1. Spring 2012BeanSwitch StaffExecutive Editors Misty Dunlap Sheila ScottVisual Editor Kalsey StultsBeanSwitchSupporting Cast -Eli Anderson Eric Brand Dave Chambliss Jonathan French Rocky Holland Zack Nabors Jennifer Parrish Madilyn Peay Beth Reed Lyndsay Riggs Crystal Springer Marah Vogt Faculty Advisors - Chris Hill BeanSwitch Department of English and Modern Foreign LanguagesJeffery Longacre BeanSwitchSpring 2012 Department of English and Modern Foreign LanguagesTomi McCutchen Parrish Fall 2012 Department of Communications

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Art Table of ContentsBallet Dancer Memori DePriest1 Curious AquariumJocelyne Barchet 40Mystic Moon Zachariah Dickson 3 NighttimeMelanie ONeil41Not Ready to Leave Here Cody Speed 9 Gilt and Crystal at the Louvre Kara Kidwell 43TearfallZachariah Dickson11 Night Sky DreamscapeJocelyne Barchet 45Drops of JupiterCody Speed13 Blackhole SunZach Johnson 46Distant Places Bring Lonesome Faces Cody Michael Williams 15 OilAlexandra Stover 48The CallingMary Jean Hall16 Into the DarkCody Speed 50The Little ThingsLauren Whitaker19 The CompanionDiane Shaw 54Wish Right NowCody Speed20 Tilted, Twisted, and WornDonna Hacker 57SadnessZachariah Dickson 23 WonderlandZachariah Dickson 59GazeAlexandra Stover26 Feather StoneCody Speed 60Tree Woman Cries Zachariah Dickson 24 Deadly SubstanceJocelyne Barchet69Dance It All Away Beth Crocker28 12:30Aaron Burks70To be Unmeasured Cody Michael Williams 31 TimelessKait Scott 73WaterlandZachariah Dickson 33 Cover ArtCody Speed74Blooming with HueJocelyne Barchet34Another View of the Eiffel Tower Kara Kidwell35Abstract Painting Lauren Suiter 36CenterMelanie ONeil 37Wine BottleAaron Burks 38Alone at LastMegan Schwab 39 3. Literary Table of ContentsBallet Dancer Memori DePriestThe Wedding Dance Belinda Barker 2The VisitorsSonny Taylor4These ShoesBelinda Barker10We Buried a Boy Today Belinda Barker12BenefitsBrittney Reed 14In God We TrustAshley Burton 17A Sideways Glance Kristin Brooks21Wonder LustRachel Hurst25ColorfulJami Miller 27The All Powerful Hairy HandJonathan Lucas French 29The QuestionCody Jarman32EphemeraBrittney Reed 42A Modern Pyramus and Thisbe Misty Dunlap44Rotting TeethRachel Hurst47The Gremlin of All Hallows Eve Eli Anderson49Should I Do This?Regan Ward51The ShakesToshya Leonard55Family PhotographsBelinda Barker58Road to RecoveryRocky Holland61Please, ProfessorKathleen Alford 71Graphite Pencils 11 x 14 Wanted to try a technique the class had done earlier in figuredrawing while it was fresh on my mind.1 4. The Wedding DanceMystic Moon Belinda BarkerZachariah Dicksonthe wedding danceof dreams yet untolda ballerina I am! graceand beauty to beholda dress of organzaor leather or laceand the joy of completion ripeon my facemy Papa in earnestshowing his prizeand me in his gloryreflecting his eyesthe wedding danceof dreams now tolda woman I am! graceand beauty to behold Graphic Design 2170 x 2996 pixelsCapturing the eye of the viewer with the many aspects of thenight and provoking the same mystified emotion that one haswhen looking at the moon.23 5. I thought my little brother was ugly when he was born, too. And he sure did The Visitorannoy me. But, I loved him, and when he woke us up in the middle of the nightwith his crying, Id always try to help my parents get him back to sleep.Sonny Taylor The little girl wrinkles her nose, her pale lips turning downwards to form aserious frown. I sure hope he dont keep me up all night. I gotta go to school, ya know. Im sure youll be able to get plenty of sleep, sw-- The nurses response is cutSitting in the hospital waiting room, a little girl swings her legs slowly. Herhands are braced on the semi-soft plastic of the chair cushion as she looks aroundoff by the sudden voice booming in the air, the intercom speaker almost visiblythe sterile, dimly lit room with soft brown eyes. Hospitals are nothing new to this rattling from the sound. She lets out a startled sigh and stands quickly.four-year-old, though for once shes experiencing the waiting room as a visitor, You be good now, she calls as she rushes off, her shoes squeaking again, muchnot a patient soon to be ushered back into a room. Still, the nurses are familiar tofaster this time.her. Her gaze halts its exploration of the off-white walls as the squeaking of shoes Nearly an hour later, a painfully long amount of time for the little girl, a doctorreaches her ears. Glancing in that direction, she smiles hesitantly at the womancomes out and leads her back into a room. She skips along beside him happily,walking towards her, a nurse she knows from her countless visits here. This her tiny legs working overtime to keep up with his long strides. Once in the room,nurse, she remembers, is particularly gentle when drawing blood.the girl lets out a delighted cry of Mommy! before rushing towards the woman.Hi! she chimes sweetly, giving the woman a delighted smile, revealing teeth She half climbs onto the bed, struggling slightly with its height, to plant a loudthat are just crooked enough to be charming, along with deep dimples. The nurse cherry scented kiss on the dark haired womans sweaty cheek. Then she freezes,stops by the little girls chair, the squeaking of her typical white shoes coming toher brown eyes locking on the bundle in the baby bed next to her Mommy.an abrupt halt.Is that him? she asks curiously, not looking away from the bundle to see herHey, sweetie, she answers warmly, her voice low and soothing. To the little mothers smile.girl, she sounds like what a nurse should sound like, comforting, gentle and Thats him, alright. You have a little brother, possum britches. His name isfriendly. Reaching one calloused hand into the pocket of her hot pink scrubs, she Nathan, the mother answers weakly, obviously more than a tad tired from thepulls out a prized piece of candy for the girl, a small red lollipop wrapped in clear hours of labor.plastic. Smiling, the girl takes the lollipop and opens it, popping it into her mouthThe little girl hops off the bed and walks slowly over to the babys bed,with a soft lip-smacking sound as she mumbles a polite, thank you. The nursestretching up on her tiptoes to see him better. As her mother and the doctor talk,laughs, reaching out to ruffle the little ones dark curls. the girl stares at the little thing in the bed. It doesnt look completely human; itsAre you excited about meeting your little brother?head is big, its body is too long, its hands are chubby, and its fingers are so tinyGazing up at the nice womans angular face and pretty green eyes, the little girl that she isnt sure theyre fully formed. As she stares at him, the little thing blinksrolls her eyes. slowly and then gazes up at her with squinty blue eyes. She reaches over slowlyNot really. Babies are ugly. But, Momma says I aint gunna thank that when I see to touch his puffy little hand, wondering why his skin is so red that when shehim, she answers honestly, knowing that it isnt right to lie. touches it the spot around her fingers goes all white and weird looking. The babyThe nurse laughs, shaking her head slightly. As the tip of her long blond ponytailwiggles his fingers slightly, barely a twitch, and she slides her index finger4brushes against her back, she gives the girl a conspirators grin.5 6. Three nights later, the little girl stands in the waiting room of a hospital, yetagainst his palm. As he closes his tiny little stubs around her slim digit, again. This time, tears streak down her cheeks and she clutches her jacket closeda delighted smile breaks across her innocent face. Practically glowing with around her pajamas. A Beanie Baby puppy is firmly squished between one armhappiness, she gazes adoringly at the little boy until he closes his eyes again and and her chest as she sobs quietly, pleading with anyone who will listen, to pleasereleases her finger.tell her whats wrong. She cant understand why her Bubba was shaking so badly,Finally, she looks towards her mother again.or why her Momma and Daddy are crying and they arent allowed to see him.Mommy? she quips quietly, not wanting to disturb the baby.As they cart the little boy out of the hospital on a stretcher, into the awaitingYes?helicopter, the little girl rushes after him. She stands in the hospital doors,I gunna call him Bubba, she answers, as though this is the most simple, and watching the massive blades slice through the air, practically cowering away fromhighly important, thing in the world. the terrible sound. She watches with wide, terrified eyes as the giant metal beastFor around six months the little girl goes to school when she has to, but takes her brother away. Then, shes rushed off to her grandmas house whileotherwise she stays home, practically attached to her brothers side. In her mind,Momma and Daddy go to take care of Bubba and bring him home.the rapidly growing baby is the most precious thing in the world. She doesnt Not a week later, shes sitting in the miniature rocking chair in the middle of hermind when he cries. She patiently allows him to pull on her long brown curls. She grandmas living room, clutching the same stuffed puppy to her chest. Her facegiggles at how much noise he makes when hes happy and how he smiles when heis still streaked with tears, but shes smiling up at a man in a dark suit. This man,sees her. Life is perfect.his light brown eyes warm and welcoming, jokes with her. He asks to sit in herOne night, at her grandmas house, Bubba is lying on the couch while Mommachair, and she squeals in protest, informing him that hes too big and will breakgets ready to change his diaper. The girl prances into the kitchen, opening the it. He asks to see her puppy, and she clutches it tighter, her bright smile suddenlydoor to the large white refrigerator and looking around in it. Not finding what fading. He sighs, his dark skin lacking in a certain glow that shows someoneshe wants, she shuts the door and heads towards the back porch to ask her Pa if is enjoying his activity. Brushing his lanky fingers through his short brownhe can help. However, before she can cross the distance, she hears an alarmed hair, he crouches down in front of the girl, giving her a very serious look. Andcry. She rushes towards the sound quickly, hearing her Bubbas wail start up. then he asks a round of questions that range from just plain silly to absolutelyBefore she can get to him, shes scooped up in her Daddys arms and carried devastating. Finally, shes in tears again, glaring up at this man. His eyes are noin the opposite direction. Daddy takes her home, without Momma or Bubba,longer warm but full of sorrow.and for hours she paces the house, whining impatiently and demanding to see He smoothes over his dark suit nervously, unsure as to how to face the wrath ofher brother. Finally, Momma comes in the door, Bubba in her arms. The littlethis tiny whirlwind.girl rushes towards them, rambling on a mile a minute wanting to know whatsMy Mommy and Daddy are not mean. You are mean. Stop bothering me. Gohappening and why everyones so upset.away. NOW! Her voice rises with each word, until shes shouting at him, herBubby just hit his head, Momma explains quietly, as the strapping baby boycheeks flushed and her eyes nearly black with fury.reaches impatiently for his sister, making grabby hands.They never hurt us! she adds in a softer tone, the words broken by a sob,Satisfied with this response, and seeing that hes okay, the little girl reachesbefore she rushes out.up and slides her own sun-kissed hand into his chubby paw. Things go back toThe man in the suit thanks her grandma for their time, shaking her hand andnormal, for a few days. apologizing for upsetting the little girl. Then he turns to his partner, a man with a6 7 7. similar appearance but no fondness or sympathy for children. This man hadbeen ignored by the little girl during the entire meeting, as shed heard him tellingher grandma that they didnt want her seeing her mother or father. Not Ready to Leave HereI think she made it pretty clear, the nicer man says as they take their leave. Cody SpeedDays go by, the funeral passing in a blur that she doesnt even want toremember. She cries almost constantly, wanting her brother back, wanting to seeher parents, wanting to know why God is being so mean. The days turn to monthsbefore shes allowed to live with her parents, only seeing them when supervised.During this time, the only comfort to her is her dreams.Every night, she experiences the same dream. A soft glowing white lightsurrounds her, and soon enough she isnt alone, but in the company of a beautifulwoman with long blond hair and comforting green eyes. This woman, however,isnt dressed in hot pink scrubs or bringing lollipops. A white dress that seemsto flow and flutter constantly covers her willowy form in a demure fashion, thesleeves falling well past her hands. Large white wings sprout from her back, asource of interest to the girl even though she understands what they mean. Thefeathers ruffle occasionally, in response to some movement or action, creating acomforting sound that soon becomes the little girls new version of her brotherslaugh. And a thin ring of gold hovers above the womans head, glowing with thesame bright white light as everything else in this dreamscape. The woman bringsnews, her voice somehow holding every happy memory the little girl has of herbrother. The news is always the same. Bubba is okay, he is happy; he is withpeople that love him. He is not gone.As much as the little girl may want to stay in this dream with this woman whoreminds her of happiness, she cannot. Soon enough, life returns to happiness;though, there are moments of great sorrow. She returns to her parents. She growsup. She never forgets the visitors of her youth: the nurse that told her it waspossible to like her brother; the man in the suit that tried to gain her trust, simplyso he could question her about her parents; and the angel that visited her dreamsto help her find closure. But most importantly, the adorable little boy, who was Pen and Inkthe most amazing Bubba in the world, while he had the time to be, the little boy8 x 11that changed her life, and left a deep mark on her heart, soul, and family. Leaving behind someone you love.8 9 8. These ShoesTear FallBelinda Barker Zachariah Dicksonthese shoesnever worn in my youthstiff and unyieldingperched high ontheir lofty placewaitingthese shoesbrought down with halting purposealien and newbeside a dressthe color of mourningwaitingthese shoescreased with maps from my tearsscalloped and hotfallen from downward eyesthat cannot turn awaywaitingthese shoesrediscoveredbroken and pliantGraphic Designhidden beneath the silent stories1384 x 3648 pixelsof my lifewaitingRepresents the sadness of losing a loved one through the heart of a grieving child. 10 11 9. We Buried a Boy Drops of Jupiterwe buried a boy today Belinda Barker Cody Speeda beautiful boythe soundof a mothers silent mourningthe soundof your own childs griefunimaginable soundsunanswerable questionsunthinkable answersthe soundof each heart rendingjoining all the othersdesperate to make senseof the beautiful boys deaththe soundof young men in unisontheir cadence crushed and strongsinging the swan song of the boythe sound Acrylic on Canvasof love 20 x 16we buried a boy today Looking up and seeing the one you lost in the stars.a beautiful boyIn loving memory of Jacob Cole Nunley (September 22,1993--September 10, 2012) 1213 10. Benefits Distant Places BringYou sit across from me Brittney ReedLonesome Facesand tell me about my retirement options.Even you know this is ridiculous: Cody Michael Williamsthe tiny giggle bubbles from your lipsat the end of each sentence.You were running lateIm twenty-three.I must make you feel awkward.You tell me about my new lifeinsurance policy, and I wonder if I diedhow much money my parents would get,if it would be enough for even one roundof my fathers chemo. If it could gathereach hair from his pillow, weave it into somethingother than an empty bank accountand a line of zeros.My face is pale but unfair, unlined.They call me sweetie on the phone, ask for my superior.The little I command is too much.They want to know where I hide my incompetence.I must keep it in my tiny pocket of years,sewn into the hem of my thrift store skirt.Acrylic on WoodYou push pages across your desk31 1/2 x 12 1/2and I sign each one with my nameUsing color combinations to create harmony so thebut also with thank you,with Im sorry,viewer can interpret the image as they see fit.I dont want this,I have no place in my life to put it. 1415 11. The CallingIn God We TrustMary Jean HallIt all seems the sameAshley BurtonJustification for a gameReality for a peaceA color of a painting for which we might beThe same God in a different landHolding the same handsLeading people to understandYet you hate and migrateAnd wont seek face ofAnyone who looks differentlyThan youWho speaks with more slurs than you do?And we sin and say only God can judge meLike it is ok to be a slob of whom we teach not to beIt all seems the sameJustification for a gameReality for a peaceA color of a painting for which we might beWars based on differencesAnd we neglect what is significantFor prized possessions that fade awayAnd say we want a piece of heavenYet dont search for righteousnessOr pray to understand what needs to be understoodThis is a land where people look at your shoesBefore they speak to youDigital Photography And ask what you doInstead of asking about youCapturing the beauty of nature. It all seems the sameJustification for a gameReality for a peace 16 A color of a painting for which we might be17 12. The Little ThingsWe base our trust in a government we distrustAnd take from the poorKnock if you may on murderers doorAnd we claim that every hard working person is evil Lauren WhitakerWe belittle if they dont meet the standards of everyone elseWe have forgotten about the collective goodAnd only think about selfWe say AmenAlthough we dont agreeWe get on our knees to do everything but praySo I sayIt all seems the sameJustification for a gameReality for a peaceA color of a painting for which we might be Digital Photography with a fish-eye lensBringing appreciation to seemingly normal things.The little things in life are often the most beautiful.1819 13. Wish Right NowA Sideways Glance Cody Speed Kristin Brooks Beth quietly retrieved her coffee from the counter of the coffee shop, and retreated to a corner seat in the back of the supposedly warm, and welcoming caf. She couldnt help but enjoy the warm rays of the sun that, regardless of the bold orange blinds, seemed to be drawn to her like two magnets, that had found themselves in the bottom of the cluttered kitchen catch-all drawer. She seemed to be surrounded by warmth: the friendly waitress behind the counter who had smiled, as she had unknowingly given her the incorrect change; the rays of sun passing through the windows; and the appealing sideways glance of the handsome young gentlemen, sitting across from her sipping, on what appeared to be a latte, covered in rich cream. Wait, this last entry in the never-ending lists of her mind was one that had not been noticed, or logged mentally, before. She found herself out of her comfort zone, being one who usually melted, unnoticed into the scenery. The man reminded her of Steven, her ex, who had broken her heart, just a few months before. She had fallen in love with him, and the year that they had been together, had been wonderful. Beth had always been a quiet person, who never said much, and was always in the shadow of others. Steven had the uncanny ability of making her forget about her self-conscious nature, and could draw her out of herself enough, that she could enjoy life. She had finally learned to trust him, and had started to picture their future together, just as her world had come crashing down. He had sat her down at the kitchen table, in the apartment that they shared, and bluntly told her that he had met someone else. He left shortly after that, and she hadnt seen him since. This had propelled her back deeper, into her painfully shy world of self-consciousness, and withdrawal. Acrylic on Canvas Seeing this man, Beth thought to herself, that maybe this was the start to 20 x 16 a new beginning, a second chance at a life with someone else. She held her breath as the man smiled, rose to his feet, and started to make his way to herSaying goodbye to all your dreams and wishing for a reprieve.table. Her heart fluttered, as his shiny black shoes waded through what20 21 14. had once been a cup of coffee strewn along the floor that had carelessly andinefficiently been cleaned up. Her mind flew to the possibilities of what he might Sadnesssay to her, and what she could possibly say that would keep him from running inthe opposite direction. She always had been able to say just the wrong thing thatZachariah Dicksonwould cause a guy to quickly excuse himself, from her presence, but maybe shehad learned enough from Steven, to keep this guy from bolting.He grew closer and closer, and time seemed to pass slower and slower. Timewas jolted into what seemed an endless Hades, as he passed by her and reachedfor the decorative handle of the exit door, she had unknowingly placed herselfbeside, as she felt her hopes diminish and her dream for a normal life disappear,along with the handsome stranger, around the bustling street corner. Graphic Design 2265 x 7681 pixels Emotions are meant to be seen, not held in and thought on. 22 23 15. Gaze Wonder LustAlexandra StoverRachel Hurst I want to take this world And crack it within these trembling hands. I want to take it And press its fractures to my lips So that I can drink deeply of its Wonders and secrets.Watercolor (landscape) Acrylic (characters) on Canvas 18 x 24Putting my original characters in their naturalenvironment for the first time.24 25 16. Tree Woman CriesColorfulZachariah DicksonJami MillerBlue lips, Red eyesViolet patches on my skin Reluctant apologies Mean nothing when Released from those lips And then I hear himWhisper you are my favorite fragile thingAnd I am in love again. Graphic Design 2264 x 3046 pixelsEven when the world around you is beautiful, it does not make up the grief within oneself. 2627 17. Dance It All Away The All Powerful Hairy Hand Beth CrockerJonathan Lucas FrenchHe was lying there in the rank smell of urine and shit, stiff, like a fish you leftin the back of a pickup too long on a hot day. With his pants and underwear athis ankles it was almost surreal seeing him there, in the basement of the church,where my family knelt and prayed, sang and danced. With an open mouth andeyes wide open, stuck, frozen in time, his face was mashed against the coldcement floor. It was so much to take in, standing there seeing him. I didnt daremove nor make a sound. I just stood and stared, listening to the music and thepeople I knew to be good, dancing and celebrating Jesus in all His glory, in thesanctuary above.It was Willard, the retarded boy, who didnt like to be touched by anyone hedidnt know. He was Mrs. Dowdys grandson and she had taken him to everychurch service I ever been to. His beard was one of wonder, one that could neverbe groomed, due to his erratic violent movements. He sat often in front of meand my family, and I would peer at him and ponder as to what he was thinking,as he moved his head as if flies were all about. He was unique, gray haired at anearly age, with yellow and black teeth that were usually clenched. He had agedeyes that seemed to look beyond this world and into another. I admired him,admired his blood vessels that ran wild, standing out on his arms like markingson a map. I admired his strength for throwing people about when they would tryto place hands on him. He was almost a super hero in slacks, Willard, the retard.Now he was beneath me, dead in a puddle of his own piss, with people dancingabove unbeknownst to his new form.A hand was placed on my shoulder, coming from nowhere, startling me, almost Permanent Marker and Sharpie like it was a hand of God himself. It was Brother Rick, dressed in black as always,9 x 12holding me, reassuring me. Standing there we looked at poor Willard.Dear Lord, what in the world was he doing? Brother Rick said calmly, clenchingExpressing joy, youth, and freedom in the use of theme close, my elbow at his waist.figure and the colors. 2829 18. Staring at Willard, it was a thought, his words, though none of real reason. Iwas young and knew not a lot, but I knew it wasnt what Willard was doing, rather To be Unmeasuredwhat had been done to him. With tears in my eyes waiting to fall, my body tensedup with every movement of Brother Ricks big hairy hand, working its way up my Cody Michael Williamsneck, as I looked at the last of my mindless super hero. I thought I was special. Ithought I was the only one. I thought if I couldve been Willard, I wouldve beenstrong enough, mindless enough, to fight back; I wasnt, and neither was he. Acrylic on Wood 31 1/2 x 12 1/2Using color combinations to create harmony so the viewer can interpret the image as they see fit. 3031 19. The Question Waterland Cody JarmanZachariah DicksonThis is not a poem nor is it a short story nor a playnor a dance, painting, or sculptureIt is present merely to raise the question Just like you or I The universe is wideit is an eternally silent plane but if a being gives a voice to the voidis that not meaning enough? Graphic Design1930 x 3804 pixelsShowing the fluidity of both ocean creatures and humanity, and our ability to change and warp to the changing of the world. 3233 20. Blooming with HueLooking up the Eiffel at Night Jocelyne Barchet Kara KidwellAcrylic PaintDigital Photography18 x 24 4320 x 3240 pixelsShowing a full spectrum of color centered on flowers.Showing an angle of the Eiffel Tower that is not normally seen.34 35 21. Abstract Painting Center Lauren SuiterMelanie ONeilAcrylic on CanvasPhotograph11 x 14 Capturing the beauty of Mother Nature.An abstract piece that contains no recognizable forms yet depicts an overall happy mood. 3637 22. Wine Bottle Alone at LastAaron BurksMegan Schwab Charcoal on Paper Oil on Canvas 18 x 24 28 x 22A study of still life with light, shadow and tone.Endeavoring with oil paints for the first time. 38 39 23. Curious AquariumNighttime Jocelyne BarchetMelanie ONeilPhotographPastelsShowing how bright the world can be at night.11 x 14Representing the curiosity of a young persons mind. (Notice the child in the bottom-left corner.)4041 24. EphemeraGilt and Crystal at the Louvre Brittney ReedKara KidwellI find my pleasure in cheap things meant to be taken offlike the leopard-print slip that slidesover the cleft between thighswith a purring, symphony of zippersmeant to be thrown awaythe books never made for top billing on any shelfpaperbacks born to die kicked under bedspages still sticky with cherry soda and lustto be tossed asidethe thin edge of night and morningwhen another cigarette forever is never the lastand the car tires binge-eat asphaltlike theyre looking for love at the bottom of the cookie jarmade cheap and easythe lucky can buy happiness from gumball machines,find it in lipstick, unicorn pinkglitter stickers on early 90s trapper keepersDigital Photography 4320 x 3240 pixelsboth trashy and inanearraying selves in junk, Showing a chandelier from another angle.building lives out of cast-offs from the bottom of the drawer,lighting blonde Jesus candles while radio starlets gyrateon tarnished silver screensThey wouldnt call it tacky if it didnt stick in your heart. 4243 25. A Modern Pyramus and ThisbeNight Sky Dreamscape Misty DunlapJocelyne BarchetI am having a love affair between the wallsknock once for are you thereknock twice with a long pause in between for I want to kiss youknock three times for reassurance that everything will be okaywe will not wake up in ten years to find we still have nottaken that road trip or won a Nobel Prizewe sleep as close as we can to our shared wallbacks pressed, ribs uncurleda knuckle running against the eggshell white paintas if the color was the soft crook of an elbowwhisper all your fears, regrets, plans, likesI will keep an empty tumbler on my windowsillready to listen Oil Painting18 x 24 Resembling a dream.44 45 26. Blackhole SunRotting TeethZach JohnsonRachel HurstHis fingers sailed across the decaying teeth, lithe and caressing. Each onegave in to his touch hesitantly, and whispered music between the trees andthe moonlight. Melodies soared into the night, carried on his breath with eachslow exhale. Around him the world hushed. No cry of the birds were heard, nomovement of the wind called. All the sounds of the night fell quiet in the presenceof him and the long forgotten instrument. The stars, as well, took a step back atthe show of his hands gentle play.Sour wood permeated the air and foliage spilt forth from its core. The feel ofthe ruts and scars marred along the keys matched his own on the curve of his lipand those along the delicate lining of her heart. It was an outcast to its owner,just as the girl with shaking hands was to the lover before him. Each groan of anunyielding chord struck him, just as the hardness in her words would. Despiteits quiet beauty, abuse had left its scoring mark on the piano, leaving its spiritbroken for nature to take back into its bosom. No amount of skill would againbeckon its beautiful language. Its love cast away from its owner, just as hisbeloved had been. No, neither the piano nor the girl would sing for him, as theyhad for those that touched them before. But still he would remain.Charcoal on Drawing Paper9 x 12Realizing an idea. 46 47 27. Oil The Gremlin of All Hallows EveAlexandra Stover Eli Anderson I tell you now of a beast of old Who walked the earth with courage bold. Listen close with fervid ear And lean in close so you may hear. He walked these hills, these plains, these woods And even terrorized our neighborhoods. His figure is ghastly, his spirit youll feel And his presence alone will make grown men squeal. His long lanky limbs leave no print in the earth And he is ghoulishly misshapen for lack of girth. He prowls the night with malice entail And he uses the land for his shadowy veil. His hair hangs long from all four limbs And cursed be the soul that catches a glimpse. His long ivory claws stay sharp from use And from them he learned to deal man abuse. His large sunken eyes can be spotted at night, Theyve been known to emit a ghoulish green light. Do not be fooled, he is no boorish brute His mind is as sharp as yours and mine to boot. He is often seen tracing the waters edge And is occasionally spotted peering from a mountain ledge. Oil on Canvas We know not where he next will creepBeing striking and complementary of the colors within the painting But we know that he can never sleep.while remaining loose. 48 49 28. Into the DarkShould I Do This?Cody SpeedRegan WardShould I do this? What if Im gonna regret this? Johns pale face feels like it isgradually beginning to sizzle under the scrutiny of the suns rays. Kate drawshis attention, away from deep thoughts, with the breathless sigh to his right thatbrings goose bumps to every inch of his skin. He is so warm and so cold; he isincredibly confused but also absolutely sure. Her freckled collarbones slowly riseas the small bits of pollen around her face rush to her pink, slender nose. A fewstrands of pumpernickel-colored hair slide elegantly across her high cheekboneand strong jaw line, as she tilts her closed emerald eyes towards him.What? she says.What what?Youre staring at me. You cant hide it from me anymore, ya know?So, you can just sense that now or something?Yeah, pretty much. Ever since high school, she says.Ah, yes, Arlington High. How you loved that place.Oh, hush. Its not like you were having the time of your life either.I started to, senior year.Now youre just sucking up.No really. Just like right then; your giggle always made French easier.Werent you just blessed the only seat open was right in front of you, then?Nah, first thing that came to mind was, Ew, freshman.Dont even pretend. I knew what you were thinking the first day of freshmanyear.Pen and Ink Youre weird. 8 x 11 Youre the one staring.True.Facing the darkness and pain is always better with a friend.So?Its nothing. You just look relaxed is all.Wow. 5051 29. Huh?You are a jerk. You suck at lying, even with my eyes closed.What? I thought you were sleeping, so I was going to play a prank on you. You do not ask a girl to marry you as a prank, if you want to live to see the Really? What prank was that? mornin after. No, Ill just save it for later, he says. Sorry, I didnt think it would bother you. You werent going to play a prank.It didnt. You can wipe that little smirk off your face, smart butt. I did have a prank. Liar. Then do it. I still have my eyes closed, dont I? Hey, I do have a real question for you, though. You wont like it.Whats that? Isnt that the point of a prank?Wanna propose to me? Not my prank. I just did. Then why dont you do it? Maybe, I will. Youre too careful about things. You need to buck up, Mister. You pick on me now, but wouldnt you want any boy to be careful with you? Im not pickin too bad. And, of course I would, but youre different. You dont want me to be careful? No, you just arent anywhere near normal. Arent we just a pair then? I dont want you to feel like you have to be. I mean, come on, weve known eachother for about seven years now, right? If I havent decided by now that I hateyour guts, when will I ever? True. Seriously, John, Im only kidding. What is it? You looked like you were about tobe sick but just now you look like you could up and kiss that frog sitting by thathalf-sunk log over there. What is up with you today? I just wanted to ask you something. And thats your prank or Yeah, kind of. So, what is it? Youre kinda cute, you know that? Do what now? Will you marry me?5253 30. The Companion The Shakes Diane ShawToshya Leonard All of the fine China Has been put away Since the fateful hour Grandpa got the shakes. Grandma took out the TV And the garbage too, But judging by her expression, It didnt do much good. There Grandpa sits talking To all of no audience, And all the doctors can prescribe Is a dose of plenty patience. As Grandmas wrinkles grow, Grandpas condition stays the same. The pills; the drugs; the war; the Man; Those are who to blame. He can remember the past Acrylic on PaperAs clear as the blue sky, 14 x 21 And all Grandma can do Is sit back in her rocker and cry.Signifying the universal behavior pattern for those who have the ability to be a loyalcompanion without the need to be self-serving. Grandpa hasnt been his best Since April of 1965. Grandma is out of mind, But at the same, still alive.5455 31. Grandpa talks about the bombs Tilted, Twisted, and WornAnd when the missiles flew,But ask him about the kids, Donna HackerAnd he doesnt have a clue.He still yells into his pillowAnd cannot help but weep.Its probably been a thousand nightsSince Grandmas gotten any sleep.Its not that she doesnt care;Its that she cares too much.No offense to God,But her prayers havent had luck.Grandma just wants company,For she cant drink coffee alone,But it would be just as easyTo send Grandpa off to the home.Grandma understands that ageIs a force that you cant fight,And with it comes rage,Which Grandpa fights every night.Grandma still claimsDigital PhotographyThat Grandpas love is there. Capturing the early morning light that is reflecting on this quirky old ruggedEven if they are crazy together, white picket fence.Its a love that they still share.All of the fine ChinaIs still put away,But Grandma remainsWith Grandpa and his shakes. 5657 32. Family Photographs WonderlandBelinda Barker Zachariah Dicksonheart falling firstmind scrambling behindsearching for a holdto recapture the snapshotbefore this flash in timefamily photographsnever takenforgotten to be forgottenin the space not yet awake and not yet sleeping even there and even thenthey awake in dreamsof muscles reenacting the slow motionsplummeting down into the darkest roomwhere a stopped heart must remember how to beatand a body so plagued with wearinessleaves a spirit whose brokenness is its only beautyfamily photographsnever displayedforgotten to be forgotten Graphic Design 632 x 2616 pixelsGiving the viewer a new reflection beyond the looking glass. 5859 33. Feather StoneRoad to Recovery Cody Speed Rocky HollandRussell Russo was a compulsive gambler. Compulsive was a nice way of puttingit. Russell needed to feel the exciting rush of betting like a drug addict, neededto feel the high of premium heroin. Lady Luck is a bipolar wasp, uncertain,untrustworthy, and ready to strike at any moment. Russell had been in recoveryfor half a year. It had been six months since his last paycheck was blown, his lastbill went unpaid and his last relative had cut him off.Russell had stopped at Daves Gas and Grubb to fill his tank after work. Thereappeared to be only one clerk working behind the counter and Russell stood atthe end of a long line of rush hour customers. The clerk was overwhelmed andthe customers were becoming agitated. Russell glanced around the store as hewaited, and his eyes came to a flashy purple sign with silver stars, advertising thestate lottery. There was a new scratch off game available, Red Hot 25s,and thesign informed him, that he could win twenty-five hundred dollars every week, forlife. He imagined what it would be like to hit that jackpot. He imagined walkinginto work the next day and telling his boss to piss off; being able to retire earlyand spend the rest of his days relaxing. He thought of what it would be like to payoff all his loans, the student loans, as well as, the gambling loans. He could haveit all, for just the minor, tiny, insignificant, short-term investment of five dollars Clay/Metal/Feathersout of pocket.19 x 22Next! the store clerk said, waking Russell from his daydream.The higher and brighter the feathers, the closer to the spirits you are.Pump number three, pack of Marlboro Lightsand a Red Hot 25, please. Influenced by African masks. Russell told himself not to feel guilty. It was only five dollars; besides, the money 6061 34. went towards college scholarships and new roads. All he had done was donate fiveThirty minutes later Russell heard himself telling the clerk, This is my lastdollars to a good cause. This was not a big deal. round and then Im done. Fifteen minutes after that, he said, A few more, thenRussell took a quarter from his pocket and began to scratch the lottery ticket. Ive got to go. Finally, the rush started to wear off and the guilt started to set in.He absolutely hated scratching tickets one play at a time; he always scratched theRussells conscience had caught up with him. After two hours, Russell had lostentire ticket all at once and looked for the winning numbers after. Russells heart close to two hundred dollars, including the money from the handful of times hedropped to his stomach, as he saw a flaming twenty-five appear. He looked acrosshad won.to the prizes: free ticket. Russell was glad he wasnt walking away empty handed. Russell sat in his Nissan Civic staring at a picture of his wife, Renee, and hisIt was like he had gotten two tickets for the price of one, which made the five three children. He kept a photograph of his family taped to his dashboard, hisdollar investment, worth it in his mind.motivation. It had done him no good, today. He was going to have to go home andHe scratched ticket number two. That one was a bust. Russell discarded thetell his wife where the two hundred dollars had gone. He imagined sitting downticket into the trash. He started to walk out of the convenience store, while at the kitchen table, and telling her; which, would be followed by the unbearablethinking: If the odds are one in three, then one of the next two tickets could possibly conversation that was sure to come after. He could already see the hurt andhave a cash prize, right? Russell busted on the next two tickets he purchased.disappointment in her eyes, the worst part of it all. That, however, was a situationThinking that the roll of tickets was bound to pay off at some point, now morehed had to deal with, time and time again in the past. Tonight, there would bethan ever, he bought two more.a new one. Hed have to tell his three sons, that they would not be going to theHot damn! Russell said, as he finally hit fifteen dollars.ballpark this weekend. It would have been his youngest sons first time seeing aWould you like to keep playing or do you want the cash? the clerk asked him.live major league game.Russell heard his next words, as if he were having an out of body experience. His It wasnt unusual for Russell to work late, every so often. His boss wasnt stingyconscience was screaming at him from some far off distant land, but it was tooabout over-time, during the busy season. He called Renee, to tell her that hed belate; the warning had fallen upon deaf ears, and he lost complete control. I wantcoming home late. The lie seemed insignificant, compared to what hed inevitablya Lucky Horseshoe, Outstanding Aces, Quick $50, 10x The Money, Bingo, Coolbe telling her, later that night. His hope was that he could stop off for a night capDice, Platinum Diamonds, Cent of Cash, Dazzling 7s, Flaming Cherries, Hot Slotsfirst, and stay out just long enough to return, when his boys had gone to bed.and Crazy Eights.He stopped at his usual drinking spot, Tessas Bar and Grill. He walked in,Anything else? the clerk asked, indifferently.loosened his tie, took a seat on a small brown leather stool, and noticed a videoA one dollar quick pick for the Cash 4 evening drawing, any order. Russellpoker machine, three stools down from him, sitting at the end of the bar.placed his Cash 4 ticket in his wallet, took a seat at the small table in the back ofthe store and began to scratch. 6263 35. What the hell, he said. He fed the machine a dollar and began to play. He didnt Tessa placed her hand on his shoulder, and said Youre, not a screw up. Youre,get the same kind of rush playing the video poker machine, as he got playing the human. You put your pants on, one leg at a time, like the rest of us. Is therescratch cards; the machine didnt pay out in anything but points, and if you wereanything I can do, to help? Would you like me, to talk to Renee?lucky, your name on the high score screen. Can you lend me two hundred dollars? Russell asked. It pained him more thanLooks like someones off the wagon, said Tessa, as she sat down onto the stool anything, to hit people up for money to cover his gambling losses, but it nevernext to him. stopped him from doing it. His pride never mattered, as much as, the shame heI dont really want to talk about it, Tess, he replied.felt from not being able to conceal what hed done, from his family.Russell and Renee had gone to college with Tessa. He and Tessa had even datedDo I really need to answer that? Tessa said, sounding a little more hostile, thanbriefly. Renee had been Tessas roommate, which, was how Russell had initially shed intended. You know I promised, not to enable you.been introduced to her. Tessa had kept in touch with them since graduation I know. you, and everyone else who matters. How about a rum and Coke then?and remained a close friend of the family. It was in college that Russell firstTessa stepped behind the bar and prepared his drink, giving him a double shotdiscovered the joys and sorrows of his gambling addiction. He had taken up of rum, but only charging him regular price. She leaned against the counter andsports betting, and it had gotten serious, when hed lost a substantial amount ofwatched the broken gambler play video poker, biting her lip and wanting to dohis student loan. Luckily, Tessa had taken pity on him, and leant him the money, something to help him. An idea popped into her head, and she grabbed a cocktailthat allowed him to pay for the expenses of his final semester. Now, all these napkin and pen. She jotted down a name and address, and slid the napkin in frontyears later, when things went wrong he still went to her and spilled his woes over of Russell.a cold drink. Tessa was a very caring person, his best friend. Whats this? he asked.How much are you out? she asked. Ill make a long story short, she began. I let a guy I was dating run up a tabTwo, he said, staring at the video poker game. in here, a little over a thousand dollars, and we had a falling out, last month. HeThats not so bad, Russ. At least, its not like your trip to Reno.never came back to pay it. I told him Id involve the authorities and we agreed toTell that to Renee, Russell said, as he put another dollar into the machine. settle it for five hundred. I was supposed to pick up the money at his place, afterShes very understanding, Russell. You know that. Youre sick, and youve beenwork tonight; you do it, and you can keep two hundred of it.working hard, to overcome this thing. No ones going to fault you, for a small Tessa, no, Irelapse, this soon. Youd be doing me a great favor, Russell. I really dont want to see him again.Its been six months, Tess, Russell said, looking at her now. Christ, I was This isnt me enabling you; this is me paying you to do a job. What do you say?supposed to take my boys to the game tomorrow, and now I have to tell them, we I dont know what to say. I promise Ill repay you.cant go, because their daddys a screw up. I picked a hell of a week to relapse.Russell had tears and frustration in his eyes.6465 36. Just promise me youll stick with the therapy, Russell. You can beat this thing. Brian snickered at Russell and began to laugh at him. Youre a bouncer? YouI know you can. You take your boys to the baseball game and have a great time.always wear a suit and tie to work?Remember, theyre depending on you to get well.When its appropriate, Russell said, feeling foolish now.Russell thanked her and hurried to his car. Once again hed been in a bind andSo, were you supposed to come over here and rough me up for the rest of theTessa had bailed him out. But he really would pay her back this time, and he wasmoney, Mr. Floor Bouncer?more determined than ever, to control his vice. This time, hed let his addiction Just what was agreed on. Russell was getting extremely uncomfortable, now.hurt not only him and Renee, but his boys. Russell truly believed he could be He thought once or twice of turning around and bolting back to his car. He wishedbetter than that. He was going to do right by his family and was going to do rightBrian would just shut up and give him the money.by his overly generous friend.So, youre here to rough me up, for what was agreed upon?His car came to a stop, in the driveway of 566 Memorial Street. He glanced at Good God! Russell thought to himself. The situation was turning ugly fast.the picture of his family on the dash, as he pulled the napkin from his pocket. Look, Im just here to pick up the five hundred. Im not looking for anyThe guys name was Brian. Russell walked across a gravel driveway, to a white trouble.two-story house with a long wooden porch on the front of it. He thought it was aBrian stepped closer to Russell, chest to chest with him, staring into his eyes andgorgeous place; had a well-kept lawn, two car garage, garden, and a porch swing.sizing him up. Russell tried to look away and was almost sure, he was about to getIt was a nice little slice of the American dream; like something out of a magazine. punched in the face.He rang the doorbell, and a short moment later it was answered by a large, gruff, Wait here, Brian said and went back into the house.unshaven man wearing a polo shirt and khaki shorts. The man had anger in hisThank you, Russell muttered under his breath, relieved not to be lying on theeyes, and Russell wondered for a second if this had been a good idea. Brian was ground, with a broken nose.built like a professional football player, and Russell could smell whiskey on his Brain returned to the door, holding a Mossberg 12 gauge pump action shotgun,breath. with pistol grip across his chest. I dont know what kind of crap Tessa is tryingWho the hell are you? Brian asked.to pull, but you can tell her, if she wants the money, she can take me to court.Im auhcoworker of Tessas. She sent me to pick up the money. Now, get the hell off my porch.You work for Tessa? Brian asked, looking Russell up and down. Russell hadnt even waited for Brain to finish his last sentence, before hedThats right. turned around, and sprinted back to his car. When hed put enough distanceHow come Ive never seen you in there before? between himself and the house, he pulled off the road and tried to get his breathing underJust started; got hired on as a floor bouncer, Russell said, hoping to end this control. He thought for a second, he might have been having a heart attack, butencounter quickly.66 67 37. as the adrenalin started to wear off, he caught his breath and calmed his nerves. Russell thought of his family. He thought of his wife, Renee. He remembered hisRussell looked at the picture of his family and slammed his fists onto the steeringboys and the game tomorrow. He pictured Tessa standing behind the bar, with thewheel. He was back to square one. He was going to have to go home, and tell hissad pitiful look on her face, and the offer to bail him out, again. He thought of allwife, hed lost the money, and tell his boys, that theyd be watching the game inthe people who meant something to him, turned around, and walked out of thethe living room on the flat screen. And now, hed messed things up for Tessa, as store.well. Russell decided to head home, and get it over with. The next day, he would give Tessa one thousand dollars, and tell her Brian hadHe started the car and turned the volume up on the radio, to try and concentrate come to his senses, and decided to settle things evenly. He would take his boyson something, other than what he was about to face. He caught the tail end ofto the ballpark and put the remaining two hundred to use on hotdogs, sodas,some new rock song, and as it faded out, the DJ announced, Up next, well haveand souvenirs. On Tuesday night, the next week, he would go to his gamblerstonights winning lottery numbers. Russell suddenly remembered the Cash 4 anonymous group therapy session, discuss his relapse, and begin his journeyticket hed purchased earlier and quickly dug it out of his wallet. He listened as once again, on the long road to recovery.the DJ read through the Powerball and Cash 3 drawings.Now for your Cash 4 evening drawing, the numbers are: Three, four, three, andthree.Russell looked at the ticket, and his adrenaline was suddenly pumping, as it hadwhen the crazy man had been threatening him, with a shotgun. Lady Luck hadstung him, and he could feel the poison entering his veins. The numbers on Russells ticketread: 3; 3; 4; and 3. Russell tried to remember the jackpot for three identical digits, in anyorder.He pulled into the closest gas station, and asked the clerk to tell him what histicket paid out. She ran his ticket through the lotto machine, and on the electronicdisplay appeared: WINNER! $1,200! Russell couldnt believe it. As the clerk handedhim back his ticket, he found himself, once again tempted by the scratch-offs. Hehad extra cash now, more than enough for a couple of go-rounds; perhaps, a quicktrip to the casino, instead. 68 69 38. Deadly Substance 12:30 Jocelyne Barchet Aaron BurksCharcoal on Paper Charcoal 18 x 2418 x 24A study of still life with light, shadow, and tone.Looking through the eyes of the artist while sketching.70 71 39. Please, Professor My hand is cramped, my eyes have crossed, My foots asleep and Im plumb lost,Kathleen AlfordOh please, oh please, oh please dear prof.,Oh please, professor, please shut up,Let us have just an hour off,My head, my brain is stuffed, full up, Please, professor, please shut up.I know I need to pay attention,But my minds gone past all redemption,Please professor, dont be sad,So please, professor, please shut up.And please dont let us make you mad, Its not that we dont care we do!Its not that I dont want to learn, We just need some time to renew,Its not that this class I spurn,So please, professor, just please shut up.Its just that Ive my focus lost,And I know not listening will cost,So please, professor, please shut up.I hear you speak, but nothing stays,I know my eyes have got that glaze,Im sorry I dont seem to care,About the things youve got to share,But please, professor, please shut up.Cut class short, just this once,I feel like such a royal dunce,The others seem to feel the same,Heads ducked low in tired shame,Oh please, professor, please shut up.7273 40. Timeless Kait Scott Fire and Ice, the cover art, is by Cody Speed. The medium is acyrlic on canvas. The paintings dimensions are 20 x 16. The artists intention was to portray how opposites attract but cannot be together. The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age,Digital Photographyphysical or mental disability, or covered veteran status. E05-4030-00-003-11Documenting the passage of time.74 75 41. Fireand IceSome say the world will end in fire, Some say in ice.From what Ive tasted of desire I hold with those who favor fire.But if it had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hateTo say that for destruction iceIs also great And would suffice. Robert Frost