CastandCrewofSSA'sLiteraryMagazine

KajaCutlip

SPENCERGREENBERG

BridgetOnest

RachelSilvermanKatieSparvero

Ms.Castleman

CongratulationstoAvariGupta,ourcoverartist!GREATPHOTO!

SPIRAL

STAIRCASE

2016

PhotobyMakennaWolfanger

PhotobyReneeWilkins

PhotobyJayaPatel

TheChinaDollbyBridgetOnest

Thegirlwassixwhenhermotherboughtherthedoll

Thechinadollwithredlipsandpinkcheeks

Howthatlittlegirllovedthatdoll

Sheranhomefromschool

Everydaytoplaywiththedoll

Dressingthedollupinlittlebluegowns

Usingherownhairpiecestopullgoldenhairback

Stealinghermother’seyeliner

Drawingsmilingfacesandhearts

Onpinkcheeksandbluegowns

Howthatlittlegirlcriedwhenthatonefootbrokeoff

Shehonestlythoughtthatdollcouldfly

Littlegirlsgrowup

Makebelievegameslosetheirinterest

Dustgathersonuntouchedshelves

Moreandmorepiecesbreakoff

Thegirlwassixwhenhermotherboughtherthatdoll

Thechinadollwiththefadedlipsandsmudgedcheeks

Goldenhairwiththeclumpsofdrieddirt

Wornbluegownsstrewnacrosstheclosetfloor

Thegirlwaseighteenwhenshegraduatedfromhighschool

Onherwaytocollege

Lookingthroughthecloset

Sortingthroughdustyshelves

Handsfindafamiliarshape

Thechinadollwhowipedthetearsfromthatlittlegirl’seyes

Whoflewdownthestairswithunbelievablegrace

Laughedatthelittlegirl’slacklusterjokes

ThechinadollwhofellinlovewithBennie

Thatlittledogwholivedacrossthestreet

Forasecondthegirlpauses

Andlooksintothoseeyes

Theeyesthatwereonceabrilliantgreen

Butshesawonlygray

Andthatonce-littlegirl

Threwthatchinadollaway

PhotobyReneeWilkinsandEmmaLammert

SixWordStoryofMyLife

Cannevermakeupmymind.

KatieSparvero

PhotobyStephanieChen

PhotobySpencerGreenberg

PhotobyBrennaFouser

PhotobyCealyFryncko

PhaseTransitionsSonnetbyJasonVaskoandTylerWeinberger

Otimeandspace,nowlookuponyourfate,

thetruthofthiswillmakeyouquiteirate.

Thiswillaffecteverythingsmallandlarge,

forsoonall-knowingphysicsshalllosecharge!

Alack,everythingshallfinallyfall,

aforcethatcanpenetrateanywall.

Thethoughtofitcanmakeanymanquake,

thefabricofspacetimethisforceshallbreak!

Nothingintheuniversecanstopthis,

drowningeverythinginthevastabyss.

Unstoppablewaveofpuredestruction,

notathingcanstopitsunreduction!

Perhapsthiswillcreateanignition

ofcautionaboutthephasetransition!

AStrangeSortofPeacebyKatieSparvero

Iknowtheworldisending,Ifeelpiecesoftheskyfallonmyshoulders,

Itastestarsdroponmytongue,ButI'mnotworried,

I'mhappy.Itsoundsstrange,

EvenasIsayittomyself,Butit'strue,Becausein

One,Two,

Orhowevermanymillionyearsittakes,Peoplewillfindwhatusedtobehere,

Andthey'llknowthatpeoplehereDiedtogether.

PhotobyKajaCutlipPhotobyMaxWolfanger

MyPoemProcessbyGabbieBernier

1.Thinkofsomethingcreativetostartoffwith2.Thenseeifthatwordrhymeswithanyotherword3.Realizethatwhatyoucameupwithrhymeswithnothing4.Startfromthebeginningandtrytocomeupwithsomethingeasiertoworkwith5.Realizethatyouarenotmeanttowritepoemsandmomentarilygiveup6.Allofasuddengetaboostofconfidenceanddecidetotryagain7.Realizethatwhiletryingtocomeupwithmyownpersonalpoemprocessitmightbeartsyenoughtogetintothemagazine

PhaseTransitionsSonnetbyJasonVaskoandTylerWeinberger

Otimeandspace,nowlookuponyourfate,

thetruthofthiswillmakeyouquiteirate.

Thiswillaffecteverythingsmallandlarge,

forsoonall-knowingphysicsshalllosecharge!

Alack,everythingshallfinallyfall,

aforcethatcanpenetrateanywall.

Thethoughtofitcanmakeanymanquake,

thefabricofspacetimethisforceshallbreak!

Nothingintheuniversecanstopthis,

drowningeverythinginthevastabyss.

Unstoppablewaveofpuredestruction,

notathingcanstopitsunreduction!

Perhapsthiswillcreateanignition

ofcautionaboutthephasetransition!

AStrangeSortofPeacebyKatieSparvero

Iknowtheworldisending,Ifeelpiecesoftheskyfallonmyshoulders,

Itastestarsdroponmytongue,ButI'mnotworried,

I'mhappy.Itsoundsstrange,

EvenasIsayittomyself,Butit'strue,Becausein

One,Two,

Orhowevermanymillionyearsittakes,Peoplewillfindwhatusedtobehere,

Andthey'llknowthatpeoplehereDiedtogether.

PhotobyKajaCutlipPhotobyMaxWolfanger

MyPoemProcessbyGabbieBernier

1.Thinkofsomethingcreativetostartoffwith2.Thenseeifthatwordrhymeswithanyotherword3.Realizethatwhatyoucameupwithrhymeswithnothing4.Startfromthebeginningandtrytocomeupwithsomethingeasiertoworkwith5.Realizethatyouarenotmeanttowritepoemsandmomentarilygiveup6.Allofasuddengetaboostofconfidenceanddecidetotryagain7.Realizethatwhiletryingtocomeupwithmyownpersonalpoemprocessitmightbeartsyenoughtogetintothemagazine

EndlessRoombyAnonymous

ImaginearoomWithnoendorbeginningWithnothinginitsway

ItjustgoesStraight

Itdoesn'thaveunexpectedturnsOrtwists

NothingcanhurtitNothingcandamageit

Don'tyouwishyourlifewasthatroom?

DrawingbythesameAnonymous

DrawingbyInyaaAshok

PhotobyNoraNavid

PhotobyEmmaLammert PhotobyMaxWolfanger

PhotobyMs.Guering

PhotobyNoahStrauss

EndlessRoombyAnonymous

ImaginearoomWithnoendorbeginningWithnothinginitsway

ItjustgoesStraight

Itdoesn'thaveunexpectedturnsOrtwists

NothingcanhurtitNothingcandamageit

Don'tyouwishyourlifewasthatroom?

DrawingbythesameAnonymous

DrawingbyInyaaAshok

PhotobyNoraNavid

PhotobyEmmaLammert PhotobyMaxWolfanger

PhotobyMs.Guering

PhotobyNoahStrauss

EnteringtheRealmofthe“GoldenBeast”byGiriViswanathan

“HaveaNiceDay”and“Don’tforgetyourbackpack”werethefirstwordsthatfloodedmyears

asIopenedtheblue,woodenfrontdoorofmyhouse.Steppingout,downthesmallstepleading

tothefrontporch,mygrandmotherurgedmealong,somehowmanagingtoinhumanlycook,

clean,andhelpmegetreadyforthejubilousdayahead.“Shehadalwaysstoodbyasmy

closestcompanion,”Ithought,asIclenchedhersoft,leatheryhands;feelingwarmthasshe

clenchedmeclosertohersmooth,silkyshirt,brightwiththecolorsofathousandflowers,

bloomingandthrivingaroundherlovingheart.Withme,shewouldhearthefieryroarsoftoy

carsorfeelconfusionwashoverherwhensolvingthoseconfoundedjigsawpuzzles,orfora

change,wewouldbothfallvictimtotheunavoidabletrapthatsheadored:IndianMovies.

Whenovercomebytheyearnforthosethose,dramatic,vibrantIndianromanceswiththeoh-so

predictableplot,theoneswiththeangelicactorsboastingtheirglowingskinandperfectfigures

engaginginsomesortofintricate,exoticdance,nothingcoulddrawher,andbydefinition,me

awayfromthepulsingtelevisionscreen.Together,ourimaginationsranwild,transportedinto

universesthatproddedatthedepthsofthehumanmind’scapacity.

Lookingaway,Irapidlypivotedandgazedtowardsthedarkroadahead,mypolishedleather

shoesscrapingthefreezing,ruggedcementasIboundeddownthefrontsteps,racingtowards

thesidewalkasapredatorchaseshisprey.AsIflexedthemusclesborderingmyjuvenileeyes,I

squintedup,andthesunfloodedmyvision.Shieldingmyeyesfromthedazzlingrays,Icaught

aglimpseofEarth’sorganismsbaskinginitsgloriouspresence,gulpingdownthegoldenrays

asifatantalizingdelicacy.IntheSun’somnipotentpresence,thegrassemanatedabrilliant

greenlightoverthefrigidautumnmorning,complementingthecolorfulleavesthatswirledin

tremendoushurricanesofred,orange,yellow,andbrownasItrampledgloriouslyoverthe

damp,dewedsurface.Thefrigidpre-winterbreezenippedatmysoftskin,likeahordeofwild

insects,anddrenchedmy4yearoldbodyinafluidicbath.Goosebumpsroselikeflowerson

mybarearms,makingmyhairriselikeablackforest;however,forgingahead,myfeetscuffled

acrossthecompactcementinrobotic,rigidmotions.Asmymindwandered,itquickly

overflowed,filledwithworriesaboutthedayahead,mytransitiontokindergarten,andthe

ultimateriteofpassage:ridingtheyellowbeast.Ihadbeenentranced,seemingly,sinceIwas

born,butamereinfanteyeingthegoldenmonsterroaringdowntheroad,theonethattookall

thekidstothegreat“school”Ihadheardconversationof.Marvelous,majestic,roaringagreat

bellowatallwhodaredventurenear,Ihadanobsessionwithwhatappearedtobethegreatest

machinetobeforgedbyhumanhands.Emblazonedwiththesymbol“schoolbus,”itproudly

displayeditsmightanddutytothosewhohadthefortuneofglimpsingthecreature,asifadeity

haddescendedinutmostrevelrytotheterrestrialbodyIstoodupon.Filledwithdreams,

yearningtoreelintheuttermajestyofthebeast,Ifinallycaughtaglimpseofthemonstrosity,

thequadrupedrumblingtowardsmepowerfully.Supportedbyrubberlegsofagiant,the

creaturemadethegroundandallnearthebustrembleinutterfear,subjugatedbyitsmere

presence.Thegoldenmonstercrawledtowardsme,

stalkingmydriveway;Istoodawestruck,amereinsectcomparedtothesheerenormitythatI

beheld,theonetakinguptheentiretyofmyvision.Eyeingmegreedily,thebusgruntedand

rumbledasitscircularrubberlimbsglidedgracefullyoverthetarredroad,toweringandcasting

aveilofdarknessontheworld.Screechingtoastop,flaringflashingcolorsandarms,theglass

doorsclawedopen,andIsteppedintothebellyofthebeast.Asmyfeetthuddedacrossthe

metallicbase,theonewhoheldthecreature’sreigns,armoredwithafleecy,warmredsweater

andamaneofsnowywhitehair,beckonedmeforwardintohervastdomain.Mylegsechoedas

theybouncedoffthehardstairs,andthebusshookwithitssheerandepicroar;yet,thesmall,

red-facedwomanthatIbeheldremainedsteadfast,unmoving,patient,andunintimidatedbythe

monstrositythatshedrove.Herlustrous,pearlysmileandwrinkledfacehidempathyand

acknowledgementinitscrevices,contrastingsharplywiththedark,solemnpanellingofher

vehicle.Bearingarepertoireofteethinanenormoussmile,shedrewmenearwithdark,sea-

blueeyes,asifpaintedwithanarrayofcolorsappliedboisterouslybyachild,withstreaksof

white,andaquamarineprotrudingfromablack,focusedpupil.Cautiously,asifenteringthelair

ofapredator,Ienteredtheoceanoftough,brown,leatherseatsthatwasknownasher

exclusivedomain.Wadingthroughtheinfinitenumbersofchildren,quietandsubduedby

Dawn’ssombereffect,Iclaimedaseattowardstherearofthecreatureasmyown,feelingthe

stiff,durableleather,squirmandadjustundermyweight,ameagerattempttoprovide

cushioningforthepeopleofthebus.

Astheleavesbegantocyclonearound,asifmissilestowardstheclearglasswindowsofthe

monster,myeyesopenedwide,surveyingtheresilient,redbrickhousethatIcalledhomefor

thepastyears.Filledwiththeshrieksofcryingbabies,overjoyedwaves,andflailingarms,of

proud,jovialparentsandelders,itstoodasameretestamentandsymbolofmypastlife.Ihad

bravedthebeast,andIhadtameditsfieryspirit,agruelingtrialthatwasbutaofprocess

steppingamongstthehordesofjuvenilefeet.Theprocessproclaimedmeworthyofridingsuch

acreature,andsuchaHerculeantaskhadreadiedmefortheoncomingdaysofgrowthand

development.Allmychildhooddreamsandobsessionshadbeenamerefantasy,vanquishedby

courageandtheadrenalinethatcoursedthroughmybloodstreamwouldnotallowanythingto

standinmyway.Iwasnowmasterofthegoldenbeast,anditunderstoodmydominanceover

it,coweringunderneathmeinagruntoffeebleness.Lookingforward,attheendlessriverof

autumnleavesandthestreamoftreesandhousesspeedingpastmeinablindingdisplayof

color,Ifacedtheroadrapidlyadvancingtowardsme.Peeringintothecominginundationof

cars,Igazedforwardandsawmyfutureunfold,asthegoldenbeast,rumblingandgruntinga

fierce,magicalbellow,continuedforward,forgingrelentlesslytowardtheeverglowinghorizon,

avineofgleaminglightcrawlingawayintothemorningsky.

PhotobyAustinRecchi

EnteringtheRealmofthe“GoldenBeast”byGiriViswanathan

“HaveaNiceDay”and“Don’tforgetyourbackpack”werethefirstwordsthatfloodedmyears

asIopenedtheblue,woodenfrontdoorofmyhouse.Steppingout,downthesmallstepleading

tothefrontporch,mygrandmotherurgedmealong,somehowmanagingtoinhumanlycook,

clean,andhelpmegetreadyforthejubilousdayahead.“Shehadalwaysstoodbyasmy

closestcompanion,”Ithought,asIclenchedhersoft,leatheryhands;feelingwarmthasshe

clenchedmeclosertohersmooth,silkyshirt,brightwiththecolorsofathousandflowers,

bloomingandthrivingaroundherlovingheart.Withme,shewouldhearthefieryroarsoftoy

carsorfeelconfusionwashoverherwhensolvingthoseconfoundedjigsawpuzzles,orfora

change,wewouldbothfallvictimtotheunavoidabletrapthatsheadored:IndianMovies.

Whenovercomebytheyearnforthosethose,dramatic,vibrantIndianromanceswiththeoh-so

predictableplot,theoneswiththeangelicactorsboastingtheirglowingskinandperfectfigures

engaginginsomesortofintricate,exoticdance,nothingcoulddrawher,andbydefinition,me

awayfromthepulsingtelevisionscreen.Together,ourimaginationsranwild,transportedinto

universesthatproddedatthedepthsofthehumanmind’scapacity.

Lookingaway,Irapidlypivotedandgazedtowardsthedarkroadahead,mypolishedleather

shoesscrapingthefreezing,ruggedcementasIboundeddownthefrontsteps,racingtowards

thesidewalkasapredatorchaseshisprey.AsIflexedthemusclesborderingmyjuvenileeyes,I

squintedup,andthesunfloodedmyvision.Shieldingmyeyesfromthedazzlingrays,Icaught

aglimpseofEarth’sorganismsbaskinginitsgloriouspresence,gulpingdownthegoldenrays

asifatantalizingdelicacy.IntheSun’somnipotentpresence,thegrassemanatedabrilliant

greenlightoverthefrigidautumnmorning,complementingthecolorfulleavesthatswirledin

tremendoushurricanesofred,orange,yellow,andbrownasItrampledgloriouslyoverthe

damp,dewedsurface.Thefrigidpre-winterbreezenippedatmysoftskin,likeahordeofwild

insects,anddrenchedmy4yearoldbodyinafluidicbath.Goosebumpsroselikeflowerson

mybarearms,makingmyhairriselikeablackforest;however,forgingahead,myfeetscuffled

acrossthecompactcementinrobotic,rigidmotions.Asmymindwandered,itquickly

overflowed,filledwithworriesaboutthedayahead,mytransitiontokindergarten,andthe

ultimateriteofpassage:ridingtheyellowbeast.Ihadbeenentranced,seemingly,sinceIwas

born,butamereinfanteyeingthegoldenmonsterroaringdowntheroad,theonethattookall

thekidstothegreat“school”Ihadheardconversationof.Marvelous,majestic,roaringagreat

bellowatallwhodaredventurenear,Ihadanobsessionwithwhatappearedtobethegreatest

machinetobeforgedbyhumanhands.Emblazonedwiththesymbol“schoolbus,”itproudly

displayeditsmightanddutytothosewhohadthefortuneofglimpsingthecreature,asifadeity

haddescendedinutmostrevelrytotheterrestrialbodyIstoodupon.Filledwithdreams,

yearningtoreelintheuttermajestyofthebeast,Ifinallycaughtaglimpseofthemonstrosity,

thequadrupedrumblingtowardsmepowerfully.Supportedbyrubberlegsofagiant,the

creaturemadethegroundandallnearthebustrembleinutterfear,subjugatedbyitsmere

presence.Thegoldenmonstercrawledtowardsme,

stalkingmydriveway;Istoodawestruck,amereinsectcomparedtothesheerenormitythatI

beheld,theonetakinguptheentiretyofmyvision.Eyeingmegreedily,thebusgruntedand

rumbledasitscircularrubberlimbsglidedgracefullyoverthetarredroad,toweringandcasting

aveilofdarknessontheworld.Screechingtoastop,flaringflashingcolorsandarms,theglass

doorsclawedopen,andIsteppedintothebellyofthebeast.Asmyfeetthuddedacrossthe

metallicbase,theonewhoheldthecreature’sreigns,armoredwithafleecy,warmredsweater

andamaneofsnowywhitehair,beckonedmeforwardintohervastdomain.Mylegsechoedas

theybouncedoffthehardstairs,andthebusshookwithitssheerandepicroar;yet,thesmall,

red-facedwomanthatIbeheldremainedsteadfast,unmoving,patient,andunintimidatedbythe

monstrositythatshedrove.Herlustrous,pearlysmileandwrinkledfacehidempathyand

acknowledgementinitscrevices,contrastingsharplywiththedark,solemnpanellingofher

vehicle.Bearingarepertoireofteethinanenormoussmile,shedrewmenearwithdark,sea-

blueeyes,asifpaintedwithanarrayofcolorsappliedboisterouslybyachild,withstreaksof

white,andaquamarineprotrudingfromablack,focusedpupil.Cautiously,asifenteringthelair

ofapredator,Ienteredtheoceanoftough,brown,leatherseatsthatwasknownasher

exclusivedomain.Wadingthroughtheinfinitenumbersofchildren,quietandsubduedby

Dawn’ssombereffect,Iclaimedaseattowardstherearofthecreatureasmyown,feelingthe

stiff,durableleather,squirmandadjustundermyweight,ameagerattempttoprovide

cushioningforthepeopleofthebus.

Astheleavesbegantocyclonearound,asifmissilestowardstheclearglasswindowsofthe

monster,myeyesopenedwide,surveyingtheresilient,redbrickhousethatIcalledhomefor

thepastyears.Filledwiththeshrieksofcryingbabies,overjoyedwaves,andflailingarms,of

proud,jovialparentsandelders,itstoodasameretestamentandsymbolofmypastlife.Ihad

bravedthebeast,andIhadtameditsfieryspirit,agruelingtrialthatwasbutaofprocess

steppingamongstthehordesofjuvenilefeet.Theprocessproclaimedmeworthyofridingsuch

acreature,andsuchaHerculeantaskhadreadiedmefortheoncomingdaysofgrowthand

development.Allmychildhooddreamsandobsessionshadbeenamerefantasy,vanquishedby

courageandtheadrenalinethatcoursedthroughmybloodstreamwouldnotallowanythingto

standinmyway.Iwasnowmasterofthegoldenbeast,anditunderstoodmydominanceover

it,coweringunderneathmeinagruntoffeebleness.Lookingforward,attheendlessriverof

autumnleavesandthestreamoftreesandhousesspeedingpastmeinablindingdisplayof

color,Ifacedtheroadrapidlyadvancingtowardsme.Peeringintothecominginundationof

cars,Igazedforwardandsawmyfutureunfold,asthegoldenbeast,rumblingandgruntinga

fierce,magicalbellow,continuedforward,forgingrelentlesslytowardtheeverglowinghorizon,

avineofgleaminglightcrawlingawayintothemorningsky.

PhotobyAustinRecchi

PhotobyBrennaFouser

HomeworkbyKatieSparvero

Ididnotwantto

Writethispoem,butMs.

Castlemanmademe.

HappybyAveryBenko

Sharingsmilesallday

ForeverydayinMay

Keepingfrownsaway

HaikubyBillyDunleavy

Thissentencehasfive,

Thenextsentencehasseven.

Thisismyhaiku.

PhotobyBrennaFouser

PhotobyAvariGupta

AwakeandUnafraidbyBridgetOnest

HereIam

Youwantedmetobehere

Didn'tyou?

Idon'tmind

Youalwayshaveunderestimatedme

Iwonderwhy

Isitbecause

Idonotdeclaremyname

Liketheotherbirds?

Withpuffedchests

Theyscreamwhotheyclaimtobe

Butaretheyawake

Theoneswhoseeyes

Areclosedwhiletheirmouthsstayopen

Asiftheyarewaitingtobefed?

Howcantheysay

Theyknowwhotheyare

Iftheydon'tlook

Aroundthematthe

Clouds,thesun,themoon,thestars

Thisonce-beautifulworld?

Youlookmeintheeye

SayingIamafraid

Ofwhat?

Iask

Thisworld,thisonce-beautifulplace

Orperhapsthose

Whopuffedtheirchests

Declaringwhotheywerewitheyesclosed

Thoseoneswhomadeitthisway?

YouaskwhoIam

HowcanIsaythesethings

Asiftheyarethetruth?

Iaskwhoyouare

Whatnamedoyouscream

Withyourpuffedchest?

Doyoueveropenyoureyes

Toseethisonce-beautifulworldaroundyou

Inthemidnightglowofthemoon?

Haveyouever

Satalonetowatchthesunrise

Asitpaintsthehills?

Didyoustraintohear

Thetreeswhispertheirsecrets

Asyoupassedthemby?

And,furthermore,letmeaskyou

Ifyouarenotawake,howcanyousay

Thatyouarealive?

PhotobyGiriViswanathan

HumansCan’tFly

byKatieSparveroandBridgetOnest

Thereoncewasadrunkman

WhothoughthewasSuperman

Hetriedtoflyoutthewindow,man

Andnowthereisnodrunkman

WhothinksheisSuperman

Becauseheisadeadman

PopSonnetbyElizabethCurley

Inspiredby“BreakingFree”byHighSchoolMusical:

Weartascending,weartflyingup

Thitherisnotaheavenlybody

Thitherwecannevereverpickup

Ifweartattempting,weartgotfree

Thyknowstheplanetcanalwaysseeus

Inawaythatdoesnotshowwhoweare

Formingagapthatwecannotdiscuss

Untilthespacebetweenourheartsisfar

Alasthyloyaltyhasstrengthenedme

Powerlikewallsthathathroomtobelieve

Anonweart,fromhither,growingfree

Weartascending,throughtheskyweweave

Thouhathnotaasteroid,thoucan’tmark

Ifthoutries,alas,thoucanfreethyspark

FallingbyEmilyDavidheiser

Theground

Itstops

Thenothing

Itbegins

Thelights

Wizzby

Thesounds

Don'texist

Myheart

Beatstops

Whenthe

Groundbegins

Again

TheUnknownbyWesleyHopeman

Feariswhatweprojectontotheunknown.

Wepushwhatwethinkisfrighteninginto

whatweallknowastheunknown

Thenallwedoisthinkaboutit.

Wethinkofworstcasescenarios,

Whilesometimesallthereisisaplace

thatwillmakeyounothingbuthappy

Butthisfearisnever-ending

Andthefearisalmostunstoppable.

Butthereisawaytonotbeafraid.

Theonlywaytoendthefear

IstoexploreTheunknown

Andevenifthereis

somethinghorriblethere,

Atleastyouknow,

Andarenotafraid

Oftheunknown

Anymore

JosébyRachelSilverman

Allthekidsrunatnight,aroundthemilkcarton.Aftertheyhaverunnothinghappens.Oneday,Joséwoketryingtorememberwhathappenedthepreviousnight.Hesatupandlookeddownathisgreentoes.Hescreamedinshockbutnosoundcameout.Herantohismom,screamingforher.Whenhehuggedher,shestillwasscreamingforhim.Hecriedbutnotearscameout.Hemopedbacktohisroomandsawhimselflyingmotionlessinhisblood-splatteredbedalongwithagreenheadlessmanwithnohands.Joséturnedaroundtohismirrortoseehisheadmeltingaway.Josélookedbehindhiminthemirrorbuthedidn'tseetheheadlessman.Hefloppedonthebedandfeltsomeonetappingonhisshoulder.Helookedupanditwasthegreenheadlessman.Hespokesoftlyinalowvoice“What'swrongJosé?...You'resafewithme,Èsoj.”Joséwhisperedinfear,“Whathaveyoudonetome?Letmegoback.”Èsojsmiledevilly.“You'llbebackwhenI'mdonewithyou.”AtearrandownJosè’sfacebutitwasdry.Èsojsaid“Younolongercandoanythingtoaffectthisworld.”Joséaskedwhathappenedtohishumanbody,butÈsojdidn'tsayanything.Josédidn'tlivetotelltherest.

WinterDaybyWhitneyMcVeagh

It'ssuchanicewinterdayLet'sgooutandplayThebrightsnowissowhiteWeshouldhaveasnowballfightWhenitgetstoocoldAndthesunisnotboldWeshouldgoindoorsAndmakesomes’moresBythefireplaceWitharosyface

AMillionMilesAwaybyElenaHoffmanandNicole

Caputo

InspiredbyAdele,"Hello"

ThouartlikeadreaminCalifornia,

Myguilthathcomebackafteralltheseyears,

ThouartmileshenceinBoraBora,

Markmywords,hearme,toclearawaytears,

Thetelephonequietlysits,waiting,

Ifeelstucklikeglue,whilethousoarshencefree

I'minapooloflove,suffocating,

Theoldfeelingofusiskillingme,

Thepastisgone,onlythepresentremainsnow,

Thematchislit,andthefireisdying,

Wemustsalvagetheflame,thatisonthou,

Don'tkilltheflame,Iamdonewithtrying,

Ipritheethatthouwillmaketherightchoice,

Throughoutallthis,Ihopetohearyourvoice

PhotobyReneeWilkins

PhotobyAnnabelK uhn

PhotobyKatieSparvero

PhotobyJackBarton

PhotobyCharlieK atarincic

JosébyRachelSilverman

Allthekidsrunatnight,aroundthemilkcarton.Aftertheyhaverunnothinghappens.Oneday,Joséwoketryingtorememberwhathappenedthepreviousnight.Hesatupandlookeddownathisgreentoes.Hescreamedinshockbutnosoundcameout.Herantohismom,screamingforher.Whenhehuggedher,shestillwasscreamingforhim.Hecriedbutnotearscameout.Hemopedbacktohisroomandsawhimselflyingmotionlessinhisblood-splatteredbedalongwithagreenheadlessmanwithnohands.Joséturnedaroundtohismirrortoseehisheadmeltingaway.Josélookedbehindhiminthemirrorbuthedidn'tseetheheadlessman.Hefloppedonthebedandfeltsomeonetappingonhisshoulder.Helookedupanditwasthegreenheadlessman.Hespokesoftlyinalowvoice“What'swrongJosé?...You'resafewithme,Èsoj.”Joséwhisperedinfear,“Whathaveyoudonetome?Letmegoback.”Èsojsmiledevilly.“You'llbebackwhenI'mdonewithyou.”AtearrandownJosè’sfacebutitwasdry.Èsojsaid“Younolongercandoanythingtoaffectthisworld.”Joséaskedwhathappenedtohishumanbody,butÈsojdidn'tsayanything.Josédidn'tlivetotelltherest.

WinterDaybyWhitneyMcVeagh

It'ssuchanicewinterdayLet'sgooutandplayThebrightsnowissowhiteWeshouldhaveasnowballfightWhenitgetstoocoldAndthesunisnotboldWeshouldgoindoorsAndmakesomes’moresBythefireplaceWitharosyface

AMillionMilesAwaybyElenaHoffmanandNicole

Caputo

InspiredbyAdele,"Hello"

ThouartlikeadreaminCalifornia,

Myguilthathcomebackafteralltheseyears,

ThouartmileshenceinBoraBora,

Markmywords,hearme,toclearawaytears,

Thetelephonequietlysits,waiting,

Ifeelstucklikeglue,whilethousoarshencefree

I'minapooloflove,suffocating,

Theoldfeelingofusiskillingme,

Thepastisgone,onlythepresentremainsnow,

Thematchislit,andthefireisdying,

Wemustsalvagetheflame,thatisonthou,

Don'tkilltheflame,Iamdonewithtrying,

Ipritheethatthouwillmaketherightchoice,

Throughoutallthis,Ihopetohearyourvoice

PhotobyReneeWilkins

PhotobyAnnabelK uhn

PhotobyKatieSparvero

PhotobyJackBarton

PhotobyCharlieK atarincic

FallOutPoembyBridgetOnestHewasacityboyWorkingforhisloveAsawaiterinacocktailbarHesawthestonesetinhereyesThetaxmanhastakenallhisdoughPeopletryandputhimdownHehassavedhisprayersAlthoughhewasn’tthereshesaidhewasherfriendTheremustbesomewayoutHowthatmusicusedtomakehimsmileThedaybefore,allhistroublesseemedsofarawayShewasborninacrossfirehurricaneTheydon’tneednothoughtcontrolInthedaysofhisyouthhewastoldwhatitmeanstobeamanTheyspokeofwasandwhenTheyenjoytoloseandtopretend

WhatLiesBeneathMissDelilah’sHalfwayHouseforWaywardOrphansbyKatieSparvero

MissDelilah’sHalfwayHouseforWaywardOrphanswasnobetterthananyof theotherorphanages

intown,withitscracked,mossystone,creakingwoodendoors,andsmudgedglasswindowslikeleeringeyes

inthenight.Itdidnotseemtobethetypeof placewhereachildcouldbehappy,andyet,everyoneinthe

housewashappy.If youweretogoinside,itwouldbelikesteppingintothepast,forwhileotherchildren

couldbefoundwatchingtechnicolormoviesfilledwithaliensandguns,whilelisteningtocassettetapesor

compactdisksaboutloveanddisco,theorphanscouldbefoundreadingfrommustyoldbooksaboutthewar

betweenEnglandandFrance,orlisteningtorecordsonthegramophone.

Justlikethehouseitself wasablastfromthepast,noonecouldquiterememberwhenthehouse,orits

owner,MissDelilahJ.Evans,hadfirstcometotown.Infact,if youweretogotothebasementof thepublic

library,wherethetownrecordsareheld,youwouldfindacertificate,statingthatMissDelilahJosephina

EvansnéeO’Roarkwasfullycapableof takingcareof nomorethan50childreninherorphanage/fostercare/

halfwayhouseatonetime.If youweretogoaleveldeeperintothepubliclibrary,wherethebirthcertificates

wereheld,youwouldfindanemptyspacewhereMissDelilah’sbirthcertificateshouldhavebeen.If you

weretogotothenextlevel,wherethemarriagecertificateswereheld,youwouldindeedfindonewedding

MissDelilahJosephinaO’RoarkandMr.JamesFeinsteinEvans,yetadatewouldsurprisinglybeabsent.A

birthcertificateforMr.Evanscouldbefoundinthefilingcabinetsontheproperfloor,andadeathcertificate

aswell.

PopSonnetbyBridgetHughesInspiredbyRickAstley,“NeverGonnaGiveYouUp”

FortheeIhavenewfoundemotions.Althoughwebothhavelovedothersbefore,Ipritheetheetoharkmydevotions:Whenlikenedtopastloves,mineismuchmore.NevershouldIleavetheewhollyalone,

NorwouldItakeactionstomaketheeweepAndI’dsoonerdiethanhaveseedsofdiscordsownBetweenus;yes,myloverunsjustthatdeep.Don’ttellmethouarttooblindtoseeloveAsitknocksvigorouslyonthydoorForthyhearthathbeenyearningtobefreeof

Itsachingandjustloveagainoncemore.—Iprithee,comewithme,I’lltreattheewell;Nev’rwouldIleavethee,I’munderthyspell.

SunsetbyEmilyDavidheiser

ThesunLingersOnTheskylineThelightIsfadingEverSoslowlyTheskyIsaDarkeningrainbowThemoonGlowssoftInaHardlyVisibleStateBecauseThesunmustgoTobed

ASadnessTurnsbyHaileyFlaherty

Sadnessisacrack,

acrevicethatkeepsongrowing,

abreakinyourheartthatwillalwayskeepyou

moaning

sadnessislikenoother,

althoughitwillbother,

sadnesscanbeburnedandturnedintoanother

sadnessturnstojoy,

asmileonyourface

nolongeristhatcrack

stillachingtocomeback

sadnessisdemolished

andyourheartisfreshlypolished

sadnessisnowgoneand

yourlifecanfurthergoon

PaintingbySanjnaNarayan

PhotobyReneeW

ilkins

PoemandColoringbySpencerGreenberg

PhotobyGiriViswanathan

FallOutPoembyBridgetOnestHewasacityboyWorkingforhisloveAsawaiterinacocktailbarHesawthestonesetinhereyesThetaxmanhastakenallhisdoughPeopletryandputhimdownHehassavedhisprayersAlthoughhewasn’tthereshesaidhewasherfriendTheremustbesomewayoutHowthatmusicusedtomakehimsmileThedaybefore,allhistroublesseemedsofarawayShewasborninacrossfirehurricaneTheydon’tneednothoughtcontrolInthedaysofhisyouthhewastoldwhatitmeanstobeamanTheyspokeofwasandwhenTheyenjoytoloseandtopretend

WhatLiesBeneathMissDelilah’sHalfwayHouseforWaywardOrphansbyKatieSparvero

MissDelilah’sHalfwayHouseforWaywardOrphanswasnobetterthananyof theotherorphanages

intown,withitscracked,mossystone,creakingwoodendoors,andsmudgedglasswindowslikeleeringeyes

inthenight.Itdidnotseemtobethetypeof placewhereachildcouldbehappy,andyet,everyoneinthe

housewashappy.If youweretogoinside,itwouldbelikesteppingintothepast,forwhileotherchildren

couldbefoundwatchingtechnicolormoviesfilledwithaliensandguns,whilelisteningtocassettetapesor

compactdisksaboutloveanddisco,theorphanscouldbefoundreadingfrommustyoldbooksaboutthewar

betweenEnglandandFrance,orlisteningtorecordsonthegramophone.

Justlikethehouseitself wasablastfromthepast,noonecouldquiterememberwhenthehouse,orits

owner,MissDelilahJ.Evans,hadfirstcometotown.Infact,if youweretogotothebasementof thepublic

library,wherethetownrecordsareheld,youwouldfindacertificate,statingthatMissDelilahJosephina

EvansnéeO’Roarkwasfullycapableof takingcareof nomorethan50childreninherorphanage/fostercare/

halfwayhouseatonetime.If youweretogoaleveldeeperintothepubliclibrary,wherethebirthcertificates

wereheld,youwouldfindanemptyspacewhereMissDelilah’sbirthcertificateshouldhavebeen.If you

weretogotothenextlevel,wherethemarriagecertificateswereheld,youwouldindeedfindonewedding

MissDelilahJosephinaO’RoarkandMr.JamesFeinsteinEvans,yetadatewouldsurprisinglybeabsent.A

birthcertificateforMr.Evanscouldbefoundinthefilingcabinetsontheproperfloor,andadeathcertificate

aswell.

PopSonnetbyBridgetHughesInspiredbyRickAstley,“NeverGonnaGiveYouUp”

FortheeIhavenewfoundemotions.Althoughwebothhavelovedothersbefore,Ipritheetheetoharkmydevotions:Whenlikenedtopastloves,mineismuchmore.NevershouldIleavetheewhollyalone,

NorwouldItakeactionstomaketheeweepAndI’dsoonerdiethanhaveseedsofdiscordsownBetweenus;yes,myloverunsjustthatdeep.Don’ttellmethouarttooblindtoseeloveAsitknocksvigorouslyonthydoorForthyhearthathbeenyearningtobefreeof

Itsachingandjustloveagainoncemore.—Iprithee,comewithme,I’lltreattheewell;Nev’rwouldIleavethee,I’munderthyspell.

SunsetbyEmilyDavidheiser

ThesunLingersOnTheskylineThelightIsfadingEverSoslowlyTheskyIsaDarkeningrainbowThemoonGlowssoftInaHardlyVisibleStateBecauseThesunmustgoTobed

ASadnessTurnsbyHaileyFlaherty

Sadnessisacrack,

acrevicethatkeepsongrowing,

abreakinyourheartthatwillalwayskeepyou

moaning

sadnessislikenoother,

althoughitwillbother,

sadnesscanbeburnedandturnedintoanother

sadnessturnstojoy,

asmileonyourface

nolongeristhatcrack

stillachingtocomeback

sadnessisdemolished

andyourheartisfreshlypolished

sadnessisnowgoneand

yourlifecanfurthergoon

PaintingbySanjnaNarayan

PhotobyReneeW

ilkins

PoemandColoringbySpencerGreenberg

PhotobyGiriViswanathan

WhentheLightTouchedMyGunbyMaxMinard

ThereIwas:asmall,chubbyyounglinginmydarkblackcowboyhat.Ihadtwosmallgunsplacedonmybeltwithsixextra

loopsaroundthehips.Thetipsofthepistolswerecoveredwithbrightwhiteducttapetohidethelargeorangeendofthe

barrels.Withthesmallhandheldcameraturnedon,Igloweredatmyopponent.

Hestood,severalfeettallerthanme,staringmedownwithhisonesolitaryeye.Theeyeshinedwithalightbluehue,ready

andyearningforafight.Hiseyepatchlaidamongsthisrough,scratchyeyebrowwithalightgraystreakjuttingacrossthe

smallseaofhair.Hishairwashiddenpartiallyunderthedarkblackbowlerhatwiththeroundedtop,toosmallforhishead.

Hisdarkgreenshirtcontrastedwithhissilverandemeraldcoloredplasticringwiththesmalllabel“MadeinChina”hidden

onitsunderbelly.Thecuffswerescrunchedup,outofthewayofhisgunhand.Myhandstwitchedfiercely,mirroringthe

handsofmyopponent.Themanthreatenedtoreachforhisgunjustbelowhishands,hiddeninthedarkshadowofhislarge

fingers.

Iwasnotmyselfanymore.IwasClyde,themysteriouscattlerustler,theunforgivingkillerofBillyShackleford.Iremember

seeinghimwalkonce,trippingandfallingonnothingbutthinair,smilingandlaughinginhisfeeblemindedway.I

rememberhisfaceslowlyfall,turningpaleasbloodslowlydrainedoutofhisplaidcollaredshirt.Asimilarfatewouldmeet

mycurrentenemy,MilfordGurden.

MyhanddroppedfasterthanthecattleIchased,Ifeltthecoldmetalrubacrossmypudgy,smallfingers.Thepistolquickly

roseoutofthedarkdepthsofmyholster.Asitrose,thesunshoneoffofit,bouncingdirectlytothesmallglasslensofthe

camera.Ipointedthepistolstraightattheman,matchingthewhiteducttapeupwiththesmallgreenbuttonsatthecenter

ofhischest.IknewthatIcouldnotshootmyfather,notinthefilm,notinreallife.Mygunwouldsoonmalfunction,Iwould

slapthesideinanattempttodislodgethesmallmechanism,butashotwouldringout,andClydewouldbelyingdeadonthe

ground.

Thenextfewsecondswhizzedby,justastheywereplanned.Clydewasofficiallydead,abulletstuckinhisgut.Hehadfeltno

pain,hisdeathinstantaneous.Itdidnothurtme,butIclaspedathinsorrowformydeadcomrade.Onceagainayoungboy

inacowboysuit,Ijumpedupandasked,“DidIdoitright?”

Myfatheranswered,“Youweregreat,son.”

Recently,Isawanold,darkgreenshirthanginginmycloset.Islowlyinspectedtheshirt,itslargeandwrinkledcuffs,its

manygreenbuttons.Someofthebuttonsweremissing,lostinthevortexoftime.Therewasasmalltearintherightsleeve:

myfather’sgunhand.Itookthegreenshirtoffitshangerandtriediton.Thebuttonslinedupperfectly,thecuffsunrolledat

theperfectlength.Iclosedmyeyesandlookedback,seeingasmall,chubbyyounglinginadarkblackcowboyhat.

“Love”istheThingBloomingby

ThompsonLau

Theseedbeginsinyourchest

Andgrowswitheveryaction

Andneverstopsgrowingdayor

night-

Andwhenitisfullydeveloped

Attheheightofspring

Itiswonderful

Agreatmomenttoexperience

“Love”isthethingblooming

Toshowthewholeworld

Andtoexpressitstruebeauty

BerrybyChazTroutman

Larrylovesberries

LarryisfriendswithJerry

JerrygetsmarriedtoMary

Mary’sbrotherisHarry

Harrylikescherries

IknowawomannamedSherrie

ShegotmarriedtoamannamedBerrie

Berrielookslikeacherry

SherrieisgoodfriendswithJerrybecausehelikesberries

LarrydecidedonedaythatberrieswereHarry

Larrystoppedeatingberries

ButSherrieconvincedLarrythatberriesweren'tHarry

JerryhasapetrhinocerosnamedCherry

Cherrygetsfedgallonsofberries

OnedayCherryateLarry

CherrysaidthatLarrytasteslikeberries

WhenLarrydiedhereincarnatedintoaberry

Larry’sneighborSherriesawCherryeatLarrysoJerrystoppedfeedingberriestoCherry

CherrygetsmadatJerry

CherrydecidestoeatJerry

Jerryalsoreincarnatedintoaberry

Cherrysoonranawayandatelotsofberries

ButafterawhileCherryranoutofberriestoeat

CherrysoonranbacktoSherrieandlivedhappilyeverafter

PhotobySpencerGreenberg

PhotobyAustinRecchi

WhentheLightTouchedMyGunbyMaxMinard

ThereIwas:asmall,chubbyyounglinginmydarkblackcowboyhat.Ihadtwosmallgunsplacedonmybeltwithsixextra

loopsaroundthehips.Thetipsofthepistolswerecoveredwithbrightwhiteducttapetohidethelargeorangeendofthe

barrels.Withthesmallhandheldcameraturnedon,Igloweredatmyopponent.

Hestood,severalfeettallerthanme,staringmedownwithhisonesolitaryeye.Theeyeshinedwithalightbluehue,ready

andyearningforafight.Hiseyepatchlaidamongsthisrough,scratchyeyebrowwithalightgraystreakjuttingacrossthe

smallseaofhair.Hishairwashiddenpartiallyunderthedarkblackbowlerhatwiththeroundedtop,toosmallforhishead.

Hisdarkgreenshirtcontrastedwithhissilverandemeraldcoloredplasticringwiththesmalllabel“MadeinChina”hidden

onitsunderbelly.Thecuffswerescrunchedup,outofthewayofhisgunhand.Myhandstwitchedfiercely,mirroringthe

handsofmyopponent.Themanthreatenedtoreachforhisgunjustbelowhishands,hiddeninthedarkshadowofhislarge

fingers.

Iwasnotmyselfanymore.IwasClyde,themysteriouscattlerustler,theunforgivingkillerofBillyShackleford.Iremember

seeinghimwalkonce,trippingandfallingonnothingbutthinair,smilingandlaughinginhisfeeblemindedway.I

rememberhisfaceslowlyfall,turningpaleasbloodslowlydrainedoutofhisplaidcollaredshirt.Asimilarfatewouldmeet

mycurrentenemy,MilfordGurden.

MyhanddroppedfasterthanthecattleIchased,Ifeltthecoldmetalrubacrossmypudgy,smallfingers.Thepistolquickly

roseoutofthedarkdepthsofmyholster.Asitrose,thesunshoneoffofit,bouncingdirectlytothesmallglasslensofthe

camera.Ipointedthepistolstraightattheman,matchingthewhiteducttapeupwiththesmallgreenbuttonsatthecenter

ofhischest.IknewthatIcouldnotshootmyfather,notinthefilm,notinreallife.Mygunwouldsoonmalfunction,Iwould

slapthesideinanattempttodislodgethesmallmechanism,butashotwouldringout,andClydewouldbelyingdeadonthe

ground.

Thenextfewsecondswhizzedby,justastheywereplanned.Clydewasofficiallydead,abulletstuckinhisgut.Hehadfeltno

pain,hisdeathinstantaneous.Itdidnothurtme,butIclaspedathinsorrowformydeadcomrade.Onceagainayoungboy

inacowboysuit,Ijumpedupandasked,“DidIdoitright?”

Myfatheranswered,“Youweregreat,son.”

Recently,Isawanold,darkgreenshirthanginginmycloset.Islowlyinspectedtheshirt,itslargeandwrinkledcuffs,its

manygreenbuttons.Someofthebuttonsweremissing,lostinthevortexoftime.Therewasasmalltearintherightsleeve:

myfather’sgunhand.Itookthegreenshirtoffitshangerandtriediton.Thebuttonslinedupperfectly,thecuffsunrolledat

theperfectlength.Iclosedmyeyesandlookedback,seeingasmall,chubbyyounglinginadarkblackcowboyhat.

“Love”istheThingBloomingby

ThompsonLau

Theseedbeginsinyourchest

Andgrowswitheveryaction

Andneverstopsgrowingdayor

night-

Andwhenitisfullydeveloped

Attheheightofspring

Itiswonderful

Agreatmomenttoexperience

“Love”isthethingblooming

Toshowthewholeworld

Andtoexpressitstruebeauty

BerrybyChazTroutman

Larrylovesberries

LarryisfriendswithJerry

JerrygetsmarriedtoMary

Mary’sbrotherisHarry

Harrylikescherries

IknowawomannamedSherrie

ShegotmarriedtoamannamedBerrie

Berrielookslikeacherry

SherrieisgoodfriendswithJerrybecausehelikesberries

LarrydecidedonedaythatberrieswereHarry

Larrystoppedeatingberries

ButSherrieconvincedLarrythatberriesweren'tHarry

JerryhasapetrhinocerosnamedCherry

Cherrygetsfedgallonsofberries

OnedayCherryateLarry

CherrysaidthatLarrytasteslikeberries

WhenLarrydiedhereincarnatedintoaberry

Larry’sneighborSherriesawCherryeatLarrysoJerrystoppedfeedingberriestoCherry

CherrygetsmadatJerry

CherrydecidestoeatJerry

Jerryalsoreincarnatedintoaberry

Cherrysoonranawayandatelotsofberries

ButafterawhileCherryranoutofberriestoeat

CherrysoonranbacktoSherrieandlivedhappilyeverafter

PhotobySpencerGreenberg

PhotobyAustinRecchi

JusticeServedbyaLifeofCrimebyBridgetOnest

ShewokeuptothesoundofrainPoundingontheceilingofherapartmentGettinglouderandlouderTheskyhadbroughtanentirebrigadeTofighttheflatroofHangingoverherheadMadetoprotectherfromthesefightsThesebattlesthreateningtodrownherroomFashionedtopreventsleeplessnightsSpentinsoakedbedsShetwistsandturnsBeggingforevenasecondofsleep'Awake'maybeexcitingwhenthesunisoutBecauseduringthetimecalleddayHumanslayoutonthestreetsHerneighborsbecomecatsBathinginitsraysasifunderwaterKingsoftheplacecalled'Procrastination''Awake'isnotthesameWhenthesunisgoneaShewantstofindsleepTootiredtoplayhideandseekStilltooawaketostaythereTheongoingwarbetweentheskyAndherflatapartmentceilingGiftstoheraheadacheAslightpoundinginherheadHerheadisnowatheaterWithonlyoneformofentertainmentThereenactingofthiswarNowsheknowsIfsheistoclosehereyesTherewouldonlybethesoundofsoldiersFiringtheirtinybulletsAtatargetmeanttobeimpenetrableSheturnsoveronherrightsideTocontemplatewhythewarmustgoonTheremustbeawaytoenditAcompromisetopleasebothsidesAnideathatwithmaketheskystopSendingitsendlessranksofsoldiersOfftothewaragainstherapartmentroofHerflatapartmentroofdesignedtoprotectherFromdrowninginaseaofhatredLastnighttheceilingwasreassuringtoherSomethinghaschangedNowitseemstheskyiswinningThattheceilingwillgiveawayCracksarealreadyformingThesky'stinysoldiersarebeginningtoseepthroughThisfightisfinallyendingTheonlyproblemisshebetontheceilingHavingatriumphantvictoryNowthatactionseemssillyHowcouldherflatapartmentceilingMadeofearthlythingsWinawaragainsttheskyAseaoftearsfarawaySomethingshecannoteventouch

SecondhandSmokebyBridgetOnest

YellowdressonfirstdateRealizedtoolateBloodstainedweddingdressHe’llonlylovetheprettiest

AwomanislikearoseIfyouwaterit,itgrowsTakecareofhereverydayPrettyshewillstay

Water,however,willnotsaveherTimecomesfortherosetowitherThegardenerwillnotwedArosethatlookshalf-dead

PhotobyMakennaWolfanger

PhotobyAvariGupta

PhotobyEmmaLammert

PhotobyLuluMcCrady

JusticeServedbyaLifeofCrimebyBridgetOnest

ShewokeuptothesoundofrainPoundingontheceilingofherapartmentGettinglouderandlouderTheskyhadbroughtanentirebrigadeTofighttheflatroofHangingoverherheadMadetoprotectherfromthesefightsThesebattlesthreateningtodrownherroomFashionedtopreventsleeplessnightsSpentinsoakedbedsShetwistsandturnsBeggingforevenasecondofsleep'Awake'maybeexcitingwhenthesunisoutBecauseduringthetimecalleddayHumanslayoutonthestreetsHerneighborsbecomecatsBathinginitsraysasifunderwaterKingsoftheplacecalled'Procrastination''Awake'isnotthesameWhenthesunisgoneaShewantstofindsleepTootiredtoplayhideandseekStilltooawaketostaythereTheongoingwarbetweentheskyAndherflatapartmentceilingGiftstoheraheadacheAslightpoundinginherheadHerheadisnowatheaterWithonlyoneformofentertainmentThereenactingofthiswarNowsheknowsIfsheistoclosehereyesTherewouldonlybethesoundofsoldiersFiringtheirtinybulletsAtatargetmeanttobeimpenetrableSheturnsoveronherrightsideTocontemplatewhythewarmustgoonTheremustbeawaytoenditAcompromisetopleasebothsidesAnideathatwithmaketheskystopSendingitsendlessranksofsoldiersOfftothewaragainstherapartmentroofHerflatapartmentroofdesignedtoprotectherFromdrowninginaseaofhatredLastnighttheceilingwasreassuringtoherSomethinghaschangedNowitseemstheskyiswinningThattheceilingwillgiveawayCracksarealreadyformingThesky'stinysoldiersarebeginningtoseepthroughThisfightisfinallyendingTheonlyproblemisshebetontheceilingHavingatriumphantvictoryNowthatactionseemssillyHowcouldherflatapartmentceilingMadeofearthlythingsWinawaragainsttheskyAseaoftearsfarawaySomethingshecannoteventouch

SecondhandSmokebyBridgetOnest

YellowdressonfirstdateRealizedtoolateBloodstainedweddingdressHe’llonlylovetheprettiest

AwomanislikearoseIfyouwaterit,itgrowsTakecareofhereverydayPrettyshewillstay

Water,however,willnotsaveherTimecomesfortherosetowitherThegardenerwillnotwedArosethatlookshalf-dead

PhotobyMakennaWolfanger

PhotobyAvariGupta

PhotobyEmmaLammert

PhotobyLuluMcCrady

PhotobyRyanMcGlaughlan

PaintingbyBridgetOnest

PhotobyGiriViswanathanPhotobyGabiJegasothy

DrawingbyReneeWilkins

PhotobyMakennaWolfanger

PhotobyReneeWilkins

PhotobyJayaPatel

TheChinaDollbyBridgetOnest

Thegirlwassixwhenhermotherboughtherthedoll

Thechinadollwithredlipsandpinkcheeks

Howthatlittlegirllovedthatdoll

Sheranhomefromschool

Everydaytoplaywiththedoll

Dressingthedollupinlittlebluegowns

Usingherownhairpiecestopullgoldenhairback

Stealinghermother’seyeliner

Drawingsmilingfacesandhearts

Onpinkcheeksandbluegowns

Howthatlittlegirlcriedwhenthatonefootbrokeoff

Shehonestlythoughtthatdollcouldfly

Littlegirlsgrowup

Makebelievegameslosetheirinterest

Dustgathersonuntouchedshelves

Moreandmorepiecesbreakoff

Thegirlwassixwhenhermotherboughtherthatdoll

Thechinadollwiththefadedlipsandsmudgedcheeks

Goldenhairwiththeclumpsofdrieddirt

Wornbluegownsstrewnacrosstheclosetfloor

Thegirlwaseighteenwhenshegraduatedfromhighschool

Onherwaytocollege

Lookingthroughthecloset

Sortingthroughdustyshelves

Handsfindafamiliarshape

Thechinadollwhowipedthetearsfromthatlittlegirl’seyes

Whoflewdownthestairswithunbelievablegrace

Laughedatthelittlegirl’slacklusterjokes

ThechinadollwhofellinlovewithBennie

Thatlittledogwholivedacrossthestreet

Forasecondthegirlpauses

Andlooksintothoseeyes

Theeyesthatwereonceabrilliantgreen

Butshesawonlygray

Andthatonce-littlegirl

Threwthatchinadollaway

PhotobyReneeWilkinsandEmmaLammert

CastandCrewofSSA'sLiteraryMagazine

KajaCutlip

SPENCERGREENBERG

BridgetOnest

RachelSilvermanKatieSparvero

Ms.Castleman

CongratulationstoAvariGupta,ourcoverartist!GREATPHOTO!

SPIRAL

STAIRCASE

2016