wishes for a lot of things like a Cute Little Ladybug dish and a kiss from old granny.” Ladybug you're on my arm But granny thinks to make girls how cute are you, sick so that she can boil them in live in my farm. hot oil where the pot is. Ladybug with black dots, When I closed the door a small like my skirt with spots. ugly mouse appeared. Sam Ladybug inside my boot, screamed and ran until he went out you tickle my foot. the door and said, “I am outside, I

8 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up see a fox in a box and a mouse in Robin is a sidekick, a house.” He has a night stick. Oh boy I am having so much fun. I The Joker is his enemy, run and run till the wind takes me He is seventy; to a far off land. The Joker is bad, I am very kind but mind your own He is rad. business. I have a cat but she When Batman is in a fight, always lies on a mat so I am sad He doesn’t care if it’s night; that she never plays with me. Batman is brave, I am also mad that I read a book He lives in the bat-cave. called See and Peep. I borrowed it This is Batman’s symbol, from Miss Seak and I read a page In his battles, he is nimble; and I felt like I changed but I did Batman is going to lash, not. Batman goes in a dash. Then I fell to the ground. I went to Shane Raleigh – 2nd Grade Mrs. Lourdes Rios the hospital. I said goodbye to Miss O’Shea Keleher Elementary Seak, cat, Sally, Nick, Miss Molly School 2nd Place and last but not least my fish who always wished for a dish. Samirah Avila - 2nd Grade Mrs. Laura Herrera Escontrias Elementary School 1st Place

Batman Batman is a bat, He is kind of fat; Batman fights for justice, He is in the game “Injustice”. Robin is named after a bird, He is Batman preferred;

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 9 Colorful Owl's Dangerous Late at night, I hear roars of Night Adventure laughter that always wakes me up, Colorful owl, colorful owl, It must be them horsing around you have to start looking for and slurping hot chocolate from your prey. their cup! Colorful owl, colorful owl On very chilly nights do you hear a howl? Is when they’re at their best If you do, fly away, They’re up all night and don’t or you'll be a wolf's prey. realize us kids have to get our rest. Colorful owl, colorful owl, In the morning, fly as quick as you can. on my way to school Colorful owl, colorful owl, I wonder why he’s all droopy be careful, stay away from that And not looking cool. man. He seems a little slanted Jessica Castillo – 2nd Grade Mrs. Vivian Belcher and his arms are out of place. /Mrs. Rachel Thomas I think it’s because he was Myrtle Cooper Elementary School competing 3rd Place in an all-night snowboard race! I guess we’ll never know exactly What Snowmen REALLY Do what snowmen really do At Night! It’s probably because Sometimes when I just can’t he’s unlike me and you! fall asleep at night, Natalia Flores - 3rd Grade Mrs. Veronica Collier I begin to wonder what Dr. Sue Shook Elementary snowmen REALLY do at night. School 1st Place I think they must get bored and start looking for a thrill, but every time I jump out of bed They’re standing perfectly still.

10 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up A Poem About Brave Irene Mrs. Figueroa approved whole Delivering and Shivering, hearted Out in the cold. I love to draw this is true Being so brave without being told. I love to draw thru and thru Delivering the dress and doing her I hope that one day I can sell all best, my drawings To help her mother and let her But some art I won’t sell and keep rest. as my own belongings Being strong she went on, It’s fun to draw you should try it Even if something went wrong. although to get the supplies it She went to the palace and found could cause quite a riot rd the dress. Hermione Harrison – 3 Grade Mrs. Ana Figueroa She delivered it right to the Jane Hambric School rd princess. 3 Place They took her home. Back to her mother who felt so much better. Steig, W. (1986) Brave Irene. USA: Sunburst. Madison Olivarez – 3rd Grade Mrs. Linda Hitter Horizon Heights Elementary School 2nd Place

How I Love to Draw Hermione the littlest artist Who tried her vary hardest She drew all day and threw away The ones that should be discarded

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 11 HURRICANE When I Say….. Wind blowing 140 miles per hour, When I say I love you, Trees being ripped out of the Please believe me. ground. When I say forever, People praying to survive. know I’ll never leave you. When it’s all over, people come out When I say goodbye, and look out into the distance. Promise me you won’t cry, All you can see are Because the day I’ll tell you that, cars flipped over, will be the day I die. destroyed schools, Quetzalli Mendoza - 4th Grade Mrs. Rosa Ibarbo destroyed dreams, Myrtle Cooper Elementary and broken palm trees School 2nd Place laying in the streets. A person’s heart Green Greasy Eggs would just jump right out When you see those green greasy because of all the destruction eggs scattered about. You feel shaking in your legs. One by one Your face is getting sweaty, people cry out And you’re getting ready. for their lost loved ones For the greatest meal of all who never made it out But you don’t want it to fall. of that dangerous hurricane. The eggs’ steam makes you hot, Tyler Burnette - 4th Grade Ms. Erica Loya And you need a lot. Dr. Sue Shook Elementary Your mom made it on a pot. School 1st Place You want to eat it now But it’s still hot. You want to make green eggs, But you don’t know how. Your mom made it with flour,

12 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up But you have to wait another hour. it’s like a fiesta in a box! I rate the eggs with a star A fiesta, invaluable, That I found from afar. without a salty, tangy, bubbling I want to eat it on a mountain pretzel pizza But I can’t bring a fountain. at the table. When I eat my green eggs That mouth-watering pizza My mom then says, “Beat it.” makes me feel like I’m just Gabriel Gamino - 4th Grade footsteps away Ms. Glenda Peterson from the gates of heaven, where I Escontrias Elementary School 3rd Place will pray for infinite pretzel pizza EVERYDAY! Ode to the Pretzel Pizza Caitlyn Pena – 5th Grade Cameron Coleman bought me Ms. Laura Vasquez Loma Verde Elementary School a pretzel pizza that was sizzling. 1st Place Little Cesar’s made it with creamy My Backpack cheddar cheese sauce I fill you with lots of things and topped it with juicy, red Some might be cool rings, pepperonis galore! Then I fill you with toys The crust was as soft That are mostly used for boys. as a teddy bear, I know how tired you must be good thing I didn’t have to share. So I lay you down next to me, My mouth was a Then I take you home ticket machine So you can sleep alone. because that, not very clean, Day comes and I forget to clean greasy dish you out was just so delish! You want to go out of town, Twelve slices, twelve pieces But you never do of something so Because you’re filled with goo. outrageous; Now you’re happy

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 13 I cleaned you out, Instead, how I wish… I hope you will never frown Yippeee! I’m finally here, And now we’re out of town. “Your room is 102”, she whispers Victoria Grajeda – 5th Grade in my ear. Mr. Mike Amaya She passes out cake, Helen Ball Elementary School 2nd Place Everyone wants some The teacher hands us each some Oh, How I Wish bubble gum. Aaaaah! Aaaaah! This place so very Uh-Oh! It’s time for lunch, loud and dirty, Everyone’s chips make a I ride a school bus that’s not quite bothersome crunch! sturdy. Those lunch ladies think they have The girl behind me takes my hat, lots of swag, Everyone feels the need to chat. But the smell of their food is Instead how I wish, making us gag! Famous pop stars would hop on But, oh how I wish… with us, Yeah! Yippee! It’s time for my My friends and I on a party bus! meal, People walking’ round with carts of While we are eating, there’s no snacks, third wheel. The music playing, The servers are super-duper nice, so many tracks. They always offer an extra slice. Oh! No! It’s so crazy and my class Oh No! She gave us such a big is a mess, load, My teacher is holding a whole lot of I can barely make it walking down stress. this road. This boy is annoying, he won’t stop My homework fits in a big ‘ol talking, garbage bag, I think he needs to be zipping and I’m about to pull out my big white locking! flag!

14 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Oh how I wish… Nature I’d have the kind of homework As I watch the sun kiss the where I want to dance, mountain It makes me happy to take another I listen to the waves beautiful glance. songs For reading you’ll jump and for I wonder how the seasons paint writing you’ll sing, Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall For the rest of the subjects, we While the wind plays the melody in just have to eat some chicken my ear; wings! This playlist is named Nature. Oh! That is how I wish school Sienna Ochoa – 6th Grade would be Ms. Patricia Rodriguez Sun Ridge Middle School If education were like that, I’d live 1st Place happily! If I could, I would make this great Light in Dark change, You twisted and diseased creature Although some folks might find it Deceitful little lies your best would be really strange! feature Emily Ash - 5th Grade Slithering around like a snake Mrs. Stephanie Estrada From my fantasy coma I awake Dr. Sue Shook Elementary School Into a much worse tragedy 3rd Place Into a worse and cruel reality Where you feel so at home You decay my soul to the tone Of your devil delivering laughter Pushing my peace and mind farther Into darkness where you dwell My remaining light your Hell I'm here to bring an end to your crooked ways

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 15 Forced to change wherever your From a bright-green, happy color demon lays of spring, I won't stop until I bring you back To a mysterious grey, in an to life instant. No longer in darkness full of Life is strange, and creepy like a delightful blithe lunatic lurking around the corner. In the eyes of the sun shining up Yet, it makes you curious to see on you what is to come My words in the end will prove all Life can be deceiving, yet it makes too true so much sense. This promise I make to you right Clarence Butler - 6th Grade Mrs. Maria Silvia Carrasco now SPC Rafael Hernando III Middle See light in the dark I will show School 3rd Place you how Just open your pointed ears to me Demons A brighter world soon you will see. You look in the mirror as a Camile Pegues - 6th Grade Mrs. Rebecca McLure beautiful skinny girl and see an Salvador Sanchez Middle overweight unattractive one. School 2nd Place You pick up an apple on the way out the door and set it down after Relinquish to Life a second thought. Yes, it’s clear You eat lunch that day, mad at Life has twists and turns like a yourself, you go purge afterwards. piece of clay. You’re so hungry by the time It can bring you down like an school is over, but chastise emotional roller coaster, yourself for even thinking of And in an instant, bring you back eating. up with a blackberry kiss. Yes, life can change your mood

16 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Your friends want to go grab a bite, I am from a chaotic home that is but you tell them you’re on a new always filled with soft laughter that diet. echoes through the house, heard Your parents ask if you’re hungry, from miles away, but you tell them that you already and happy thoughts that click went out with some friends to eat. whenever I think of my childhood You go to bed hungry, but tell home. yourself it’s for the greater good. I am from a tower-tall oak tree In your dreams that night, you whose branches always seem to realize something. dance with life. You have a problem, you’re not I am from my old baby blanket and supposed to be thinking like this. an old pink iPod that I remember You remember asking your parents distinctively. to check under your bed for From my beautiful sister Lauren monsters. and my hilarious brother Anthony. But this whole time, the demons I am from a height taller than the were living inside your head. Eiffel tower, and brown hair that Breeann Conde – 7th Grade my family has a strong liking to Ms. C.C. Schwartz dyeing. William D. Slider Middle School 1st Place From “In the day when I cried out. You answered me, and made me Where I’m From bold with strength in my soul.” I am from a stuffed teddy bear From brothers and a sister who I who always knew how to make my know loves me, but sometimes has heart warm with love. an extremely difficult time From dolls and dresses I had with expressing that simple fact. me in my room for countless I am from “My flesh and my heart hours; may fail, using them with no care in the but God is the strength of my heart world. and my portion forever.”

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 17 I am from my grandmother Rosario I Am and Grandfather Rodolfo. I am a person that bullies From mouth-watering chicken and I wonder if I look like a bully scrumptious Pozole. I hear bad and good things in my From cancer that was supposed to life break her, but in the end, made I see people sad because of bullies her strong with hope and dignity in I want to stop but it will show I’m her heart and soul, weak and from a man who takes good I am a person that bullies care of his family, I pretend I don’t care what others even though he is at the age of say seventy-three. I feel depression like everyone else From the memories of writing I touch my scars on my wrist children’s books as a small child I worry who will care when I die and being happily praised for it. I cry like you and others I am from those moments, I am a person that bullies even though they were chaotic, I understand how you feel sometimes stress-filled, and I say I don’t care what you say or exhausting, were also the most think fun, interesting, happy moments of I dream I can be free from bullying my life. I try to quit but it’s hard Anika Rios – 7th Grade I hope bullying will stop Mrs. Kat Gutierrez I am a person that bullies Sun Ridge Middle School 2nd Place Ashley Chavira – 7th Grade Mrs. Cynthia Franco Ernesto Serna School 3rd Place

18 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Just a Game Life knows only apathy, Heartbreak colored grey. an unbeatable challenge. The sky is crying. Eventually empathy, Fade away, will become damaged. sugar coated lying. Shed bitter tears Forced to partake and accept reality. in a cruel game. Life only leers I tremble, I shake, and knows no morality. every day the same. Encouraged by cynics, Futile effort to try the impossible. to make Life my own. Jeered at by critics, Build a weak fort, the world is hostile. if only I had known. In the end, Rules broken, Life is just a game. chaos reigns. The scars will never mend, Promises spoken, and we’re all just the same. bound by chains. Mindless puppets, Flowers wither, toys for life’s purposes. th hope dies. Jenny Cha – 8 Grade Ms. C.C. Schwartz Darkness shivers, William D. Slider Middle School st loneliness sighs. 1 Place Bright melody Revenge overcomes sadness boldly. Revenge is like a piece of gum Presenting tragedies, It taste good in the beginning Life laughs coldly. But loses its flavor Struggle to succeed After a while. and win against Life. Revenge is like a rose Failure to achieve It smells good at first welcomes the sharpened knife. But after a while

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 19 It irritates your nose. I want to live fearless, I want to Revenge is like a dress love my dad, but in my heart I cant It looks beautiful I am a brick wall on the outside, But it feels not but broken like shatter glass on the So comfortable. inside. Revenge is like a bubble I pretend I’ve never seen my Once it gets too big father drunk and angry. It must come to a stop I feel like the love for him is no And pop. longer in me. It died the day his Revenge may feel good hurtful words came out. At the beginning I touch my face and wipe away my But at the end tears. I hold my mom’s hand You’ll end up regretting it. making sure not to let go. Leslie Marquez - 8th Grade I worry that the torture will never Ms. Monica Molinar end. I’m counting the days until Bill Sybert School 2nd Place I’m old enough to live. I cry every night watching the The Real Me flashbacks play fully in my mind. I am a brick wall on the outside, I am a brick wall on the outside, but broken like shattered glass on but broken like shatter glass on the the inside. inside. I wonder when will the screams or I understand that my dad will yelps ever going to end. never give up the bottle. I hear the voice of my father I say never let the fear of striking screaming in my face, your mom out keep you from playing the means nothing, is nothing, I never game. loved her. I dream one day my mom and I I see the devil eyes in my father will live with joy, instead of fear watching his knuckles bleed after a every day. hit in the door.

20 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up I try to let the past go, but it’s Euphoria embedded, it can’t leave. Every two weeks the usual I hope my father will see the Wake up early to cross the border damage he does and changes his Officers drinking coffee, making useless, irresponsible ways. sure everything runs smoothly I am a brick wall on the outside, Stopping by to exchange dollars to but broken like shattered glass on pesos the inside. Then grocery shopping at S-MART th Hannah Duron – 8 Grade Getting that scrumptious corn in a Ms. Nishna Esparza Socorro Middle School cup for the road rd 3 Place Our final destination, a place no one’s ever heard of When I My home away from home When I shift mindset. You could call it the country side of When I become obsessed. Juarez When I realize it’s not normal. Dirt bumpy roads, stray dogs and When I say yes while others say cats, broken down homes and no. shops, it’s still home When I rise while others sleep. Hugs and kisses to familiar faces When I am better today than I was Some wrinkly, smooth or prickly as yesterday. a porcupine and my furry friend When I do what others will not. wagging his tail When I control my destiny. Feeling the warm rays of the sun I will change the world. as I play catch with my dad and Alejandro Acosta - 9th Grade brother Ms. Michelle Saenz Socorro High School Little Allan, like an engineer, 1st Place messing with old engines and tools Feeling the wind in my face as I bike around the house Us girls, the trio, telling secrets

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 21 and jokes like the clowns we are And I will ignite Mother and daughter chatting while Until what’s left of me are sparks preparing the feast This cycle has gone on for so long And grandpa finding something to But I noticed something has do, to take his mind off the food changed Taking in the heat of the hard What kindles me now is neither working stove coal nor fuel We say grace then dig in! No, it’s something far greater. Before the sun sets we check up on What makes me glow is lighting. our abandoned home and shower It is a part of me our loyal dog with treats I feel like I don’t need to rely on Hugs and kisses to so many faces anything. “See you again in two weeks.” I can run ramped without having to Wait! Can’t forget about those worry about coal turning to ash wretched long lines at the border Or the fuel running out back home! Darn it… Since I was conceived, Karina Yapor - 9th Grade People convinced me that I was Ms. Melissa Walker only meant to destroy Americas High School 2nd Place But now as I feel fresh oxygen coursing through me, Wildfire I see how there is purpose and I am a bright flame that burns with beauty in me great passion. I no longer have any doubts about What keeps me alive is coal. how I can create wondrous things. However, coal can only burn for so All my life I was restricted to being long. a campfire. Very quickly, they become embers Never before have I burned so They take my heat from me bright. And leave a dying fire to tend to. Never before have I been ablaze Eventually someone will add fuel like a Wildfire.

22 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Cristina Rodriguez - 10th Grade Eighteen, remember the warmth of Ms. Marcela Alvarado his lips on yours Mission Early College High School Seventeen, remember how his 1st Place hands held you steady Thirty Seconds Sixteen, remember his embrace Hold your breath Fifteen, remember your friends Count down from thirty Fourteen, remember your friends Thirty, remember how he told you supporting you during the fights Twenty-nine, remember what you Thirteen, remember their words of were both wearing wisdom Twenty-eight, remember how he Twelve, remember the friend he acted was Twenty-seven, remember how you Eleven, let go felt Ten, breathe Twenty-six, remember how long Nine, remember your life before you cried him Twenty-five, remember the Eight, remember what made you loneliness smile besides him Twenty-four, remember your heart Seven, remember not crying for breaking hours Twenty-three, remember how you Six, remember how you survived thought you would die Five, remember everything you did Twenty-two, remember your before him longing stares at him Four, remember you are worthy of Twenty-one, remember your anyone friends supporting you Three, remember not to regret Twenty, breathe what made you smile Nineteen, remember how he ran Two, learn from your mistake his hand through your hair One, move on Zero, smile Exhale

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 23 Kassandra Storm De La Riva – For a while now, I’ve thought 10th Grade What it would be like to see the Mr. Philip Hash Montwood High School dawn. 2nd Place How is it that Simply from the Heart The lark sings in the clear air? 500 sonnets How is it that I’ve written for thee, You are just as fair. 500 sonnets This pain I feel You’ve unknowingly rejected from It steals my breath, me. This pain I feel A thousand conversations Surely, it is worse than death. I’ve remembered by heart, I have drowned in the ocean A thousand conversations Of my sorrow, Until we must part. I have drowned in the ocean My thoughts are full Lost to my tomorrow. With my heart split in two, Yet, today My thoughts are full Is not forever, With my longing for you. Yet, today I would keep you with me, My ties I will not sever. You must understand, Life goes on I would keep you with me Happiness, I will pursue, If only you didn’t slip from my Life goes on hands. And mine will be new. th My heart sings a song Carla Rocio Wright - 10 Grade Ms. Marcela Alvarado Every time I see you, Mission Early College High My heart sings a song School 3rd Place But the notes are so few.

For a while now, I’ve thought Of all the ways to move on,

24 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Poem A new one emerges and I have to Math use Given a problem The answers and the information You use an equation to solve it. From the previous problem The life of a human being is To calculate the product A complex problem Of the new one. And you spend your Maybe the final answer that Entire life searching for a solution. I haven’t yet realized My life a simple but complex Is there is “No Solution” problem You work hard to accomplish And I spend it trying to find the Different things and achieve so “Answer.” much I wonder what I’m here for Only to have it taken away What my purpose is When you die. th And my problem becomes harder Rafael Rodriguez - 11 Grade Ms. Melissa Walker Everyday that goes by. Americas High School ST The answer comes closer and 1 Place closer Where I Am From As I grow old and crusty. I am from starlit skies and Yet I can’t seem to find it heartwarming sunsets. I am from Or come closer to understanding it. homemade tacos and, “Andale Everyday my life, like a theorem cochina, put some pants on!” I am That is given to you in math. from grandfathers that laugh in You’re given a problem deep, voluminous voices every And what do you do? You use time I’d beg for coffee. I am from An equation to solve it. tough, dry earth, and even tougher I use “formulas” and “laws” to plant life that endure harsh solve my problem weather. I am from Sun City, a And once I solve the problem that place that will hail in July and get lies ahead,

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 25 heatwaves in November. I am from The Last Agni Kai hugging and petting every animal What began as my birthright in sight. I am from family Turned into an immutable fate. gatherings to watch Pacquiao vs. Drenched in fire on a scorching Mayweather, and from teasing my night. cousins for rooting for “40- I'm burning shame from your evil whiners.” I am from playing scheme. football with the boys until the last All it took was a simple stance rays of sunlight could no longer And the fires of our hearts lit up illuminate the worn out street for the night. us. I am from cousins who feel I'll leave nothing but embers by more like brothers than just your wretched smirking glance extended family. I am from After our smoldering red and blue shouting competitions, and cookies fires have finished their fight. that mysteriously go missing. I am Brother and sister duel in sync with from loving everyone who comes the dancing flames. into my life with all my heart, no Their inner rivalry burns bright with matter who they are, what they the red and blue lights. look like, what they do, or who They both attack relentless, they used to be because we’re all But she aims to kill. imperfect souls looking to be loved The comet passes, by someone when we can’t love And you deliver me a fatal blow. ourselves. The lightning dances, th Roxanne Gonzalez - 11 Grade And my heart beat slows. Ms. Lisa Lopez Socorro High School Sisters are supposed to love, nd 2 Place But every time she comes near chaos ensues. Brothers are supposed to protect, But his shield is made of glass.

26 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up It's over for me. Riveer Guevarra – 11th Grade Mr. Richard Helmling My last shred of honor, Montwood High School Is burned up in a biting flame. 3rd Place But she saw my dying limp body, and joined the game. Foreign Visitor Water and fire fought hand to Lip smack in a foreign spit spat hand, What is this I hear? And she ran for her life. Vowels accented and accentuated You draw near, ready to stop this Words vanish in a small fade game of cat and mouse. through the mic Everything pauses as water My American curiosity kicks in surrounds. If it isn’t from here, I dig a listen Siblings lose themselves to useless Curiosity, patience fighting, French, Aussie, English? But this is more than a simple My mind rotates in a yo-yo of rivalry. questions One fights to be loved, I’m taken back The other wants to restore lost I carry the courage to ask in the honor. mic You were chained to the ground, Universal games give me hope By all of your own faults. The match is lit in our I heard the musical sound, conversations Of your monstrous fire slowing to a Hours and hours like lovers in a sizzle, then to a halt. coffee shop What ended with the comet Days, weeks, months, years Passing us by, Friendship rises with his sun as And ended with me, no, us, mine goes down Winning the last Agni Kai. An ocean apart, but messages blanket us warm I fall for his English wit

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 27 The flurry of conversation doesn’t The way I live, the way I breath. cease I live in this shadow. Cynthia Hernandez - 12th Grade A shadow where I won’t gain trust. Ms. Melissa Walker One wherein I feel guilty, where Americas High School 1st Place love is a fantasy. I live in a shadow I can't break Her Shadow free. I live in a world only I know best. A shadow that doesn't want me to A shadow that calls upon my be, threats. The only person I can be. It chained me down, and pushed Amber Chavez – 12th Grade me around till nothing was left. Mr. Jose Tavarez Socorro High School I live in a shadow of destruction, 2nd Place and pure dissatisfaction. A shadow that sees me weak and How Do You Say Home in worn. Hebrew? It wants my last breath. I'm lying on the passenger seat This is a shadow like no other, a Listening to a man tell me stories shadow I won't beat. about nuclear bombs I live in the shadow that's my And how fragile something so sister. destructive can be A shadow made up of her regrets. It makes me think of home I live in the shadow my mom looks 4 shattered souls, 3 dried trees to. 2 cracked windows, 1 roof A shadow I don't repeat. Home I look for my own but no one lets it With every second I am farther go. from it I live in this shadow. Leaving behind mountains that A shadow that decided who I will protect me from tornados but not be. floods

28 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Invade my sleep on summer nights 1 2 3 4 to find that home floor taken And it comes to life again Destroying everything with such Lifts up between my breast passive beauty Glows red but only to fill my Who could ever protest cheeks with roses Every second? Home is here 1 2 3 4 we arrive to a hotel room 12 hours And by now it's far gone from the place I was born I find myself surrounded by pine go under the blankets and curl up highways with curves that remind next to his chest me of my mothers To find the same feeling I did My mother when My heart sinks into my gut and 1 2 3 4 stops beating. I woke my mom up because my 1 2 3 4 bed was missing her The line on the machine is flat only Dragged a stuffed bear to match the scenery outside my And curled up next to her belly window I close my eyes and my breathing So I look at the man sitting next to matches his me 1 2 3 4 He is going on about the bombs And it all fades down again. the wars wars wars Lucia Carreon - 12th Grade Ms. Katerina Lopez No idea of the thought that just El Dorado High School escaped me 3rd Place Like falling off a roller coaster believing you're never going to touch the ground again Conscious I smile and nod Think a little more of home

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 29 Real/Imaginative/ Engaging Stories

30 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up The Girl Inside the Book Sophia Grace - Kindergarten Ms. Abby Marrufo The girl is in the house. The girl Loma Verde Elementary School st could not read with all the noises. 1 Place The girl took the book outside and The Green Monster in My then peeked through the book and she fell inside the book. She saw Eggs a fairy and then she turned the One day I was going to eat green world into a chocolate world. eggs and ham. I saw a green There were chocolate mountains, monster come out of the eggs. I rivers, and the chocolate sky. She didn’t yell, I said, “Hello,” and was very hungry and she ate half asked, “Do you want to be of the chocolate mountain. Next, friends?” the fairy took the girl to a He said, “Yes, oh yes!” We shook marshmallow world. The girl hands and ZAP! He turned me into walked softly because she had a monster. marshmallow feet and it felt soft Harry was the name of my green and squishy. Again she ate half of monster. He held my hand and we the marshmallow mountain flew up to the sky. We slid down because she loves marshmallow the rainbow and took a hop on the with chocolate. Last, the fairy clouds. took the girl to a cotton candy We said, “Hi, Mr. Sun,” and waved world. She saw Cotton Candy hello to all the birds that flew by. Mountains and a cotton candy Then all of a sudden Harry yelled, ocean. Again, the girl ate half of “Aagghh! Your mom is looking for the cotton candy mountain. The you, we better get you home. Let’s girl got a toothache and the fairy go, let’s go!” We flew back home took her home. She went to the as fast as a bee. dentist and he fixed her tooth. “But Harry,” I yelled, “I am still a monster.”

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 31 “Hocus Pocus, green monster be powers. I became the bat leader gone,” said Harry. And poof! I was and we went to our cave for the back in my kitchen just as my rest of the season. mom walked in. Randy Guzman - Kindergarten Ms. Brenda Rayos “Eew, honey. Go wash your hands. James P. Butler Elementary They are all green,” she said. School 3rd Place Alyssa Alcantar - Kindergarten Ms Lynn Hardiman Escontrias Early Childhood Farmer Green’s Green Elementary 2nd Place Farm Farmer Green had a farm where The Bat and I everything was green. The grass One day I went to the zoo and I was green, the cows were green, saw one thousand bats. Their the pigs were green. The horses family had a problem, they had a were green and ate green hay. bad bat. They came to me Even the hens were green and laid because they wanted me to be green eggs. They hatched green their leader and help them out. little chicks that sing backwards Then they flew over the gate and “peehc, peehc.” And they fly from the bad bat transformed into a side to side. Then they grow up to human. He destroyed everything! lay their eggs backwards and walk I warned everyone to leave. I said backwards. The boy chicks grow to the bats, “Can you transform into roosters with feathers all into humans to defeat the bad shades of green. bat?” and they did. They fought The green cows gave green milk the bad bat with their wings but which was as icky as mashed the bad bat was too strong. Then I Brussel sprouts. Farmer Green had turned into a giant human. I to get rid of that gross taste. He squished the bad bat and with washed and washed the cows to magic powers I took over his get the green off. He scrubbed so

32 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up hard, the cows skin turned pink for They were safe! On a different day a minute but then went back to a mermaid was in trouble. The green. He was thirsty after all that whale was too scared to help, so hard work so he was going to take Ralph the dolphin rescued the a sip of milk. It was milk. It was mermaid. The beautiful mermaid white! And tasted delicious! thanked Ralph. Everyone heard The farmer’s farm is still green but about it and so they celebrated the milk is fresh and white as a Ralph rescuing the mermaid. bunny’s tail (that doesn’t live on Everyone was so proud of Ralph. the farm.) The mermaid and Jake were very Nathan Rodriguez - 1st Grade proud of him as well. But Ralph Ms. Lynn Hardiman didn’t know the mermaids name. Escontrias Early Childhood Center The mermaid said her name was 1st Place “Merla” and Ralph said, “That is a pretty name.” From that moment Dolphin and the Whale on, they were the happiest best In the beautiful deep blue sea lived friends. a beautiful dolphin and the Claire Hubert - 1st Grade dolphins name was Ralph. Ralph Mrs. Maria Serna was a fast swimmer. He is faster Hurshel Antwine Elementary School than all his brothers and sisters. He 2nd Place is faster than all the dolphins in the ocean. Then one day he met a whale named Jake. He was a nice little whale. He was a fast swimmer too. They played together in the deep blue sea. Then one day a shark came by. The shark chased them like if they were playing tag. Luckily the shark didn’t get them.

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 33 The Scary Haunted House! Victor Alejandro Hernandez – 1st Grade I’ve never been so scared before! Ms. Mari Ornelas As my mom and I walked into the Elfida P. Chavez Elementary School haunted house, we saw many 3rd Place different things, it was frightening! We saw jack-o-lanterns The Day the Moon Went surrounding the house. The Away haunting werewolves were howling 30 years ago the moon went away. at the moon. There were ghosts So at night there was no light at hanging in the air, and we could all. So I left the moon a message hear what sounded like people saying, “Will you come back soon?” screaming! I saw demons all The Moon sent me a message back around us. I heard witches cackling from rocket and it said it would in the corners of the house. The come back soon. The moon didn’t stairs made a crackling sound as come back, so I went to space to we walked up the winding find it. Guess where it was……..It staircase. We were shocked and was Jupiter’s new moon. It had frozen with fear. Thunder and been there for 30 years. Then I lightning lit up the pitch black sky. told him to go back to being We could hear the ghosts saying, Earth’s moon, but he said no about “OOOOUUU”, as we hurried down 50 times. I told him to come and I the stairs looking for a way out. would put him in a song and make When we finally got out, I was him a billionaire for a long time. shivering with fear. My mom said, Moon said it would come back only “That w-w-was scarifying!” My if he could touch the sun. So I let teeth chattered as I told my mom, him touch the sun, but guess what “I will never go into that haunted happened? Moon melted into a house again!” waxing gibbous phase! So, I used my water bottles to cool him off before he melted even more.

34 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up I gave Moon a box of lights to wear use my rocket boots to catch up to so he could be seen at night. I told him. him let’s go back to earth but he Moon said whoever touches one of said he wanted to wait a little Jupiter’s moons wins and will be more, I said, “Ok four more hours.” famous and get $99999.9878 I told him let’s see who’s the million. I agreed and we raced fastest and race. I cheated because again, but the money was I used my rocket boots and I won imaginary. Then we went to eat a and he was still at the beginning. burger at a place in space. Then it Then I remembered he is a slow was 5:30 pm and it was time to go poke. So I yelled at him to hurry back to Earth and moon was happy up and he went faster than my to go back. I was glad because my rocket boots so I gave him the air tank was almost empty. It was trophy. Moon was happy, “That already night and the moon was was fun!” we both said at the same shining bright. Everyone could see time and he laughed so hard. Then him in the night again. we played games and had fun until Shane Christopher Raleigh – 2nd Grade we fell asleep. We were out cold. I Mrs. Lourdes Rios woke up early and made fun of the O’Shea Keleher Elementary School moon because he had green junk 1st Place on his eyes. Then we raced some

more in space and had a Gatorade The Secret Door to drink because we were super There was a girl named Lucy who thirsty. We raced around Mars, went on a special adventure. Late Pluto, Earth, Mercury, and Venus. one night, Lucy went into her room After the races I was starving so I to go to sleep. She could not go to told him let’s eat sandwiches. Then sleep at all so she decided to play I told Moon three more hours until with her doll for a little bit. As she we go home. He said ok. We raced was playing with her doll, she some more in space and I had to decided to use her bed as a castle

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 35 as she usually does. She went She went into every room of the under the bed to play. As she was castle and opened up every door crawling under her bed, she but could not find anything special. noticed something new under Finally she saw the very last door there. It was a secret door! She at the end of a large hall. She had never seen the door before opened the huge wooden door and and was very surprised to see it peeked inside. She was surprised there. Slowly, she opened the door and scared to find a giant sleeping and peeked inside. She saw a on his large giant bed. She was green garden and a castle in the worried she would wake up the middle of it! It was the most giant and that the giant would magical castle she had ever seen. notice her so she quickly but Lucy ran to the large front door quietly ran out of the room. While and knocked. “Hello? Is anybody she was trying to find her way out there?” she yelled. No one of the castle she heard a loud voice answered or seemed to be there so yell out, “I smell a hum in my she opened the huge door and castle!” She heard giant footsteps went inside the castle. There, she coming down the hall so she tried saw a giant chair, table and other to find a place to hide. Finally she giant stuff. She thought that a found a perfect place behind a giant must live in the castle since potted plant in the kitchen. The there were so many giant things. giant could still smell her and he She was scared but remembered was trying to find her and saw her the story her sister read to her by the flower pot. She quickly tried about the little boy with magic to run away but the giant chased beans who found a big castle with her. She ran as fast as she could a hen who laid golden eggs. Lucy and found the front door. The giant thought she might find a magical kept running faster and she golden hen so she decided to thought she would never get away. search every room in the castle. Then Lucy saw a small space under

36 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up the front do and squeezed under it friends told me this was called and ran towards the secret door. Condensation. Then our cloud was She quickly opened the secret door getting big and heavy and we and crawled back into her room started to fall down as and closed the door. She thought, Precipitation. We were falling “I will not go there again!”. Then down as rain droplets. “WEEEE”, she noticed the golden dust on the we shouted. We landed on a very bottom of her feet and on her tall mountain and then we became clothes. “Maybe a quick trip back Runoff. It was just like a water tomorrow wouldn’t hurt,” she said slide at Disneyland! We flooded with a smile. the river and we landed in the Zoe Gamboa - 2nd Grade ocean. It was wonderful because Mrs. Valarie Molinar we got to see whales, seahorses, Elfida P. Chavez Elementary School and dolphins. We even saw a 2nd Place Great White Shark! The hot sun came out and started to heat up The Water Cycle the ocean water. “Oh no, here we It was a bright sunny day and I go again”, we all shouted. That’s was in a lake with my friends. My how I knew that our water cycle water droplet friends and I were journey never ends! splashing, swimming, and enjoying Sophia Arellano – 2nd Grade our time together. Suddenly, it Ms. Patricia Michel Loma Verde Elementary School became extremely hot that 3rd Place something amazing happened to us. We started to Evaporate! We were flying up, up, and away as we were evaporating! As we got higher and higher the air got cooler and cooler. Then we became a big, white, fluffy, cloud. One of my

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 37 Monster Story: LooLoo and monsters were to never talk to Her New Friend humans and she knew her dad would be upset. However, after In a small town where no human talking all day both girls realized ever went, there lived extremely that they were both very nice and curious creatures. Those creatures there was no harm in making new were monsters! The monsters were friends. LooLoo and Faith played having a meeting in the city town the rest of the day until Mr. Peep square where the mayor monster called LooLoo. LooLoo told Faith to lived with his family. Mr. Peep, the come home with her, but LooLoo mayor, lived with his beautiful wife almost forgot the biggest monster and four-year old child named rule. NO HUMANS!! LooLoo started LooLoo. LooLoo was the kid that making a bed for Faith in the forest everyone in the town took care of. and told her that she would be While the meeting was going on, back the next day. LooLoo stayed LooLoo went to go explore in the true to her word and came back to forest. When she started picking up visit and play with Faith the next a flower, she saw something day. They did the exact same thing moving in the nearby bushes. every day! Their routine continued Suddenly the creature popped out, until Mr. Peep followed LooLoo into making LooLoo freeze in her the forest one day and realized tracks. It was a human!! Monsters what was going on. When Mr. Peep were to NEVER have any saw LooLoo playing with Faith, he interactions with humans. The immediately threw Faith in the human, who was a kid, told LooLoo monster dungeon. LooLoo also got that her name was Faith. LooLoo punished, as Mr. Peep grounded stopped trembling and listened as her for the rest of her life for Faith kept talking. Faith told breaking the rules. At night, LooLoo where she came from and LooLoo snuck out of their home what exactly she was. LooLoo was and helped Faith escape out of the hesistant because she knew that

38 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up dungeon. The girls headed back to have a baby sister?” Her mother the forest and were shocked to find answered, “No, I’m sorry.” The Mr. Peep waiting for them by little girl was disappointed. Faith’s bed. LooLoo tried to The next day it was raining. While convince her dad not to hurt Faith, the little girl was playing with her but her convincing came to an end dolls, she heard dog cries. When when her mom came running into she looked out her window, she the forest. Mrs. Peep told Mr. Peep saw a stray male Parmaranian. to stop. She told him to imagine if She dressed quickly into her rain the roles were reversed and what if boot and raincoat. She carried a it was LooLoo who was in Faith’s towel with her to wrap the dog in. position. Mr. Peep saw her “Hi little doggy,” she said as she reasoning and decided to adopt moved slowly towards him. She Faith. The monster community was wrapped the soaking wet dog in very accepting of their new the dry towel. “It’s okay,” she community member. They cheered replied as she took him inside the at the good news. They were all house. happy for the rest of their lives. As she closed the door to her The end. bedroom and sat on the bed, the Camila Morales - 3rd Grade dog said, ”Phew, thank you for Ms. Jennifer Galindo taking me out of the cold rain.” Loma Verde Elementary School 1st Place The little girl jumped off her bed and hit her head. Tango “I’m sorry. I should’ve told you I There was once a little nine year can talk,” replied the dog. old girl named Brittney who was an “WHAT!!! That’s cool.” “But how?” only child who loved to play. At the girl said in amazement. times she was lonely and wanted “Well, when I was a new born pup, some company. One day, she I was born in a science lab that asked her mother, “Mama, may I had chemicals. One of the

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 39 chemicals fell on me and I became Brittney’s mom fainted. When she a talking stray dog.” awoke, the little girl asked her, “What a great story. Let’s get you ”Mama, the dog talks. I know. I cleaned up.” Brittney showered can’t believe it either. Now I have a him, brushed him, and even friend to play with and talk to. brushed his teeth. She fed him and Please can I keep him? Please gave him water. “Hmmmm…..there mom. I will take care of him.” is just one thing missing.” “Alright, Tango just never scare me “A name,” said the dog. like that again!” “What should I name you? I know. “I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.” TANGO!!!” “Yeah! I get to keep you Tango. “Tango is the perfect name for Thanks mom! Let’s go Tango. I me.” think the rain has stopped.” As The little girl ran to find her Brittney and Tango walked out the mother. “Mom, may I have a dog.” door, she had a smile on her face. Her mother thought for a moment She knew she would never be and answered. “Let’s go to the dog lonely again. pound and look for a dog.” Brittney Varela - 3rd Grade Ms. Edwina Ginithan “There is no need for that. I found Robert Rojas Elementary a stray dog in the rain. I cleaned School 2nd Place him up and named him Tango.” The little girl showed her mother A Zombie Filled Night her new dog. I will never forget the time Melanie “He is a beautiful Parmaranion.” and I were chased by the undead. “Can I keep him?” It all started on a spooky, “Hmmm….let me think.” Halloween night. A full moon was “Oh please keep me. I will pee on out and Melanie and I were the pad and not make a mess.” wearing zombie hunter costumes. The dog spoke without thinking Once our bags were filled with again.

40 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up delicious candy, Melanie decided Genavieve Zermeño - 3rd Grade Ms. Edith Avilez we would take the shortcut Dr. Sue Shook Elementary through the woods. I wanted to go School 3rd Place the long way, but Melanie forced me to go with her. While we were The Passing Flame walking, we heard a deep moan. “I Once upon a time there was a tiny, told you we should have taken the cold village, and in that village was long way,” I said to Melanie in a a forest where a bear, a frog, and frightened voice. “Fine, next year a deer lived. The village was so we’ll go the long way!” Melanie frigid and icy because some evil, replied. While we argued, I saw selfish spirits kept the fire all to something. Melanie looked up. We themselves hidden in a gigantic couldn’t believe what we were teepee. The animals always seeing. We saw the most terrifying watched how the spirits handled thing a child should ever have to the fire. witness. We were seeing the One day, the forest animals held a undead. We ran as fast as we could meeting and decided to steal the until I spotted an axe out of the fire and return it to the village. corner of my eye. We grabbed the However, no one was brave axe and killed every zombie in enough to do it… until Bear, Frog, sight. When we finished we were a and Deer stepped forward. mess. Good thing the blood stains The next day, they set out and went with our zombie hunter headed for the dwellings of the evil costumes. Thinking the zombies spirits. The animals had a plan. might come back to life, we ran as Deer would first distract the spirits fast as our feet could carry us. Till by scraping his antlers on the trees this very day, I can still hear the outside the giant teepee, while moaning of the undead. Frog would spring for the fire. Frog would then pass it to bear, who

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 41 would then hand it to Deer to Marette Alva - 4th Grade Ms. Erica Loya sprint swiftly and return the fire to Dr. Sue Shook Elementary the village. School 1st Place Unfortunately, it didn’t go as planned. Deer distracted the spirits The Beaver as he had planned, but when Frog Once upon a time in a cold river passed it to Bear, Bear accidentally there lived a little beaver who snatched his tongue as well and loved to write stories. One day on stretched and stretched out poor his fifteenth birthday, he decided Frog’s tongue. Finally, Bear let go, he wanted to become a famous but because of the shock, he ran author. He sat his parents down into a tree and swallowed the fire. and said to them, “Mom, Dad, I He coughed it up, but the fire want to write a book.” “I will not burned his throat which made Bear accept that nonsense!” his father growl in anger. In a hurry, Deer angrily answered. Beaver’s father fetched the fire, but did not grab it was against it because he thought carefully and the flame burned his writing was for girls. Beaver really tail. To put his fiery tail out, he wanted to become an author, so he flicked it quickly and shot the flame made a plan. That night, he to the village. The animals then escaped and decided to live his life taught the villagers how to start on his own. the flames if the fire ever went out. After traveling for many days, he It brought warmth and happiness finally arrived at El Paso, Texas. He to the village once again. decided to attend college at UTEP From that day on, Frog would and major in literature to prepare forever have a long stretched for his career. After several years tongue, Bear would have an angry of working and hard studying, he growl, and Deer would have a finally graduated and reached his short tail. goal. He wrote his first book for

42 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up children titled, “The Wishing Well.” rushing out. I started to get Everyone loved it and soon he worried because whenever my became a famous author! mom says “somewhere’’ that When the Beaver’s family heard means she doesn’t want me to the news, they finally understood know. After a while my mom where he had been all these years. called my dad, I had no clue about They traveled all the way to El what they were talking about. But Paso to try to find him to let him then my dad said to get ready, know how proud they were of him. now I was really worried. After When they finally met again that we headed toward the beaver’s father hugged his son and hospital. told him, “I’m proud of you.” Every second that went by I At last they were all a happy family started getting more and more again and they supported Beaver worried. Finally we arrived at the in all his accomplishments. hospital, my mom came out of the Kiara Lopez - 4th Grade hospital room crying. “Emberlynn,’’ Ms. Denise Rendon she said with her head down, Mission Ridge Elementary School “Marcos, your cousin, passed 2nd Place away.” I paused, sat down, and started crying. The Saddest Day Ever I started remembering all that we The time I remember being the use to do together. To me Mark, saddest was when I was about to my cousin, was like a big brother. turn seven. That day was the He would give me horsey back saddest day ever, I kept crying rides, stand up for me, play with until my eyes were out of water. me, and was never mean to me. It was a normal day when suddenly Sometimes when we would go to my mom was going somewhere,” the cemetery to drop off flowers for Where are you going?’’ I asked. my great, great grandma, he and I “Somewhere,’’ my mom said,

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 43 would find pinecones and see who was, but they just looked at her would throw it the farthest. funny and floated on by. When I really miss Mark, but I know he is she finally got her answer it was in a better place now, and that he from a kindly old water droplet who is my guardian angel. swore she was around when there Emberlynn Sarmiento – were dinosaurs. She said, “You 4th Grade must be one of the youngest who Ms. Linda Erives Sierra Vista Elementary School have never been through the cycle 3rd Place before. Relax it will be alright. Just go with the flow.” So, Sally Sally the Water Drop did and soon it actually became Sally the water droplet was content kind of relaxing, that is until a wolf with her life in the ground. She came by. was always surrounded by warmth Sally tried to go with the flow, she and life, and she loved chatting really did. At the sight of a big with worms as they passed by. pink tongue, she started to panic One day when she was expecting a though. What would happen to visit from her favorite worm David, her? She was thinking of all the she felt a strange pull upward. possibilities when, SLURP! She She wasn’t frightened. She had was sucked up into the wolf’s felt that before. It usually stopped mouth. Everything went dark as after a minute or two. This time she went down his throat. She was different though. This time it couldn’t see anything for the didn’t stop. She just kept going up longest time. It was very until, POP! She reached the confusing sloshing, jumping, and surface. All around her there were tumbling as the wolf ran. After other water droplets. She was so who knows how long, she felt the surprised that she couldn’t think curious pulling sensation again. It straight. She started to ask the wasn’t pulling her up though, it droplets around her where she was pulling her down. She

44 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up squeezed through one of the wolf’s more. It seemed that she would pores and trickled down his side never be able to settle down. All until, PLOP! She landed on the this moving was exhausting! She ground and started to trickle in the almost felt at home in the clouds, soil. she was there so often. Finally, home sweet, home! Nevertheless, she was only there Everything could return to for one day this time. Again she normal. She didn’t know how fell into a pond. However, she wrong she could be. A couple days knew she wouldn’t stay there. later she felt the pulling sensation Aiyana Esparza - 5th Grade Mr. Andres Batista once again. This time she was Escontrias Elementary School ready. As she moved upward she 1st Place gained speed. This time when she reached the surface she didn’t stop Beware of Sorcerers! though. She just kept going and “Waaa Haaa Haaa Haaa Haaa! going. As she went higher it got Awoooooo! Aaaaaaa!” A mixture of colder. Soon she stopped. It was Dracula’s laugh, werewolves’ peculiar being so high above the howls, and frantic screams traveled ground. She stayed there for a through the neighborhood and while, getting heavier and heavier throughout the city…LITERALLY! as time passed. Soon she got so There were witches, fairies, ninjas, heavy that she couldn’t stay up little red riding hoods, Dorothy and any longer. She started falling Freddy characters all over the until PLOP! She landed in a place, but I don’t really go all out strange pond, it was salty! It on Halloween costumes, so I just moved too, back and forth, over went with the classic peacock girl. and over. It was very relaxing. The air whistled and breezed its Maybe she would stay here a while. way all around the city. It even It had only been three days before crept its way up my costume, she felt herself move up once making me shiver. We made our

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 45 last rounds around the block and crushed right after her victory, so headed home through the dark, she made us go up and change trashy, and graffiti filled alley. In into our pjs with jack ‘o lanterns there, I paused to look at a kid in a and bats on them. I zoomed up the funny sorcerer costume. I giggled stairs and kicked to fling my flats and laughed. “Hey! I already know off, but for some reason, they my costume isn’t great! You don’t didn’t come off! I sat down on my have to rub it in my face!” he small pink recliner. “Come on you replied. I continued. “Ohhhh, you dumb shoes, come off!” I will regret this! I know it!” he said whispered in frustration. I tried and suddenly disappeared. “That harder, but it only led to me was creepy,” my sister whispered. flipping over in my chair. “I know, right?!? Well, race you “Owwww,” I mumbled. I tried to home!” I replied. We hurried take off my dress but the same through the alley and ran as fast as thing happened! My temperature a speeding bullet back to my was at 200 degrees Fahrenheit, my house. face was lava red, and steam was “I win!” my little sister shouted. shooting out of my ears. “Fine, you “Only because you decided to wear both win this time but I know who converse with your punk rock will get you to come off…MY MOM outfit! I had to run in these stink’n AND DAD!” I walked down the flats! Do you know how many stairs, confident my idea would times I lost my right shoe?!?” I work, but little did I know that my responded. We went inside, parents were about to see me in a desperate to find out what kinds of whole other perspective. candies we had received this year. “What the HECK?!?” my dad Only one of us was going to hit the shouted. He popped up from the jackpot. Surely, it was going to be couch like a piece of popcorn and me. But, I guess my mom didn’t ran to the closet to grab the want my sister to have her soul broom. He was holding it high like

46 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up a baseball bat, “Ummmm…..dad?” I silently opened the drawer to see I backed up as he came closer. a wing instead of a human arm. “Dad? Dad!” He took his first swing “What the …?” I looked at my and chased me around the house. reflection in the oven. I had turned My mom then dropped the dishes into a peacock! “That stupid she was washing and grabbed a sorcerer!” I whispered. “Think pan. She joined in on the chase. Gabby! Think!” I said to myself. “Isn’t this considered child Then I suddenly had a vision in my abuse?!?” I yelled as I zoomed like mind. “AHA!” I grabbed the paper a speeding bullet through the and pen with my beak and started house. Oh no….I was cornered in to write, “I AM GABBY. THAT the bedroom. I didn’t know what SORCERER IN THE ALLEY DID THIS was about to happen. I prayed my TO ME.” I trotted over to the living Santa Marias and hoped for the room and set the paper on the best. My mom took a swing. I brown leather ottoman. Everybody heard birds and saw stars circling looked at me puzzled. Then, a little around my head. lightbulb went off in their heads. LIGHTS OUT! They found out a clever way to use A few minutes later, I woke up in a my appearance and smartness to doozy. “I say we kill it!” my mom make ENORMOUS BUCKS! I was said. “No, how about we sell it for just about to become the smartest big bucks?!? Cha ching cha ching!” peacock in the world! my dad added. “How about we FIVE MONTHS LATER keep it for a pet?” my sister I have been tested by hundreds of replied. I slowly backed out of the researchers, but they don’t know living room and looked for a paper my little secret. Of course there’s and pen. I knew I was going to find pros and cons to my a way to keep my identity as an all transformation. I’ll never get to go “A” student and not become a to college and complete my bucket chicken nugget at McDonald’s. list. But, oh well, I just have to

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 47 stick to the bright side and go with following him. “Where do you think the flow. you are going?” asked Wolf. Caitlyn Pena - 5th Grade Suddenly Dog froze. “I…I..j-j-just Ms. Laura Vasquez wanted to go with Dad,” he replied Loma Verde Elementary School 2nd Place with a frown. Wolf looked sternly at Dog. “You know you shouldn’t do A Lesson Learned that. We had better get home Once upon a time in a forest near a now,” he said. As they were lake, there lived a family of wolves. walking, they noticed it was taking A mother wolf, a daddy wolf, and longer than usual for them to get their pups lived in a cozy den near home. That’s when Wolf said, the lake. The youngest member of “We’re lost!” Dog panicked and the family was Dog and he was paced in circles. “Mother is going to very mischievous. The oldest of the be so disappointed in me,” Wolf pups was Wolf and he was strong pouted. Dog was worried too. He and protective. One day their was sure that they would be in big father decided to go on a hunting trouble. But, while they had their trip. “Please! Please! Let me go,” hopes down, suddenly they could pleaded Dog. But, as always, he smell a sweet, familiar scent. They got the same answer, “No,” said looked everywhere and then his father. Dog sighed as he realized the sweet scent was watched his father leave. After coming from the ground. They some time, Dog had an idea, noticed bits of mom’s delicious “What if I sneak into the forest to cookies that dog had been carrying find dad?” he wondered to himself. in his pockets when he left the “He won’t send me home alone and den. “They must have fallen out!” he will have to let me hunt with Dog said. “Well, if they hadn’t we’d him,” he thought with a smile. He be toast!” Wolf replied. They were tiptoed into the woods. But, what able to follow the trail all the way he didn’t know was that Wolf was to their home. Their mother and

48 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up father rushed to meet them. not a cursed cat. Unfortunately “We’re so glad you boys are okay!” something or someone changed his their mother said. “Well Ma, I attentive, tender ways to that of a definitely learned a lesson today,” monstrous fiend. Dog told her. I’ll always listen to It all started in Salem, you. Dog was punished but, he Massachusetts in 1692. There learned how important it is to obey existed a young teenage lad, and listen to your parents. Frederick Vanderbilt, who was an Nayeli Casas - 5th Grade amiable church-going and studious Mrs. Stephanie Estrada teen. One could always see him Dr. Sue Shook Elementary School helping his community and feeding 3rd Place the poor in the Bethany home. The only thing that young The Black Cat and the Frederick lacked was confidence. Witch To his dismay, he was very trusting There existed once an ebony cat and naïve and easily succumbed to that lurked around a lightless the beliefs of others instead of village looking to cause standing firm in his own beliefs. disturbances. The atrocious cat One harmonious Sunday afternoon, would slink and skulk around as he was leaving his church, he looking for vulnerable victims. As glanced at a bewitchingly beautiful it located its defenseless pawns, he maiden who had lustrous long would chaw and chomp them to black hair and was wearing a slick shreds just to tame his red feather. She coquettishly cannibalistic nature. For some smiled at him and they soon began unknown reason, this obscure a friendship. The villagers began village had a puzzling population of talking incessantly about them black cats. because they stood out from the This devious cat once had a good crowd. For the young lass, Katrina spirit, but then at that time he was perpetually wore long black

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 49 dresses no matter how scorching Katrina’s silhouette, until she the sun would beat down on the abruptly disappeared. As Frederick day. To add to her peculiar attire, a tried to focus in the dark to look for throng of black cats always Katrina, he saw three witches followed her about. Frederick also standing in from of him saying, changed his innocent appearance “Jojikiba, Jojikaba, Jojikaba,” much from one day to the next. He too to his chagrin meant kill! When began wearing only black attire the chanting stopped he saw a everywhere he went. The woman wearing a red cloak bewitching young Katrina was surrounded by the three witches. changing him day by day. She He was stupefied to see the real kept the once good young lad from Katrina, as the leader of the coven attending to his usual good deeds of witches. He realized he was in and about the church and at the there to be the victim of some kind Bethany home. Frederick fell so of wistful, woebegone spell. When deeply enamored with Katrina, but he tried to run and save his life the to the villagers it looked as if he doors hammered shut on him. were in a trance; for he never Expeditiously, he then begun to noticed her evil spirit or how he feel himself wane and weaken and was changing. turn into a black cat. The one thing the naïve Frederick Many a moon after the incident the noticed was the abundance of cats villagers could not find hide or hair always lurking about Katrina’s of Vanderbilt and then the abode. One blood moon night, townspeople too began to Katrina led him to an abandoned mysteriously drop out of sight. farm house where he began One eventide, an assemblage of hearing shrieking high pitched men that were investigating the sounds. All he could see in the disappearances, came across the murky shadows was a russet dim farm house and discovered the light inside the farmhouse and coven of witches. They

50 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up immediately scorched the barn obscure shape of a man was down with the witches hanging leaning against the railing on the from the lofts along with their corner ahead. As I got closer, I legion of cats. could make out a dark hoodie, a To this day while strolling through cap casting shadow over his face, this 1600’s Salem village one can and in his hand something swiftly hear the shrieking of women and reflecting the lights from a naked the bellowing of cats in the wind’s fluorescent bulb deserted on a whispers. nearby wall. I hesitated as I heard Alan Salas – 6th Grade the bus’ motor fade away, the Mrs. Rebecca Johnson noise from the traffic fading in the John Drugan School 1st Place gloomy, bleak night. I was alone. We were alone. I shivered, trying Underground to make myself even smaller I met him on the stairs. I was on behind my scarf and coat as I kept my way from the bus station to the going, feeling the grip around my main city square on the other side phone inside my right pocket; of the road. The raw air was biting down the stairwell, down into the my cheeks; I pulled my scarf deep quiet, almost brushing the farther up to my chin, burying my man’s shoulder as I passed by. I face in it while tensing my neck stopped breathing. Nothing. In the and shoulders, wanting to dim, wavering light, I could barely disappear in my winter coat. I discern the white tiles on the floor, quickened my pace towards the and the colorful spray-paint stairs leading down to the darker, covered the walls were now only but far less windy underground depicting traces, and weird passage. I wanted to get home and patterns. My breath appeared in into my warm bed as quickly as the air like smoky clouds in front of possible. By the first two steps, I me, disappearing in the air like realized I was being watched. An ghosts. There was still farther to

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 51 go, and I turned corners and Nicollete Brilliant – 6th Grade Miss Alyson Wiest passed broken light bulbs in a Ernesto Serna School hurry, like a lab rat in a maze 2nd Place below city grounds. The sound of my footsteps resonating in the The Bible tunnel only made me feel more I sit on a small table in the living alone. “CLACK!” I stopped short room. Dust piled on my cover, so and turned, eyes darting from wall much that you no longer can read to wall, but twinkling lights and the word “Bible” written across the bodiless shadows was the only top. The family that owns me sight that met me. A little angry hardly even glances at me, much with myself for being easily less opens me. All I am is a startled, I let my shoulders fall. decoration. I’m polished when “Keep it together, Emma.” I company arrives and constantly thought, it was probably noth- referred to. I struggle to remember Darn it!” my hand flew to my right the last time they opened me. It pocket only clutching the empty was when the girl was born. She’s space inside. My phone was gone. 13 now. Soon she’ll go to the Holy Squinting to see in the scarce light School. Hopefully she’ll open me, I bent down to look for it, but then but the odds are highly unlikely. I heard something else; muffled She’s walking through the house, footsteps. Not going fast or slow, tapping away on a small electronic but in an uneven pace of someone device. A “get off the phone”, I without aim or destination. I believe is what her mother called tensed to listen, and as on cue the it. “Girl,” I whisper, but she pays footsteps quickened, coming me no attention. I sit by myself closer, closer… Alarmed, I whirled watching her jumble her thumbs. around, heart pounding in terror. I The boy approaches. He stares at was too late. me, and then wipes my cover. “What is this?” he asks the girl. “I

52 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up don’t know! Go ask mom!” she just like their mother before them, grumbles, clearly annoyed. The they ignore me. What a shame! boy is 6; he started his first year of They will not learn from me either. school. Maybe he will open me. I decide to be quiet and observe “Boy.” I whisper. He runs to his the family. Later on, the boy and mother and never returns. Hours, girl return to the living room; they days, weeks, months, years, and speak harshly to each other. The decades pass. The children have girl leaves with her children, clearly grown up and moved out. The boy annoyed. The boy stays. His (now 26) and the girl (33) are too weeping often echoes through the busy with their own little lives to house. He mills around the open me. The children have never sanctuary constantly looking for learned from me, or from God. I some type of closure. He is 26 sigh; I’m filled with such love and now, maybe he will open me. “Boy” history! I deserve to be opened! I whisper. He turns to me and The holiest of people wrote me. starts to walk, slowly. He wipes the The parents now live alone, dust that covers me. “Bible,” he becoming older by the second. One says. lonely day they come home looking Kayla Saucedo – 6th Grade Ms. Alicia Garcia very depressed, crying and asking SSG. Manuel R. Puentes Middle God to help them. “Parents” I School 3rd Place whisper, but they continue to cry. The words “cancer” and “terminal” float around the house. A month later the children come, the girl with her own children. The boy and girl stay with their parents, constantly sobbing and hugging them, while the children run around. “Children” I whisper. But

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 53 Chihuaquequenotzin the Chile the frigid weather, because that (Yeah, I can’t pronounce it was what she cherished the most. either.) Every day the old woman broke up A long time ago, there was a chili ice from the well to water who defied the laws of spicy food Chihuaquequenotzin’s plant, and and became famous among every day she whispered softly to restaurant logos. His name was him, “You are a strong one. I can Chihuaquequenotzin, and this is his sense it. You will make it through story. this invierno aspero. I am sure of Chihuaquequenotzin’s life started it.” out as a seed in a terra cotta pot in With each passing day, the the garden of an old woman weather grew warmer, and sure somewhere in the heart of Mexico. enough, when the invierno aspero, His early days were spent watching or harsh winter, ended, the plant as the old woman weeded her on which Chihuaquequenotzin hung flower beds and watered her other was still alive and flourishing. plants. He was the only chili on the However, the old woman’s garden plant, but he was never lonely. He was completely and totally lifeless. couldn’t move, he definitely “Aye! Mi jardin! My garden!” she couldn’t talk, and even if he could, cried when she saw the damage. he wouldn’t. He was content to “What will I do now?! Que voy a listen and observe everything that hacer?!” was going on around him. No matter what the old woman One year there was an especially tried, she could not bring her harsh winter in the small village garden back to its prime. It had where the old woman lived. Her been her only source of food, as garden froze, the well near the she couldn’t afford to buy fruits edge of her village froze, but she and veggies at the town mercado, managed to save or market. And so, because there Chihuaquequenotzin’s plant from was no other alternative, the old

54 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up woman decided to sell “Why, yes, I am,” the old woman Chihuaquequenotzin for seven replied breathlessly. Finally her pesos at the mercado. luck had changed for the better! “Red chili plant for sale! Una planta “I will give you twenty pesos for de chile rojo para la venta!” she it,” the man said, pulling out a cried, standing next to the fountain leather coin pouch from his pocket. in the plaza. But nobody wanted to The old woman could hear the buy a red chili plant with only one money inside jingling and jangling, small chili on it. Nevertheless, the and her eyes shined as she handed old woman continued standing at over the terra cotta pot containing the fountain, hoping that Chihuaquequenotzin’s plant and somebody at the market would be received the gleaming coins in kind enough to purchase her plant. exchange. “Thank you, senor! But after two weeks, the old Muchas gracias!” the old woman woman had given up hope. stammered gratefully. Chihuaquequenotzin watched all However, Chihuaquequenotzin was this with great sympathy in his red far from happy. He had lived his chili heart and wished that he could entire life in the old woman’s somehow take away his poor garden; every morning he had owner’s grief. watched her water her prized And then, one day, when the old garden, weed her flower bed, and woman had pretty much given up tend to her plants with the loving trying to sell Chihuaquequenotzin, care that any mother would a young man dressed in the clothes provide for her children. How could of a rich man walked to the old he leave that? Panicking, he tried woman’s house, stopped at her to move, speak, give any sign that gate, and called to her, “Are you he would not allow himself to be still looking for someone to buy taken away from his home. All he your chile rojo?” succeeded in doing was making one of his dead leaves fall off.

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 55 The old woman must have sensed could see the smiling mustached his discomfort, because she face of the man looking down at reached out to her beloved plant him. “Welcome to Dallas, amigo,” and said softly, “Go with this man. he said, holding up I feel he will help you be great.” Chihuaquequenotzin’s pot so that Chihuaquequenotzin stopped he could see the city. struggling and listened. But how? Dios mio was the first thought that His little chili brain thought. How came into the red chili’s head. can I be great when I am nothing Dallas was huge, much bigger than but a mere chili on a lonely vine? the old woman’s garden, that’s for With great reluctance, sure. It was so large, in fact, that Chihuaquequenotzin gave up and Chihuaquequenotzin could not see let himself be carried away from where it ended. They were right the only home he had ever known next to a street filled with unusual and into a new world that he knew contraptions on wheels that moved absolutely nothing about. along at breakneck speed and Where am I? Chihuaquequenotzin made Chihuaquequenotzin’s head thought as the man placed his spin just watching them move, as plant in a strange container that let if the city was trying to get in absolutely no light and growled attention by being loud and loudly and shook underneath him. boisterous. So entranced was he He could feel himself being moved by the metropolis that he didn’t somewhere, and after about five or notice the man walking way with six hours the growling and shaking him in his arms until a door shut in came to a halt and the lid of the his face and blocked his view of the dark container was opened, city. revealing a smoky sky and a “Senor Levine,” the man holding constant roar that never relented him said. “I think I have found you and made Chihuaquequenotzin’s the inspiración you’ve been looking poor chili ears ache. Above him he for.”

56 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up In the room was a man at a desk. “Yes, a chili…this could be big, His skin was pale and his hair was Marco. Go call up my manager - gray, and his fingertips were no, my chief manager - no, my touching, indicating that he was supreme manager - no, call them deep in thought. His eyes were all!” Mr. Levine said closed, which reminded enthusiastically. Quickly, Marco set Chihuaquequenotzin of the times down Chihuaquequenotzin’s terra the old woman was thinking about cotta pot on the floor of Mr. something and needed her utmost Levine’s office and rushed out the concentration. “Are you sure, door. In his desk, Mr. Levine Marco?” he asked the man, his himself was hurrying about, eyes still closed. “I need something shuffling papers and muttering to brilliant, something awe-inspiring, himself, “Got to call something…” contractor…make The man called Mr. Levine had arrangements…four to six weeks…” opened his eyes, caught a glimpse On the office floor, of Chihuaquequenotzin and trailed Chihuaquequenotzin was on cloud off on his sentence. His eyes grew nine. So the old woman was right wider and wider until they were the after all, he thought jubilantly. I size of saucers, and he had a wide will be great. Chihuaquequenotzin grin on his face that was almost went on to become one of the most maniacal. famous insignias in the history of “Yes!” he said, jumping out of his sit-down restaurants. You might seat. “This is it! The new theme for not know him by the name of my restaurant! I say, Marco, what Chihuaquequenotzin, mainly do you call that wonderful plant?” because Mr. Levine thought that “Uh, it’s a chili plant, senor,” he simply Chili’s would be much easier said, surprised that his employer to pronounce, but even then the had become so animated. red chili has been a logo of this renowned restaurant for over

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 57 twenty years. Now, when people know that other people think she’s think chili, they don’t think spicy or different. painful-they think Chili’s. They I call down to her, asking if she think good food and a story of a wants a turn. She excitedly nods small red chili from a small garden her head yes, so I stop the swing in Mexico. They think and start pushing her instead. Her Chihuaquequenotzin. blonde hair flies everywhere as the Adriana Montoya - 7th Grade swing goes higher, and she Mrs. Maria Quintero impatiently pushes it behind her Montwood Middle School 1st Place ears. I can see the people begin to look away, and I sigh in relief. Imaginary Friend Clara’s mom stands up and walks We’re at the swings again. It’s over to us, “Time for us to go Clara’s seventh birthday, and her Clara,’’ she says. Clara stops the mom let us come to the park. Clara swing to look at me, and a silent is pushing me and I’m swinging my understanding passes between us. legs, laughing at her giggles. Out She knows how much I love the of the corner of my eye, I start to park, and knows that I don’t want see people with their heads turned to go. in our direction. They seem to be Clara turns back to face her mom. only looking at Clara, but that “Anna doesn’t want to go, so I doesn’t bug me. That’s how it don’t want to go either,” She says. always is. Her mom sighs lightly in What does bug me, though, is the frustration, and a look of expression on their faces. One annoyance crosses her face. “Well, word is clearly etched into their Anna is just going to have to deal features, and it’s directed to Clara; with it. We need to get you ready Freak. I can feel my blood begin to for school tomorrow. You’ve had boil, but for Clara’s sake I try to your fun Clara, but now play time ignore them. She doesn’t need to is over.” Despite what her mom

58 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up said, Clara still tries her best to get When her mom gets in the car, she us to stay. “But…Anna will be sad makes no move to apologize. if-‘’she’s cut off by her mom, who Instead, she puts the keys into the snaps at her angrily “Clarissa, ignition and begins to drive the when will you get it through your short distance home. I glance at head? Anna isn’t real.” Clara to see how she’s doing, and Clara stays silent as her mom’s find her staring out the window words hang in the air. I can see with sad eyes. My stomach knots her trying to look as if the up with sorrow at seeing her in statement didn’t faze her, but I pain. I want to cheer her up, and saw the quick flash of pain that being her best friend, I know crossed her features. It affected exactly how. me too, though. I hate when her “Want to have a tea party?” I ask mom says that. Hate it so much. I her. I’m looking straight forward always feel nauseous, and the urge but I can still see her reaction. A to throw up stays with me for the grin is fast to appear on her face, rest of the day, all because of the and I laugh as she hops up and ugly truth. I’m an imaginary friend, down on her seat, anxious to get a figment of Clara’s imagination. home and play. Her mom looks at Even though I feel sick, I try to Clara with a confused expression in comfort Clara in any way that I the rearview mirror, but instead of can. Gently, I place my hand on questioning it she simply shrugs her shoulder and lead her away her shoulders and turns back to towards the car. She looks at me the road, pressing a little harder on and gives me the smallest smile I the gas. have ever seen. I feel my heart When we finally get home, Clara shatter at her sadness. Clara is grabs my hand and drags me to such a sweet girl, but nobody her room so we can have the tea understands her. That’s why I’m party. Together, we start setting her only friend. up her small table with the tea set

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 59 she got for Christmas. As I get the away! Thank you so much.” There dolls and stuffed animals that will is a faint click and suddenly the serve as our guests, Clara grabs sound of footsteps gets louder as the secret stash of Oreos that she her mom walks towards the door has hidden under her bed. I place we’re leaning on. the toys neatly on their seats and Clara and I stumble back from the grab the tea pot that came with door quickly, trying to make it the set. I go downstairs to fill it up seem as if we were just passing with tea, and Clara follows. by, not eavesdropping. Clara’s About halfway to the kitchen, we mom opens the door and smiles at hear quiet murmuring coming from her, completely oblivious. “Clara!” behind one of the doors in the she says “I was just going to go hallway. Normally we’d continue find you. I have great news! I was walking, but this time we hear talking to Dr. Felix, and he told me Clara’s name, and that makes us if you want to get a real-life friend, stop. We quietly place our ears I should set up a playdate with against the door in an attempt to someone. I have a friend with a make out what her mom is saying. daughter your age who’s moving to “-worried about her,” we hear. your school, so tomorrow after “She doesn’t have any real life school we’ll pick her up and you friends, just this imaginary one two can come have a tea party or named Anna. She’s seven years something.” she finishes, trying to old, Doctor, and I don’t think that’s make the idea sound great. healthy. I don’t want her to grow Clara doesn’t even attempt to up without any real friends! Do you smile. She looks at her mom in have any advice about what I horror, completely against the should do?” There was a long idea. “But Mommy, none of the pause after this, but finally she other kids like me. She’ll think I’m starts talking again “That’s a weird, just like everyone else! brilliant idea! I’ll tell her right What if she doesn’t like tea

60 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up parties?” she asks, barely can stay away for a bit? I’m sure breathing between the sentences. she’d be fine with that.” Her mom smiles, clearly amused I’m not fine with that. I can see by her daughter’s behavior. “Don’t that neither is Clara, but she’s worry Clara,” she responds probably just worried about hurting soothingly. “Hardly any little girl my feelings. I don’t want to be the dislikes tea parties. This girl’s one to deprive her of a new friend name is Marinda, and I want you to though, so when she turns her be really nice to her, okay?” Clara head to ask if I’m okay with this nods in understanding, and her arrangement, I nod and give her mom turns to leave. “Wait!” Clara an encouraging smile. Clara grins says loudly, making her mom jump lightly, then turns back to her mom in surprise. “Can Anna come too, and says, “Okay. Anna says that please?” she asks innocently. I love that’s fine.” that she thought of including me. I Her mom sighs, clearly relieved know that Clara would never that her daughter agreed. “Great! replace me as her best friend, so I Go on to bed, Clara. You have a was completely for the idea of a long day tomorrow.” Clara gives new friend in the group. We can all her mom a kiss on the cheek and go to the park together! nods in agreement. We walk back Her mom sighs looking at Clara to her room, and on the way I with sadness. She bends down so notice that I’m gripping the tea pot that she’s eye to eye with her hard enough that my knuckles are daughter. “Clara, the whole point turning white. I quickly loosen of doing this is so that you get a them up, scolding myself. There’s real friend who can actually push no need to worry or be upset! you on a swing. Marinda might not Clara would never forget about enjoy the fact that Anna is there me; we’ve been through too much taking all of your attention. Just together. this once, can you ask Anna if she

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 61 Newly reassured, I step into the mean kids who make fun of you darker light of her room. I notice too!” I say, trying to grab onto this that our cookies still sit on the idea and keep it close. If Marinda table, uneaten and forgotten. Clara ends up wanting only Clara as a doesn’t seem to see them though, friend, not me, then the only good which surprises me. I thought she thing that can come out of this loves tea parties! “Do you want to situation is the fact that I won’t finish the party?” I ask her, sure have to be constantly worrying she’ll say yes. “Nah,” she about Clara when she’s at school. responds, which makes my eyes If she has a friend, the bullies widen in shock. “I have to go to won’t hurt her anymore, being that sleep now so that I can be ready the only reason they think she’s a for my new friend tomorrow! Isn’t freak is because she has an it exciting, Anna? I’ll finally have imaginary friend. Because of me. someone to play with at school!” Of course I never told Clara, she finishes, the happiness clear in though. I was always afraid that her eyes. My chest tightens and I she would decide to leave me if wince. I know she wouldn’t be she knew. saying this if she knew it bugged Clara’s eyes widen with joy and me, but I can’t help but feel as if eagerness at the possibility of the she’s going to replace me. Despite bullying ending. She hops into her my pep talk in the hallway, the bed as I lay on the floor in my knot of worry remains in my sleeping bag. “Goodnight Anna! stomach as I smile at her. “That Don’t let the bed bugs bite.” I grin sounds great!” I tell her, internally at her words. She always wincing at the lie. I’ve never lied to remembers to say that to me her before, and I feel terrible about before we go to bed. It’s kind of it. I try to add more to what I said, our thing “‘Night Clara,” I respond, something positive. “Maybe she’ll turning around to face the table be able to protect you from the where our party would have been.

62 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up It’s just my imagination, but the at work, the house is eerily silent, toys’ eyes seem to be filled with and floorboards creak as I climb sadness at being forgotten about. the stairs toward Clara’s room. I The next day when it’s time for look at the mess that greets me Clara to go to school, I make sure when I enter and sigh, dreading not to ruin her happy mood. She the inevitable cleaning session. wakes up early, skipping around “Might as well get it over with” I and giddy with excitement. After a grumble to myself, already few minutes of me running after cleaning up the uneaten Oreos and her, trying to keep up with her putting away the toys leftover from seven-year-old impatience, I our cancelled party. Despite my manage to calm her down enough worries concerning Marinda, I try to get her ready. I help her choose to make Clara’s room as nice as her best outfit, a pink dress with possible for her visit. I pick up sparkly silver shoes, and even do clothes and barrettes strewn across her hair! By the time the bus the floor, all the while with comes, she’s looking her best for questions running through my her new friend. Through the head. Has Clara met Marinda yet? window in the back of the bus, I Are they getting along? Is Marinda see her climb into her seat. She nice to her and stopping the always sits alone in the very back bullies? Is Marinda going to like of the bus, that way when it starts me, or is she going to ignore my to leave she can wave by to me presence like everyone else? through the window. She’s been When I’m finally done with the doing this ever since she started room, I look at the digital clock school at the age of five; another next to Clara’s bed and see that one of our little traditions. she should be getting home right By the time I get home ten about now. As if on cue, I hear the minutes later, the house is empty. front door open, letting in a flood With Clara at school and her mom of laughter. I glance at the mirror

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 63 hanging on the closet door and this is my best friend Anna. quickly smooth down my jet black Nobody can see her except me, hair. “Don’t worry” I whisper to and they say she’s “imaginary”, myself. I give a reassuring smile to but she’s real to me.” She finishes the girl in the mirror, and then trot confidently, no longer unsure about down the stairs to see everyone. At introducing us. the front door stands Clara, her I expect Marinda to look around mom, a young girl who I assume is with a confused face and ask Clara Marinda, and an older lady who what she’s talking about, but she must be her mother. They’re all ends up surprising me. Instead of smiling at a joke I must have questioning my existence and missed, and Clara hasn’t noticed making Clara feel like a freak, me yet. I take this opportunity to Marinda checks to see where observe Marinda, trying to see the Clara’s pointing, looks over in my type of person she was. direction, and smiles. “Hello Anna,” Uncontrollable curly brown hair she says cheerfully “It’s nice to frames the young girl’s tan face. meet you!” I stand still, gaping at Kind gray eyes look around the the girl. She didn’t look directly at house with wonder, as if she’s me, but she still acted as if I was curious about the world around really there. I glance over at Clara, her. She seems to be nice, but I whose mouth is open in won’t know until Clara introduces astonishment. “Y-you can see her us. At that moment, Clara turns to too?” she stammers out. “No, but look at me, as if sensing my that doesn’t matter. If she’s your presence. Her eyes still have the friend, then she can be mine too!” twinkle from smiling, but it slowly Marinda responds, smile still full. I fades the longer she looks at me. feel my mouth spread into a grin, She glances at Marinda and at that moment, I know that I uncertainly, and then speaks up, was worried for nothing. We’re all pointing in my direction. “Marinda, going to be great friends!

64 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up It takes a month for me to realize at a time. I smash the door open that I’m wrong. and as I’m hopping off the porch, I The weather has been bitterly cold fall on the freshly mowed grass, these past days, so all three of us groaning at the pain. I slowly pick have been forced to stay indoors. myself up off the floor and look at We’re fine with it though. We the driveway. It’s empty. always play in Clara’s room, and My first reaction is sadness. As I there is never a dull moment. stare at the car that’s quickly Today though, when I put my nose disappearing down the road, I feel on the window to look outside, I small tears prick the corners of my feel that it’s warm. I gasp in joy, eyes. My throat tightens, but I turning to tell Clara the great refuse to let the tears fall, so I news. Clara then proceeds to tell quickly blink them away. A second Marinda, and by the time news later, I realize that the lump in my gets around, we’re all smiling at throat is gone, replaced by a what this means “I’ll ask Mommy if burning sensation in my face. I she can take us to the park,” Clara clench my fists, nails digging into says excitedly. She and Marinda my palms in my attempt to control run out the door, chattering noisily the feeling coursing through every as they go. I’m just about to follow fiber of my being. My lips tighten when I realize that I don’t have and my eyes narrow, staring any shoes on. Impatiently, I shove daggers at the car as it turns my feet into the pair of bright pink around a corner and disappears Sketchers I got for Christmas, from sight. In that moment I fumbling with the laces. I start to realize what my second reaction is. hop down the stairs, but pause It’s an emotion that I never had when I hear the sound of an reason to feel until now. Jealousy. engine revving. My eyes widen in I storm into the house, slamming horror, and I quickly run down the the front door and making the rest of the stairs, taking them two framed pictures hanging on the

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 65 wall rattle. I walk over to one of and jealousy are gone from my the photos and see it’s the picture mind, replaced by something far Clara’s mom took of us on Clara’s worse; panic. first day of school. She was five, I turn and run up the stairs, nearly and I was next to her, unnoticed tripping over my feet in my hurry be the people around us. I came to get to Clara’s room. When I out in the picture with my arm finally get there, I stop in front of around Clara’s shoulder, but can the mirror, hanging on to the hope only be seen by myself and her, that I’ll be fine. I immediately see just like always. I’m just about to that I’m not okay, however, and hit the framed memory when horror runs through me. Every something catches my eye. single part of my body; the jet The picture isn’t as it used to be. black hair, the bright green eyes, Upon further examination, I notice the outfit I’m wearing, even my that the image of me seems sneakers, are see through. slightly faded. My brows furrow in Transparent enough that I can see confusion, and I move on to look at what is behind me, through my another framed photo, this one body. holding the memory of me and I collapse on the floor, my Clara at the zoo, looking at the trembling legs no longer able to lions. In this picture, I’m even support my weight. Terrified, I more faded than in the one before. scramble to the corner of the My heart hammering, I move on to room, where I won’t be seen by look at the last image on the wall, anybody that comes in. My the one of me and Clara at the breathing is getting heavier by the park. I almost choke when I see second, but I try to remain calm. I that I’m completely gone in this clasp my shaking hands together, one. I stumble back, grabbing onto trying to ignore the fact that I the handrail next to the stairs to know why this is happening. Trying steady myself. All feelings of anger to ignore the fact that my best

66 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up friend, my only true friend, was The smile is what makes me decide forgetting who I was. not to reveal myself. The smile is By the time the girls get home, I what makes the shaking in my know what I have to do. I’ll just hands stop, the trembling in my get Clara to play with me alone, legs to pause. It’s what makes the that way she’ll be sure to fear I have for my future remember that I’m her best friend, disappear. My eyes soften, and not Marinda. They skip into the surprisingly, I feel my mouth lift room, filling the air with their into my very own smile, filled with seven-year-old laughter. I prepare more sadness than Clara’s, but still myself to stand, gripping onto the a smile. In that moment, I realize nightstand for support. Right when that a simple lift of the corners of I’m about to stand to my full the mouth can symbolize so much. height, revealing that I’m there, Clara’s smile means that she is five simple yet powerful words cut finally happy without me. Her smile through the air, making me freeze. tells me that I have done my part. “You’re my best friend Clara!” I was her friend when no one else Marinda says, and I glance over to would accept her, but now she has see her hugging Clara tightly. My someone else to do that for her. jaw slackens and drops, and I The kids won’t bully her anymore, debate whether to stand and and people won’t glance at her confront them, or wait to see how with their judgmental faces. The Clara responds. I decide on the world can be cruel, but for the first latter, and crouch down lower to time, I know that my young, ensure that they don’t see me. kindhearted friend will be okay in Clara seems surprised at the other it. She has so much ahead of her, girl’s statement, but she only and I’m honored to have had the hesitates a second longer before privilege to start her on her hugging back, a wide smile on her journey. Her smile is that of face.

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 67 friendship, but it’s not directed at Kelly was angry about the me, and that okay. circumstances of her life. One I look at the two girls embracing moment her parents had kissed and lightly sigh, a sense of her goodnight, the next moment calmness washing over me. Thanks they were missing. The police said to the smile Marinda caused, I can her parents were killed in car leave in peace. I slump back accident by a drunk driver. No against the wall, and notice that other details were given, no arrests my vision is going white around the were made. The incident seemed edges. I look down at my body, very strange to Kelly. and through the white haze see the Kelly and her family lived in a small floor underneath me. I smile lightly town called Gracebury. It was an and close my eyes, letting my head odd town. Following the accident, lean back against the wall. everyone looked very suspicious. It “You’re my best friend too.” was like they were hiding Divinia Tarin – 7th Grade something. When she would walk Mrs. Diana Garcia down the street or around the Capt. Walter E. Clarke Middle School corner, all she would see and hear 2nd Place were people whispering. Furthermore, one night when she The House in Gracebury was walking by her old house, she Kelly isn’t your typical seventeen saw shadows and flashlights inside. year old girl. She didn’t have a She heard voices coming her mother or father waiting for her at direction and quickly ran away. home when school was over. Her She never understood why her parents died a week ago. Due to family had moved to this strange the fact that she was a minor and place anyway, and now she knew had no other family, she had to go she had to find out what really into foster care. happened to her parents.

68 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Since the accident she had been information about my parent’s living in a foster group home, but deaths. Officer Billy quickly today that would all change. Kelly answered, “It’s confidential, and if had turned eighteen; she was no that’s the only reason you’re here, longer under the state’s care. She I can show you the door!” was a free, independent person. Kelly was furious. She decided she The first thing she wanted to do needed to calm down. She went was find out more details behind back to her house, up to her room her parent’s deaths. She went and plopped down on her bed. back to their home for answers. She quickly started day dreaming; When Kelly arrived, she went to remembering all of her childhood her parent’s room. She scoured memories before her life through the drawers, closet, and completely changed. Family game under the bed, but the room was night in their basement; or when swept clean. That seemed very odd they played in the park on a hot to Kelly, because that was not how summer day; when her mom use she remembered it. to wake her up early in the She decided to go to the police morning with the smell of banana station to see if they could give her pancakes; her dad calling her his any more information about her little duckling. “Bam!” Kelly quickly parent’s death. When she entered was brought back to reality. She the police station, she could searched to see where the noise already feel the hostility in the air. came from. It sounded like it was A police officer named Officer Billy coming from the basement. walked up to her and asked, “What She turned on the light to the do you want.” She tried not to act basement and slowly started terrified and slowly pushed out the walking down the stairs. The light words,” Hello, my name’s Kelly flickering above her made her feel Cortez. I was wondering if you very uneasy. When she reached could provide me with some the bottom of the stairs she found

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 69 an old brown radio with static seen a ghost.” It was her mom noises coming from it. She started cooking breakfast. Kelly was moving the knobs trying to find a astonished. “Come sit down and good signal; she ended up on a eat, you have a big day ahead of channel which is completely silent, you.” This was impossible. She sat not a single sound. Then out of down at the table. Speechless she nowhere a loud terrifying voice sees the man behind the yells out,” I KNOW THE TRUTH OF newspaper grab an object from the WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR floor and slowly push it towards PARENTS KELLY!” Then, all she her. Kelly saw that it was the old heard was a loud static noise that radio from the basement. Fear wouldn’t stop. Kelly dropped the trickled down her body. Then the radio, running up to her room. Her man pulled down the newspaper heart was pounding with fear, her and asked, “What would you like to mind overflowing with crazy ideas. listen to my little duckling?” What was that, a demon, a ghost, Karen Espinoza - 7th Grade Ms. Shelly Barr a spirits? What could it have been? Salvador Sanchez Middle The room started spinning and School 3rd Place Kelly fainted. When Kelly woke up, it was the next morning. She recognized a familiar smell; banana pancakes. She quickly realized she wasn’t home alone. She made her way down stairs. Slowly and cautiously, she entered the kitchen. She saw a man reading a newspaper which covered his entire face. “What’s wrong pumpkin? You look like you’ve

70 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Arturo and Angelica “Idiot… I am not… I have an ‘A’ in As Arturo walked down the hall your class,” stammered Arturo. holding the small gentle hands of “You’ll have to take my ‘Test of his girlfriend, Angelica, she smiles Manliness and Knowledge’ young as her brown hair swishes back man!” he said while slamming a and forth. They walk out the doors book down on the desk. Arturo as light gleams in, but then the wondered as he looked around the ambience dies. room, which was full of cheesy “Angelica, what are you doing,” “Math is Every Where” and “Math is says a deep voice. Both their hands 2 Cool” posters. begin to sweat and they both “So?” crooned Mr. Cruces. release their grip. Arturo realizes it “Test of Manliness and Knowledge is his math teacher, Mr. Cruces… is a bad name, but I guess so…,” father of Angelica. yapped Arturo. “Nothing…” she responded with “Sit down. This is an oral test. First fear. question; what is an example of a “Go home. And you Arturo come relation?” questioned Mr. Cruces. here!” “Very manly,” mumbled Arturo. Arturo’s legs went wobbly as he “Is that sarcasm?” boomed Mr. walked into the classroom dungeon Cruces. of Mr. Cruces. With anger Mr. “Uh, no!” squealed Arturo. Cruces glared at him as he held “Then answer!” demanded Mr. open the door. “Dating my Cruces. princess, eh?” Arturo only “Okay, a relation is what me and managed to choke out the words, your daughter are in.” answered “Ye-s, Mr.” Mr. Cruces then said, Arturo. “You seem behaved and kind but I “Wrong! The correct answer is ‘any do not want my daughter dating an set of ordered pairs’. You two are idiot!” not a set or an ordered pair,” fumed Mr. Cruces. “Next question;

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 71 is slope the same as rate of “Thank you mister!” he yelled as change?” He asked impatiently. he hugged the teacher. “I… I… I… no, no, no, um I mean, “No hugs!” Mr. Cruces said as he ‘FALSE’! Wait a minute, these are started gasping for air. the same questions that are on our Arturo skipped down the hall, full homework!” argued Arturo. of joy, as he ran out the door in “Wrong… and right! That is true, search of his positive integer, but this is your homework,” he said otherwise known an Angelica. straightforwardly. “You fail Caesar Petrie – 8th Grade Mrs. Luz Abeyta miserably. Two questions, two Sun Ridge Middle School wrong answers. I don’t believe you 1st Place and Angelica make an equivalent couple.” He said in anguish. The Geheimnis (Secret) “Mr. Cruces, I’ll still get your The December air bit harshly at my daughter. I am always studying. uncovered face and hands, turning Angelica and I, when we are them a deep, angry shade of together, all she wants to do is scarlet. My mother had a firm grip study. She’s my positive and she around my shoulders and was teaches me not to be negative. I’m constantly searching around her, her fraction and she’s my decimal. for what, I didn’t know. We are like vertical and horizontal “Mummy, where are we going?” I sir, and that’s a good thing. She’s found myself asking but she didn’t good for me and I need that kind answer, instead, grew more of devotion. I will not give up…” impossibly silent. spluttered Arturo. “Patience, Alumna.” She whispered “All right, all right, all right! My oh solemnly, adjusting the strap of my! I think this relationship could the knapsack full of bundled be a positive thing. I believe I clothes and food on her shoulder. approve of this union.” Approved Finally, we arrived at a dark house Mr. Cruces. a few blocks away from the

72 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Dentist’s office, my mother shaking her head, curls swishing ushering me inside and closing the softly across her ashen face. door behind us, cutting off the “No, Franek, we are fine. We ate freezing onslaught of the frigid just before we left, yes Alumna?” wind. I sighed softly at the Both adults turned to look at me warmth that enveloped my mother and I quickly nodded, not wanting and I, following her deeper into the to anger my mother. The man, dark house, through a hallway, Franek, frowned slightly but then finally to a small, ornate shelf nodded his head anyway, pulling near the back door. She knocked, us inside the sweet smelling room once, twice, before slapping her before sliding the case back into its palm three times on the wood, place. keeping a grip on my upper arm as I stared, confused at the wall for a if I was going to run. while longer before shaking my I jumped when the case slid open head and following my mum to reveal a tall, gruff looking man further into the room, taking in my with a smile brighter than the sun, dimly lit surroundings. Franek chocolate brown eyes watching us turned at the last corner and from the small room he had opened a wooden door, leading us revealed. into a room where another man “Ruth, Alumna, thank the Lord and a woman were sitting, the both you’re finally here. Come, come of them looking up and smiling inside and have some soup.” The warmly, though their expressions man said, deep voice sweeter than were still tinged with sadness. honey. I was about to exclaim “Ruth, dear, how nice it is to see about the gnawing hunger eating you, sit, sit, you too Alumna.” The at my stomach, but my mother woman said, gesturing to the two placed a rough pinch to the skin of empty chairs nearest the door. my arm, smiling politely and I gratefully took a seat, but my mother simply stood behind me,

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 73 warm hands resting lightly on my see better and studied the dog, my shoulders. eyes tracing over the details. “This is Ruth, and Abe. They are “Shepherd.” I answered as I your father’s cousins.” My mother passed it back, content with the whispered, pointing to the man and decision I made and grinning when woman who nodded in greeting. I Franek whooped triumphantly. waved shyly before looking away “See, Abe, what did I tell you!” and turning my attention to my Later that night, as I lay in bed, I knees, picking at the loose thread thought over the events that had on the dress I was wearing. made this day, fingers curled “What are your thoughts, Alumna?” around a doll barely bigger than Someone asked and I looked up, my thumb. Mother breathed softly startled that the conversation had beside me and occasionally her been turned to me and hand would stretch out until it immediately looking for my touched the hem of my nightdress, mother. clutching it for a few seconds She just smiled and waved me on. before letting go and resting back “I, um, what are my thoughts on at her side. what?” I nearly whispered, cheeks I sat up after a few more seconds were burning crimson. Franek of listening to her breathe and chuckled and passed me a tin of carefully crawled out of our shared cookies from where he was sitting, bed, feet padding softly against the pointing to the small picture of a floor as I made my way out of the dog on the front. room, pausing when I heard voices “Do you think that this is a in the kitchen and stopping to shepherd, or a terrier?” he asked, listen. scarred and calloused fingers “The army is getting closer with running over the drawing. I pulled each passing day Franek. We are the tin closer to my face so I could going to have to start becoming more cautious with the things we

74 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up do and people we talk to.” I heard made it that way, it was the war. Abe whisper furiously, voice laced It was all we ever heard on the with fear despite the strong edge it radio, or from the people who had to it. I heard someone let out came to bring us our needs. It was a deep sigh before the thump of a like everyone had lost the ability to hand hitting the table, the room see the good and forget about the stilling. fighting that was going on; no one “We tell Alumna and Ruth nothing knew how to speak about anything of this. If they found out, they else anymore. would worry and possibly leave. I My mum grew exhausted with the don’t want anything to happen to talk. Whenever someone would my niece and her daughter.” start, she’d get up from wherever Franek’s voice was rough with she was sitting and leave. emotion; feeling like it was Sometimes taking me along, other physically grating at my skin and times leaving me with Franek. He emotionally scratching my heart. would ignore the person or shoo I had never in my entire thirteen them out of the room the minute years of existence, heard a man my mother left, obviously just as speak with so much compassion annoyed as she was and not before. It was new to me. Not wanting to tolerate it. I usually even my father had ever sounded just sat and watched with wide like that. Never to me, my eyes, curious as to what was going mother, his mother. Franek was a on but not wanting to say anything new being in my mind; someone to out loud. I don’t think my uncle or be worshipped and loved. From my mother would appreciate it. that day on, my great uncle held a I remember this one particular special place in my heart. time, right after I had turned The two years I spent hiding in the fourteen, when I experienced my secret room were tense. It wasn’t first bombing. We had been sitting necessarily our roommates who in the dining room talking about

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 75 anything and everything, when millennia of hiding. Whenever I suddenly there was a loud roar would start to feel down and would followed by the whole house dip under the overwhelming feeling shaking and quivering like a of depression, I would ask Abe to terrified dog, nearly throwing me play for me and I would sit, and out of my chair. Ruth had listen to the sweet melody of his screamed, Abe had grown pale, violin, closing my eyes and and I just froze. The only thing swaying in my spot on the floor, that got me moving was my mum letting the music wash over my tugging on my arm and pulling me body and take me on an adventure under the table along with the rest, so I could escape the horror of my the only one remaining Franek. life. I knew it wasn’t as bad as the There was no more space for him people in the camps, but at least under the table so he just sat down they got to be outside and breathe next to my mother and shielded the fresh air. All I had was a crack her as best as he could, arms in the wall. And I know I sounded wrapped tight around her body. so selfish and inconsiderate and The house shook and the bombs they were going through so much roared before they crashed to the worse than I was, but I missed the ground, a tidal wave of noise and feeling of the sun on my eyelids, sound and fear, terror crashing into the feel of the rain on my skin, the my body with each relentless feel of the wind shifting through wave. It was over in a matter of my hair. I missed everything about hours, but every time I recalled the outside world. that memory, I couldn’t help but By the time I was turning fifteen, I shudder. Even though it wasn’t was so pale you could see the that long, the memory of it lasted veins in my arms, neck and me a lifetime. eyelids. Every time I saw myself in Music was one thing that helped a mirror I wanted to scream. I me through what seemed that didn’t look like myself anymore. I

76 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up looked like a total stranger. My Fairy Tail mother tried to reassure me that I It’s the second day of the games. was still beautiful but it was hard Well, at least, when this took to believe her. It was hard to place. Do you remember when we believe there was any good left in decided that we should enter the our world. games? Everyone was so happy It was now 1945 and I was with high spirits to claim back our sixteen, I hadn’t seen real daylight title of being number one. It was in nearly four years. They our chance to redeem ourselves announced the war was over on and the guild, to pay back our the radio, and the first thing my friends who we had left behind. I mum did was grab our coats, then wonder, did you ever think that my hand, before pulling me outside this would happen? This world of and into the sun, laughing and chaos, this world full of death and spinning under the rays of warmth, despair would be an outcome. I our hearts about ready to burst hate this world that I now live in, with joy. The fact that it was all but I don’t want to tell you about over, and we had nothing to hide this world. I wish to remind you of from anymore, was euphoric. the world that wasn’t filled with Of course, I always remembered pain and agony. The world that you those who had died in the camps, lived in, the world that you left or in hiding. I remembered. I will behind. always remember. She had risen up to the challenge. th Madison Parker – 8 Grade The penalty of losing wasn’t great, Mrs. Lorena Chapman Jane A. Hambric School in fact, there were no nd 2 Place consequences besides a loss of points. She knew what those points meant to us though. They were hope. Our hope. Everyone thought that we were a joke, that we had

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 77 no chance. We were considered no passion for the guild. She had more than entertaining, an act to made it her mission to win. To risk humor the audience. No one, other her very life, for the sake of a than our own guild, cheered for us. measly ten points. Don’t you think Herself versus one hundred it’s funny, Lucy? We were all willing monsters. That was her challenge. to make sacrifices in order to win. Do you remember? The monsters The future of our guild was that were created by the game depending on victory. In the end, makers? They looked so real that it whether we won or lost, meant was frightening. Their enormous nothing. How could we have bodies towered over her, making foreseen this outcome? her look like a mere twig on the The challenge had commenced. ground in their presence. There Beasts of different shapes and was no way that she would come sizes entered the scene. All of out on top. It was a one-sided them having an incredible amount battle, or so the crowd thought. We of strength. There were five marks had faith in her, faith that she of deadliness among the fierce would pull through somehow. She creatures. These were D, C, B, A was Erza, the strongest female and S. D being the least difficult to wizard, after all. take down and S being an She stood in the middle of the impassible wall. Equipped with her main room in the castle. The castle variety of battle armor, she that was made specifically for this charged into battle. At this point, event. It stood proud in the arena, all that was left was to wait. Wait an evil aura was radiating off the and see who would be crowned the uninviting exterior. No matter how victor of this treacherous battle. intimidating her surroundings One by one, the monsters dropped. were, she stood fully composed. They lay motionless on the ground, Filled with determination, fire in defeated. Their great numbers her eyes fueled by love and were rapidly decreasing within the

78 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up short amount of time since the The battle had become difficult. start of battle. She fought skillfully, Fatigue had taken its toll on her. It not wasting any attacks. was becoming only more and more Everything that she did had a difficult to take down the beasts. purpose. Her tactics were to The scene looked as if the benefit her each and every time, monsters had finally gotten the ensuring that the outcome would upper-hand. She was not ready to be in her favor. D and C Class give up and roll over. Her goal was beasts were the first to go as they still clear to her. We became more could not withstand the ferocity of worried as she struggled to keep her blows and swings of sword. going on, yet the creatures kept Though her determination to win coming. When the last B Class was was obvious, we knew that she rendered unable to continue, all was yet to begin fighting seriously. that remained were five A Class As this played out, every single and the one S Class. She had come spectator was in awe. Disbelief so far, but it would be a miracle if could be read in their eyes and she could hold out to defeat the facial expressions. What had monsters that stood before her. seemed like a crazy suicide She was weak, tired; it took a mission, now seemed more great amount of her stamina and practical and possible as she strength to lift her sword. It fought. The tables were turning seemed that the safe bet was to and in the favor of our guild. Our bet on her loss. She was on her guild, Fairy Tail, had a reputation knees, quivering from the waves of for making the impossible to seem pain that moved through her every possible. I miss it, Lucy. I miss the muscle. Scrapes, cuts and bruises guild. Fairy Tail was our home. Our covered her body and her armor friends. Our family. Why did you was cloaked in layers of dirt and have to leave me here? blood. The emotions of our guild were stirring at the sight of her.

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 79 The Great Erza was to be done in force leaving a sensation of by these artificial creatures created numbness on the crowd. The for the amusement of others. Or so beasts roared at a volume that left we thought. your ears ringing, they threw their The arena was silent. The beasts razor claws at her with the full stood waiting for her to strike first, intent of drawing blood. She was taunting her with their patience. surrounded by them, closed in with The crowd all held mixed emotions, no escape. The two powers had waiting and anticipating what were clashed. An ear-piercing screech to happen next. One thing that was came from both sides along with a common knowledge was the fact large crashing sound as a blinding that the battle was to come to an cloud of dirt was kicked up by a end after this. This last attack raging wind. The arena was not would end the fight. The air was visible and the crowd strained to filled with a choking amount of see who stood standing. suspense. The rapidly swirling dirt had died She slowly rose to her feet. Her down after a minute or two. All body shaking violently as she that time, everything went silent as glowered at her opponents. Her the spectators held their breath, sword was grasped tightly between anxious to see the outcome of the her hands, ready to attack. battle. The once intimidating, large Then….CHARGE! The two sides castle was demolished and lay as raced toward each other with full rubble across the arena grounds. force. Monsters ready to kill and a Located in the mess, was the woman filled with a burning anger. awaited result of the battle. Tears It happened in a flash. She leaped had filled the eyes of many. That as she swung her sword back with day, a fairy that should’ve fallen an indescribable amount of and crashed, had spread its wings strength. As she swung her blade and flew. There, in the middle of forward, the air trembled with its the arena, stood a scarlet haired

80 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up woman. She stood tall as she held His breath is steady and slow like a up her sword in the sky, claiming sloth. The robe he wears, an ugly her victory. At her feet, lay six color of eggshell, is worn out with lifeless beasts. She had won, and holes at the end. those deeply desired ten points In his hand was a pen the color of were acquired as they roared with gold that shone like the silverware cheers. She had given us the hope in an uptight, fancy restaurant. On that we needed. We were so his desk was a stack of paper so happy, Lucy, and after that the thick it could reach the sky. He was tables had turned entirely for the near the end of finishing his story-- remainder of the games. This is the he had worked decades on it but story of the Queen of the Fairies, could never find the perfect plot Titania. This is Fairy Tail. until now. His hands shake as he Now look where we are now, what slowly writes each word with happened Lucy? passion and grace. He wheezes Brianna Portillo – 8th Grade and coughs every time he exhales. Mrs. Kyia Whiteman His hand starts to cramp as he Cpt. Walter E. Clarke Middle School grips tighter onto his pen. The 3rd Place excitement flows through him like a steady, calm river. He was Gone by the Night almost finished with the story that Light danced around the room as it was sure to blow minds away. luminated the pitch black corners He wipes his forehead as the sweat of the space. The candle’s wax trickled down to his cheek. He drips down as it dries to a stop, could feel the heat from the bright and the red hot flames spark on fire. Looking out the window, he the wick as it shortens. There, at a stared at the snowflakes that desk was a man of old age, his skin twirled and spun as they slowly fell as pale as the snow outside and to the white blanket-covered more wrinkled than seal’s blubber. ground. The moon shone across

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 81 the sky as the stars twinkled and food that could fit besides what danced in delight. He examined the was already inside his bag, and room and stopped at a small, faded attire. He tried to weave the and chipped, wooden rocking chair. broken zipper shut with a shoelace He still remembered when she on the latches of the sides, since would sit there day and night we had to protect all we had, yet keeping him company. It was both of us knowing that it was not something she could no longer do. enough… He continued to write. Only one “They said we were safe here. They more single sentence and he would said we would be fine by ourselves. be done! He loosened his grip on They insisted that we were going the pen when the coughing came to be fine”, my brother kept back. Not a moment too soon, shouting with gasps in-between his papers were scattered across the words, as he struggled to gather floor and a mark of the pen skid everything that we needed. His along the single sheet that lay on shoulders vividly bounced, holding the desk. It was silent as the man back his panic, and his gritted lay frozen stiff. A bright light shone teeth showed, revealing his fear. from above; for he was at last The room was dark, and with a reunited with his angel of beauty. little trace of light from a deep Amber Molix – 9th Grade pothole on the wall, we had to Ms. Andrea Webb figure out what was in front of us. I Eastlake High School 1st Place was so sleepy, and at the time, all that was on my mind was to sleep. Okinawa in Five I could still hear the clatter and “You just don’t get it, do you?” clang from the cans in the I could hear the slam of the backpack, still afraid that the backpack, as my brother forcefully zombies would hear us from behind shoved the natto boxes into my the walls. What used to be a sweater pockets. That was all the comfortable room now became

82 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up part of the battlegrounds, like weren’t prepared for these every other refuge in Japan. We monsters to travel through water, were no longer safe, and as it was nor did we realize that they could just my big brother and I, the chill travel so fast. Japan was falling, of the torment came closer as the and like the very blossoms that fell end of the night was near. in the spring, it was falling in red. “Hiro, how do we get out?” I In blood. whispered lightly. Now, the tatami I was able to notice the shielded mat felt colder from the night. I light behind the pothole now. It didn’t bother to help him, but it was only a matter of time before seemed like he was going crazy the sirens would cease, and the now, for his hair followed his harsh moaning of whoever was out there movement as he tried to find his would creak out of the distance. way out of the room. It was matted Hiro could sense it too, as he no with tangles and no longer sleek as longer pondered our next moves; the dark complexion of dirt and probably thinking that we had grind fell over way from the already trapped ourselves to dig ceilings. He was still wearing the our own grave. Now his voice was same school uniform from Friday; getting raspy, from all the the last day he saw his friends the shouting, and the screaming of not way they used to be. It was knowing what to do. His head strange how he even staggered shook harder, and as he finally that first day, after running home; gathered the last bit of the realizing nothing was going to be material we needed, he turned to alright. Nothing was alright. me once more. Constantly holding back the tears, “C’mon kid.” every gasp in his breath became He gestured me to give him my harsher and bolder. It was obvious hand, but when I reeled back from that we were no longer the safest his frightening grip, he growled people on the globe now. We under his breath and forced his

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 83 way through the door. By that that weeds poked out of, and after time, I was already off the mat, the faint sound of sirens….there and feeling the sensation of shock was something waiting for me. For in my chest while I watched him us; ready to pull us into their fate storm off into the darkness, I felt as they were taken…. as they were the urge that had to walk too. It caught….In the hands of the seemed that the end was all that undead, decaying in the bacteria was in his mind….so, if he had to that roamed their very flesh, and find it….then so did I. behind the blood stained masks “Keep up.” My brother turned from that eroded their mouths and his boney neck, with his hair eerily yellow teeth, I was bound to be. covering his once so lively eyes. I Written with my name in blood, just nodded, and he growled again, and the mourning of what they before pulling his head back, and may take from me. storming into the hall as the bulky Right away, my brother shielded backpack he carried bounced off the door in front of me, and pulling the narrow walls. me back from the dirty sleeve of It wasn’t until a short while that we my sweater, he held me close. The had finally reached what was once warmest I had felt so far, but the the entrance of our home. I was most frightened did he catch me. able to peer slightly outside, with “Shhhh…” I could feel his shaking the quivering sight of the walking hand cover my mouth, as my eyes bodies that hummed a sad song. widened, getting ready to scream. The walls of the neighborhood were Now I was looking around, like the now engulfed in the mist of the very ghost hidden in my soul. His morning, and the deadly sound of sleeves brushed against my hair, cries in the streets. while he reached to hold me a little Right away I could see, passed the longer, and silence me from the borders of the homes, and passed cries of the people outside; as well the trees….Down the cement stairs as his own hidden tears.

84 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up I felt the moisture of his first and Therefore, right after that, he let final tear pull me down, landing on me go, and stood up to the door. my head as we both collapsed to After a long pause, we both took in the floor for a moment. A nervous a deep breath, and as he opened laugh taunted our security now, as the entrance door, welcoming the he rasped, “It’s just us now Maki.” painful sounds of the outside, he At the moment, the wind was pulled forward, only to return to a grating the door that blocked us hoarse voice when he replied, from outside, leading the way to “Fine.” our demise. The genken, which We marched on until reaching the lead into our “home”, meant Kawasaki Family house, which was nothing anymore. We just had to the pin point house to my home, collect ourselves before leaving. and the corner of the way to the Forever. Far from the gray and main street. We were only up the isolated house, where the black tea road by the street, which was not will be forever set on the table and even two miles far from our home. left to cool…where the melancholy The chilling sound of what they of sunset will only exist in time…. called zombies was slowly and and where the bottle will forever agonizingly rising. Barely past the remain empty. Like if the atrolineare maple tree, there was hospitality was just a dream, even the dust that rose under their before the abandoned act, and the feet, while they traced the paths of wilting of our world. the living… ready to discover their “Makoto”, I responded; hinting that next meal. My brother was leading I no longer wanted my big brother us past the neighborhood now, to call me by my nickname. It just where the houses used to stand so wasn’t the same kind voice that beautifully, and where we used to used to call me as so, and I didn’t walk to school. Down the same want to accept the other. path that I once knew as a friendly place and a liable area of great

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 85 memories before the war the morning to get to our schools. happened. Down the path we ran, feeling the I was continuing to pace ahead of rush since we were in plain sight, my brother, who was still holding like the pigeons that used to land my hand down the way. No matter in front of the cars in the streets. how many times I insisted on It finally had become a full three shaking him off to let go, it seemed quarters to our destination, and as if his grip was increasingly luckily, there were no zombies that tighter and tighter. I was about to had invaded this side of Okinawa tell him to release my arm, until he yet. The land suddenly became abruptly asked, “Which way do you quiet, and all the appearing take the subway to school refugees, whom had survived so Makoto?" In an instant, I far, were struck with as much responded vaguely, pointing my surprise that I was were walking finger to the left, right where the the ribbon road. “Stop dragging zombies were making their your feet, kid. You’re making us entrance. “Ummmm… that way….” slow”, my brother whispered Infuriated, Hiro stomped his foot, harshly, as I could finally feel my grabbed my hand again, and feet blister. We had walked so far, marched away from the crowd. I and like everyone else, the life was was still so tired, but we started to sucked right out of us. Now, the run now too, since the scent of crowd seemed as determined, yet their rotting flesh became stronger emotionless as my brother, some and stronger. Now we were on our determined to escape Japan, but way around the main street, and others willing to take whatever fate towards the next nearest station. I came next. The skies seemed to didn’t know where that was chase our solemn souls like if this exactly, but I still remember that was all our blame to cause the rain where we were was where my to poor. Every individual could hear brother and I would part ways in the aching cries of their friends,

86 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up and family becoming one of those were separated from their creatures, not too far away. Now, mothers, and hauled into another we all knew that the silence of our station like cattle. That moment, I distance had finally become the held onto Hiro’s sleeve a little vital key to our own survival. tighter; taking me away from him, ”I wanna stop now”, I insisted to no matter how bad he seemed was my brother as he continued to drag not an option. We were more me along to the subway path. towards the entrance when these Obviously, he lacked the response men with uniforms, and white I expected, but then lifted me, and satchels tapped my brother’s trying to hold me with the crushed shoulder, saying nothing about me, supplies from my jacket pockets, but still insisting we head a certain he just sighed, “Me too, Maki.” direction with their gestures. Nothing was left to say, but now Their faint smiles passed me by, that the sky had become gray and with a hidden, sad pale expression finally, the last of the Okinawa in their eyes. Now, the subways people had gathered. All the were crowded, and the conductors officers that tracked the subway were holding signs saying “In Five progress had suddenly appeared, Minutes”, “In Five Minutes”, “In and so did their hesitating minds to Five Minutes” all around the run back outside. We were heading sidewalks and by the doors. The inside the station, underground, pang of my heart became present but they went the opposite once more as I could hear the direction, fully knowing that every stomping feet from the people afar life that counted on them had to from the trains, and the sudden survive at all costs. I kept a gaze cries of those being swooped above on the people, as the officers ground. It didn’t take so long as to pointed to the subways, and telling find out that they finally caught up. every person where to go. For the These zombies tracked us down sake of the survivors, children like demons in the night. Despite

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 87 the rain hiding our tracks, the That he would be forbidden to zombies had gotten far enough to come back. land that they found us. After seeing him return outside, Underground, we could now hear my brother still holding onto me, the denting of the light poles above turned and for a short moment, us, and the crackle of the street bowed fully for gratitude, until he pavement as it was being ripped was ready to run to the station apart. Now these monsters were again. Although it was a traditional trying to find us, and while my manner to thank for a deep brother still held onto me as he dedication from the officer, it ran, I could hear the gape of the amazed me that Hiro decided to walls, and I could feel the pull the time to do so. Despite his crumbling pieces of the ceiling mentality of the situation and above head. Still, no one despite the rushing crowds of the screamed to save us underneath, refugees fighting for a spot on the and by now there were no more subway; Hiro knew that if the children here. The cries and officer couldn’t come back, then moaning of the distance became that man should know that stronger, and I was able to look someone knew why the refugees into the hearts of every person themselves could. there. An officer passed by, Now the area became suffocating, shoving my brother back to the and every gasp of air counted since subway, but turning just enough to the people were crowded in more meet my gaze. The look we than during rush hour. Now, Hiro crossed in each other’s eyes shared just couldn’t put me on my feet a pain, and now we both could feel again, or one of us would be lost… each other’s fear, but knowing that like the people from all around the one with the uniform would Okinawa, Japan… just lost. At a have to stay outside of the station. push at the crowd, Hiro was ready to board, and since I was still in his

88 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up arms, we could both go in As they witnessed the murder from together… the cart. Once we were shoved inside, the This was it, and the wailing of the sign that the conductors held, “In gears above us arose, as the Five Minutes” were finally taken sparks from the electricity trapped down. In the chaotic rush of us all in… Their jaws opened wide everyone else, the cease of an from outside, as they hung onto entrance was taking place. Now, the subway, fighting the rails and the passengers were ready to the sparks. Unlike the actual leave, slamming each other in people, they were ready to come further and further until the doors in, bearing their disease infested on the other side were slightly jaws, and gripping onto whoever unfolding from force. Hiro, tried to was nearest to the doors. Never fight the wave of people, as he was were we told that we would start determined to stand his place, moving, because, by the time we gritting his teeth again and were barely boarding, the time was shouting something that was too too late. hard to hear. My sight was muffled …Whispers passed through the from the people in front of me, wind now… until suddenly, when the train was It was not until the cart had finally ready to take off, something flipped over that the doors opened. happened. All the injured were the only At the rattle of the surface, a lot of survivors now, including my big people flipped forward, falling out brother and me. Now, I was of the freshly moving cart, and crashed at the window, and I could slipping underneath the rails. All of feel the impaling of the glass under the refugees could not hold it in my rib. I could feel the choking any longer, as they started to silence of my blood… of the fire scream, watching the hands slide that trapped me in… still in the from the outside of the windows. grasp of the treachery, as the dusk

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 89 of the scene vanished slowly in the felt that I had finally collapsed, I distance. The burning of the fire felt the hard floor, rumble under and the smell of the smoke clouded my fingers, and shift in my hands. my mind, stinging my eyes, and The darkness; all a blur. The cry of having me choke on every breath. the people, slowly fading, as I was The ashes, riding with the wind watching, already broken within, flowed beyond, lightly landing to remaining only to count the rest on my gray and matted hair. I minutes. How slowly they passed. felt to slow, as it seemed that I As I noticed the bleak land try to was solely baking with the burning survive, and the rapid flames that heat. The scene was so cold, but never let it go. the withstanding torridity was The scene all faded as I tried to something I just had to stand. make it, as I fought inside. My Without my brother there for me, eyes, they were so sad and empty. the break of the lit sparks above I gazed upon the lights, as the soft was a frightening sight that I could sound of a voice tried to reach me. take no more of. As it held on. But I didn’t. My eyes The wind dashed through the were already able to see right scene, but the gray smog kept through. hovering over, with no water, but My world was fading, but I was something contained to just kill me too. The last thing I can recall slower. I watched the plethora of clearly was my brother… when he smoke come closer, as I felt the yanked my jacket off of me, and numbness run through my veins, stared into my dying eyes. as it shocked me, telling me to There was no tear drop, there was sleep. Sleep. I was already dead, no blood. All I witnessed was the but my body said otherwise. My sight of the undead feast on the strength slowly and agonizingly corpses around, and my brother drained, leaving me to weary too ready to take a final chance to cry…too weary to breath. When I escape as I read his lips that said,

90 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up “Sorry kid, but I have a life to fend was very sick, so I had to go with for too.” Right there, I thought him since my mom had worked a maybe now, taking my final late shift the night before. “Hurry breath, I could finally sleep. up Sam! You know the traffic is Sleep. going to get really bad!” He called Deanna Sianez– 9th Grade from the door. I quickly put on my Mr. Aarron Goullete jacket and shoved my Cinderella El Dorado 9th Grade Academy 2nd Place coloring book into my little backpack I carried. We headed Thirteen Years Ago straight downstairs from our If only I could go back to the day apartment building, and into the my life changed. I think of what cab. happened and it haunts me Traffic was as bad as usual, extremely. I remember it like it nothing new. We had to be there at was yesterday. Why did this occur? 7:30. It was 7:27 and dad was What exactly went wrong? The yelling at the taxi driver as usual, curiosity killed me. Over these past nothing new; from a distance I few years I learned that it’s easier could see the immense towers. By to try to overcome it and move on. the time we got there it was 8:16 You’re taught to go on and forget, and my dad was practically but without the past you wouldn’t sprinting towards the building’s be where you stand today. It isn’t doors, but I wasn’t. I always took easy getting over something that my time admiring the way changes your own and thousands everyone always rushed to get of other people’s lives. some coffee, to haul a cab, to get It was a normal Tuesday morning. to work. I was always the only one My dad had just woken me up, not standing still. The World Trade to go to school, but to come to Center was the busiest building in work with him. I had missed school all of New York City, the largest the day before as well because I too.

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 91 My dad didn’t mind me staying forehead lightly. Nancy downstairs. I knew my way up and immediately took my hand and around the edifice. He was on the rushed me down all 99 floors. 100th floor in the north tower. It “Nancy there’s a hotdog stand that was normal going to work with my my dad really likes around the dad. His co-workers knew me well corner.” I said looking up at her. and I was allowed to do anything I “Alright, lead the way.” She said wanted without disturbing anyone. with a smile. Usually, I would go to the very top It was around 8:45 a.m. when we floor and just look out at the were walking back to the towers. I outstanding view of my city. I had already started munching on could look at it for hours. Just as I my delicious hot dog as Nancy held was about to walk into the building onto my dad’s hotdog. BOOM! My a kind women asked if I was lost. I ears pounded. I dropped my told her I knew where to go but hotdog to grab onto my ears. she refused to let me go alone and Nancy did the same; I could tell by took me to my dad herself. Her the look on her face that she was name was Nancy. She quickly as confused as me. I couldn’t hear greeted my dad, who I guess were anything other than a loud ring in friends. “Dad I’m bored,” I whined, my ears. I looked around at the “and hungry.” He quickly made an people near me. I couldn’t hear annoyed face and gave me a ten them but I knew by the look on dollar bill. “Nancy will take you their faces that something was downstairs so you can buy yourself terribly wrong. a hotdog, buy me one also please.” Everyone around me was looking I smiled wide and gave him a hug. up or running. “Samantha! Come “Thank you daddy, I love you.” I on!” I turned around and Nancy said giving him a quick kiss on the held out her hand towards me. I cheek. “I love you too princess, be quickly took it as she practically safe okay?” He said, kissing my dragged me away from the tower.

92 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up “I need to go with my dad!” I ground. “We need to go now!” yelled at her. We couldn’t just Nancy had somehow found me leave my dad there! I looked up at once again and found it necessary what everyone else was looking at to carry me out. and I stood there in complete We exited the building as fast as shock. The top of the building was possible and she let me down. on fire and an enormous amount of Nancy bent over to look me in the smoke covered the top half. eyes. “Okay, something very bad is “Sweetie, we can’t go up there!” happening and we need to leave as Nancy said. I could barely hear her fast as possible. I need you to over the sirens and the insane listen to my instructions okay amount of yells. I made a sudden sweetheart?” She made me feel a decision and ran straight towards lot better, note the sarcasm. I the doors. I was going to get my nodded and held onto her hand. dad no matter the circumstance. “What about my daddy?” I asked “No! Sam!” I could hear Nancy before we walked any further. Her calling me from behind. There were expression changed from nervous hundreds of people running around to sympathetic almost in the lobby they looked like lost immediately. “He’ll be out any puppies. “EVERYBODY EVACUATE moment, we just need to start THE BUILDING IMMEDIATELY!” the walking now.” She looked unsure of security yelled. I lost Nancy in the her own answer but I brushed it off crowd surprisingly and headed and nodded. Whatever was going straight for the staircase since the on had to be over soon I thought. I elevator was shut down. It was was completely wrong. overloaded with a stampede of It was barely 9 a.m. and so many people trying to go down, I was things were already happening. never going to get up there. I felt I’ve never seen so many people an arm wrap around me and next running, not in an ‘I’m late to work’ thing you know I was off the way more of a ‘run for your life’

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 93 way. Everyone seemed so worried she hastily answered it. “Are you and confused. I could hear more okay? Where are you?!” she quickly sirens from a distance and yells questioned, must be my dad. “Yes, from the building; there were news she’s with me. We’re okay. Are reporters everywhere you looked. they coming up there for you? Oh “Honey, I’m going to call your Jeff. Everything is going to be father okay?” Nancy interrupted my okay. I’ll pass you to her.” Nancy thoughts. “Hello?! Hello?! Jeff? Are passed her phone to me whispering you there?!” I tuned out Nancy for “It’s your dad.” I swiftly took it and a bit because I heard a sudden answered. “Hello? Daddy! Where massive amount of screams. I are you?” I could hear him quickly looked back and saw a coughing a lot. It took him a while plane heading towards the south to answer. “Princess, I’m okay. tower and in a matter of seconds, Don’t worry. Are you alright?” I it crashed into the building. An ear- could hear glass getting shattered splitting boom was heard once in the background and a lot of again but it was much louder this yelling. “I’m okay. Please come time, something must have now, I miss you.” I started crying exploded. I let go of Nancy’s hand and Nancy picked me up. “I’ll be and covered my ears. She looked fine.” I could hear his voice back noticing the loud noise also cracking, he was crying. and screamed. At this moment I “Everything is going to be alright.” knew this was not over, in fact it He was sobbing now. “I love you was just the beginning. both so much.” The line cut off Nancy took my hand once again before I could reply. and we kept walking as if nothing Nancy put me down and we quickly happened; only difference is that entered a bakery. No one was she was crying now. I didn’t ask there except us. We weren’t even why, mostly everyone around us far from the towers I didn’t was. Her phone started ringing and understand why we stopped. I was

94 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up still crying so I didn’t mind staying keep going.” I didn’t get what was there. “Sam you can get anything so bad. “Nancy, what were those you want. Just take it. I’ll be in the figures falling from the building?” restroom. Do not go outside.” She she ignored me. She started calling left without another word. I looked more people asking if they were around for some napkins and blew okay, still crying. my nose. I didn’t care if I got into There were hundreds of police trouble I wanted to see what else cars, ambulances, and fire trucks was going on. I walked outside and around the area. All telling us to looked towards the towers. There keep walking, they wouldn’t let you was a huge mess of debris all turn around. I remember I started around the floor, and there was wondering what would’ve still more on its way down. I could happened if I was still in the tower hear terrifying screams from when the first plane hit. Then out people and I knew something else of nowhere there was a deafening was going on. I looked closely and crash. We immediately turned saw figures falling from the tops of around thinking it was yet another both buildings. What were they? plane, but it was the south tower “Sam, I told you to stay inside!” collapsing. Nancy picked me up Nancy said holding onto my hand and started running. At this point once again. I looked at her quickly everyone was screaming and and noticed her makeup was all running as fast as possible. As she ruined and she was still crying just ran, I looked back at what was a little. I ignored it and glanced happening. There was an back at the towers. She must’ve enormous cloud of ash already on noticed my staring because she its way towards us and I knew we started doing the same. “Oh my had to go faster. I couldn’t see the gosh…” she burst into tears and north tower no more because of all instantaneously turned me around. the ash in the air. “Hurry, Nancy! “Don’t look at that sweetie. Let’s

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 95 It’s catching up!” I yelled. Moments didn’t question it and followed my later, the ash engulfed us. footsteps. My eyes stung. I couldn’t breathe, We got into the elevator and I or see. It was pitch black and ash pressed the top floor button. Once was getting into my lungs. I held we arrived, I took her to the onto Nancy tightly, trying my best hallway window they had and you to breathe. It was an agonizing could see the view of New York struggle. I felt like the world just City through it. It was full of ash; collapsed on my shoulders and you couldn’t see a thing down there was no way out. I was below. All you could see was the convinced that I wouldn’t survive. very top of the north tower still up. Nancy ran as fast as she could. I Minutes later, the north tower wondered how she could even see collapsed as well. Nancy and I where she was going. I glanced at screamed in shock. Another huge her and noticed she looked like she gust of ash engulfed the city once was just about to go out like a again. I held onto Nancy’s hand light. I quickly took off her scarf one last time. She bent down and around her neck and covered her hugged me tightly, we both were mouth and mine with it. It made it crying. “It’s all over now.” She a lot easier to breath without ash whispered into my ear. It was over getting into your mouth. Nancy but it was all still happening in my held me tighter as she ran inside a head. building. She set me down as we Thirteen years ago I lost one of the both coughed our lungs out. There most important people in my life. were many people doing the same. Jessica Tinoco - 9th Grade Ms. Lorena Salgado I regained my vision and looked Montwood High School around the place. I recognized it 3rd Place immediately. It was my apartment buildings lobby. “Nancy, come with me!” I said and took her hand. She

96 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up The Sugar in a Jar of similar to winter in a family movie. Lemonade I was distracted so much by these beautiful scenes that my focus What a fine December morning, I dissipated, and I bumped into a girl thought. It was snowing slightly, who was also distraught. The and the temperature was sharply books she was holding fell down, decreasing, but this temperature and we both collapsed on the was delightful to me. Since my snowy street. After I got up, I birthday was in December, I examined her a bit more closely. became accustomed to the cold From her appearance, she seemed easily. The only thing that to be a sweet Japanese girl. She bothered me was that plants could was at least one foot shorter than I not grow in this climate. The city of was, and her clothes indicated she Chiba was bustling with people was a student. Her very analytic ready to work, but I wasn’t. hair was a soft pastel pink, tied up My name is Ellis Vaughn, and I am in a thick ponytail on the right side a twenty-year old student at of her head. Her face indicated Saniku Gakuin College. I am distress, but her eyes were working on my Bachelor’s degree innocent and brown, like a puppy’s. in Microbiology. My focus in life is She was petite, but she looked pretty much to live a hermit-like generally fit. life far away from civilization with After she stood up, the girl finally only myself and my flowers. Apart spoke. “Oh, I’m so sorry, sir! I from that, nothing else really wasn’t paying attention to where I matters. Socialization isn’t my was going!” she said. thing, and living among nature is “Don’t worry, I wasn’t paying what I desire. attention either. Do you need help The view was breathtaking. Snow with those books you dropped?” I crystals gently fell, and every car responded. and building had a thin snow blanket above them. It looked very

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 97 She nodded, and I picked up the managed to explain the things I books she had dropped and handed couldn’t and let me do what I them back to her. “My name is Ellis could. I was surprised to know she Vaughn. What is yours?” I asked. was a student at the same college Almost inaudibly, she responded, I did, but I was pleased. At least “Misaki. Misaki Sunada.” one person knew me out of the Being gentleman-like, I answered, bunch. Fortunately, I had the same “Nice to make your acquaintance, classes as her, so whenever I Misaki Sunada.” needed help, she was able to come Softly, she responded, “Sorry, but to my aid and vice versa. Despite I have to go. Bye.” And just like my poor fluency, I also managed to that, she rushed off as swift as a join a couple of clubs: the roadrunner. Such a shy girl, I Agriculture Club and the Anime thought. Who knows, maybe I’ll Club. Strangely enough, Misaki was see her again someday. With that also a member of those clubs, as thought in mind, I exited the café well as the Art Club and our and headed straight to my school’s swimming team. She apartment, anxious to watch didn’t look like it, but she sure was Japanese television. social. After a mile of walking, I was able In addition, through the help she to go to school. I actually did well gave me and her involvement with at the work itself, but the only my clubs, I was able to get to thing keeping me behind was the know her even more. She was also international boundaries in means born in December, and she had an of language. The teachers, as older brother, Togami. Lastly, her much as they were making a favorite place was a little island tremendous effort, couldn’t write or only connected to land by a small speak English well, and my bridge. In the middle of the mini- Japanese was not good either. island was a cherry blossom tree, Despite that little blockade, Misaki the biggest there could ever be.

98 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up We only went there once because made of mahogany, but it was she wanted to show me. It was her pretty elegant and neat. We sat secret place, so I felt bad that it next to the window, and we wasn’t a secret now, but I’m glad ordered what we have always she shared it with me. After some ordered since the first day we’ve time, maybe three months or so, I come here: a slice of strawberry decided it wouldn’t hurt to list her shortcake for Misaki and a as a friend. chocolate mousse cake for me. In three months, I became an After we received our orders, I entirely different person. decided to make my move. Eventually, the shell I made to “Misaki, have you ever heard of the isolate myself from society cracked saying, ‘If life gives you lemons, open due to Misaki and company, make lemonade?” and I became more free-spirited. I “Yes. Why?” shared my ideas and opinions with “I’ve been thinking: Since lemons others more, and they accepted are sour, life is sour too, right?” them as they were. But above “Yes.” everything, Misaki helped me when “And sugar and water is needed to I was in distress, and I helped her make lemonade, right?” too. She was sweet, kind, and “Yes. Where are you going with attentive, which I found attractive. this, Ellis?” Finally, after three months, I “What does sugar and water stand thought it was time to take our for?” relationship to the next level. “Well, water maybe stands for It was a rainy March morning, and peaceful moments, and, umm, Misaki and I had gone to the café sugar stands for all the loved ones in front of the street where we first in your life, like your family, right?” met. The café was warm and “I have a different view. I think the comfortable, and it made me feel water stands for friends and family, as if I was home. Everything was but the sugar stands for your true

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 99 love, the person who you are and said, “Yes, Ellis, I would love meant to be with your whole life.” to be your girlfriend.” With a glistening smile, she After she said it, we both stopped responded, “Stop being so cheesy, hugging and looked at each other Ellis. It’s unlike you. Are you sick? in the eyes. I was joyous, elated Do you need a doctor?” that she and I were finally “Misaki, even though it’s only been together, and it seemed that her three months, we know each other feelings were mutual. However, the as if we were best friends. We moment didn’t last long because laughed together, we smiled the whole café burst into applause. together, we cried together. Heck, It seemed that I had spoken a bit we even ate a slice of strawberry too loud, and everyone was happy shortcake together. You remember that a pair of young adults like us that?” became a couple. I should’ve “Yes. Since they didn’t have spoken a bit softer, I thought. chocolate mousse left, I shared Nonetheless, we were together, some of my dessert with you. The and that was a giant step towards look on your face when you knew a happy life, hers and mine. that information was priceless!” Every day after that was full of joy “The thing is: I want to share as and laughter. We went everywhere many memories together as we together, from school to her house. can. The memories we’ve shared The only thing that separated us during the past three months is was the fact that Misaki and I something I will never forget, but I didn’t live in the same house. She want to have many more memories did visit constantly, though, and with you. Misaki, would you be the she even decided that I needed a sugar in my lemonade?” pet to keep me company when she She laughed slightly, gave me the wasn’t there. On my birthday, I warmest hug I’ve ever received received an adorable Pug named Mocha (she named it that way

100 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up because of my addiction to by two ribbons entwined in gold. chocolate). She also bought Carved underneath the sapphire everything else that was needed, read “The Sugar in My Lemonade” including food, a small bed, and a in cursive. Even though it was kind collar. Since she had made all the of a lame and cheesy reference to necessary arrangements, I had no our history, I knew she would love other choice but to accept the little it. ball of furry cuteness. Now, even I had also set the day: I would first when she wasn’t around, Mocha take her to the carnival, where I was there to cheer me up. I was would butter her up, then I would also finally able to meet her family take her to her favorite place: one month after we became a under the cherry blossom tree. couple. Her parents didn’t seem There, I would finally propose to fazed by it at all, but her brother, her during a sunset. There is no Togami, gave me goose bumps. He way anything could go wrong. even threatened that if I ever It was finally the day I would broke Misaki’s heart, he would marry Misaki Sunada. I took a cave my skull in. In school, I finally shower, retrieved the best casual got my Bachelor’s degree in clothing I could, and left my Microbiology, and Misaki also got apartment. I was to meet Misaki at hers in medicine. She plans to be a the café, but it seemed she wasn’t surgeon one day, and I a there. I tried contacting her though microbiologist, of course. Now that her cellphone, but she didn’t we pretty much have a well- answer. Knowing she wouldn’t established future now, I think it’s have wanted to miss this, I went to time to take it up a notch: her home to see if anything had marrying Misaki. happened. I had it all planned: the ring and I knocked on the door, and I was the place to do it. The ring was a greeted by her older brother, sapphire set in a gold band made Togami. Even though he wasn’t the

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 101 best brother-in-law, I was still “This morning, she was going to courteous with him, mainly retrieve something at a nearby because my future bride was his shop. When she was coming back, sister. I said, “Hello Togami.” she was crossing the street when a He looked sullen and depressed as drunk driver was coming by and…” if he had been tortured by a “So she is…” I interrupted him. terrorist. However, he was dressed “Yes. She’s in heaven now.” formally in black. “Hello, Ellis”, he I slumped to the floor, my body responded. being weighed down by what I just “Umm, is Misaki here? I was heard. My eyes started to tear up, supposed to meet her at the café, knowing her soul is long gone. but she didn’t arrive.” After all we’ve been through, after “So you don’t know?” He let out a all the times we laughed, cried, great sigh and said, “Come in. and enjoyed… Follow me.” Togami then spoke up again. “Also, Though I didn’t expect Togami to the investigators found this on her be polite, I obliged and entered body. Since it has your name on it, their house. There were many I’m guessing it was for you.” people I didn’t know inside, and He handed me a small ornate box everyone had a grim aura around made of velvet. My name was them. I followed Togami through written on the top with golden the hall and arrived at the living letters. I opened it and gasped. room. In there, Misaki’s mother Lying inside the box was a ring: an was there, staring at a picture of emerald encrusted on two Misaki with tears in her eyes. entwined golden bands, and behind Though I knew it wasn’t a good the ruby, carved in cursive, read, time to ask anything, I asked “The Sugar in My Lemonade”. Togami nonetheless. “Oh, Misaki!” I cried. “Why did you “Togami, what happened?” have to go!? Why!?” My head fell onto Togami’s shoulder, and I let

102 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up the depression emerge in a the light bulb on the ceiling. Her cascade of tears. I continued for cute shy face, her scented rosy about an hour until I ran out of hair, her great pearly white smile… tears, then I went home. Rain was Then it occurred to me. In the time pouring down, but it didn’t bother that passed since I met her, she me at all. The sunshine in my life made me open up to the world. was gone, and it would never come She made me laugh, cry, and smile back. for the first time since I was a I finally arrived at the gate of my child. Maybe, just maybe, she had home. No more helping with planned for me to find someone homework, no more laughing else and use the skills she gave together at the café, and no more me. In that sense, it’s like she of her crisp cherry scent. Misaki gave me the spoon to mix the was my sugar, and now that she’s lemonade… gone, it isn’t lemonade anymore: It was then when I decided that it’s just a pitcher filled with sour my life did have meaning. I was to water? Why should I keep on living live a peaceful life, a life where I if I can’t make my life sweet? I nurtured Mocha till the end, a life came in through the front door where I lived until the end of my only to be met with Mocha, days. wagging his tail and looking at me And most importantly, a life where with his dark brown puppy eyes. I I find the sugar to my lemonade. ignored him and went straight to Jorge Sepulveda - 10th Grade Ms. Marcela Alvarado the couch in the living room. I Mission Early College High thought about it as I sat down, but School 1st Place a pain on the side of my pants shook me out of it. It was the ring that Misaki had bought. I opened the small velvet box, and the ring shone warmly in the bright light of

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 103 Never Alone walking through the path. Though The weather was frigid and moving slowly, it felt like a pink everything was covered in dew. I buffalo stampede as the people took a glimpse of my breath as it occupied the streets. There was slowly faded away with the cool, music that roared like thunder soft breeze. The sun staggered in throughout the group. My dad held the distance as we headed towards up a flag that read, “Team Rosie,” a white tent that read, registration. matching our hot pink shirts with a We were greeted by a young pair of boxing gloves. woman covered in pink attire. She The noise grew louder as everyone stuck a number on each of us as began chanting, “For the cause, for we headed towards the starting the cause, for the cause!” point. Hundreds of contestants Large groups of spectators on the lined up behind the chalked border. sidewalk clapping and cheering us A lady wearing a pink bandana on. Many came in their pajamas to stood in the distance holding a give each of us a warm hug, they microphone. did not mind and neither did we. “Is everyone ready,” she stated. My mom thanked each and every The crowd yelled back, “Yes!” one of them as they hugged her She rose up a checkered flag high the longest. in the air. “On your mark, get set.” She turned back at me and I told Turning to my mother, “are you her, “I love you mom!” ready or not mom?” She replied, “I love you too son!” Laughing, “Eh, it shouldn’t be too We laughed as we made silly faces bad,” she replied. and gestures for the people who The lady screamed, “Go!” as she wanted to take our pictures. I dropped the flag. kissed my mother’s forehead as I Small groups ran across the course grabbed my brother’s hand and before disappearing from sight. hers. I raised them as high as I The vast majority stayed behind

104 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up could smiling, loving every minute jumped up and held out my hand of it along the way. towards my mom. Our legs grew tired as we made it “Come on mom, let’s finish it.” through the halfway point. My She grabbed my hand as we mother asked if we could take a continued our route. It took us a breather and we quickly abided by while, but we reached the end of her request. We found a small our journey. As we headed toward bench to relax for a little while. the finish line, we were bombarded Even though our legs were aching, with confetti and applause. There we were still laughing and having a was an enormous banner that blast. read, “October Breast Cancer “Not bad for a bunch of out of Walk.” A gentleman gave us each a shape blobs huh?” I said. medal around our necks and a My dad replied gasping, “Your crown for my mother. It felt as if right, but my back is killing me!” we won the Olympic Games. All at once we asked, “Why?” People gave us prizes, souvenirs, Staring at me, “From carrying your and T-shirts. They treated my behind all day!” mother like a queen as they As we all burst of laughter, handed her roses and tied a pink catching our breath, we looked at royal cape around her neck. They the pink herd that seemed infinite. asked her to go on stage with the Every group was unique in their other survivors. My dad escorted own way. Some had pink face her on the platform with the other paint, girls had pink wings, men couples. The same lady with the were rocking pink tutus, and others bandana ran up the stairs full of had a shirt of their survivor or lost excitement holding a piece of loved one. We waved at them as paper. She thanked us for all the they waved at us. There was no hard work we did today and gave a other place I would rather be than round of applause for all the right there in that exact moment. I survivors on stage.

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 105 “In my hand, I hold the amount of how many lives are affected by money this walk raised today,” she breast cancer. The walk provided a stated. The crowd waited anxiously sense of comfort that there is as she opened the paper. always hope. There will always be “Over 400,000 dollars have been darkness in life; it is up to you to raised for breast cancer research,” discover the light that overcomes she screamed. those shadows. The audience yelled with Alexander Salas – 10th Grade Ms. Gloria Zermeno enthusiasm as everyone started Socorro High School jumping for joy. My brother and I 2nd Place were crying from happiness. I saw my mom on stage and made my My Everything hands into the shape of a heart As a child, we are dependent on pointed straight at her. She saw our parents whether we like it or me and answered with the same not. Even as we get older, we lean gesture pointing at me. I have on them during times of stress, never seen my mom as happy as anger, anxiety, and depression. she was that day. There is no other individual that I remember thinking, “We did it can love you just the same. They mom, we actually did it.” provide for all our necessities and Not only did the Breast Cancer establish a place we always call Walk bring our family together, but “home”. Without our parents, we unified the community as a whole. would not even exist in this very I will always hold this memory world. I never imagined the day close to my heart. For all the would come where I lost my best things I go through in life, I am friend, my mother. never alone. There are so many My mother was diagnosed with people that are in the same breast cancer in 2009. I remember situation as I am. The attendance the day she came home that of that event just goes to show me afternoon, like it was yesterday.

106 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Her hands were shaking and her meant passing the disease to me, I eyes revealed no emotion as she didn’t care about that, just not my opened the door. I knew right mother. I would have done away she was not herself. anything for my mother, anything. Concerned for her well-being, I My mother gazed at me and saw immediately asked her, what was my eyes full of fury and wrath. I wrong? “Mom, are you okay? You will never forget what she said that don’t seem yourself right now.” day, “Don’t be mad my son, for She asked me to sit down at the God always has his reasons for kitchen table. I sat down without everything, no matter what.” As question. “Son, I need to tell you those words left her lips, my face something.” She paused for a long drenched with tears. How could I moment. My mind began spinning be so selfish of myself? Out of all countless of reasons for this the emotions my mother could unusual request. Hard to say, she have had for the situation, she was said, “I have, I have Breast at peace with the outcome. She cancer.” I felt as though my heart didn’t lose her faith rather, she stopped in that precise moment. I grew in it. I knew right then and just couldn’t believe it; the words there, I had to be strong for my just could not process within me. mother, as she was strong for me. Finally, the words started to sear After the incident, our family came through my mind. I remember I together as a whole and pushed was so angry at God for what he forward through the countless did. I jumped up from the chair obstacles. My mother went through and screamed, “Why God, Why? chemotherapy, surgeries, and Why out of everyone would you other forms of radiation. Whenever pick her, God?” At that moment, I we received uncomforting news, wish it was possible to grab ahold we simply shrugged and said, of that disease, and just take it “Let’s get back to work, for God is away from my mother. Even if it on our side.” Yet, there were those

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 107 unbearable days that no individual and friends. There is not a day that should have to suffer through. My goes by where I don’t miss her mother’s face was so pale from the deeply. She was my whole world in radiation. The potent medicine life. However, I know her legacy made her drowsy and weary. It lives on through me in spirit. I was a struggle for her at times to know she is watching me right now even get out of bed. I was so as my guardian angel. I came into scared and worried about her Socorro High school as a medical health. She saw me and knew right student not knowing what my away the feelings within me, no occupation was going to be. But, I matter how hard I tried to conceal feel as though God gave me a sign them. She would manage to put up to pursue the career of oncology. I a smile and say, “Don’t worry son, have never had a career that I everything is going to be okay.” have been so passionate about. The words clenched my heart for Not only do I want to pursue this her will was so strong that she career for myself but, for my never gave up hope. mother also. She taught me She fought the cancer for three everything in life and cared for me whole years. She would defeat it just the same. I feel as if I was and be cancer free. However in a destined to pursue this career to month or so, the cancer would help others and honor her good always return. On May 30th, 2012, name. No family should have to my mother passed away from suffer the way my family suffered breast cancer. Just four days away through. One day, I want to from my birthday. The cancer had possess the power to cure all forms spread throughout her whole body of cancer. I want to demolish the and, the doctors found multiple very existence of that deadly tumors in her brain. She touched disease. I feel as if I finally found a so many people’s hearts and purpose in my life to become an became an inspiration to her family oncologist. Everything I have done,

108 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up all the accomplishments I have she’s proud of what I made, all the hard work I have put accomplished. I’m just smiling, at in, has been for my mother and my my best friend. goal of one day receiving a degree Alexander Salas – 10th Grade Ms. Gloria Zermeno of oncology. Socorro High School My mother taught me to never give 3rd Place up hope, even when the battles seem all but lost. She touched so Drunk many people’s hearts in her “Get out.” lifetime. She continues to be an He kicks the empty bottle towards inspiration to me and, I am still the wall, a small clink-clink-clink learning from her till this day. I noise echoing throughout the already have the mindset to focus trashed living room. He falls to the on my task of becoming an rough carpet, tightly grasping the oncologist, and nothing is going to cloth through his fingers. steer me away from my goal. My “I hate you, you know that?” her mother’s memory is my driving words bounce inside his head, a force to become something and knife twisting into his heart again, make a difference in my life. I “All you do is bring us down! You’re know there are going to be days never even around anymore, Mom where opting out seems the easiest has done everything! She works, option but, knowing my angel is cleans, cooks, she even fixed the beside me every step of the way is god damn refrigerator!” going to keep me pushing forward It has been four days since he in life, overcoming all the obstacles came back to the empty house, a along the way. I want to see the house once filled with laughter and day where I’m wearing my cap and joy that took over his heart gown, receiving a degree from my throughout eighteen years. He did professor and smiling up above. not mean to hurt his family, but he Knowing I did it all for her and did want his words to hurt them.

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 109 He remembers the front door ceiling. “Yup, sure did. Every single closing behind him as he entered, day I busted my back and knees a vodka bottle hanging from his just for you to have a decent hand. His little boy was running home.” from his sister, giggles erupting “Dad,” the young brunette called, from his chest. The young teenager “are you drunk?” wrapped her arms around his little The man looked up at the young torso and rubbed some flour on his brunette and lazily smiled. “I don’t face, the boy squirming in her know, Liz, am I?” He walked arms. He dropped the bottle; small towards the kitchen and sat down pieces swiping across the kitchen on a chair, burying his hands into floor making the laughs stop and his greasy, curly locks. his wife look up from her kitchen His wife took a step away from the cleaning. “Honey? You okay?” sink and wiped her wet hands on The man clutches the carpet floor her apron and walked towards her more harshly, a choked sob husband. resonating around the empty “Baby? It’s late, why don’t you house. go—” He wanted them to understand “To sleep?” He cut her off with a why and how he felt in that house. chuckle. He looked up and his He wanted them to feel the bloodshot eyes met her chocolate emptiness he felt when they would ones as he rubbed his hand across come from errands every day and his chin, his stubble scratching his they would not even spare him a palm. glance. He wanted them to feel The wife looked at her daughter hollow, nonexistent, and and with wide eyes softly swung unimportant. He wanted them to her head towards the right, feel pain. indicating to go upstairs. The “Do you all know that I fixed this young brunette nodded and house?” he smiled towards the

110 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up gathered her little brother in her His body shook with his loud sobs, arms. his lungs filled with an agonizing “Alright, you little dweeb, time pain as he takes deep breaths only for—” to release them into hiccupping “Oh, no, darling! Stay! I’m not sobs. Picking himself up, and tired yet and I’m pretty sure my swaying to each side, he makes his little man isn’t either.” The husband way towards the open liquor turned to his children, a smile cabinet and grabs a fresh bottle of plastered on his face. The little boy vodka. The lump in his throat has looked back towards his sister and become harder to swallow, and his stuck his tongue out, pleased to eyes screw shut as memories know he could stay up a little later invade his drunken state. than usual. Unscrewing the bottle, he begins to “No, dad, I-I want to put him to cry, his frustration getting the best bed,” the young brunette stuttered. of him. "Damn it," he mutters to Liz clutched the little boy towards himself, “why won’t this open?” her chest as he squirmed in her After a few attempts, he unscrews arms, begging to be put down. the bottle and chugs it down, the “I SAID STAY!” The husband yelled. liquor burning his throat and He stood abruptly, knocking the causing him to grimace and cough chair over. His wife widened her afterwards. eyes as he stalked forward to the “God damn it,” he shouts. He children. slowly walks towards the back door Liz held onto her little brother as that leads to the backyard. The sky she saw her father walk towards was clear and a couple of stars him. The man’s chest rose and fell were out. He looked up and took a like an angry bull read to charge. swing of the liquor, his eyes set on His bloodshot eyes had turned the sky. He gave up. No signal, no angry as he made his way towards comfort, and certainly no the two kids. forgiveness were going to come

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 111 out of that night, so why keep smearing her mascara across her trying? Why is he there looking up face. at the sky, waiting for something “Oh, shut up, you little s***,” he miraculous to happen? shouted, “it’s not like you would be The little boy climbed down from here for my birthday either.” Liz and ran towards his parents. His wife let out a sob as the little The man crouched down and boy clung to her. He began to walk opened his arms only to be left towards them, balling his hands welcoming empty air as the little into fists, but their stubborn boy ran towards his mother. The daughter stood her ground. man stands up and looks at his “Get out.” family. His heart broke into a million His wife and son sat in a corner, pieces remembering those awful gently rocking the small boy; she words coming from her chapped began whispering gentle words to lips. He stumbles outside. him. He began to walk towards “What?” He whispered. them but was stopped as his “Get out,” her eyes filled with daughter stood in between. Liz tears, “or we will.” blocked the tragic drunk’s view of Rage burst through his body. “Get his broken wife and son, crossing out? Get OUT? GET OUT? What do her arms with hot tears trailing you mean ‘get out?’ Do you know down her cheeks. Even with her who you’re talking to? You know makeup running down her cheeks, what? I’ll get out! I will! I do not the young girl was standing her ever want to see all of you again! ground, anger and sadness You don’t deserve me! None of you panning off of her. do! And you,” he pointed to the “Why are you drunk? You-you young brunette, “you are not my missed—” the young brunette daughter anymore!” stuttered. She wiped her eyes, The man clutches his head, falling to his knees in the dark night. He

112 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up grasps the fresh grass that he had to hurt his family. They were the planted a few days ago, the soil world to him. He entered the house still moist from the rain last night. to discover it deadly silent. His He digs his hands inside the dirt, heart dropped. It was always loud. dark brown soil welcoming his He barged through the rooms, the hand into the ground. doors banging on the walls, loudly “I have another one! I DO!” His echoing throughout the house. No voice bounced around his head. one was here. His wife’s clothes “You don’t know her, does she, were gone, his little boy’s toys honey?” He looks over Liz’s were gone, and his daughter’s shoulder and glares at his wife. His room was the worst. wife diverts her gaze towards her The light green room seemed as if little boy, rubbing his back and a tornado had come and destroyed kissing his forehead. it. Pictures flooded the carpet, “She’s somewhere with her most of them ripped down the mother, the one that gave birth to middle, but one picture caught his MY favorite child.” He yelled at her. eye. It was of them two, holding a The young brunette cried and caterpillar in their hands. The little hugged herself tightly, hiccups girl’s face was scrunched up in a emerging from her chest. mid-giggle as the dad blew in her “You never meant s*** to me!” He ear. It was shredded through the pointed at her, “Hope you all burn middle, making his tears well up in in hell! You’ll be nowhere without his eyes. me.” He dropped the picture, letting it And with those heartbreaking scatter within the others and ran words, he left out the door. down the stairs, eager to find his The next morning, he came to family, his world, his only source of apologize. He never did mean happiness. those words. He never meant to He got down to his knees and hurt his little girl. He never meant poured a scream into the empty

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 113 house. His head began to thump; Dan doesn’t look up. His focus is his endless cries carried him on the now green, crispy grass in through the day, making the moon his hands. emerge out of the sky. And so he “They’re gone,” he whispers. laid there for hours, waiting for the Stephanie Acosta – 11th Grade Mr. Richard Helmling door to open again, revealing his Montwood High School family with their packed suitcases, 1st Place but they never did. Now as he lay there in the The Girl and Her Shadow backyard sobbing loudly, There once lived a girl so beautiful, realization swept through his mind. so talented, that her very name They weren’t coming back. was known amongst the stars. She His loud sobs ripped through him, could play her violin with more echoing into the night. He began to finesse than the angels in heaven tear the grass from the ground. could play their harps. It was It’s quicker than planting it, he rumored that her smile alone was thought. the reason for the rising sun, and “You alright there, Dan?” the her voice was said to cheer the air neighbor calls from afar. around her. She truly was a But he pays no mind; he keeps blessing to the desolate world in tearing the grass, keeps destroying which she lived in. what he made only a few days ago. She only lacked in one thing- a “Baby,” the neighbor calls inside his shadow, for she spent her time house, “Call the cops. Dan is drunk away from the light of day, kept again.” inside four walls by her inner A few minutes later, the police demons-Tristitia and Solitudo. With arrive, apprehension written on each passing day of incarceration their faces. came a new tune from her bow so “You alright there, sir? What’s captivating that the sky wept for going on?” her, raining down watery tears of

114 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up admiration from above. The ground lamentation. He became lost inside would spring forth flowers to gift her hazel brown eyes, and he her for her melodious melodies, starts to sing along with her. When but only Nature herself lent a the girl finishes her song, she looks sympathetic ear to this girl. Many a down and sees an infatuated year passed, and she was still Oblitus, startled by the fact that trapped by her demons, alone in there was now another soul in the this room in the middle of darkened room with her. He tries nowhere. to hold her hand, but she turns But one day, an outcast soul by the away from him and starts to weep name of Oblitus, stumbled across softly in the corner of the room. the four falls that Tristitia and Oblitus gains the courage to speak Solitudo were carefully guarding. to the girl. “If we are to make it He had nothing to his name aside out of here,” he says, “then we are from the pitch-black cloak hiding to work together. Fate has brought the rags that covered his me here for a reason, and I believe emaciated body. Starving of that reason was to free you from nourishment and acceptance, this institution you’ve made for Oblitus rushed toward the demons, yourself.” begging for any scrap of food they “What’s the use?” She asks may have had. Instead of saving solemnly, putting down her violin. him, they locked the frail man up “I’ve been in here for years, with with the girl. nothing but my songs to keep me Not noticing the man, the girl company. Now you show up and started to play a tune on her violin, think that I now somehow have and Oblitus listened intently to the hope?” music that she was playing, “Look to the heavens, my dear,” hypnotized and mesmerized by the answers Oblitus, “for hope is movement of her bow and her light simply being able to see the light humming of a hymn of despite all of the darkness.”

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 115 And for the first time in years, she “Promise me then,” Oblitus looked up with a shimmer of hope whispered back, “that you will glistening in her hazel brown eyes, never abandon it again.” and a smile as wide as the horizon. “I won’t,” answered she, holding The everlasting darkness now gave back tears. way to the gleaming light of the “I never got to ask your name, my emerging sunrise. A beam of dear,” Oblitus said. dazzling light began to shine upon “My name is Emilie,” she the girl, as if giving her a limitless responded. “And what is your source of its strength. name, kind stranger?” She began to laugh in a lively tone, “It’s Oblitus,” he replied, coughing attracting the attention of Tristitia away his final breaths. “The and Solitudo, who loathed the Forgotten One. But please don’t sound of her laughter. They came forget about me, Emilie. Quickly, in to silence her, but were met by take my cloak and place it on the Oblitus, who, using all of his ground beneath you.” strength, choked the demons with She did as he requested, taking his cloak. Tristitia and Solitudo fell the cloak from the deceased to the floor, collapsing from demons and putting it cautiously asphyxiation. Oblitus fainted, on the floor under her. Oblitus then growing weary from the prolonged began to speak in a language lack of sustenance. The girl rushed unbeknown to Emilie, who was to try to help him, but Oblitus was unsure of what Oblitus was trying unable to get up. to accomplish with his incantation. “I don’t want to lose you.” She Oblitus then disappears into thin whispered softly into his ear. air, leaving only the cloak, which “You’ve helped me to regain my has now been transformed in to hope, something that I had Emilie’s shadow! abandoned so long ago. Oblitus’s voice fills the air around Emilie, and tells her “This is my gift

116 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up to you, Emilie. Every time you see path no longer fit to be called a your shadow, be reminded that I road, and in certain parts it was will always be there for you.” And obstructed completely. But not the voice faded out. Emilie picked once did I feel uncertain about up her bow and her violin, playing where I was headed. Pushing past a lively tune as she valiantly branches that tore at my face with walked outside of the room for the an unnatural vigor I imagined the first time. She looked down at her trees shifting from their natural shadow and smiled, knowing that state into feral beasts, with she was no longer alone to brave elongated claws in place of slender anything that the world had to limbs, their leaves changing into a throw at her. motley hide. In the moment before David Fernandez - 11th Grade I broke through that colossal Grove Ms. Martina Morgan I swore I saw face fierce; fleeting El Dorado High School 2nd Place in the branches over head and my strength failed me. But as suddenly Untitled as it has appeared it was gone lost The road changed from smooth among the shadows cast by the asphalt, to rough cut stone, to surrounding Oaks. The urge to turn mud, from last night's storm. around and head back almost over Buildings gave way to fields before took me but a root lying hidden on reverting back to the forest which the forest floor took hold of my had stood long before our village ankle sending me sprawling. All had been built. The trees stood rational thought was lost to me, I serving a never-ending vigil on had never before attempted to hike either side, threatening to reclaim through the forest by myself and the thin strip of dirt which had the foolishness of my actions been carved out before even my dawned upon me. I dared not raise grandmother could remember. As my head for fear that I would be it was vegetation crept over the met with the glaring eyes of some

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 117 unholy beast. Light faded as I lay I raised a hand to my ear in an cowering and I soon felt the hands attempt to verify that my mind had of sleep caressing me in their not deceived me. I waited until the gentle embrace. Whereas there voice spoke again, after a few had been a distinct chill in the air moments it called out once more just a moment prior I now felt farther away than it had been neither cold nor pain only the soft before. I let out a cry of my own, it tugging at the edge of my mind rang throughout the trees and I lulling me farther away from the offered up prayers hoping that my borders of consciousness. grandfather would hear me. I As my senses fled I heard a voice, waited with nothing but sinister a voice that was calling my name looking foliage bathed in the amongst a series of curses spoken moons dim sliver light to keep me in broken German. I was certain company. As leaves whirled around beyond a doubt that the Demons of me, stirred by the cold northern Hell had spilled forth into the forest winds, I became aware of the eagerly searching for a suitable ominous sound of leaves being meal to sate their hunger. I had trampled underfootand. Before I resolved to remain silent convinced could register alarm a figure burst that the demons spoke my name in forth from the forest looking for all an attempt to lure me out of hiding intents and purposes not like a but the voice, growing ever fainter demon, but the sort of monster uttered a word that awakened my that would feel even their hearts senses, my eyes flew open and I with dread. Towering above the was greeted by the woodland floor ground despit it's stooped figure, pressing against my face. Turning with fire in one hand and a spear in to the side, I inhaled the night air the other. I braced myself for what tainted with the earthly sent that was to come. "Myshka" it said in a lingered in my lungs. Being careful wind voice "why have you run to keep myself close to the ground, away." In that moment I felt as if

118 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up I would weep, from the fear I had sorry dedushka, mother will be experienced or the relief I now felt, mad." It wasn't a question; both of I cannot say. Stepping into a patch us had been made to bear witness of moonlight my grandfather's face when mother fell into a rage. She was hidden behind one of the was a beautiful woman or had been many scarves my grandmother at one point but that was before knitted for him. He set his lantern my grandparents fled Russia and on the ground and leaned the came to settle in Germany, before walking stick he was carrying she had me. But while time had against the nearest tree. “Dedu" I worn down the beauty she said, with tears streaming down possessed in her youth, it could not my face "I didn't mean to get lost, be destroyed completely. Her hair I only wanted to go with the other still resembled spun gold and her boys, mama was being so unfair." eyes retained a youthful light. My grandfather knelt beside me, When mother was mad it was less placing a comforting hand on my like an explosion and more like a shoulder. "Did you plan to walk all lake freezing over. Those same the way to Berlin my little bear? eyes could turn from the blue of a That is a long journey, even for midsummer's day to water trapped someone as strong as you." In beneath ice. There was never truth I had not thought about the yelling but rather harsh words distance that separated our small spoken one right after the other village from the capital. My mind like the din of a machine gun that has been filled with anger at my never rose above a whisper. My mother since I took off down the fear must have shown, for it was road. Why should the other boys then that my grandfather sat next be allowed to visit the city while I to me and gave me a warm smile stayed behind? I did not say this to full of crooked teeth. "Do not think my grandfather, afraid that he it a bad thing that she is angry would think me a stupid child. "I'm with you, I know of a few women

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 119 who would give thanks if their child triggered it all to come rushing to was to wander off. Remember meet me in a single, terrible wave above all else that she loves you. that made my leg burn up to the It's the thought of you being in knee. For a moment I feared I harms way that makes her act the would pass out, but I was left only way she does, she worries too light headed and slightly nauseous. much by half and I guess us taking My grandfather kept a steady pace so long isn’t helping. We should be as he navigated us through the on our way" My grandfather rose to dense tangle of trees. My vision his feet and while bending over to was shaky, in part because of the pick me up he noticed my ankle for fact that I was being carried, but the first time. This was followed by pain and sleepiness added to the a series of what I presumed to be effect. curses, spoken in Russian so I Somewhere along the way I must would not understand. He retrieved have passed out because when I the lantern and knelt down beside opened my eyes I saw the cracked me. "I have a very important job walls and wooden rafters of my for you Lucas, hold the light so that home. I would have passed off the I can see where I'm going. When I events of last night as a dream, pick you up it's going to hurt but had it not been for the dull ache just focus on the light." He that resonated from my ankle. I removed his scarf and wrapped it could feel the bitter sweet taste in around my head, leaving only my the back of my throat which meant eyes peering out over the course that my grandmother had brewed fabric. I gripped the lantern tightly her sleeping tea, it was this that as my grandfather prepared to lift now clouded my thoughts. But me off the forest floor. While the through the fog I heard voices, cold had left me numb and unable angry, loud voices. My to feel the pain caused by my grandfather's clashed with my injuries, the sudden movement mother's like the sea rushing to

120 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up meet a rocky shore. And in through my mother's voice between I caught fleeting cracked, no longer able to pretend fragments of my grandmothers that hopelessness was just a voice, trying to navigate the violent foreign concept, unable to find waves and stone Coast. The harder them. “No one is allowed to cross I focused on trying to figure out without their papers. Oh god they’ll what it was that they were saying know. ““We can get him new the more I furthered myself from clothes and pay for false papers, if the grogginess that sleep had we leave by tonight we can be in caused. And all at once the veil Russia before the month is over." I was lifted and the world snapped was scared and I didn't know why, into perspective. The wood and what they said held no significance plaster walls did little to dampen to me but the manner in which the yelling in the next room over. they spoke alarmed me. These “He must learn that the world is were adult matters not meant for not his friend" my grandfather my ears. So trying to forget what I shouted. "And what good will had heard I drew the blankets scaring him do?" I heard my closer to me, feeling my heart beat mother say, she spoke not with faster underneath the six pointed anger but more as if a great star sewn onto the shirt I wore. sadness weighed down upon her. Gabriel Alonso – 11th Grade "We are safe here, no one knows" Ms. Melissa Walker her voice had the same empty Americas High School 3rd Place quality as someone who told a lie they knew would not be believed. “He cannot stay sweetie, we must take him and go." my grandmother's voice sounded as if she was on the verge of tears. “Go where mama? Go where?" Halfway

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 121 A Brighton Future Linda, completely aware that she Relishing in the riches of their almost completely drained the magnificent fortune, the Brighton family’s fortune, drowned herself in family lived a life envied by all. fear of retaliation. Troubles were only a figment of Richard realized he could no longer this family’s wildest nightmares. indulge in life’s finest pleasures. England’s wealthiest inhabitants Fine dining was now impossible knew only of the lavish lifestyle without England’s most skilled they had inherited for generations, chefs. Relaxing in the solace of a unaware of the struggles that most groomed garden on a sunny day experience to make the most could not be achieved without any minuscule fraction of their fortune. gardeners. He could no longer In the spectacular Brighton estate spend his peaceful days alone lived the only three remaining without nannies; now he was family members, Richard and his forced to care for his children two children, Leonard and Sarah. himself. A distant father, Richard Linda Brighton, the mother of the hardly knew anything about his family, was recently found dead in two children. Leonard, now 14 a nearby creek, lying face down. years old, was quite fascinated by Left with no explanation of Linda’s architectural studies. He was speculated suicide, the remaining frequently drawing out sketches of Brightons now struggled to incredible buildings with sky- complete even the simplest daily piercing spires that he hoped to tasks. As Linda had always slaved build one day. With a mature build to maintain her family’s happiness, and deep voice for his age, she was never frugal in her Leonard was always actually quite spending of their fortune. helpful around the mansion. Subsequent to her death, every Instead of asking his mother to butler and maid, chef and servant, hire a handyman, Leonard would nanny and gardener, was gone. fix broken steps, wobbly chairs,

122 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up and anything else that needed a immaculate mansion adorned with repair. However, he hated the antique wooden clocks, gold outdoors, reluctant to take even encrusted décor, and intricate two steps from the comfort of the crystal sculptures was now filled now suffering mansion. He had with empty rooms and walls, always sheltered himself in man’s withering away while the unending creations rather than the natural rain washed away both wishes of settings of the world. On the other recovery and the will to survive in hand, Sarah, now twelve years old, these woeful circumstances. spent most of her time surrounded Richard continued to keep his by fantastic trees and delicate distance from his children, selfishly flowers. Especially after her trying to solve the family’s financial mother’s death, Sarah found inner situation without asking Leonard peace in the natural beauty of her nor Sarah if they supported his environment. Much to her dismay, choices. Leonard distracted himself the Brighton estate’s fair days and by attempting to maintain their tranquil climate soon declined to slowly crumbling shelter, fixing pounding rain and violent leaks in the ceiling that would need thunderstorms, trapping Sarah in to be repaired the very next day. her family’s material misery. His efforts soon became useless, Salvaging every precious jewel, and he gave up hope on any selling every expensive piece of chance of normalcy. Contrary to furniture, and rationing their food her brother, Sarah enjoyed the supply, the Brightons could only leaks in the ceiling of her room. fend off complete poverty for so She loved to let leaves and rain long. Richard even began rush through her window. If she searching for someone to sell the couldn’t be in direct contact with entire estate to before the walls nature, this was enough to keep began to deteriorate and the doors her sane. began to creek. The once

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 123 Now in the absolute lowest point of Leonard followed orders without a their depression, the Brightons word. The door was removed in were on the verge of having their seconds and once Richard stormed miserable shelter foreclosed. With through the threshold, he was not little to no belongings left, they surprised to see that Sarah’s each awaited their inevitable window was open, but much to his eviction. Desperate to avoid utter surprise, his daughter was gone. failure, Richard began to suffer Richard rushed to the open window from severe anxiety. His and released a raging roar of disheveled hair and deep wrinkles frustration. In the distance, in his face served as a testament through the emaciated arms of the to Richard’s fear of the future. He estate’s trees, he could barely see only ever spoke to Leonard, whom the slightest trace of light. He he depended on to remind him to knew it was Sarah. Without a eat and bathe. He grew a strong second thought, Richard jumped distaste for his own daughter, who out of his daughter’s window, seemed aloof about the family’s scraping against needlelike misfortune and disregarded branches and jagged twigs, Leonard’s orders to rid the house raucously crashing onto the rain of rain and debris, which Richard soaked landscape. Adrenaline now claimed was further damaging his fueled the physically and mentally property. One night, Richard could deranged man, rapidly driving him hear Sarah slam her window open towards the growing speck of light. in defiance, allowing the pouring Never taking his eyes off of what rain to infiltrate the house. In a he thought was Sarah, Richard spontaneous fit of rage, Richard finally reached the ominous light at demanded that Leonard the nearby creek. But, it was not a immediately dismantle the door to candle that illuminated Sarah’s Sarah’s room. Noticing the way, nor was it a lantern. An orb of intensity in the eyes of his father, boundless energy throbbed in front

124 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up of Sarah, who was entranced by its however, fell to a calm drizzle and mystery. Frozen in fear of the then to a light sprinkle. Within the unknown object, Richard could only hour, the clouds cleared and the witness his daughter wade further sun came up for the first time in and further towards the creek. A months. Delighted at the return of cool breeze blew past Richard, and nature’s beauty, Sarah abandoned in that moment, the orb her family’s estate too. Walking transformed into the shape of his into the wild, she never looked late wife. Out of breath and back at the darkness of man’s drenched in the pouring rain, worldly desires. She was freed Leonard appeared to witness the from her misfortune’s shackles. apparition of his mother slowly Escaping from society’s grasp, the take the hand of his sister and natural world became her new walk on the surface of the water to home. the deepest part of the creek. Rafael Flores – 12th Grade Ms. Jamie Vega Richard and Leonard, in perfect Montwood High School synchronization, leapt towards the 1st Place women of their family, falling short of Sarah and being violently carried The Seventh Prince of downstream. The rainstorm Revonnia prevented them from fighting the A young man with silver hair overbearing current, and the light opened his golden green eyes to given off by Linda’s figure slowly see the sun shining through the faded away. branches of the great oak that he In the morning, Sarah woke up in was sleeping under. The birds her room, completely dry, but also chirped cheerily and the young alone. With no recollection of the man’s silvery, white horse events that occurred the night whickered softly, its ears and tail before, Sarah wept at the absence flicking away invisible flies. The of her neglectful family. The rain, young man sat up, yawning. The

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 125 hood of his cape fell off to reveal assassin’s horses. A small group golden hair and the pointed ears of consisting of five assassins stopped a Revonnian elf. He looked around in front of the young man. “You at the soft rolling hills and dotting there, have you seen this farmlands before sighing and Revonnian scum?” The leader pulling out his map. He was asked as he held a piece of paper especially wary of the Faronian towards the young man. The man land due to the assassins that were remained seated on his horse as hunting him. the person on the ground stood up. “Hm… If I continue down this road He could see a sword underneath west, I could make it to Rivertown and his horse shied as the man got by nightfall.” He muttered to closer. “Shh.” The young man said himself. His horse whickered in a quietly as he gently petted the protesting manner and the young horse. With his other hand, he man chuckled. “Sorry, old friend. I grabbed the paper and looked at it. mean, we will make it by nightfall.” “Can’t say I have seen this man.” The young man continued to The younger man said calmly as he chuckle as he packed up the map briefly scanned through the paper. and his belongings. He then stood He then handed the paper back the up and made his way to some man on the horse and smiled at nearby bushes to refresh himself. him under the hood. “Good luck He returned some time later and finding him. It would be like trying sat down to enjoy a simple to find a needle in a haystack, breakfast of fish, travelling bread, won’t it?” The young man said with and water. A little ways down the a chuckle. The older man’s eyes road, the young man heard hoof narrowed as he looked at the beats heading his way. The young young man. man quickly pulled his hood up In a flash of light and the sound of when he recognized them as the steel being drawn, both men had plodding hoof beats of the swords pointed at each other’s

126 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up necks. Three of the remaining four other assassin’s look at the elf in assassins shout in fear and surprise as their leader’s body falls surprise and then it happened. The to the ground. Septimus, the elf, young man’s cape fluttered to the looked at the assassins, the smirk ground and the Revonnian prince’s never leaving his lips. “Boo.” He features were revealed. He wore a said. The last four assassins spin simple green tunic with brown their horses around as they gallop pants and matching boots that off in the opposite direction. went to his knees. The sword’s “Guess it is time for me to go.” scabbard was tied to his waist with Septimus muttered to himself. a brown leather belt. “And that was The elf packed up his campsite and one of my best capes.” The young looked at the body of the first prince said softly. “Typical princely assassin. The horse whickered as it remark, Septimus, but know that stood behind the elf’s own horse. you have more to worry about then “Don’t worry. I won’t kill you.” He just your cape.” The man said. said softly. He grabbed another “Good thing I am no typical prince, cape from his travelling bag and then.” put it on. He then strapped the bag The two men faced off each other. to his horse before grabbing the “You are one cocky bastard.” The body and hiding it under some man said with a scowl as he lunged bushes. The elf knelt down beside towards the younger man. The the body and muttered a prayer in young elf only smirked as the Revonnian. His horse grabbed his man’s sword went through him. hood with its teeth and pulled it “What the?!” The assassin looked over his head. Septimus chuckled. around with his sword still stuck in “Yeah… Let’s go.” He said as he a piece of wood. The Revonnian elf climbed onto his white horse. He appeared behind him and the man grabbed the reigns of the black turned around only to have his horse and they made their way to throat slit by the elf’s sword. The the village of Rivertown where

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 127 more action is sure to wait for filled with anger. I expected this them. much at least, but when I pass the Sabrina Hodge – 12th Grade crying eyes of a little girl with Ms. Melissa Walker brown, curly hair, I immediately Americas High School 2nd Place shift my gaze to my feet. She looks exactly like one of the victims. Six Lives The cops plop me down on a seat In the dead of the night, why does next to my lawyer. I can’t help but the drunk always survive, and think he’s wasting his time. There’s sometimes even come out without no getting out of this one. a scratch on their body? It doesn’t The trial lags on like any other, I seem very fair to the victims or would assume. I made it this far their families does it? I hate myself without crying, so I though for just for surviving; I was the one driving a second, I could do this. drunk, why didn’t I die? Out of the corner of my eye, I can “Jackson,” someone says, snapping see the lawyer at the other table me out of my thoughts. I turn my stand up. He’s holding what look head slightly to the side and see a like poster boards and sets each cop standing outside my cell. one on a metal stand. He removes “Wake up, it’s time to go,” he says. a white covering, revealing various Today is my trial; I wasn’t able to pictures. One is a picture of my think straight for the past month, I truck before and after the crash, hope getting it over with will bring and the other is a picture of my me some sort of relief. I slowly fake ID and a receipt from our local stand up and the cop unlocks the bar. door. “Mr. Jackson went to the On the I’m ushered into the courtroom; Rocks Bar and ordered 10 shots the minute I step foot on the wood with his fake ID. He was later floors, all eyes are on me. Some found to have a .14 blood alcohol are wet with tears, and others are level, this causing blurred vision

128 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up and severe physical and mental covering her face, and her arm impairments,” the lawyer said closest to the door, where the tree while holding up a baggie with the met the car, was twisted in an receipt and the ID. impossible position. She was Yeah, I was basically done for. I turned towards another girl in the couldn’t listen anymore because I passenger’s seat. Her scream was kept hearing the girl’s scream, and laced with both physical pain, and it always took me back to that utter sadness from seeing her night. friend’s lifeless body. This was the I stumbled out of the bar feeling scream that will continue to haunt awful. I spent the longest time me for the rest of my life. trying the find my truck, and when I slowly drifted into consciousness I finally found it, I spent an even at the hospital. My head was in so longer time trying to open the door much pain, I tried to raise my hand and put the keys in the ignition. to my head, but found that I The next thing I remember is couldn’t. I looked at my wrist and wondering why headlights were saw that it was handcuffed to the coming my way. handle of the hospital bed, right I woke up with the steering wheel below an IV that was sticking out practically on my lap. I unbuckled of my arm. myself, forced the door open, and Moments later, a police officer fell on the pavement. I tried to get walked into my room. He looked at up but the fire engulfing the car in me with a grim expression for a front of me was too bright. I made few seconds before sitting on a it to my feet when I heard a girl chair in the corner of the room. screaming. I walked forward “Alexander,” he said. “I assume looking for her and stopped at her you noticed the handcuff around car. The car was almost wrapped your wrist, yes? Well, I’m going to around a tree at the driver’s side. tell you why it’s there… The girl screaming had blood Unfortunately, last night, you killed

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 129 five people. You were driving too State jail… Do you have any closing fast and on the wrong side of the statements?” road. You hit a family head on and I stood for a while trying to think of killed them on impact. The girls the right thing to say. behind them hit their car, rolled “I am so sorry. I apologize for over twice, and crashed into a tree. taking your loved ones away from The passenger died during the roll you. I wish it were me that died. over, having hit her head on the I’m sorry,” and with that I sat side window, and the driver died in down, there was nothing I could the hospital.” say to take the pain away. I just stared at him wide-eyed, I “Your honor, Mr. McClure would couldn’t get one word out. like to say something to the “We’re waiting for you to stabilize defendant,” the lawyer at the other and get all the alcohol out of your table said. The judge nodded once, system before we take you in. I’m allowing the man to speak. sorry, Alexander.” “Go ahead sir,” the lawyer I was completely silent. Thinking whispered. that I had nothing to say, the As the man approached the podium officer sighed and left the room. facing the court, my stomach Not even ten seconds after he left, dropped, I knew he was going to I began screaming at the top of my say how happy he felt knowing that lungs. I tried many times to take I was going to spend the rest of my own life during my stay at the my life in jail. I braced myself. hospital, but I wasn’t getting off “Alexander Jackson,” he said. “On that easy. December 20th 2014, you got “Mr. Jackson,” the judge started. behind the wheel drunk and killed “You are charged with five counts my son, my daughter in-law, and of intoxicated manslaughter. You my grandson. You ripped a hole in will spend 62 years in the Florida our hearts, a hole that can never be filled, but I forgive you.”

130 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up I looked up at his words, shocked. Marisol Rodriguez - 12th Grade Ms. Melissa Walker “You don’t need me to hate you Americas High School Alexander, I believe you have 3rd Place enough hate and regret for the both of us.” The rest of the day was a blur, I think I was crying too much to think. That man was right, I don’t need his hate; I already hate myself enough. I hate that I tossed back those drinks, I hate that I got behind the wheel, I hate that I killed five innocent people, and I absolutely hate that life will continue without me. My friends will start families of their own, my little sister will become the best veterinarian princess the world has ever seen, and my parents will buy that lake house they have always talked about and spend every waking moment in each other’s arms. Had I not put my keys in the ignition, I could have seen all these things happen. I destroyed six people that night, a mom, a dad, a child, two friends, and myself.

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 131 Persuasive Essays

132 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up I Need More Space Another reason for me to have a desk is because I could store Bam! My school box falls to the everything in it. I would not have floor. I really need a desk! I don’t to waste time getting my math like sitting at the long, rectangular book from the shelf. We should tables with four other kids. Those have desks because we could move tables are meant for on to subjects faster. Another kindergarteners, not second reason to have a desk is that I graders. I should have a desk would not need to stack up chairs because my stuff is always and get my fingers caught when crowded on the table. If I had a doing that. I could just put it on desk, I could have my books there top of my desk. and I would not have to look for If I had a desk, it would make my them in the am or pm baskets. life a lot easier. I would be more I should have a desk because I organized and have a ton of would not have to worry about storage to put my school supplies cleaning my school boxes. I am and books away. These are all the always doing this because the reasons why I really need a desk! other kids at my table are always Caroline Garcia - 2nd Grade dropping my stuff. Mrs. Yvonne Garcia One reason for having a desk is Dr. Sue Shook Elementary School that I would not have to worry 1st Place about people borrowing my pencils and sharpener from me. If I had a desk, it would not be such a hassle for my teacher to call on the group leaders to have them pass out the books. She could just say, “Take your Math books out,” or, “Get out your science notebook.”

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 133 No More Turkeys the turkeys can have a nice Dear Mom, Thanksgiving and you won’t be tired. This Thanksgiving can we not eat So, Mom, I hope you agree with turkey anymore? I’m really tired of my ideas. I’ll even help you plan it. It takes too long and I’m Thanksgiving. starving. I would prefer to try Sincerely, something different like waffles or Your son a juicy burger. I know the whole Mauricio Loya - 2nd Grade family comes over but instead of Mrs. Lourdes Rios eating turkey let’s eat a tasty O’Shea Keleher Elementary School burger and for dessert ice cream 2nd Place sundaes. One reason I don’t want to is Easter Island because turkeys have feelings and March 23, 2015 their families would be sad. Also, Dear Mom and Dad, they are very colorful and cute. It Would it be okay with you if I fill is sad for the turkeys to die. Even out a job application to be the though the turkey is good, please Easter Bunnies assistant this year? don’t kill them. Instead of eating, If I land the job, I will get to travel let’s keep them as a pet. to Easter Island and help decorate Another reason we shouldn’t eat eggs, put surprises in them, and turkey is because you have to take make chocolate bunnies. The night it out of the freezer and let defrost before Easter, Mr. Bunny and I will and that takes more than 10 hours get to fly around the world in a over night. Then it takes about 4 gold egg coach pulled by chicks, hours to cook. Burgers and waffles and he will drop me off at home are quicker to cook, so the family when it’s time for our family to eats quicker and we can have receive our Easter baskets. I know dessert right away. By the way, you think I am probably too young that’s my favorite part. Mom, even

134 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up for this job, but I will take my Imagination Station phone, and you can text me Mom, Dad, I have to ask you anytime. I am almost 9 years old! I something. You both realize that am a responsible girl and get good kids have a colossal imagination, grades. I promise to be careful right? Sometimes our imagination with breakable eggs. If the Easter gets loose and we get a bit…well, Bunny tells me to do something, I crazy! To tame that, we can will do it. Plus, if I do well as his express our thinking on a assistant, he will give me a huge canvas…you know, like a painting. chocolate bunny! I don’t know about you, but maybe If you let me go, I promise to fill I can paint on somewhere big. up your Easter baskets with extra Somewhere I can see and goodies! Mom, you have wanted a appreciate every day. new computer. Dad, I know you Somewhere…that is…MY ROOM! would love a gold watch. In Ethan’s Think about it! It’s a perfect canvas basket, he would want a box full of for art! Plus, I am tired of staring Lego Star Wars Legos, and I know at the same exact, dismal color Gracie would really like a basket over and over. Isn’t it time to full of cookies. bedazzle my room? A little sparkle Please, please let me go! I really would be wonderful! It’s so dull, want the chance to be the Easter gloomy, and pointless in there. Bunny’s assistant! Wouldn’t you agree? The lilac color Love, on the walls in my room gets old Isabella and boring, too! I want a chance to nd Isabella Madrid - 2 Grade make it colorful, fun, and amazing! Mrs.Vivian Hernandez Hurshel Antwine Elementary I know what you’re thinking…why School don’t I just get a piece of paper? I 3rd Place can’t just have a little piece of to express my depth of feelings and emotions! Please think about

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 135 letting me artistically recreate my with me once or twice a week but boring, mind-numbing room into that’s it. something spectacular and Reason Number Three- When I am remarkable. Please, please, please hungry, you think I’m tired and put say yes!! me into my dog house. Really, I Camila Morales - 3rd Grade am just hungry and want food! I Ms. Jennifer Galindo want some more doggie treats, Loma Verde Elementary School 1st Place please. I hate my little dog house because it only has one blanket in Too Much Cuddling! it. Can you please add some more March 23, 2015 blankets? Dear Owner, P.S. I ate the chocolate that was in I like to play with you, but you your drawer! cuddle with me too much! Even Alejandro Ochoa - 3rd Grade though I am cute pug, I’m not a Mrs. Claudia Mudloff Hurshel Antwine Elementary stuffed animal! Here are some of School nd my reasons to give me some free 2 Place time and leave me alone. Kids Should Never Have to Reason Number One- When I growl, I’m actually talking to other be Alone dogs that I met while we were out Many kids out there need your walking. There is no need for you help, so they can be saved. to calm me down. I’m just talking Sometimes they don’t have the to my buddies about the exciting love and support like most kids. stuff we do and other stuff like Some orphans need to be saved that. because they’re just out in the Reason Number Two- You cuddle street suffering and begging for a and hug me too much. When I feel better life. They just need a tired or sick, I just want to be left supporting family that will help alone. It would be okay to cuddle

136 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up them. Let’s help make orphans feel orphans should always have that you care about them. someone to rely on. One way, is to give some healthy Christina Thai - 3rd Grade Ms. Veronica Martinez food to orphans because kids Helen Ball Elementary School should never be suffering for food. 3rd Place They should never ever be so hungry. If you see a hungry child Dear Coach, on the street, give that lonely child I was wondering if you could some healthy foods. Let them have please get the students and me a little bit of food, so they can still some new equipment. I want new continue their lives. equipment because all the Another way is to give some basketballs are really flat, flat as a money to kids because many kids pancake. The basketballs make a out there don’t have money to buy “twack” sound instead of bounce. important stuff for themselves. You When I bounce the basketballs, just have to be nice enough to give there are stickers all over the ball. some kids a donation. And if you You know we are playing are really nice, you’d give them a basketball because you hear lot of money, so they can buy “Ouch, ouch, ouch!” on the small furniture or other important blacktop. The stickers prick our items. fingers and palms. The balls are You can also help by being a foster also dirty and the bright colors family, finding them a foster home, have faded away. If we get the or adopt them because they need new basketballs, I would like the someone who cares about them. colors to be vibrant, like the color Let them live with someone while of the rainbow! New basketballs they wait to get adopted. Wouldn’t will help the students stay healthy you want to make an adopted because we will be active while child’s life better? In conclusion, having fun.

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 137 The students and I would also like get the students excited and keep new hoola hoops. The hoola hoops us from being bored. we have now are no longer circles Sincerely, because they are bent and broken. Student Because the hoola hoops are Megan Gagnon - 4th Grade Mrs. Sandra Conde broken, my skin gets pinched when O’Shea Keleher Elementary the hoola hoop twirls around my School 1st Place legs. Brand new, brightly colored, circle shaped hoola hoops would Ruidoso keep the students entertained for One of my favorite places to go hours. visit is Ruidoso. I like Ruidoso The jump ropes we have now are because of the gorgeous weather also dull and faded from the sun all year around. I also enjoy the and from being old. The handles sights to visit and what nature has are cracked and some jump ropes to offer. Don’t forget the unique do not have handles at all. New smell that only a place like this can jump ropes will help our hearts be provide. healthy. More kids will participate Most of the time it is fresh in the in the Jump for Hearts if we had morning, the winters are cold, and brand new jump ropes. Students the summers are hot. You can would use the jump ropes even really distinguish the seasons all after the contest was over. New year around. During the winter jump ropes will motivate students you can go up on the mountains learn new skills, like double dutch and go skiing and tubing. Your and criss cross jump. Our hearts summers provide hiking on the will jump for joy! mountains, horseback riding, and I would appreciate you taking my even camping. Your day may end request for new basketballs, hoola with a hot coffee out on the porch hoops, and jump ropes into of your cabin. consideration. New equipment will

138 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up The sights available are not only scenery, the fabulous smell from human created, but it is all about nature, and hopefully you are when what nature has given this world. you can see the seasons changing When you are at the top of the from one to the next. Take some mountain, you can see across for time and go to Ruidoso. miles and all you can do is take it Gael Sepulveda - 4th Grade Mrs. Cindy Covarrubias all in because it is breathtaking. Hueco Elementary School The one thing that you will take 2nd Place from being so high on the mountain is that you can feel the Your Football Team free clean air and how free we are Attention! Attention! If you are not from what is going on around the a Philadelphia Eagles fan, you are world. You are not going to want to missing out on a great opportunity, get back to real life. including you my wonderful and You would figure that the only favorite teacher. You should smell you would encounter would become an Eagles fan. I am urging be the pine trees, but if you close you! You should leave the Dallas your eyes you will find yourself Cowboys’ dark side, and go to the tasting the baking that is going on Eagles’ winning side. If you in different locations, the become a Philadelphia fan, you’ll moistness the pine trees provide, be the perfect teacher. If you’re and of course the pine tree smell. smart, you’ll choose the winning You will find that Ruidoso is the team. Let’s take a look at your place to put your senses to work. team, the Cowboys. They had If you find yourself near Ruidoso, three back-to-back 8-8 seasons. don’t just pass by. Stop and take That’s terrible! This 2014 football some time for yourself and look season, the Cowboys almost made around you. You will find yourself it to the Superbowl, but they fell forgetting your problems at least short again. Dallas struck out for a minute or two. Enjoy the again! Just face it. They can’t win

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 139 the big, vital games. The Dallas Next year, we are going to be the Cowboys’ quarterback, Tony Romo, team to beat. No one is going to throws multiple interceptions in the beat us. We are going to win fourth quarter, and they end up Superbowl Fifty. I don’t see the losing the game. I don’t Cowboys doing that. So that is why understand why you are a Cowboy you and everyone else out there fan if they keep on losing. Aren’t should become a Philadelphia you tired of your team failing over Eagles fan. If you decide to and over again? The Eagles on the become a fan, I’ll work harder and other hand, are the best team in get all A’s for the rest of the school the NFL! We have an outstanding year. The Eagles are just plain quarterback, Mr. Nick Foles. He better than the Cowboys and any only threw two interceptions in the other team in the NFL! The Eagles 2013 season. That’s pretty are the best there is, the best incredible if you ask me. Right now there was, and the best there ever you must be thinking about how will be! the Cowboys did better than Devin Rojas - 4th Grade Mrs. Martha Rodriguez Philadelphia overall. I’ll admit they Elfida P. Chavez Elementary did, but that’s only because most School 3rd Place of the Eagles line men were injured which meant our running back, Don’t Disrupt LeSean McCoy, couldn’t sprint and February 2, 2015 score touchdowns for our fantastic Dear John Doe, team. Then Nick Foles broke his I have been noticing you playing collar bone, and we got stuck with and talking when the teacher is our backup quarterback, Mark giving instructions and teaching a Sanchez. He threw some lesson. You have been distracting interceptions that cost us some several students including me. games. He is a decent quarterback, Students come to school to learn but Nick Foles is more competent.

140 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up and be successful but they can’t Alaiza Gallarzo – 5th Grade Ms. Araceli Carmona because of you. Sgt. Roberto Ituarte I recommend you to start listening Elementary School 1st Place and pay attention because at the end of the year or possibly later in My Dream life you will regret every moment My dream is that one day all of El of it. You may even regret it while Paso’s citizens will quit smoking for doing STAAR test when you don’t good. Not only is smoking bad for know what to do or how to solve you, but it pollutes the air. the answers. Then when everybody Cigarettes smell horrible, and they else is in sixth grade, guess where can make your lungs black. you’ll be! That’s right! You’ll be Smoking is unhealthy for you and held back in fifth once again, just for those people around you. If you because of the decisions you made are a smoker, please listen to what today. I have to say. The actions you do can affect your Cigarettes are very expensive. whole future. Please listen to the Business owners should stop people who tell you to be quiet! selling them. They need to realize They are doing it for your own that hundreds of people have good. Listen to our teacher; she gotten lung cancer from them. only wants what’s best for us. Just They shouldn’t let people smoke in think about it, and you will realize their shops. Businesses just need that we are right. I wrote this to eliminate cigarettes for good. essay trying to convince you to The government should ban behave and do better in school. cigarettes from stores. If cigarettes Remember that what you do aren’t in stores, people can’t buy affects not only you but the people them. If there isn’t anyone to sell around you, too! them to them, they won’t smoke. Sincerely, Stores will lose money, but people Alaiza Gallarzo

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 141 will be a lot healthier and that is to wear uniformed pants and polo more important than money. shirts, why not allow us to wear If there aren’t any cigarettes being free dress? Whenever the principal sold in El Paso, we can try to make lets us wear our normal clothing, Texas a smoke-free state. Texans on special occasions or just for fun, need to be alerted that smoking we get extremely excited. There shouldn’t be tolerated. We, as a are many reasons why kids love state, need to stand healthy. With free dress. This is really important the cigarette ban, Texans won’t get to me, as well as for other kids, lung cancer and they can stay I'm going to list some of the healthy. reasons: Now that you know the importance 1. They like to show off their of not smoking, you can do your awesome choice in clothing and part and convince people not to their amazing new outfits. smoke. If you are a smoker, please 2. Dressing up is just like art. It stop. Thank you for supporting not gives the students creativity and smoking. We will all be healthier imagination. Also, just like art, a and safer if people stop smoking. child will dress the way they feel. If Help make El Paso a cigarette free they are sad, happy, angry, city. excited, or even hopeful they can Patricia Cleary - 5th Grade express themselves with their Ms. Rachel Romo clothing. Dr. Sue Shook Elementary School 3. The students often pay more 2nd Place attention when the learning is fun for them. If you let children wear Uniform Policy Suggestion their own choice in clothing then Dear School Board, the possibilities of fun are endless. I'm writing this letter to simply ask For example, the teacher could you to change my school’s uniform make a game with the colors in policy. Instead of us being required each child’s wardrobe. In my

142 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up science class our teacher taught us for this change to the school policy "ROYGBIV", which is the seven on uniforms. main colors of the rainbow. The We are thankful that you teacher could have us guess the considered for allowing us to dress colors of "ROYGBIV" using each freely! other’s colors in clothing. In math Sincerely, class the teacher could ask, "I want Mackenzie all of you to make two groups. Mackenzie Kylene Osgood – 5th Grade When you get in your groups, Ms. Elizabeth Blizzard make division and multiplication Hurshel Antwine Elementary School problems using the colors of each 3rd Place other’s shirts." Remember, that there are many Chocolate benefits to allow the students to Have you ever wanted chocolate express their personality. However, but never ate it because you I only explained three of them. If wanted to be healthy? Chocolate is you asked ten other students why actually good for you. It is they like free dress, they will give scientifically proven that it will you more and probably different reduce heart attacks, decrease answers. In fact, everyone has strokes, protects against blood their own reasons for why they inflammation, helps you with want to dress freely. mental math, prevents cancer, and If this request was considered, reduces risk for diabetes. It is also there would be a big change in proven that it’s good for your skin, school. If you choose to agree with controls your coughs, improves this suggestion, I promise you will blood flow, strengthens brain, and not regret it. In fact, the students most importantly makes you live will probably be thankful. I just longer. Who wouldn’t want that, want to say thank you for taking right?! the time to consider my suggestion

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 143 The fewer things that are in your me and love chocolate, I say try chocolate is better. That’s why dark chocolate because you’ll love dark chocolate is better than milk it! I hope you do try it and turn out chocolate because it has less to love it; if you don’t, I will believe sugars and fats. If you want to live you are a person who hates a healthier life and still eat everything. So, EAT CHOCOLATE! chocolate, then I suggest you eat Vivian Ibarra – 6th Grade Mrs. Maria Quintero dark chocolate more often Montwood Middle School especially if you or a family 1st Place member is allergic to dairy products, then you or they should Mom and Dad Please Read! only eat dark chocolate; it will be Hey there my beautiful, charming, good for you and for your family nice caring parents! I get that my member. So, if you’re looking for a phone is for calling and texting but healthy choice of sweets for you that’s just plain boring. Seriously, I and your loved ones, you should should have unlimited data and choose dark chocolate. It is the something even better than a best, and healthiest, chocolate Motorola; I deserve it! there is. I am currently on the A/B Honor When you eat dark chocolate, Roll. I’m in excellent health, and you’re not only making healthy even do some chores but for some choices for your life, you’re helping reasons I get stuck with a sucky your family members make healthy phone from Cricket! Have you seen choices as well. What’s even better how hard my homework is? Did is you can eat dark chocolate and you see me cry when I couldn’t still look good! I believe that a little solve that equation? I’m even bit of chocolate a day helps keep preparing for my future job the doctor away. It’s just like an already! Don’t you think I deserve apple a day keeps the doctor away, something better? Like maybe a, I but tastes better. So, if you’re like don’t know, IPhone six plus

144 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up unlimited data?! That would be I should have a phone and ideas to very nice and well deserved. save up for it. If you want a college You know what? We have a Wii, a essay, 9-12 digital Microsoft Word PlayStation 3 and 4, a computer, pages, then I will gladly do so. Just Dad’s IPad, a Nook Color but you try and see what I’d do for that absolutely delightful people can’t white and gold (or maybe blue and afford an IPhone? I find that black, I can’t tell I think I’m extremely hard to believe. That colorblind) IPhone 6 Plus. Did you extra money you guys get should see what I just wrote? I’d do be saved up, so I can have a better anything for that irresistible mobile phone which can possibly improve device! Yet another reason to get my happiness seventy five percent me one, so at least consider it! more (and I know you’d look Makayla Curtis – 6th Grade Ms. Dora Cooper forward to that). If I am able to Bill Sybert School play Piano Tiles, listen to music, 2nd Place talk and text my friends without any hassle then I’d probably take Free Lunch you out to dinner. Ha! I bet you Hey kids!!! Do you think that it is actually thought I’d do that but I’m unfair that we have to pay for broke which is why I haven’t lunch? They say that lunch is one bought a spectacular phone. It’s of the most important meals of the with my understanding; my lovely day. They also say that it is brain father has a well-paying job. Also food for your mind to keep you my brother Andrew is the manager going, too. So let’s provide free at Domino’s Pizza and has a food for everyone. racecar MR2! Surely he must have We should all be guaranteed two a few trillion left in this account so free meals per school day. This tell him to pitch in, too! should be a well-balanced So, as you can see, I’ve written a breakfast to get us started in the full essay jam packed with reasons morning. Then lunch should be a

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 145 meal to keep us going for the rest that they say three meals a day is of the day. All students should better for your brain and lunch is have the same options because we one of them, so let it be free. are all equal. Research shows they Arlette Vega - 6th Grade Mrs. Cynthia Yu do better in the classroom when Col. John O. Ensor Middle they are fed properly. School 3rd Place Many students don’t get a proper meal at home because their Are We Alone in the parents may be struggling and Universe? have money problems at home. I believe we are not the only Some students might be depending beings in this universe. The on a school meal that day. Many possibilities that life exists students don’t have nutrition to get elsewhere other than Earth are through the day, so they rely on endless! However, we beings have the menu at school. not yet discovered simplified School can be really hard to get innovations to travel to another through on an empty stomach, so universe through man-made let’s make it free and give the right transportation. nutrition. Public schools should Scientists say that wormholes provide free lunch because our could be a possible way to travel education matters. They might say through several other universes that lunch really isn’t that other than ours. A wormhole is important and who cares about it, simply a gap in space that occupies but they will be surprised at how a place in time. It allows you to important lunch is. walk through a spherical bubble So let’s provide free food for that can transport our bodies to a everyone. Lunch is important, so it new location. Imagine a wormhole doesn’t matter if you are poor or as a portal that is in two separate rich. Let’s make it free for locations: one somewhere miles everyone to enjoy. Also remember

146 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up away from you, and another that is built about 5,000 years ago. What located several distances away is most impressive is that there from the other. These two portals was approximately 80 stones used connect through an invisible and each weighing up to 4 tons. tunnel. With this, we may be able That’s 8,000 pounds! Since there to find another substance of life was obviously not the modern elsewhere. technology we have today, the way Obviously, there is also another these stones were carried is possible reason. According to many unknown. No human should be citizens beliefs, there is an able to carry 4 tons. Not only were extremely secured “hideout” known these massively heavy, but there as Area 51. Although it is only a was also a few stones stacked on rumor, many believe this area top of each other! Do you see the exists. In short, Area 51 is point I’m trying to make? These supposedly a place hidden from the boulders were most likely public to avoid turmoil that transported by aliens! contains extraterrestrial beings So, there’s not just silly stories kept undetected. If this truly meant to scare children or fool the exists, the possibility that aliens public. These stories could possibly could exist is very high. In my be true! Although there are many opinion, this secret building is pieces of evidence, these are just a actually a tangible construction few of the several possibly-true built miles away and kept guarded mysteries. by several army troops. Jesse Hernandez – 7th Grade Mrs. Esther Holguin There is also many premonitions Socorro Middle School and mysteries found on Earth that 1st Place have been thought to be by the cause of aliens. A fine example could be the Stonehenge mystery. This is a construction said to be

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 147 To Alter, Or Not To Alter? what happened. This form of I think pretty much everyone government has now become a knows that most of the time, the dictatorship that is threatening to produce we buy at supermarkets take over other countries. and other stores is genetically In a perfect world, genetically altered or enhanced. Scientists say altering organisms would solve all that they mess with the DNA of our problems and end world plants and other life forms is for a hunger. But in reality, it can really good cause, but their idea is hurt our way of life. Raising somewhat half-baked. Yes, genetically modified plants and genetically engineered food has its animals in an environment that benefits, but I think it’s time we wouldn’t normally support them look at the realistic side of things. can damage the balance of the Humans have been experiencing ecosystem and have a massive world hunger problems since the impact on the normal plants and beginning of time. Today, bio- animals that were living there in engineers are coming up with new the first place. and improved ways to end this In addition, growing genetically world-wide predicament by modified foods, or GMOs, do not creating crops that can yield more have a higher economic value than produce than normal plants can. I any other type of plant. These know, I know, you’re thinking, crops take just as long to grow, “Well, what’s wrong with that? mature, and produce fruits and Their intentions are good, but just vegetables. Although biologists because their intentions are good have altered the plants’ abilities to doesn’t mean good things will resist disease and certain pests, it come out of it. It’s like does not decrease the amount of communism, Karl Marx had good effort it takes to grow and harvest intentions when he came up with them. the theory of communism, but look

148 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up And the increase in the production <http://healthresearchfunding.or of GMOs doesn’t just affect the g/pros-cons-genetically-modified- economy and different ecosystems; foods/>. it also influences the amount of Adriana Montoya - 7th Grade Mrs. Maria Quintero people with food allergies. Let’s Montwood Middle School just say that someone is allergic to 2nd Place genetically modified corn. If an animal we get meat from, such as Forever Home a cow, eats the corn too, there is a Not all families with children have a higher chance for that person to “forever home,” a house that you get an allergic reaction from eating will live in forever. Most families the meat of that particular cow. move from state to state or city to So you see, genetically altered city, causing them to live in food isn’t all that it’s pumped up to different areas each time. be about. I ask you to reconsider Personally, I don’t think this is a putting genetically enhanced good thing because he or she produce in local markets and might have a hard time making stores. All things with advantages friends and your child might face have disadvantages too, but do emotional distress. bio-engineered food’s benefits When you move, you are leaving outweigh its risks? Will this concept one community for another. This really help and not hinder? Where means you’ll have to meet new do you stand in the debate of people and this is especially hard GMOs and non-GMOs? for children moving to a new Citations: school. Cliques have already been "Pros and Cons of Genetically formed and best friends have Modified Foods." Health already been established. This Research Funding. Healthcare makes it hard for “the new kid” to Articles and Infographics, 4 Dec. make friends compared to 2013. Web. 1 Mar. 2015. someone who has stayed in one

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 149 school. The situation worsens in If you don’t want to see your child middle school, and if the child is in pain, then stay in one house. shy and has very different Your child will be much happier. thoughts or likes, this may result in Victoria Lopez – 7th Grade Mrs. Mayela Zamora bullying. You don’t want your child Jane A. Hambric School being bullied. 3rd Place Do you remember the childhood toy that you loved but were forced Olweus to get rid of it? The emotions you Bullying is one word that has went through are the same affected teens all around the world emotions that a child goes through. in a negative way. Bullying is a They are forced to part with friends behavior that has been stressed by and never see them again. Also, if our teachers for us to know and he or she liked a specific teacher, how to prevent it. They created a the or she will not be able to see program named Olweus and on a them anymore. There might also certain day, as a class we do a lot be something about the house that of activities to learn how to handle the child LOVES. If you leave the bullying situations. I have been house, you are making them feel bullied once and I know how it depressed for possibly a long time. feels, someone making you feel I’m pretty sure you won’t enjoy a uncomfortable every day in school. sad child walking around. I did not want to go to school You may think that moving is a because I thought it would happen good thing to do, but not with kids. again or get worse. My bullying They will have trouble making case was not that serious but since friends and they might feel I have never been bullied before I depressed because they will be told my teacher and the bully got parting with friends. in trouble. She never bullied me again, and she started being nice to me. I believe if we take the

150 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Olweus program seriously and start and that is what bullies take away making an effort to stop bullies, we from you without even knowing. can improve the atmosphere on They start threatening you if you our campus. Bullying was never “snitch”, and the bullying would get really addressed before the Olweus worse. Bullies do not care about program was introduced in the your feelings and what you think, district six years ago. Students are they only care about themselves. beginning to speak up, and it is Kids and teens are scared of beginning to make a difference. We talking to anyone about bullying should embrace the Olweus and that is the problem. They are program. always bystanders who do not do Bullying might start when someone anything to prevent bullying. They feels like if they are better than think it is funny and cool, but it everyone, they feel like if they are isn’t. The Olweus lessons teach us superior to you and everyone else how to handle a bully whether you for some unknown reason. They are the one being bullied or you might start calling you mean are a bystander. names or say stuff that is not even Bullies make people feel bad about true about you. They start making themselves and imagine how their you feel bad and embarrass you in parents feel, they send their front of your friends and children to school thinking that it is everywhere you go. This causes all right but in the end the kids you to begin isolating yourself from suffer. Parents should talk to their your friends and family and children once in a while and ask quitting extra-curricular activities. them about school and bullying. Bullying makes students become Teens should respect other people scared of school and not enjoying it and their feelings because if you as it is supposed to be. My dad want to gain respect you should once said that school is a place to respect others, too. We can all stop learn, have friends and be safe, bullying in every school in the

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 151 world by making school a bully- Francisco Del Val – 8th Grade Mrs. Elizabeth Johnson free zone. Schools should be strict Sun Ridge Middle School about bullying and giving serious 1st Place consequences to the bully. Teachers should pay more Love Is Spelled $$$$ attention about what is happening Valentine’s Day is the time to inside the class. Students’ grades prove your love through how much sometimes drop and the teachers money you spend on your might not even know what is going significant other. The idea of on. What I would do to prevent Valentine’s Day is an endearing bullying is to stand up to the bully, one, but in today’s world, it’s about I do not care if he is bigger than making money. Everybody is me or stronger than me, we have worried about what to buy, instead to make that change now. I would of focusing on love. talk to the person who was being The average American will spend bullied and make him or her a close to $200 on Valentine’s Day, friend. I would introduce him to and America as a whole will spend friends and hang out with him. I $18.9 billion. Imagine how much know we can all stop bullying by profit candy, jewelry, card, and working together and helping each flower companies are making off of other with the problems we have. people who think the only way to These solutions are addressed show how much they love someone every week in our Olweus lesson. I is through cash. All those think the students are beginning to corporations make billions of take the program seriously dollars on just one day. This because it has been in place for a holiday has changed from romantic long time. The more we are to materialistic. A shockingly high exposed to anti-bullying lessons, percentage of women, 53%, will the better it will be for everyone. end a relationship if their

152 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up significant other does not purchase perfect flowers to send to my anything for them. mother. These flowers are always One of these women was the at least $80. Then after already girlfriend of a family friend. Let’s spending that much, he takes her call him Jimmy (to preserve his out to a fancy dinner, which is honor). Jimmy and this girl had probably, at best, $150. been dating for a few months. Valentine’s Day isn’t a matter of They both seemed radiant with the heart, but a matter of the love. Jimmy knew Valentine’s Day pocketbook. This is the holiday was coming up, and he decided to companies make profit off of forego buying his girlfriend a new people who buy into the pair of diamond earrings or a 7 materialistic aspect of it. Don’t fall foot tall teddy bear. Instead, he victim this year. Write your loved wrote her a beautiful love letter. one a letter that they can treasure You could tell that Jimmy loved her forever instead of chocolates they’ll a tremendous amount. Jimmy finish in minutes. Show your love worked for hours on getting that without draining your savings letter just right. However, she was account. an extremely materialistic girl, and Sofia Bralich - 8th Grade Ms. Melissa Jones she very rudely threw the letter in SSG. Manuel R. Puentes Middle Jimmy’s face and broke his heart. School 2nd Place Jimmy’s depressing story shows that people care more about money than love on Valentine’s Day. Another anecdote that proves how commercial Valentine’s Day has become is about my father. Every year he spends hours in front of the computer trying to find the

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 153 Bullying happening in the social world, plus Bullying is a really big problem and you cannot do much when is found almost everywhere. We something is on the internet. need to change the way we Bullies do not realize that mean approach this subject and be an comments or pictures on social advocate to stop this behavior. I media effect people’s lives forever. have never been bullied, and I Some kids set bullied for being fat, have never bullied anyone. Even skinny, having big ears; there are though I have not been bullied, or a million different reasons. It is not bullied other kids, bullying has their fault being how they are. really affected me. Many teachers Nobody is perfect. Being ugly is talk about bullying and how to another reason for bullies to bully. prevent it, but many students still Some kids do not have enough do not do what they are supposed money to buy expensive clothes to do. Sincerely, I have not done and shoes. That is another reason anything to solve bullying, some kids get bullied. Having a sometimes I think about it but I swoosh on your shoe will not make still do not do it. Like some people you a cool kid, but most teenagers say “If you are not part of the use the money they do not have to solution, you are part of the buy expensive items so they will problem.” If that is true most not get bullied. It is not always the people are contributing to bullying. big guy who bully’s, it can be Another problem that comes up someone smaller or from a lower when people see someone getting or higher grade. Bullying happens bullied is saying “cool” or helping because they think they are the bully. That is just giving more superior to others. This is a really power to the bullies. Social media big problem, and it has to be also helps bullies, most adults do solved as soon as possible. It is not have an account, therefore getting out of control because most they do not know what is people are bystanders. Saying

154 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up “somebody has to do something” is everyone respected each other, but not going to solve anything. Bullied today kids and teenagers do not people often drop out of school; even respect their parents or some hurt themselves because of teachers. Telling a teacher will not all the pressure from the bullies. solve it all, but it can make a Some parents do not even notice difference in someone’s life. We their kids are getting bullied until need everyone to take a stand they see their child’s situation on against bullying. Remaining silent the news. is the worst thing we can do. If we keep doing what we are Eduardo Ochoa – 8th Grade Mrs. Elizabeth Johnson doing, which is not much, bullying Sun Ridge Middle School is going to tremendously expand. 3rd Place What we are doing is just like giving a stick to a bully so he can beat his victim up. We are supporting the bully by just standing there, looking at him saying “cool”. Cool is not a word to describe bullying. What should be done is to speak up. We should tell a trusted adult, so they can solve it without getting into a fight. They can call their parents so they make him stop. A teenager talking to an adult is not the same as an adult talking to an adult. There is a big difference because some adults do not take teenagers or kids seriously. The world has really changed from the past. Before

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 155 Argumentative Essays

156 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Varying Opinions on the bad side of genetic modification Designer Babies since it is wrong and can cause consequences. Not only parents, Abstract but people in general need to Designer babies are a highly understand everything and all of debatable topic and have caused a the consequences of genetically lot of controversy. Designer babies modifying a child. Designer babies or genetic modification is a method is a topic that can definitely change for modifying a child’s genes before the way humanity look at things they are born so that they will not and anyone could be able to have any complications in the understand what goes on when future. Many people believe that modifying a child. designer babies are very beneficial Varying Opinions of Designer while others believe it is not Babies morally right and it is very bad. According to the book Designer The impact it can have on society Babies, a designer baby is “a baby is unpredictable but some believe whose genetic makeup has been that it will cause problems for the artificially selected by genetic child that undergoes the engineering combined with IVF (In modification. While others believe Vitro Fertilization) to ensure the that it can cause the human race presence or particular genes or to become prone to many major characteristics” (Thadami, 2013, p. diseases that can cause humanity 48). Designer babies are not to slowly die off, the idea of correct and parents should not designer babies is not morally want to modify their child, they correct. Parents should be happy should be happy with however with however their child turns out their child is born. This can include to be. Parents, as well as the rest the human race becoming more of humanity, need to understand susceptible to some major the bad that genetic modification diseases. He also explains that can do. It is more important to see

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 157 designer babies are not morally and consequences that not even correct as well since it’s as if doctors know about. He believes humanity is going against what that modifying a child is a “great God does. Modifying a child’s genes risk” (King, 2009). Many people can cause various kinds of believe it is a good idea since it can controversy because there is not prevent their child from having any anything right about what happens health problems the future. with this reproductive technology. On the other hand, many other Also, take into consideration the people believe that modifying a fact that this technology is child’s genes is a good thing. expensive and that only some Specifically Ronald Bailey, the people would be able to afford it. author of an article that is for That could cause even more genetic modification, he believes problems for people because some that parents should be allowed to children would be more superior to modify their unborn child’s genes others. When a child is genetically because it will diminish any health modified, it goes against nature issues in the future. In the article and everything that is morally Bailey says, “…applying this correct, it also can cause problems standard would rule out allowing that humanity is unaware of. parents to select genes that would Many people, scientists or anyone unquestionably harm their who is professional, believe that children” (Bailey, 2006). He gives the technology of designer babies an example in the article of an or genetic modification should not embryo that will eventually have be pursued. An example could be, cystic fibrosis later on in life. So he D. King, he explains that he does believes that parents should be not believe the technology should able to modify their child to even be practiced. He goes on and prevent any diseases from on about how genetically modifying occurring in the child. Ronald a child can cause many problems Bailey also explains in his article

158 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up that if the parents genetically their child have problems in the modify their child, they can modify future, but in this case to have a them to live for a very long time. disability. Bailey also believes that Bailey strongly believes that genetic modification is fine as long everything about genetic as the modifications are reasonable modification is perfectly fine as and not too extreme. long as it is helping the child. According to Rahul Thadami, Ronald Bailey also explains that as designer babies can cause many long as the parents want to modify problems for humanity later on in their child’s genetic material and the future. He explains in his the reason to do so is reasonable, article that only some families can he believes that genetic have access to the genetic modification is great. Bailey states modification. He states that the in his article that “parents should genetic modification “will ultimately be allowed to make reasonable result in segregation between the genetic enhancements in their superior ‘modified’ humans, and children” (Bailey, 2006). He uses the pure but inferior ones” examples in the article such as, if a (Thadami, 2013, p.46). Rahul also parent wants to modify their child explains how the human race can so the child can have wings or gills, become prone to major diseases he doesn’t believe that should be which could cause many of the allowed. He also gives an example human population to die. Another of a disabled homosexual couple. way genetic modification can cause They would like to modify their problems for humanity is the effect child so that they can have a of the modification could have on disability as well. Ronald does not the child. Yes, the child will have believe that is it fair to the child other benefits but nobody knows who undergoes the modification. the consequences that could result He does not believe that parents from it. Rahul says that many should make the decision to make people approach the idea of

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 159 designer babies or genetic believes that parents should leave modification “without even taking the child as they are since they go into consideration the effect this against everything that many procedure will have on the child” people believe in. (Thadami, 2013, p. 46). Genetic Many even believe that the genetic modification could lead to many modification goes against many of other problems that humanity does the beliefs that humanity has not need. towards a God. He says, “I am not Many people, specifically Rahul generally happy about using the Thadami, believes that genetic concept of playing God, but it is modification is as if humanity is difficult to avoid this case. The “playing God” (Thadami, 2013, p. advocates of genetic engineering 45). He doesn’t believe that point out that humans constantly parents should try to interfere and ‘play God’, in a sense, by change what God has done by interfering with nature” (King, genetically modifying a child. The 2009). He explains that he does author also says that some not believe it should be pursued religions are extremely against the since it can be seen as playing technology. In his article he says God. King states that genetically that “…the only people who are modifying a child is bad and risky, consistent about this are the and he also believes that it can be Catholics. They say that you have seen as interfering with God and to accept whatever pops out of nature. It is as if the human race is your procreative union” (Thadami, “playing God” (Thadami, 2013, 2013, pg. 38). Thadami says that p.45). It can be seen as playing many Catholics are mainly the God since parents, well genetic ones who are against genetically scientists, are changing the genes modifying a child since it goes of an unborn child. against what they believe, and When King, an author of an article everything that God does. Thadami that disagrees with designer babies

160 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up says he hears that “the best by genetically modifying a child; answer that conventional medical the consequences that will come ethics seem to have is to ‘leave it later on in life for the child are up to the parents’” (King, 2009). unknown. The fact that parents He did not agree with that want to modify their child is crazy statement at all. He explains that and the parents should not want to parents should not change the way change the way their child is. their child will be born and that Another reason genetic they should be left as they are. modification is not a good King does believe that it will technology to pursue since it does benefit humanity but should not not seem like the right thing to do. genetically modify their child. The Parents should not genetically author does believe that the modify their child because they do technology could help humanity, not know what the outcome will but he explains that whatever lies be. in the future is unknown, and he To make the topic more believes parents should not pursue controversial, many people may the technology. King believes it is think that genetic modification is up to the parents, but he does not great and that it will benefit believe that parents should take humanity, but it can cause many the risk of genetically modifying problems that we may not know their child and facing problems in about. Similar to what the author the future. of an article, Rahul Thadami, Considering everything that could genetically modifying a child can go wrong, genetic modification is cause many problems for humanity not a good technology to pursue. It that we do not know about and can cause many problems for that we cannot predict. Parents humanity, and those problems should not be allowed to modify a have not been discovered. Many child’s genes because of this. other problems can also be caused Parents need to be aware of what

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 161 will happen to a child that gets Engineering, genetically modified. Parents need www.hgalert.org/topics/hge/t to know that they should not take hreat.htm, n.d.) the risk of doing something, in this Victoria Torres - 9th Grade Mrs. Carol Subia case modifying a child, if nobody Americas High School knows what will happen by 1st Place modifying the child. The only few benefits of genetic modification is that it can diminish health issues for the child that gets modified in the future. References Bailey, R. (2006). Human Genetic Enhancement Will Benefit Humanity. In L. I. Gerdes (Ed.), Opposing Viewpoints. Humanity's Future. Detroit: Greenhaven Press. Chenes, E. D. (Ed.). (2013). Designer babies. Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press. King, D. (2009). Human Genetic Engineering Is Risky and Should Be Stopped. In D. M. Haugen & S. Musser (Eds.), Opposing Viewpoints. Genetic Engineering. Detroit: Greenhaven Press. (Reprinted from The Threat of Human Genetic

162 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Economic Benefits of Solar availability of power, and jobs in Power both the solar power and conventional power source Abstract industry. The reason the topic is so Exploring a variety of viewpoints, difficult to agree on is because this paper discusses the economic conventional power companies benefits of solar power. The make millions of dollars a year, sources utilized describe two types and do not wish to lose money to of solar technology, photovoltaic alternative power industries as well solar energy (PV) and concentrated as being the older form and solar power (CSP). PV solar panels therefore the more reliable. A directly convert and use energy conversion to solar will also impact from the sun, while CSP converts many jobs, as it will cause a lower the energy and is able to store it. demand for the power provided by However, these sources do not conventional power sources. always specify which type is used, However, if solar power is agreed so it is assumed that the sources upon, there will be a greater are referring to PV, as it is more availability of energy, and commonly used. Not only are the therefore lower prices. The types of solar panels important, viewpoints presented from the the issue of solar power itself is Opposing Viewpoints database, as important because the use of well as a book source published in technology increases daily, 2013, are gathered from various meaning that more energy is experts in energy and provide required for these technological many valid arguments. The most advances. However, there is a convincing viewpoints are shortage of the sources for energy, arguments that support solar such as fossil fuels. It is important power, as they describe many to decide on the topic because examples that demonstrate the whether or not solar power is benefits and detriments of solar widely used will affect prices,

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 163 power. The decisions made for becoming more efficient and cheap solar power will change the world, which means that not as much land as it will determine the price and is required. On top of this, solar the availability of energy panels can also save thousands of worldwide. dollars if used effectively for a long Keywords: photovoltaic solar period of time. The use of solar energy, concentrated solar power power will cause a positive change Economic Benefits of Solar Power in the price of energy, as it is In a world where energy is renewable so materials do not run required for the use of almost out as quickly, if at all, causing everything, whether directly or prices to stay constant and even indirectly, it is important to note possibly decrease, as well as being the statistics of the energy sources able to save a lot of money. used. While all energy sources Becoming a very beneficial energy have their own pros and cons, source, solar power has many there is one source to rule them reasons for being economically all: solar power. Solar power is a helpful, such as job growth. In source of energy that converts rays 2012, it was reported that there from the sun in to usable power. were, “…more than 5,600 solar As with all energy sources, solar companies. These companies are power has its own pros and cons, providing a significant amount of with some negatives being that new jobs. Research shows that the solar power requires a large solar industry employs more than amount of land, as well as 100,000 people in the United conventional energy prices falling States” (Nakaya, 2013, p. 16). This faster than solar power prices. amount of workers is significant However, the price of solar power because solar energy is not one of decreases year by year, making it the main sources of energy, such more reasonable with the high as fossil fuels, meaning that if solar price, as well as solar collector cells energy was a leading source of

164 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up energy, there could be millions of well, but paired with solar power, more jobs available and with these more jobs would be available on jobs, less people would be working the market. Solar energy has many in dangerous fields to extract economic benefits and the creation materials, such as coal, to be used of more jobs is only one of the as energy. This not only benefits many reasons for its effectiveness. the world economically, but health- Along with helping people earn wise as well, because less people money, solar energy can also help will be at risk for death and other people save money. Though the possible injuries. Along with these prices may seem high at first, benefits, the job growth for the “According to the Pew Center on solar energy industry in 2010 and Global Climate Change, when solar 2011, “… grew 6.8 percent, PV technology was first developed compared to overall US job growth in the 1950’s, it cost $300 per watt of only 0.7 percent in that period” of electricity produced. By 1998 (Nakaya, 2013, p. 16). If this is the cost had dropped to $10.80 per the current path of solar energy watt, and by 2009 it had decreased industries, these statistics would to $7.50 per watt” (Nakaya, 2013, most likely have a dramatic p. 13). With this ever decreasing increase if solar energy became a price, solar energy becomes more main source of power, resulting in reasonable to use, compared to the more people being able to spend increasing price of fossil fuels, coal, the money they make, as well as and natural gas which are finite in less dependency on fossil fuels and resources, causing them to be other sources that have finite more expensive. Solar energy, supplies that cause environmental while having a high initial setup harm. However, to cease the use cost, is able to save thousands of of traditional sources of energy dollars because, “…solar cells have completely is questionable, as an average life expectancy of 30 those industries provide jobs as years…” (Nakaya, 2013, p. 13).

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 165 Not only do statistics display the exactly why it is an optimal source reasonable prices of solar panels, a of energy. chicken farm has also been able to With the decreasing price of solar exhibit the money saving in action. power, many experts on energy This farm is said to, “…produce say, “The cost of solar energy will about 95 percent of their own soon compare with the cost of electricity with solar power, an coal” (Clayton, 2011). This achievement that has proved to be occurrence is referred to by many not just affordable, but far cheaper experts of solar energy as grid than conventional energy” parity, which many believe will (Nakaya, 2013, p. 16). The soon arrive, when solar energy will operator of the farm says, “To be the same cost as traditional operate the farm and the house energy sources. Energy analyst, with regular electricity supply it Robert Margolis, says, “The reality would cost $800 a month, yet even is that even today, there are some though the farm’s electricity needs places in California where, with are far greater now, with solar states incentives, solar already has power Elizabeth says their grid parity, nationwide, the date is electricity costs less than $100 a closer to 2015” (Clayton, 2011). month” (Nakaya, 2013, p. 16). With 2015 becoming ever closer This farm is able to demonstrate and solar cells, the energy the money saving on a small scale, collection device in solar panels, if this was multiplied to suit the becoming increasingly more needs of an entire country, the effective, this may be an accurate savings could eventually become date. Along with these facts, some very high, allowing the money to say, “That surge could arrive faster be utilized in other prospects to with new federal tax credits that further improve the country’s cover 30 percent of the cost of a status. These examples prove just solar installation” (Clayton, 2011). how effective solar energy is and This means that with this amount

166 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up of government support, solar advanced solar cells, government energy may be a large competitor support, dropping prices of solar with coal and other fossil fuels very power per watt, increase in price of soon. With all these things factored competing sources due to the finite in, solar power becomes amount of resources, and another increasingly more viable for people contributing factor according to to switch to as a main source of Travis Bradford is the credit crisis. energy. This switch may be President of Prometheus Institute, occurring in some places that have Travis Bradford, says, “Even the even better overall support for credit crisis, funny enough, may solar energy, thereby improving actually accelerate [the rate of grid the reasonability of solar panels. parity] by temporarily squelching Prices dropping, solar panels demand and causing solar prices to becoming more available, come down faster “ (Clayton, competing with other energy 2011). Other analysts even say sources, solar energy may soon they, “…expect the solar panel reach grid parity, but it still industry to soon enter a brutal requires a little push from shakeout that will eliminate many supporters and users of solar weaker companies, but also benefit energy. Energy analysts have consumers by chopping solar panel predicted that, “…the nation will costs in half” (Clayton, 2011). With likely see sharp growth in solar all these events occurring in the panels installed on residential solar panel industry, solar energy rooftops, driven not by becomes increasingly closer to environmental concerns, but by a becoming a major competitor with desire for more economical traditional sources. As the future electricity…” (Clayton, 2011). The for solar energy becomes brighter, reasons for solar power becoming the world may also experience more economically beneficial brighter days. includes aspects such as more

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 167 To say solar power is perfect is a and cadmium” (Renewable energy false statement because while solar is economically costly, 2009). power is a beneficial source of While this may seem like a energy, it does face large amounts problem, toxic wastes are of disadvantages. Many people that produced daily by many product are against solar energy say that and energy manufacturers and are it, “… requires a lot of land to easily disposed of, if handled become effective, using 5 to 10 properly. These problems acres per megawatt (1,000 presented by solar power can kilowatts) of power” (Renewable easily be solved, making these energy is economically costly, arguments invalid. 2009). While this argument does The environmental and economic bring up a valid point for individual concerns of solar panels go hand in owners of solar panels, it would not hand, and must be solved in such a apply if solar panels were placed in way. The effectiveness of solar an expansive area, such as a panels are determined by desert, and then supplied energy competing traditional sources and, through some sort of grid. This “according to the Department of would be effective and realistic, as Energy, the cost of generating deserts are generally unused and electricity from gas – and coal – receive many sun rays, making this plants fell by more than 50 percent an effective use of land. This idea between 1981 and 1997” would be realistic because energy (Renewable energy is economically is already supplied through a grid costly, 2009). While this may seem via power lines, making this a like a large percentage, these reasonable plan. Another argument statistics are from 20 – 30 years against solar panels is that the ago, making them partially invalid manufacturing of solar panels, and inaccurate. While this was a “…produces dangerous toxic huge drop in price, fossil fuel wastes, including arsenic, gallium, resources have been depleting year

168 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up by year, causing prices to rise. Therefore, a new energy source However, solar energy has an that is infinite in resources, almost infinite supply, meaning the effective, as well as economically price of energy can only go down. beneficial, is required and this Another argument against solar source is solar energy. It is energy includes the fact that solar important to establish a new energy, “… costs two to three energy source because if the same, times as much as gas – and coal – finite sources are being used, coal fired power plants” (Renewable prices will continue to increase. energy is economically costly, The economic benefits of solar 2009). While this is true, this only energy include lowering prices, applies to the initial steps of solar money saving, job producing, and power, and not later years of use a better national economy due to a of solar power. Solar power has a large increase in the circulation of high initial cost, which is why many money to different industries. With people refuse to use it however, if solar energy becoming a large given a few years it is able to save source of power, people will be thousands of dollars. Therefore, all able to save more money, and not problems presented by those spend thousands of dollars in the opposed to solar power can be same industry, causing this easily fixed, making it a very good industry, the coal and fossil fuel source of energy. energy industry, to grow and for With an advancing world in other industries to suffer as a technology, more energy is result. Due to a spread of money in required to power these pieces of different industries, the national technology. However, as these economy will benefit because more energy needs rise, the finite people who work in other amount of resources for traditional industries are able to spend energy sources, like fossil fuels and money. Solar energy is also an coal, are quickly depleting. effectively infinite source of power

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 169 due to the sun, meaning that as However, the solar panels would be traditional energy sources increase able to supply energy for all items in price due to finite resources, requiring energy or electricity and solar energy prices will go down, therefore requiring fewer bills, if resulting in more affordable any at all except to maintain the energy. panels. Those opposed to solar Solar energy is an economically energy have many reasonable beneficial source of power because arguments against the use of solar the price will become affordable energy. One such argument is land and even become cheaper, and is use; however, there are many able to save thousands of dollars. unused areas of land that can Due to the infinite amount of finally serve a purpose. Another sunlight and finite amount of fossil argument is that, “…electricity from fuels and coal, solar energy prices gas – and coal – plants fell by will go down while coal and fossil more than 50 percent between fuel produced energy prices will 1981 and 1997” (Renewable only sky-rocket due to the ever energy is economically costly, depleting cache of resources. Solar 2009). However, this argument is energy is able to save money invalid as its statistics are from 20 because it does not require – 30 years ago, and while this may constant payment as it is only a have been good then, usage of one-time payment for the initial set electricity-powered items has up. Coal and fossil fuels however, increased dramatically. require constant payment because Consequently, solar energy is a they are supplied from many other very effective source of energy and sources. These sources also charge should be used globally for for each item’s energy usage economic benefits. separately so for example, gas prices, general electricity prices, and air conditioning prices.

170 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Discussion future of energy and money based While most points and arguments on current statistics and observed presented by all references in this information. Therefore, many of research paper accurate, there are the predictions presented may not some limitations on the research occur due to the unpredictability of provided from these references. the economic market of the world. Many of these references may have Most of these studies were also given factored out some pieces of done in the United States, and can information that would go against only apply predictions to the United their points, or had not factored States, as other country’s everything in to their information, information would differ such as as there are many factors in the price, market status, and discussion of how economically technology used in solar panels, beneficial solar power is, causing but the general idea is still the these references to be not totally same and could be applied to other accurate. Along with this, the price countries. of energy, solar and traditional, Conclusion and Further Study may vary from state to state, The information provided in the country to country, and studies attempted to analyze how producer/provider/manufacturer. economically beneficial solar Limitation of These Studies energy would be compared to These studies are accurate, but are traditional energy sources such as limited in many ways, making coal and fossil fuels. While most some information not as accurate information is recent and accurate, or beneficial towards an argument some pieces may not be as as they could be. The experts who technology and the economical have put research in to the subject market and constantly changing. of energy have no way of telling With energy being such a large the future, making many impact in people’s lives, it is arguments a prediction of the important to examine the

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 171 effectiveness of each source. As Viewpoints Resource Center each source of energy is used, database. each one has its own impacts on John Yang - 9th Grade Mrs. Carol Subia the economy, it must be Americas High School determined which source is most 2nd Place economically beneficial. Along with this, is the financial situation of families, as solar energy has a high initial set up cost, and may be too expensive for some at first. With many factors increasing the price of traditional energy sources and solar energy becoming more effective as technology advances, solar energy may become the new main source of energy. References Clayton, M. (2011). The cost of solar energy will soon compare with the cost of coal. Retrieved from Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center database. Nakaya, A. C. (2013). What is the future of solar power? San Diego, CA: ReferencePoint Press. Renewable energy is economically costly. (2009). Retrieved from Opposing

172 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Better Lives this fictional world, all due to the People everywhere are denied the fact that they require citizens to tools to help them create better attend school. In turn, they are lives. There is no benefit to society more knowledgeable and able to from failing to provide education to enter a valuable/important those who need it. Instead, workforce. This book is important guaranteed schooling can lead to because it gives an example of the progress in shrinking the amount possibilities for education. of poverty and encouraging In modern times, nearly all well technological and social innovation. paying jobs require at least a high Unable to obtain an education or a school diploma, if not a college career, many citizens fall into degree. However, college is poverty. If schooling at all levels expensive, so those who can’t was guaranteed, these people afford it are left with poor paying would have a chance at a better jobs. In order to break this cycle, life. In the novel Champion, Marie the entry prices for community Lu portrays a fictional civilization in colleges and possibly universities which education is required, and must be lowered. Fighting poverty poverty is practically nonexistent. requires new ideas to be able to With a society as prosperous as the show any progress. Many political one described in the novel, it leads leaders like Obama think readers to think about how they education, including college, should can improve on their own world. be free. He and many others The main characters and citizens of recognize that the source of this society are able to gain high poverty is the lack of accessibility quality jobs, many of which in to higher education. science, therefore furthering their With every person given the advancement in technology. This opportunity to receive a higher country has become the most education, such as college, the powerful out of all the others in amount of people in inventive

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 173 careers would increase. Studies Artificial Intelligence: The conducted by the Brookings Benefits and Risks Institute and the World Bank show As time continues to pass by, that countries with more available technology continues to make education are not only more tremendous progress. The pursuit financially stable, but also ahead in of further innovation has driven science and technology. These many to create artificial countries also tend to have more intelligence. Artificial intelligence progressive views on equality and might make our lives become more tolerance, which is the equivalent efficient; however, it deprives us of of social change/innovation. With our natural intelligence. Therefore, greater education, more people controversies on whether artificial would be interested in furthering intelligence is beneficial or risky what we already know, and have emerged. everyone would profit from the In the 13th and 14th century, increase in knowledge and artificial intelligence was a subject innovation. of science fiction. The thought of Making higher education achievable creating life was only imagined by for all members of society has few scientists during the Dark Ages more benefits than it does costs. and Medieval times. Although With a greater range of teaching artificial intelligence is currently across the globe, people will learn the idea of imitating human things they had not known before, behavior with robots, it began with which is important since learning is the idea of actually creating a what defines us as human beings. human, not only imitate it. Alyssa Helmling - 9th Grade Homunculus, a tiny man, was one Ms. Melissa Gonzalez Montwood High School of the “imaginary creations” of men 3rd Place who wished to make artificial humans. An automaton was a mechanical device that followed

174 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up the idea of homunculus was more perceptron were to classify visual realistic because its engineering patterns or recognize speech. In was possible (Belgum 13). Rosenblatt’s book, Principals of Even though the idea of artificial Neurodynamics: Perceptrons and intelligence did not gain the the Theory of Brain Mechanism, he consideration of many from the stated that “the perceptron beginning, it did after the program is not primarily concerned introduction of computation. In with the invention of devices for 1822, Charles Babbage designed ‘artificial intelligence’, but rather the first computing device, to be with investigating the physical later called the “difference engine” structures and neurodynamic (Zimmerman 2). Babbage’s design principles which underlie ‘natural began an era in which the goal of intelligence’” (qtd. “Rosenblatt’s technology was to become Contributions” 5). Rosenblatt’s continuously innovated. Once words help one understand that computers were able to multitask the initial intention of a and store information, the perceptron’s artificial intelligence challenge to create artificial was to get a deeper perception of intelligence was accepted. the human mind. Gradually, many began to take Since the perceptron projects, advantage of the technology and artificial intelligence has come a program it to calculate and present long way. It has gone from an output with every input. industrial robots, Joe The movement to construct and Weizenbaum’s Eliza, and toy robot program computers to imitate a pets to Hiroshi Ishiguro’s actroids human’s ability to recognize and (Scaruffi; Appendix A). A major classify took a giant step forward contribution to the accelerating with Frank Rosenblatt’s perceptron innovation of artificial intelligence projects during the mid-1900s. The is a robot created by Hanson main focuses when constructing a Robotics in 2011 and named the

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 175 Philip K. Dick Android which is “one that is the foundation of a one’s of the most advanced cognitive mind. When referring to artificial artificial intelligence projects in the intelligence, its objective is to world” (Sciutto 3, 5). During an “mime a human being” (Artificial interview with this robot, Philip Intelligence vs. Human stated that artificial intelligence Intelligence” 3). In other words, all lets “computers like [it] think like of the abilities that come from people to” (qtd Sciutto 6). It is natural intelligence are astonishing to see how far artificial programmed to be mimicked by intelligence has gone with the artificial intelligence. Natural ability to allow technology to intelligence is independent from perform complex tasks that only artificial intelligence; however, capable of being done by humans. artificial intelligence could have Nonetheless, the creation of never been made without natural artificial intelligence has led to the intelligence. desire for a definition to natural To measure natural intelligence, and artificial intelligence. Natural, the Intelligence Quotient test was human, and social intelligence can created. The IQ test was developed be used interchangeably when to “accurately predict academic applied to the intellectual abilities success” for humans through a of a human. Abilities such as the series of “practical knowledge, “capacity to be understood…apply memory, reasoning, vocabulary, knowledge…and combine several and problem solving” tests cognitive processes to fit the (“History of Intelligence Testing” environment” are used to explain 2). In 1950, once artificial what natural intelligence consists intelligence gained more of (Artificial Intelligence vs. Human recognition, Alan Turing, a Intelligence” 1). The cognitive computer scientist, proposed a thinking of a human and the method of measuring artificial capability to adapt is a combination intelligence called The Turing Test.

176 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Although The Turing Test does not been integrated into the test the same concepts as the IQ automotive industry to “help test, it does involve asking people be more productive” empirical and conceptual questions (Brooks, “Robots at Work” 3; to a machine (Oppy 7). The Turing Appendix A). An innovation of Test consists of an interrogator artificial intelligence in the who asks a person and a machine workforce is Baxter by Rethink questions. The interrogator then Robotics. Robots like Baxter are tries to determine which one is the intended to “maximize resources, machine (Oppy 6). Even though gain efficiencies, and provide a the test has been passed once, it is competitive advantage for [a] considered “informal” and “rather business” (“Rethink Robotics”). idiosyncratic” because of its With the help of robots, businesses questionable ability to determine if gain profit because mass a computer can think (Oppy 14). production is faster and runs more Despite the objections is has smoothly (Appendix B). Also, received, it continues to be used robots have helped reduce on artificial intelligence. potential injuries to employees Nevertheless, researchers have during work. recently decided to create an Because many industries began to updated version of the Turing Test incorporate thousands of robots in (Lewis 9). their workforce, people were no Artificial intelligence has proved longer needed do the job. The itself beneficial to society. Since its replacement of people with robots introduction, artificial intelligence has resulted in layoffs and has been applied to the workforce unemployment; therefore, people to make people’s lives easier. In fear a possible “robot job- 1961, the first industrial robot, apocalypse” where all jobs are called Unimate, was used in a GM taken by robots and the economy factory. Since then, robots have will be affected (Hollander).

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 177 Economists say that this type of understand one’s requests and technology has “contributed to the have the ability to provide nation’s rising income inequality” feedback (Lewis 25; Appendix C). and suggest that more jobs that Whether someone wants to send a require craftsmanship should gain text a friend or check the traffic— more focus in order for artificial hands-free—, the responses these intelligence to not outdo humans systems provide make doing these (Hollander 3, 9). For this reason, it tasks in a faster and simpler way. can be said that “industrial robots Artificial intelligence has led and people don’t mix” (Brooks, technology to take on “increasingly “Robots at Work” 15). personal roles in people’s daily In other aspects, humans take lives” (Lewis 26). advantage of artificial intelligence Conversely, the easy access people throughout the day almost every have to artificial intelligence has day. Self-operating vacuums that led to a high dependency on it. know where they are going and There is a “threatening danger…of vehicles that can drive themselves over dependence on computers” are products that can help because of the possibility that the individuals not work as hard inside technology will lead humans to lose or outside their homes. More certain abilities (Belgum 77). significantly, systems on phones Abilities such as adding, such as Siri, Cortana, and Google assembling, and typing a question Now have been assisting and online can be done by computers satisfying smartphone users all and artificial intelligence; as a over the globe (Appendix A). result, people no longer find the Apple, Windows, and Google are need to conduct these tasks innovating companies that “focus themselves. Because advanced on making technology more helpful technology has given society and intuitive” and have, therefore, shortcuts, it has also deprived created mind-blowing systems that society of its ability use its natural

178 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up intelligence. People can be “guilty potential of this advanced of laziness” by relying on artificially technology, many hope that it can intelligent machines which can be help with the “discovery of new “defined as slaves” (Lawson 24, 9). phenomena and the creation of After using what may be medical knowledge” (“Artificial considered as “remarkable Intelligence in Medicine: an software”, it has “made [people] Introduction” 17). intellectually lazy” because one no In order for these applications to longer sees a reason to “think hard be possible, there are creative and on [their] own” (Lawson 31, minds behind their creation. 32). Throughout the construction Opposite from making some process of artificial intelligence, individuals over-reliant on more knowledge is gained, technology, artificial intelligence especially through trial and error, has contributed to intellectual in order to further advance its advancement. For example, the technology and abilities. In engineering field uses artificial addition, artificial intelligence has intelligence to “organize and given people “the freedom to manipulate the ever-increasing perform at the top of [their] game” amounts of information available” (Rossi 3). Because artificial (“Artificial Intelligence (AI)” 24). intelligence can quickly answer The medical field has also questions that humans have, benefited from expert systems that people now have the opportunity to use artificial intelligence, including use the answers to solve problems. the PUFF, GermWatcher, and The use of intelligent computers PEIRS, which have been used on has taught people to work smarter, patients and inside hospitals and not harder. clinical laboratories (“Artificial Alarmingly, just as hackers have Intelligence in Medicine: an learned to get information from a Introduction”). After seeing the computer through another,

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 179 artificially intelligent machines people consider themselves to be have learned or been programmed still be different by “[holding their] to do the same. As a precaution, emotions at the core of [their] Google began to use CAPTCHAs— identity” (Savage 4). Because it is disfigured letters—to protect a difficult to program computers to person’s information. CAPTCHAs have feelings and “machines don’t are “good for privacy”, but understand what [humans] feel”, recently, Google has come up with people are afraid that their lack of a new and simple way to ensure emotion will lead them to harm that a computer user is not a humanity (Savage 3). The ability to robot. By simply clicking a box that make choose from right and wrong states “I’m not a robot”, people’s has also only been applied to information is safe from artificial human behavior because artificial intelligence. One would have never intelligence has not programmed to thought before the creation of make its own decisions. From this, intelligent computers that their fear that this technology “could personal information could be at take unanticipated actions beyond risk. [one’s] control” arises and is Nonetheless, the protection of considered as “the nightmares of information is only one of the science fiction” (Poole 1, 2). The worries that artificial intelligence absence of emotion and has presented to society. Artificial consciousness in artificial intelligence is merely technology technology has left it as something and engineering and, thus, lacks unpredictable. philanthropy and sentience. The benefits of artificial intelligence Philanthropy and sentience relate have been overlooked by many to emotion and the love of intellectual individuals. In 2014, humanity. Since the idea of Stephen Hawking, a theoretical artificial intelligence and its physicist, warned society that intention to imitate humans, artificial intelligence “could spell

180 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up the end of the human race” (qtd. its actual creation. Books and Lewis 12). Then, Elon Musk, an movies have involved artificial engineer and investor, stated that intelligence as a part of science- artificial intelligence is also the fiction. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein “biggest existential threat” to was one of the first stories to society” and tweeted that it is portray artificial intelligence as a “more dangerous than nukes” (qtd. creation that can turn against its Lewis 13). Afterwards, Bill Gates creator. Other books like I, Robot stated that he considers himself to and 2001: Space Odyssey have be “in the camp that is concerned also presented society with the about artificial intelligence” expected outcomes of artificial because he believes it is “strong intelligence. Subsequently, movies enough to be a concern” (qtd. Statt like Terminator, A.I.: Artificial 3). These individuals have Intelligence and Transcendence highlighted the dangers of artificial have conveyed the mixed feelings intelligence, which have been of artificial intelligence interacting taken more into consideration by with humans. Recently, the ideas society because of their educated of movie-makers have leaned opinion. In spite of their opinion, towards plots involving artificial however, Musk—along with Mark intelligence and its emotional Zuckerberg and Ashton Kutcher— relationships with humans such as invested $40 million in a company those of Her and the upcoming that aims to create an artificial movie, Chappie. A balance brain and Gates continues to be between two opposing viewpoints the technology advisor of Microsoft has been seen in the making of while it developed Cortana (Love; books and movies throughout the Statt 10). progress artificial intelligence has Through the media, artificial made. intelligence has captured the Artificial intelligence and its attention of the public even before continued advancements have

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 181 proven to be both beneficial and which can impact an individual’s risky. This advanced technology life tremendously. has impacted people’s lives For example, the personal theme in through its contribution and John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, unpredictability. After listening to a once banned book, is that what experts and the media have citizens may portray themselves as said, a person’s perception about someone completely different artificial intelligence can been behind closed doors. Respect easily influenced. The future if should go all around because not a artificial intelligence simply rests in single person fully understands the hands of humans and their another’s situation. To prove a intentions. point, Lennie faced a rough life Adriana Maldonado – because of his disability, yet he still 10th Grade was bullied and never protected Ms. Gloria Zermeno Socorro High School from the worst outcomes possible. 1st Place Due to the constant misconduct, Lennie was punched, kicked, and Read Banned Books killed because of his disorder and Stephen Chobsky once said, mental retardation. “Banning books gives us silence Moreover, in Harper Lee’s To Kill A when we need speech. It closes Mockingbird, another book banned our ears when we need to listen. It in the past, the lesson about makes us blind when we need prejudice and standing up for the sight.” Certain novels that are right thing is taught. Although the prohibited must be for a valid material about the court case and reason. Educated students should discrimination may be harsh, it definitely be allowed to read gives a taste of the real world to banned books because within these readers. Segregation has ended lines, a strong message is hidden thanks to well-rounded individuals such as Atticus who took initiative.

182 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up All in all, forbidden novels offer a and Good Morning Vietnam. Even valuable and entertaining resource though he had reached such to many. Education world wide popularity and fame, for one would benefit from the use of these reason or another he was not pieces of literature. happy. At the age of sixty-three, Bianka Rodriguez - 10th Grade Robin Williams committed suicide. Ms. Dianna Rios Though no one knows the reason Montwood High School 2nd Place why, one thing is for sure. His riches did not bring him the joy Money Can't Buy that he needed. Everything Even in the fictional world of In our society today there is an literature, happiness cannot be abundant amount of wealthy gained through the amount of people. We see them everywhere someone's wealth. One of in our social media and some may America's greatest pieces of even be our role models. Social literature The Great Gatsby greatly media portrays these people's lives shows this. The story follows the as one of glamour, endless riches protagonist Gatsby as he tries to and eternal happiness. However, win back the heart of his lost love social media is actually hiding the Daisy. He is one of the wealthiest truth. Money is not an essential people in East Egg, New York and factor to achieving happiness. uses his money to go to great The most recent evidence that lengths to gain Daisy's attention shows that money cannot bring from buying a castle sized mansion happiness is the tragic death of across the bay from where she comedian and actor Robin lives to throwing extravagant Williams. Robin Williams was well parties in hopes that she will one known in his line of work and has day wonder into one. starred in a countless amount of Unfortunately, without Daisy in his movies including Good Will Hunting life, Gatsby is not truly happy. He

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 183 only gained his massive fortune to were unhappy not because they have her and is not happy until she needed more money, but because is his. they had a void in their lives that Some may disagree and believe can only be filled by some sort of that money can be a gateway to love. happiness by allowing you to Works Cited financial help those people around Fitzgerald, F. Scott, and Matthew you and the ones you love. J. Bruccoli. The Great Gatsby. However, Robin Williams was a Cambridge: very loving man who had helped Cambridge UP, 1991. Print. out his community many times and Isaiah Valverde - 10th Grade started several charities. Gatsby Mrs. Kim Henry Americas High School may have been using all of his 3rd Place money for Daisy, but his parties actually brought much joy to the community. Just like them, someone with endless riches could be a charitable person and be the kindest person you have ever met, but that person could actually be using this as a fake mask to hide behind. On the inside they could actually be hurting and feel like they are alone in the world and that is something no amount of money can take away. We may dream of one day reaching the wealthy lifestyle that we desire, but it may not be what we really want. Robin Williams and Gatsby

184 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Learning Should Not Equal often seems to stifle a child’s Technology imagination” and may not give them the “ability to process Today’s world is run by technology. information for themselves” Every day science is coming up (Dyson). Technology teaches with a new technological innovation students that in any difficult that every person, company, and situation, whether at school or not, even school must have. As they can find the answer simply electronics expand, people are and not have to work for a becoming more reliant on them resolution. Electronics teach and less involved in the present dependency instead of how to be world around them. Although new independent adults. Furthermore, technologies can be useful in many when creating their curriculum senses, some believe that lives schools should consider how using have begun to move too quickly. technology may not allow students When bringing new technologies to reach their full potential by into instruction, schools should themselves. consider that while in some Another factor to consider when instances they can be beneficial, putting technologies into schools is they can also stifle a child’s the distraction that they may imagination, create short attention cause. Many students will take spans, and cause students to not advantage of these electronics and pay attention to their surroundings. ultimately not use them as tools In schools today, many students but social devices. These social rely on their smartphones and the medias do not need extra attention internet to get answers as opposed in schools since they often lead to to figuring them out themselves. bullying or contain inappropriate Instead of creating ideas on their material. Bringing more own, they turn towards their technologies into schools than resources. Young students are students already have just gives growing up in an “environment that

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 185 more of an opportunity for the importance of who got the problems to arise. Some believe newest electronic. Schools must that internet sites are a consider that they need to expose “propaganda machine for short students to the world that is attention spans” (Gelernter). personally in front of them and not Students will become distracted in on a screen. class thinking of the latest gossip When bringing new technologies or item that is available to them. into schools, administrators need Instead of focusing on their school to view all of these factors before work their mind will wander making electronics a full part of an because it is as simple as everyday curriculum. With students “[clicking] the mouse, and you’re being at a very influential age the someplace else” (Gelernter). dangers of causing short attention Children today do not appreciate spans and losing their creativity is the beauty of the outside or the crucial to deciding what is needed people around them like kids used in a school. With the world to. Instead of wanting to go play advancing so quickly with outside they automatically want technological innovations it is the new video game that is important to keep students aware available. They become too busy of their surroundings and involved seeing others’ lives on screens that in their school, not just their they no longer notice their own. A electronics. cartoon was drawn showing this Bibliography phenomenon, a boy staring at the Dyson, Esther. Untitled essay. television screen while the same What We Believe But We Cannot thing was happening through the Prove: Today’s Leading Thinkers on window outside (Boligan). Children Science in the Age of Certainty. Ed. no longer know the importance of John Brockman. New York: Harper, communicating face to face or 2006. 192-194. Print. enjoying the outside world, only

186 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Gelernter, David. “Should School’s incorporating technology in Be Wired To The Internet?” Time. education could have on students. Time Inc., 25 May 1998. Web. 18 Kids in modern society are hungry Aug. 2006. for the use of technology. Because Boligan, Angel. Cartoon. El of this, “school officials believe the Universal [Mexico City]. Cagle electronic materials will get Cartoons, 9 Jan. 2008. Web. 17 students more engaged in Aug. 2009. learning” (Rostein). It is safe to Melanie Elliott - 11th Grade assume that students will enjoy Mr. Richard Helmling instruction more when they are fed Montwood High School 1st Place with electronic materials like iBooks, iPods, Nooks and even Modern Technology in their personal cellular Schools devices. Providing students with the use of such materials will not The evolution of technology has only make learning an exciting not yet reached its peak and will experience but will allow them with continue to escalate throughout the opportunity to use the internet the years. “For a variety of to collect information faster than reasons, everything is happening an ancient encyclopedia. Although much faster, and more things are many believe the Internet causes happening” (Dyson). When it children to become overwhelmed comes to incorporating technology by its information, “the glossy in schools to improve the education magazines and hundred-odd cable system, schools should consider channels, the videotapes and the benefits rather than the “risks.” computer CD’s in most libraries Instead of focusing on the draw- and many homes”(Gelernter) don’t backs, schools should concentrate receive enough negative credit in on the positive outcomes and providing the same kind of unavoidable necessity that

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 187 “overwhelming” information like future when “ pen and paper feel the internet is assumed to provide. profoundly different” due to the Technology in school can be used fact that they will have “an inferior as a learning tool to provide easy technology about them, the sort of access to communicate with contraption well suited for jotting teachers and others. In some down a phone number, but not cases, teachers use the internet as much beyond that” a tool in “getting their classes to (Johnson). Many people, especially post writing assignments online so traditional adults, consider this to other students can easily read and be a negative aspect of technology, critique them” (Delany). This but why? It is the simple evolution enables educators to begin to of technology. The same way we “interact with students, parents adjusted from a candle to a lamp, and each other in ways they never it is safe to adjust to a new way of have before” (Delany). These learning. In order to prepare the benefits allow teachers and students for the future world of students to have a better technology, it is important to communication system and ensure introduce electronic materials in their success in school. schools in the same way they will School educators have a be introduced to them in the responsibility to give students and future. should consider using technology in Why not invest on electronic curriculum and instruction as a materials instead? School officials beneficial aspect of the student’s need to take into consideration future. It is safe to assume that how students tend to have a the future will consist of many different mentality when it comes more technological innovations and to maintaining and being cautious the working field would be infused with electronic materials than other with technology. There will school materials. Many schools eventually come a time in the have issues with students writing

188 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up and tearing textbooks when the assuming their negative aspects. It simple solution to this problem is safe to agree that success can would be the replacement of these flourish equally or even better simple materials with electronic when electronic devices are materials instead. By investing in incorporated in the school these electronic devices, students curriculum. can gain access to materials that Bibliography were not accessible to them due to Dyson, Esther. Untitled the trouble it took to reproduce in essay. What We Believe But We textbooks for classroom use. Cannot Prove: Today’s Leading Making this beneficial change will Thinkers on Science in the Age of prevent students from mistreating Certainty, Ed. John Brockman. New these devices and ensure the York: Harper, 2006. 192-194. Print investment to benefit the way of Rostein, Arthur H. “Books learning. Are Out, iBooks Are In for Students Technology involvement in at Arizona High School.” St. Louis education has swapped traditional Post-Dispatch 19 Aug. 2005: C2. ways and changed the way Print. teachers teach and students learn. Gelernter, David. ”Should Its contribution in participating in Schools Be Wired To The Internet?” everyday curriculum and Time. Time Inc., 25 May 1998. instruction may seem to have a Web.18 Aug. 2006. negative impact but in reality it has Delaney, Kevin J. many beneficial effects toward not “Teaching Tools.” Wall Street only the student’s current Journal 17 Jan. 2005: R4.Print education but for the long term as Johnson, Steven. Interface well. For this reason, teachers and Culture: How New Technology school officials need to consider the Transforms the Way We Create and beneficial aspects of technology Communicate. New York: Basic, involvement in education before 1999. Print

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 189 Fabiola Gonzalez - 11th Grade Disorder. As of late this disease Mr. Richard Helmling has become uncontrollable in the Montwood High School 2nd Place West African region. This is caused by poor healthcare in the area. The The Fight Against Ebola: low number of doctors is also why Troops to West Africa the disease is allowed to spread so Ebola is a deadly disease that has fast. The Ebola care centers are so taken thousands of lives. It started full of patients to the point where as a small outbreak in West Africa they have to turn people away and has escalated into an because they have no room for epidemic. This epidemic has them. This leads to many infected become an international problem personnel to be left unattended that is endangering nations all and allowed to spread the virus to around the globe. It has made its the healthy. Having killed over four way in West Africa to Sierra Leone, thousand civilians, it is in all our Liberia, Senegal, and has even best interest to prevent the spread breached outside the country into of this disease. This disease has the United States. Although the the potential to stay alive and well United States isn’t at high risk of a on a surface for a few hours. As of large outbreak in the country, October 8th, 2014, constant three thousand troops will be sent screening of those coming from to West Africa to help prevent the infected areas has been set in spread of this disease, stop it at its place to help stop from spreading source, and save thousands of this disease to a greater scale. lives. Though many people believe it to Ebola has been around for about be highly contagious and easily 40 years, so it is a fairly new caught is incorrect as it can only be disease, even though it is a few spread through bodily fluids such years older than AIDS or in full as saliva, blood, urine, feces, etc. name Acquired Immune Deficiency A lot of Africans have the tendency

190 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up to have unsanitary burial practices, greatly deter the spread of Ebola believing that the disease dies with by being able to house more the person which is highly untrue. patients so that they will not have Hugging and washing the body of a to be turned away and left to die in deceased person even with a the streets. This will keep less plastic bag over the hands as a infected dead bodies out in the precaution will land you a high risk open and keep more people in of contracting the disease. hospital care so that there is a Organizations have been set in chance of their survival. This also place to educate these people so gives the ability to quarantine that the number of those infected more of those infected since there can exponentially decrease and the will be troops over in West Africa spread will be able to be controlled. not just aiding in construction and One of the things that will be engineering, but also in supervising taught to them is that Ebola is the projects. found primarily in bats and eating Many disagree with this idea of infected meat is what spreads this sending these troops believing that to a person. The troops being sent they will only bring the disease to are not those trained to kill, but the states and further increase the that hold special skills that will aid rate of infections. This is false. in the struggle against Ebola. “The troops going over there are Many also believe that deploying going for logistic purposes” (Fauei troops will not aid in the struggle par. 2) These troops will not be in against Ebola, but many do not direct contact with the disease and know the type of troops being sent. are trained in what Ebola is, and The Obama Administration is very well trained and tested before sending those who specialize in being deployed to West Africa on engineering and medicine. Being how to use the “…personal able to help in the engineering and protective equipment...”(Kirby par. construction of new hospitals will 3) Any troop that is exposed to the

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 191 disease will be quarantined and The Pentagon is already taken care of as quickly as contemplating on spending this possible. Even if they have not amount in order to bring down the been exposed to the disease the epidemic. As of now the United troops will still be regularly States has a low risk of having the screened for signs of infection. The epidemic spread throughout the United States’ priority is the safety nation, though politicians and of their troops and to prevent the doctors from all over the United spread of the disease within their States believe that in order to truly unit. The U.S. made sure that they bring that risk to zero, we must had a safety plan before making stop it at its source. the decision of deploying troops to Stopping Ebola dead in its tracks in infected areas. Africa would be a huge win for the Some argue that the government war against this epidemic. Africa is is just trying to further the spread the country with the most of Ebola by sending in troops which infections and the worse healthcare is irrelevant to the mission the U.S of all the countries that have been actually has. “The world has a breached. If we can build the responsibility to act” (Obama par. seventeen hospitals with one 1) This statement has a powerful hundred beds each in Liberia and connotation to it that gives a sense West Africa, that is already a big of purpose to those that approve of step forward in this battle. It will this cause giving a greater sense of take time to construct and plan all drive in those that wish to help of this at minimum 6 months, but prevent the spread of the is expected to take a lot longer. epidemic. The World Health Stopping Ebola in West Africa Organization stated that one billion though will not stop it from dollars would be needed to be spreading to the rest of the world provided to keep those infected as it has already breached other from going over the ten thousands. nations, but it will bring the

192 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up infections down exponentially and even gone as far as allowing the with the great healthcare of more treatment of patients by using prosperous nations, the disease experimental drugs that have not will have nowhere else to go. It will been approved yet in order to try be stopped in its tracks. and help these infected people. So Most importantly sending troops far these experimental drugs have over to West Africa will save not been able to cure Ebola nor thousands of lives: “…these men stop it. Though, one nurse here in and women and children are just the states life was able to be siting, waiting to die, right now. spared because of a blood And it doesn’t have to be this way” transfusion from a doctor who had (Obama par 3.) These troops knew survived the disease and had what they were signing up for developed anti-bodies that are when they joined the military. strong enough to stop it. These troops trained as medics are This Ebola outbreak that has here to heal those that have been become an epidemic has the injured and Ebola is injuring many potential to take countless lives civilians in West Africa. and spread farther than it already Although Ebola isn’t a big problem has. Having already ventured into in the United States of America, it some wealthy nations, such as the can be if we do not care for those United States, it is time to push that are allowing this epidemic to forward in this war against Ebola. spread. The responsibility to act is The ability to save lives, prevent the drive that humans have to help the disease’s spread, and even others who are in dire need of stop it from the source is why the assistance, whether it’s by United States is going to send quarantining those infected or just about three thousand troops to building a safe place to treat West Africa. patients in less fortunate countries. The World Health Organization has

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 193 Works Cited Abraham Robles - 11th Grade Ms. Paula Woods Eilperin, Juliet, and Lena H. Sun. El Dorado High School rd “Obama Pledge More Aid on 3 Place

Ebola” Washington Post. 17 Minimum Wage Sep. 2014: A.2. SIRS Issues In the United States, Researcher. Web. 24 Oct. approximately 7.5 million 2014 Americans who earn minimum Jacqueline Klimas, The Washington wage are above the age of 19. Times. “Experts: Troops Not That is 7.5 million American At Risk For Ebola.” citizens who are trying to provide Washington Times, The CDC for themselves and their families (2014. Oct 6) with food, shelter, and clothing at Mulrine, Anna. “1,400 US troops to $7.25 an hour. This may seem like Liberia: building hospitals, a doable task to the average not treating Ebola patients.” onlooker, who may earn a decent Christian Science Monitor wage at ten or fifteen dollars an Oct. 2014: N, PAG hour, but it is, indeed, a difficult Newspaper Source. Web. 27 endeavor. Often times, Republicans Oct. 2014 and Liberals alike who try to force Novack, Sophie. “Why the CDC responsibility on the individual do Doesn’t Want An Ebola Travel not take into account the outside Ban” National Journal Daily factors that may be affecting the 16 Oct. 2014. Academic individual from advancing in the OneFile. Web. 27 Oct. 2014. work force, such as cost of higher Oatis, Jonathan. “Worst Ebola level schooling, cost of living Outbreak on Record Tests independently in 2014, and even Global Response.” Reuter the lack of jobs in the industry. Media. 16 Oct. 2014: n.p. That being said, the increase of SIRS issues Researcher. minimum wage in The United Web. 27 Oct. 2014

194 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up States of America is a necessity for experiment but was renewed in three reasons: Social justice, or 1900 and then made permanent in the right for each American citizen 1904, by which time the minimum to be able to support themselves at wage statute applied to more than least a basic level; economic 150 industries” (Minimum Wage). improvement, which will occur The intent behind the original upon the raising of minimum wage installment of minimum wage was, as a result of increased spending in fact, social justice, and it by the average American citizen; remains to be one the most iconic and a lightened burden on ideals when confronting this government welfare programs, matter. Several years later, which most Americans who live off following New Zealand, Australia, of the current minimum wage rely and Great Britain, America started on in order to stay above the to consider enacting their own poverty line. minimum wage laws. The first The idea of social justice in regards state to successfully do this was to minimum wage dates back to Massachusetts, in 1912 (First the very origin of it, and promotes Minimum-Wage Law Adopted in the concept that each individual Massachusetts, 1912). Some maintains the unalienable right to states followed suit, but one of the support themselves at at least a main factors that came into play basic level. In 1896, New Zealand regarding the expansion of became the first country to pass a minimum wage in America was the nation-wide minimum wage law. outbreak of poverty during The Soon after, Australia followed suit Great Depression, which in order to force the hands of “…increased public awareness of factory owners who were paying the need for wage their workers the lowest wages in standards…”(Wage and Hour the country. The law was Laws). Before these reforms “…originally created as a four-year started to occur, however, activists

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 195 were already working toward keeping by employers”(Wage and equality. In the early 1900s, Hour Laws). America was polluted with factories The fight for minimum wage since known as sweatshops. 1896 has always been about social “Sweatshops routinely employed justice. Albeit sweatshops, unfair women, children, and recent treatment to women, or even immigrants who had no choice but placing men in harm’s way in the to accept inferior wages and harsh workplace, those who favor the working conditions. Social activists raise of minimum wage do so on pushed for laws at the state level the premise that “…all workers to pay all workers, regardless of have a right to earn enough money social status or gender, wages that to provide for their own basic would allow them to maintain an needs of food, clothing, and adequate standard of living”(Wage shelter”(Minimum Wage). and Hour Laws). Social activists Many people believe that the rise finally fulfilled this desire in 1938, of minimum wage will urge the when 25 states had enacted their cost of living to rise and, in turn, own laws. Later that year, make products more expensive for Congress placed the Fair Labor everyone; however, because the Standards Act into effect, which average cost of living is rising in required “…most employers in the accordance to inflation anyways, United States to comply with raising minimum wage will only minimum wage and hour stimulate the economy. A great standards. The law’s basic economy depends upon consumers requirements govern the payment – if people are buying, there’s more of a minimum wage, payment of money in circulation, which means overtime pay for employees employers are richer and have the working more than 40 hours per means to drop prices. This is a work week, employment limitations great technique; unless, of course, for children, and mandated record the mass population of consumers

196 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up can’t afford to spend their money wage in accordance to the cost of on manufacturer’s goods because living, it will stimulate the economy they earn minimum wage. People and ultimately improve America’s start to keep what little money standard of living. It is no secret they earn in an effort to have some that the value of money today will kind of financial security. As a not be the same as the value of result, less money is in circulation money tomorrow. However, the and the price of goods skyrocket certainty of inflation does not because employers can’t afford to excuse the increase of poverty in drop them. Raising minimum wage The United States because those will circumvent this because who are well off fear paying a little “minimum wage earners will have extra for their weekly grocery run. more spending power and better Those who earn minimum wage access to bank loans and credit, deserve to have a decent standard both of which will stimulate the of living just as much as those who economy” (Minimum Wage). Even are economically stable, and if they though it is unlikely that the are granted that, the outcome will national minimum wage will be be positive for everyone involved. raised any time soon, individual The United States Government states and even counties can offers a wide variety of aid to those partake in setting their own to who need it, but this assistance account for that areas specific cost does not come without a price. of living. “One example is Santa These programs are wonderful and Fe, New Mexico, where the the termination of any of them minimum wage is at a national would result in wide-struck poverty high of $9.50 an hour, while the for those parts of the country that rest of the states abides by the rely on them most. It is not only federal minimum” (Minimum conceivable, but very possible to Wage). If the rest of the nation relieve the burden that those who follows suit in rising minimum rely on these programs place on

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 197 the country as a whole by raising wage job do not have a cozy, the minimum wage. As stated in middle-class home to go to after the beginning, over two-thirds of their “experiment” is done; they all those who earn minimum wage have to make ends meet with what in the United States are above the little money they earn. However, it age of 19. Chances are these doesn’t always have to be this way. people depend upon government The raising of minimum wage will welfare programs such as SNAP, not only give these people a more Food Stamps, and CATO just to comfortable lifestyle, it will relieve break even. To test this theory, the strain they put on the country Barbara Ehrenreich, a renowned as a whole because more and more American journalist, set off on a of them will have the means to pay journey in order to prove that for themselves, and not rely on Americans cannot live a decent life welfare to stay above the poverty off of minimum wage, which she line. defined as “…having enough money Some might argue against for food, clothing, transportation, minimum wage, using points such healthcare, rent on a modest as the risk of increased apartment, and a minimum unemployment, the risk of a loss of amount of entertainment,” incentive, or the slippery slope (Minimum Wage). She moved to principle, but each argument multiple states with nothing but against the increase has a more the clothes on her back and a fixed convincing rebuttal. Many think job. She soon found that she had that “an increase in minimum wage to take two jobs just to make ends will amount to an artificial price meet in every state she visited, increase in labor. This and still didn’t live up to her overvaluation will drive down definition of a decent living. The demand for labor; that is, it will millions of Americans who are lead to increased unemployment” stuck in a dead-end, minimum (Minimum Wage). However, what

198 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up these people do not take into they should be earning a higher account is the increased spending salary for their labor anyways, so by those who earn minimum wage, their output will not be diminished and, as a result, the higher when they finally receive that. budgets for employers not only to Finally, the slippery slope principle pay their workers more, but to hire suggests that once a minimum more employees. The original wage is instilled, this country will worry and fear in the hearts of soon have a maximum wage and organizations such as the National more and more strain on the free Association of Manufacturers and market. It is similar to any major the American Federation of Labor change in this country – there will came from the fear of a production always be people who fear the loss. “For employers, a mandatory worst in situations such as these. wage increase amounts to an However, because the evidence increase in the cost of production points towards a more without any promise of an increase economically and socially sound in output” (Minimum Wage). country if the minimum wage is However, many activists believe raised, they have no reason to fret. that “if they paid their workers a The nation needs to raise the desirable salary, they would be minimum wage; not just for tipped loyal to the company and more employees, who are “…twice as productive over the long run” (First likely as other workers to live Minimum-Wage Law Adopted in below the poverty line” (Tipped Massachusetts, 1912). Of course, Into Poverty); not just for a the entire premise is based on the specific group of people or only idea that if you suddenly pay those who live in a specific state; someone more for the same work, but for everyone, because nobody their incentive will be lost to work deserves to live in poverty. hard. However, those workers who The increase of minimum wage in earn minimum wage realize that the United States of America is a

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 199 necessity for three reasons: Social "First Minimum-Wage Law Adopted justice, or the right for each in Massachusetts, 1912." American citizen to be able to Historic U.S. Events. Detroit: support themselves at least a basic Gale, 2014. Student level; Economic improvement, Resources in Context. Web. which will occur upon the raising of 22 Oct. 2014. minimum wage as a result of "Minimum Wage." Everyday increased spending by the average Finance: Economics, Personal American citizen; and a lightened Money Management, and burden on government welfare Entrepreneurship. Vol. 1. programs, which most Americans Detroit: Gale, 2008. 283- who live off of the current 286. Student Resources in minimum wage rely on in order to Context. Web. 22 Oct. 2014. stay above the poverty line. Of "Tipped Into Poverty." New York course, there will always be Times 9 June 2014: A18(L). disputes, rebuttals, and other Student Resources in factor that come into play when Context. Web. 5 Nov. 2014. considering this controversial issue, "Wage and Hour Laws." Gale but it does not take away the fact Encyclopedia of Everyday that millions of Americans in the Law. Ed. Jeffrey Wilson. 2nd work force are living in poverty. ed. Vol. 2. Detroit: Gale, Having the means to feed, clothe, 2006. 1131-1134. Student and house yourself is a basic Resources in Context. Web. human necessity, and one that 22 Oct. 2014. must be taken seriously. At the Jacob Renteria - 12th Grade Ms. Elizabeth Urquidi current minimum wage, those who Montwood High School earn it are not able to do that, and 1st Place that is why the increase of it is a necessity. Works Cited

200 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up GMOs modified crops are made will Over one hundred countries have decrease the use for the many come together in the seed bank of pesticides and overall make it Norway to preserve the thousands much easier and cheaper for of plants around the world. Many farmers growing GMOs. Pesticides countries have been coming are commonly used around the together in recent years to fight world for crops to get rid of pest against genetically modified infestations so yields can be much organisms. Genetically modified greater. The word pesticide itself is organisms, or GMOs, are a broad word which also includes organisms in which the genome herbicides, fungicides, and many has been altered by techniques of other substances that can be used genetic engineering so that its DNA to control the many pests that feed contains one or more genes that on such crops. Around World War are not found in there naturally. II is when pesticides had become Now, many people see these more popular and important to genetically modified organisms as control pests and maintain crops. something beneficial towards the Some of the first compounds used world when in reality nobody even before then were arsenic and knows the possible side effects it hydrogen cyanide. Eventually these may have on people but most were put to an end because they importantly for future generations were found to be too toxic for and the planet earth. human consumption. Even before The people urging for that GMOs World War II, and hundreds of are safe are the same people who years before that, pesticides been are creating them and claiming commonly used to get the most that they will bring increased crop out of crops and get rid of crop yields and slowly but surely put an infestation. Now with technology end to famine around the world. advancing at an alarming rate, The process in which genetically scientists have found ways to

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 201 decrease the use of pesticides by injected with this toxin the worms actually inserting the pesticide stomach begins to open and bleed inside of the organism that is being throughout its body causing it to grown and in this case they are die. Recently however, scientists plants. There are many methods have found the corn root room and on how this can be done but the other species of insects that feed most popular is just to plainly on plants becoming resistant to the shoot the pesticide inside the fruit chemicals injected into these plants or vegetable seed into its DNA. In and actually feeding and depending doing so the DNA is then spliced, on the toxin becoming stronger or cut into pieces which allows and stronger as they eat it. In fragments of the pesticide to enter result farmers have to spray more it, which makes the organism pesticides on their crops costing become classified as a pesticide more money. “Though it has been itself. The reason being is because over 80 years since the first every cell of the organism is discovery of a major agricultural carrying the poison. pest becoming resistant to a The corn root worm, typically feeds pesticide” even before genetically on maize, mainly the roots of the modified organisms were plant causing it to weaken and in introduced, pests that fed on plants some cases killing the plant. sprayed with pesticides became Bacillus thuringenesis is a resistant to the pesticides sprayed bacterium that is living can often on crops (Dennehy and Dunley). be found naturally in soil. This does not occur right away Scientists have made a synthetic though. Many of the pests targeted type of these bacteria and inject do get killed because of the the maize seed with this in hopes injected pesticide, but there are to kill the corn root worm. There the few who survive the poisoning has been some success, when the and through Charles Darwin’s corn root worm eats the plant theory of evolution, these insects

202 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up bodies’ survive and develop ways but of bird and the monarch around it becoming resistant to the butterfly population decrease in the pesticide more and more as it recent years and nobody seems to feeds on it. know the reason. “When the honeybees, our most All these chemicals sprayed on important food pollinators, started crops have to have some sort of dropping like proverbial flies, effect on the soil. Many question if scientists scrambled to identify the pesticides are harmful to the their killer” (Paul and Cummins). soil once it is sprayed with Scientists began looking more into pesticides. Weeds are a type of the use of pesticides on in plant that usually begins to grow in particular which is neonicotinoids. the least desirable places, in this There is no hard evidence to blame case in farms. Herbicides are a this chemical, though it might have substance that is toxic to some some partial involvement in the plants destroying unwanted decrease of bee populations. vegetation. The genetically Bayer, Dow Agrosciences, and engineered seed can tolerate Monsanto, companies responsible certain herbicides, but now the for GMOs are using this chemical weeds are also becoming resistant and putting it in the seeds being to these herbicides causing farmers sold to farmers. to lose millions of dollars in lost Most of these crops are given to crops. “The infestation of animals as feed to make them superweeds (weeds that are heavier, which eventually ends up resistant to glyphosate, commonly on the plates of most consumers used in herbicides) has more than around the world. Bees play a doubled since 2009, according to critical role in growing foods, but Dow Chemical…” (Koba). Again, these genetically engineered foods going back to the theory of may be responsible for the sudden evolution, weeds have always been decrease of not only the honeybee resistant to glyphosate to a certain

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 203 extent but since GMO resistance to labeling requirements for glyphosate has caused weeds to genetically modified foods was become resistant as well. India in 2006. Its central Companies like Monsanto, Dow government discussed this with the Agrosciences, major companies central committee for food creating genetically modified standards introduced two rules, organisms, are creating an labeling and approval of genetically herbicide that is more toxic than modified organisms. Many the last. countries in the Organization for As of today, 64 countries Economic Cooperation and worldwide are required to have Development (OECD) have passed some sort of label on foods some sort of labeling policy, only a containing genetically modified handful of participating countries organisms. In 1994, the Flavr Savr have followed through on them. tomato became available in Canada, Hong Kong, and South grocery stores after the U.S. Food Africa have voluntary labeling and Drug Administration approved guidelines, meaning that if of it. This genetically modified products containing genetically tomato had a longer shelf life since modified organisms there is no it had a delay ripening compared to serious consequence. Mandatory conventional tomatoes. Only a few labeling requirements are set in short years later did the European some countries like Australia, the Union rule in favor of labeling all European Union, Japan, Brazil, and products containing genetically China. Companies are in a modified organisms even animal predicament because of these feed. Many other countries soon mandatory labeling regulations. followed the European Union’s The consumer, if informed of footsteps in labeling genetically products containing genetically modified products. The most recent modified organisms, will tend to country to begin mandatory put them back on the shelf and

204 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up chose the products not containing These labels are not telling GMOs. For example, Japan and the consumers not to buy genetically European Union require labeling of modified products though, they all foods GM based foods which simply state "contains GMO" or caused a disappearance of "transgenic." This is important to genetically modified products from keep consumers informed on stores. products being sold. None of these As a result of these policies, food countries are stating that processors and retailers are now genetically modified organisms are trying to avoid genetically modified harmful to human health. The ingredients. These retailers are labels are there to inform the voluntarily doing so while others consumer. "As long as the market avoid them altogether because of functions sufficiently well, the the mandatory labeling and most presence of non-GM products will importantly to avoid the decrease reflect the share of consumers in marketing shares. Most willing to buy it" (Bansal). companies prefer to use whichever Before things that might have an products cost less, but if they use effect on people are sold in public, genetically modified products, the they are tested on animals. The company is risking their own only problem there is that no two reputation. Many anti-GMO groups people are alike and each body began negative campaigns might have different affects than targeting companies, products, and someone else might. This goes for stores containing GM products. animal testing as well, animals Though most products require to might not react the same way as a be labeled, many animal products person would. An example of this such as meat from animals fed on would be artificial sweeteners. a GMO diet are being sold in the They have been approved safe by European Union because they are the FOA after animal toxicology exempt from these regulations. reports came back finding no harm

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 205 in the animal. Observational are safe for human consumption studies have been done on people until more thorough research is and have found negative health done to actually be proven safe for affects in consuming these artificial people now and future generations. sweeteners. diWorks Cited Even though both diet and non-diet Bartolotto, Carol. “Genetically- sodas are associated with Modified Organisms (GMOs) Have abdominal obesity, high blood NOT Been sugar, which are all related to the Proven Safe”. Huffington increased risk of heart disease. Post. Jul 24, 2014, Feb 24, 2015. Other studies found that people Web. who drank diet sodas are more Gruère, G.P, & Rao, S.R. “A review prone to developing diabetes and of international labeling policies of increased kidney failure. None of genetically modified food to these results have been found in evaluate India’s proposed cases done on animals. "The reality rule”. AgBioForum, 10(1), is, some studies have been done 51-64. 2007. Feb 25, 2015. on animals, but we don't really Web. have good long-term data on Paul, Katherine; Cummins, Ronnie. humans with any of these" (Dr. “Gmos are killing the bees, Walter Willet). butterflies, Genetically modified organisms are and...?” not going to disappear overnight. www.organicconsumers.org. So companies producing these Feb. 14, 2014. Jan. 21, GMOs should for now at least, label 2015. Web. their products so consumers may be informed on what is being consumed by them. Without long- term data, done on humans, nobody has the right to say they

206 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Timothy J. Dennehy; Timothy J. background check was passed to Dunley, John. “Managing Pesticide avoid future massacres. Resistance”. Many that are against gun control http://jenny.tfrec.wsu.edu/o use the Second Amendment as pm/displayspecies.php?pn=- their argument to protect their 70 1993. Feb 4, 2015. Web. weapons. They do not want theirs Jorge Ruiz - 12th Grade guns to be taken away or limited, Ms. Aileen Mares so they use a law that lives up to El Dorado High School 2nd Place this day, but was invented for a different cause or idea to protect a Gun Control cause that no longer applies to now This can be avoided! Approximately and day society. They also argue 1,030,000 Americans die every against the idea of a better year due to gun usage. The dispute enforcement of regulations. Plenty between those that are for and will agree that "regulations are fine against gun control is endless. The as they are" (Morgan). Meaning Second Amendment has been a big that they believe the enforcement contribution to this argument and that already exists is the best is a strong point for those against enforcement and should remain as gun control. Nevertheless, it is it is. Some may even think that the extremely hard to argue with the enforcement on the regulations historical incidents that have that exist now, are tough enough occurred over the past years, such to maintain the people surrounded as the “Dark Knight Rises” by these loaded firearms safe. Massacre in Colorado. The United However, many incidents would States should better enforce gun prove otherwise. As the argument control by creating disciplinary on background checks goes, as the laws on background checks, and regulations are now, it can be requirements needed after the easily said that it is very dangerous and should be better enforced with

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 207 disciplinary laws. Laws are meant Buying and selling weapons online to be followed; with tougher should be illegal. It is a way for enforcement, there should be easy access to weapons for fewer deaths due to gun usage. basically anybody with a credit Many are deceived by criminal card and there are few records "since he had never been requirements needed to process arrested for a crime...it was easy the sale. With this inconsiderable for him to buy guns legally" way to purchase weapons, firearms (Fernandez, Justin). Due to his can easily fall in the hands of the mental instability, James Holmes wrong person such as "Holmes was the responsible for the [whom] started buying weapons on Colorado Theater shooting, and the May 10, 2012, beginning with the death of twelve Colorado residents online purchase of tear-gas and injury of another fifty-eight. As grenades" (Fernandez, Justin). No Holmes, many are able to easily criminal records were required at buy a gun with a clean criminal all; Holmes had easy access to record, and the law against these weapons and many more. If exposing mental records makes it James Holmes had access to some even more difficult to predict who of his weapons with only a couple can and who should not have a gun of clicks on his home computer, in their possession. With a law that many can use the same technique legalizes sharing a mental medical and use their weapons in an unsafe record to purchase a gun, incidents way to others and to themselves. that have occurred due to mental Laws should be made to avoid easy instabilities like: Sandy Hook access to even minor weapons massacre, Colorado Theater online; forbidding this dangerous shooting, etc. could been method and stating that weapons prevented and would have a lower should be bought in person and possibility of occurring. with the proper documentation to

208 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up make sure tragic accidents and unlike the may-issue license, the incidents aren't provoked. shall-issue license has many Not only are effective background requirements to follow and have checks important, but what is the license. In most states it required after obtaining a gun requires at least "(1) be at least 21 license is crucial as well. There are years of age; (2) be a resident of different types of licensing services the state; (3) provide fingerprints; in the United States. Some of the (4) submit to a criminal and mental most common ones are May issue health background check; (5) have and the shall-issue licenses. Both not been convicted of a felony or require different things in order to any crime punishable by obtain the license for a gun. A imprisonment for more than one may-issue license requires "that year; (6) not to be a fugitive from the applicant demonstrate a justice; (7) not to be an illegal specific need to carry a concealed alien; (8) not to be an unlawful gun" (Licensing Systems). Needs, user of or be addicted to any such as self-defense and protection controlled substance; (9) not to of a large amount of money; have been adjudicated mentally otherwise, it is restricted. The incompetent or been committed to may-issue license also restricts the a mental institution; (10) not have carrying of a gun after a certain been dishonorably discharged from time and at different places. any branch of the U.S. military; However, this license as well as the (11) not be subject to a restraining shall-issue license is not offered in or protection order; (12) not have all the states. been convicted of a misdemeanor The shall-issue license is offered in crime of domestic violence; (13) most of the states including Texas not be awaiting trial for, and not and Colorado. This license does not have any charges pending for a require applicants to demonstrate crime punishable by more than one a need to obtain the license; and year's imprisonment; (14) have

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 209 completed a firearms safety or when this law was not available, training course; and (15) pay a but was it was decided it was an licensing fee" (Licensing Systems). issue was due to the expectation There are many requirements in a for men to carry guns with them clean criminal record, but unlike for military purposes. When it was most permits, this one requires a needed, all men took their arms mental record. These requirements and carried them with them to are what is needed to be better defend their country. It was also protected from massacres and meant to be used for self-defense accidents. Training and a clean or peacekeeping purposes. From mental and criminal record along that time and on in history guns with other qualifications are the were very important for rebellions exemplary requirements needed to and revolutions; All of these purchase a gun. purposes that Americans are not Along with regulations like these, encountered with anymore. During the U.S. could avoid future that time many men died in battle massacres only by better enforcing and now "in 2001, firearms were gun control, the second used in 63% of homicides and 49% amendment doesn't play the same of homicides were committed with role in modern society anymore. a handgun" (James). The purpose The Second Amendment was to the use of guns has changed chosen to be part of the Bill of with in time; homicides and Rights with the purpose to be accidents due to gun usage absolute. It was set on stone on increases every year. December 18, 1787 stating that, "a The law that used to protect the well-regulated Militia, being guns of the people should now re- necessary to the security of a free new that same law to protect the State, the right of the people to people from the guns. The keep and bear Arms, shall not be argument between a better infringed" (Chemetinsky). In 1763, controlled gun enforcement is an

210 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up issue for those that believe in a arrangement would organize the free state. It is a free state that the amount of weapons that are being citizens that live in in and are in sent to every state; the state with charge of it are meant to protect the most amount of crime rating along with its inhabitants. Crime would get less guns to avoid any rates due to guns have increased problems, and the state with the along with the increase of gun lowest amount of crime and is in manufacturing. However, for some the need of weapons due to years the situation seemed to have military or armed forces would get had improved, "for example, in a moderate amount of supply. With 1973 there were an estimated 122 better regulations crime rates million firearms and 36.9 million would decrease and it would be a handguns, and the homicide rate better and more effective way to was 9.4 per 100,000 people. decrease homicide rating due to Twenty years later, at the end of gun usage. 1992, there were 221.9 million With better regulation on firearms, 77.6 million handguns, background checks, and licensing and a higher rate" (Snyder 109). requirements, future massacres What the government needs to do would be avoided. States can learn to maintain ratings like these is to from past experiences and make regulate the market and control tougher licensing requirements the weapons that are sent to the such as the ones required for a states to sell. By doing these shall-issue license. Background regulations, it is understood that checks should be required at all the number of ratings aren't as times and it should require a important as the biggest concern in mental background check as well. these ratings, but the people that With laws against online weapon make the rating increase. purchase and other kinds of Regulating these numbers in the regulations accidents would be market would help since the refrained. The United States should

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 211 also forget about the second amendment, live in the present, and try to regulate the arms market to lower homicide ratings cause by a firearm for a better free state. Works Cited Bjorklund, Ruth. Gun Control. Print. Fernandez, Justin. Guns, Crime, and the Second Amendment. Print. Netzley, Patricia D. Can Gun Control Reduce Violence? Print. Daniela Contreras - 12th Grade Ms. Aileen Mares El Dorado High School 3rd Place

212 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Informative Essays

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 213 Martin Luther King Jr. He lives in a dark cave where When Martin was a child the signs pointy things come down from the made him sad. He had to go to ceiling. separate stores, restaurants and One day he flew up to the sky. schools. Back then, white people Then he fired at a bird. He went were cruel to blacks because blacks down and caught it in its enormous used to be slaves. Abraham jaws. He chewed it up and he Lincoln liberated the blacks form blazed over the lightest blue seas. slavery. Martin was in college When it would rain he would fly when he was 15 years old. He was back to his cave and go to sleep. really gifted! When Martin was an Connor Baxter - Kindergarten Mrs. Hortencia Baca adult, he wanted freedom for all Lujan-Chavez Elementary people. He was a patient man School 2nd Place when the whites treated him

despicable. His big words made the MLK black people want freedom. He Do you know a great man? I do. It changed the world for people all is Martin Luther King Jr. I love around the earth. He got shot Martin Luther King Jr. I saw him in because someone did not like his a book. I learned about him. When words. I am thankful for liberty he died, I cried, but he will always and for justice for all. be in my heart. He wanted for all Christian Feely - Kindergarten kids to be treated the same like in Ms. Abby Marrufo Loma Verde Elementary School a family. He did marches for all 1st Place kinds of people to be treated fairly. I am thankful for him because he My Dragon wanted all people to work together My dragon is black, with gold eyes like brothers and sisters even white and a juicy red tongue! and black people. For me, he is a hero because he loved all people!

214 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Addison Garcia - Kindergarten especially like it when Bruno Mrs. Lilian Mares snuggles with me as if I’m his Elfida P. Chavez Elementary School mom. He purrs gently and makes 3rd Place me feel warm and cozy inside. If I let my dog Chillona in the house, My Cat Bruno Mars Bruno will attack her like a chew It was love at first sight! I begged toy. If I’m not careful, Bruno will my mom for a cat for years even escape and my family has to chase though I’m only six years old…. I’m him like a thief who’s just robbed a allergic to cats you see, but I bank down the street. It’s actually wanted to snuggle with a kitty cat very funny! and feel it purr around my knees Bruno and I are a perfect match. like a soft warm pillow. My mom We both have green eyes and best finally agreed, so off to the animal of all … we like to listen to Bruno shelter we went. And there he was, Mars on the radio. Our hearts beat the only kitten there with the to the music. It’s love, love at first colors of a majestic tiger. sight When I brought my cat Bruno Madelyn Brooks – 1st Grade home, I loved him with all my Ms. Alice Enriquez heart. It’s my job to feed Bruno Loma Verde Elementary School 1st Place day and night. I give him water

and everything he needs. I admire Sam Houston the Great Bruno because he has a great Sam Houston was born on March talent. He climbs very well! Bruno 2, 1793. He lived on a farm, but reminds of the majestic tiger of he did not like it there. He did not Asia climbing tall trees to hide from like to work or do chores that his its prey. I like how he comes mother gave him. So he left and running whenever he hears the decided to live with the Cherokee doorbell ring. He likes it when I Indians. come home from school. I

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 215 Sam Houston wanted to learn so A Special Animal he went to college to study law and I am a special animal that is six he fought for the rights of the feet tall and nine feet wide. I am Cherokee Indians and he wanted to huge! I have long skinny legs and separate Mexico from Texas. a short tail that you can hardly Sam Houston led Texas soldiers in see. I am very proud of my antlers a battle against the Mexican because they are very wide and soldiers. The Texas soldiers won in heavy with pointy edges. I feel the battle they surprised the very special because every year I Mexican soldiers while they were lose my antlers but I get new ones sleeping. The Texas soldiers were back. I really want to tell you that I successful and after they became a love cold weather. I could never republic. live in a desert where it’s very hot. Sam Houston passed away on July I live in a forest close to lakes in 26, 1863. Sam Houston fought for parts of Northern United States, us to keep Texas a Republic. We Alaska and Canada. I eat twigs, live in the United States of America plants and leaves. I don’t think I and are free. The Texas soldiers would like to eat other animals but were brave and Sam Houston was other big animals can attack me a helper to lead others. and make me their meal. I guess it st Jessica Melendez - 1 Grade is time to tell you that I am a Mrs. Miriam Corral Lujan- Chavez Elementary moose and that I love my home in School forests in cold weather. I am a 2nd Place very special animal. David Meaole – 1st Grade Mrs. Maricela Armendariz Elfida P. Chavez Elementary School 3rd Place

216 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up My Brother’s Game Derric Rojas - 2nd Grade Mrs. Leonor Gunning Green and navy blue everywhere Elfida P. Chavez Elementary out on the football field. I was at School 1st Place Montwood High School watching

my brother play his first game. I I Don’t Need Homework was so excited! He plays Center, I don’t think second graders should he snaps the ball to the have homework every day because quarterback. It’s a very important it takes too long, I have other position. They scored on the very things to do and I’m too smart for first play! Sadly the referee homework. Sometimes kids need collapsed on the field in front of all to go to football practice. They of the spectators. Everyone was would come home too late from shocked, at first there was silence, practice and not have time to finish then some muttering, and then it. they asked us to move to the other Besides, homework is so boring! I side of the bleachers. Some shouldn’t have homework because spectators were scared that the if I don’t finish it, I will get a red referee wouldn’t make it. The EMS face. That is when the teacher took what seemed like forever to gives you a sad face and calls your get there. They finally took him off mom. Homework is a waste of our the field. The game started up time. Homework takes too long again after a long while. My finish and too long to pack in our brother’s team won! All of us were backpacks. I also don’t want so happy. On a sad note, we later homework because it takes a long found out that the referee didn’t time to read the book I have to make it. I told my family members read every night. I should not have that weren’t there and they were homework so that I can go to sleep sad too. It was an eventful but sad early. Labor Day Weekend.

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 217 I shouldn’t have homework head. Once you finish the body you because my mom also has get a long carrot for his nose, two homework to do. When I have medium size rocks for his eyes, homework she helps me with mine and eight small rocks for his and it wastes her time. Then mouth. You can add more to your because of the homework, I don’t snowman to make it look different get to go to bed early because I from other snowmen. If you follow have to take a bath. Then the these steps you will have a pretty next day I get to school late and I good looking snowman. feel worried and tired. These are Rubina Lopez – 2nd Grade Mrs. Yolanda Guevara lots of reasons why second graders John Drugan School should not have homework. 3rd Place Nicolas Figueroa - 2nd Grade Mrs. Yvonne Garcia My Life as Lightning Dr. Sue Shook Elementary School I see my little water friends. I also nd 2 Place see them dripping down, I hear my lightning friends CLASH! It’s not How to Build a Snowman pleasant but it’s who I am! As a Would you like to know how to rainy thunderstorm occurs, I see build a snowman? My snowmen are children looking out the window the coolest ever! At first, you have looking at how I flash! I sparkle to roll a big ball for the bottom part like a big star! I flash quick like a of the snowman. Try your best to split! When I flash I’m hotter than make it just right. Next, you make Mercury! Scientist knows me as the middle ball but you need to fulminology! Kids like to see me make sure it’s a medium size ball. strike like a star! I contain lots of Don’t make it too big because then volts of electricity. I dance as I your snowman will look a bit funny. flash! I dance like a ballerina. As I Finally, you make the last ball and travel around the city flashing, I this ball has to be small for his hang out with cloud buddy. I watch

218 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up the ocean high above. I see a dark 8 - Year Old Kid: Then and beautiful night. Thunder is my Now friend he flashes like me! As light Imagine yourself in the present. rises the moon comes, beware! You are a normal 8 year old kid Don’t touch me I’m 36,000 degrees who probably enjoys watching Fahrenheit! I make a big noise that video games, hanging out with makes babies cry. I feel sad but it’s friends, and watching videos on a role I take. I last 1 or 2 Youtube. B-O-O-M! Step back into microseconds! I have lots of tasks. a time when slavery was all over I look at the conselation to know the United States. You are NOT what city, state, or country that’s having fun, you DO NOT have next! I have a job to travel around friends. the world like a superstar! I am Welcome to your life as a slave like static electricity! I am a fact child. Your hands are mostly and a science experiment. People bruised and bleeding from the hard are very curious about me. I am a work of picking cotton or working burst of electricity! I wait and read in the tobacco fields. You are filled for the next city. As me and cloud with little or no hope or confidence. buddy travel around, I flash and Your body is tired from working all CLASH! Until I flash 10 more day and all night without getting times! The sun rises and my job is paid. You are wrongfully judged done! I am…lighting! and made fun of all because the Sophia Lopez - 3rd Grade color of your skin. Deep inside you Mrs. Lili Villarreal Hurshel Antwine Elementary are full of hatred and revenge but School you just can’t show it because 1st Place African Americans are not treated like the “white” people. Welcome you your world now! This was real and not a t.v. show. Until one day a brave, heroic,

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 219 woman named Harriet Tubman I’m a lucky kid. I did not have to decided to change things. She was go through what the kids in those the only one that was brave days did. I can go to school, learn enough and so tired of slavery, she on the computer, and watch felt it had to stop. Harriet had the interesting things on t.v. I hope guts to do something about it. She that one day I grow up to be as created the Underground Railroad. brave and as strong as Harriet It was not a real railroad, but it Tubman and all the other people was a path that led to houses with who helped fight the good war. abolitionists. Abolitionists are Jalen Morrissey – 3rd Grade Mrs. Veronica Collier people who were against slavery Dr. Sue Shook Elementary and were willing to help out any School 2nd Place runaway slaves. It was very dangerous, but she kept going back and back and back. That is Harriet Tubman true honor! Do you know who Harriet Tubman If you ever heard people talk about is, or do you know something the “freedom land” it was a place about her? Let me tell you. Harriet with peace and where slavery was Tubman was born in Dorchester against the law. In case you are County, Maryland in 1820 or 1821. wondering where the “freedom She made a difference by leading land” is…it was in the North. That’s slaves in the South to the North where Harriet led all the slaves to. where they would be free by using Traveling at night was the only the Underground Railroad. time they could plan their escape Harriet Tubman’s family were because if they were found, they slaves. Her owner Edward Brodas would have to face grand owned all of her family. Her mom consequences. Not a typical night Harriet Green had eleven children. for an 8 year old huh? Harriet was the sixth of eleven children. One day she was hired

220 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up out to work for someone else. She There she worked as a cook, and saw a bowl filled with lumps of dishwasher. When she had enough sugar right beside her. They did money to go back, she made look very nice so she took one nineteen trips back to the South. lump out of the bowl. Her owner She rescued about 300 slaves. saw her take it and chased her When slaves were too scared to go with a whip. Tubman ran and hid on, she pointed a gun at their with the pigs. She had to eat heads and said, “You will go on or potato scraps until she was so die.” If they went back their hungry she had to go back. owners would ask who is leading Harriet Tubman married John you, where are they? There was a Tubman, a free man. Harriet was huge reward waiting for anyone thinking of running away and that found Harriet but no one ever wanted John to join her, but he did. When Harriet knew she was wouldn’t. He said if she left he going to die, she said, ”I hear the would tell her owner, and then the bells a ringing. I hear the angels patrollers and dogs would go after singing.” After that, she died in her. She started to plan her Auburn, New York on March 10, escape. On her first trip she left 1913. with three of her brothers. They Harriet Tubman was brave because had no food, no water, no money, she made nineteen trips back to and they did not know which way the South and saved about 300 to go. Her brothers made her go people! She inspired me to be the back. Then two nights later, she best doctor in the world! went off alone. She hid during the Wendolin Sosa - 3rd Grade Mrs. Evangelina Acosta day and began her journey at Jane Hambric School night. When she reached the 3rd Place North, she said,” The golden sunlight passed through the trees, and I felt like if I was in heaven.”

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 221 Special Christmas get your blood going. Experts even Presents lined up neatly against say that they make kids the decorative tree. Lights and hyperactive! A few treats people songs linger through the air. enjoy are pies, hot cocoa and ice Everyone tucked in bed ready to cream. Some of the sensations you catch Saint Nicholas! Bells ringing might experience while eating in and out of houses! What’s my these goodies are hot or cold on favorite holiday? Christmas of your tongue. They can also taste course! Christmas is made of sweet and mushy. Pie is productions, food and birthdays! sometimes made from pumpkin, It is incredible that productions are apples or pecans. 99% of people a big part of Christmas! A play is like Christmas goodies! Food is the like a movie with actresses in it, best for a special Christmas time. but it is a live performance. People Have you met a person whose who create plays are always birthday is on Christmas? Now you involved in different things. These have, because that is me! It is an people are normally the star of the awesome experience. Most of these play. Many people like the songs kids get double the presents for that are played in these their birthday and Christmas. It is performances. The main songs super enjoyable because birthday played are Jingle Bells, Sleigh kids are the only ones with double Bells, and Silent Night. There are the gifts. Another benefit of a beautiful decorations to light and Christmas birthday is that it is brighten the acting platform. shared with baby Jesus! Who Productions are normally voted the wouldn’t want to have a birthday best part of Christmas. on the same day as the King of all You’ll soon see that food is a big Kings! People who have birthdays part of Christmas. Food can on Christmas are special. sometimes mean fun. Sweets are Do you enjoy birthdays that are the best for parties because they special? Have you ever been to an

222 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up enjoyable production? Doesn’t Tarvos, Skathi, Mundilfari, Erriapo every holiday require food? Sutting and 30 unnamed moons. Christmas is the best holiday ever! In 1610, an Italian astronomer Nevaeh Buntyn – 4th Grade named, Galileo Galilei became the Mrs. Janna Duran first person to view Saturn through Lujan-Chavez Elementary School a telescope. Saturn was the 1st Place farthest planet at that time. Dutch astronomer, Christian Huggens, Research of Saturn had a better telescope in the year Have you ever wondered about 1655. Christian saw that Saturn’s Saturn’s moons and rings? Did you handles were rings circling the ever think of which astronomers planet. As Saturn orbited the sun, studied Saturn through a Christian spotted the rings at telescope? Have you even tried to different angles and noticed the research facts about Saturn? In the rings from the side. They were so following paragraphs you will thin that they started to disappear. examine answers to these Saturn is surrounded by rings. The questions. rings are very wide but really thin. On July 2006, scientists identified Saturn has seven rings but two 56 moons orbiting Saturn. Saturn’s main ones. Some ringlets separate moons are spread throughout a into two or three parts and seem to huge distance. Several moons are be braided. The rings are made of close to Saturn and lie near the pieces of ice and also bits of rock. rings. Saturn has many moons and Saturn’s rings are impossible to some of them are called: Titan, stand on. Rhea, Dione, Tethys, Enceladus, Saturn is the second largest planet Mimus, Prometheus, Pandora, in our Solar System. It is the sixth Phoebe, Janus, Epimetheus, planet closest to the sun. Saturn is Helene, Telesto, Calypso, Atlas, much larger than Earth, and it is Pan, Ymir, Paaliay, Siarnaq, named after an ancient Roman

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 223 god. A day on Saturn lasts only a them in the factory. In my little more than 10½ hours. A year opinion, I really didn't like on Saturn takes almost 29½ of some because I think the Earth’s years. factory did them incorrectly by This fantastic planet with its history making the flavors taste odd. is fun to research and is In case you didn't know they entertaining to watch! So grab a make chocolate out of cocoa telescope and binoculars and go beans, then they grind the outside to explore Saturn. Whether beans and it makes cocoa you research or explore; Saturn is powder. They come from Brazil a great topic to write about! and Africa but mostly they Krisalyn Magdaleno - 4th Grade come from Africa. The factory Ms. Angelica Ortiz uses machines to work faster Chester Jordan Elementary School which is amazing. In some 2nd Place parts there's people working on other things but they still use The Chocolate Factory those machines. ''Would you like some Next, there were different chocolate?” the man said. kinds of chocolate. For Today at the chocolate factory example, there were flavors I got free samples, learned the like red velvet and dark making of chocolate and my chocolate. The factory uses favorite part was to get a tour gigantic bags of ingredients of the factory. such as cocoa beans, sugar or The samples were absolutely chocolate chips. Maybe the flavorful. In the sample case I bags are heavier than an tried the cookies and cream but elephant! Also they can use the Kit-Kat bars were my different molds for the favorite ones. Everything was chocolate to change their so rich that I could eat all of shape. Some examples of

224 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up molds could be balls, squares My Superhero, MLK or little cups like the peanut Many people consider Ironman, buttercups. The molds are huge Superman, and Spiderman heroes to fit more chocolate and go but if you think about it, Martin quicker. I wonder if they use a Luther King Junior is the most lot of energy or somebody else talked about superhero in the pays the bill. world. Let me tell you about my Then, my favorite part was superhero. when I tasted the chocolate. Martin Luther King Jr. was born in The worker said, “Would you Georgia in 1929. He was a leader like for me to show you how to of the Civil Rights Movement. He make some chocolate?” and I always showed great character and said, “Yes sure!'' Almost was very brave. His parents knew everybody in the factory heard he was going to be Super Martin me scream so loud. So he one day. Mr. King always worked showed me how to make some to make things right, regardless of chocolate. I tried my best and the race or color of the person. they actually tasted good. The Martin Luther King is my hero worker was a very kind person. because he saved each of us from First I got free samples, then I hate. Without Martin, America learned how to make chocolate would be a very different place. and my favorite part was the Dr. King showed me that I am tasting section. special in every way. To me, th Leslie Romero - 4 Grade Martin was the voice of the people Ms. Teri Baggett Jane Hambric School and stood up to the evil people rd 3 Place who picked on the defenseless. Martin also gave U.S. citizens more rights and liberties. Furthermore, Martin showed me to love one another like brothers and

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 225 sisters. Dr. King may no longer be It’s like my smile was painted on with us, but in my heart, he is still like a clown. a non-violent, peaceful, and loved *** A Few Hours Later *** Superhero. We just arrived in New York and it Ariana Garcia - 5th Grade is awesome! It seems a lot cooler Mrs. Gabriela Barraza than Texas which is where I Elfida P. Chavez Elementary School traveled from. We are now going to 1st Place eat at ABC Kitchen. I heard it’s really good! The Horrifying Memory MAY 5, 1937 MAY 3, 1937 10:00 a.m. 7:30 p.m. I woke up really early today Today I found out BIG news! My because I was excited about riding mom just told me that my family in the Hindenburg. Tonight, we are and I will be traveling in the going to the nearest hotel next to world’s largest zeppelin, the the Empire State Building. Hindenburg! Yaay! I am so *** A Few Hours Later *** excited! I should start packing! I We just arrived at the hotel and am so lucky because only I’m going to bed really early so I millionaires have the chance to ride can have my energy to get on and the Hindenburg! I thanked my have fun on the Hindenburg. mom like a million times already. MAY 6, 1937 Well, I better get to bed; we are 6:00 a.m. heading to New York tomorrow! We are boarding the Hindenburg MAY 4, 1937 and I am so excited!!! Oops… I 5:00 a.m. guess you shouldn’t write while Right now, we are on the plane boarding because you could bump heading to New York. I have had a into an old lady and she can smack smile on my face since yesterday. you with her purse. We found our

226 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up room and it looks really nice. I as I jumped I ran for my life. I had think I’m going to explore. forgotten about my parents. *** A Few Hours Later *** Through all my pain, I managed to The zeppelin is awesome! It has a go through the crowds of people to smoking lounge which is what look for them….they were nowhere caught my eye because when I was to be found. I was devastated. doing research on the Hindenburg, After I was taken to the hospital, I I found out that it is filled with was sent home to gather my things hydrogen, which is a VERY o I could head to a foster home. As flammable gas. Just a simple spark I was packing, there was a knock can send the whole Hindenburg at my door. I really didn’t care who into a disaster. On my exploring it was because I was still thinking adventure I met a cabin boy of the tragedy of losing my named Werner Franz. He seemed parents. Still, I managed to answer very nice as he explained to me the door… I was astonished. It was that he was very lucky to get a job my PARENTS and my dog, Piglet. I on the zeppelin. Anyway, as I was happy to be reunited with my walked back into our room, the parents, but those who died will Hindenburg started to tremble. I’m forever be remembered whenever I looking out one of the windows and think of MY HORRIFYING MEMORY. the Hindenburg appears to be Miranda Jasso - 5th Grade Mrs. Violet Del Rio CRASHING!!! I look for my mom Hurshel Antwine Elementary and dad but there was no sign of School 2nd Place them. I have to get out of here! The zeppelin is catching FIRE!!! *** Moments Later*** I jumped out of one of the windows of the Hindenburg but injured myself. I have quite a few cuts and bruises all over the place. As soon

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 227 Martin Luther King Rules Martin Luther King had a dream. Imagine you are at school, but it is Dr. King wanted to end segregation not quite the same. There are no and make the world a better place rules at all. Everyone is just for African Americans. He fought jumping from desk to desk, for equality from the Jim Crow throwing books and chairs Laws. He was also the member of everywhere; which hit other a group called the National students. Now, imagine a whole Association for the colored people. society like this, without rules. Dr. King believed in a society were Even though some laws and rules all people can live in an equal were unfair for some people, those peaceful world, where colored were changed, and most rules and people can be looked upon like an laws (including minor ones) were average person and not like created to maintain order and savages. He was murdered before avoid chaos, and to break a fair he could see his own dream rule is to break order, in either a become a reality. small school or in a society as a Martin Luther King was a very whole. strong man when it came to being By studying and analyzing the heard. He did not cave in and say problems we had several years ago “No I give up,” like others who laws were created to fix them. tried doing the same. He pushed Little by little, the world is getting and pushed to accomplish his belief organized. Sure, there were some of an equal society. unfair laws like segregation Alexandra Corona - 5th Grade between races, but over time laws Mr. Andres Batista like those were changed. Since Escontrias Elementary School 3rd Place there are many people in the world, we do need laws to keep it running. An example of this is transportation. In some places like

228 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Canada, everyone must keep to prohibited the next receiver to the right side of a two-way road. If apply for release. everyone does what they please A final example of how breaking and drive on any side they want, the rules affects many people is in there is chaos, and some people orchestra, in which many people may even get serious injuries. The play the same piece together with whole world uses this two-way their separate instruments. If one road, where if you don’t follow the person messes up and plays a rules, there is mayhem. wrong note, the whole orchestra Another example that shows how sounds bad. In the world, if one breaking rules affects society is person messes up with a rule or a given in the book, “The Giver” by law by breaking it, it affects the Louis Lowry. In this book, nobody whole society. has feelings, climate, color, So yes, breaking the rules does animals, or memories of the past. affect a society in a great way. Only one does which is the Some unfair laws have been Receiver of Memory. The reason passed in the past, but those were they do this is because they think changed over time; so breaking that if people don’t know about war even the most insignificant rules or sadness or depression or will cause a significant amount of anything like that it will keep them disaster. safe. One of the Receivers’ in Roussel Acosta – 6th Grade Mrs. Cynthia Yu training received a memory of war. Col. John O. Ensor Middle She couldn’t handle it so she School 1st Place applied for release (death), and all the memories she had went into the world, and they went crazy. That’s why to prevent the same thing from happening, they

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 229 The Attack on Americans They had a total of 19 terrorists People screaming and running that were involved in this massacre away from the heavy smoke that and hijacked four aircrafts. The suffocated their breathing, not first one was American Flight 11 knowing where to go or turn! that hit the first tower at 8:45a.m. Friends, family, and acquaintances not long after United Flight 175 hit were dying to the right and the the second tower. The employees left, not knowing where to go. The inside the towers were horrified by desperation drove employees to the impact, some made it out while jump out of the towers because others didn’t. Some jumped out of they felt there was no more hope. the towers in desperation and This seems like a fictional story but others were killed by the black it did happen on September 11, smoke that was inhaled. After a 2001. while, the first tower that got hit As we look back, New York City collapsed sending out the heavy had planned to build the World smoke to the city and its people. Trade Center where everyone Later on, the second tower came to do business. The collapsed as well, killing people construction of the Twin Towers inside and outside. They buried started in 1966 and took seven over 3,000 people (an years to complete. It cost 1.5 approximation) and left broken billion dollars and became the lives for the years to come. Jewel of America. The World Trade This treacherous event will never Center came to be known as one of be forgotten because Americans the Seven Wonders of the World will never forget. The United States but it would be a target for of America became a stronger and terrorists. united nation after 911. That’s why Al-Qaeda, a terrorists group from we commemorate September 11 the Taliban, planned the and all the heroes who stood up for destruction of the Twin Towers. this nation.

230 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Karissa Solis - 6th Grade easily keep track of your grade in Ms. Sara M. Juarez the class. Desert Wind School 2nd Place The second important word is median, this is when you put a set Mean, Median, Mode of numbers in order from least to Mean, median, and mode you think greatest, then you find the middle they’re not important in math but number. Here is an easy way to they are. Sometimes you get remember instead of saying mixed up with all of them and you median say, “Middle.” Think of forget what they are. That’s okay I middle like the piece of land that will tell you an easy way to separates the two sides of a road. remember all of them. I will also The land is in the middle of the teach you how they are important road, it is the median. It is in math and in the real world. important in math because your First is mean, that is when you teacher might tell you to find the have a set of numbers and you add middle of something, for example them all and then you divide by finding the halfway point between how many numbers there are. Now two cities. It is important in the here is an easy way to remember real world too because your what “mean” is; think about it as if parents might tell you to choose a mean is your teacher and she is video game that is in between the telling you to find out what your lowest and highest priced games in grade is in the class. It is important the video game section of the in math because it will show you store, so something that is in the the average of your grades. It is middle. You will not know how to used in the real world because find out which video game is in the teachers use average to give you a middle unless you know how to grade and sometimes they will tell find the median. you to find your grade point Last but not least, mode is when average on your own. You can you find the most repetitive

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 231 number. Here is an easy way to Chief Gall remember, think of mode as the I was left for dead. I was wrongly popular one; so when you look at a accused of murder by the same set of numbers, look for the most people who murdered many of my repetitive or popular number. It is tribe. As I faded in and out of important in math because you consciousness, my thoughts drifted might have to find the most to my days as a young warrior and popular flavor of chips or cookies hopes of one day being a great to bring for an “allowable treat chief. day” for the classroom party. You As I lay there in agony and feeling will absolutely want to know which my life slip away, I had a vision. one is the most popular. It is The Great Spirit came to me important in the real world because mounted on the back of a you do not want to bring magnificent coal black horse. The something to the party that the Great Spirit revealed to me a small other students will make fun of or glass bottle filled with dried tears they will not eat any. Also, your of my lost people. The tears filled parents might ask you to buy as the glass container like grains of many apples as you can with a brown sand. The Great Spirit gave dollar, so you look at the price of me the bottle where I would find the different apples to find out the strength to go on and fight for which price to choose to buy more my people. apples. Once recovered from my wounds, I That is mean, median, and mode. joined with Red Cloud, Sitting Bull, This vocabulary is extremely and Crazy Horse. We met to plan important in school and in the real strategies on fighting the United world. States government to keep our th Valeria Ordonez – 6 Grade ways preserved. Mr. Ronald Harding Sun Ridge Middle School There were various battles, but our rd 3 Place greatest revenge on those who

232 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up persecuted my people came at the suffered the most. My people were mouth of Little Big Horn River. starving and dying. I knew that I Many warriors from different tribes would need to do what was gathered together. It is said that necessary to help my tribe. our gathering was the largest one I knew that the white man and ever seen in the Northern Plains. their government would fight us I planned many strategies on many until all of my people were battles. This one was different exterminated. It was difficult for because my quick thinking and me to go against my father Sitting planning resulted in complete Bull, but I understood that I only destruction of our great enemy. had two choices, make an The great warrior General Custer agreement with the white man or and his troops were overcome by death of my people. our great number. Not one of our I took my people reconciled with enemies survived. the United States and moved onto Our great victory did not last long. lands promised to my people. Our The white man grew in numbers way of life changed but my people bigger than the herds of buffalo were safe. We sent our children to that once covered the plains. We the white man school and I quickly found ourselves out represented my people in numbered. Washington. We lived in peace on We suffered many loses. In the reservation called Oak Creek. attempt to find shelter I, my tribe, It was hard for the rest of the Sitting Bull my Chief and great Sioux nation to understand my father journeyed into a faraway choice. I know that our struggle land called Canada. We thought we was not over even if our fighting had escaped but we soon found was at an end. We were soon ourselves in more hardship. separated into smaller tribes onto The winters were harsh and food lands set aside for our nation. was scarce. The young and old

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 233 I was left for dead, but found there actually hurting me. Their strength in my vision of the Great faces full of joy while they hit me. I Spirit. The strength the Great Spirit know deep inside they are hurting spoke of was the spirit of my more than they hurt me. people to endure great hardship First it is a joke to them and then it and the strength to change, so our is shoving and hitting, then it turns ways would not be lost to our into name calling and kicking. The young. I became a Great Chief to name calling hurts worse. Then my people. you realize what you called “your Anastasia Dominguez friends” who are now the foes. You 7th Grade try to stop it but they keep Mrs. Melissa Buenrostro Montwood Middle School antagonizing; trying to take out all 1st Place their problems on you. You choose to ignore it but it gets worse. Stop It Violence enters the picture. You go They are scary on the outside, but home beat and your parents do not inside there are dying. They are bother to question you about your trying to take it out on you, but dejected state. you see it in their eyes; the eyes of I tried to stop it but it got worse. abuse. They are sad and they want My life has no meaning at all. I everyone else to feel what they finally decided to stand up, but feel by hurting others, but that is they beat me back down. Then I not the answer. They need help, finally moved away and my life they need love, they need became different, but I was still someone who cares. We need to hurting inside. help those who need it. Help with bullying, do not be a by The lonely days are normal; sitting stander, do not walk away. Tell while they laugh. I do not get why someone. We need to get to the but no one seems to care. They root of the bully’s problems. We say they are playing with me but need to help those who bully

234 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up before they are out of control. hairspray, make up and bedazzled Bully should be recognized at an tennis shoes then the average early age, by the time they get to teenager has for a lifetime. middle school it is usually too late. The atmosphere at competitions The kids do not decide to become a can really get your heart pounding. bully when they get to middle The lights, the stage, the cheering school, by then it has been going of the audience can leave you in on for a long time. The teachers awe. Sometimes, the pressure is need to be more aware of the bully beyond belief. However, I have to behavior in elementary school. We say it’s awesome when I hear all need to stop it by helping the bully the people saying things like, “Wow before it gets out of control. did you see that?” or “Oh my Gosh, Aixarret Hernandez – 7th Grade I can’t believe she just did that.” Mr. Terrence Hansby Competition is so fierce. To be at Sun Ridge Middle School 2nd Place this level I have had to endure many hours of practice. I can be Cheer World in the gym up to 96 hours a week, Have you ever been the center of being taught all kinds of tumbling; attention? Do you know what it from simple cart wheels, to flip feels like to have all eyes on you? flops, to the more advanced Well I do, I’m an All Star tumbling (full twist layouts). Cheerleader, not just any However, all this practice comes at cheerleader, the best of the best. a price. I was just taken out of a I travel all around the country cast for an ankle injury last month. competing in cheer competitions. In previous seasons, I’ve had I’m a part of the “Cheer World”. injuries like sprained wrists, ankles Being part of Cheer world is a very and one time, a broken elbow. different experience. Just take the I have been a part of the world way we dress. At any given cheer world for about eight years. competition, I have more glitter, I don’t plan to stop anytime soon.

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 235 In the future my goal is to go to encounter and what they learn “World” and become a champion. from their experience, and I always World is the biggest cheer keep them in mind. I don’t competition there is. I would love consider them role models because to bring home the gold! I don’t want to be like them, Desirae Chavez - 7th Grade rather, their words influence me Ms. Shelly Barr and create the person who I am. I Salvador Sanchez Middle School think it’s more realistic than a role 3rd Place model. I also, in a way, want to be my The Path I Choose to Walk own person. I want to go through They say role models are people life learning and handling things on who you admire and look up to, my own, solving the problems for but those qualities always seemed myself. I want to become no one a little superficial to me. Unlike other than myself. I don’t want to most people, I don’t have a role be like someone else just because I model. No specific person comes to marvel and admire them. You mind when I think of this topic. could say that I want to be There are many people that I original, but, in the end, it seems respect and admire, but no one more fun when you’re not trying to that I would strive to be like. be like anybody but who you truly There are a great number of are. people who could be role models in In conclusion, I don’t have any this world. With this in mind, it type of role model. I think that the makes me feel more comfortable fun in life is from making mistakes with not having one. I have no and learning from them, and intention of following anyone’s becoming your own person. You footstep in my life. Instead, I listen may have someone who is your to the wisdom of others and heed role model, but wouldn’t it be it. I hear the struggles they

236 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up exciting to create and walk a new they don’t think about how their path with surprises at every turn? actions will affect the other person. Brianna Portillo – 8th Grade Sometimes the bully doesn’t care Mrs. Kyia Whiteman who the victim is, they just need Capt. Walter E. Clarke Middle School someone to release their anger on. 1st Place Sometimes there is not only one victim in a situation like this. Why Bullying Needs to Stop! do you think that child bullies? Yes, The violence of bullying has some kids do it because they find it affected my life dramatically. The funny or do it just to look ‘cool’, causes of bullying can affect but most of the time that bully is a someone’s life in so many ways. victim as well. Kids that bully Unfortunately, I almost lost one of usually bully other kids because my close friends because of they don’t have the best life. bullying. Some people don’t know Research says that kids who bully what their actions can cause, and most likely have a low self-esteem, these kids’ actions almost made divorced parents (which makes the someone take their own life. That’s child blame themselves), and/or not fair because no one has the were abused physically, mentally, right to make anyone else feel less or even sexually. This child may important than they are. bully because they may be hurting Bullying can cause so much or filled with so much anger and damage to someone’s life and that they don’t know how to release it bully would never know. Bullying properly. can cause depression, anxiety, I use to not worry about things like emotional breakdowns, sleeping this because I had never been and eating disorders, health bullied or been a witness to problems and the most tragic bullying. Until I was in 6th grade thing, suicide. Bullies don’t think and I almost lost my best friend. about what they are doing and That was a moment in my life that

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 237 I will never forget. His name was got him through those hard times. Gabriel, and he was a year older Today, if you ask someone what than me. I always knew him as the they think about bullying their athletic and always happy kind of answer most likely would be, “I am guy, until I found out more about strongly against it”, or “Someone him. He had been abused by his needs to put a stop to it father and eventually put into a immediately”, but if you changed foster home. By the 4th grade he the question to, ”What do you do had already changed foster homes to stop the bullying” or “What can twice. His life was hard, being you do..” you might get a different abused instead of loved. Being answer. Besides the obvious discouraged instead of supported. response-tell an adult at home or It didn’t help that at school he was at school, what else can we do? I being bullied. Kids thought of him can think of several things that as weak when they saw him crying. people including myself can do. They didn’t know he was crying First, try talking to the victim. about not seeing his two younger Make sure they are okay and brothers. They thought it was okay reassure them that they are not to beat him up because he never alone. Second, try talking to the fought back. They didn’t know he person who is bullying. The bully had already been abused. These might only be bullying because kids who bullied him thought he they might feel alone or think that was nothing but a scared and no one cares about what they do. pathetic little boy. They were Another solution could be creating wrong. He was strong, even an organization for victims of through the times were he felt like bullying. A club that meets to giving up was the only option left. discuss issues and challenges He continually got back on his feet where they can give advice and and stood tall. I’m very thankful provide support from their own that God gave him strength and experiences is needed. I think if

238 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up people started stepping up and clear mind, to be able to find the took action against bullying, things information they may need to would be a lot different. continue on with the lives given to Samantha Nunez - 8th Grade them by God. In order to have the Ms. Monica Molinar control of their minds and bodies is Bill Sybert School 2nd Place only acceptable by the people who were given that at birth. For Procrastination procrastination to take control, Procrastination is a plague among those rights would be defiled. men. It has always hurt man. Already, procrastination has caused Through our time, it has prevailed grief for the people. I say let those into our modern lifestyles. It has grief’s be known. Let the suffering misled men down the wrong path be exposed. of productivity. When the rights Students have been greatly entitled to men are abused by such exposed to procrastination since habits, it becomes necessary to education was made a major part abandon such pests who wish to of every person’s life. Many slow the people’s progress. This assignments are finished last ailment must be terminated and minute. Be it child or adult, “it” through these words, we shall has decided to make any jobs explain why we cannot live among harder to focus upon. Important procrastination. errands are ignored and forgotten. Man has the right to not be The parasite takes advantage of burdened by his surroundings. To our pets and technology daily. fulfill his duty and not be punished Even the cruelty hasn’t been so because of the time lost due to the much that we have had the will to abusive tendency of try and avoid separation. procrastination. Ideally, a man We have tried to cope with should be able to focus on his task; procrastination in the past. We to be free of distractions with a have tried to use it positively by

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 239 doing small, fun tasks to help keep focused. However, it has infected our minds. Boredom is a high factor to procrastination. We have tried to block out all outside distractions such as music, items, moving furniture, etc. As living human beings, we cannot live with procrastination for it has only slowed us down and prevented progress within life. We sit it fit and necessary as a people to abolish such a bad habit for the greater good of this community and for the great good of the world. Joseph Machorro - 8th Grade Ms. Veronica Ruiz SSG. Manuel R. Puentes Middle School 3rd Place

240 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Analytical Essays

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 241 Supernatural thought; nature can be beautiful. Analysis of “The Rime of In the scene, all the dead sailors that once scolded the Mariner for the Ancient Mariner” killing the Albatross began to move In the poem, “The Rime of the and steer the ship. Not only was Ancient Mariner”, the story the the idea that corpses rising from Mariner tells is one of which he the ground, a supernatural made a mistake in disrespecting occurrence, but with that it wasn’t nature. Therefore causing the original souls of the sailors supernatural omens and steering the ship (but rather, appearances create destruction on angelic spirits guiding the ship). the ship the Mariner was on. In the The stanza states, “The dead men poem, the role of the supernatural gave a groan. They groaned they world was not only to scare the stirred, they all up rose, nor spoke, Mariner to respect nature (after he nor moved their eyes; it had been killed the Albatross for no strange, even in a dream, to have particular reason), but to also seen those dead men rise.” Not moralize this lesson, and therefore only is the description strange, but giving people their respect in the reason to these rising corpses return. was as well. One major scene to show the In addition to support the previous supernatural significance in the stanza, the Mariner quotes from story is stanza eleven of part five. two voices in the air saying, “Is it After the Mariner notices the he? Is this the man? By him who beauty in water snakes and does died on cross, with his cruel bow not call them “slimy” creatures, his he laid full low, the harmless punishment from neglecting nature Albatross,” in stanza nineteen of ease up. These supernatural part five. These supernatural miracles appear to reward the beings appear, and ask fully to the Mariner for thinking of one Mariner about himself, basically

242 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up questioning if he had known what unappealing). Without the wrong he did of killing the supernatural, there would have Albatross. They ask so calmly, yet been no reason for a storm, the to sad to say that it was a sailors would have kept their lives, shameful action, and was one that the Albatross would have been even hurt the feelings of these killed, but never avenged, and the unknown voices. The supernatural, Mariner would have, unknowingly, in this stanza, are summarizing continued to disrespect nature in their lesson, and are indirectly return. These beings prevented explaining why such an agonizing such an ending, and were a vital curse was granted on the Mariner part to fixing the problem at hand. after killing the Albatross. They are Deanna Sianez - 9th Grade Mr. Arron Goulette not angry, but disappointed, and El Dorado 9th Grade Academy want to be sure that the Mariner 1st Place learns, and prevents such an incident from happening again. Impacting Lives While the story describes nature so Freedom of speech is one of our terribly, it also has a point to constitutional rights that can be where it can be beautiful. However, used for the greater good of the supernatural actions and people. Being free to say what you events in the poem support the want can allow people to discuss, reason to why nature has decided promote, and inform others about to act the way it does. As a matter important topics. Using our right of fact, nature is the supernatural, in a positive way can result in as it tries to warn the Mariner of positive outcomes which can his wrong-doing, and puts agony in benefit many people. Freedom of his life to teach him to respect speech impacts our daily lives by nature (in which case was the being able to inform people of Albatross and all else he recklessly certain situations going on and named as slimy, ugly, or

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 243 having the opportunity to help community was able to come others. together and provide support for Today, there are plenty of charities each other. and research foundations informing Obviously, freedom of speech has people about illnesses and issues huge impacts on the world today. around the world. By using our However, when used correctly, we right and voicing important issues make positive impacts on the world are bringing more attention to and educate society about different them. From there, people can issues. Freedom of speech will choose whether or not to support always impact our daily lives. these organizations and actually Nicole Green – 9th Grade Mrs. Laura Widner make a difference. When these Eastlake High School organizations, such as the Susan 2nd Place G. Komen foundation, speak out and inform people, it impacts Wise Speech society by appealing to their Imagine a world that respects emotions and even persuading the freedom of speech. Words are people to support the foundation. powerful, especially when used to This support assists others greatly. ridicule others. Some people may In other cases, such as the express risky ideas that do not Ferguson or New York case, where always work. Freedom of speech two men were tragically killed, our impacts our daily lives by causing right is being used to inform others negative consequences. about the injustice that had been Cartoonists express their speech done, as more people were able to through cartoons. Many of these come together and support the cartoons mock political and victims’ families. When people religious groups of people. Though spoke about the incidents, more cartoonists hold the right to attention was brought to the issue. freedom of speech, their cartoons As citizens spoke out, the hurt others. Insulted and

244 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up sorrowful, these groups of people Emma Blake – 9th Grade Mrs. Laura Widner are offended by the cartoons Eastlake High School published. It may be their job, but 3rd Place cartoonists abuse their privilege. Obviously, not all opinions are How Actions Lead to accepted by others. Consequences Featuring: During the Civil War, 1861 to Twelve Angry Men 1865, the rebellious southern The well-known drama, “Twelve states presented their freedom of Angry Men,” by Reginald Rose, is speech. Their leader, Jefferson set during a blistering summer day Davis, had a risky idea to separate in New York during the from the North and become their conservative 1950s. The main own country. Fighting to win character, Juror 8, is a quiet, independence, the South observant, and pensive man who expressed their idea of freedom takes a risk by choosing to push from the North. This act of his fellow juror members to revolution would harm the North examine all the facts and evidence and the South. In the end, the before sending a young defendant North defeated the South. The to the electric chair for the alleged Southern states misused their crime – murder in the first degree. freedom of speech which resulted A conflict surfaces when Juror 8 is in a ruined plan. the only member to vote ‘not Mighty and forceful, speech can be guilty’ out of twelve jurors. During adverse. Risky ideas and hurtful the deliberation, Juror 8 remains language abuse freedom of speech. impartial in the face of the Clearly, these abuses bring prejudiced jurors and causes them negative consequences into our to really take a look at the case. daily lives; what a world we would Juror 8’s actions eventually lead all live in if speech was used wisely. the jurors to vote ‘not guilty.’ Reginald Rose engages the reader

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 245 by masterfully depicting the could not separate his own interactions between a relatable unfortunate experiences with his cast of characters whose own son from the defendant and ended elaborate stories influence the up using him as a scapegoat for his consequences of the deliberation. own bitter resentment. He also The prejudices (or lack of) prolonged the deliberation and previously held by the jurors’ own influenced the other jurors’ backgrounds are accountable for decisions. Next was Juror 11 who the ultimate resolution agreed was German, and his heritage upon. Depending on what each contributed to his belief that the juror learned to believe from his American judicial system was own experiences, they would act something amazing. In contrast, accordingly, and in doing so, they most of the other jurors thought it influenced the deliberation and an inconvenience and a bore. This what the verdict ended as. contributed to his decision to side For instance, Juror 8 became a part with juror 8. of the jury with a mind vacant of All the jurors demonstrated various bias – or at least, none he would idiosyncrasies and philosophies let interfere with his decisions. It that influenced the final verdict. was this characteristic, along with Had any of them been different, his sharp and observant demeanor, the verdict may not have been the that led to his ability to change the same. other juror’s ideals. Or juror 10 Just as the jurors in “Twelve Angry who refused to listen to reason and Men” are influenced by their the facts that pointed to the backgrounds, so are the people we defendant’s innocence due to his meet in everyday life. Every action own inability to see past race. His and judgment people partake in is beliefs prolonged the deliberative based off of whatever fallacies or process and forced the other jurors facts they adhere to. to rethink their own ideas. Juror 3

246 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Consider as an illustration me, the The same idea can be applied not author. As embarrassing as it is to only to the individual but to the admit, I have made questionable ‘whole.’ Many countries that go to judgments and acted on them war, for example, do so because of simply because of what I’d been what they believe in, whether or told to believe when I was not those beliefs are ‘right’ or younger. I’ve classified people ‘wrong.’ Vietnam, the Gulf War, based off of whatever stereotypes I Iraq, Afghanistan, the French thought they fit and treated them Revolution, the American as thus. For example, I would think Revolution, World War I and II, the things like he wears a lot of black; crusades, the Jewish holocaust, he probably likes listening to and hundreds of others are all screamo and cutting himself, she examples of wars won and lost for works out a lot and keeps her hair everyone’s beliefs. Religion, race, short, so she must be a lesbian, gender, money, power, and an they wear too many piercings and infinity of other notions are reasons have too many tattoos; they for people to judge and act as they probably joined a gang and do see fit. While the events in “Twelve drugs. All of these judgments lead Angry Men” can be considered less to me avoiding, disliking, or even drastic when compared to this, it condemning someone who was accurately represents similar probably a perfectly decent person. events that take place every day I’ve missed out on activities and throughout the world on a smaller participated in others simply scale. because I’d been taught that they Reginald Rose and his drama were ‘bad’ or ‘good.’ While this is “Twelve Angry Men” succeed not not true now that I have met my only in keeping the audience own personal Juror 8, it entertained but in bringing to light demonstrates what people are how seemingly unassuming events capable of. can change the course of a story

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 247 and of life itself. Every address Americans concerning the manipulation of life transforms importance of regaining confidence people in some way that will and rising up from troubled times, eventually lead them to take action Carter moved from a pathos and consequently, alter the path of approach and entered informality. their own and others’ lives, “A Crisis of Confidence” failed to whether for better or for worse. reach its intended audience; Works Cited however, Americans have learned Rose, Reginald. Twelve Angry Men. to accept Carter’s speech more New York: Penguin Group, 1997. positively throughout time. Print. In 1973, an energy crisis arose in Carla Wright - 10th Grade various countries that depended on Ms. Marcela Alvarado foreign oil: Among these countries Mission Early College High School was the United States. OPEC 1st Place (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries), a group of America’s Wake-Up Call leading petroleum exporters, from Carter reduced its oil production and On July 15, 1979, U.S. President raised its prices. The embargo of Jimmy Carter, gave a live speech oil on the U.S. eventually led to the from the Oval Office. The speech shortage of fuel and the cost of Carter gave is called “A Crisis of gasoline to skyrocket. As a result, Confidence” and was composed by there were long lines at gasoline his chief speechwriter, Hendrik stations, closed stations on Hertzberg. In the speech, Carter Sundays, and an advantage was spoke to the nation about energy, given to foreign automotive American democracy, and the lack competitors, as explained in of confidence. By involving plenty “Energy Crisis (1970s)”. The U.S. of citizen input and using father- economy plummeted because of like characteristics to directly

248 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up inflation and made people feel Carter quoted a southern governor, helpless. a woman from Pennsylvania, a Aside from an energy crisis and a young Chicano, a religious leader, deteriorating economy, a few other and a mayor in Mississippi. The tragedies were “the murders of citizens’ input was incorporated to John F. Kennedy and Robert show that he is taking their Kennedy and Martin Luther King, feedback into consideration Jr.”, “the agony of Vietnam”, and because it drives him to help the “the shock of Watergate”, all of nation. Carter says “[he] will listen which were strikes to American and [he] will act” to rebuild the nationalism (Carter). All of the American spirit. Near the end of misfortunes mentioned in Carter’s the speech, Carter stated that speech happened within a decade “[he] will not do it alone” because and made Americans lose pride in he believed that the crisis can only their country. Carter was earnest be resolved by “working together in saying that “there is a growing with our common faith”. disrespect for government” and Throughout “A Crisis of how “people [were] losing that Confidence”, Carter used father- faith, not in government itself but like characteristics to make his in the ability as citizens to serve as concerns reach his audience at a the ultimate rulers and shapers of personal level. In his speech, our democracy.” Americans no Carter spoke to the viewers as if he longer believed that something was a father and the nation was his could be done to regain their spirit. child. America’s lack of self- To show that he was assurance compelled Carter to knowledgeable of the peoples’ reproach the public, just as a absence of faith, Carter integrated father would to discipline his child. words from American citizens. Carter’s facial expressions were After “[deciding] to reach out and soft and filled with sincerity so that listen to the voices of America”, those who were watching his

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 249 speech could see he was just as speak more about what Americans troubled as the U.S. citizens were. were doing wrong instead of The tone across the entire speech speaking about how to fix the was not parallel: It shifted between energy crisis. The people began to concerned and assertive. Carter think that he was “blaming the wanted American’s to listen to his people for the nation’s problems” plea for the better of their country. (Kannan). Nevertheless, to those At the same time, he wanted to who did reflect on Carter’s speech, make sure his words were not in they later lost respect for him. In vain and that his demands were addition to losing his formal image, met. Following Carter’s sixth point, Carter wasted his opportunity to he listed a series of favors he act after making his speech. Three needed from Americans “for [their] days after Carter gave his speech, good and for [their] Nation’s he dismissed all his Cabinet security” and supported his members, and the public commands by mentioning that it “perceived it as poor management” would be “an act of patriotism”. (Kannan). As a result, many chose The speech came to be known as to not reelect Carter in the “The Malaise Speech” because presidential election of 1980. many Americans felt that Carter Carter’s speech, “A Crisis of was avoiding the situation and Confidence”, stepped over the moving into a different conclusion. informal boundary because of the Americans felt criticized when tone and body language. Carter Carter said that many were guilty made an effort in speaking to of “[worshipping] self-indulgence American’s in a forthright manner, and consumption”, and then by but led his audience to take his defining human identity now not by message personal and threatening. “what one does, but by what one This speech is memorable because owns”. His audience saw his current reviews oppose the ones speech as a threat by hearing him given after Carter spoke. Carter did

250 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up not act as the audience expected; allowed to have their own ideas, therefore, his words were thoughts, or feelings, and are pointless. However, despite the constantly watched to ensure their U.S. not being in a crisis currently, loyalty. Winston is an Outer party those who listen to “A Crisis of member who despises Big Brother Confidence” can appreciate Carter’s and what his world has become words more and take his honest because he has experienced life address about the American spirit before the revolution. One major into consideration. Now that more theme throughout the novel is the Americans value being told the control and intolerance for love of truth, Carter’s personal appeal any kind. This includes love of reaches one’s conscience more family, the lack of emotional easily. connection between people, and Adriana Maldonado – physical attraction. 10th Grade Before the revolution people would Ms. Gloria Zermeño Socorro High School do anything for the ones they love, 2nd Place even die for them. “… Tragedy, he perceived, belonged to the ancient Major Theme in 1984 time, to when the members of a Imagine a world so dull, and family stood by one another uniform that you were no longer without needing to know the able to feel, think, or act as an reason. His mother’s memory tore individual, a world where you could at his heart because she had died not express your love without the loving him, when he was too young risk of arrest. In 1984, George and selfish to love her in return… Orwell creates the world we are she had sacrificed herself to a becoming. In the nation of conception of loyalty that was Oceania, ruled by “Big Brother,” private and unalterable. Such there is no freedom. People have things, he saw, could not happen no individuality, they are not today. Today there were fear,

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 251 hatred, and pain, but no dignity of names for it. One was “making a emotion, or deep or complex baby,” and the other was “our duty sorrows” (part 1, chapter 3). This to the party” (yes, she actually alone explains the drastic changes used that phrase)” (part 1, chapter society went through after the 6). People were taught that sex revolution. “Uncalled, a memory was a repulsive act that should floated into his mind… himself, a only be done for the benefit of the boy of nine or ten, sitting on the Party, showing their “…undeclared floor, shaking a dice-box, and purpose was to remove all pleasure laughing excitedly. His mother was from the sexual act” (part 1, sitting opposite him and also chapter 6) in order to prevent any laughing. He pushed the picture type of alliance between and within out of his mind. It was a false families, which could result in memory. He was troubled by false rebellion. memories occasionally. They did Winston “…disliked nearly all not matter so long as one knew women, and especially the young them for what they were,” (part 3, and pretty ones” (part 1, chapter chapter 6). Even this memory of 1), because most were sworn to love became an intolerable, non- celibacy resulting in Winston existent emotion, the party did having to repress his hopeless everything possible to destroy urges for sex. “…He was doubled family principles because with love up by a violent coughing fit which comes passion and this was a nearly always attacked him soon threat to the Party. after waking up…His veins had The Party did not permit physical swelled with the effort of the attraction, the sexual act was not cough, and the varicose ulcer had done for love or attraction of any started itching” (part 1, chapter 3). kind, it was simply their “duty.” As The swelling of Winston’s varicose Winston wrote in his diary he ulcer is caused by sexual thought of his wife who “… had two repression. Winston’s life was filled

252 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up with desire and lust for physical the great American union was not interaction with any woman, going to take place on Lincoln’s particularly, Julia. watch, so he assumed leadership We all live for something or of the Union. His great someone, but if we are not allowed accomplishments and success have to love, then what is there left to garnered well-deserved praise and live for? Winston never worried admiration for Lincoln, and no one about dying, but “at the sight of has highlighted Lincoln’s greatness the words I love you, the desire to quite like Walt Whitman. A great stay alive had welled up in him, example of Whitman’s brilliance is and the taking of minor risks his poem, “O Captain! My Captain!” suddenly seemed stupid,” (part 2, published in November of 1865, chapter 1). Sure love can hurt you, just seven months after the but it can also give you hope and assassination of Lincoln. In this above all, give you a purpose. prominent poem Whitman uses Work Cited vivid imagery, elements of storge Orwell, George. 1984. Charlotte and philia, and symbolism to Hall: Recorded, 1986. Print. convey his central theme about Adaira Retana - 10th Grade Lincoln’s eminence and his Mrs. Kim Henry untimely assassination. Americas High School 3rd Place Imagery is one of several essential tools Whitman uses in “O Captain! The Pedestal of Abraham My Captain!” to demonstrate how Lincoln Americans viewed Lincoln. The Civil War, which ravaged Whitman indirectly portrays the America from 1861 to 1865, American view towards Lincoln threatened to jeopardize the unity when the narrator describes the of The United States of America, celebration awaiting the dying much to the dismay of President captain, “Rise up! For you the flag Abraham Lincoln. The dissolving of is flung, for you the bugle trills: /

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 253 For you bouquets and ribboned The image of the “victor ship” (20) wreaths, for you the shores a- arriving at its destination with the crowding: / For you they call, the narrator holding the fallen captain swaying mass, their eager faces in his arms gives that sense of turning” (Whitman 10-12). All grief America underwent after these forms of celebrations are 1865. The Civil War was the most directed towards the captain for his gruesome war in American history leadership during the “fearful trip” as the casualties of Americans (1), and Whitman makes it very amounted totals greater than the clear to the reader that these combined American casualties in sights and sounds are a reference the American Revolution, World to the captain of the United States Wars I and II, and Vietnam. As a during the gruesome Civil War (the result of this high death toll, the “fearful trip”), President Abraham country was not motivated to rush Lincoln. It was Lincoln’s courage its healing process. Whitman and resolve that led the north to realized this and did not try to victory and Whitman implies his miraculously make Americans feel own, as well as the rest of better, but instead used his vivid, American’s, praise for Lincoln. descriptive imagery to say it is ok Describing Lincoln’s prominence so to grieve and pay homage to beautifully allows Whitman to carry Lincoln. This sentiment is evident out the main purpose of this poem, when the narrator states his which is displaying the personal disbelief: “It is some dream that on and collective grief involved with the deck, / You’ve fallen cold and the death of this great leader. dead” (15-16). Whitman was not The lasting legacy of “O Captain! shy about painting a picture of the My Captain!” is how the poem captain’s “cold and dead” body touched Americans in a time of because he knew it was the best such peril and despair, and thing to do as opposed to trying to imagery helps shape that theme. force Americans to move past their

254 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up grief. He knew trying to do so father of the narrator. Instead the would have worked against him. narrator calls his captain father Referring back to the first instance because he has such great of imagery presented, the image of veneration and affection for his the narrator holding his captain in captain due to his great leadership, his arms ties in to another method an affection or storage type of love Whitman uses to assert his theme the American people had for their about Lincoln, heroic love. 16th president. This affection is not Whitman uses platonic, or heroic, homosexual in any nature, but love in the form of storage and rather a way to display how philia as another method to put charismatic and respected Lincoln Lincoln on a pedestal to add to the was. Lincoln was seen almost as a sorrow of his unjustified death. deity, a man who embodied the After reading the poem, the reader American values and exemplified a can comprehend the meaning of great leader. the title in relation to Lincoln and Lincoln was seen by many how platonic love is present. By Americans as their second “father” stating “My captain,” Whitman is because he represented and fought displaying his love for Lincoln, for the common man as the which reflects the admiration every American president should, and other American had for Lincoln, this helped develop the philia or right off the bat. Of all the other friendship love for Lincoln. Again, titles he could have selected, because Lincoln was placed on Whitman hand-picked, “O Captain! such a high pedestal, the pain My Captain!” to display his Americans felt losing their majestic admiration for the fallen president. leader and father rose Additionally, on several occasions exponentially. Whitman helped the captain is referred to as father bring out that emotion and platonic even though it can be inferred that love from his fellow people, a the captain is not the biological reason why “O Captain! My

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 255 Captain!” was so revered. Along the poem makes it clear the ships with the presence of heroic love, success is largely due to the Whitman uses symbolism to captain’s leadership, so it can be convey his central theme to the easy for one to infer Whitman is depressed American people. asserting the “object won” could Walt Whitman utilizes several not have been obtained without objects to symbolize the adversity President Lincoln. Finally, in the the union, led by Lincoln, poem the captain dies on the deck overcame in the war and how just as the ship was reaching port unfortunate it was to lose the and a connection can be made to courageous president. At first Lincoln’s death. He was glance, the only noticeable assassinated at the example of symbolism is the commencement of his second term captain exemplifying Abraham meaning he died on duty just as Lincoln, but with a more careful the captain died while presiding analysis the reader discovers how over his ship. All these symbols often Whitman utilizes symbolism. allow Whitman, to again place First, the “weather’d racks” of the Lincoln on a pedestal that makes ship represents the perilous his untimely death so much more journey the country undertook, unfortunate. thus making the task for Lincoln The eminence of President much more difficult; however, the Abraham Lincoln can never be greater the obstacle, the greater overstated and can also not be the triumph. Second, the ship described as it is in “O Captain! My returning with the “object won” Captain!” by Walt Whitman. The (20) is Whitman alluding to the place this poem had (and continues defeat of the confederacy at the to) in the hearts of the American hands of the union, consequently people was vital in their ability to restoring the tightly-bonded cope with the tragedy of the civil American Union. The narrator of war. Because it celebrated and

256 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up elaborated upon Lincoln’s high role in the society such as a stay at morality and his inopportune home wife with no formal death, the poem was a success and education. Married woman weren’t has endured through the ages with always necessarily happy with their its symbolism, imagery, and husband, but due to society platonic love making it one of the women had to ideally live with it. most prominent American poems in In society today mostly everyone the 19th century. has their own independence. Works Cited Unfortunately, women weren’t Whitman, Walt. O Captain! given these rights, since they My Captain! Poetry Foundation. weren’t in the 21st century. When Web. 20 October 2014. Louise finds out about her Sebastian Gonzalez – husband’s tragic death she is 11th Grade immediately forced to play the role Mr. Christopher Hall Montwood High School of a grieving wife. “When she 1st Place abandoned herself a little whispered word escaped her The Story of an Hour slightly parted lips. She said it over The Story of An Hour by Kate and over under her breath: "free, Chopin, is a short story of a strong free, free!" The vacant stare and female role as to be portrayed by the look of terror that had followed the ideal independent female in the it went from her eyes.” Louise’s mid 1920’s. The author has implied husband’s death wasn’t necessarily two vital genres in which the story a tragedy, it was a sense of relief portrays, such as forbidden to Louise. She no longer had to be independence and as well as with him and she could re-marry if marriage. Woman back in the she wanted to, without society 1900’s weren’t given as much stepping on her toes. Louise has independence as they have today. found an escape. Women had a very stereotypical

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 257 Marriage is about loyalty, respect don’t always last. People will judge and most importantly love. But when someone gets a divorce. regrettably that isn’t the case in Sexist males look upon woman as many engagements. Marriage a weak being who should always doesn’t always mean there is love, be accompanied by a strong male. some marry because of financial Kate Chapin has a deep meaning interest, or just because the behind these themes, she portrays individual doesn’t want to be how woman are quite independent alone.” And yet she had loved him- today and don’t need a male in -sometimes. Often she had not. their life. She explains that by What did it matter! What could showing how Louise was ecstatic love, the unsolved mystery, count when her husband passed away. for in the face of this possession of She indeed wanted freedom and self-assertion which she suddenly found it. recognized as the strongest Luz Rivas – 11th Grade Mr. Gabriel Lopez impulse of her being!” Louis didn’t El Dorado High School nd truly love her husband, she only 2 Place did sometimes. A woman during An Abundance of this era had only 3 choices, be Complexity married to have a good place in In Rising Tide: The Great society or either be single and Mississippi Flood of 1927 and How looked down upon by people. That It Changed America, contemporary most likely could've been Louise’s author John M. Barry illustrates the case, she was afraid to be judged mosaic functions of rivers, and by society itself. more specifically, the Mississippi The story of an hour portrays the River. In order to further strong voice of a woman that communicate his raptness by couldn’t speak out due to judgment rivers, Barry uses a plethora of in society. This, in fact, still plays a literary devices to incorporate role in society today. Marriages

258 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up complexity into every aspect of his “tremendous”, and “unpredictable” writing. portray the Mississippi River as Barry uses inconsistent, varied almost as exciting as Barry sentence structure to stress the perceives it to be in an intelligent lack of uniformity with the manner. Similar to the river itself, Mississippi River and, the author conveys complexity with consequently, his passage. By complex language; an exciting directly contrasting brief, harsh topic with sensuous language. sentences like “It roils. It follows Although the passage generally no set course. Its waters are not lacks uniformity, there are multiple uniform,” with extensive, thought- instances of repetition throughout provoking sentences like “Rather,” Barry’s writing. In the second (directly contrasting in multiple paragraph, he uses “velocity” three senses) “it moves south in layers times in the same sentence to and whorls, like an uncoiling rope distinguish multiple types of made up of a multitude of discrete velocities within one river, fibers, each one following an emphasizing how multi-faceted independent and unpredictable functions of a river are. Another path, each one separately and instance of repetition is with the together capable of snapping like a introduction of the Mississippi River whip.” Just as the river lacks (the first sentence of the third uniformity, Barry’s syntax paragraph) and the conclusion of disregards parallelism to italicize the entire passage. Barry its complexity and inconsistency. surrounded the subject of the In combination with alternating Mississippi with “complexity” to syntax, Barry uses sensuous, remind the reader that “the polysyllabic diction to maintain the complexity of the Mississippi reader’s attention and enliven the exceeds that of nearly all other river. Words like “radically”, rivers.” “gigantic”, “enormous”,

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 259 John M. Barry used a multitude of society’s infective corruption. literary devices to aid in depicting Specifically in the Pardoner’s tale, rivers, and to a higher degree the Chaucer implements truthful Mississippi, with the enthusiasm juxtaposition, shocking irony, and and awe that he perceives them powerful allegorical elements that with. generate thoughtful laughter, all Crystal Sosa - 11th Grade amounting to an idea that Mr. Gabriel Lopez encompasses the piece as a whole: El Dorado High School 3rd Place humans held to the highest moral standards are often the most Society’s Laughter immoral. Adept comedians have for years Beginning in his prologue, entertained audiences with zany juxtaposition is used in the gags and outrageous novelties, Pardoner’s dialogue, revealing his causing the crowd to release moral decay. This two-faced massive roars of laughter. But character blatantly asserts, “I sometimes the art of comedy is preach, as you have heard me say much more effective when hardly before, / And tell a hundred lying any laughter is induced at all. In mockeries more” (67-68). As a literature, masters of humor have pardoner, this man is expected to satirized society in their highly be honest, humble, and meaningful tales, simply making understanding in order to fulfill his readers chuckle or internally duty of correcting others’ sins. giggle, however, with a mindful However, by juxtaposing purpose. In Geoffrey Chaucer’s The “preaching” and “lying” in the same Canterbury Tales, this subtle, sentence, the Pardoner shatters his clever comedy is utilized supposed moral uprightness, throughout each of the pilgrims’ contributing to the humorous elaborate stories, elevating the paradox of his personality. His author’s satirical criticism of deceitful qualities contradict the

260 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up religious responsibilities of his and their ultimate consequence for profession, highlighting the succumbing to material desires. church’s mass corruption. Within While the youngest of the three his tale, the Pardoner describes the goes into town to fetch some wine, young man’s agenda to poison his his comrades decide that since older companions and attain all the “two are twice as powerful as one,” wealth, planning to “kill them both they should ambush him when he and never to repent” (530). “Kill” returns and put their “dagger and “repent” are strategically through his back” (503-506). Their placed within close proximity of scheme unfolds as planned, but each other, but connected by thinking they have successfully “never,” which further separates achieved their despicable goal, the morality from criminality. Despite two men drink the poisoned wine. being a friend of his older The reader, aware of both parties’ counterparts, the young man plans, recognizes the humor of this decides to murder them for his ironic situation and witnesses how own personal gain; these “friends” will turn on each other circumstances are intensified by his when placed in a position where lack of repentance provided by this their own benefits are at stake. In arrangement of words. Chaucer’s an even more comical perspective word pairings bring out thoughtful of this turn of events, all three of laughter from reading the these underhanded men found Pardoner’s section, not necessarily exactly what, or more because what he relates is funny, appropriately, who they were but instead quite twisted and wry. looking for: “A certain traitor The reader might also consider the Death” (431). It is quite ironic that situational and dramatic irony in the assailant they were originally the Pardoner’s tale quite comedic seeking to kill was named Death, due to the audience’s awareness of signaling that when one pursues the men’s plots against each other danger and goes against God’s will

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 261 for the sake of revenge, their illuminates the ruthless and actions will be reciprocated with outwardly harmful characteristics the proper consequence of demise. of greed’s effect on humans. Eight Irony elicits mindful humor in the bushels of gold proves to be more final scene of the Pardoner’s tale, valuable to these men than their reminding the reader that even partner’s young life. Now with a those who seem to be trustworthy larger share of riches, the two men may have ulterior motives for their are still not satisfied with own welfare. themselves, so they sit down “for a This tale itself is an allegory, and drink” to “be merry” and continue teaches a moral lesson that greed to overindulge in worldly is the root of all evil, or as the possessions (563). Their Pardoner hypocritically preaches, gluttonous doing, however, “Radix malorum est cupiditas” punishes them with death for (100). The deadly sins of gluttony attempting to drink any hint of and greed contribute to the three guilt away. Thus, gluttony is a self- men’s hamartia, causing them to destructive sin that eats away at a stray from living a humble and person in the same way that they selfless life; they are allegorically consume food and drink to fill their represented through their actions. inner emptiness, whether they are Avarice consumes each of the aware of it or not. Greed and revelers, manipulating them to gluttony allegorically seal all three behave in extremely selfish and men’s fates in this entertaining conniving manners. Committing fashion, generating satirical humor the mortal sin of murder, the older by serving them the justice that men executed their young they each ultimately deserve for companion “Exactly in the way being deceitful and beguiling. they’d planned his death, / They Individuals in The Canterbury fell on him and slew him, two to Tales, such as the Pardoner, the one” (560-561). This behavior Friar, and the Summoner, are

262 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up depicted by Chaucer as Rafael Flores - 12th Grade Ms. Jamie Vega stereotypically moral due to their Montwood High School profession, yet very corrupt in 1st Place reality because of their true personalities underneath society’s Woman in Society painting of who they are supposed Abstract to be. These religious figures are In the patriarchal society that paradoxically unethical, which is exists today and in all literature of often represented by juxtaposition. every era of literature a woman Irony within their tales reflects might seem to only serve the their own ironic characters, purpose of being the subordinate mirroring themselves and their partner to a man but serves a moral decay within the stories they greater purpose in society amongst tell. Their tales are also embedded man. By observing how women act with the influences of the seven towards men and how women deadly sins, allegorically affect men in literature women’s implemented through the actions role in literature and society can be of the hyperbolic characters they better understood. Men are tested discuss. Through all of these by women to prove their decency devices, the audience is able to because men desire the affection distinguish the thoughtful humor and beauty of women, are tempted and experience the mindful by women, or are only made laughter that Chaucer carefully vulnerable by the presence of includes in his work by criticizing women and usually more than one the dishonesty of individuals held of these test men. on a high moral pedestal. The role of women is to always be Chaucer, Geoffrey. The Cantebury subordinate to men and yet they Tales. Dallas: McDougal Littell, still serve a very prominent role in 1990. Print literature and society. Literature and society can only be complete

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 263 with women being present The Old English poem Judith tells amongst men. Women serve a the story of a woman named Judith very complex role in literature that is able to decapitate an evil beyond just simply being the Assyrian general Holofernes subordinate partner to man. because of her power as a woman. Through observing the role of In lines 34-36 of Judith (2000) women in literature it can be Holofernes commands his servants understood the role of women in to bring Judith to his bed so that society as well. In literature and he can have sexual intercourse society women are very much the with her (Treharne, p. 111). The other half of man. If men existed Assyrian general Holofernes is a alone without women then they feared general that before his could very easily be seen as encounter with Judith seems to be perfect beings. Men’s flaws come unstoppable, having an unflawed from their connection with women. sense of control, until he desires to Women make men whole by have Judith’s affection and is serving as a part of man that men tempted by her beauty. When desire and do not want to lose. Judith enters Holofernes’s life he is Men are tested by women to prove unaware of her intentions to end their decency because men desire his life because he has lost his the affection and beauty of women, inhibitions with Judith being are tempted by women, or are only present. In lines 61-64 of Judith made vulnerable by the presence (2000) the reader is told that of women and usually more than Holofernes is taken to his death one of these test men. The bed and in lines 103-111 he is significant role of women being the decapitated by Judith. The test to prove men’s decency can be powerful unflawed general observed in any era of early British Holofernes is not defeated by a literature. male warrior, which would seem a more realistic defeat for a general

264 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up in a patriarchal society, but is part of man that contains the very defeated by a woman that is normal human qualities such as supposed to be subordinate to faults in morals. Lucas further man. A woman in the poem Judith points out in ‘Judith’ and the is the only individual capable of Woman Hero (1992) that defeating a great powerful general Holofernes allowed himself to be because Holofernes could not defenseless (p. 21). As seen in the overcome Judith’s presence. The poem Judith, a strong man can be poem Judith shows that man is a made vulnerable by a woman. Men complete typical imperfect human are not overtaken by brute being, just like any other man or strength of woman but are instead human being, when with a woman. overcome by their beautiful Woman like Judith in the poem presence because men allow Judith make test men and make themselves to be vulnerable when men vulnerable. with women. Women’s role in Judith in the poem Judith does not society and literature is to make intentionally seduce Holofernes and men whole by making them yet he is still tested and defeated human, a being that can be by her. In ‘Judith’ and the Woman vulnerable and weak, through only Hero (1992) Lucas points out that, making themselves present in unlike the Bible version of the story men’s lives. of Judith, the Old English poem In the Middle English chivalric version of the story of Judith does romance Sir Gawain and the Green not portray Judith as an instigator Knight an honorable knight Sir of Holofernes’s downfall (p. 18). It Gawain is tested by a beautiful is only Holofernes’s own doing that woman. In lines 1204-1207 of Sir causes his demise. Women like Gawain and the Green Knight the Judith do not necessarily have to wife of the host Bertilak is purposely tempt man every time described as a beautiful woman but still will make prominent the with cheeks that are “ruddy red

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 265 with health” and a “sweet” smile Women are clearly portrayed as (Armitage, 2012, p. 211). Lady testers of decency of men in the Bertilak is a beautiful woman that chivalric romance Sir Gawain and immediately begins to test the the Green Knight. Timber points knight Sir Gawain with only her out in What Sir Gawain means to presence. After she is introduced to me (2000) that the knight Sir Sir Gawain she continues to make Gawain is put in a difficult situation sexual advances towards Sir with Lady Bertilak because he is a Gawain that he must refuse and “chaste and chivalric knight” that does refuse and offers him gifts has to resist Lady Bertilak’s that he is supposed to give to his advances while not giving any host Bertilak. In lines 2345-2368 of “offence” (pp. 2-3). Knights in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Middle English literature must the Green Knight states clearly the uphold the knight’s honor code and results of Sir Gawain’s decisions women like Lady Bertilak test with handling with Lady Bertilak’s knights or men by trying to stray temptations and gifts (Armitage, them away from their honor code. 2012, p.234). Since Sir Gawain Knights like Sir Gawain are not lived up to most of the agreement only supposed to honor the he had with the host by giving knight’s code but also when with a most of the gifts he received to the woman must especially honor their host and by refusing most of Lady code while being respectful to the Bertilak’s sexual advances because woman. Furthermore, Timber knights especially are not supposed points out in What Sir Gawain to commit adultery, Sir Gawain is means to me (2000) that the not only rewarded his life by the sorceress Morgan la Fay, disguised Green Knight but also is able to as the old woman in Bertilak’s prove himself as a chivalrous castle, had conjured up the whole knight, a decent man. test for Sir Gawain and that “Gawain had defeated her by his

266 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up virtue” (p. 3). Morgan la Fay’s plan his wife Queen Guinevere. to tempt and prove weak Sir Although Sir Lancelot is the ideal Gawain allows him to prove himself knight better than any other as a virtuous knight. Morgan la Fay knight, Sir Lancelot is beginning to is another example along with Lady be defeated in the beginning of Bertilak that shows the role of Morte Darthur because of a woman woman. Both Lady Bertilak and Queen Guinevere. Later in Morte Morgan la Fay are clear examples Darthur King Arthur says that “the of woman being temptresses that greatest mortal war that ever was” give man the opportunity to prove is going to occur and that he will themselves as a decent man. not rest until he has “destroyed Sir Another work of Middle English Lancelot’s kin and himself both, literature called Morte Darthur other else he to destroy me” further shows the role of women as because of Sir Lancelot killing Sir the source for man’s chance to Gaheris and Sir Gareth while prove themselves and man’s saving Queen Guinevere from vulnerability. In Morte Darthur King punishment (Malory, 2012, p. Arthur states that Sir Lancelot is a 489). The deaths of Sir Gaheris “hardy knight” and “the best knight and Sir Gareth like the eventual among us all” despite hearing that deaths of the great King Arthur and Sir Lancelot is possibly having great knight Sir Lancelot are all extramarital sexual intercourse caused because Sir Lancelot failed with Queen Guinevere (Malory, to refuse engaging in a sexual 2012, p. 483). Sir Lancelot is relationship with Queen Guinevere seemingly an untouchable knight and failed to let her be put to because his king Arthur still ranks death because of their relationship. him as a priceless knight, a decent Sir Lancelot, the greatest knight man, after hearing that Sir and a very decent man, was made Lancelot is possibly having a vulnerable by a woman and was disgraceful sexual relationship with defeated because of failing to

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 267 refuse the temptations that came end of the story The Falcon Madam from a woman. Giovanna falls in love with Federigo A work of medieval pre- saying that she “would liefer have renaissance literature called The a man that lacketh of riches than Falcon further highlights a woman’s riches that lack of a man” importance towards proving a (Boccaccio, 2013, p. 186). man’s decency. In the story The Federigo ultimately proves himself Falcon a man named Frederigo was as a decent man when he sacrifices rich and spent carelessly all his his last piece of wealth, his wealth to attempt to get the precious falcon, for his love Madam attention of a rich lady named Giovanna. Madam Giovanna even Madam Giovanna but he is not chooses to rather have a poor man successful in his attempt to woo like Federigo than a rich man the rich lady he loves with his because of his decency. Women wealth and ends up becoming poor clearly provide men with tests to (Boccaccio, 2013, p. 181). prove their true love and their Although Federigo evidently is decency as a man. unable to get the attention of the In the Shakespeare tragedy King woman he loves after spending his Lear a king asks his daughters to wealth for her a countless amount prove their love for him and of times until he is poor, he still because he fails to realize that two persists in trying to secure her love of his daughters are fooling him he instead of moving on to find causes his own downfall. When another woman to pursue. From King Lear asks his daughters to the very beginning of the story confess their love for him in the Federigo is made vulnerable by tragedy King Lear his youngest and Madam Giovanna and starts to favorite daughter Cordelia is the prove himself as a decent man that only daughter with a confession of will give his all until he is poor just true love that is obvious when she for the one he loves. Finally in the argues “I shall never marry like my

268 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up sisters, To love my father all” in Look there, look there! lines 103-104 of act one scene one clearly shows Lear’s decency, well- (Shakespeare, 2012, p. 1257). A being, and downfall that have once great man, a great king, Lear happened only because his two fails to look past the flattery and oldest daughters fooled him trickery of his two older daughters (Shakespeare, 2012, p. 1339). and see that his youngest daughter Since Lear could not pass the test Cordelia loves him truly and that of two women in his life he proved causes him to lose his place as a himself to be a weak man and decent man and powerful king. weak king and caused the death of Instead of passing on his wealth so many people in the tragedy that and power to Cordelia, the included his beloved Cordelia and daughter that does not intend to his own life. By the end of the play harm him, he passes his wealth he has lost many people of his and power to his two oldest kingdom, his entire kingdom and daughters that fooled him and he power, and his sanity as he begs to disowns and banishes Cordelia. At have all his good fortune back and the end of the tragedy King Lear’s believes before his death that the last lines dead Cordelia in his arms is coming And my poor fool is hanged! No, back to life when she is clearly no, no life! dead. Women’s presence allows Why should a dog, a horse, a rat, men to prove their virtue by have life, exercising their ability to not be And thou no breath at all? Thou’lt defeated by the tests from women. come no more, In the many patriarchal societies Never, never, never, never, never! present in literature women’s role Pray you, undo this button. Thank in society is more complex than you sir. just being subordinate partners to Do you see this? Look on her, look, men. Men want to have women in her lips, their lives and that means they are

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 269 prone to being made vulnerable by http://www.jstor.org/stable/35083 women. Observing women in 73 literature yields a conclusion that Malory, T. (2012). Morte Darthur. women test men’s decency either The Norton Anthology of English intentionally or unknowingly by Literature (9th ed., Vol. A, just simply coexisting with men. Stephen Greenblatt, Ed., pp. Women complete men by being 482-500). New York, NY: W.W. more than just their partners and Norton & Company, Inc. presenting opportunities and tests (Original work published for men to prove themselves as 1485) decent men. Shakespeare, W. (2012). King References Lear. The Norton Anthology of Armitage, S. (2012). Sir Gawain English Literature (9th ed., Vol. and the Green Knight. The Norton B, Stephen Greenblatt, Ed., pp. Anthology of English Literature 1254-1339). New York, NY: W.W. (9th ed., Vol. A, Stephen Norton & Company, Inc. Greenblatt, Ed., pp. 186-238). New (Original work published York, NY: W.W. Norton & 1608) Company, Inc. (Original work Timber, J. (2000). What Sir Gawain published 1839) means to me. Psychodynamic Boccaccio, G. (2013). The Falcon. Counselling, 6(2), 238-241. A Medieval Storybook (Morris doi:10.1080/1353333004075 Bishop, Ed., pp. 181-186). 76 Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Treharne, E. (2012). Judith. The Press. (Original work published Norton Anthology of English 1895) Literature (9th ed., Vol. A, Lucas, P. J. (1992). ‘Judith’ and the Stephen Greenblatt, Ed., pp. Woman Hero In The Yearbook of 110-117). New York, NY: W.W. English Studies (Vol. 22 pp. Norton & Company, Inc. 17-27). Retrieved from

270 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up (Original work published courageous Young Siward, and 2000) honest Malcolm, the idea that Justin Bernal - 12th Grade human retribution for their Ms. Paula Woods wholesome or sinister deeds does El Dorado High School 2nd Place not always reflect good’s mandated triumph over evil is highlighted. Fateful Contrast In the face of evil, Banquo, unlike The natural world, outside of Macbeth, possesses enough human influence, provides life with willpower to stray from the inherently opposite objects. For witches’ tempting path of ominous every killer bee, there is a majestic prophecies. After learning that the monarch butterfly. For every witches were truthful in Macbeth’s ferocious tiger, there is an prophecy of becoming the Thane of innocuous lamb. Intense shades of Cawdor, he falls headfirst into their red are opposed by lively tones of supernatural pit of temptation. green as the sun’s illuminating rays Macbeth’s initially clear mind is are countered by the night’s infiltrated by “that suggestion / pervasive darkness. Polar Whose horrid image doth unfix opposites exist everywhere, even (his) hair and make (his) seated among people, who can be heart knock at (his) ribs against categorized by their caliber of the use of nature” (I. iii. 147-150). morality. In William Shakespeare’s This personification display’s famous tragedy, Macbeth, the title Macbeth’s early overwhelming character is placed in the same feelings of guilt that will eventually realm as righteous individuals who expire along with every strand of rival his increasingly evil nature, his moral code. By pondering generating strong contrasts that whether or not to kill King Duncan further display Macbeth’s human to take the throne, Macbeth begins decay. With Macbeth’s comparisons his descent from the kingdom’s to the good-natured Banquo, fiercest and most revered warrior

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 271 to the scum that has infected their first of manhood” (V. ii. 11- Scotland with tyranny and shame. 12). Still young enough to not have Banquo, however, does not allow facial hair, Young Siward is marked himself to be consumed by the with gallant heroism in his fearless witches’ prophecies, only wishing to attempt to defeat Macbeth. Siward find prosperity if he can keep his sacrifices his life to prove his “bosom franchised and allegiance manhood, which is connotative clear” (II. i. 38). His headstrong with bravery, nobility, and honor in aspects contrast Macbeth’s weak his moral eyes. Macbeth will to fend off evil and retain his dissimilarly relinquishes his human original capacity to be good. conscience to evolve into a Nonetheless, Macbeth’s impulsive malicious entity so crude that “the nature overpowers Banquo’s devil himself could not pronounce a inherent goodness. Banquo’s death title / more hateful” (V. vii. 10-11). illustrates that individuals with a Siward’s youth represents his greater amount of willpower do not naiveté and lack of experience, but necessarily have an advantage also symbolizes human potential over more impulsive beings and his capability to grow into a because of their hesitance to use more powerful individual. Because easier, unethical tactics to defeat Macbeth has reached the pit of his any opponent. life, knowing he will still be Eager to fight under his father and miserable “tomorrow and tomorrow the rest of the English army and tomorrow,” he has eliminated against the tyrannical Macbeth, any hopes of ideological Young Siward proves to oppose the progression. Macbeth’s humanity villainous king not only in battle, has completely dissolved, and by but in character as a whole. Young slaughtering Young Siward, he Siward, according to Lennox, is proves that although victory is among the early ranks of “unrough ideal for the forces of good, it is youths that even now / Protest not set in stone. The few, innocent

272 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up lambs of the world are still subject (his) lust” (IV. iii. 93, 75-76). to evil influences, which can often Malcolm’s use of hyperbole to overpower their blossoming exaggerate his supposed courage. disgraceful attributes places While Macbeth utilizes deceit to himself on a highly noble pedestal underhandedly advance his status when he reveals that this was his in the kingdom, Malcolm is “first false speaking” (IV. iii. 149). ultimately rewarded for being Whereas Macbeth frequently lies to honest in character. Macbeth make himself seem righteous, follows his wife’s orders to look Malcolm lies for the first time to be “like th’ innocent flower, / But be perceived as a shameful human the serpent under ‘t” (I. vi. 76-77). being. Only being dishonest to Lady Macbeth’s juxtaposition of protect his life, Malcolm makes “flower” and “serpent” himself seem like a serpent of demonstrates Macbeth’s beguiling Macbeth’s kind when he is actually personality that he takes a flower of blooming morality and advantage of to clear himself of ethical beauty. Malcolm acquires blame for the deaths he is the crown after Macbeth is responsible for, particularly King beheaded by Macduff, Duncan’s. Macbeth conceals his demonstrating nature’s preference devious nature on the surface, still for right over wrong. Karma and appearing to be clean of sin, but is fate compensate those who are writhing with guilt and perjury on trustworthy and virtuous with good the inside until his conscience has fortune, but this is unfortunately completely dissolved. Malcolm, on not the case for all of Macbeth’s the other hand, lies to Macduff that foils. he is plagued with a “stanchless The development of Macbeth relies avarice” and is so lecherous that on the ambiguous gray area even all the maids in Scotland between what is deemed either “could not fill up / The cistern of good or bad, but it is certainly

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 273 clear that Banquo, Young Siward, and Malcolm lie on the moral side of the spectrum compared to the cunning Macbeth. Macbeth ultimately represents the full transformation of evil in humans, and by sharing the stage with several absolute foils, his malevolence is escalated as their honor is emphasized. But, each character is affected in some way by Macbeth, either resulting in death or prosperity, which portrays the spontaneity of nature’s retribution for good and bad people. Good characters do not always live “happily ever after,” but are definitely formidable opponents for all that is bad. Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. Jacksonville, IL: Permabound, 2003. Print. Rafael Flores - 12th Grade Ms. Jamie Vega Montwood High School 3rd Place

274 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Letters

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 275 Chatterbox because she is all alone. I went to February 18, 2015 visit her and she said she really Dear Teacher, misses you a lot. I wish you were I am a new student in your class. I not dead. try to work hard, but I talk too When I first met you, I was just much. My mouth is like a two years old. Then five years chatterbox. I also take too long in later I wanted to see you but soon, the restroom. Some girls go Mom and Dad got a call from looking for me and I’m playing Grandma and she said, “Come to around. Oh boy, do I get in Mexico, your Grandpa is sick.” trouble! I am sorry for misbehaving When they came home, they said and bossing everybody around. I you were going to the hospital. promise I will control my motor Grandma could not make it to my mouth and I will start paying birthday party because they said attention so I can learn. I will show you might die. And on Valentine’s you that I can be the best student Day I did not see my Mom and Dad in your class. because you passed away and I Sincerely, had to stay with my cousins. A Changed Student When I got to my cousins’ house I Eva Nevaeh Castro - 1st Grade was sad. My aunt took me to the Mrs. Maricela Armendariz movies and I felt much better! Elfida P. Chavez Elementary School Since my mom had all the pictures st 1 Place of you, she made a little frame of

March 3, 2015 you. When I grow up I am going Dear Grandpa, to ask my mom for a picture of you. I wish you were still alive so Hi Grandpa. I love you so much. that I could see you again. I love You were like the best grandpa I you so much. When I am 89 I will have ever met, and you were a be with you. good man. The grandma you lived with does not know what to do

276 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up I love and miss you Grandpa, Luis Moncayo - 1st Grade Ms. Lynn Hardiman Jonathan Escontrias Early Childhood Jonathan Martinez - 1st Grade Center Mrs. Margaret Wehrfritz 3rd Place Benito Martinez Elementary School 2nd Place Future Isabella March 23, 2015 Dear Abuela To the future Isabella: Dear Abuela, I am writing this letter today and I Today is Sunday morning and it’s hope you read this when you are my turn to make breakfast for my 25 years old. First, I will tell you family. I’m going to prepare my about myself now. I am eight years famous plate of green eggs. My old and in the second grade. Right mom says they are delicious. now, I love to read and do my First, I get my mom’s biggest red nails. I like it when my mom and I pan. Then I mix the eggs with go for pedicures. I also like to secret ingredients: silky cilantro, draw, read, and I get really good spicy spinach, nopales, crunchy grades. I love to spend time with cucumber, awesome apples, great my family and when we have hang grass, squash, leafy lettuce, many outs, we have a really good time. I mint leaves and my last very am excited to be starting third yummy ingredient perfect pistachio grade soon and excited that Ethan ice cream. will be starting kinder too. We also have pancakes made with By the time I am 25, I hope you peas. It’s my very favorite still like to read, do your nails, and breakfast! get pedicures. I hope you are in April Fools! medical school to be a pediatrician. Love, I think I would make a good Your Mijo pediatrician because I tell good jokes and I could make the sick

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 277 kids feel better. I also have a real idea popped in my head. I could doctor kit that I got from Santa make green Dr. Seuss arts and Claus and that would come in crafts, like green eggs and ham. I handy after medical school. had so much fun doing the green I hope you are still in touch with eggs and ham craft. But I was still the whole entire family. This is wondering why everything was very important to me as I love green. Then suddenly I heard a them very much. My family and I knock at the door. It was the like to travel to Disneyland and Grinch! He said, “I have turned Disneyworld. When I am 25, I hope everything green!” I told the you still go to Disney every year. I Grinch to turn everything colorful also hope you take more cruises on again, and he did. That was one the Disney cruise line. Maybe by exciting morning! The next day then, you can take Mom, Dad, guess what, everything was yellow! Gracie, and Ethan on the cruises. Then I heard another knock at the Sincerely, door. Can you guess who it was? Isabella Love, 8 years old Your Silly Granddaughter Isabella Madrid - 2nd Grade Melanie Ortiz - 2nd Grade Mrs. Vivian Hernandez Ms. Susana Carmona Hurshel Antwine Elementary Escontrias Elementary School School 2nd Place 1st Place

Green Planet Earth Dear Grandma, I woke up one morning and everything was green! I didn’t know what to do so I got up and brushed my teeth and went to the kitchen for breakfast. Then an

278 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up My Wish people. I was told that no matter Dear God, what, you love everybody. I am a 9 year old 2nd grade student Sincerely, at an elementary school. I am A worried child, writing to ask if you could help the Eduardo Dominguez – 2nd Grade people in the world who are hurt or Mrs. Valarie Molinar injured, homeless, or alone. I Elfida P. Chavez Elementary School notice a lot looking out of the car 3rd Place window. I saw a man getting attacked by a dog once and it Dear Mom, made me worry about him. Was he I would like to spend this okay? Was he able to get away? Christmas with you because you People need your protection and are the only person that fills my need you to heal them. heart. I feel like we were meant I also see a lot of homeless people to be together because you make as my mom drives down the street. me feel that I am the only one in I see that they struggle badly to the world. When I look at you, I survive. They have to look for feel like the whole world is gone shelter each night and find ways to and all I see is you and no one get water and food. They need lots else. of food and water in their bodies I will feel so special that night since they are always walking and because you are the person I love. get tired a lot. I am sure they wish I know that Christmas is a lovely for a good life and hope to get night, so I will make sure that it good jobs so that they can make does not get ruined. I will take enough money to be able to buy a you to a beautiful place so I can home and food every night. give you a gift that is full of a big Please God, send one of your surprise. All I want for Christmas is angels down to heal and help these you!

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 279 In Christmas night you will be the get you. You are so ugly! If I get only one inside my big, big heart cavities on my adult teeth and I am yours forever, have to get silver on them, they Damian are going to stay there forever! I Damian Mendez – 3rd Grade don’t want that to happen. You Mrs. Maria Rodriguez give me the jiggles because when I Ernesto Serna Elementary School go to the dentist, I feel nervous 1st Place that I’ll have you on my teeth. Cavities, stay away! Dear Cavities, Your Worst Enemy, You are the worst thing that ever Emma Campos happened to me. I don’t like you. Emma Campos - 3rd Grade You are very rude to my teeth. I Mrs. Elissa Beard don’t like you because I have to go James P. Butler Elementary School to the dentist and get my silver 2nd Place teeth. That really hurts. You are not cool. My mom and dad get really angry when I have you, cavities. I don’t like you because you feel weird when I get you on my teeth. You don’t even let me eat sweets! You don’t look cool because you are holes, and I don’t like holes in my teeth! Sometimes you are huge holes, and when you are big holes, my teeth get rotten. When my teeth get rotten the dentist has to take out the rotten pieces from my tooth. That REALLY hurts!!! I even cry when I

280 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Dear Kayla, Mechanical Trouble Do you know the hobby I enjoy the Dear Teacher, most? I think you know that I love I’m truly sorry to inform you, but to train dogs. I trained my dog. writing is not going to happen for He’s not very well trained, but he’s me today. When I woke up I getting good. He’s a weenie dog, noticed the sky was falling. While so he’s hard to train. His name is observing this, I was abducted by Lucas. My dog loves to get aliens with big blue heads. When scratched on his belly. He’s five they returned me to my room I years old and knows how to play thought I’ll just start my day over. fetch, sit, lay, and he’s learning I took a deep breath, lay down on how to hoop. Sometimes when he my bead, and soon fell asleep. messes up like when he wants to Next thing I knew out popped my get on the couch, he hits his head. brain from my head! I reached up I feel so bad when he does that. to grab it and you’ll never believe, He also snores so hilarious! He my handy dandy hands weren’t at sounds like he’s crying! Last time, the ends of my sleeves! I know this my brother told my mom that he sounds like a horrible dream, but was crying, but he was sleeping, so I’m telling you, it’s real! That’s why my mom put him outside in the writing will not be happening cold! I love my dog and I hope I today. train him well. I wrote you this When I attempt to think of a story letter because I know that you I sort of start dying because I really love dogs. forgot how to spell words and I Sincerely, started saying the alphabet like Geraldine Wright this; 1”A C B D Z.” I took off my Geraldine Wright - 3rd Grade glasses to rest my eyes and Ms. Maribel Alarcon somehow eyeballs were stuck to James P. Butler Elementary School my lenses and out they came! Who 3rd Place would’ve thought this could

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 281 happen? Please, oh please don’t be the blue sad? What about red? Is exasperated with me, but writing is it strong and bold? just not happening for me today! If you appear at sunset, do the With deepest regret, splendid colors collide and blend Your very best writer together? I know I would be, but P.S. Don’t bother trying to contact do you ever get bothered when my mom. She’s out of her mind gloomy gray clouds try to cover desperately trying to get a grip on your beauty? Do we miss the sight all the outrageousness I have of a face sneaking in beside or going on! behind your bright colors watching Trinity Torres – 4th Grade us? On the rare occasions I see Mrs. Alyssa Edwards-Meza two of you are you related or Elfida P. Chavez Elementary School friends? You know what, I heard a 1st Place rumor there is gold and Dear Rainbow leprechauns at your end. Is this Dear Rainbow in the Sky, true, or a dream? Please explain to me how you are? If I slid down you like you were a I have a plethora of inquiries super slide would it cause you to regarding your existence. This list bend or break? I just cannot just touches on the surface of my express with words, how much I curiosity… Are you always the wonder how you are. Precious, same length, or do you sometimes lovely, valuable Rainbow!, th hide some of your glorious colors? Daisy Macias - 4 Grade Mrs. Alyssa Edwards-Meza I wonder why you have such Elfida P. Chavez Elementary spectacular colors, and who School 2nd Place decides what variety will be displayed? Do the colors have feelings for instance, is your yellow as cheerful as a spring Daffodil? Is

282 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up March 31, 2015 you and I. I wish I knew what was Dear Mom, going to happen. I was so young Hi! It’s been two years since the that I thought you would always be last time I saw you. I just wonder here. I was wrong. if you are in Heaven. Why did He I will never forget how beautiful have to take you? My sisters and I you were. You had short black hair need you too. They were so young that you always had to cut. I didn’t and now they hardly remember understand why, but now I know you, but I will never forget you. the chemo was stealing your Dad’s okay now, but he still loves gorgeous hair. I’m so sorry you you no matter what. couldn’t fulfill your dreams of Why did it have to happen so becoming a nurse. You would have soon? I thought you and I would be been a tender, loving, nurse. together forever. Although I have a I am now 10 years old and I am new mom now, no one could ever trying very hard to make you replace you…no one! If I ever see proud. My only wish now is that at you again, I will hug you and never least in my dreams I can hear your let go of you. I never wanted to sweet, silky voice. You cared for lose you. I hope you never wanted me and loved me so much. I wish to leave me either. you were still here so I could take Every time I think of you, I burst care of you. You will always be my into tears. Do you cry too? You mother. promised that you would stay with I hope you are living peacefully in me. You were always there for me. that world up above. Are you in I wish I could do the same for you. that place? I had a tough time Are you happy? That’s all I want accepting the reality that you were for you. I wish you were here. gone, but I feel better now Do you remember everything that knowing that you’re always with we did together? I will never forget me. I hope you are feeling fine. those memories when it was just Every time I remember when you

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 283 yelled at me I burst into laughter. grandma with sticks and vines. I Oh, how I wish you could yell at pushed her into a closet, dressed me again now. I hope you still love up like her, and got into her itty- me. Do you? Because… I love you. bitty bed and waited for the foolish Love your oldest daughter, girl to arrive. When she got there, Nicole she recognized my disguise (a Nicole Rueda - 4th Grade surprise to me) and started yelling. Mrs. Sandra Moreno “WHERE IS MY GRANNY, YOU Benito Martinez Elementary School ROTTEN CREATURE?” 3rd Place “She is safe in the closet, but I will not give her back unless you March 5, 2015 promise to never come into my Dear Believers of Selfish woods and try to kill me again!” Little Red Riding Hood, After that, everything went I know you filthy people talk about perfect; the grandma never me behind my fur coat! I know you remembered because she fell say I’m a blood thirsty killer, but asleep in the closet, I was left that’s all a lie. Let me tell you the alone in peace, and Little Red truth. Riding Hood went back to being a It was a cold night when I felt a spoiled little brat! rock hit the back of my lean body. Thank you for your I was starving and I didn’t feel like misunderstanding (it always feels dealing with rocks. A girl in a red good to tell the truth!) hood ran away, giggling. I was Respectfully, going to get my REVENGE! The “Big Bad Wolf” (or so called) The next day, I saw her skipping Lorelei Jenkins - 5th Grade along to her Ol’ Granny’s house, Mr. Daniel Perez Benito Martinez Elementary the selfish woman, always making School people give her food! I ran ahead 1st Place to the small cottage and bound the

284 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up United We Stand, Divided say the men are supposed to be We Fall the “ alpha male” what about the “alpha female”? Males and females Dear Congress, do cooperate, for instance, the Ever since the beginning of time, male is the father, and the partner women have been treated like in the women's life so that we are second class citizens. Women truly grateful for that but why the have the self-confidence, strength, mistreatment? intelligence and the capability to do Women not only run the house, we anything, but some members of can run the nation, from giving society continue to treat us like a birth and giving shelter and food to weaker gender. our families. People should “Like a girl” is an insult. Men taunt understand what it takes to be a each other by saying you run like a mother and a girl. So the respect girl or hit like a girl when a male needs to start now! doesn’t meet up to the standards. Many women have stood up for “Like a girl” should not be an insult, themselves, and become the first it should mean amazing things. women President such as Dr. Women can do anything a male Tinajero at U.T.E.P and having the can do, well almost, they can’t give first Latina in the Supreme Court of birth. When saying “like a girl,” Justice. These women have one and you direct it as an insult, it thing in common, they believe in plummets a girls self confidence. themselves and could care less This really needs to stop! about the negativity, and that’s a Equal pay for equal work. Women true role-model. don’t always get the pay they Isabella Flores - 5th Grade deserve, even if a lady has the Ms. Christina Castanos same work as the man sometimes Lujan-Chavez Elementary School the liking will go to the male and 2nd Place get the higher pay. Why? Many

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 285 April 2, 2015 Pencil Dear Students, Mariana Tovar - 5th Grade Mr. Daniel Perez Can you please stop messing with Benito Martinez Elementary me! I’m tired of you trying to turn School 3rd Place me upside down just to fix your

mistakes. When you see a little The Truth is Overdue ugly mark on your paper, you use Dear Ms. Principal, my head as your guide. Sometimes I’m writing this letter to inform you I even get a little short because of an issue in the library. First of you’ve been doodling around with all, during the book fair students me all day. You sharpen me about can’t check out books. Another 12 times a day just because I’m issue is that some books are not pointy enough for you. All ages misplaced and it makes it hard to of kids forget me in the playground find books. The last issue is the or even throw me across the need for newer books. hallway. You have ripped off my Back to my first issue the library head at least once in your lifetime. needs to be open all year long. Industries have dyed my Most students don’t have money to population in many different colors. buy books. These students use the I have over billions of family library as much as they can. You members that are probably being want us to take advantage of our used right now in a random resources. We can’t do that with elementary school with weird our library closed. looking students who pick their Going back to my second issue is nose. We do not want to be that students are required to put mistreated or bullied by a bunch of away their books. Some students little kids. I suggest you don’t kick don’t know where to put the books or throw me unless you want to be and then they become misplaced. stabbed at your eye. Leaving students look for their Your dearest,

286 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up books and can’t find the book they you have ever taken for the want. It’s stressful when you can’t following three reasons. The three find the book you want. reasons are: I will give you crusty, The last issue is that we have old cankering cavities, you will get books. Our school needs newer rather portly and lastly if you eat books that interest the students. me you will get pulsating pus-like We have a good selection but we pimples. Heed me, take my need a great selection. A newer wailing warning seriously, you do book selection means more books not want to eat me! to read and reading more is To further my case, think about it; learning more. In conclusion, I if you eat me you are going to think these three issues need to be have crude Cro-Magnon cavities, solved. If they were solved they and to go with a mouthful of would make the library a better cavities comes PAIN; a pulsating, place. punishing amount of pain because Sincerely, of those cavernous cavities. If you Monserrat Pena have to visit the dreadfully, Monserrat Pena - 6th Grade desolate dentist, he is going to use Ms. Dora Cooper super-duper, scraping, sharp Bill Sybert School 1st Place terrifyingly twisted tools! Along with those terrifying tools goes the Please Don’t Eat Me…Eat agonizing anesthesia which hurts Jelly Beans so, so, so very much. You are also Dear Mucus Eating Munchkin, going to have your mouth open for Hello there, I am the chocolate an eternity, and only for eating a Easter Bunny you bought not so delicious chocolate bunny. I yesterday at the store. I have tell you, the best you can do is not heard you want to eat me, but if eat me and your teeth will stay you eat me it would be the most twinkling and healthy. horrifyingly, horrendous decision

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 287 If this reason does not satisfy your cocoa have pore clogging decadent taste buds, you should properties! When this happens to consider the fact that if you eat me your supple, smooth skin you get you will become a pestiferous, that icky, icky acne and it becomes pestilent portly pig. To prepare very difficult to treat. Just think, meager me, it is necessary to use when you get those plump, oodles and oodles of sugar and pulsating pimples your skin looks different types of blubbery, binding super swollen and like a gigantic to the butt butter. These grease pit. Again, I must have you ingredients are perfect to increase re-think your decision to eat a you into a portly, pot-bellied piggy. puffy, putrid, pimple causing Remember being a roly-poly has chocolate bunny. lots of risks like diabetes, Now, my dear mucus eating cardiovascular disease and pain in munchkin, I have given you three your legs and feet. Being a beefy very valid reasons not to eat me. I butterball will keep you from am surely thinking of you and your running and having fun, and the twinkling teeth, your teeny, tiny clothes are much more expensive waist and supple skin, so dear, when you’re hefty, hefty, hefty. dear maladjusted moppet. If this Think now, if you decide not to eat hasn’t changed your mind maybe me, you find glamorous designer this will: If I see your twinkly duds to go with your amazeballs teeth come near me I will have my body since you didn’t eat beastly, bodacious buck teeth take disgusting ol’ me. a chunk out of you! So there. One more reason why it isn’t good Sincerely, if you devour me is because Easter Bunny chocolate can cause icky acne. Charlize Rivera - 6th Grade Mrs. Rebecca Johnson The ingredients used to concoct John Drugan School chocolate like the blubbery butter, 2nd Place staggering sugar and clogging

288 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Oh, No school is certainly not making me Dear Mr. Garcia, versatile but untalented. I have just been informed that you Additionally, attending Saturday would like to add Saturday to our school interferes with our young already demanding, toilsome bodies not only emotionally but school week. I am certain it is not physically. We are still growing justifiable and we need time to unwind and to add another day of school after relax! If you want us to go attending five exhausting school “Beyond Excellence” then we need days. I am beginning to think I our rest to re-energize. One day see my teachers more than my off isn’t enough to renew our minds parents! and bodies, especially for middle I recognize that my education school students who are going begins here at Drugan, but through growth and hormonal schooling can also take place changes. As a parent you surely outside these hallowed walls. To understand how these changes begin with, students have affect students. umpteen activities that they pursue The most important reason to on the weekends, and these eliminate adding Saturday to our activities will look impressive on school week is that we need to our college transcripts. For spend time with our loved ones. example, I am in the El Paso Youth Not spending time with our families Symphony and I also take private is despairing. These are the people violin lessons. Not only is my who were there when we took our participation in these activities first steps, said our first words, and meaningful to me, but quite shed our first tear, and taking what relevant to my future endeavors as little time we have with our loved a music major. Colleges also look ones will be shocking and for students who are well rounded depressing for us. Our “beloved” and attending an extra day of school will become a building filled

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 289 with cranky, crotchety and un- to be alarmed. I was taken to my responsive students, and I am pediatrician by my concerned positive that is not mother; they sent me to a hospital the solution you were looking for for further investigation. I was on adding Saturday school to our given a paper wardrobe and was weekday. shoved into a tube that was the Sincerely, perfect size for humans. Shortly Maya Ramirez after, a man with a name tag that Maya Ramirez - 6th Grade read Oncology Department walked Mrs. Rebecca Johnson in to a nearby room where I was John Drugan School 3rd Place being held. He spoke many fancy words and told my mom that I was Soon Together diagnosed with Stage 4 Leukemia. Dear Grandma, I only have a few weeks remaining I have missed you dearly since that here until I can live with you dreadful day your heart and the forever. paramedics failed you. Today My parents and siblings want me to marks one year since the family stay. However, the pain of dressed in black in honor of you. I chemotherapy and radiation have mourn for you often and miss your taken away much of my elation. I ways. I miss walking into your would much rather do homework house and being greeted by the than this. It takes much strength aroma of freshly baked tortillas. to smile or laugh, for all I can think Your old tales of natural wonders about is my departure. The other have been tattooed in my head. day, my sister saw me crying and I could continue to talk about asked for the cause of my everything I miss about you. melancholy mood. I responded, “I However, I will not because we will am not melancholy for leaving my soon be together. The pain struck home. I am terrified to live another me greatly and caused my mother day.”

290 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up I don’t want to be a survivor if it everything and everybody. There means I have to suffer more. I am wasn’t any hatred in his heart. If ready to be with you once again, he did something wrong, it was for it has been five weeks since I because he didn’t know that it was was told that my life would be wrong. So, my question is, why shorter than expected. I am in my would you take away someone so final stages and accept the innocent, who never did anything situation at hand. I write this letter to harm others? Did you ever stop to you, so you can expect me. to think how it would affect his Hopefully, tonight can be the night family, or did you need another I see you because I truly believe angel in heaven as great as my that I can walk into your home and little brother? be greeted by the aroma of freshly Losing my only brother hurt; he baked tortillas by tomorrow. Please was everything to me. My heart ask Him if my suffering could end aches knowing that he isn’t with tonight. me anymore. The day that I found Sincerely, out you took him, my world came Your grandchild you will be with crashing down. My heart was soon shattered into millions of pieces. Sarah Eckenroth - 7th Grade Not only was I broken inside, but Mrs. Maria Quintero so was my mom. Do you know how Montwood Middle School 1st Place much it aches to hear your mother cry and scream in sorrow? It has January 15, 2015 been three months since you took Dear God, my little brother, and it still feels Yes, I make mistakes. I don’t like yesterday. listen to my mom, and yes, I don’t Maybe I will never understand why do the right thing sometimes. But you took my brother so soon. I my brother always did. He was a always thought things happened seven-year-old boy who loved

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 291 for a reason, but now I’m not so being able to play football, has an sure. offending reason. I’m sorry I’ve Yours Truly, been going deep into this topic, but Devastated Sister I have a specific opinion about it. Briana Robles - 6th Grade Discrimination is a relic of the Ms. Shelly Barr feudal age. I don’t know if you’ve Salvador Sanchez Middle School noticed, but recently there have 2nd Place barely been any T.V. shows about girl power. I haven’t seen one Untitled since I was six or younger. Power Dear Reader, Puff Girls, Totally Spies, and Sailor I hope you are a girl so you can Moon were T.V. shows, for kids, in understand. Discrimination of the early 2000’s that were about gender has been a problem for girl power. It’s a small detail, but centuries. Yes, that means women media is a huge part of our lives have been taken for granted for now. Girls have had a weak that long. image. There is a video called In early America, women were “Like a Girl” where people ask boys expected to stay at home and take and girls what they think doing care of children. We were never things “like a girl” looks like. Of expected to do high-level jobs. We course, the boys and, surprisingly, were thought to need men to some girls, act weakly. But, the protect us. Even though girls who acted weak were older so discrimination has been depleting they have been influenced by each decade, it’s still present and media and other sources on how a known. For example, if a girl plays girl acts. The younger ones still football, everyone is surprised. haven’t seen this, so they act Why? You might be asking. People strong. Of course, this kind of think we are weak and can’t handle material isn’t only seen on media pressure. Even something as not or sports. Women at their

292 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up workplaces are also discriminated. can strive to be a part of my Their salary is less than men’s in honorable mentions. many jobs. The higher the position Ashley Viveros - 7th Grade Mrs. Mayela Zamora of the job, the higher in pay Jane A. Hambric School difference there is. For example, 3rd Place female bosses are paid 35% less than their male colleagues. Letter to My Five Year Old Gender discrimination is not only Self present in the U.S. In fact, the Dear My-Five-Year-Old-Self, U.S. might be the country with the I know the first day of school may most help done to women. In seem like a drag, but trust me: many foreign countries, women you’ll still feel the same way at can’t even purchase property, thirteen. I want to give you a drive, vote, or even wear the heads-up before reality comes clothes that they want. They don’t crashing down because if I had this even have protection or shelter for advice, I would have cherished women in trouble. I’m lucky every little warning. enough to live in a country that For starters, you will probably have has made actual effort in giving your first crush after your first day women their well-earned rights. of kindergarten. Forget about it! Women have had their voice heard Boys are dumb and have the in politics, workplaces, and attention span of a toaster pastry. education. Before I end this letter, So don’t be a fool in love and smell I want to give a big shout-out to the roses of reality instead. Now Susan B. Anthony, Millicent I’m not trying to encourage you to Fawcent, Rosa Parks, Marie Curie, hate the male species altogether. and Benazir Bhutto. You like boys, but deal with it. Your Fellow Girl, They’re cute, but dumb. Kind of P.S. I hope whoever is reading this like a house pet when you think about it.

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 293 Now let’s get deeper into reality. And my biggest advice to you: You will realize that people can be write. Believe it or not, writing is straight up rude. But don’t an escape from reality; don’t stereotype because not everyone is abandon it. And please don’t give like that. And for the love of pie, up on running or drawing. You’ll please stay calm when all goes hate it when girls who can’t even wrong. Your parents’ problems sprint fast enough end up winning don’t concern you – think about the hundred meter dash. Or when yourself instead. You’ll die by kids who can barely hold a pencil yourself anyway. Also, girls will still straight end up bragging about be as you know it: Satan’s spawns. how great their stick-figure dragon They’re jealous, so let them hate looks. So please, don’t stop doing themselves for Heaven’s sake. what you’re doing. In the blink of an eye your nap Another bit of advice: enjoy Mom, time and snack time will end up Dad, and Vicky because for some being over in fifth grade. Savor strange reason, Dad will start every moment like it’s your last disgusting you by the age of ten. day on earth, mini-me. Remember Also, Vicky goes off to college and to enjoy grandma while she’s still gets married, so accept her kisses, young. The people you love end up cuddles, and other acts of getting old. By the way, participate affection. Lastly, love Mom. She in sports. Ballet, figure skating, has a heart of gold that even King anything that catches those big Midas himself couldn’t resist. What brown eyes of yours. Just do it! I’m trying to say is, love! It’s as You’ll thank me for it when you’re simple as that, mini-me. I wish you thirteen. luck on the highway to reality But as for now, don’t stop reading. because, trust me, you’ll need it. Don’t act dumb – that’s just plain Sincerely your Eigth-grade-self, stupid. Also, read Hush, Hush. Claudia Finish the Percy Jackson series. Claudia Juarez – 8th Grade

294 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Mrs. Monica Molinar had for the past six days, thinking Bill Sybert School about our six months. 1st Place Sunburn Love always, ---Dear Sabrina, Luke H. It has been exactly six days since ---Dear Sabrina, we have last seen each other, six On the first day we met, I wish I days since you left me. had met you sooner. I still remember you leaving, your It was at a horrible party, where hair was in a messy bun and you we met. No one was excited to be had my flannel wrapped around there just excited about it being your waist. Your eyes were stained the first ever raided party of the from the mascara you had on, and school year. I was with my friends, your cheeks were rosy, and even and you with yours but as soon as then you still looked beautiful. a saw you I knew I had to talk to You told me you couldn't see me you, so I did exactly that. anymore and you left, you didn't After only minutes of an awkward even let me ask why or what conversation with you, you said the happened. And in a split second words that I was surprised to hear, you were gone, you slipped right "Do you want to get out of here?" through my fingers. We ended up going to a café and I Besides thinking of you leaving, for never thought anything would have the past six days I had thought been so peaceful, spending my about everything you and I did Friday night with a girl I just met. together. I thought about the six After dropping you off at your months we shared, I thought about house we exchanged numbers and the kisses and the laughs we had. I hoped we could see each other So, instead of spending God knows soon. how many nights thinking about us Three days later we met at the I decided to send you six letters record store down on Fifth Street. that will explain my thoughts that I We sang along to the songs that

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 295 played aloud at the store and we going insane, I wanted to hang out bought each other cd's, and man, with you, to talk to you, and to just your music taste was the best. admire you. The third time we hung out I took On the second day without you I you on a drive to the countryside. remembered our second month We listened to your sad Indie together, we acted as best friends music and you told me everything and we were both falling in love. about yourself, the things that We spent nearly all our time make you laugh and the things together after school. We went to that annoy you and even the the mall, we went to the café, and things that make you cry. You told even went to the zoo. me about your dreams and At the zoo we feed the giraffes and aspirations, and everything that we took pictures with the monkeys. makes you wonder. On that same You insulted me by calling me a night we kissed and I knew I had hippo and I called you a donkey, to make you mine, so I did exactly which resulted to a playful punch, that. laughing and kissing. The last time we saw each other in At the Café we would take turns the month of September was again buying the coffee every time we at a party, and we left again to the went. We would talk about our café, were I asked you to be mine. day, we talked about the over On the first month we met I was so rated homework, and the stupid happy to find someone, but now old teachers, and we even tried to without you I'm trying to find study together, which never really myself. worked out. Love always, On our second month, I took you Luke H. to meet my family, after talking ---Dear Sabrina, about you all the time they wanted It was barely the second day to put a face to "the Sabrina girl". without you and I was already

296 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up The night you went over my mum And I said the three words in a made spaghetti with meatballs, whisper to were only you could which was probably the messiest here it, "I love you.” I was in love. meal she ever cooked for us. Without you to love, I am not at After eating, I remember us home, and without a home I am looking through my baby pictures. lost. I am lost. I was embarrassed. My mum could Love always, not stop bringing out more photos Luke H. of me, but you had a face filled ---Dear Sabrina, with joy, and you would laugh. I On the third day of not being able adored to see you happy, so I to see you, I cried. It finally hit me didn't stop my mum after the fifth that you were no longer going to picture, just to see you smile. be mine and you were out of my Towards the end of our second life forever. month, I wanted to admit my love In the third month of our for you, so I did exactly that. relationship, we were both high off We were on the swings at the park of each others love. We would go and a little kid asked us if we were shopping together, we went to the married, to which you declined, but zoo two more times after the first, I did see that hint of red in your and went to that stupid café every cheeks when you tried to hide it weekend, and I vow to never go away, I always loved when you into that place ever again. tried to hide it. We were always together, and I We were silent for a while and then thought nothing could ever make we decided to walk around the me happier than being with you. park. We held hands and you But I have not been happy since cheek was rested on my shoulder you left. I tried to forget you, but and our feet held the same of course, you always found a way movement, and everything felt back into my head. perfect, I felt at home with you. Love always,

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 297 Luke H. Massacre. We cuddled and we fell ---Dear Sabrina, asleep to the sound of our hearts On the fourth day I listened to all beating and the light rain falling. the CD's we bought and I lost it. On the fifth day without you, I I destroyed my room, I screamed remembered our good days, and I and I cried, I needed you. I love was happy that I got to share a you too much to let you go and piece of my life with you. forget about everything we did. But towards the end of the day, I Love always, missed you and again I lost it. Luke H. Love always, ---Dear Sabrina, Luke H. Do you remember the night we ---Dear Sabrina, danced in my kitchen at midnight? After six months together we Or when we ordered pizza and traveled to Paris. Your family was watched movies all night? taking their annual vacation trip We wanted a midnight snack, the and I was asked to tag along, so I night you stayed over at my house. did. And we went into the kitchen and It was cold in France, and I still you hummed a slow love song and remember when I gave you my we danced with only the dim light jacket. of the refrigerator guiding us and We were at a cute little cliché pizza your humming. restaurant and it was freezing We silently laughed, we kissed and inside. we were in love. You were shivering and I was too, We were in love. but I wanted you to be warm. We ordered pizza that one night So I got up from my seat, took off and we watched all the 80's movies my jacket, put it on you and zipped Netflix had to offer, we went from it up for you. all the different genres from the In Paris we even tried to do one of Breakfast Club, to Chainsaw those wanna be Tumblr pictures

298 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up and we kissed with the Eiffel Tower Isabelle will grow up and think her as our background. father was a dishonorable thief, That picture is still framed up on who was too lazy to get a job. BUT my wall and it is also still set as my THAT IS NOT THE TRUTH! I had a phone wallpaper. great job as a merchant until the You were everything to me, and acts were placed. I lost my ability you still are. to sell overseas. As a result, I was Love always, forced to steal from the local Luke H. bakery to feed my family… we Dear Sabrina, were all starving. I had been This is the last letter I will be given no other choice. writing you. In the sixth month, all On top of that, the Magna Carta I remember was you leaving. I had been cancelled! How can a miss you so much, you scarred and selfish excuse for a King expel a left me like a sunburn. document that has been a way of Love always, life for the past five hundred Luke H. years? I was not even allowed to p.s - These letters were my be tried in a fair court! They suicide note, so I did exactly that. transferred me all the way to I love you. London and denied me the right of Priscilla Eck - 8th Grade an attorney. None of those snobs Ms. C.C. Schwartz knew how it felt to listen to my two William D. Slider Middle School 2nd Place year old daughter cry like a banshee because she was hungry. Dear Diary, Her stomach sounded like war Dear Diary, drums banging for hours! I don’t There are 325 tallies carved into even know if her mother was able my cell wall. That means that it is to financially support herself after I September 18, 1775. It is my was arrested. They’ both may be daughters third birthday. One day dead while I am writing this.

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 299 I was given 99 years in prison… a lifetime. Why?! Because I stole a single loaf of bread to feed a family who was dying right before my eyes. How is that acceptable by God? Yes, stealing is bad. But not if you are stealing for a good reason. This is not justice; this is just cruelty. Tamirah Paskadi – 8th Grade Mrs. Daisy Newport SPC Rafael Hernando III Middle School 3rd Place

300 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Scripts

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 301 The Assignment to help! What’s confusing about (Young boy becomes visible, your homework anyway? working on homework on his dining Patrick: Number 12 is impossible! room table) I’ve been on it for hours. Patrick: This is insane! How does Mr. Fitts: Well, it can’t be too my teacher expect me to do this? difficult can it? (Patrick’s quite younger sister (He leans over his son’s shoulder Anise hobbles in and takes a look and reads the question) at Patrick’s assignment) Mr. Fitts: Why yes! It seems that Anise: It’s quite simple actually. All you would have to first divide… you have to do is— No… Multiply? Patrick (bewildered): What would (His brow furrows in uncertainty as you know? You’re only 9! he rereads the problem countless Anise: And you’re only 11. times, mumbling occasionally) Patrick: Exactly. I’m much older Anise: Are you going to listen to and smarter than you. me now?! Anise: Not so! Mr. Fitts: Hush Anise. We’re trying Patrick: Are too! to solve this incredibly difficult (The boisterous arguing draws the math problem attention of their father) Anise (fuming): But it’s not that Mr. Flitts: Now children, what’s this difficult at all! All you have to do squabbling all about? is— Anise: I’m trying to help Patrick Mr. Fitts: Anise, go upstairs and with his homework but he’s being play. I can’t concentrate with you mean! jabbering. Patrick: (scoffs) Like you’d be (Anise storms off in an angry rage much help anyway. to her room) Mr. Flitts: Patrick, don’t be rude to (Lights fade out for a few seconds your sister when she’s only trying and then are brought back up with Patrick napping on the table and a

302 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up dazed Mr. Fitts eyeing the unit they are being measured in, worksheet in front of him) therefore giving you the answer. Mrs. Fitts: What’s all this? (Silence for several moments as Mr. Fitts: I can’t figure this Anise breathes heavily. Suddenly, question out! It’s absolutely Mr. and Mrs. Fitts burst into unsolvable! laughter) Mrs. Fitts: Why, that can’t be true. Mrs. Fitts: I told you darling, it’s Mr. Fitts: Try it yourself and see! much too complex for you. (Mrs. Fitts hesitantly brings up the Mr. Fitts: Oh Anise, how adorably paper in front of her and reads the naive you are. problem) Anise: That’s how you solve it! Mrs. Fitts: Well wouldn’t you just Why are you laughing? have to… Maybe if you tried… Oh Mrs. Fitts: My dear, thank you for my! This is quite the pickle isn’t it? trying to help, but I’m afraid it’s up (Anise suddenly bursts into the to the adults to figure this out. scene with outrage) Mr. Fitts: I suppose we ought to Anise: I keep on telling you people meet with this teacher to discuss it’s not hard! All you have to do this problem? is— Mrs. Fitts: I suppose so. There’s no Mrs. Fitts: Quiet down now Anise. way we’ll be able to do it tonight. This is important. (The lights dim down on Anise’s Anise: But if you would just listen— horrified face. They are raised on Mrs. Fitts: This math is much too the scene of a classroom) advanced for you to even Mr. Fitts: Excuse me Ms. Marshall? comprehend! How do you expect to Ms. Marshall: Yes? How may I help solve it? you? Anise: (speaks rapidly) You see if Mrs. Fitts: It seems Patrick had a you simply divide the first two little trouble with question 12. numbers and divide the quotient Were hoping you could better with the price, you would find the explain it.

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 303 (Anise can be seen sneaking in Anise: Thank you. behind her parents, trying not to Ms. Marshall: I’ll look forward to be seen, but prying to hear the being your teacher one day. conversation) Alyssa Helmling - 9th Grade Ms. Gina Droke Ms. Marshall: Oh yes. Well, you Montwood High School see, if you simply divide the first 1st Place two numbers and divide the quotient with the price, you would find the unit they are being measured in, therefore giving you the answer. (Mr. and Mrs. Fitts go pale while Anise’s eyes widen in happiness) Anise: I told you! I told you that’s how to do it! Mrs. Fitts: Anise! What are you doing here?! Ms. Marshall: No, it’s quite all right. (Ms. Marshall bends down to meet Anise’s face and gives her a sly smile) Ms. Marshall: So, you’re quite the mathematician aren’t you? Anise: I just like numbers. Ms. Marshall: So did I. You know what? Here, you can have this. (She hands Anise a thin math practice book, and gives her a little wink)

304 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up The Kiss of Death mercy shall ever be brought forth ACT ONE: SCENE ONE to a beholder of white lies! Chorus: [After the argument Contradicting is it not? That sword, between King Aaron and Queen that very sword that aimlessly lays Beatrice, Beatrice murdered the before my dead husband, drip by king while Aaron threatened to drip the blood falls against the demote Sir Joseph, harassing them sterling silver, while your of execution after discovering the convictions flood the wounds of affair.] your thoughts. MUDERER, Sir Joseph: Why must’ve we MASTERMIND OF ILLUSION, YOU created such a sinful act? May the WERE THE ONE WHO KILLED HIM! heavens cascade upon us and [Joseph darts towards the sword, repent our wayward beliefs… you, slightly marking the dagger on you wretched demon! Embraced by Queen Beatrice’s neck] your devious judges of seduction! Sir Joseph: Liar! You speak nothing I, a weakened fool by the shadows of the truth! of lust…just wait when the people Queen Beatrice: I speak everything of Aarondale get word of this. May of the truth! Yet I admit my own the ends of your neck be draped deeds, unlike the excuse of amongst the stabs of a sphere! presence that unfolds before me… [Queen Beatrice rises by her admit it my dear, you are as guilty husband’s corpse as she calmly as the dabs of blood staining the stalks her way towards Sir Joseph, soles of your very feet. eyeing the accused man before her [Joseph pressures the dagger all the while waiting for the guards enough to pierce through tough to get word of the screams.] layers of skin, slightly wounding Queen Beatrice: Fault. Fault. Fault. Beatrice yet not entirely killing Why shall this blossom from the her.] grounds of a coward? Thou wishes Sir Joseph: Stop it! Words as the mercy of the Lord, yet no poisonous as the oxygen that flows

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 305 through your very veins! I owe no investigate me for further part of this circumstance. I AM A questioning? Haven’t thought of FREE MAN OF MIND! that yet my queen, have you? Queen Beatrice: The very “man” Queen Beatrice: No, not exactly, who lay beside me within those but I have been dreaming of the sheets, while my beloved sister day this rotten excuse of a man awaits at home with your newborn would eventually die out…and you son, Xavier. I grant my greatest my genie, just granted my wish. As sorrows, indeed, you are a man of I stated earlier and won’t hesitate free will. to repeat, say nothing or question [Joseph draws his sword, taken anything, if you do, I won’t be the aback by the realization] one to kill you. Sir Joseph: I never- Sir Joseph: What exactly do you Queen Beatrice: Yet spoke of it mean? Don’t tell me, you’re yes? All is forgiven besides such a blackmailing me for a crime I have lack of nobility, now, this is the no fault of committing? I was not story and this is how it is going to the one who began the feud nor be told; we knew nothing about did I ever kill the poor man. Why this, you were never here from the don’t I just run to the guards and time the sun had settled to the tell them you murdered the king? waking of the moon. Go home Ah, may the whispers of the winds now, Esmerelda is expecting you. rise to a storm. Sir Joseph: Just a minute my fair Queen Beatrice: My sweet, how widow, what exactly am I going to enchanting of you to believe your tell my wife, your sister, when she word is more sacred than mine, I questions my whereabouts when I the queen and second ruler of arrive home? Better yet, what do I Aarondale. No, my carrier of exactly say around that time of compassion and sin, not only would moment when the authorities are you bring dishonor to your name banging on my door, demanding to but your family as well. Why

306 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up should Xavier pay for your wrong Beatrice awaits for the guards to doings when he is still but a child? arrive, not only does Beatrice Sir Joseph: That’s not- how dare frame Joseph of the murder, but as you! May you die a thousand well as death be trialed to his deaths and much more after! I was name, undermining Joseph’s a happy man; I had the finest of wishes. riches and discovery. Now I have [Banging heard outside the nothing, my own pride taken from Queen’s doors] me by the hands of the devil. Keep Guard One: Queen Beatrice, open in mind, revenge always finds a up! Is there something of the way of seeking justice. matter? Please our fairest lady of Queen Beatrice: I’ll stay here Aarondale, open up immediately! waiting in my finest satin gown and [Queen Beatrice walks towards the palaces of gold when it decides to doors, yet before unlatching the come for me, as for you, your lock, Beatrice discovers the blood words mean nothing to me just as of Aaron marked on the sides of you do… and one more thing her forehead] Joseph? Queen Beatrice: Oh my Aaron, you [Sarcasm oozing from Joseph’s deliberate fool. I devoted my life to reply] you for twenty years and after, and Sir Joseph: Yes, Queen Beatrice? this is how you repay me? No… Queen Beatrice: Do tell my dear that’s not entirely fair is it? I sister I miss her and wish to have should’ve known you’d betray me tea with her Tuesday morn? once the lotus flower no longer Sir Joseph: Why you- you wretched bloomed to its fullest, when the woman! servants walked on the lines of fear Joseph Exuent and hesitation, and lastly, when SCENE TWO: my heart no longer was blinded by Chorus: Joseph quickly storms out your radiance of devotion…you the back end of the corridor, while

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 307 may have died now, but my dear, Queen Beatrice: Joseph, Sir Joseph our love was killed then. Matthews. [Banging once more against the END OF ACT ONE, SCENE TWO door, while numerous of chants ACT TWO: echo from the other side, Beatrice Chorus: Switching over from finally opens the door] Queen Beatrice’s perspective to Sir Queen Beatrice: Oh what tragedy! Joseph. Joseph is walking down the What tragedy! streets of Aarondale, finding his Guard Two: What is of the matter way back home to Esmerelda, my queen? debating if he should tell the truth Queen Beatrice: Behold the sights about the affair or run away with of crimson that shields before us, his beloved wife and child to the look and take in my wounds of Americas.] betrayal; I should’ve never let him Sir Joseph: Should I believe the in! A mad man, out of control… I queen’s promises, or shall I take should’ve never let him in! leave with Esmerelda and Xavier? [Guards gasp at the murder scene Oh my gracious lord, point me into that plays before them, while the the directions of refuge and servants break out into fits of prosperity! What to do, what to mourn, as their once dignified king do?! I’ve gone mad…haven’t I? A lays sprawled amongst the pools of beast cloaked behind hidden his own blood] drapes of sanity, no one knows, no Guard One: Dear God! May the one shall ever find out the monster lord hear to our prayers! My dear that lives within me. My dear queen, who did you speak so Esmerelda, my angel from heavens distantly of? Who killed King above, my sweet cannabis, shall Aaron? thy ever forgive the wounds I have [Silence quakes throughout the created on thy fragile heart? She entire room] would never believe me, not I, a coward of desperation and insanity.

308 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Yet will it hurt to try? No, no I can’t me. Oh yes Esmerelda? Before I lie, what would she think of me forget, your sister wishes to have then? An understanding being can tea Tuesday morn this very week… only withhold so much… I must lie; Esmerelda: My sister was there at it’s the only way to not only protect the meeting? That’s odd; I thought my family name but as Xavier as she loathed the idea of sitting well. Even if it meant death were around and listening to old men to be held at the very end. bicker like “school boys who have [Knocks on the front door of his yet to reach the stages of home, Esmerelda opened the door puberty”? Ah my sister, quite a after a few moments of waiting] catch, isn’t she? Esmerelda: Good heavens, do you Sir Joseph: Yes, indeed, one of the have any idea what time it is? fairest fish of the game…but no, Where exactly have you been my she wasn’t at the meeting, love? Esmerelda my dearest wife, there’s [Esmerelda steps aside, allowing something I must tell you. I don’t Joseph to enter] expect you to ever forgive me of Sir Joseph: I grant my greatest my sins, but I warn you this of apologies my dear— future consequences as well as the Esmerelda: Shh! Keep your voice benefit of doubt for our dear down, I barely put Xavier to sleep! Xavier. Now my dear, what exactly are you [Esmerelda takes the hands of sorry for? Joseph as worry forms within the [Starts whispering] wrinkles of her forehead] Sir Joseph: Um you see I—I well… Esmerelda: What is it my fine for arriving home late of course, husband? What is this talk about got caught up with the council, a fear and sins? What have you huge delegation over rising of done? taxes and what not, the usual but I Sir Joseph: Esmerelda, I- guess time did quite catch up on [Banging from the outside door]

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 309 Guard Two: Open up! Sir Joseph Guard One: Our greatest respects Matthews, we have a warrant for our lady, but no mistake is to be your arrest under the queen’s made in this time of duty, your orders, open up or we shall break husband, Sir Joseph Matthews is the bark this wood! charged of murder of King Aaron. Esmerelda: The queen’s orders? [Esmerelda finally calms, Joseph, what exactly did you do? astonishment and rage clear within [Door is knocked down; four the household] guards come flooding into the Esmerelda: No, this can’t be true! living room, all but fear and rage Tell me it isn’t Joseph! edged within each of their faces] Sir Joseph: My dear I have never Guard Three: Sir Joseph Matthews laid a hand or sword upon King you are hereby demoted from your Aaron, you must believe my fate! ranking as head council, while Esmerelda: Of course I do! We’ll being charged with the degree of find a way to get through this, until manslaughter. You deceivable dog, then, keep hope. how dare you strike the kingdom Guard Two: On with you, you with such burden?! Lads, take this savage! The only luck you deserve man away! is a quick death. [Guards Two and Four arrest [Guards leaves Esmerelda’s home Joseph while Guard One restrains with Joseph, leaving Esmerelda Esmerelda] alone with a crying Xavier] Esmerelda: LET GO OF ME! Do you Esmerelda: My sweet baby, don’t have the slightest idea to who I you cry, momma is here my am? I should have all of you darling. beheaded to this-this God damn [Esmerelda begins rocking Xavier] mistake! He is no murderer, if so Esmerelda: My own sister, to be true, who is the name of the sentencing my husband to man he has killed? execution! Please my lord, let the word of Aaron’s death be but a

310 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up rumor…I need to think, yes that’s Sir Joseph: You lied to me! I didn’t exactly what I need to do, think of break the deal! I promised you I a plan to free Joseph. Yet how can wouldn’t have told a soul that you I when the love of my life is gone were the one who had killed King from the grasps of these very Aaron! Now you have betrayed me hands?! I can’t imagine my life as well as Xavier’s reputation. I without him, oh there has to be a should have never listened to you, way, there’s always a way! My you deceiving monster… is that dear Xavier, a life of struggle is not why you were so scared? That what I had dreamt for you my people would actually take my precious rose…without your father word against yours? That’s it, isn’t in your life, what man will you be it? with no sense of dignity and Queen Beatrice: I hate to correct strength? I must go to her, yes you but I must my dear, you are that’s exactly what I must do, she entirely yet absolutely wrong. may be the Queen of Aarondale, That’s a problem with you Joseph, but she is still my sister. Xavier my you think too highly of yourself, love, we must go now. extremely self- absorbed if I say so Exuent myself. Look at you now kind sir, END OF ACT TWO you no longer hold the benefit of ACT THREE: SCENE ONE your name, you are but a man Chorus: [While Esmerelda flees to locked away in a dungeon, alone the Queen’s castle with Xavier, and even…afraid. Beatrice holds a conversation with [Chains rattle as Joseph urges his Joseph before his execution. way towards the queen, yet fails as Joseph tries to sneak his way out he is restrained back by not only of the form of punishment, yet all the chains but guards two and is to no avail, once Joseph is hung three as well, whipping him as a to death at the end.] fair warning]

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 311 Sir Joseph: No matter how many Queen Beatrice: Guards, untie the times you strike against not only chains but not his hands, ropes are my body but as well as innocence, expecting of his presence. I will never plead guilty to a matter [Guards obey the queen’s request I had no thought of dealing with in and unchain his feet while leaving the first place. You killed King his arms before him] Aaron and that’s the end of that. Sir Joseph: I do believe you You not only betrayed but killed avoided my question Queen- anyone who could’ve ever possibly Guard Two: Quiet you shall not love you. At least when I die, I’ll address the queen any further! die with the knowing I lived a SCENE TWO: happy life; gave birth to a blood of Chorus: The guards are setting up my own and married a woman who Joseph beneath the rope, preparing devoted her life to me. him for the death that silently [Beatrice falls into a fits of laughter awaits him, while Esmerelda and while Joseph stares at her in Xavier draw closer to the remorse] execution, Esmerelda fighting her Sir Joseph: How dare you mock my way through dozen of prison accomplishments? Beholder of a guards just to see her husband for laugh that sounds so similar to one last time. Satan’s cries! Queen Beatrice: You asked me to Queen Beatrice: Oh come on old answer your question to why I was friend, my laugh isn’t that laughing at your response, so here atrocious. Besides, if mockery shall it is; your wife is not who you think be seized upon another, it should she is. In the simplest forms of be upon you, not me you dimwit. words I could ever muster, is that Sir Joseph: By why so, my fair do not think so lowly of yourself for lady? It’s not like I have a choice of doing wrong, when wrong has been avoiding your harassment. done to you.

312 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Sir Joseph: That doesn’t make Esmerelda: DO NOT LAY ONE any— FINGER ON ME, OR ESPECIALLY Chorus: The guards finally released ON MY CHILD! Beatrice, daughter the rope, while a pained Esmerelda of a snake! I ask for you one awaits on the floor above with simple favor yet this is how you Xavier, demanding to talk to her betray me by first killing my sister immediately. Yet little does innocent husband and then sending Esmerelda know what is to be me off home, portraying as if brought upon her once the nothing ever happened? I demand revealing of secrets is to be to speak privately with you, released upon the sisters. immediately. Esmerelda: Queen Beatrice may I Queen Beatrice: You know we are have a word or two with you? born from the same mother, yes? When I plead may I, I actually Esmerelda: BEATRICE! demand now you deliverer of Queen Beatrice: Fine fine fine, death! whatever you want, yet remember, Queen Beatrice: I do believe I you are the one who wanted this. requested your visit on the dock of Guards, take us to my quarters. Tuesday my dear, it’s barely [Horror urges on the faces of the Sunday. Considering from your guards and servants, after hearing apparel…you seem quite fatigued the queen’s request. Guard one from such a long journey wasted. immediately whispering to Queen No worries my sister, I shall call for Beatrice] a ride home. Guard One: Queen Beatrice, my [Queen Beatrice snaps her fingers, lady, a-are you sure? The body is immediately appearing a servant still in there due to investigation… loading a carriage, while the do you wish for me to bring you guards struggle to bring Esmerelda both to the garden? and Xavier down to the primary Queen Beatrice: I believe you just floor] questioned an order, do you know

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 313 exactly happens when you question of Aarondale continue on without the queen’s orders? your wise judgment and heart as [Guard one immediately kneels rueful wits? How shall I continue down before Queen Beatrice] with no man to appraise from sun’s Guard One: My apologies my rise to fall? Lord, curse upon queen that shall never happen whoever committed such drastic again. measures and curse those for Queen Beatrice: Glad we all come causing this emptying agony that to an agreement, now you shall builds within my heart! Oh take us to my room. sorrowful day! END OF SCENE TWO [Queen Beatrice walks from the Chorus: [After the dispute between door over to the scene playing Beatrice and Esmerelda, they before her, Esmerelda unaware of arrive to her room within the third her sister’s presence] act, Esmerelda immediately Queen Beatrice: Odd. capturing sight of a now dead King Esmerelda: Odd? Is that all that Aaron. Not only does the can be foretold within a moment of accusation of murder play out, but darkness? “Odd”, how dare thy also the truths behind Esmerelda’s name this situation under such a personality.] displeasing thought! ACT THREE: SCENE ONE Queen Beatrice: My sweet sister, [Esmerelda runs to the king, do not interrupt me. What I was immediately holding him within her going to say is, that I find it arms] extremely odd that the sight of Esmerelda: King Aaron, who shall your husband’s death didn’t quite ever repent against this crime? I affect you as does the King’s…my thought your life would prosper husband’s. above this rumor… yet all cruelties Esmerelda: The king was a good shall be brought to the quakes of man, maybe not to you, but this world. How shall the kingdom

314 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up especially me and the rest of he appraised the grounds you Aarondale! walked upon! Queen Beatrice: Hypocrite. Esmerelda: That is but a lie my [Esmerelda rises from the king, dear sister! I swear to the heavens now eye level to Queen Beatrice] above I would never wrong you! Esmerelda: Pardon me? Queen Beatrice: If it not be true, Queen Beatrice: Hypocrite. then why not swear on thy child’s Hypocrite. Hypocrite, you and my life? sister are hypocrites! Esmerelda: Because I… Esmerelda: How dare you mock me Queen Beatrice: Because I what? under such false assumption you Know that I’m right? My sister, do rude, twisted- not swear of promise when a Queen Beatrice: How dare I?! The promise cannot be kept. I know question is, how dare you? I am no everything. fool Esmerelda Grace “Matthews”, I Esmerelda: Who told you?! know everything! Queen Beatrice: Unlike you, I have Esmerelda: What do y-you mean the intelligence and knowledge to Beatrice, you’ve gone mad, you know when I’m being betrayed. Ah don’t know what you’re talking my dear Esmerelda, I’m fully about. aware to who else you have Queen Beatrice: Oh quiet with you denied…shall I dare to guess? claims of stupidity! You, my own Esmerelda: Please…don’t! flesh and blood, wronged me in the Queen Beatrice: You should’ve ways that not even the Lord could listened to me earlier when I told help save your sins! You loved my you to go home, but now this is husband and he loved you. All this under your careless choice of talk of “King Aaron was a good judgment. Now, let’s finish what man with a heart as pure as his you’ve begun. Betrayed…oh yes, innocence,” ah yes I wonder why betrayed! Your poor husband you thought of him so holy when Joseph died with the thought of

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 315 you never dishonoring him, a Aaron, I do keep thy promise of “saint” in other words. Yet you allowing you to “run away”… know what the worst lie he ever [Esmerelda stands on her feet, died of believing is? curiosity blazing from the young [Esmerelda falls to her knees woman’s features] before her sister, numerous of Esmerelda: What do you mean? cries and begging heard Queen Beatrice: What I mean is, in throughout the room] order to save your life, leave Esmerelda: Beatrice please- Aarondale and never return. Queen Beatrice: He died believing Except, leave Xavier to me, to that he was actually the father of which I will be his new mother Xavier, when in actuality, it was from this point on, he shall be the Aaron who fathered the next king of Aarondale since he child…didn’t he? actually is conceived from a blood Esmerelda: May the Lord forgive of royalty. If you do not obey my me! wishes, you and Xavier shall both Queen Beatrice: I want to hear you die. say it! Esmerelda: No, you can’t do that! Esmerelda: It is true; all of it is, Why not kill me instead and leave from the affair to Xavier! Joseph Xavier to yourself? Won’t you be was never the father, I was never well satisfied of knowing I’m dead? planning on being wedded with Queen Beatrice: Oh trust me I Joseph, and Aaron promised we’d would, but my dear sister; you runaway together as soon as wouldn’t have learned your lesson Xavier was of age. Forgive me my by being dead. I want you to dear sister! I’m sorry for bringing struggle the way I did for all those dishonor upon us! years, I want you to know what it’s Queen Beatrice: Esmerelda, you like to love someone so much, and have not brought disloyalty upon have them be stolen by you within me, but upon yourself. Yet unlike

316 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up a matter of seconds. Last chance Huntress 45: Yes, I presume so… Esmerelda. That is, if my job is to hunt down Chorus: Esmerelda freezes for a every Danger and eradicate them, moment, contemplating what’s not then yes. best for her, but for her child. She Mr. Fontaine: [frustrated] Then…. looks over the child, nestled within Why in God’s green earth would her arms before giving Xavier one you let one go?!? last kiss goodbye, and handing him Huntress 45: [mockingly] Let one over to Queen Beatrice. go? Why! I have never done such a Esmerelda: Goodbye my love, we thing! shall meet again someday, I Mr. Fontaine: [Angrily] DON’T LIE promise. TO ME! I KNOW WHAT YOU DID, Esmerelda Exuent TELL ME WHY! THE END Huntress 45: Now, now. No need Allyssa Barraza - 10th Grade to get angry, look—you shocked Ms. Dianna Rios your poor bodyguard. Montwood High School 1st Place [Huntress 45 points to the Bodyguard, who has moved into a The Blue Necklace defensive stance, gun up and pointed] Act I Mr. Fontaine: [sighing and sitting [The scene opens up to Huntress back down] Do you know or 45, Mr. Fontaine, and a Bodyguard understand the gravity of this alone in a room. The room contains situation? a single table, Huntress 45 on one Huntress 45: Yes, I do but I’m not side and Mr. Fontaine on the other sure you do. with the bodyguard standing at the Mr. Fontaine: What do you mean single door.] by that? You know what, never Mr. Fontaine: You do know what mind don’t answer that. I do your job is, correct? understand the gravity of it which

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 317 is why I am here. You let a class 4 Huntress 45: HEY! You there! Can division AAA Danger go. Do you you hear me?!? want to kill us all? [The figure looks up at Huntress 45 Huntress 45: No... That is not what and starts to run but trips and I had in mind exactly… falls] Mr. Fontaine: Then what was on Huntress 45: BWAHAHA! Oh man! your mind? Haha, Are you alright? Huntress 45: What’s on my mind [Huntress 45 starts to run towards now is getting out of here to the figure only to notice it is a little sleep… boy] Mr. Fontaine: 45…. Don’t make me Huntress 45: So small… look inside of your memory bank… Little boy: Hey! I am not small! My Huntress 45: [looks warily at Mr. mom said I am gonna grow as big Fontaine]…. Alright, alright, I will as the mountains! tell you what happened—but listen Huntress 45: Oh really? close. Little Boy: Yeah! [The scene change to one of a dry Huntress 45: Hmmmm, well alright desert, Huntress 45 is moving then. Tell me boy, do you know across it. The sun is setting so she where Artraria is? knows she needs to hurry] Little boy: Yes.. That is my home Huntress 45: Stupid Fontaine, but I… making me work on my day Huntress 45: Great—can you take off….TCH! What’s this about an me there? I need to run… an ‘something I need to clean up’ and errand. ‘look for the light of the Atrarian Little boy: The elders told me not culture’? I am almost there… Hang to talk to strangers… on… Who’s that? Huntress 45: Strangers, huh? Well [Off at a distance there is a small my name is 45, what’s yours? figure making its way up the path] Uruki: My name is … Uruki.

318 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Huntress 45: Well there you go— Uruki:[excited] They’re the we aren’t strangers anymore! Now, masters of the village! They help let’s start heading towards your us do everything! village, yeah? Huntress 45: I see…. Like what? Uruki: … Yeah! Uruki: Like anything from food to [Uruki walks ahead and out of protecting us! earshot] Huntress 45: [thinking] Is that Huntress 45: Well great, this will what he meant by the light? be easy. All I have to do is use Something that leads the way? Uruki to get to his homeland and Uruki: Where are you from, 45? erase whatever this “light” is, and Huntress 45: About that… I then maybe I can have my day off wonder. work. Uruki: Y’know, 45 is a weird name! Uruki: 45? Are you coming? Huntress 45: Is it? Huntress 45: [Smiling] Yes! Uruki: Yeah! Numbers are not [Huntress 45 and Uruki start names silly! Can I call you Tola? walking towards Uruki’s homeland] Huntress 45: Tola? Huntress 45: So how far is your Uruki: Yeah! It was my sister’s home anyways? I thought we favorite name! That was her best would have been there by now… friend’s name. Uruki: We should be there by Huntress 45: [thinking] Tola…. tomorrow night. That’s oddly familiar to me… Huntress 45: I see… Then, why did Uruki: I remember Tola! She had you walk this far away? red hair, like you! Uruki: I don’t really know… Our Huntress 45: [thinking] I see… so village has many elders that can do that’s why it is so familiar… many things; our time elder told Uruki: My sister was an amazing me this is what I must do so I did. person! Huntress 45: Elders? What are Huntress 45: Was? those exactly?

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 319 Uruki: Mom said she went to have Uruki: Yeah! Someone who fights lunch with the Gods, but when she for people! comes back I have a lot of things Huntress 45: Something like that… to tell her! Uruki: Hey, what’s your favorite Huntress 45: oh… Sure then. Call color? me Tola! Huntress 45: Favorite color? There Uruki: Do you have a family? is such a thing? Huntress 45: That’s nothing you Uruki: Of course! Mine is blue! need to know about. See? Uruki: ...Can I be a part of your [Uruki points to his a necklace he family? has; it is a plain chain with a blue Huntress 45: We barely know each stone that seemed to glow in the other. moonlight] Uruki: Yes but you are super nice! Huntress 45: That’s a beautiful Huntress 45: I wonder about that. necklace. Uruki: What is the errand you have Uruki: [smiling] Thanks! My sister to do? thought so too, though it wasn’t Huntress 45: That is a secret kid, this pretty when we first saw it. but it has to deal with my job. Huntress 45: You sure do love your Uruki: I am not a kid… What is sister. your job? Uruki: Of course I do! Isn’t it Huntress 45: Ever since the normal to love your family? pandemic a hundred years ago Huntress 45: I guess you’re right. there has been an organization Uruki: So, what is your favorite watching over the human race, color? protecting it. However, I wonder if Huntress 45: Then, I guess it that is still what it is doing now… would be red. Uruki: So you’re a hero?!? Uruki: Red… That’s nice! Huntress 45: A hero? [The curtains close] Act II

320 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up [Back in the room] [They enter two large doors and Mr. Fontaine: So? You found step foot into a large circular room someone to take you. Great, I with 7 elderly men staring straight don’t understand why you wouldn’t at them. They are arranged around do YOUR JOB. a table.] Huntress 45: I’m getting there… Time Elder: Ah! Uruki, tell us, who [Uruki and Huntress 45 arrive in is this? Artraria. It is a busy village with Uruki: This is Tola, my friend. people moving from place to place Strategy Elder: Tola? laughing and running errands. Uruki: Yup! Children are running around and Strategy Elder: I see, and what everyone seems to be wearing does your friend want? traditional Artrarian garments. Uruki: She said… she needs to run Once Uruki and Huntress 45 arrive, an errand here. everyone stops what they are Social Elder: How great! I am the doing and stares.] Social Elder, nice to meet you Tola! Huntress 45: Your neighbors… they Uruki, would you mind leaving for a don’t like visitors too much do bit? We would like to speak with they? your friend. Uruki: Hm? What do you mean? Uruki: Uhhh… Sure! Bye!! They are always like this. [Huntress 45 waves as Uruki Huntress 45: Then they aren’t very leaves] friendly… Anyways! Do you mind Huntress 45: So.. taking me to your elders? Wisdom Elder: We know why you Uruki: Sure! Follow me. are here. [Huntress 45 follows Uruki. They Huntress 45: Oh? You do? arrive at what seems to be a city Death Elder: Yes, we do. You’re hall] after our light, are you not? Uruki: Mr. Elderrrrsss! We have a Huntress 45: [nervous] Uhhhh… visitor!

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 321 Time Elder: And don’t bother lying Time Elder: Many, many years ago to us, we know already. the gods gifted our village with a Huntress 45: Well, fine yeah I am stone, a very precious one. This here for that. I will make you a stone, they said, would “protect deal, give me your light and we will us” in our time of need, and it will leave you alone. be our village’s light. However, we Strategy Elder: Don’t kid with us. did not know what to do with the Huntress 45: Kid with you? I have stone. Many people wondered why never done such a thing. the gods would give us an ordinary Wisdom Elder: Now now, we knew looking rock and call it our light. you were coming since long ago, Then, one day, a prophet came why do you think we let you? into town. He told us that there Huntress 45: You knew I was would be a birth of twins and one coming? How exactly? of them shall be the light, Social Elder: We elders can do however, the other will die in many things, the time elder contact with the stone. We waited happens to be able to foresee the years and years for twins to be future and remember the past. born, and one day they were. You Huntress 45: I see… Then? Why let see, in our village twins are a me come? Are you going to let me rarity, they are unique. When Uruki destroy your light? and his sister were born, we knew Life Elder: Would you really want it was them so we decided to wait to kill an innocent child? and let them grow older before Huntress 45: What do you mean? they have to carry out their Death Elder: Our light is Uruki. responsibilities. We wanted to wait Huntress 45: … What? for many many years; however Time Elder: Let me tell you a story, your organization was taken over child, of our village and the Gods. by a corrupt leader. Your Huntress 45: [Hesitantly] Alright, I organization is one with the intent am listening. of saving the human race and

322 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up giving them liberation, however it Huntress 45: What do you mean, has grown into something the organization I work for is completely different. We knew we corrupt? needed protection so, on their fifth Strategy Elder: Why are you year of life it was time. We gave asking? You know it is better than the stone to them one at a time, anyone. In the beginning their the sister first as she was thought intentions were good, however to be the light however, she over the years they obtained a new wasn’t. Uruki is our light and he leader who grew frightened that will protect us, and by us I mean their power would fall due to the the human race from the news of our light and decided to organization. eradicate every “danger,” even if it Huntress 45: If he is your light, might be a peaceful one. then why was he treated with cold Life Elder: The Time Elder’s ability eyes? allowed him to see you joining Wisdom Elder: The people are forces with us, that is why we let scared. you come. Huntress 45: That is no excuse… Huntress 45: And? What makes Social Elder: You speak from you think I would want to join? experience? Death Elder: You do know the pain Life Elder: Do those other of seeing the ones you love taken… organization members treat you Life Elder: Do you not remember the same way? who had done that to you? Death Elder: Treat the one they Death Elder: The organization you know is the most powerful the work for… worst? Huntress 45: Enough. I know what Huntress 45: Shut up. happened in the past, what Strategy Elder: They are corrupt happened to my family. However, after all… that is my business not yours.

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 323 Social Elder: And you do not want Social Elder: Then join us, you can to take revenge? protect your new friend and Huntress 45: Of course I do, but avenge your family. that would be on my own terms. Huntress 45: I… Wisdom Elder: You are frightened… Wisdom Elder: You are merely Huntress 45: I am never scared. scared of losing someone precious Wisdom Elder: Did Uruki touch again, just be brave. Taking steps your heart? Do you not want to back will never help you obtain protect him? what you really want, and what Huntress 45: I don’t know what you want most is someone to you mean… accept you. Social Elder: He is your first friend, Time Elder: That someone is is he not? Uruki, someone with a pure heart. Huntress 45: He was merely a Huntress 45: How do I know to pawn. trust you? Life Elder: Right. He was. Wisdom Elder: That is up to you. Death Elder: Now he is someone Strategy Elder: We have not been who has taken a place in your put into this position for being heart. scam artists. Time Elder: The only person after Life Elder: More for our ways of your family was murdered who helping people. actually cared to get to know you. Death Elder: You know, the Time Strategy Elder: You do remember, Elder has seen you in the past your dad was the leader of the playing with Uruki’s sister, Ura? organization. Huntress 45: Ura? Wisdom Elder: But he was killed Time Elder: It was when you were for someone’s greed. very young but our clan and your Huntress 45: I know! I know! organization used to be very close.

324 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Social Elder: Your father would [Mr. Fontaine looks shocked at always help us, and would bring glares at the bodyguard] you with him. Mr. Fontaine: You won’t get away Huntress 45: Yes… I remember. with this. Wisdom Elder: So what’s holding Huntress 45: We will see about you back? It is fear, am I wrong? that. Time Elder: You were young Tola, [At the snap of Huntress 45’s am I wrong? fingers the bodyguard Huntress 45: … Fine. I will help apprehended Mr. Fontaine] you. Just tell me what to do. Mr. Fontaine: I have guards all [The curtains close] over this place. Act III Huntress 45: Yes, and that is [Back in the room] where my training as a huntress Huntress 45: And so, here I am. came into handy. Mr. Fontaine: [suspiciously] and so Mr. Fontaine: You betrayed us. here you are… Huntress 45: You betrayed me Huntress 45: Setting my plan in first. With my father… He trusted motion. you. Mr. Fontaine: [pointing at the Mr. Fontaine: Trust is for the weak. bodyguard] You. Take her away. Huntress 45: And you trusted me? Get her out of my sight, jail her. Mr. Fontaine: You were just a Huntress 45: You wouldn’t think pawn. that I came here unprepared? Like Huntress 45: Just a pawn? Right. I said, we have a plan. Mr. Fontaine: You are just weak. Mr. Fontaine: And what is your Huntress 45: Trusting people is a plan? sign of the strong, not weak. Huntress 45: I dunno… Maybe it Mr. Fontaine: You will never find was to have me come back here, what you are looking for. help someone into a bodyguard Huntress 45: And that is why we suit and come to you. have the elders to help.

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 325 Mr. Fontaine: I knew I should have [Huntress 45 stops and turns had those elders eradicated long around] before… Huntress 45: I am not. Huntress 45: Shut it… I know why Mr. Fontaine: Yes you are, you you wanted to destroy the “light”. were terrified of being alone again Mr. Fontaine: [annoyed] Of course so you never stood up for yourself. you do. I should have been more Even against me. The one you hate wary of you. most. Huntress 45: What do you expect? Huntress 45: What do you think I That I wouldn’t know that you am doing now? killed my family for your own Mr. Fontaine: This will never greed? Of course I am going to change anything. Doing this will overthrow you someday, that only make you lose your home, the mission you gave me helped out a place you belong. lot. Thanks! Huntress 45: I never thought this Mr. Fontaine: Oh? So you’re going was my home. to overthrow me? You don’t have Strategy Elder: Hurry up. the courage. Huntress 45: On my way. Huntress 45: I will, I don’t need to [Huntress 45 looks at the hear you insult me. bodyguard] Don’t let him go. [Someone knocks on the door] [Huntress 45 leaves and walks to Huntress 45: Come in. where Uruki is in .It is a large room Strategy Elder: We are ready. with a machine in the middle, the Huntress 45: Alright I will be right stone around Uruki’s neck is out. glowing brighter than ever.] [Strategy Elder leaves and Huntress 45: So what do we do Huntress 45 starts to walk out] now? Mr. Fontaine: But you know it’s the Time Elder: Uruki has to put his truth, you’re a coward. necklace into the compartment of the machine.

326 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Uruki: O…OK Wisdom Elder: Right, Mr. Fontaine [Uruki puts the stone into the thought that even if things were compartment] happy then, it wouldn’t stay that Huntress 45: What’s that noise? way and people would be the ones [The machine is making a whirring to destroy that peace. noise] Life Elder: So in exchange for Huntress 45: What is it doing? protection… Time Elder: One thing you don’t Death Elder: He gave away our know is that this machine was used freedom. to take the courage away from Huntress 45: He took away other people. people’s emotions for protection? Huntress 45: What? Why? Time Elder: Right. Wisdom Elder: After the pandemic Huntress 45: Why aren’t mine, or people grew scared, paranoid you should I say, ours taken away as might say, of another one starting. well? Thus the organization was born. Life Elder: For you, as a huntress, Huntress 45: My dad was the everything but your emotions were leader… taken away so you can go on Time Elder: Correct. missions and guide your way Strategy Elder: Then, everything through them. was beginning to go back to the Death Elder: Your identity was. way it was, happy. Huntress 45: Right… My identity. Time Elder: But as you know, Mr. Life Elder: They were scared of Fontaine did not agree with the you. way your father was doing things Death Elder: They knew you were and he— powerful and didn’t want you to… Huntress 45: Yes, I know what you know. happened next. Just skip to the Strategy Elder: Doing this. point. Huntress 45: Well it didn’t work…

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 327 Uruki: It’s good right? That it didn’t Dad Going To School work. Dad enters living room Huntress 45: Yeah… That’s very Dad: Nicole I have to talk to you good. Nicole: What is it, dad? Uruki: How long will it take? Dad: I'm going to go back to Time Elder: It may take a while but school, sweetie this machine will return everything Nicole: Why are you going back to it stole. school, dad? Huntress 45: Then I will be Tola Dad: So I can get my associates again? degree and better our future Wisdom Elder: That is correct. Nicole: Where you going to school. Huntress 45: Ok, that’s…. Good. Are you going to stay here? [Huntress 45 is visibly happier] Dad: I'm going to school in Uruki: [Happily] Oh! You smiled! Phoenix, Arizona Huntress 45: Huh? Nicole: How long are you going to Uruki: You haven’t really had a be their genuine smile this whole time I Dad: I'm going to be there about a knew you… year and a half Huntress 45: Oh? Mom: Nicole he’s doing what is Uruki: Yeah! But this time it is! best for our future Huntress 45: [Smiles] Right. Dad: Your mom there is right and Uruki: And I can be a part of your will come and visit when i can family... Right? Nicole: Yeah but I’m going to miss Huntress 45: Of course you can. you. What is the college name? [End] Dad: I’m going to U.T.I; it’s in th Sydney Newton - 10 Grade Avondale, Arizona Ms. Dianna Rios Montwood High School Angie walks into the living room nd 2 Place Angie: What are you guys talking about? Mom: Daddy is going to college

328 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Nicole: Dad, when are you leaving? Mom exits the room Dad: In January the twenty Nicole: [thinking] Can I go with Alex: Where are you going dad? him? Mom: He's going to school Nicole: I cannot go because my Alex: Where is he going? mom will be alone with the kids by Mom: To Phoenix, He's going to herself. U.T.I Next Month comes Alex: He's going to universal Dad: I’m going to have to go today technical institution I have to start school next week. Dad: Yes son I’m going to school Mom: Will you call me when you there. You’re so smart. get to Phoenix. Mom: His coming for holidays and Dad: Yes sweetie I will call you maybe birthdays. when get there. Nicole: Daddy is not coming on my Nicole: Take care of yourself when birthday it is always on a school you get there and start school. day. Dad: I will, beautiful… Dad: If I do not come on your Nicole: Promise me when you get birthday I will call you. that you will take care of yourself. Nicole: [sobs] I want you to be Dad: Vally, you know I will be fine. here, it is a special day. Nicole: How long is the drive to Nicole exits the living room Phoenix? Mom enters Nicole room Dad: It will take me six hours Mom: Nicole sweetie he’ll be back. because is four hundred and fifty- You know he would not be missing eight miles. anything because he’s always in Nicole: That’s a lot of miles to go your heart. from here to Phoenix. Nicole: But mom he’s going to miss Dad: When I leave I’m taking the my birthday cat with me. Mom: I know honey but he will Angie: Which cat you're not taking make it up when he comes back my cat miss puffball.

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 329 Dad: No Angie I’m taking Mr. Mom: Yeah, come back soon so Fancy with me. your dad can come and eat Nicole: Yeah you need to take him Dad: Yes, baby. you need a buddy with you. Angie: Can I can come to the Dad: Yeah, I need a buddy or I’m movies too? going to lose it over there if I do Nicole & Dad: Sure but we are not have anyone with me. going to watch a scary movie. Mom: We are going to miss you a Entering the car lot. Nicole: Dad I’m going to miss you Nicole: At what time are you when you go to school. leaving? Angie: Me too. Dad: Around twelve or twelve Dad: I’m going to miss you guys thirty. when I leave today. Nicole: So you have like four hours Nicole: I’m excited that you're left. getting your degree. Dad: Yep I have four. Dad: Yeah I have to go because Nicole: Can we go do something they would not accept my together. experience of being in the military. Dad: What you want to do? Nicole: That’s dumb they should Nicole: I’m thinking of going to the accept your experience but it movies. makes sense Dad: Sure we can do that so we now a days you need a degree. can do something till I come back. Dad: Yeah that’s right Mom: You guys should go do that One and half hour later, driving because I will take like four months home so dad Nicole & Angie: Thanks for taking can come home. us to the movies dad Nicole: Are you going to cook while Dad: No problem. Did you guys we’re gone? like the movie?

330 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Nicole: It was an okay movie, I Dad: It’s fine. What did you make, thought it can be better Hun? I will like it whatever you Angie: It was scary to me make. Dad: I’m glad that i can spend time Mom: I made potatoes with green with you girls chili and cheese Entering the house Nicole: Yum my favorite. But I still Mom: How was the movie? do not make one of dad’s favorite Nicole: It was a good movie, but i lunches thought it be better Dad: I’m okay eating that. I would Alex: Hi Nicole not find any Mexican food over Nicole: Hi Alex there is Angie: It was a scary movie i got not as good as mom’s. scared a lot in some parts. I do not Nicole: I just wanted you to have know why Nicole said that it was food that you would enjoy your just an okay movie. favorite food In the dining room Dad: It’s okay, sweetie, I would Mom: Really Angie was it a scary find a place over there that can movie make something that I would like. Dad: I had a great time with the Mom: While you guys were gone I girls packed your stuff, Hun. Nicole: I’m hungry, what is our Dad: Thank You, honey. lunch? Daddy did not buy us Nicole: How much time do you anything just a have left till you go? drink. Dad: About thirty minutes, but I Mom: I made your favorite, Nicole. think I will have to leave a little bit Nicole: Why mine you know papa is early not going to be here why you did Nicole: Why so early? not Dad: So I can go find my made his favorite? apartment and go find my school.

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 331 NICOLE runs crying to the living Mom and Kids: Bye we love you, room. be safe. Nicole: [sobs] Do not go please. Dad: See you guys soon. Will you call me when you get to Six hours later, phone rings. your apartment? Nicole answers phone. Dad: I’l call you when I get there. I Nicole: Hi dad, how was your promise you, sweetie, I will call drive? Nicole:[sobs] Do not forget, Dad: It was a long drive. please. Nicole: How are you? Mom: Nicole, your dad will call you Dad: Okay, but I’m already miss when he gets there. I promise you you guys. he will Call. Nicole: We miss you too. I bet Nicole: [still crying] I know but you're tired. sometimes he might forget. Dad: I am super tired. Thirty minutes later. Nicole: I’m glad you called me. I Dad: I am leaving now guys. knew you were going to call. Mom: Kids come give your dad a Dad: I promised I will call you hug and kiss so he can leave with when I get here. I have to hang so love. I can take things out of the car. Nicole: [Sobs] Bye dad, I will miss Nicole: Okay, when you finish call you a lot. me back please. Dad: Do not cry, Hun, I be okay Dad: You bet I will call. It will only nothing will happened to me. take me like twenty minutes Angie & Alex: Bye, dad, see you because I do not have too many when you come back. things. Mom: Do not cry Nicole he be back Nicole: Talk to you later. in two months. Dad: I might call later because I’m Nicole: Two months is a lot of time going to get something to eat without seeing him. DAD hangs up phone Dad: Bye, guys Mom: How is your dad?

332 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Nicole: He said that he was tired Dad: [sobs] I’m fine I just missed and his ride was long. you guys. Mom: What did he tell you? Nicole: you going to make me cry. Nicole: That he is taking the things Tomorrow go find something to do out of the car. Dad: I might go find a bed ALEX and ANGIE come in Mom’s tomorrow because I do not want to room. sleep in the floor. Alex: Did dad call? Nicole: You will be fined just be Nicole: Yeah Alex he call about ten strong and take care of yourself. minutes. Dad: I’ll be strong for you guys, I Angie: What did he said to you? have to do what is best you guys. Nicole: That he misses us so much Nicole: I’m getting tired, I’m going oh ready. to bed. Everyone: Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Dad: Me too I’m tired. Tell Nicole: I told him we miss him too. everyone I loved them and miss Mom: Of course we missed him them so much. since he left six hours ago. Nicole: I will take care, bye. Forty minutes later, phone rang. Dad: Bye. Mom: Hey, honey, how are you. Mom: Hi Hun are you sure you Dad: [sobs] okay? Mom: Are you okay honey you Dad: Yep but like I told you I miss sound that you been crying. you guys oh ready so much Dad: Yeah I miss you guys so so Mom: We are fine; we missed you much I want to go back. too- a lot. Mom: We miss you too but you Dad: I have to go I’m so tired. have to do what is best for you. Mom: Okay, honey, I love you take Dad: I know. care, be strong. Mom: Here’s Nicole. Nicole Thomas - 10th Grade Ms. Aileen Mares Nicole: Hi dad. El Dorado High School 3rd Place

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 333 The Death of Dan Morrison into a wad, and throws on top of Characters (in order of the pile of wads near him.) No, appearance): that won’t do. That won’t do at all. Simon Francis Young (As Simon says this, Johnston Johnston enters the room, holding a bowl on Officer a tray.) Oh. It’s you, Johnston. Extras (Lawyer #1, Judge and Johnston: A warm hello would Lawyer #2) suffice, lad. Your evening meal is Setting: Scotland, 1998 here, same time as always. Scene 1 Simon: It’s not like I’m going to Setting: Johnston’s Institution for eat it. the Mentally Insane, Johnston: Probably not, but as the 23 March, 1998 kind founder of this institution, I (We see a young man, Simon must beg you to reconsider the Young, writing in his notebook next thought. to a large pile of crumpled wads of Simon: (In an outburst of the rage) paper next to a waste basket. He is What’s the point!? A stupid bowl of reading what he writes aloud) soup isn’t going to save me from Simon: At the end of every horizon this hellhole!!! Nothing is going to is a setting sun, and with it, a save me as I slowly die here with beautiful, gleaming light. nothing but these wads of paper Sometimes I wonder if at times I and my guilt!!! (As Simon is could chase that light. I try to but yelling, Johnston exits, leaving the the very notion seems… futile. It bowl of soup near Simon.) If I seems that the light of day is wasn’t insane then, I sure as hell extinguished by the darkness with am now… no certainty that it will ever return. Scene 2 Now there’s nothing left… just… Setting: Officer’s Interrogation silence… (Simon tears the paper Room, out of his notebook, crumples it

334 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 11 March, 1998 grip? (Johnston enters, with his (Simon is fidgety is his chair, tray and bowl of soup.) obviously nervous as he waits for Johnston: Your evening meal, the officer to enter. In a few same time as always. seconds he does, sits down, and Simon: Just give it to the Looney begins procedure.) down the street, will you Johnston? Officer: Name. Johnston: You know I can’t do Simon: Simon Francis Young. that. Officer: Age. Simon: And why not? Simon: Seventeen. Johnston: Let me start by asking Officer: Do you know why we’ve you a question, Simon. Why’d you called you in here, Mr. Young? do it? Simon: Please call me Simon. Simon: (Grows nervous) Do what Officer: Noted, Simon, but do you exactly? know why you’re here? Johnston: (Johnston’s voice grows Simon: Yes. I’m here because I more intense.) Why’d you kill him? have information that can help in Simon: (Softly) Who? the upcoming case… Johnston: Don’t be dumb, Simon!!! (The scene changes to Johnston’s (Slaps Simon) Why did you kill Dan Institute for the Mentally Insane. Morrison!? Officer freezes in a tableau. Simon Simon: (Protesting at the top of his grabs his notebook from under the lungs) I didn’t kill him!!! table and writes in it, reading what (The scene reverts back to the he writes aloud.) interrogation room; Johnston exits Simon: One night a young man, with his bowl of soup and tray. The burdened by his sin officer is trying to shake Simon Gave in to his rush of adrenaline. awake, for he has been (Simon tears the paper out and daydreaming in the previous throws it away offstage.) That scene.) won’t do either. Why can’t I get a

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 335 Simon: (In a panicked state, really happened that day. (Starts hyperventilating) Where am I? Oh to sob, reading the epitaph my god, where am I!? inscribed on the tombstone.) Here Officer: You are in the lies the soul of Dan Morrison, fond interrogation room, Simon. You lover of the beauty of the world he fainted when I asked you a once lived in. 4 January, 1965-26 question. February, 1998. Simon: I don’t seem to recall that, Consider, friend, as you pass by: officer. As you are now, so once was I. Officer: I asked you if you had any As I am now, you too shall be. had any information about the Prepare, therefore, to follow me. murder of Mr. Dan Morrison. Your final words to the world are Simon: (Growing nervous, Simon spoken with such eloquence Mr. starts to stutter.) D-D-Dan Mor- Morrison, even as they echo here Morrison? on your epitaph. (Simon continues Officer: Yes, Simon. to sob.) I’m sorry, Mr. Morrison. Simon: (Simon takes a while to I’m sorry. (Simon exits the calm down, but finally does.) Oh. cemetery and leaves the flowers Yes, I… I’ll tell you… what I know, next to the tombstone.) Officer. Scene 4 Scene 3 Setting: Officer’s Interrogation Setting: Cemetery at night, several Room, hours after the interrogation, 12 March, 1998 11 March, 1998 (Simon enters the interrogation Simon: (Simon is walking up to the room, this time the officer is tombstone of Dan Morrison, in the waiting for him.) center of cemetery. He has a Officer: Simon… bouquet of flowers in one hand.) I Simon: Yes, officer? couldn’t tell him the truth, Mr. Officer: Do you know why we’ve Morrison. I couldn’t tell him what called you in here again?

336 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Simon: No! I’ve told you deafening silence after the shot. All everything I know! I could see was whiteness and Officer: You’re lying, Simon! I can then… blood. Spilling out of Mr. see it in your eyes! Morrison and into my hands!!! Do Simon: No I’m not! It’s the truth, I you know what it feels like to lose swear! the only person who ever mattered Officer: Quit the charade, Simon! to you, officer? He’s gone now!!! We have evidence tying the Gone!!! His last words still ring in responsibility of the murder to you! my ears- deliver the letter, deliver Tell us what you know, now!!! the letter. Simon: (Pauses for a minute) I Officer: What letter? What did the guess it’s about time I come clean letter say? then. (Simon takes a deep breath Simon: I don’t know, because I and begins.) It happened a never opened the letter. I only fortnight ago. Mr. Morrison was a delivered it like he told me to do. great friend of mine, practically a Officer: (After a few seconds of second father to me. On this thought.) I find your ability to particular night, he called me over fabricate such a story on the top of to his house because he wanted to your head impressive, but futile, hand me something in person. Mr. Young. When I entered the house and Simon: For the last time, I am not went into his room I saw him… lying!!! with the barrel of a shotgun Officer: As you were weaving your pointed to his face. (Starts to sob) web of lies I found a hole- I tried to stop him from making a Simon: The only hole in this story mistake by pointing the gun away, is the one in Mr. Morrison’s heart!!! but it was too little… too late. I (Starts to cry, regretting what he managed to move the gun but he just said.) pulled the trigger when it was at Officer: And that, Mr. Young, is his heart. All I could hear was the where the lie lies. The bullet, as

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 337 confirmed by the autopsy, was Lawyer #1: The prosecution calls found in the right side of Mr. Simon to the stand. (Simon sits in Morrison’s body, and not the left. the hot seat.) Now, Mr. Young, you Didn’t you learn about the location say that you gave an honest of the heart in biology class? testimony that day? Simon: I flunked out my first year. Simon: Yes, sir. Officer: That doesn’t excuse your Lawyer #1: But the officers caught lying, Simon. If you were really you lying, didn’t they? (Simon telling the truth, you would have doesn’t answer.) I’ll take that as a brought the letter as evidence. yes your Honor. The prosecution Simon: (yelling, infuriated, but still rests. (Simon stands next to teary-eyed) I’m not lying; I’m Lawyer #2, now out of the hot being frank with you, officer!!! seat) Officer: (Signaling for other cops to Judge: Does the defense have come into the room) Take him anything to say before I make a away. (They do. They handcuff him decision? as Simon is struggling to break Simon: Yes your Honor. (To the free and yelling.) Simon Francis jury) Mr. Morrison, as I knew him, Young, you are under arrest for the was a famous poet who told the murder of Mr. Dan Morrison. truth, no matter how repulsive. I Scene 5 suspect that his amazingly Setting: A court room, beautiful works reflect his sad 14 March 1998 family life- his wife left him for (The court is already in session another man, his five-year-old when Simon and the officer enter. daughter died of leukemia in the Simon enters on one side, next to same year. He fell into an immense Lawyer #2, and the officer enters state of depression because of it. on the other side, next to Lawyer Couldn’t that have had had #1) something to do with the accident?

338 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Lawyer #1: Son, you can’t just effects of his medical prescription assume things like that in a court. to antidepressants due to his You need cold, hard facts. And the emotional state. It all checks out facts of the matter are that you with his medical records, which I held the gun, you were the only have right here. (Lawyer #2 shows one that closely knew him, and you the records to the Judge. He takes were the only one there on the a minute to examine them.) night of the quote on quote Simon: I’ve been taking “accident” that we all know to be antidepressants for years, ever murder. Your alibi was proven since my father passed away, but false, so just admit that you’re lately I haven’t been taking them guilty and quit lying under oath!!! your Honor. Simon: (At the top of his lungs) I Lawyer #2: Withdrawal of AM NOT LYING!!! (Tries to attack antidepressants can lead to Lawyer #1, but Lawyer #2 does his irritation and intense mood swings best to restrain him. The officer your Honor. Side effects which my runs to try to stop Simon as well.) client has been displaying for quite Judge: (Pounds his gavel three a while. He hasn’t had complete times) Order in the court! Order in control over his actions lately. the court! (After a few seconds, the Judge :( The Judge looks over and chaos dissipates.) I… sees that the jury has reached Lawyer #2: Wait your Honor!!! My their verdict.) Then the defendant, client, Simon Young, claims Simon Francis Young, is Not Guilty insanity! (Gasps from the jury fill by Reason of Insanity! I sentence the room. The Judge hits his gavel Mr. Young to ten years in once to quiet them, and it works.) Johnston’s Institution for the Judge: Continue. Mentally Insane! (The Judge hits Lawyer #2: I hope the court will his gavel twice.) The court is now take into account that my client’s dismissed. outbursts of rage tie in the side Scene 6

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 339 Johnston’s Institute for the Simon: (Simon’s stomach growls Mentally Insane, with such ferocity as he eyes the 25 March 1998 food.) Thanks, Johnston, but no Simon: All I wanted was to follow thanks. in a brilliant man’s footsteps, to Johnston: One more thing, Simon. show the world the words of a Simon: (Coughs.) And what is genius… and that to them makes that? me guilty, a liar. I’m innocent I tell Johnston: A letter. It’s for you, you, innocent. I’m sorry, Mr. Simon. (Johnston takes the letter Morrison. (Simon starts to sob. He out of his pocket and hands it to takes out his notebook and starts Simon.) to write in it, reading what he is Simon: Could it be? (Simon takes writing sub-audibly.) the letter and stares at it for a few There’s no salvation from the guilt seconds.) No, I can’t. Of which all men are strongly built. Johnston: It is for you, Simon. Go There is no cure, on, read it. No way of breaking free Simon: I can’t, Johnston. (Simon From this story so obscure gives the letter back to him.) Take It could only happen in reality. this and keep it next to his (Simon thinks for a minute, and tombstone. Open it if you wish, but then nods his head.) Yes. Yes. I will honor Mr. Morrison’s last They’ll suffice as my last words to words to me, for he did not instruct this world before I leave it. me to open the letter, only to (Johnston enters with his bowl of deliver it. I think that this is what soup and tray.) (Weakly) Hello, he meant, as he did not mention Johnston. where. (Johnston leaves with the Johnston: And hello to you too, letter.) Simon. Your meal, here at the Consider, friend, as you pass by: same time as it always is. As you are now, so once was I. As I am now, you too shall be.

340 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Prepare, therefore, to follow me. (Simon falls to the floor, dead from starvation.) (We see a scene in which Johnston is walking to the gravesite of Mr. Morrison with flowers and the letter. He puts down the flowers next to where Simon put his. Then he puts the letter down, opens it, but leaves without reading it. The letter has the words “The truth hath been forgotten.” on it, along with Dan Morrison’s signature. The scene fades to black.) End David Fernandez - 11th Grade Ms. Martina Morgan El Dorado High School 1st Place

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 341 Passing Sam: Listen, I realize that your Scene 1 mom is sick, but just wait on it for In a college dorm, Jacob and Sam a little. Think about it, man. What are seen standing in their small happens when you go to the living room. The walls are white airport and security is already and the furniture a light brown. A looking for you? Then who’ll be face of worry appears in both of there for your mom? their features. Jacob: Don’t try to talk me out of Jacob: Do you think I could do it? this, Sam. Where else am I gonna Sam: I don’t know… Do you realize get that kind of money? You know how long you’ll be in jail for if you how much I have in my bank get caught, man? account?! Twenty-six, thirty-two. Jacob: I need to go visit my mom Twenty-six dollars and thirty-two and you know my job doesn’t pay cents. You know what that can buy enough. me? NOT MUCH. Nothing that I Sam: You don’t need to rob the need… College is killing me, Sam. I bank just to get a plane ticket and just want to visit my mom… a couple hundred dollars. You can Sam: I can lend you money. I literally get a loan for stuff like don’t have much, only like two that. hundred or something, but it’s Jacob: What noble person ever something. Maybe we can start one does stuff the right way? of those fund me things online. We Sam: What do you—you aren’t can hold up signs on the street and being noble for anything??? ask for donations or something. Jacob: My mom needs me, and if How long we got? me going to Canada just to see her Jacob: I don’t know. Her nurse just isn’t noble, I don’t know what is. said she’s doing bad and that I [He runs his hands through his hair should come up as fast as I can but in irritation] I can’t because I have no money and college is weighing me down

342 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up and- we just need to hurry if we’re Sam: Sorry, just trying to help, gonna do this. dang. Sam: First we should ask everyone Jacob: Sam!! We’ve been collecting else if they wanna help chip in. At money for like five hours! We can’t least one person in this college is a do this anymore! No one else is good Samaritan, so let’s start going to want to donate to my little crackalackin. charity thing. And even if they did, [He places hand caressingly on it would take so long to collect! Jacob’s back as the scene fades What are we doing?!? [He exhales out] heavily as he leans back in his Scene 2 chair]What am I doing?.. Jacob and Sam are seen sitting in Sam: Jacob- Jacob, it’s okay. We their living room. They are at their can do this. We only went through old, worn table counting a wad of this dormitory and the one next bills that has been collected in a door. We have three more that we can, which can be seen on the right can go to tomorrow. side of the table. Jacob: [to the side] What if my Sam: …thirty-four, fifty-four, fifty- mom doesn’t have til tomorrow? nine, sixty-three. I was able to get Sam: What? one hundred and sixty-three Jacob: What? dollars. What about you? Sam: Let’s just go to sleep. Jacob: [with a look of despair] …I-I Tomorrow’s a new day. only got one hundred thirty-six. [He gets up and walks to the I’m not good at math, but I already kitchen for a glass of water] know mine plus yours doesn’t Jacob’s face noticeably changes as equal about seven hundred dollars. he takes in the bundle of money. Sam: Don’t forget my two What once was a face of hundred. hopelessness turned soft upon Jacob: It still isn’t seven hundred. realization of Sam’s true desire to help.

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 343 Jacob: Hey Sam... Thanks. I Jacob: I’m sorry. I just want to see appreciate what you’ve done. my mom. [after a brief silence] [He reaches over the table to You know… I couldn’t be more recount the money] thankful to have a friend like you in Scene 3 my life. Thank you for helping Another day arrives and Sam make this happen. I’m about to wakes up to find a missing Jacob. board now, I’ll call you later. The money that had been counted Sam: What- Jacob wait no don’t the night before is no longer on the hang up where did you get the rest table. of the money from?! Sam: Oh god no. Jacob, I swear. [the phone call ends] [Sam grabs his thrown sweater off Briana Elizondo – 11th Grade Mr. Richard Helmling a chair in the dining room as he Montwood High School hurriedly exits the dorm. He dials 2nd Place Jacob while locking the door] Sam: Come on, come on, come on! Pick up already! [he notices he is still in his pajamas] Great. Jacob: [with a shaky voice] …Hello? Sam: Jacob, where are you?!? Where’s the money?!? I’m about to walk out of our building, tell me where you are I’ll come meet you don’t even do anything okay we can talk about it. Just wait. Jacob: Sam ,I- Sam: Listen, Jacob. You do not get to “Sam” me right now. I’m coming for you. Where. Are. You.

344 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Found KATE FADE IN: Why? Oh, come on, Alice. I am INT. TRISTAN’S PARENTS’ HOUSE- yo— NIGHT. ALICE Alice and Kate enter the house to My best friend. Yes, I know. Also, find littered cups and music best friends don’t blurt everything blasting through speakers around her other best friend said. the house. KATE KATE Sorry. Not one peep from me You sure he’s here? I thought he anymore about the psycho’s didn’t like parties anymore. family. Don’t be upset. ALICE ALICE Of course he is, Kate. It’s house. I’m not upset. I’m just irritated. KATE His parents are supposed to be Alice, it’s his parents’ house. You here tomorrow and he goes and know, the one’s that took off when does this. he was ten and left him with his KATE sick grandmother? Well, what do you expect? Flowers Alice and Kate link arms and begin and classical music? to walk through the house. They ALICE spot several people from school Not exactly. I just thought a simple and give a few waves. ‘hello’ would do. Maybe a small ALICE wave towards his mother. I kind of regret telling you about Music surrounds the two friends that, Kate. It was very personal and smoke begins to fill the living and room. A couple appears at the end the first chance I had, I ran and of the room laughing hysterically. told you. They move clumsily towards Kate and Alice trying to move past

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 345 them, but accidentally bumping a surrounding the two people that cup of beer on Kate’s blouse. are throwing punches at each ALICE other. Hey, watch it! Can’t you see we’re VOICE 2 standing in front of you. You had it coming, a******! KATE VOICE 3 My new blouse! Get off of me, Tristan! The couple burst into hysterics and Alice rushes to the center as head back towards the entrance. Tristan’s name is mentioned. She Alice goes and returns with napkins pushes her way through into the for Kate. middle of the huddle to see Tristan KATE straddling Damian. Laughter and Oh, man. My mom is going to kill shouts fill the huddle as Tristan me, Alice! She bought this for throws a punch to Damien, striking Christmas and basically called it his jaw. her favorite. I’m so screwed. ALICE ALICE Tristan! Tristan, what are you We can’t put it in the washer back doing? Stop it! at my house. Let’s just find- Both fighters stop their struggling VOICE 1 and turn to look up at her. Tristan Fight outside! is holding Damian’ left hand and Everyone suddenly breaks from gripping his bloodied white shirt in their music trance and begin to his right. Tristan’s mouth is agape head to the back door entrance as he stares at Alice, shock taking leading to the backyard. Alice and over his bloody features. Kate break contact with each other TRISTAN and are separated as the crowd Al-Alice? What-what are you doing bumps and pushes them in here? different directions. As Alice walks The crowd has fallen silent as they outside, a small huddle is wait for Alice to respond. They turn

346 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up to find Alice’s face trailing with Tristan moves in between them, tears down her cheeks. Alice gasps blocking Damian’ view of Alice. as Damian takes advantage of DAMIAN Tristan’s distraction, freeing his left You should teach your b**** to hand and nailing him on the nose. keep her mouth shut. Keep her on Tristan is pushed down and a leash next time. punched repeatedly. The crowd Tristan growls and punches begin to shout and raise their fists Damian on the stomach causing yet again, egging Damian on. Damian to bend over. Tristan grabs Tristan rolls over and spits blood his neck and knees him on the from his mouth, bringing his right nose. Damian lets out a howl as hand to his jaw. blood erupts from his nose, trailing DAMIAN down his shirt. Damian staggers Aw, look at you. What would backwards clutching his nose with mother say? both hands and groaning in pain. Tristan stands and looks at Tristan comes at him grabbing Damian. His chest is puffing with Damian’ shirt in a grip and tossing every breath he takes. He staggers him onto the floor. He kicks him towards Damian slowly only to be repeatedly. shrugged off and lands on the ALICE ground yet again. Oh god! Tristan, please stop it! DAMIAN Tristan please! You’re a real piece of s***, Tristan. Alice runs to him and grabs him by You can’t even walk! Oh, right. You the arm only to be pushed back didn’t have parents to teach you and thrown to the ground. Tristan how. pauses and glances through his Alice gasps and turns to Damian. shoulder, seeing Alice on the Damian looks at her, a smirk ground with wide eyes. playing on his lips. He starts TRISTAN towards her and stops when Alice, I’m sorry. I thought you—

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 347 you were someone else. Oh god, each of his arms over their I’m so sorry. Here. shoulders and dragging him back Tristan kneels down to help her, towards the house. Alice’s gaze but she recoils from him. Backing stays on Tristan’s until Damian lets away from him on her hands and out a groan of pain. She turns her feet, she comes to a stop when she eyes towards Damian and lets out is suddenly against someone’s a gasp. Damian’s nose is a legs. Tristan stares after her and bleeding mess, tainting his shirt. hangs his head down low, his His left eye is beginning to blacken hands pressing on his eyes. He and his knuckles are bleeding then looks up and around the ferociously. The three boys crowd and stops at Damian who disappear into the house, Alice’s lies on the ground, groaning and gaze trailing after them. clutching his stomach. TRISTAN TRISTAN Please tell me you weren’t okay Somebody get this piece of with what he called you. garbage out of my house. And Alice turns quickly to find Tristan after that, each and every one of backing away from her, grabbing you is going to pick up their s*** an empty beer bottle from the and leave. I don’t have time to ground and throwing it into a waste. nearby rose bush. Alice stalks after The crowd begins to disperse and him turning him towards her. head back towards the house to ALICE gather their things. Alice stands up Of course I wasn’t! I wanted to say and without glancing at Tristan something, but you beat me to it! turns and begins to leave with the Tristan, you can’t just go around crowd. Tristan stalks forwards and picking fights with everyone you grips her right wrist. Alice turns see! I get that Damian has always and lets out a sob. Two boys stay pushed your buttons, but- back and help Damian, throwing

348 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Tristan quickly cuts her off and ALICE steps toward her. Alice steps back Tristan, he already knew. I didn’t and Tristan stops in his tracks. He say anything. Your—your mother shouts. called me a few nights ago and she TRISTAN began to explain everything. How Push my buttons? Are you kidding he has known from a young age. me? That a****** has always And he took it well, Tristan, he been a pain in my a**! The rich wanted a family. a** bastard always has everything Tristan spins quickly and steps handed to him, never once has he quickly towards her. Alice begins to been to work! Before you came he back up as he speaks to her. was up in my face saying how TRISTAN much Mom and Dad loved him. He Of course the b******* wanted a kept throwing it in my face that he home and a family. His parents was always the favorite and that were drunks! They didn’t give two that’s why they took him and not s**** about their son! Alice, I was me to Seattle! And you know what so happy that I finally had a the worst thing about it is? He’s brother, a sibling, a friend! The f******* right! I’m their flesh and little bastard detested me. He blood and that b****** is wanted everything for him! He took adopted! He isn’t my brother at all! my family away from me. That But what I want to know is how the fight you just saw? The little s*** f*** does he know he is adopted? had it coming since he walked into How does he know Alice? my life! Tristan glares at Alice as she Alice is backed up against the wall stands frozen. She tries to come next to the door. Tristan’s arms are forward but Tristan scoffs and next to her face and blood is turns from her. He digs through a oozing out of his nose. Alice gasps nearby cooler and opens up a new and quickly grabs a napkin from can of beer. the nearby table and pushes it

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 349 against his nose. He groans in pain faster up the stairs. As they reach as she presses it against his nose. the top stair, the door opens ALICE revealing Tristan’s parents with You’re an idiot for yelling at me their suitcases in hand. The four of while your stupid nose is bleeding. them stare at each other until Who does that? Look at your Tristan finally breaks the trance knuckles! DAMN IT, TRISTAN! I and pulls Alice upstairs. don’t want to do this each time I ALICE see you! Tristan! You’re parents are here! Tristan watches as she grabs more You have to make everyone leave! napkins and presses them against Tristan pulls her into a small room. his knuckles. She leaves him Two lamps are at either side of the standing there as she runs towards Twin sized bed or the window at the cooler and grabs ice and gently the far right corner is opened. wraps them around a napkin. Once TRISTAN she presses it against his knuckles, Stay here. I’ll take care of it. Just- she grabs his wrist and heads just don’t leave. Please. indoors. Alice huffs and sits down on the ALICE edge of the bed. Tristan steals one The party is still going on, last glance at her and heads apparently. Where should I heal towards the door. He opens it and these? walks out carelessly. Tristan is silent as he walks in front FADE OUT. of her and pulls her towards the Stephanie Acosta – 11th Grade Mr. Richard Helmling staircase. People gather around the Montwood High School couch where Damian lays/ 3rd Place Whispers and whimpers escape from Damian’ mouth. Tristan lets out a small chuckle as he glances towards his victim and pulls Alice

350 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Alone that would interest you. I haven’t (Scene 1. A boy sits on a rock liked a girl for a long time and I outside a school building. He is still don’t! writing in a small journal and reads TJ- Okay whatever (bell rings) lets it while writing) go to class. I hear we are getting a Jacob- (reads) Dear Diary, this is new student! the 25th entry and I still don’t (They all walk to English and sit. understand why I’m doing this. I’m The class is noisy as the teacher supposed to write about my walks in to hush them down) feelings and thoughts but they’re Ms. Ramirez- Hush down everyone still the same…(he looks up and we have a lot to talk about today. sees his friends Mark and TJ We also have a new student so coming) well my friends are here please welcome her. ( a girl walks and they don’t need to see this so in smiling but shy) This is Amy and I’ll write again tomorrow. she just moved here with her Mark- What’s up! family. Would you like to say TJ- Still writing in that book I see. anything Amy? Are you ever gonna tell us what Amy- No it’s okay. you’re writing about? Ms. Ramirez- Okay please take a Jacob- (laughs) It doesn’t matter. seat anywhere. Trust me you don’t want to know. (Amy sees a seat next to Jacob in Mark- Maybe he has a crush that the back and she goes to sit down) he doesn’t want us don’t want to Amy- Hi my name is Amy. Can I sit know about. here? (He nods) Thank you. What TJ- True! And he writes secret love are we doing right now? letters and poems! Jacob- Just reading short stories (Mark and TJ start laughing and and soon we are gonna write our tries to take the journal) own. Jacob- (Laughing) Stop! I’m Amy- Thanks serious there’s nothing in there

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 351 (Scene 2. It’s back with Jacob on Jacob- I just don’t have much to the rock) say Jacob- (reads) Dear Diary, This is (Amy sits next to him) the 26 entry and again there’s Amy- I bet you have a lot to say. nothing to write about. I still feel You probably even have interesting the same and think the same. Last stories. (she points at the journal) night I had another episode…..I Jacob- I have a boring life and the think. I don’t know if it was that or things that did happen to me just a dream. It’s the same one as well…. I want to forget. before so what’s the point talking Amy- I’m sorry I didn’t mean to about it. (looks up at the empty intrude school and starts writing again) I (Mark and TJ walk up) still have some time before my Mark- Hey you’re Amy right? friends come so I’ll just write about TJ- Yeah the new girl something interesting. Yesterday Amy- Yes. Sorry I was just leaving we got a new student. I think her (turns to Jacob) I’ll see you in name is Amy. She seems nice but class? everyone is trying to be with her. Jacob- (nods) Okay This school rarely sees new people (Amy walks away to the school) so everyone is so excited to see Mark- Wow, you’re already talking her but I think they are just to the new girl scaring her away. She seems TJ- I think he likes someone now pretty shy and- Jacob- No not really. Sorry I have Amy- What are you writing about? to go do some work for Ms. (Jacob jumps and closes the book) Ramirez. I’ll see you in class. Jacob- Nothing. Why are you here? (He walks to class. Ms. Ramirez is Amy- I wanted to come early to do grading papers) some writing myself. (Jacob nods) Ms. Ramirez- Good morning Jacob You don’t really say much do you? (she looks up) What’s the matter? Jacob- Nothing

352 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Ms. Ramirez- Don’t lie to me Jacob Jacob- You fainted and scared I know when something is wrong everyone. They tried to call your (Jacob goes and sits down and puts parents but they are out of town? I his hands on his face not showing was going home anyways so I it) offered to take you to your house Jacob- I had that dream again. I but they asked me to look after don’t feel good, I feel like….like I you. might.. Amy- I am so sorry. Ugh. I didn’t Ms. Ramirez- Your fine, don’t think this would happen on the worry. You can take the day off we second day! I’m so dumb and my understand. body sucks! Jacob- I don’t want to use this as Jacob- What? What happened? an excuse! Amy - Oh, sorry. It’s just…. I have Ms. Ramirez- It’s not but I think a medical condition and my body is you should see your therapist. very weak (she stops to think) I Jacob- I’m going tomorrow. randomly faint and I get sick really Ms. Ramirez- Okay but you should easily. I was homeschooled for still take the day off, it’s best for- most of my life but I wanted to try (They hear a scream outside. They to go to school. I guess I can’t. both run to see what happened) Jacob- I’m sorry (he hands her the (Scene 3. In a house living room water) with Amy on the couch. Jacob Amy- It’s not your fault. I’m just walks in with some water) really tired and as far as I know Amy-(waking up) Where am I? I’m the only one with a problem. What happened? Jacob-(looks down) No you’re not. Jacob- You’re at my house (she Trust me I have some problems jumps not knowing he was there) too. Sorry I didn’t mean to startle you. Amy- Probably not as bad Amy- It’s okay, Why am I here? (Jacob stops and thinks for a while)

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 353 Jacob- (Whispers) My parents died Amy- Why did you tell me and not 2 months ago your friends? (Scene 4. In the kitchen, Jacob and Jacob- I don’t know… Maybe it’s Amy are eating) because I think you’ll Amy- You didn’t have to tell me all understand…and maybe its just of that. I’m sorry for pushing you easy to talk to you. (Pause) Jacob- Don’t be. You are the only (Jacob laughs uncomfortably) one that knows other than the Amy- (Smiles) Well your secret is school and my therapist. safe with me. Amy- Therapist? Jacob- Thank you Jacob- I…um… (Scene 5. In the living room Amy- You don’t have to tell me. watching tv) Jacob- It’s fine. I’ve already told Amy- This is a great movie! you half the story why not tell you Jacob- I know (laughs). I can’t all of it? believe you haven’t seen it. Amy- Okay… I’m sorry Amy- (laughs) I know. I just don’t Jacob- (smiles and takes the like movies that much but thank dishes) I... have depression. It you for showing this to me. (Smiles started after the plane crash and at him and grabs his hand) how I found out about my parents. Jacob- (Looks at their hands) Ya… Amy- And no one knows? Wouldn’t no problem (He doesn’t look at they suspect since your parents her) never come back? Amy- (takes her hand back) I’m Jacob- My parents are always out sorry, I should go home. of town. It’s rare when they are Jacob- Are you sure? You can stay home so nobody asks. the night. Amy- Oh…I’m- Amy- Oh no its ok but thank you. Jacob- Stop saying sorry. (Laughs) (Amy starts to leave. Jacob gets up It’s okay, I guess. and grabs her hand.)

354 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Jacob- Please stay. (looks at their Jacob- And that’s what happened. hands and lets go) I just want to Therapist- Did you talk to her after make sure you’re okay and… I that? don’t want to be alone… (He stares Jacob- (Not looking at him in the at the floor and starts mumbling) eyes) No. She shouldn’t be apart of I’m all alone. No one is here for this. I don’t deserve someone who me. My parents left me. It’s all my will get hurt in the end. fault that they died. I- Therapist- Jacob don’t think that Amy- What are you talking about? way. You do deserve to be happy. (Jacob keeps mumbling and starts It wasn’t your fault that you had an to hit himself) Jacob? Jacob stop! episode while she was with you. You’re hurting yourself! Jacob! Maybe if you explain to her- (Amy grabs his arms and forces Jacob- No! I can’t ask her to be him to look at her. He pushes her apart of my awful life! down.) Therapist- You can’t push everyone Jacob- (Pauses a few seconds and away. Especially your friends. realizes what's happened.) I am... Jacob- I have to. I can’t do this so sorry…. you’re right….(looks and I know it will hurt them to. I away) You should leave. don’t want them to treat me Amy- But- different. Jacob- Please! Therapist - Just take your time. Amy- (Pause) Goodbye Jacob… I You will be back to having fun and hope I see you tomorrow. be a teenager again. (Amy stops for a while and leaves. Jacob- No I won’t! I- Jacob falls to the floor and starts to Therapist- Take a breath. (pause) cry) Calm down and just think about it. (Scene 6. In a therapist room with (Jacob stops and looks out the therapist and Jacob sitting down window. He takes a breath and talking while therapist writes down starts to talk) everything)

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 355 Jacob- No. I don’t think that will [BLACKOUT] happen. As much as I try this [10 MONTHS LATER, USA] depression is always in the way. I [Establishing scene of a church.] won’t be normal again and if they Roberto sleeps on a church pew find out about my parents… they dressed in black. will walk on eggshells around me. I EXT. ALLEY can’t… If that happens I won’t be [DREAM SEQUENCE BEGINS] able to handle it. I’ll break down or A little girl is walking in an alley worse! I tried with Amy and look with a red balloon in her hand. A where that got me. I can’t do that man touches her shoulder and she again. It’s over, I am and will be turns around. Then a van pulls up alone…. forever…. behind her and Roberto comes out (The End.) to grab her, the man who touched Alyssa Mireles - 12th Grade her runs to help Roberto shove her Ms. Aileen Mares into the van. Both men get in, and El Dorado High School 1st Place they drive off. The horrible dream wakes Roberto. 7th Girl Missing He sits up, terrified. Fade In: [FADE TO BLACK] INT. BOLIVIA 2012 [Establishing shot of Diane's The film starts with a high action house] scene: INT. DIANE'S HOUSE Roberto Suarez just escaped prison Valerie, walks into the kitchen and is running away from where she sees her dad sitting on a the police in the narrow outskirts of table having his morning coffee a prison town in and reading the newspaper. On the Bolivia. He's in the deep desert front cover is a headline that when behind him, a bolivian reads: police truck drifts through the sand "SIXTH GIRL REPORTED MISSING with it's siren on. LAST NIGHT" the subline reads:

356 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up "Mysterious disappearances still keep his mind off of it. (pause) Just unsolved" talk to him later. Val walks up to her older sister, Diane looks up to Val, and grabs Diane, who is cooking breakfast, her hand across the table. and gives her a kiss on the cheek. DIANE (CONT'D): It'll be ok. I Diane nods at Val, indicating promise. towards dad. She wants her to talk INTERIOR/DIANE'S CAR to him (Valerie has been getting Valerie is in the car with Diane on bullied at her new school). the way to school. Diane turns on Val walks up to her dad who puts the radio and on the talk station. the newspaper down and looks at A man on the radio: "Last night a his watch. girl was reported missing by her DAD: Gotta go. parents in what seems to be the He gets up and finishes his last bit sixth mysterious disappearance of coffee then kisses Val on the this year. We're waiting on officials forehead and Diane on the cheek. to confirm whether or not..." He grabs his coat and heads for the Diane changes the station. door. DIANE: You can always talk to your DAD (CONT'D): Bye. counselors at school, they'll know Val looks at Diane, disappointed. what to do. (pause) I'll go with you She hoped to talk to her Dad about if you wa -- her situation, but he is always so VALERIE: No. (pause) it doesn’t busy and distant. matter what I tell them, they won’t She goes to sit at the breakfast do anything and even if they do it'll table and Diane walks over with just make everything worse. two plates of food. They both sit. (pause). I just wanna go back DIANE: Don’t mind dad. You know home. I hate this place. how he's been ever since mom. DIANE: You know that’s not gonna He's just trying to keep busy, to happen Val, it's too painful for dad.(pause) So you might as well

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 357 get used to being here. (looks to INT. SCHOOL CLASSROOM Val, who is looking sad and She's is in class, not paying frustrated) Oh come on, You're attention. only staying with me until dad finds She placidly stares out the window you both a place, then maybe you as the teacher is lecturing. can move to a different school. The bell rings and brings her out of (pause) But until then, you need to her daydream, she quickly gathers fix this problem... her things and makes her way out [Roberto Suarez is crossing the of the classroom. street, drunk and stumbling. A INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY drink in his hand. He doesn’t notice As she's walking in the hallway, in Diane’s car, and walks right in the background a couple of girls front of it.] are following her. She turns the Diane abruptly hits the break and corner and more another group of honks. girls are staring and laughing. She DIANE: Seriously! turns around and sees the entire Roberto turns, calmly, and looks at hallway is full of half nude prints of Valerie and Diane with a grim her. She runs and pulls them off expression. He continues on his the wall as she starts to cry. way and crosses the street. (CONT'D) Diane drives off. EXT. SCHOOL They arrive at the school. [FADE TO BLACK] Val gets out of the car. Val is waiting outside for her dad to DIANE (CONT'D): (from inside the pick her up from school. He pulls car) Don't forget about up. Val gets into the car and they confirmation. Dad'll be here at 5 to drive off. pick you up. TALK TO HIM. INT. DAD'S CAR (drives off) DAD: How was school? Val turns and walks towards the VALERIE: Dad... I need to tell you school. something

358 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up DAD: (looking concerned) What is ******[FEDERICO DURAN, it? ROBERTO SUAREZ'S FAKE VALERIE: Well, (pauses again, NAME]******* trying to find the right words) FATHER GOODMAN: he's new to lately, I've just been trying to talk the church and will he helping to you about.... around with the class (Roberto (Dad's cell phone rings [HIS looks at father Goodman and BOSS], interrupting valerie) slightly nods, then glances directly DAD: Hold that thought I have to at Valerie) take this. "Mr. Moore what can I do FATHER GOODMA: Very Well then. for you sir..?" In this first year of class, you will (Dad goes off talking to his boss as go through a form of rebirth. Val looks out the window.) (pause) A confirmation of your They get to the church and Val faith. Now, I don't know how many exits the car, her dad still on the of you are here today because you phone, writing things down on his wanted to come, or how many of hand with a pen. you are here because your parents VALERIE: Bye dad. made you come. But, nonetheless, Dad gives a distracted wave I can assure you that by the end of goodbye as he drives off. these 2 years, you will be all INT. CONFIRMATION CLASSROOM thankful that you did. (To Roberto) Father Goodman addresses his Federico, ayudame a confirmation class repartir estos libros por favor. FATHER GOODMAN (standing in a Roberto nods and begins to pass straight and serious position, but out the books. Father looking friendly): Good evening, Goodman sits down and begins to and welcome to your first year of take attendance in the background. confirmation. I’m father Goodman, When Roberto gets to Val’s desk, and this is my honorary assistant, he pauses and gives her an intense and good friend, Mr. Duran. look. He places the book on her

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 359 desk slowly. Val looks at him with a Roberto follows them. frenzied look. Dad drops Val at home and drives [FADE TO BLACK] off immediately almost as soon as EXT. PARKING LOT she barely gets out of the car. After class, Val waits for her She's left alone. As she begins to parents to pick her up, but no one walk towards the front door, shows. Everyone is gone and she Roberto’s pickup truck passes by sits alone in the parking lot. Father her street, but she doesn’t seem to Goodman pulls up in his pickup notice. truck a couple of meters away from INT. DIANE'S HOUSE, NIGHT. val. He gets off and Roberto walks It's now night. Val sits in her room up to him, carrying a box of watching television. She hears a canned goods he is to deliver to a shuffling in the front of the house. local food bank. Father Goodman She tries to ignore it but the hands Roberto the keys. shuffling gets louder. She seems FATHER GOODMAN: Pon las latas bothered by it and she makes her atras, el comedor parroquial esta way down the hallway into the abiero hasta las regresas aqui living room. cuando termines. Porfavor. As she's walking, all you can hear ROBERTO: Ta bien father Goodman is the faint volume of the television leaves and Roberto puts the cans in the background. She walks in the back and then gets into the slowly and enters the living room, truck. Val's dad finally shows up a window is open and the drapes right as Roberto gets into the are fluttering in the wind. She truck, he rolls down the window scans the room. Her breathing gets and speaks in a hurry. heavier and faster. She inches DAD: I’m late for a meeting Val, forward and proceeds to close the hurry up! window. Valerie gets into her dads car, and When she turns, a large shadow they drive off. comes up behind her and violently

360 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up shoves her into the wall, she falls showing pictures of the girls to the ground, but the shadow is around, asking questions. covering most of the camera [Track slowly fades.] frame, he swings at her face and INT. DARK HOUSE you can hear the man grunting as A man's feet can be seen walking he punches her over and over. around the house, he reaches a [BLACKOUT] door and opens it. A bright light You can hear her muffled screams. comes from within. He walks down INT. DIANE'S HOUSE the steps and enters the white, In the same living room where the clean and sterile room. He turns attack took place, Diane is and sees Valerie sitting motionless revealed to be hunched over sitting on a chair, blood running down her on a couch, crying. Her dad sitting face and body. next to her with a shocked and The scene is grim and terrible. The almost emotionless look. sadistic man walks over to the Camera flashes fill their faces as counter where he keeps his tools. the camera pans to reveal a crime He grabs a saw and walks over to scene, blood on the floor and walls. Valerie. CSI's photograph the scene and an INT. CHURCH OFFICE Investigator begins talking to At the church; a detective barges Diane who is still crying. into the door where father MONTAGE Goodman is organizing some [A track begins to play] things. People are hanging up signs DETECTIVE SAWYER: Sorry to around the town with Valerie's face interrupt father but mind if I ask on them: "Seventh girl missing" you a couple of questions? Diane, Dad, father Goodman, and FATHER GOODMAN: About the other churchgoers are passing out disappearances i assume. flyers outside the church after DETECTIVE SAWYER: We were mass. Police knock on doors, hoping that you could provide us

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 361 with information, anything that started helping me with the church could help, any leads, or anyone activities. He’s good man. that might have had reasons to DETECTIVE SAWYER: Is he here? harm Valerie, anything. FATHER GOODMAN: I'm afraid not. FATHER GOODMAN: I’m afraid I DETECTIVE SAWYER: Is that can't help you much Steven. I've unusual? known her sister Diane for quite FATHER GOODMAN: Well... Not some time. (pause) And from what really, he comes when he cans; she tells me, Valerie and her dad sometimes he doesn’t show up for moved here about two months days. I go to his place and find him ago, their mother died recently. passed out. Drunk. Like I said, he's (pause). Just yesterday Valerie a troubled man. started confirmation. DETECTIVE SAWYER: Where can I DETECTIVE SAWYER: (SIGH) I’m find him? actually here because a neighbor EXT. OLD SHACK-LIKE HOUSE told me that they saw your old (Roberto's property, A small shack- pickup truck pass by Mrs. Davis’s like house) Detective house several times a couple of Sawyer and his partner knock on hours before Valerie was taken. the door. Roberto opens it. You see anything? DETECTIVE SAWYER: Federico FATHER GOODMAN: Well, actually Duran? Roberto sees the detectives I was here at the church most of and the panic can be seen on his my day. Mr. Duran had my truck. face almost immediately. He runs He went to deliver some cans to off. Both detectives run after him, the food bank after class. he slips through the homes and DETECTIVE SAWYER: Mr. Duran? tries to throw them off but they FATHER GOODMAN: My honorary eventually catch up to him and assistant, (pauses) he came to me tackle him down. They grab his a couple months ago, a very hands and put them behind his troubled soul. He just recently back.

362 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up INT. POLICE STATION CHIEF: Get a translator in there, Outside the interrogation room, see what we can get. Detective Sawyer and his partner The detectives barge into the talk to the chief of their interrogation room with a department. translator. DETECTIVE SAWYER: His real DETECTIVE SAWYER: We got you name is Roberto Suarez. Recently now Mr. Suarez, (looks to escaped from a prison in Bolivia. translator) tell him. (Back too [Flips through file] Roberto) We know everything. We (MORE) know you killed those girls, we DETECTIVE SAWYER (CONT'D): know where you’re from, we know Interpol says he ran with a it all. (He leans in on his face) You Brazilian drug cartel, and better start talking. kidnapping ring. He Spent over a TRANSLATOR: Dise que ellos saben decade in a Brazilian prison lo que has hecho. que saben tu (pause) but was transferred to nombre, y que saben que matastes pedro prison in la paz last year, a esas muchachas. due to overcrowding. [closes file] ROBERTO: No no no no no no no, He escaped later that year and was esperen, por favor, ok? De que MIA ever since. hablan? CHIEF: You think he did it? TRANSLATOR: He doesn’t know DETECTIVE SAWYER: Well... Man is what you’re talking about. an ex kidnapper, escapes prison, DETECTIVE SAWYYER: Tell him if appears in a small town, where he doesn’t talk now, he's getting coincidentally, girls start missing extradited back to Bolivia. He just when he arrived. He knows what his friends will do to volunteers at the church, where 4 him there. of the 7 girls missing attended. I'd TRANSLATOR: Disen que si no les say, we have our guy. dices la verdad, te mandaran a bolivia, y tu sabes lo que te haran

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 363 alla. Roberto looks serious, he DETECTIVE SAWYER: Come on, leans back on his chair. He thinks let’s get him transferred. They for a moment, and then looks leave Roberto in the room. When down troubled. The ghost of the they exit, he stops crying and little girl he kidnapped in his dream laughing and wipes his tears, then (his first victim) appears in the rapidly grabs the chair and blocks room, dressed in white, with her the door. Through the glass, the red balloon and a grim expression. detective sees him Roberto shakes off the DETECTIVE SAWYER (CONT'D): hallucination, and begins to have Hey! Hey! Open the door. flashbacks of that horrible night. Roberto!... Open the door!!!!! He comes back from his trance and Roberto grabs the spare chair and his tone is psychotic, he begins to moves the table. The detectives laugh and then cry. are bashing the door, more men ROBERTO: Si, la mate. la mate, la come. They bash and bash for a mate la mate. couple of seconds, the chief comes TRANSLATOR: He says he killed in. her. CHIEF: Move back. DETECTIVE SAWYER: Who? Give Chief and Detective Sawyer kick in us her name. the door at the same time and TRANSLATOR: A quien? quien es finally open the door ella? CHIEF (CONT'D): Dammit!!!! (looks Roberto doesn't answer the away) question, but continues to laugh Detective Sawyer walks into the and cries like a madman. Detective room and looks up. sawyer makes the translator ask DETECTIVE SAWYER: Get a medic! him again, but he still doesn’t Damnit! react. Sawyer grows frustrated, Roberto hung himself. but he got the confession hat what WEEKS LATER EXT. HOUSE he wanted. COMPLEX, DAYTIME

364 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Diane walks around a DIANE: That sounds like a great neighborhood and reaches a house. idea. Whatd'ya say dad? She walks up and knocks on the DAD: Yeah. door. Father Goodman opens the INT. DINER TABLE door. Goodman, Diane, and Dad all sit, FATHER GOODMAN: Diane! Just in having dinner. They're having time. Please, come in, steak and wine. DIANE: Thank you father, how is EXT. FATHER GOODMAN'S FRONT he? PORCH, NIGHT. FATHER GOODMAN: He's very Diane and her dad say goodbye. depressed obviously. But, on the DIANE: Thanks for everything bright side we actually talked father. You're an angel. today. FATHER GOODMAN: You're very They walk around the house and welcome... Please remember, the into the study where Diane's dad important thing is that god is inside lies on the couch. Diane's dad has all of us. And so is your sister. been coming over to father Diane smiles. They walk off. Scene Goodman’s house once a week for switches to the basement scene a therapy session. where the sinister man was FATHER GOODMAN (CONT'D): keeping Valerie. Camera is still on Diane is here. the man's feet. As it pans up it DIANE: Hey dad. reveals father Goodman. Scene Diane's dad gives her a weak smile switches back to present time. FATHER GOODMAN: Why don't you Goodman sits in his study reading both stay for dinner tonight? a book and drinking a glass of Father Goodman looks at Diane, wine. Slow jazz music plays. The (the same way one looks at their camera glides through the house friend when they want them to lie). and out the door. END. He thinks it will be good for them to spend more time.

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 365 Aaron Morga – 12th Grade I wish I was you. Mr. Ryan Garcia B Socorro High School 2nd Place Why? C The Road Not Taken So I wouldn’t have to worry about [One man and one woman shaving my armpits or having short appearing to be approximately hair. eighteen years old sit in a Baskin B Robbins, both eating mint Why would you worry anyway, I chocolate chip ice cream. The like your short hair. And if you scene opens mid-conversation.] wear t-shirts no one will see your BEN armpits. Girls are so complicated. C CAMERON Well you can wear pants that have Why? nice big pockets without looking B like a dyke. And you can have I don’t know, she’s upset and won’t messy handwriting without people say why. thinking you’re mentally deficient. C B Well I don’t really talk to girls, so I’m, like, literally autistic… I’m not you’re on your own. good at anything. I suck at music, B but it’s the only thing that makes Maybe she’s just on her period. me happy. C C Maybe. Just get her spayed. Same. I’m so lonely, my only B friend is my bass. That costs too much. B [Pause as they both eat ice Don’t worry, you’re gonna find all cream.] the cool people when you go off to C college.

366 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up C Yeah, you couldn’t drive for crap I guess. Remember when you were back then. my best buddy? C B I know, I suck. I remember when I called you over B the summer two years ago. You No, you’re the only reason I were the only person who survived high school. I wouldn’t acknowledged my existence. know what to do without you. Remember that video we made for C our English class? Yeah… I kinda wish I never met C you. And you insisted on taking your B shoes off, you sicko. Well that’s pretty audacious if you B ask me. I still don’t see what’s wrong with C that. Well, I mean it. C B Feet are just gross. Remember I’m sorry, I don’t feel the same when we used to get McChickens way. and cups of water like every day? C B Why? And you would stuff the trash in B my glove compartment and it Oh I don’t know. You’re part of the would stay there for weeks. reason why I don’t literally hate C everyone. Remember when you tried to teach C me how to drive and I didn’t know Oh. You’re part of the reason why I which one was the brake pedal? do literally hate everyone. B B

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 367 I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be so awful. C I mean that in the best way. B I know, I’m not that dumb. I just wanted to hear you say it. [Pause] Remember when we were obsessed with that poem: “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood…” [Pause for like seven seconds] I wonder what life would be like on the other path. Isabella Caro - 12th Grade Ms. Melissa Walker Americas High School 3rd Place

368 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Personal Narrative

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 369 Wedding Bliss clapped with happiness. Everyone One sunny day in November, it was walked out and started taking my mom’s wedding. We were pictures of the happy couple. getting ready for the wedding. That day was a happy day for my When we were done getting ready mom and step-father. I was also I went with my mom to the place happy because I finally got to have where she was going to get another dad. rd married. When we got there my Raul Garcia - 3 Grade Ms. Yvonne Gallegos mom’s friends came and my family Mission Ridge Elementary came too. My mom’s friends were School 1st Place helping my mom put on her dress

while the photographers were The Day Everything Went taking pictures of her in the dress. Wrong It was time for the wedding to On one windy April fool’s morning, start. Everyone took their seats my family decided to drop four except me. I walked my mom water bottles on my head while I down the aisle to my step-father. I was asleep. They succeeded. The shook my step-father’s hand and following year I said, “It’s time for gave my mom a kiss. I sat down revenge.” I started on my plan and looked at my mom and she which was to use slime to get back looked like a beautiful angel. I at my family. I collected many knew that there was another angel cans of slime so that I could use it watching over us. My dad was in in my plan. I got a bucket and heaven watching over us and he filled it with the slime and placed it knew we would be a happy family on top of the back door. I again. attached a rope to the bucket so My mom and step-father mixed that it could be pulled. I also put sand together and gave their rope across the door so that a promises to each other. Then they family member could trip and kissed each other. Everyone

370 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up hopefully get the rope that is the viewing for my grandpa; he swinging from the top of the was in a casket. We attended the bucket. I thought I was sooo funeral after. There were people smart. I thought that my plan paying respect and showing love could not fail. I remembered I was for him. going to go to the mall with my However, we tried to enjoy our trip mom so I did. I was having fun at over seas. The best activity was the mall and I completely forgot visiting the beach where I spent about my trap to slime someone. time with my family. The weather We got back from the mall and I was warm, the sand was very soft, went through the back door to get and I could hear birds singing their in. I tripped and as I began falling tunes. I had the greatest time! I reached for the rope to stop my If I ever go back to Guam, I want fall. I was slimed! I was so to visit the swap meet and see disappointed my plan did not work. more of the city. I’ll go to the zoo My parents were laughing at me. to see all the amazing animals like Brianna Zepeda - 3rd Grade tall giraffes and silly monkeys. I Mrs. Silvia Caballero think everyone should have a Escontrias Elementary School 2nd Place chance to visit Guam in their life because it is beautiful. I feel lucky Guam to have this memory of my family This March I went on a long flight trip. to Guam because of an unexpected Cei’ara Cruz - 3rd Grade family emergency. My grandpa Ms. Angie Mendoza Hurshel Antwine Elementary passed away. It was a trip I will School rd never forget. 3 Place When I was little, I can remember he was the nicest person. I felt sadness when I found out. When we arrived to Guam, we went to

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 371 A Wild Night started too, and we both laughed Ok, so I know I shouldn’t brag, but until we cried. Understandably, if it’s sleepover fun you want, I’m Trini was NOT happy! She finally the one to ask! got up, -without our help, and The BFF’s and I were all ready to with a big bump on her head. celebrate Trini’s b-day. Because it Guess it was time to move on to was her birthday, she of course another activity. hosted the sleepover. Don’t go Next, Ileana had the outstanding thinking she got the high jinks idea to go stair sliding. I take going though. She may have credit for it though, because it was planned the event, but I’m the MY idea to use the blankets to slide brains of this operation. Ileana on and put pillows at the bottom and I were there to get all the for protection. To save Trini’s head trouble started. That of course, is from more damage-of course! why I’m the sleepover queen. Ileana went first because she’s the Don’t tell my mom though; cause gymnast, and we figured she was then I’d be in a pickle. used to falling, and would incur the It all started while we were playing least amount of damage. She hide and seek. I was innocently looked just like a tiny ball rolling hiding in the hall closet. I saw the down the stairs. Trini went next, shadow of footsteps coming by, but (not to be mean) she would thought I could get away, and make a perfect example of a rock quickly opened the door. BANG! careening down a long, steep “OWW!” I heard from behind the mountain! I of course, simply door. rolled down…screaming like a “Oops!” I knocked Trini down! banshee the whole way down! “Ileanna! Help! Trini is down and Last, but not least! Trini had the it’s her birthday!” Ileana came best idea of all, but being the over, but instead of helping…she sleepover expert, I’ll take credit for started laughing so hard that I that too! The decision was made

372 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up to play Truth or Dare. As the Andee Ramirez - 4th Grade Mrs. Alyssa Edwards Meza birthday girl, Trini went first. We’re Elfida P. Chavez Elementary brave BFF’s so no surprise, she School 1st Place chose dare. “I dare you to run down the street with your pj’s on.” Having a New Family I announced. She cautiously snuck When I was four years old, I lived out the door, (can’t have parents in a messy home. I had very few walking up?), slowly shuffled to the toys. I had a family that never middle of the road, and before we showed me love. I also never went knew it, started strutting down the to school, so I couldn’t learn middle of the street! We all stared anything. I always tried to figure and giggled until we were out of out things on my own. I never got breath. She came rushing back, the things I wanted like decent and still laughing. We decided we clothes. I never went to special better do something else before places either like restaurants. she got run over, or someone gets Instead, I ate cold food, and I ate hurt. Again. the same thing every day like Hot We had a long night of crazy fun, Cheetos, brownies, and macaroni but I made sure we restrained and cheese. I never played with ourselves, because WE don’t want electronics or watched TV. When I to have one of those sleepovers was little, I would throw enormous where a friend draws on a person’s tantrums. I constantly felt worried face with toy tattoo machine when and sad that I would never have a someone falls asleep! Well, maybe family that cared about me. that’s because no one slept here! Then one day something wonderful In conclusion, again not to boast, happened. A social worker told me but after such a great night, it’s and my sister that we were getting clear to see I am the sleepover adopted. My sister and I rushed to expert. If you want great fun, I’m try and find some nice clothes. the ONE!

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 373 “We’re getting a new family!” we I did was ask the kind lady what cheered. I hoped that our new her name was. “Alma, but you can house would be clean and equipped call me Mom,” she responded. with a TV that we could watch, Then she shouted, “Carlos!” A different kinds of foods to eat, and young guy strolled out of his room. lots of toys to play with. I felt He seemed cool. I asked Carlos if worried and sad to leave this he was going to be my brother. He home, but at the same time, I was smiled and said yes. “Is this family happy. I wondered what type of pleasant?” I questioned Carlos. “Of family we were going to get. Then course! Why?” he replied. we drove to the new house on “Because my other family was Christmas morning. When we got not,” I answered. there, the house was big and My new mom asked us if we were peach in color. Everything looked hungry. My sister and I both clean in the front yard, and it had a shouted, “Yes!” After we ate, we delicious scent of savory food. The went to the living room to see what social worker rang the doorbell. I else they had in store for us. My took a gigantic gulp and patiently new brother Carlos handed me a waited for someone to open the little box. On the box, I saw a door. Creak! The door opened, and piece of paper that read, “Come a lady stood there. “Good outside.” When I went outside, I morning!” the social worker saw a bike with a ribbon. I felt like exclaimed. Then she quickly gave this was a dream. This was the the lady our adoption papers. The happiest day of my life. My new lady at the door had blonde hair, mom cried with joy, and I was as she was wearing nice clothes, and happy as a lark. “I hope I stay here she looked happy. As I entered the forever!” I thought to myself house, I suddenly got the aroma of because I had never had a family something terrific in my nose. It like this before. This was my new, was “chile colorado”. The first thing

374 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up caring family that I never expected tears. My cousins started to cry to have. too. True Hernandez - 4th Grade The weekend passed and my mom Mrs. Martha Rodriguez was still crying. I told her Elfida P. Chavez Elementary School everyone dies some day. She told 2nd Place me, “How would you feel if I die?” I said, “I would feel no pain A Sad Day because everyone has to die no “Ding ding ding ding ding ding!” matter what happens.” My mom went the school bell. My grandma felt better because of the words I was outside waiting for me, my said. brother, and my cousins to go Once we entered the funeral there home. Once we got home I heard was a coffin. As I looked I saw my voices like moaning and screaming, grandpa. I heard a voice that “Why!? Why!? Why!?” Once I sounded like my grandpa, it said in walked in to the living room, I saw Spanish, “No llores por mi, amor. old childhood pictures of my mom Tu estas en mi Corazon y yo estoy and aunts. Most of the pictures en tu Corazon, adios Mammas.” had my grandfather Rodolfo in I cried, but from that day on I’ll them. I asked my grandma why treasure those words he said to there were so many pictures of me. He loves me and I love him grandpa and why were my mom too. It was a very special day and aunts crying and hugging the because I got to see family in pictures. Juarez and I got to see my She took me to a different room grandpa for a last time. I wish to and said trying to speak English, see him in my dreams one day and “Your …grandpa…has died.” I hope he is in heaven and is I froze still, I started to shiver, my watching over me in my dreams. heart felt heavy and I let it all out. I cried so hard there was a pool of

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 375 Haydee Shelton – 4th Grade Harley?!" It was obvious through Ms. Melissa Olivas her whispers that she wanted to Ernesto Serna School 3rd Place scream at him. "Come on babe," my stepdad tried to convince her. Life Changing Fight "Just do your work when he's Around a year ago in October, I asleep." He sounded like a little kid was coming back to my house from begging for candy. I thought my a long day at school. Thankfully, it mom was about to scream at him. was Thursday and the week was Instead she just said, "Get out. Get almost over. I was really tired and out of my house and never come I just wanted sleep. back. It's over." An uncomfortable Unfortunately, that wasn't the silence set over the house. Even case. When I got home, my baby Michael was still and quiet. brother Michael was crying, and I A few seconds later, my stepdad could tell my mom, Yolanda, was sighed, frustrated and said some frustrated. She asked my stepdad, things I probably shouldn't say. He Carlos, to help her with the baby. took out his car keys. Carlos then "Carlos! Come take care of this marched up the stairs angrily. He creature for once!" was about to go shooting in the I didn't want her in a bad mood, so desert. That was his stress I took Michael upstairs to take care reliever. of him. I quickly set Michael on the floor, I After a few minutes of baby grabbed the baby monitor, and ran laughter, I heard my mom and to my stepdad's vault. I set the Carlos whispering at each other. I camera up toward the passcode. heard a bit of anger in their voices. Then I ran out of the closet and got "I have to take care of that baby, under my mom's bed as fast as I clean the house, and somehow could. manage to work. Meanwhile, you're My stepdad came into the room in that garage messing with your and walked to the closet.

376 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Thankfully, he didn't see the baby I reached up to the wheel and monitor hidden behind the laundry entered the code, my hands basket. He entered the code into shaking and sweating. the vault, took out his AR, and I took out one of my stepdad's walked out of the room. I heard his magnums. I looked around for footsteps go down the stairs, ammo. I found one bullet in the across the tile floor, and out of the back of the vault. I loaded it into house, slamming the door violently the 6 bullet wheel, aligned it with behind him. the barrel of the gun, pulled back I got out from under the bed, the action, and put my finger on relieved he was gone, grabbed the the trigger. baby monitor and took Michael I still remember walking down the downstairs to my mom. I then stairs, seeing my stepdad with that went to sleep, the baby monitor in look on his face -- like he was my drawer. being literal when he said, "I WILL That night I heard screaming and SHOOT!" I'm still shaking as I'm yelling. It was hard to understand, trying to write this. My whole body but I was able to understand three felt numb. of Carlos' words, "I WILL SHOOT!" "PUT THE GUN DOWN!!" I The blood drained from my head, I shrieked, "I WILL SHOOT!" Carlos' froze in fear. I knew there was only face looked like mine when he said one thing to do. that to my mom and I heard. Even I reached over to my nightstand, if I did shoot, I would probably opened the drawer, snatched up miss because of how shaky I was. the baby monitor, and flew to my My mom called my big sister, stepdad's vault. Michelle, who was crying because I rewatched the footage from last of the screaming. "Call 911, night--64, 70, 95, 10. Michelle! Fast!" She nodded weakly.

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 377 Carlos put his gun down, ran the skill games when there it was, outside, and jumped into his truck, the twistiest and 3rd fastest ride in driving away as fast as his Ford let the whole park, the Poltergeist. him. My dad and Ashton stared at the When the cops got there, they ride slack-jawed, “This is my kind asked if we were okay. We said of ride,” my dad said. Then, they yes. My mom told them how his both looked at me. I pondered for truck looked, and his license plate, a moment and thought, “If I’m a and that was the last time we ever daddy’s girl, would it be a good saw Carlos. idea for me to go on this INSANE Brandon Arreola - 5th Grade roller coaster with him?” After all, Mr. Sergio Cardenas every ride that took a picture that Myrtle Cooper Elementary School day had SOMEBODY’S BIG HEAD or 1st Place HUGE HANDS covering my face. There wasn’t any proof I got on the Now or Never ride unless the operator One chilly, starry, June night, my remembered. Finally, I made the daring cousin Ashton, scaredy-cats decision to stop being chicken and sister and mom, daredevil dad, and tough’n up. There was no way my I were roaming around the paths of dad or the person in front of me what my “wittle baby shishter” would even think about raising likes to call, “The Big Rides”, even one hand on this roller which, FYI, are the Ferris Wheel coaster. and Daffy’s Bus Stop at Six Flags As my dad and Ashton were Fiesta Texas in San Antonio. I anxiously waiting in line, I saw guess she somehow graduated more and more people blast off like from the Mini Tea Cups and Choo the superhero, Flash, and my Choo Train in the kiddie section. heartbeat was going from fast, to We were turning the corner from faster, and then to EXTREMELY winning a trendy superman cape in fast! We were next in line, there

378 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up was no going back, and at the snap Poltergeist. “Ha! Amateurs!” I of my fingers the Poltergeist roller whispered watching everybody coaster was back in the station. throw up pepperoni pizza from The survivors ran off the ride and, Famiglia and hamburgers from of course, my dad and Ashton Johnny Rockets. Unfortunately, zoomed to their seats. All of a when I looked down, my new $60 sudden, I just froze there without rainbow and gold colored Coach blinking. “Hey! Let’s go! Snap out flip-flops, favorite khaki skirt with of it!” my dad shouted and took me pockets, and sparkly pink halter out my trance. I slowly walked top was covered in VEGGIE pizza towards my seat and sat down. and burgers. I looked up and this “Dad! The seatbelt is too loose! blonde teenage girl smiled Dad! I’m gonna fall off!” I said apologetically and whispered, worriedly, panting in between “Sorry.” I immediately turned lava words. The operator was doing a red, “It’s okay. As long as I see thumbs up clearance and gave us a that my picture is perfect, then, I’ll final salute, “It’s now or never,” I be able to forget about this whole thought. “Daaaaaaaaaaad!” thing.” I stomped After screaming my lungs out for all the way to the operator and about 30 seconds, in the blink of asked, “Umm, excuse me, where an eye the ride was over. “I can I see the picture?” “Picture?” survived! I actually survived!” I he said puzzled, “This ride doesn’t shouted with joy. I rushed off the take pictures.” “What?! cart, running over my dad, and Aaaaaaaaaa!” I screamed so loud kissed the floor. “MUAH! MUAH! that the birds from the trees at the MUAH! I love this ride!” I yelled. top of the cliff flew away. My dad and Ashton ran to the Even though this ride didn’t go as I nearest trashcan like a speeding planned, I was still REALLY proud bullet along with all the other of myself. I mean really, how many people who went on the nine year old GIRLS do you see

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 379 riding a roller coaster that might played the same part, Cossette, make you constantly throw up?!? I and my dad was the evil guardian even saw what looked like teenage of Cossette. boys REFUSE to go on this ride. In order to be in a show you have Either way, going on that INSANE to audition and then rehearse for ride was one of the most six weeks. We practiced every memorable achievements of my night for 3 hours and it took a long life. time to get ready for the actual Caitlyn Pena – 5th Grade show. During rehearsal, we had to Ms. Laura Vasquez learn songs and lines and practice Loma Verde Elementary School 2nd Place where to stand, which is called stage directions. After going My Life as an Actor through regular rehearsal, you One of my favorite things to do is have a dress rehearsal, which is act. I have been in two shows at when you get to dress up in your the UTEP Dinner Theatre – The costume so you get the feel of Sound of Music and Les Miserables. what you wear in the actual show. It was exciting that I was able to My costume for Les Miserables was perform with my best friend and a dress similar to old rags being my dad both times. In The Sound stitched together because my of Music I played Gretel, the character was poor. She was youngest family member of the basically the maid for her evil Von Trapp family. My dad was the guardian family. They did not treat father of the children in the show, her nice. In The Sound of Music, I which is weird because he is my had lots of different costumes real father. I also met my best because my character was rich. friend, Harmony, who played the I like acting because you get to same part as me. In Les explore the different feelings of the Miserables, the same thing characters you get to play. To be happened again. My best friend Cossette, I had to be very quiet

380 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up and sad. Even though she doesn’t Spilt Chocolate Milk want to, she has to do whatever It was the summer of 2006. I was she is told. That is hard to do. To almost four years old, and my little be Gretel, I had to be quiet and brother was one. My mother, sad, too, but in a different way. stepfather, little brother and I were She was sad because her mom had going to take a trip to Alabama. died and they weren’t allowed to We said our goodbyes to family in sing or have music because it was El Paso and we were on our way. too painful for their father. I found We were also going to stop in San it interesting that both my Antonio to eat breakfast with my characters were the same and cousin and his family. different at the same time. We had been traveling for a while. When I grow up I want to be an It was time to fuel up and get actor because the feeling of something to drink. We stopped at performing on the stage makes me a “Flying J” truck stop, and I got feel important. Tons of people chocolate milk! Nighttime was came to watch the shows I was in upon us. “Splish splash, splish and they loved seeing the show. splash”, we were going through They even wanted my autograph water puddles. I was laying down afterwards. I want to be in more in the third row of our Expedition, shows and explore all different watching SpongeBob and drinking characters. I might even want to my chocolate milk. The next thing make a play of my own. I just I hear is, “Errrrrr, ahhhhhh!” I know that I want to be an actor. hear the tires screeching and my th Phoebe Lopez - 5 Grade mom screaming, then “BOOM!” Mrs. Erika Carrasco Lujan-Chavez Elementary Everything went black. School I woke up to sounds of glass 3rd Place breaking from the back window. I’m lifted up by my stepfather and laid down in the front seat. I look

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 381 at myself and see blood and stitched up my arm. The everywhere. I have a big opening doctor said I had internal bleeding on my arm and some on my head. in my head and I needed to stay in I looked up at the ceiling of the the hospital. All of my family truck, and I see my chocolate milk traveled to San Antonio to see me. everywhere. My mom told me we When the doctor finally released hit rock walls and rolled several me, I rode home back to El Paso times. with my dad. Then a few weeks I see bright headlight, it’s a Texas later, the doctors in El Paso took State Trooper. He helps as much my stitches out. as possible and calls for assistance. Finally I was back in one piece. The A few minutes later, I see red, Expedition was not so lucky; it was white and blue flashing lights; it’s totaled. I was traumatized for a the paramedics. I’m put on a while because of the accident. I yellow gurney and strapped down. used to cry for my mom, but not I can’t move, and I’m crying for my anymore. We never did make it to mom while being lifted into the Alabama. I also never got to eat ambulance. I feel the ambulance breakfast with my cousins. There is going very fast. My mom is next one thing that stayed the same; I to me. still love chocolate milk. We arrived at the small hospital in Angel Sanchez - 6th Grade Mrs. Isabel Serrano the middle of nowhere. I overhear Salvador Sanchez Middle my mom and the doctor talking. He School 1st Place wants me to be taken on a medical helicopter to a bigger hospital. Good thing the helicopter didn’t have any fuel. Instead, they rushed me in an ambulance to a hospital in San Antonio. When I got there, they put me in a room

382 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up September 19, 2001 into a parked car and died You know that picturesque rich instantly. My good ol’ dad’s head suburban family in the white picket splattered like a bug hitting a fence home with a rich dad and windshield and I lost him forever. mom who is a housewife. That To make matters worse for me, if home where you come home to a that’s even possible, and to home cooked meal waiting for you continue distancing myself from after a hard day of school and my suburban dream; my dad’s waiting for dad to come join a best friend whom I consider my family dinner of laughing and uncle was devastated. Now he just talking? Well, unfortunately it is recently passed away, but get this, just a wishful dream for me my life just gets better and better; because I am not one of those it turns out he didn’t commit lucky kids who has this. suicide, his case is now being ruled I do not have a dad nor my best a homicide and is now under uncle or even my loving grandma. investigation. It really is a shame I lost my dad eight years ago to a because he was a loveable man. I scarring accident. It was cannot imagine anyone wanting to September 19, 2001 and my dad murder this loving, good man; my went out with one of his amigos, other, my last father figure. and unlike my serene suburban It is now time to finish my “white dream he never came back that picket fence” story. The woman night. It turns out that my father that raised me, fed me, clothed had a little too much fun and me, and mothered me, my decided to get drunk and run from grandma or I called her my AMA, three police officers. also recently passed away. The officers caught on their three Thankfully, she died of natural dash cams my father running a red causes, but she was the last thing light at 109 mph on his Harley that came closest to my serene, Davidson and he smacked right picturesque suburban dream. I do

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 383 know she, my dad and my uncle a cheetah, I zoomed to the house are always in my heart, and that is phone and called up all my friends. why I wear a necklace every day They all agreed, and the fun that symbolizes what everybody began! needs, “Forgiveness.” I forgive not After I spent long, grueling, tedious having my suburban dream right hours preparing for the sleepover, now, but in due time I will have the doorbell rang. It was all my and live in that home with the friends! I sprinted to the door in white picket fence and have a nice excitement as I opened the door; warm dinner waiting for me with soon after I opened the door, the much laughter. party kicked up to a great start! Alec Muela – 6th Grade But while we were all painting each Mrs. Rebecca Kraft-Johnson other’s nails and watching a movie, John Drugan School 2nd Place my friend was giggling. “What’s so funny?” I inquired. With that, she The Text quickly grabbed my other friend’s What I am going to tell you will phone and sent an inappropriate make you so indignant, you might text message to a random guy on as well be falling off the edge of her contacts. My eyebrows shot up your seat, and go into a series of like a rocket. “WHAT ARE YOU banging your head involuntarily DOING?!?” I screamed in a against the wall. What is this dumbfounded way. My friend’s question, you ask, that I am reaction was a hysterical laugh. getting so worked up over? It all While my other friend, on the other started with a few simple texts. hand, looked like a volcano ready One mediocre day I decided to to blow. “You give me my phone have a sleepover. I would call it back!” She screeched. My friend’s “the best sleepover ever!” As soon reaction became a laugh as hard as as my parents agreed, I popped up metal. She sent a few more, but like toasted bread, and as if I was she finally caved in and stopped

384 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up sending the messages when my Last Free Hug other friend threatened menacingly Even though the police sirens to tell her mom. flickered and boomed, I hardly The next day at school, we were all noticed them. My mother grasped called to the principal’s office. my arms and shoulders as she Guess why we were there? tried with great force to hold me Because of the texts! It turned out back. However, her efforts didn’t that the random guy my friend work, for I had broken loose. I ran texted has a mom that always towards my father with salty drops checks his texts, which led to his down my cheeks as I demanded mom telling the principal on my loudly, “No! No!” It was too late, friend. You can tell how the conflict for the uniformed men walked my turned out; we all got in trouble. I father towards a police car. I was in the worst trouble at home. quickly sprinted to hug him before Ever since that terrible but the police yanked me off. I unfortunate event, my grades pouted, screamed, and frantically dropped significantly, my teachers waved my arms and legs in the air. stopped trusting me, and worst of At the time, I didn’t know that was all, my parents thought I was the last hug I gave him as a free incapable to tell them important man. news. I’m pretty sure you don’t The car drove off quickly as if it want this to happen to you, so my were racing another vehicle to the advice? Choose your friends wisely. best parking spot in the mall. My Rachel Kehinde Simi Sodipe – mother tried comforting me, but all 6th Grade Ms. Veronica Saenz the sympathy and comfort was SPC Rafael Hernando III Middle rejected. My heart felt cold and School 3rd Place bitter. I can’t believe this is the same man that sang me to sleep last night and kissed my forehead. Why did S.W.A.T team take him

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 385 and my family away. “Maybe a “Ring! Di-la-ring!” My mother snitch told on them for lighting answered her phone to hear the fireworks on Fourth of July!” I news. For it made me feel dried up tried to assure myself. inside. To top it off, every headline My mother and I went home from in the newspaper and T.V. was the Village Inn. As we arrived, about this drug-cartel bust! This several policemen are taking away story was a prized jewel to every our car. Slowly, many of our journalist and reporter. I found belongings had to be sold to myself terrified to turn on the inhabit somebody else’s home. It television and see people had been a week until I found out portraying my father as a demon. what my father was charged with. School would start and I had a Money laundering, conspiracy to path to choose. I could make up distribute and sell marijuana were excuses and lack intelligence. the charges. After my knowledge However, that is not my of this, I slept with no dreams and personality. I chose academics, open eyes of the fear of being maturity, and sophistication. I tortured by the Sinaloa Cartel. promised myself to be the beautiful My home was now government rose that grew in the wild. Nobody property and my grandparents’ would ever judge me without fully house was where I had to live. My knowing who I am, and not my lifestyle there was not bad, but I father. That dreadful day it may longed to wake in my old bed and have been my father’s last “free” go to private school. I also missed hug, but that same day, I became going to Village Inn and eating all independent and my own person. the pie I could for free. My brother Sarah Eckenroth - 7th Grade Mrs. Melissa Buenrostro and I were not communicating for Montwood Middle School over a month since that dreadful 1st Place day. I sincerely missed his annoying company.

386 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up Advantage what happened earlier that I woke up to a white flash of light Saturday and the fact that he coming through my bedroom pulled my younger cousin and I out window. I could smell the fresh of our dance class so urgently, aroma of wet pavement in the air. saying there was a family The clap of thunder and tapping of emergency at the hospital. rain drops wouldn’t allow me to When he pulled us out, he continue my sleep. The gloomy mentioned that it was his wife’s weather of that day made the sister who I knew, but had no situation seem as if the entire blood relation to. I unlocked my world was crying. cell phone and read the message. As I lay there, I knew that it would As soon as I read it, I couldn’t not be long until the noises would believe it. I read the message over calm. So to pass the time I decided and over, hoping, praying, that I to browse through my cell phone. hadn’t read what I thought I had. After 10 minutes or so, I put down The tapping rain grew louder and my cell phone and lay softly on my another clap of thunder was heard, side. The cool breeze of my ceiling as some of my own rain clouds fan blowing back some wavy began to form in my eyes. My strands of my hair. My eyelids aunt’s sister was pregnant and had grew heavier and sleep was just lost her baby. I didn’t cry as I beginning to consume me; the had expected, a wave of sadness rhythm of the tapping rain hit my heart, consuming me sounding like a lullaby. As my entirely. th eyes shut slowly, I heard a Leah Pinon - 7 Grade Mrs. Amy Bermudez vibration coming from my cell SSG. Manuel R. Puentes Middle phone. I turned to view the School 2nd Place notification and saw that it was a text message from my uncle. I assumed that it had to do with

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 387 Say Zzzzziiiippp! “Don’t look down, don’t look “I call going first!” I yelled at down,” I kept telling myself. Mason, my younger brother. We Suddenly, I found my feet and were in a rainforest right in the what was NOT underneath them. middle of Costa Rica. Putting on The inevitable happened, I looked some zip lining gear, my family down. Instantly, my brain went on and a few other tourists were alert mode and tried to find a safer about to have some fun. Even place. To be high above ground though I was sure the cable hated was not one of my most favorite me and would break when I got on things to do, but to be high above it, I was confident to go first. I had and dangling thousands of feet to be brave. My brother just could above ground at the same time? not know that I was even a little bit Now that was a different story! alarmed. Finally, after what felt like hours, “No way, I get to go first,” Mason we were at the top. Once again, replied. He looked absolutely Mason tried to push past me. ridiculous in tons of gear. Knowing Almost allowing him to, I I did too, I decided not to argue remembered that I was supposed with him, for I knew from past to be for him. So I pushed him experiences that it would go on for back as I created my own invisible, decades. protective, bubble around me The sibling rivalry continued as we again. climbed up a billion and one stairs. “Dad, can I go first?” Mason asked My brother continuously tried to in a last, unsuccessful attempt to push me out of the way. I was the go before me. “No, let Sam go first person behind the instructor, first,” he responded “she asked but I could tell Mason’s intention before you.” The instructor put me was to follow right behind our on the cable, asked if I felt secure, lead’s footsteps. Ignoring him, I and without really waiting for an focused on not looking down. answer, let go. Zzzziiipppp, the

388 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up hook attached to the cable seemed we wait long enough we will to be mocking me as it slid down eventually find some rabbits. the line. Almost instantaneously, a A few hours later, around noon, we smile appeared on my worried finally saw a big white rabbit and I face. Looking down, I expected to shouldered my rifle. I put the see the ground rushing towards crosshairs on its center mass and me. It wasn’t. Half-way through squeezed off a shot. I was high and the maze of dangling lines, I to the right. My first rabbit and I decided that it was much more fun missed. The white little rabbit than what I thought. What was it darted for the underbrush. I that I had been afraid of? Mason continued the same cursed routine will never know! “I will always face and missed the next four rabbits my fears,” I told myself “and beat that passed by. I was so Mason while I’m at it.” disappointed in myself that I Samantha Raatz – 7th Grade wanted to cry, but I held it in so Mrs. Maria Silvia Carrasco my dad wouldn’t see. My dad SPC Rafael Hernando III Middle School luckily got a few rabbits and we got 3rd Place to eat for that day. On our way back to camp, I told my dad I had The Perfect Shot to use the restroom so he let me It was early morning. It was so run off into the woods. Then, I cold that my fingers were almost finally let my tears out. I felt like a turning blue. The morning dew was dam giving way to millions of still setting in when my dad helped metric tons of water. I was so mad me up onto the tree branch. We at myself for missing all the shots. both had our hunting rifles in our I could taste bitter failure in my hands scanning the area for mouth. I wiped up my tears and rabbits, our meal for that day. We caught up with my dad and we were on my dad’s friends land and headed for camp. My dad decided I remember him telling us that if to crack a dumb joke and said,

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 389 “Did you forget to flush again?” murdered in cold blood by the very and that cheered me up a little bit veteran that he was trying to help. so I replied, “Well I had to get my Kyle’s death to me was bitter- obliviousness from someone….” sweet. Yes, he did pass away but I When we got back home to Texas, did learn something from it: Being I made a beeline for the TV. I perfect is impossible and nobody is wanted to watch the Chris Kyle perfect. That same day, I stopped interview on TBS with Conan. I beating myself up for missing all looked up to Mr. Kyle a lot and the shots and not getting a single thought he was invincible and rabbit. Instead, I started perfect. Listening to him talk about practicing. I adopted breathing all the shots he has ever had to techniques that U.S. Snipers used make made me feel a little bad and I started to further familiarize about missing all my shots and not myself with my rifle. hitting a single rabbit but I blocked During spring break in March 2013, that out the way I usually block out my dad and I returned to the my emotions. His comrades rabbit hunting ground. I saw a nicknamed him “The Legend,” and rabbit and focused on my talked about how they felt breathing as I mounted the rifle. I invulnerable when Kyle was put my crosshairs directly where watching over them. Kyle also the rabbit’s heart was supposed to talked about how it was extremely be and slowly squeezed off a shot. difficult and nearly impossible to I am proud to say that was my first become a NAVY SEAL Sniper, but I successful hunt. was determined to be like him one Xidney Salvosa - 8th Grade Mrs. Veronica Hernandez day, and protect this beautiful Montwood Middle School country. 1st Place Then, one fateful day it happened. Chris Kyle was shot and killed. In war? No. He and his friend were

390 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up The Storm the doctor last week? Well, the I looked at my baby brother and I doctor said that Diego has a high could feel the tears running down level of white blood cells in his my face. I looked up. Why him? body,” She stopped and cleared He’s only four; he doesn’t even her throat. My heart was understand how sick he really is. pounding. “What does that Wait a minute; I’m getting ahead mean?” I said. “They think it of myself. Let me go back in time, might be cancer.” My mom started a time when my family went sobbing again. I started shaking through a living nightmare, a very my head “No”, in denial; my baby scary storm. brother was fine I thought. He has The day started like any other day; to be, he’s my baby brother. to school and back and then to The next morning we ate breakfast take my six year old brother to quietly. We got in the car and soccer practice. I had no idea it drove to the cancer research would turn into the worst day of hospital. It was a drive that my life. When we returned home seemed to take forever, but in from my brother’s practice, walking actuality, it was only forty-five into my house I realized the minutes. Before we could get usually lively home was eerily inside, my mom turned back silent. I walked into the living toward the car. I went back for room to find my mom sitting on her and found her crying. I the couch crying and my dad hugged her, gave her a brave pacing back and forth. “Mom smile and we both went in. what’s wrong? What’s going on, A lady from the hospital directed us Dad?” I remember each word my to a room with blue chairs and a mom told me, each one breaking table that was filled with toys. My my heart a little more. “Sit down brothers automatically rushed to Mija, we need to talk to you. the table and grabbed everything Remember when we took Diego to they could. After a few minutes,

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 391 they took my baby brother to do tests were taken, showing a high more tests. After all the tests were white blood cell count. He was sick finished, all that was left was with a normal illness like the flu, waiting for results. Believe it or not cancer.” not, waiting was the hardest thing We could finally breathe. From ever. One month passed then two, that day forward, every moment I then three. It wasn’t until the share with my baby brother, I feel eighth month that we got a call grateful he’s here. He will never back. know what we went through as a When we arrived back at the family, when we thought we were hospital, we were sent into the going to lose him. I’m so glad the same waiting room. This time it storm finally cleared. felt different. This time I knew I Jocelyn Carrera - 8th Grade Ms. Shelly Barr could lose him. We sat waiting, Salvador Sanchez Middle when a little girl entered the room. School 2nd Place She had an IV and had lost all of her hair. Despite everything she Dream Catching was going through she gave us a The screaming girls, the hormones, smile. Somehow that let me know the grumpy parents! This was a everything was going to be alright. definite sign that Friday September By eleven o’clock we got called in. 19, 2014 was the glorious day that We went into a room filled with One Direction and 5 Seconds of drawings from patients and summer were in the city of El Paso, pictures of survivors. We sat on Texas. I woke up that day ready to the couch as the doctor clicked on attack anything that got in the way his computer, and then finally of me and my babes. spoke. “Hello Diego. Well, I’m I went to school for about half the happy to tell you it was a fluke.” day. After, my mom picked me up He turned to us and said, “Diego from school to get changed quickly. must have been sick when the first

392 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up I put on some black skinny jeans (courtesy of my love Asheton and the 1D shirt I had bought four Irwin), then the guitars came in days before. That shirt was a and the song 18 came to life. I had symbol to me; that was the shirt I a fan girl attack on the spot. I was going to wear to my first jumped as high as I could and concert! Might I add, from the first screamed “This is the best thing time I got the shirt to the time I ever!” The line was moving and I changed into it, I had let NOTHING could feel the anticipation. When touch it, not any other shirts, not we finally got in, we sat in our my sister, and not my parents. seats and waited for what seemed Finally, we were ready. This is it. like forever. The crowd roared and When I return to this house I will out of nowhere the stage lit up like be a changed woman. We walked a Christmas tree. A boy emerged to the place where all my dreams from the depths of the stage; it would come true: The UTEP Sun was the drummer of the band, Bowl! Asheton Irwin, then the rest of the We started following some people band, Calum, Michael, and Luke who looked like they worked there, came out. I yelled so loud that and we were so lucky that they birds flew away. did. They took us to one of the The emotions where high and the shortest lines. We were so ecstatic feelings were out! All week it had that there were only 20 people in been raining, but the only water front of us. We sat there with our that fell that day were the tears of mom talking about what the fan girls everywhere. As soon as concert would be like, and the lead singer of the band, Luke, suddenly our Lord Jesus wanted to got ready to sing, I knew there was bless us with a glorious gift from no turning back. This was it. My the angels of music. 5 Seconds of first concert was amazing; I will Summer was doing a sound check! always remember myself crying I heard the first bang of the drum like a newborn baby, fresh out of

Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 393 the womb. The day I finally saw my babes in real life, was a dream come true. Isabel Garcia - 8th Grade Ms. Shelly Barr Salvador Sanchez Middle School 3rd Place

394 Socorro Independent School District 2014-15 Literary Anthology - Writing Round-Up 2014-2015 SISD Literary Anthology SADDLE UP Socorro ISD Board of Trustees Paul Guerra - President Angelica Rodriguez - Vice President Antonio ‘Tony’ Ayub - Secretary Gary Gandara - Trustee Hector F. Gonzalez - Trustee Michael A. Najera - Trustee Cynthia A. Najera - Trustee Superintendent of Schools José Espinoza, Ed.D.

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