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It’s Been Six Years Momma by Autumn Gray

Autumn Gray

It’s Been Six Years Momma

Six years since the circle of life took its course, taking the only real love I’ve ever known, like a dream replaced with inevitability, she vanished, why didn’t she fight harder, then I could have braced for impact. Time passed, my selfish needs took me away from what I thought would last forever, now I’m sick, not the same, convincing the hecklers inside my head that it’s only a joke, blaming divinity, because I’m the victim, she left me, I have no one, I love her, I miss her, my mother gone too soon.

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The Wind by Stephanie Eberly

Stephanie Eberly

The Wind

I walked along a beaten path. The sun’s rays peeked through the tall trees lining the path. Shadows danced around as colorful leaves swayed in the breeze. The wind plucked a handful of leaves and gracefully laid them on the ground near me. It quietly whispered in my ear as it flew past. I watched in wonder at the power, yet grace, of such an amazing force. Petals caught in the wind’s grasp whirled around me. They gently brushed my face, making me break into a smile. I followed the stream of petals. They sped up, asking me to join them. My legs moved faster, faster, until I broke into a run. The wind in my hair, the earth beneath my feet, and the joy in my heart made me feel free. I was led around a bend and through a wall of vines. I burst through the plants. Birds singing, crickets chirping, and the sun’s warm rays met me on the other side. I caught my breath. The beauty of nature filled every corner. The wind played with the petals. It twirled them through the air; in circles, around trees, in all different directions. It finally placed them on the ground and settled for a moment. I rested beneath an apple tree, the warmth of the sun causing my eyes to close. I heard a tiny whisper in my ear saying, “even though you can’t see me, I am still here,” before falling into a peaceful sleep.

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Power Struggle by Hannah Kastelein

Hannah Kastelein

Power Struggle

Thirteen years of isolation, thirteen years of learning.
Thirteen years of mother, brother. Thirteen years of yearning.
Springfield Middle, here I come! Boarding the bus for the first time.
Giggling, smiling, looking friendly, eager for approval.
The bus smells of rotten cheese and pubescent boys who forgot deodorant for the first day.
Hot, sweaty bodies packed three or four to a seat.
Different music I’ve never heard before. It scares me.
A blue sign greets me at the door with the odor of more cheese…
How do these girls get their hair like that? What are they wearing on their face?
First day of volleyball tryouts. People will like you now.
Suiting up in tiny spandex, fancy shoes… Where are the shorts?
Tall girl, just like me! Maybe she will be my friend. Beautiful curly hair, mine is huge and limp.
Is she making fun of me, or should I laugh, too? I feel her glare burn into my head all day.
She’s good. I’m good, too. I make the team. But wait… who didn’t?
The pretty girl who’s best friends with the tall girl. Nobody likes me now.
Freak, Weirdo, Ugly, Gross. I’m shunned.
Everywhere I turn I see the backs of everyone else. Lunch alone. Free time alone.
Partner work. Alone.
Time goes by.
Sophomore year of high school, I’m still living in her shadow.
Pretending to get by, pretending not to be hurt. Pretending to like her.
No longer volleyball, it’s in basketball she intimidates.
Coaches see my potential. That feels good.
One day, it’s no longer a game. It’s me and her, one-on-one. Proving on the court who’s the best.
Everyone stops. I feel anger, real anger. I’m no longer afraid. This is what I’ve wanted.
I feel her push me and punch me from behind, like so many other times.
I push back.
The ball is between us. I see her eyes, full of something I haven’t seen before.
We’re on the floor, I have the ball, she can’t have it. I will no longer let her take what is mine.
Her arms are wrapped in mine, fighting for the ball, fighting for me.
I twist and turn. She’s lost; I’ve won!
But wait, she jumps on top of me, knocking the wind from me.
I realize I’m bigger, I’m stronger. And she is gone.
Lifting myself and her up in the air, dropping her back on the floor with a thud and a groan…
It’s my turn to feel power.
Twenty minutes of sweat for three years of struggle.
Everyone’s mouths hang open in shock and awe. Respect is mine.
Hannah Kastelein stands above. Hannah Kastelein is her own.

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That Night by Nicole Gaylor

Nicole Gaylor

That Night

I was innocent,
But you were desperate.
All of my feelings of ecstasy from that day
Were wiped away in that very moment.
I now stumble about in pain and sorrow.
I writhe in anger and grief.
I am being smothered by mental agony.
That horrible night keeps me floundering in my sleep.
My friends say it is distant in my past,
But I am haunted every day of my life.
I will not forget you until I die.

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Shall I Compare Thee to an Idiot!? by Landon Grove

Landon Grove

Shall I Compare Thee To An Idiot!?

Why can you not drive in your own lane?
Move it, buddy. You moron!
You cause everyone in traffic great pain.
I wish you would fly off the road and be gone!
Sometimes you merge right
Without using your light.
Why did you take I-95?
These massive trucks are awful enough.
I’m lucky to be alive!
My exit is finally here; I can lose this jerk!
My day has been terrible since I got up for work.
Oh no! Why? Why? How can it be?
You’re taking the same exit as me!

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I Dream of a Head-On Collision by Anonymous

Anonymous

I Dream of a Head-On Collision

I dream of a head-on collision.
That moment when you cross the yellow line.
The rumble strip isn’t enough thrill anymore.
I debate which vehicle is worth my time.

I desire the unfortunate death.
To hear people claim I went before my time.
To look down on strangers at my funeral.
To hear the cliché condolences that rhyme.

I ponder which vehicle will pain me the most.
I hope my father hears of my crash.
I want him to know something tortured me more than him.
I wonder if the pain will trump that of my past.

I consider which automobile reminds me of adolescence.
That will be the one I hit.
Those years were a car accident in themselves.
An unaccompanied journey in a tunnel unlit.

I contemplate other ways to die.
Too vain to inflict pain upon myself, unlike you.
Too subtle to hang myself, though,
Who I’d address the suicide note to, I knew.

I focus on the present.
My discomfort around men, my mistrust for mankind,
I owe it all to you.
I’ll show my gratefulness in due time.

I reminisce on all my achievements in life.
Never were you there.
Not for honor roll, graduation, college,
Because never did you care.

If you could only see how I’m driving right now,
You’d wonder how I ever got my license.
You weren’t there for that achievement either.
You missed all my big events.

Who am I kidding? Mom isn’t that great either.
She steals every cent I have.
She neglects me for the daughter she did want.
I just look at life and laugh.

When she hears about my death,
She’ll pretend she loved me true.
But she’ll ridicule me afterwards
And sell all my belongings too.

So, mom, here’s to you.
I’m doing 70 on the back roads, but it’s not fast enough.
I know without my income, now,
It’s going to make things tough.

And if and when you read this, you’ll deny every word.
Your compulsive lies are truly one of a kind.
I can’t wait to look down on you, as you cry for the media
And take the credit for my brilliant mind.

All this suffering you two have put me through, and still it’s not enough.
I need to fill this emotional void with something far worse.
I shall let this speeding, moving-van determine my fate,
For something more detrimental than you must put me in a hearse.

I yearn for that tragedy to strike upon my life.
I reach 90 by the upcoming curve.
Then I focus on my friends and my independent success.
I approach the truck at 122, and I swerve.
Because I swear, that’s a fate that only those two deserve.

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My Heaven by Lauren McGill

Lauren McGill

My Heaven

It’s midnight, and I fight to stay awake just to watch you sleep
My life is now filled with unbelievable beauty
My life is now filled with you
I must not wake you, but I want to hold you tight in my arms

I am in awe of you
The way your hand rests softly upon your pale cheek
The way your chest rises and falls with each breath you take
You are a miracle

I listen to the melodious sound of your heart beating
Now I can imagine loving someone unconditionally
Now I can imagine a future with you
You are my child, my world, my heaven