BUSINESS NAME

V OLUME 1, I SSUE 1 Morpheus F ALL 2014

Much Ado About Nothing: A Modern Take Susan McConnell, This play focuses on Hannah Talbee, and two main relationships, Men: Michelle Motil proudly and the one we've cho- present… sen to focus on is that Setting: Williard of Beatrice and Ben- Suite Much Ado About edick, the bickering Something duo who are so self- Women: A Modern Playwrite aware, they deem Setting: France themselves above con- Hall bathroom Introduction: vention-- and each oth- er. Don Pedro= We here at Morpheus So, here are two Pedro have decided to bring separate, yet very simi- Hero= Hero Shakespeare to cam- lar scenes involving Leonato= Leo pus! Beatrice, Benedick, Margaret= Margie MORPHEUS CON- What you are about and their friends. In Claudio= Clay Ursu- TEST WINNERS to read are two scenes these scenes, the re- la= Sula  Essay Category from one of Shake- spective friends of the Benedick= Ben Be- "Analysis of Sexist Mar- speare's comedies couple are ensuring atrice= Beatrice keting in Photos" and "The Much Ado About Noth- that they become just Chrysanthemums." By ing. that: a couple. (Story cont. pg. 3) Susan McConnell and Alexis McClinans respec- tively. Pages 9 and 11

Poetry Category Hannukah Cheer 1st place: Rachel Peters, "Fade" Page 12 2nd place: Alexandria Wick, "Always Will Love Light the first of eight lord, You" Page 6 tonight— every dusk one candle 3rd place: Susan McConnell, "Gay Equality, the farthest candle to the more Everywhere!" Page 6 right. And an eight-day feast proclaimed— Fiction Category

Light the first and sec- Till all eight burn bright The Festival of Lights— 1. "Travis" by Alexandria ond, too, and high, honoring a day well named Wick Page 4 2. "Enim Inperitum" by when tomorrow's day is gone by To celebrate the joyous Josh Hilgenberg Page 14 through. day 3. "Moon" When the Temple was when we regained the by Rachel Peters Page 7 Then light three, and restored, right to pray then light four— rescued from the Syrian to our one God in our P AGE 2 V OLUME 1, I SSUE 1

First Place Winner in Poetry for “Fade” page 12

Rachel Peters is a first-year Hei- browsing through the Internet to delberg commuter from Clyde, find new and unique music to but thanks to dual credit oppor- suit her peculiar tastes. She has tunities in high school, she en- also had some recent experience tered college as a sophomore. with politics: Starting last sum- Due to her love for writing and mer, she spent about four literature, she is double-majoring months leading up to this year’s in English Writing and Adoles- election working as an unpaid cent/Young Adult Education intern for Bill Young’s (the with a concentration in language democratic candidate for state arts. She is always working on representative) campaign. self-impelled writing projects and is in the process of reading a Caption describing picture or book. However, when she isn’t graphic. reading or writing, she spends her spare time singing and

Second Place Winner in Poetry for “Always Will Love You” page 6

Alexandria Wick has always When she was in middle school “Falling Up” she fell in love loved writing. She grew up in and she read Shel Silverstein’s with poetry; and she has been Findlay, but she writing ever since. moved to Tiffin three years ago. She has never really been a sporty person, but she is in- “To catch the reader's volved in softball. Alexandria attention, place an interesting loves painting, writing, and ani- mals. Ever since she was little sentence or quote from the my mother told her she had story here.” quite the imagination, and she has not lost it as she grew up.

Third Place Winner in Poetry for “Gay Equality, Everywhere!” page 6

Susan McConnell is a second co-third place winner of the Essay semester junior and is the Edi- portion for her Sexism in Market- tor in Chief of the Morpheus. ing essay. She plans to be a writer She has been writing since she as her profession, possibly in the was 12 and it has been her pas- technical writing field or in edit- sion since. She is an English- ing. But in later life might go to Writing major. She has a blog graduate school to study Library called, susanmcmovies, at Science. Wordpress. She won third place in the Poetry portion for her sensual and syllabic poem about Gay Equality. She is a Caption describing picture or graphic. M ORPHEUS P AGE 3

Much Ado About Nothing Cont.

PEDRO: Do you guys want to CLAY: Yeah, that what your PEDRO: … Yeah, he’s pretty grab some food or not? sister said. *winks* But she good-looking- for a dude. CLAY: Sounds good to me… won’t tell him. They have this CLAY: And he’s smart...ish. Leo? weird cynical flirting thing… PEDRO: Yeah… he’s not too LEO: Yeah man, let’s get some LEO: My sister says she hasn’t stupid. grub. been sleeping. She’s a bit wor- CLAY: He’s also brave. He (Ben looks up from his iPod as ried about B. switched his Major to Philosophy the door closes.) CLAY: Speaking of a letter… with a Theatre Minor. BEN: Finally, some time for my- that reminds me of something. PEDRO: Yeah. And he doesn’t self. Grrr… And that moron left LEO: My sister said B did write get pissed off TOO easy. But his laptop open. I’m not fixing the a letter. She got to read it, and when he does get pissed... Still, blown battery again. Ugh. saw everything. Lol he generally tries to avoid con- (Ben sits down at Pedro’s desk, CLAY: Yeah. flicts. looks at the screen, and places his LEO: She ripped it up because LEO: For the most part he’s hand over the mouse pad). she knows if he wrote her some okay. But when he’s not… he’s BEN: Uhhhh… Dafuq? sappy BS she’d laugh at him. :P something... (Ben is silent as he reads the CLAY: Then she cries. Too PEDRO: Definitely. Especially if page). much I might add. Heard she you listen to him. But... Should PEDRO: Hey Clay, Leo told me has a stock of ice cream in the we spill the beans to Ben or not? about Beatrice having a crush on freezer. lol CLAY: Nah don’t tell him—let B Ben. LEO: Yes. My sister is getting work it out. CLAY: I never really thought she worried about her… :/ LEO: But she’ll just get her heart would like anybody. PEDRO: Someone needs to tell broken.. LEO: I can’t believe it either bro. a somebody… Like, idk, Ben? PEDRO: Well, I’m sure Hero will But… him? I mean, I thought she CLAY: Why????? He’d make keep us updated. Even though he hated his guts? fun of her… doesn’t deserve her. (Ben, who is still reading, speaks PEDRO: That would be a real LEO: Dude, let’s go. They have to himself out loud.) douche move, you know... if he potato soup. NOM. BEN: Huh? made fun of her. She’s not bad. I (Ben finishes reading, and is now PEDRO: I don’t know. Maybe like her. leaning back in the computer she’s lying. CLAY: She’s super smart. chair with a confused look). CLAY: It’s possible… PEDRO: She’s smart… except BEN: I think they’re serious. I LEO: True, but she’s not a Thea- for the falling in love with Ben mean, they would make that a tre major. She can’t act worth a part. That was stupid. joke, but they brought Hero into damn. :P LEO: Since shes a Rhos Bud, I it, and she wouldn’t joke about PEDRO: How do you know? feel obligated to feel sorry for her best friend like that. They LEO: Dude, just ask my sister... her. seem to feel bad for her… based CLAY: Good idea, she would PEDRO: Damn, if she liked on the way they talked about me. know. me… ;) I mean, I didn’t think I was that PEDRO: Okay, but back to Be- CLAY: Hero says B is simply bad, but I guess not… I never atrice- I thought she would be miserable. It’s a Catch 22 or really thought much beyond single forever! something. Idk hooking up, but I guess it could LEO: I know. I still can’t believe PEDRO: Look, I’m just saying work. They said she’s pretty, and she likes Ben. Of all people… O.o Ben can be a douche. that’s pretty damn true. And PEDRO: Has she told him? CLAY: Well, at least he’s good smart- except for liking me evi- LEO: Naw. She hasn’t told him. looking for a douche. I mean… dently. And virtuous… well, I Probably never will. I’m not, ya know... think she’s the only girl I know P AGE 4 V OLUME 1, I SSUE 1

mom so much. Travis lifted his hand threatening, and I blurted it out. “Mom, I hate you and wish Alexandria Wick you were dead.” She looked at me in disappoint- Travis ment, I hate telling her bad things that Travis says. Not a lot of high schoolers have an imaginary I love Travis so much, and ultimately the good friend. Most kids get rid of them when they are outweighs the bad; and I know I can’t afford to eight or nine. My parents started to worry about disobey. We arrived at the doctor’s office, and me at the age of ten, they told me “Alice you have went into the room. My dad was already there; I to get rid of this ‘friend’. Thats the only downside guess he drove separate; he probably had a lot of of having a psychologist mother, and a dad who is operations today. Travis was doing jumping jacks a doctor; they are always reasonable and stern. on the doctor’s desk and I accidentally let out a That is the day I stopped talking about Travis. I little giggle. The doctor came in and started talk- still spoke to him, but in my mind; I still saw him, ing to my parents, except I don’t know what he but I never said a word. My adventures with said because Travis was doing puppet shadows by Travis have been endless, but my real world the window. friends have not. The last friend I had, told me I First, he made a bunny, then an eagle, and a deer was a bully, and put it on the bathroom wall. I am also. I looked over and my mom was crying, her not what you call a people person, neither is face was all puffy and gross looking. She was Travis. shaking her head furiously and mumbling. Travis Mom called me to get ready for school. I closed stopped playing and looked at me confused. my eyes tighter and got up. I walked over to the “Alice what is schizophrenia?” corner in my room where Travis sleeps. I punched I told Travis that it was something only crazy peo- ple have. The doctor looked at me funny and his arm lightly and woke him up. He then bit my arm in reply, he doesn’t like it when I wake him asked, “ Alice, what are you looking at?.” up. My bedroom was a mess, as usual. Travis got I shook off his comment and turned back to into my secret stash of cookies last night, I could Travis. Why do you ask that question Travis, why? tell by the crumbs on his mouth. He wouldn’t look at me and just shrugged his Why does he always have to get into my stuff? shoulders. Walking down the stairs I smelled toast and in- “No reason, come on let’s play thumb wars.” stantly my stomach grumbled. Eating quickly For just a millisecond I got a funny feeling in my mom told me we had to hurry because she had a stomach, but that’s all I needed. “Mommy, why patient waiting for her. I grabbed my bag and are you crying?” I said as I walked over to her. walked out the door. Travis and I played two She stared at me and turned to the doctor saying, truths and a lie in the backseat of moms car. I “How soon can we start the medicine?” could barely contain my laughter, he was being Mom said the pills would make whatever I was extra silly today. When the car arrived at school I seeing go away. I guess she forgot all about my walked down the hall and to my locker. Travis childhood friend. She handed me the small white likes to stay outside when I am in school, he says capsule and stood there. “Aren’t you going to the fresh air does him good. I looked out the win- leave?” I eyed the medicine suspiciously. Mother dow and there Travis was! He was pretending gave me a stern look and I took that as a no. So, there were steps outside by acting like he was go- Travis disappeared; and my life was boring. I had ing down them (I know he was just crouching no friends, and class was no longer entertaining. I down though). hoped mom would let me skip the small pill or The principal called my name over the intercom. I horror; but every night she stood there until I swal- almost forgot that I had an appointment today. My lowed. mom was in the office waiting on me so we could 3 years later, Alice is 18. walk to the car together. “Tell her that you hate Travis and I walked along the winding path in the her and you wish she were dead.” Travis whis- park. I am so glad I got out of the house, no more pered in my ear.No, I can’t do that it would hurt meds, no more rules. I am on my own, free at last. M ORPHEUS P AGE 5

(Hallway of France Hall. Margaret, Sula, and Hero ing they are. open the bathroom door. The girls make their way to the sink. Hero stops, taps Margie on the shoulder, SULA: Yeah, yeah. She does that a lot. and gesticulates towards one of the shower stalls. Hero then pulls Margie out of the bathroom and into HERO: But really though. I want to tell her, but I the hall). can't, because she won't believe me. Honestly, she'll just make fun of me.

SULA: But you should tell her and see what she HERO: Margie, now’s our chance. Beatrice was in does. that shower—I recognize her shower stuff-- but she doesn’t know that we know it’s her. We should do HERO: No, I don't think so. Instead, I'm just going something. You know, and I know, that Ben and her to try really hard to convince Ben that she's not the were meant to be… so let’s make her think he likes right girl for him. There are more fish in the sea, you her. know?

SULA: Don't say that! I'm sure she's smart enough MARGARET: Yeah, I see her stuff. to think this through.

HERO: Let's not talk about anything except how HERO: He's a handsome guy. And my Clay likes Ben is totally in love with Beatrice. him!

SULA: She's gonna fall right into it. SULA: Don't get me wrong, but Ben is smarter and cuter than Clay. HERO: We have to make it so good she can't possi- bly not listen and think about it. HERO: Yeah, if you say so.

SULA (loudly): Are you sure that Ben likes Be- SULA: So you agree! Hey, when are you getting atrice? married, again?

HERO: My fiancee says he is! HERO: After graduation! You're going to help me get ready, right? SULA: Are you supposed to be talking about it? (aside) SULA: She definitely heard all of that! HERO: Bah! I mean, it’s for his own good! HERO: I bet it works! SULA: Why? Do you not think Ben deserves Be- atrice? (The girls leave the bathroom. Beatrice steps out of the shower in a towel). HERO: It's so hard to get to her heart; she's so… protective. I think she's scared to love. BEATRICE (muttering): Oh my god... Ben likes me? He really, really, likes me? No way, it can’t SULA: True. So, why would you tell her when she'll be... I never noticed. I notice everything. And I don’t just make fun of him? make fun of him all the time! Okay… maybe... Well… I guess I can work on that… I mean, maybe HERO: That’s true, which is a shame... Ben is a gor- if I’m a little less “protective”... I mean, my friends geous, perfect, funny guy. Still... Beatrice isn't the kept it from me because I evidently make fun of kind of girl to give any guy a chance. She seems to people… I’ll just… I’ll tell him! I’ll tell him I like enjoy making fun of them and ignoring how amaz- him! P AGE 6 V OLUME 1, I SSUE 1

Always Will Love You Alexandria Wick Gay Equality, Everywhere!

She screamed out in agony, Susan McConnell Why, oh why have You not seen me. You are no where to be found. I know, because I looked around Take Your forgiveness and preaching ways Gay Equality smells like Pheromones and leave me. What smell would you expect at a wed- …. ding? Oh child; oh child, why can’t you see! Pheromones attract you to who you love I am everywhere and everything from sea to Does it matter if it’s two guys or girls? sea. It takes like cake that has two bride toppers The stranger on the path helping you walk. Which tastes just like a “normal” cake, I’m Always the extra ear in case you want to talk. sure I am the sun with all of the bright rays What were you expecting, something pu- and the breeze blowing your way. trid? I am here, I am there, I am with you every- day. You should eat it no matter who’s on top I do not know why you turn your back. It looks like gays kissing without judgment I’ve always tried to pick up the slack. Two straight people kissing are never Don’t forget I will still be here if you want to mocked come back You should smile when you see either kiss- Waiting,watching,and hoping ing That you, child You can even be jealous, we don’t’ judge will find your way home, It feels like a finger with a ring on and call my name once again. If you like it you should put one on it So, hear this daughter Why do you want to stop the happiness? and remember. We would not stop yours, why would we do that? “I pronounce you husbands, you two may kiss” “I pronounce you wife and wife you may kiss” “I pronounce you husband and wife, kiss her!” M ORPHEUS P AGE 7

“Toro,” she called over to me. “Would you Moon mind helping me light all the candles and incense? Rachael Peters My brothers seem more intent on eating everything in sight and wrestling like children than to prepare The Moon is what keeps the Night Side of Earth for our prayer. We have about four minutes to mid- alive. Ever since time seemed to stop, leaving the night and sometimes the lighter doesn’t work Earth and Moon motionless beside a shrunken, yet properly.” all-powerful sun, we have lived in a divided world. “Sure,” I told her, and followed her to her We do not have detectible years because Earth does front porch. All the incense sat on the ledge, and it not travel around the sun as it used to. We do not consisted of reed sticks propped up on little plate- have detectible days because Earth’s rotation has like surfaces. The sticks and different colored can- stopped. As we live in galactic purgatory, some dles encompassed much of the available porch want to burn and die under the sun, for they cannot space. So much was there that it wouldn’t be possi- fathom life in the dark – but they don’t understand ble to light it in a house and not become dizzy from the supremacy of the Moon. It gives us light. It the overwhelming smell. She lit half and I lit half, watches us. While our Moon offers love and protec- and we both backed away in order to avoid the ridic- tion just as the God who made it, the fiery sun de- ulously strong scent and let the breeze take it. stroys. “Averia!” one of her brothers called from It’s only natural that the Moon would be seen as a afar, towards the woods. “Henry’s here!” sacred figure on the Night Side. It’s only natural I’d Of course, Averia left my side to be with her love it so thoroughly. tan, bleach-haired friend from the Light Side of Usually about once a month, the community holds a Earth. I probably rolled my eyes at her quickness in festival to honor the Moon’s presence. Even though leaving me, but an ache resonated inside. How could the only stage we see of the Moon is the full Moon, it be that someone so alien to our ways holds such a no one ever forgot its ancient cycle, and on the days special place in Averia and her family’s view? As I where we were supposed to have a new Moon, we walked toward the circle of people, I observed celebrate that the Moon loves us enough to save us Averia’s brothers chatting with Henry and pushing from total darkness. him around as though he’d become one of their own. Such was the case on this particular day. My I watched Averia watch Henry, and my twin sur- family and I just left the woods next to our house veyed my expression carefully as I met the group, and exited once we found the clearing. My twin sis- about half a minute away from praising our Moon. ter Torah and I led the way as our parents trailed “Are you okay?” Torah whispered. behind, for we were always excited to visit the Star- I just shrugged my shoulders and looked on. ling family, whether we were going to gather and We all held hands in our circular formation, gazed praise the Moon or not. Their family was a bit larger upward, and began to recite hymns written in the than ours, for Mr. and Mrs. Starling had four chil- Moon’s honor. The process is always ritualistic and dren: Antonio and Eric, who were adults, and Ever- chant-like. I stood between my sister and my father, ett and Averia, who were closer to my age. and we were right across from Averia and Henry. Averia greeted my sister and me first, and Even though he was from the Light Side, he dis- despite her relatively serious manner, a smile played a sense of understanding for our practices. I stretched across her lips tonight. There was nothing started to wish he didn’t, and I also wished he was- she loved more, it seemed, than the Moon and the n’t holding Averia’s hand. Of course, we all joined God who made it. In turn, the Moon seemed to pour hands once we gathered in a circle, but here was extra light where she stood, illuminating the auburn something in the way that they were standing that in her hair and reflecting the green in her eyes in a punched a hole through my chest. catlike manner. They stood significantly closer together than The truth was that I loved Averia. the rest of us; it almost looked like an empty space P AGE 8 V OLUME 1, I SSUE 1

(Moon cont.) “You and I both know that’s not true!” I spat. everything different. I realized that the Moon only “And Averia’s parents never said anything brings light when I’m content. Otherwise, it is the about Henry being more than a friend.” stone cold reminder that I’m not in control. It makes “That’s because their feelings have pro me feel small, weak, and unable. A higher power that can create the world we live in and the objects around gressed at such a gradual pace that Averia’s parents it watches us all, and all I thought about was Fate probably just saw it as natural evolution. There isn’t forcing Averia away. There isn’t much a man can do any need to announce something like this when I think about these things because we live in such an enor- everyone knew it from the start. I can’t believe they’re mous world with something as grand as a Moon above letting someone from the Sun Side morph in as part of our heads. their family!” My thoughts drowned out the prayer, but I My voice wavered a bit by the end of my ti- knew what they were saying from memory. Everyone rade. The fury was so prominent that it put a lump in around me chanted, and Henry’s thumb ran over my throat and gave me a headache. Torah definitely Averia’s hand in a loving way. I suddenly became couldn’t say anything now because she knew what I very aware of my gag reflex. was saying was true; anyone who didn’t see the obvi- With that, our ritual concluded and the circle ous connection between Averia and Henry would’ve was broken, leaving Averia’s brothers to hoot and hol- been blind. I wished I was blind. ler to the Moon in a wolf-like manner amid incessant “Just go away,” I told Torah. “Tell everyone giggling. Averia and Henry’s hands remained inter- that I’m not feeling well.” twined, and I could barely take it anymore. I turned on Reluctantly, she nodded and strolled back to my heel and edged downhill toward the woods we the Starling house, leaving me alone with the Moon came through about ten minutes ago, and my twin far above my head. The Moon sees everything under- followed me. To be truthful, I wanted to be alone, but neath it on the Night Side of Earth, but I wondered, then again, loneliness sounded somewhat dreadful. does it really care about me? If it did, then why would Torah was the only one who knew of my infatuation it let me suffer as I have ever since Henry came here with Averia. If I needed to talk, it’d have to be with for the first time years ago? But it didn’t matter. The her. Moon’s supremacy reigned over mankind; it reigned I reached the line of trees, which cast long over me, and I couldn’t help but feel both love and shadows in the moonlight, and stopped so I could look hate. For a brief moment, as I walked through the upward at Averia and Henry, two romanticized silhou- woods, I had hope. I thought that Averia would surely ettes outlined the blanket of darkness. “Everything they do, every gesture is subtle. It kills me,” I said. My voice sounded ragged and ex- hausted. Torah didn’t say anything in response to my rage. Her eyes were sad and watchful under her ma- hogany bangs, and I could tell that she was searching for something to say. “It’s like… It’s like they don’t even need to express it any further. They don’t say much. They don’t try and go off somewhere alone. They don’t make a show of their affection. They just stand there because they just know they’re in love with each oth- er, and both of them know that the other one knows it too. They don’t even have to make a reminder of it.” “You don’t know that, Toro,” my twin cut in as if lecturing me. She sounded like our mother. “The fact that they aren’t so overly affectionate may mean completely the opposite; they may not feel much for love me someday, for there’d be a way for me to make each other at all.” her see what’s inside my heart. M ORPHEUS P AGE 9

It has been the system since the mid twenti- eth century that blue is for boys and pink is for girls. Analysis of Sexist Marketing But it seems innate that boys think blue is cool and Susan McConnell girls think pink is that equivalent. But more often than not girls like blue, and some boys are confident There is a time and place for gender specific market- enough to like pink. Judith Warner wrote about a ing. We should be able to tell the difference between young boy who picked pink zebra patterned slippers feminine products and male. For example, women for his new school shoes. His mother worried he need tampons and men need jock straps. In general would be picked on and he was. But it did not bother however, the difference in products should list the him. He didn’t pick them because they were pink or word, “female,” or “male,” if there is truly a differ- that he related more to girly styles. He liked them ence in them. But the color of the package and its because, “they were made of zebra,” and he likes imagery should not matter. Gender specificity is rel- those (Warner). ative. Some hygiene products have aspects to them There is a product by a company named Diva that that only work for female or male bodies, but some produces endives. Jean-Michel and Francine can be gender neutral. But when it comes to things Schryve went to Quebec to start this business. It has that aren’t as important, marketers should not decide a feminine name and the imagery on the packaging is for their consumers what is acceptable for men or clearly of a woman in an apron and stilettos carrying women. Really what is the difference between GI a covered dish. Their brand name, “Diva” is a play Joes and Barbies? Can’t we call both of them dolls? on the word endives. But their package imagery is a Why do boys get to call them, “action figures?” It female silhouette that suggests their idea of what a could be argued that this is subjective. In my opin- “Diva,” is. Commonly divas are dramatic artistes ion, there is little room to deny the photos’ appalling who are hard to work with and have a great presence. gimmicks that show what is wrong with gender spe- But this endive company thinks a diva is someone cific marketing is that it is stereotypical. who wears six-inch heels while cooking endives for The picture [omitted] is of children’s alpha- their family or guests. The covered dish and apron bet charts. These charts teach them the letters and aren’t too alarming, but the perfect coif of the lady’s give them images whose titles start with that letter. hair and her sexy shoes are. If you really nit-pick, The alphabet charts are colored and categorized in that woman is awfully skinny. She has toothpick the most stereotypical ways. One is labeled, “for arms, an almost flat buttocks and an hourglass waist, boys,” the other, “for girls.” The boy chart is blue which appeals to society’s idea of beauty. and the girl chart is pink. The boy chart uses relata- According to Diva, “We need to stay on top ble terms like astronaut, firefighter, lion, robot, and of the latest developments in production, packaging pirate; whereas the girl chart uses relatable terms like and marketing. We must also work hand-in-hand butterfly, fairy, nurse, rainbow, and unicorn. with the various distribution networks, so endives are Apparently boys and girls interests are text- looked upon as an interesting product to market – book. The compiler of these charts felt that the terms one that will meet clients’ needs and expectations in for each letter fit the chart for the certain gender. terms of taste, packaging and format. We prefer a Boys do like the terms specified to them and same fresh product that is harvested and packaged every for girls. But marketing to children like that starts day throughout the year, because nothing is more the image to them what is expected of their genders. important to us than consumer satisfaction” There is no reason that this product has separate al- (Corporate Mission Statement, Diva). While their phabet charts for boys and girls, at least not in the business management is worthy of approval, are they stereotypical colors for boys and girls. Not all the satisfying consumers with their package art? Why do terms on the charts are all that gender specific. They we even need that imagery? could have compiled neutral terms and colors. The Diva’s image of a diva is quite 1950’s-60’s. non-gender specific terms on the charts include gi- It looks like the theme song cartoon from the televi- raffe, ball, violin, and teddy bear. Some commonly sion show, Bewitched (1964-1972). Bewitched was neutral colors are red, green, yellow, orange, and pur- about a witch who was expected by her husband to ple. give up that part of her life and be a proper wife. In the cartoon she is cooking for him in her heels, per- P AGE 10 V OLUME 1, I SSUE 1

(Sexism cont.) they say man they mean person. In language men and women have a gender specific title like mon- sieur and senorita, but a group of both genders is referred to as a plural of a man title. Calling it a, “Person’s Bread” would be confusing or mocked for pointing out the obvious. But the bakery that produces this bread does not explain in any way, shape, or form, why they named it what they did. None of their other products have gender specific names. The next image appeals to women, but it is a bizarre choice to make this product gender specific. The product pictured above [omitted] is the most baffling one of all. The advertising shows a fairy surrounded by hearts with a pink This product above is proclaimed as, castle in the background. The product is called, “Men’s Bread.” I assume they think there is Fairy Hearts. The brand name is, Billy. One something particularly manly about, “…organic would think this was a female specific product. flax, organic pumpkin seeds, and organic sesame But this product is an advertisement for turkey seeds.” Both men and women like organic prod- and pork sausages that are cured and cooked with ucts. There are health benefits to them and some no artificial flavors. This is in no way a gender people are dedicated to those products. The im- specific product. Yet the Billy business felt that agery on the packaging is of a male figure hoeing it deserved a feminine touch. The fact that it is a garden, and another male figure bicycling. sausages isn’t obvious at first glance. It is com- Aside from how the figures appear masculine, pletely upstaged by the name and imagery. This they aren’t exactly performing male specific tasks makes no sense. but rather, physical traits. That may refer to a Getting to the root of this marketing deci- specific type of man. The title suggests it is the sion is an awkward road due to wording sensitivi- bread for all men. But I suppose specifying the ty. I would research if women really like sau- type of man in the bread’s name would be too sage, but I know what I would find would be sex- complicated. ual innuendo, and not a study on what kind of French Meadow Bakery promotes their meat women like. Again, searching for info product on their website, “Savor a slice any time about that would lead me to inappropriate web- of day. Men's Bread® is delicious toasted, grilled sites. There is no logic in this advertising. It is or for a sandwich. Men's Bread® has been clini- also odd that it is not shelved in a refrigerated cally tested by the Glycemic Institute and is certi- area of a store. It is poorly protected from germs fied as Low Glycemic for Diabetics,” (French and pathogens. It should be in a can or a tighter Meadow Bakery). Nothing in that description sealed plastic. No one would buy this. There is from the French Meadow Bakery website ex- not a boy version of this product as far as can be plains why it is specifically, Men’s Bread. If this found. Bakery is specific to any kind of consumer, it is What all these pictures do to draw the those who prefer organic and/or gluten free. That viewer is that they are heavily gender-specific but is a good product to produce, but it does not ex- mostly trafficking in gender stereotypes. They are plain the name. supposed to appeal to only one gender. But what It could be that when French Meadow it conveys is that the marketing is sexist. Bakery says it is Men’s Bread, they actually Advertising is making strides to not stereotype mean something non-gender specific. Sometimes and is neutral. But sexist advertising still exists. products like tents are referred to as some number Telling your consumer what is appropriate for man capacity. They don’t mean only say, three them is a subjective business. You can’t define men could fit, they mean either gender and when M ORPHEUS P AGE 11

she is a woman. The Chrysanthemums Henry seems to treat Elisa very well, but Alexis McClimans Elisa mystifies him. He doesn’t quite understand “The Chrysanthemums” by John Steinbeck why Elisa wants to be treated like an equal, but I is a very interesting story; it’s one of my new favor- think he at least tries to treat her like one. It’s hard ites. It’s full of emotion: passion, longing, love, for Henry to know exactly how to treat and talk to heartbreak, and disappointment. The main character, Elisa because, for one, he has to do something not Elisa, is especially interesting. She is intelligent, has normally done—treat her like an equal—but also do an admirable passion for her chrysanthemums, and it while trying not to take her femininity away. This is fighting against the norm of her society. Elisa is is made even harder because, even though I believe fighting to be seen as equal to men, not inferior. Elisa may know in part that Henry tries to treat her Elisa’s struggle is at times very evident, and then as an equal, part of Elisa still expects Henry to not other times you see her rebel in smaller, less notice- think of her as an equal because that is what she is able details in this short story. One of these details is used to and that is what society says is normal. I revealed when Elisa is first introduced. Denise also think that is where her skepticism comes from Dickman mentions in Steinbeck’s “The Chrysanthe- when Henry makes his comment about the orchard. mums”: “A Woman Bound By Society”, “Her figure Elisa has to work twice as hard as any man is described as ‘blocked and heavy’ because she is to maintain her masculinity just to be possibly con- wearing heavy gloves, heavy shoes, a ‘man's black sidered as an equal. This is very challenging to hat,’ and a big apron that hides her printed dress” maintain for Elisa at times, and one of those times is (Dickman). To me, this is one of the ways Elisa tries when the tinkerer starts using her passion for her to gain equality. She dresses in manlier clothing chrysanthemums against her. while working hard in her garden to help prove that When the tinkerer first asks if Elisa has any- women aren’t always delicate little flowers in pretty thing he can fix or sharpen for her she insists she dresses. They can work hard and get dirty just like has nothing to do. After all, she can fix her pots and any man can. sharpen her own scissors; this is another example of Elisa lives in a world dominated by men and that how she tries to look masculine. When the tinkerer doesn’t sit well with her. Elisa seems to be an inde- starts to seem interested in Elisa’s chrysanthemums, pendent woman; she can take care of herself and though, all of her resistance melts away. In my opin- strives to be seen as equal. In the world she lives in ion, this is where Elisa’s masculine image begins to men are considered to be on top, they make the de- fade away; this is where her resistance is broken. cisions, they are always in charge, but Elisa doesn’t Elisa starts out being described at very mas- agree with this standard of normal. culine, assertive, and that shows her fight for equali- Elisa is fighting against what was consid- ty, but starting with her encounter with the tinkerer ered normal in her day. So, people, men in particu- you see the fight go out Elisa in the way she is de- lar, see her in a way she disagrees with strongly all scribed. Once the tinkerer has manipulated Elisa’s the time. I believe this makes her a bit edgy espe- emotions by making her passion for her chrysanthe- cially when she thinks her capabilities are being mums surface her image is softened and she is de- questioned because she is a woman. I think we see scribed in a feminine way. this when Elisa is talking to her husband, Henry, in The first example of this is after the tinkerer the beginning of the story. He mentions what a has told Elisa his spiel about the woman wanting strong crop of chrysanthemums she has, and how he chrysanthemums, “Her eyes shone. She tore off the wishes she’d “work out in the orchard and raise battered had and shook out her dark pretty hair” some apples that big” (Steinbeck 11). Following that (Steinbeck 16). Another example is when Elisa comment it says that Elisa’s eyes sharpened. I think dares to think about reaching out and touching the she was trying to decide whether or not Henry was tinkerer’s leg, “Kneeling there, her hand went out being serious or just kidding because she’s a wom- toward his legs in the greasy black trousers. Her an. Most people of her time would think that she hesitant fingers almost touched the cloth. Then her couldn’t possibly succeed in the orchard because hand dropped to the ground. She crouched low like P AGE 12 V OLUME 1, I SSUE 1

(Chrysanthemum cont.) she was crying weakly—like an old woman” (Steinbeck 23). This story is just about one I think Elisa is startled by how easily day in Elisa’s life. This is important to re- she lost her hold on her masculinity. Which member because the reader can’t necessarily explains Elisa questioning Henry when he define Elisa’s character solely on this day. says, “Why—why, Elisa. You look so nice!” We all have bad days and it’s because of this Elisa asks, “Nice? You think I look nice? that the interpretation of Elisa is left open a What do you mean by ‘nice’?” Henry replies little wide. with, “I don’t know. You look different, strong and happy” (Steinbeck 21). When This is a remarkable short story in my Henry compliments her, Elisa is wondering if opinion. It is filled with emotion and Elisa he is purely looking at her beauty, her femi- is a very unique character. Her struggle is nism. By the end of the conversation Elisa admirable and inspiring. Steinbeck wrote this seems quite confident; the fight is back in story in a way where interpretation could go her. “She grew complete again. ‘I’m strong,’ several ways and that makes it all the more she boasted. ‘I never knew before how intriguing. I fell in love with this story from strong’” (Steinbeck 22). the first time I read it; I don’t think I’ll ever forget it. Sadly, Elisa is built up just to be knocked back down. Once Elisa sees her flowers on the road, discarded like trash, she begins to crumble; her fight is once more fading, but she does her best to keep it to- gether. She asks for wine at dinner, some- thing to help ebb the pain, and asks about the Recourses fights, considering the distraction. In the end that kind of betrayal is just too much for her, Dickmann, Denise. N.p.. Web. 11 Nov 2013. and she breaks down. She is once again de- . turned up her collar so he could not see that

A slow decay Bring a greener world

Rachel Peters To surround me Clocks still tick “Fade” But time is unimportant As we fade As we run Subconsciously Kaleidoscopic thoughts Under the sun Reflections of everything Fog is thick All at once But my mind is clear All at once Mirrors of time Cracking with age Moments of magic M ORPHEUS P AGE 13

(Travis cont.) decided to do an experiment to- “I can’t believe her!” I cried out in gether. We decided to study the fury. I ran over to the news stand ran over to the drinking fountain effects of stimulated mental ill- and got out the phone book; Travis and got some water. Turning nesses. What better subject than Hillinger, 46 Fremean St. I got around I did not see Travis, I our own daughter? So we had a into my beat up Chevy and sped looked all over and I could not colleague of ours, Travis Hilinger away. I could hardly drive as I find him. I arrived home, got the follow you around and stimulate wiped angry tears away from my mail, and then got some milk out an “imaginary friend.” He was face. “I’m gonna thank him moth- of the fridge. I hope Travis comes actually pretty good at it to. At er, I will thank him all right” I home soon, I am starting to get least to my knowledge he never whispered to myself. I could have worried. Travis has never run exposed himself to other people. had a normal childhood! I could away before, and why would he? You should thank him actually.The have had friends! I looked down only people who knew were our the streets quickly. Down in the Looking through the mail I stum- family and your doctor. Those sug- South side of town I couldn’t find bled upon a letter from my mom. I ar pills cost us a fortune though so the street, so, panicking I took out got the letter opener and opened you really should repay me. Un- my GPS.I parked at the end of the the letter wearily. fortunately the experiment failed street and got out of my car. Look- because you did not develop an ing in the trunk all I could find actual mental illness. Due to the was an old softball bat. It was all a Dear Alice, discontinuing of the experiment we blur to be honest. Walking down let Travis go, he will of course re- the street, banging on the door, You can imagine how upset I am ceive a severance package though. then hitting Travis. Watching him that you left us. I suppose that now Hope you come and visit us! Don’t gasp for air I screamed “You were you are an adult, you can handle forget that I expect grandchildren never my friend! You knew all adult situations. When you were soon, wink! Love ya. along! I could have had a real four months old your father and I -Mommy life!.” I hit him twice for every

A Bit Of Christmas Spirit For the Break

Christmas gift suggestions: 'Twas the night before Christmas, To your enemy, forgiveness. when all through the house To an opponent, tolerance. Not a creature was stirring-not even a mouse: To a friend, your heart. The stockings were hung by the chimney with To a customer, service. care, To all, charity. In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be To every child, a good example. there. To yourself, respect.

-Clement C. Moore -Oren Arnold P AGE 14 V OLUME 1, I SSUE 1

Enim Inperitum by Josh Hillgenberg Ignatious stood behind Ignatious made Manere his life. stamped out by the staunch hand the immense glass window in his The lunch bell sounded. Ignatious of the Imperial military. Usually office. He took his usual, power- watched excitedly as the whole when these groups sprouted up, ful stance: his hands behind his city dropped what they were do- evidence would be uncovered by back and his feet at shoulder ing, left their workplaces and the Agency of Imperial Detec- width, pointing directly forward. moved to the dining hall. He en- tives revealing that the groups’ His long, dark grey overcoat hung joyed watching the people transi- leaders had all murdered loyal but precisely six centimeters above tion together harmoniously like quiet citizens of the Empire who his leather boots which shone like an enormous assembly line. The never disobeyed. Ignatious found two dark stars. His over coat was Chancellor was like a small boy it somewhat ironic that he had not buttoned over his clean, white on his birthday, observing the met any of the victims but did not button down shirt, a rare article. festivities with wide eyes. He was think into it. The killers would be The dozen gold buttons and ocean about to depart for his meal when exiled and the hunger for justice of untainted grey fabric hid this, something caught his eye- a glint would be sated. It was what the however. of something strange. Empire desired. Ignatious turned his head over his Ignatious stared intently as a man In a week’s time, Igna- broad shoulders. He glanced be- wearing a blue sweater swam tious had developed the habit of hind his back to see two small, against the flow of the people. It ritualistically gazing out the win- trusting eyes gleaming up at him. was not the fact that the man was dow over the city. During that Amicus, Ignatious’ chocolate defying the norm that ignited his week, he saw the blue sweater brown Great Dane, had found his curiosity, but the color of his man again. He stepped closer to way into the Imperial office, clothing which entranced Igna- the window to get a better look, which satisfied the man. Amicus tious. It was deep and warm and but the man stepped into a dark was Ignatious’ loyal hound for inviting. There was a sudden alley; the sunlight was blocked nearly fifteen years; and his new knock on the office door, jolting completely by the clouds. post would not separate them. As him back to reality. Amicus rose from his position at of last Monday, Ignatious Inocu- “Are you coming to lunch?” It his master’s feet, curious as to lus had been voted High Chancel- was Ignatious’ idol, ex-High what interested him. Ignatious lor of Manere, a mountainous Chancellor, and now advisor, paid no heed to Amicus’ whining. region where the clouds were al- Stewart Ivy. Ignatious was in the The man opened what seemed to ways pulled over the light of the act of scratching his hand behind be a hatch in the ground and slid sun like a thick, fleece blanket. his back but abruptly lost the inside imperceptibly. No law The High Chancellor looked out urge. abiding citizen would partake in over the vast city. He saw the citi- “Yes, give me only a moment,” such activity. A secret such as zens going about their business. Ignatious replied calmly with no this could not be kept from the They all walked at a steady pace; trace in his mind of the blue Empire. Ignatious was sure. This most did so without interacting sweater. man was a rebel. with the world around them. It The Empire of Manere was fairly He put a hand on his telephone was like a bee hive- organized new. It had been in power for six- hastily, this sighting must be re- locomotion. Everyone had a job ty-three years and its power was ported, he thought. But he to do. There was always some- still resisted by some. There were stopped a moment and played out thing to be done for the sake of several splinter factions who the consequences of his actions in the Empire. Ignacious loved aimed to overthrow the Chancel- his head; he would never see the Manere. He loved the mountains, lor and the Empire, but none magnificent sweater again if he the valleys, the rivers and seas, achieved more than small protests did this. Surely this morsel of the traditions, and all the citizens. or marches and were all swiflty information would mean nothing. M ORPHEUS P AGE 15

“Reports of rebel sightings have whined. Ignatious began scan- spread faster than any idea or grown within the past weeks,” he ning the city again, disregarding invention. Ignatious plummeted said gravely, “something must be Amicus’ insistent and abnormal like a rock to the ground far be- done to eradicate them once and barking. Where could he be? All low. The man looked again at his for all.” of a sudden, Amicus’ barking Empire as he fell. The people “Indeed. I have been contemplat- stopped. were assembled in the streets and ing the same notion.” Ignatious A blue swaddled arm nestled it- work ceased. The journey to the replied subliminally. “What did self around Ignatious’ neck and bottom felt as if it was an eterni- you have in mind, Chancellor?” another wrapped around his arm ty. Ignatious pondered what “I propose a hunt. The rebels are which promptly chained his would happen to Manere without beasts and we shall treat them as hands together. The fabric felt him. He smiled a third time. He such. Every man, woman, and like it looked. Despite the situa- grinned and giggled giddily like child who dare raise a hand tion, Ignatious was smiling, he had not since he was a boy against the Imperial regime shall strangely and pleasantly. He and then- he landed. There was a become game and the good peo- knew not why. The entire situa- piercing crack that could be heard ple of Manere will be their hunt- tion was perverse yet calming. for miles. Ignatious lay on his ers. Any successful sportsman “You stand here in your observa- back, mangled. The people hesi- should be rewarded handsome- tory and you think yourself a tantly gathered around and ly.” god,” the rebel spat, “You’re looked down on him. Amicus There was murder in the streets, nothing but a coward and a des- emerged from the offices and in the work place and in the din- potic bastard.” curled up beside his master, ing hall. The Hunt was said to be Ignatious was quiet- speechless. whimpering. He did not bother the final stand against the rebels. “Say something,” the rebel plead. his master. Ignatious lay in a “This will smoke them out of There was a hint of disparity be- pool of crimson blood. He was their holes and turn them against hind his fury. Ignatious thought smiling and the people knew ex- each other,” Ivy told Ignatious. he heard the rebel weep. actly why. The sun shone down Greed and disloyalty “The Empire will not stand for and the people could see now were the weapons of the Empire: this,” Ignatious sputtered out where it was dark before. The the mighty swords with which it slowly and unsurely. He looked rebel stood where an immense cleaved the defenseless rebels. out over the city through the win- glass window once clouded judg- The slaughter of the Hunt went dow once more and was blinded. ment. A snug breeze welcomed on for a year. Ignatious saw the The sun was creeping out from him. He took his usual, optimistic rebel regularly during this time. behind the clouds. It was unbear- stance: his hands resting on his Part of him hoped that he would able at first; he squinted his eyes hips. The rebel lifted his head not be caught but perhaps change slightly. The more he looked, unto the heavens and he smiled his ways and Ignatious could however, the easier it was to gaze through tears. stare into the blue realm forever. over the Empire he loved so The thought consumed him. much. It looked so dark and grey. Ignatious looked through He was confused at first; he the window penultimately, one thought he must be hallucinating. cloudy day. Amicus slept at his He smiled again. He wondered feet. Ignatious could see the blue why. rebel nowhere. This was the day “There is no Empire.” and time he always went into the The rebel kicked Ignatious passage. What was wrong? Ami- through the immense glass win- cus woke abruptly and barked dow. The fragile glass faltered over and over. He tugged at the easily under the force of Igna- tail of Ignatious’ overcoat and tious’ strong build and the cracks Morpheus

Morpheus is the God of Dreams. Oh, Morpheus, give me joy till morning For my forever painful love: Dreams are often called “the gateway to Just blow out candles' burning the soul” and many stories come from And let my dreams in blessing move. them. Let from my soul disappear

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And when will vanish dark of night

And you will free my eyes at leaving,

Oh, if my heart would have a right

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