The Key to Unlock Us

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

The Key to Unlock Us 1 The Key to Unlock Us The Sixth Anthology by Students of The Complete Works Edited by Christian Foley 2 © 2020 The Complete Works All Rights Reserved No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the copyright owners. A catalogue record for this book is available for the British Library ISBN Edited by Christian Foley Designed and typeset by Christian Foley Cover image by Rabia Anisha 3 “Key is the key word to help unlock our inner selves” – Seteeva Rodriguez 4 Christian Foley, Poet in Residence Introduction from the Editor Books have the power to change the world. Our school has published five previously. The five introductions to those books, though different, have in some way, emphasised that key point. Books have power the change the world. Yet, this year is different. We have to ask, when the world changes all by itself, as it has in 2020, what is the role of the book? How do we reflect our new and transformed realities? The future has never been a place of certainty, yet now, the future appears to be behind a locked door; the view of it more obscure than ever. In the year of lockdown, it is easy to feel remote. Despite our dependence on wifi, it is easy to feel disconnected. More than ever, it became imperative to find a way to alleviate our isolation. Despite our physical and (social) distancing, as a school, how could we still find a sense of togetherness, even when alone? The answer to the question, as it often does, came from a student. Writing is the key to unlock us. Not just writing, but all self-expression. It is creativity that provides escapism, when we cannot escape; it is creativity that gives us freedom, when the house becomes, as one student put it: personal prison. Creativity was the key to open that door. It is this belief that forms the ethos of our school. 5 This belief was also the key to unlocking this book. It made me realise what the particular purpose of this work was. This year, it was the chance for our students to each tell their individual story, yet to feel part of something larger. The pandemic partially permeates this work, it is sometimes in the foreground, and addressed directly, as it is in Alfie Kirkham’s Covid piece. It is sometimes in the background, the indirect tormentor and inflictor of boredom, as it is in Anthony Sulal’s Insanity. In other cases, it is not mentioned at all. Our students have tackled the topics that are important to them, and these topics are wide-ranging. The keys in this book, open doors into different places. There are discussions of family life, advice on the dangers of the road and descriptions of what it’s like to be young person in 2020, London. But it’s not all rooted in the real world. There are ice cream raps, there are journeys to distant galaxies, there are short stories of future worlds, and vignettes of subtle memories. We all have different selves, that when unlocked by different keys, show different forms of expression. It is this difference, that our school, and this book celebrates. Even though this book was composed remotely, when the words are gathered together, they exist as one. Welcome to The Key to Unlock Us. 6 Phil Richards, Founder of The Complete Works Foreword Projects such as this one, give me faith in humanity! In the midst of all this locking away and social distancing we have still found creative ways to come together. We may not have had the freedom from the confines of our homes, but we still have our freedom of expression. This anthology, like many others before it, demonstrates the depth of intelligent enquiry and creative imagination which characterises students at The Complete Works. It is a testimony to their ability to achieve at the highest level. In the words of Nelson Mandela "Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do." I hope you enjoy this collection of artistic endeavours as much as I have done and that it will inspire, motivate and entertain you during these challenging times. 7 Figure 1 Artwork by Art Fitzgerald McShane 8 The Key to Unlock Us Seteeva Rodriguez The key to unlock us the way out key is the key word to help unlock our inner selves unlock us from our personal prison us we, you - can help others release their inner selves. The key to unlock us. 9 Dear Reader Aidan O’ Connor The story of me. The first page was back in the day when I was born, 2001 in Homerton. But my story doesn’t technically begin there… I am the child of my mum. She is a miracle, in a long line of miracles. A strong woman, from a strong line of women. Homerton, is a place full of stories. And I don’t just mean the tower blocks, walk on its greyness and you see so much on these streets, some good, some bad. There are school kids with rucksacks, and drug addicts with crack pipes. There are police in vans, there are young boys on BMX’s pedalling towards trouble. There are breakfast cafes and council houses, the type of houses that are falling down. On some buildings, the architecture is state of the art, on some it as an estate with no art. Look at these Cul-De-Sacs. They are literally dead ends. The ends of the dead. There are boys with blades, there are football pitches with no grass, they call them cages. A cage is sort of designed to contain. Writing is the key to unlocking us. This a country, where they place the poor in poor places. Refugees who, if they are not turned away, come off boats, to live cargo-like in shipping freight housing. The people in power are corrupted by the power they hold. It is like wearing a glove, one that you cannot take off, that begins to direct the actions of the hand it encloses. Aidan 10 11 I am Thought Lily Woodlock Kachere Deep down in my stomach rumbles fear. Emotion-spreader. I am the invisible. The dark-farmer. Bubble-blower. I am the red in your eyes. The blue in your dreams. Black-deep. Your yellow-clean. Scratching my throat is excitement. I am the gravity, the up-lifter. Watchful-eye. Peace-bringer. I’m thick and thin; your younger, your older. I run through your brains. I run through your veins. Blood-saver. Line-blurrer. I am your guardian and your demons A dark-saviour. A light-breaker. Truth and wisdom Knowledge-holding, I ground you. Ballooning - I feel you. Colour and imaginations. Power sits deep in my fingers. I am the different; the connection. I am thought. 12 Ocean Alfie Kirkham Thinking about my life, How am I supposed to make it right? I don’t know if the damage can be repaired Reminiscing why are we alive? Dreaming about things that aren’t actually real Love is a drug but even with trust I don’t get enough Used to have knives being thrown in my back Call me target practice, man its very scary Life when you know you’re not living right Demons in my mind Forcing me into painting pictures of dark nights not a Better life I can’t shake that feeling Yeah, I mean lifting, Drifting hieroglyphs on written walls Pause, so distraught Feel like I have been pulled apart How am I even going to start to explain How this became so tough, how we all have enough Of this ignorance is bliss but not for me Can you see that I’m a clone? Bury my head under the sun waiting for it To burn the clouds away to take its turn like Russian roulette I push away regret Except it’s a single player game 13 Waiting impatient trying to control and console my brain The trauma that you see in my eyes World steady filled with lies But like a Lion I have pride, All a man can do is try. Switching topics, I’ve got the courage I’ve got this I carry on, I keep going I never felt like this long ago Before I was a shy person, Now I’m standing at my show Letting you know, the potion of my mixed emotions. Keys lead us to freedom And birds are born with wings for a reason, That reason is motion I keep it moving, like the waves upon the ocean. 14 Poem for Father’s Day and World Conflicts Owen Darlow My love for you is bigger than the Milky-way (our Galaxy) we love you millions I love saying, ‘‘Mucho Gusto’ ‘Muy Bueno’ Father's day is great. No matter what happens, we love each other billions Every day you say take your tablets and I always do it so late. Leverage. ‘Leeway’ We’d go bowling and knock down more than one skittle. Or we’d go on an aeroplane and travel to Ireland. Vouch for each other always no matter how brittle or little Every place is good no matter in dirt with roses or beaches with sand. Eminem. Stormzy. All rich and famous. All stars.. All of us are unique, all equal.
Recommended publications
  • I Am an African
    I Am An African Favourite Africa Poems By Wayne Visser Fifth Edition Fifth paperback edition published in 2016 by Kaleidoscope Futures, Cambridge, UK. First and second paperback editions published in 2008 and 2010 by Your P.O.D. Ltd. Third and fourth paperback edition published in 2012 and 2014 by Wayne Visser. First and second electronic editions published in 2011 by Wayne Visser and in 2016 by Kaleidoscope Futures. Copyright © 2016 Wayne Visser. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, except as permitted by the UK Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, without the prior permission of the publisher. Cover photography and design by Wayne Visser. Cover photograph of the author by Indira Kartallozi. Printing and distribution by Lulu.com. ISBN 978-1-908875-22-8 Dedication Dedicated to the people of Africa, who never cease to amaze and inspire with their colourful diversity, their warm humanity, their unquenchable hope, their tireless resilience and their indomitable spirit. Fiction Books by Wayne Visser I Am An African: Favourite Africa Poems Wishing Leaves: Favourite Nature Poems Seize the Day: Favourite Inspirational Poems String, Donuts, Bubbles and Me: Favourite Philosophical Poems African Dream: Inspiring Words & Images from the Luminous Continent Icarus: Favourite Love Poems Life in Transit: Favourite Travel & Tribute Poems Non-fiction Books by Wayne Visser Beyond Reasonable
    [Show full text]
  • Hofstra University Model United Nations Conference 2021
    Hofstra University Model United Nations Conference 2021 Future Crisis Committee Maheen Safian, Chair Sameer Mamun, Crisis Director 1 Hey, delegates! My name is Maheen Safian, and I am the future crisis chair for HUMUNC 2021! Currently, I'm a sophomore double-majoring in political science and global studies. In addition to being the vice president of Hofstra Model UN, I've been a strategy article writer for the Model UN training website allamericanmun.com for the past several years. Previously, I assisted in SPECPOL as a dais during HUMUNC 2020, and attended the Columbia College Model UN Conference during my first semester at Hofstra. My experience in MUN is extensive, ranging from my sophomore year of high school until now! Undeniably, it has made me grow incredibly as a student and leader. In addition to MUN, I'm involved as the Hofstra Campus Organizer for Peace Action, an organization furthering pro- peace foreign policy through lobbying and political organization. Outside of campus, I'm the ECOSOC intern for the Pakistan Permanent Mission to the United Nations, where I research sustainable development initiatives in developing nations. I'm excited to see all of you soon, and the solutions you may bring! Sincerely, Maheen Safian Future Crisis Chair HUMUNC 2021 2 Greetings honorable delegates! My name is Sameer Mamun, but you may all soon know me as your Future Crisis Committee Director during this Hofstra Model United Nations Conference! Currently, it is my second year here at Hofstra and I am a Business Management major. In terms of MUN experience, I have plenty at both the high school and collegiate level.
    [Show full text]
  • Et Cetera Literary Magazine
    Et Cetera Literary Magazine Huntington High School 2018-2019 Et Cetera Huntington High School’s Literary Magazine 2018-2019 Editor & Club President Julia Collins Treasurer & Vice President Rory Bocelli Cover Artist Joshua Silverstein Advisor Mrs. Dianna Cazzalino Dear Reader, Thank you so much for picking up our magazine. This year’s edition, is a bit melancholic for me, as I am graduating this June. I will definitely miss this club the most when I go off to college, but I am so glad to have spent most of my high school years a part of Et Cetera. This club has provided me with friends, inspiration, and something to look forward to every week. I think I’m brave in admitting this: I’m not totally sure what I want to study in college. It’s not gratifying when it seems like everyone around you knows what they want to do in life. It’s especially anxiety-inducing because I have felt that since I have ingrained myself in creative writing, that I must major in that in college. However, I have found throughout the year, that whatever I choose to do in the future, I still have my love for writing to lie back on. I will be satisfied with sharing my future works that I create in my free time between my friends and family. Anyways, not to distract you with my personal issues, I want to focus on our members. I might be biased in saying this, but I genuinely believe that our club has some of the most interesting, creative, and thought-provoking minds.
    [Show full text]
  • 2015 STREET DATES JULY 31 AUGUST 7 Orders Due July 3 Orders Due July 10 7/28/15 AUDIO & VIDEO RECAP
    ISSUE 16 MUSIC • FILM • MERCH axis.wmg.com NEW RELEASE GUIDE 2015 STREET DATES JULY 31 AUGUST 7 Orders Due July 3 Orders Due July 10 7/28/15 AUDIO & VIDEO RECAP ARTIST TITLE LBL CNF UPC SEL # SRP ORDERS DUE Mama's Family: Mama's Favorites: Mama's Family TL DV 610583502497 31003-X $12.95 7/3/15 Season 6 (DVD) Last Update: 06/08/15 For the latest up to date info on this release visit axis.wmg.com. ARTIST: Mama's Family TITLE: Mama's Family: Mama's Favorites: Season 6 (DVD) Label: TL/Time Life/WEA Config & Selection #: DV 31003 X Street Date: 07/28/15 Order Due Date: 07/03/15 UPC: 610583502497 Box Count: 30 Unit Per Set: 1 SRP: $12.95 Alphabetize Under: M ALBUM FACTS Genre: Television Packaging Specs: Single DVD; Running Time: 129 minutes Description: MAMA’S FAMILY: THE BEST OF SEASON SIX In the world of prime-time television, success often begets success by way of the spin-off. The Carol Burnett Show lasted eleven seasons on CBS, thanks in part to the recurring comedy sketches that attracted a large, loyal viewership. “The Family” remained a favorite because fans related to the Harpers’ constant squabbling about mundane stuff. As the irascible Mama Harper, Vicki Lawrence was wondrously transformed into a full-tilt senior citizen and it wasn’t a matter of if, but when, she would get her own TV series. MAMA’S FAMILY debuted in 1983 on NBC, lasting two seasons before going into syndication for another four years.
    [Show full text]
  • Dandyism and the Haunting of Contemporary Masculinity
    "THE IDEA OF BEAUTY IN THEIR PERSONS:" DANDYISM AND THE HAUNTING OF CONTEMPORARY MASCULINITY Darin Kerr A Dissertation Submitted to the Graduate College of Bowling Green State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY August 2015 Committee: Jonathan Chambers, Advisor Juan Bes Graduate Faculty Representative Cynthia Baron Lesa Lockford © 2015 Darin Kerr All Rights Reserved iii ABSTRACT Jonathan Chambers, Advisor In this dissertation, I argue for the dandy as a spectral force haunting contemporary masculinity. Using the framework of Derridean hauntology, I posit that certain contemporary performances of masculinity engage with discourses of dandyism, and that such performances open up a space for the potential expression of a masculine identity founded on an alterity to hegemonic gender norms. The basis for this alterity derives from the philosophical underpinnings of dandyism as articulated by its most prominent nineteenth century theorizers. As a result, I divide my study into two halves: the first focuses on a close reading of texts by Balzac, d’Aurevilly, and Baudelaire; the second centers on three case studies illustrating the spectral nature of dandiacal performance in relationship to contemporary masculinity. Chapter One establishes the framework for my argument, articulating the way in which both nineteenth century French philosophical dandyism and Derrida’s concept of hauntology, particularly his “three things of the thing” (mourning, language, and work), serves to structure the rest of the study. Chapters, Two, Three, and Four, which constitute Part I, provide close readings of texts by Balzac, d’Aurevilly, and Baudelaire, respectively. Chapters Five, Six, and Seven form Part II, and consist of individual case studies examining the spectral traces of dandyism in performances of masculinity by three contemporary celebrities.
    [Show full text]
  • Music 18068 Songs, 47.6 Days, 99.18 GB
    Music 18068 songs, 47.6 days, 99.18 GB Name Time Album Artist A. F. U. (Naturally Wired) 4:31 Ou812 Van Halen A.B.C. 3:52 Coolin' At The Playground Ya' Know! Another Bad Creation ABC 2:56 The Ultimate Collection The Jackson 5 Abi Gezundt (A Bee Gezindt) 2:48 The King Of Hi-De-Ho 1934-1937 Cab Calloway Abigail Beecher 2:25 The EP Collection Freddy Cannon Abilene 2:15 Billboard Top Country Hits - 1963 George Hamilton IV About You (Feat. Will.I.Am and Nina Sim... 4:05 The Breakthrough Mary J. Blige Above the Rim 3:38 Hootie Mack Bell Biv DeVoe Abracadabra 3:39 Now That's What I Call The 80s Steve Miller Abracadabra 5:06 Steve Miller Band Abscretions 7:03 Music, Inc. Big Band Music Inc. Absolutely Nothing's Changed 3:43 Twenty Four Seven Tina Turner AC 3e 7:1010000 Days Tool Acapulco 1922 2:42 Definitive Hits Herb Alpert Accidentally In Love 3:09 Shrek 2 Counting Crows Accidently On Purpose 2:23 Best of Vol. 1: Hardcore Honky George Jones According To You (Top 40 Edit) 3:20 Promo Only Mainstream Radio December Orianthi Ace in the Hole 2:35 50 Number Ones Disc 1 George Strait Ace in the Hole 5:44 One Trick Pony Paul Simon Ace Of Hearts 3:06 Here In The Real World Alan Jackson Achilles Last Stand 10:23 Boxed Set [Disc 3] Led Zeppelin Achilles Last Stand 10:23 Boxed Set [Disc 3] Led Zeppelin Aching, Breaking, Heart 2:49 Best of Vol.
    [Show full text]
  • Plannerandhandbook 2017-18.Pdf
    2017-18 Planner & Handbook FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY Forward thinking. World ready. 1 THE FHSU TIGER PACT I AM A TIGER. I belong to a strong unique family that strives for greatness and success. I instill integrity and confidence within others as well as myself. I incorporate honesty and responsibility in all I do. I AM THE FUTURE. FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY RESIDENTIAL LIFE HANDBOOK Fall 2017 & Spring 2018 CAMPUS CONTACT INFORMATION Emergency Numbers: University Police 785-628-5304 After Hours & Weekends 785-625-1011 (non emergency) 911 (emergency) Residential Life: Student Residential Life Office 785-628-4245 Custer Front Desk 785-628-5700 McMindes Front Desk 785-628-4900 Tiger Place Front Desk 785-628-5400 Wiest Front Desk 785-628-4600 Dining Services: Chartwells Office – McMindes 785-628-4476 Chartwells Office – McMindes Cafe 785-628-4930 Chartwells Office – Memorial Union 785-628-5396 Campus Offices and Services: Admissions 785-628-5666 Career Services 785-628-4260 Commerce Bank 785-628-4540 CTC Help Desk 785-628-5276 Forsyth Library 785-628-4431 Graduate Office 785-628-4236 International Student Services 785-628-4276 Intramural Office 785-628-4373 Jobs for Tigers 785-628-4260 Kelly Center 785-628-4401 Memorial Union 785-628-5305 Parking Permits 785-628-5304 Registrar 785-628-4222 Scholarship Services 785-628-4419 Student Affairs 785-628-4276 Student Employment 785-628-5227 Student Fiscal Services 785-628-5251 Student Government 785-628-5311 Student Health Center 785-628-4293 University Activities Board 785-628-5355 University Book
    [Show full text]
  • Program Book
    GALA Choruses thanks our sponsors for their generous support: • ACFEA Tour Consultants • Chorus Connection • ChorusForte • Encore Tours • Incantato Concert Tours • Kiconcerts • Macy’s • National Endowment for the Arts • Olivia Travel • PB&K Family Foundation GALA Choruses thanks these businesses for their generous donations of goods and services: • Barefoot Wine & Bubbly • Gekotour • Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants • Olivia Travel • Oscar Wilde Tours • Pride of the Ocean Film Festival • SmithPollin Group • Swallow House Trading • World OutGames Miami 2017 Festival 2016 Welcome! Table of Contents Festival at a Glance ................................................................ 4 Schedule of Events ................................................................. 5 Legacy Award Winners ........................................................ 17 GALA Mission ........................................................................ 18 GALA Board, Staff, and Volunteers .................................... 19 Denver Performing Arts Complex Map ............................. 20 A Colorado Welcome ........................................................... 21 Blockbuster Concert Schedules ................................. 22 – 45 Youth Choruses .................................................................... 46 Chorus Programs (in alphabetical order) ............... 47– 210 Workshops ................................................................ 211 – 214 Presenter Bios ........................................................... 215 – 217
    [Show full text]
  • A Way with Words: 2015/16 Anthology
    Thank You to Our Community Partners Thank You to Our Community Partners “When an individual writes, they are not restricted to the physical elements of reality. They have the ability to create anything and everything with their words. From dragons to adventures... it’s endless.” Amy Lu, Cover Artist Grade 11, Burnaby South Secondary A Message from the Burnaby Board of Education The WORDS Writing Project is testimony to the fact that in Burnaby Schools, literacy is a priority. We know that literacy is the foundation for all learning and our teachers The Rotary Club of Burnaby, would like to congratulate all those who participated in know this too. Our students are not only taught to read and write, they’re also Burnaby School District’s WORDS Writing Project. Improving literacy is an important encouraged to express themselves through the power of words. goal of Rotary. The club has been a proud supporter of this project since 1995. Unique to Burnaby School District, the WORDS Writing Project has annually The Rotary Club of Burnaby works towards making a difference in the lives of those showcased the best in student work since 1985/86. The growth and continued success in its community. In this endeavour, the club supports a number of local initiatives of this writing project is a direct reflection of the dedicated teachers who nurture the that include: writing talents of their students, supportive parents who encourage their children • Bursaries for each of Burnaby School District’s secondary schools to do their very best, and generous community sponsors who are committed to • Lunch programs for children supporting youth and literacy.
    [Show full text]
  • Changing the Script for Youth Development: an Evaluation of the All Stars Talent Show Network and the Joseph A
    DOCUMENT RESUME ED 478 409 UD 035 813 AUTHOR Gordon, Edmund W.; Bowman, Carol Bonilla; Mejia, Brenda X. TITLE Changing the Script for Youth Development: An Evaluation of the All Stars Talent Show Network and the Joseph A. Forgione Development School for Youth. INSTITUTION Columbia Univ., New York, NY. Inst. for Urban and Minority Education. PUB DATE 2003-06-00 NOTE 124p. AVAILABLE FROM Institute for Urban and Minority Education, Teachers College, Columbia University, Box 75, 525 West 120th Street, New York, NY 10027. Tel: 212-678-3780; Web site: http://iume.tc.columbia.edu. PUB TYPE Reports Evaluative (142) EDRS PRICE EDRS Price MF01/PC05 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS Adolescents; *Career Development; Drama; *Leadership Training; *Supplementary Education ;*Talent Development; Theater Arts; *Youth Programs IDENTIFIERS *Talent Development Framework; *Youth Development Model ABSTRACT This evaluation describes two supplementary education interventions: the All Stars Talent Show Network (ASTSN) and the Joseph A. Forgione Development School for Youth (DSY). The ASTSN is a 19-year-old program that provides youth age 5-25 with opportunities to produce and participate in talent shows, thus creating stages where youth can successfully present themselves and contribute to their own development. The DSY is a career and leadership training program founded in 1997. Evaluation of the programs focused on 11 criteria drawn from the literature about the merits of supplementary education programs. Results indicate that ASTSN is functioning at a high level of efficiency and effectiveness at community building, involving young people and their families in purposeful activity, encouraging self-confidence, and enhancing competence in self-presentation. DSY is functioning at an excellent level of efficiency and effectiveness in recruiting and engaging a diverse population of young people in a sustained effort at personal development through continuing guided performances in alien environments.
    [Show full text]
  • NAYA Voting Guide May 2020 Primary Election Introduction
    NAYA Voting Guide May 2020 Primary Election Introduction Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the upcoming local election. In this guide you will find information on Portland’s mayoral candidates, Portland’s city council candidates, and ballot measures in Multnomah County. Candidates that did not respond to our questionnaire are not included in this guide. We encourage our community members to take a look at the voters pamphlet for a comprehensive list of candidates. NAYA’s Advocacy Team is available to support you in making your decisions, mailing or dropping off your ballot, or to answer any questions you may have about the primary. Happy voting! Portland Mayoral Candidates This information is gathered from a voluntary questionnaire that was shared with all mayoral candidates in mid-April. This is to inform the voting decisions of NAYA community members and does not serve as an endorsement or support for any candidate. As a 501c3, NAYA does not endorse any candidates. The questionnaire was developed based on community feedback and questions, with priorities of the urban Native American community in mind. Questions and feedback can be directed to: [email protected]. Mayoral Candidate Ozzie Gonzalez ● Sustainability and diversity consultant ● TriMet Board member ● Read more at: Ozzie 2020 Mayoral Candidate Ozzie Gonzalez Why are you running for this position? What sets you Do you have any history working with Native apart from other candidates running for this position? communities and/or knowledge of Native American history and issues surrounding the modern Native I’m running for Mayor of Portland because I believe Portland urgently needs a experience? Please explain.
    [Show full text]
  • Political Crossfire ~ by Alex Tryst Copyright August 2004
    ~ Political Crossfire ~ by Alex Tryst Copyright August 2004 Disclaimer: The organizations in this book are real. Nothing was meant by including any of them other than that they fit into the plot. No infringement on any of these groups was intended. (In other words, don't sue if I said something negative about an organization.) More details regarding these groups can be found at the end of the book. Also, even though all the people in this book are fictional, I know it won't be too difficult to know who inspired some of them, so infringement wasn't intended there either. (Hey, I'm just trying to keep myself off the FBI's Most Wanted List here.) Dedication: To my angels, my nephews. Through the good and bad days, the joys and sorrows, the unconditional love and adoration you both exude makes the meaning of life apparently clear. Dara stood with her hands on her hips watching the cold air escape her mouth as she and her friends waited for the other team to break from their huddle. It was a cold late February Sunday morning but the first she had taken off in weeks, so she was determined to enjoy it regardless of the bitter cold that swept across The Mall of the great city of Washington, D.C. She and her other friends had been planning this football game since the Super Bowl and were resolved to keep it regardless of the weather. As the other team broke from their huddle, Dara and her teammates started to line up against the opposing squad.
    [Show full text]