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A project of the Division of Languages and Humanities
Gadsden State Community College
Editor in Chief: Tabitha Bozeman
Faculty Editors: David Murdock, Charity Jones & Rachel Houghton
Art Editors: Brandy Hyatt & Laura Catoe
Staff Editors: Tina Pendley & Hilary Blackwood
Community Editors: Carol Roark Wright & Katie Bohannon
Student Editor(s): Avery McRay
BLUE MOON Issue Editor Spotlight: Alicia Clavell, Poet & Writer
ORIGINAL COVER Photos: Ray Carlson Ashley Hunter (Cover), Tabitha Bozeman (Right), Ray Carlson (Below)
During the clean out of my grandmother’s house in the early 90’s, someone found my grandmother’s One-Line-A-Day Diary tucked under towels in the linen closet. For a period of five years, she wrote one line a day, and I couldn’t wait to dive in. But the next day, no one could find it. A decade later, a tree fell on my parent’s attic and while cleaning out the space—the diary was discovered. —Again.
I thought for years about what those pages must hold. They were surprising. They were beautiful lines, mostly mundane: Today, I did the wash. Today, I didn’t do much of anything. Today, I feel a little better. And, the day my father was born: she tacked the tobacco and didn’t feel well. There is beauty in the silence and in the spaces in between—in the what’s there and in the what’s not.
I’ve taken a cue from my grandmother, and I hope you will too—in creating one line a day. I don’t always make time for writing. Afterall, there are emails to write, papers to grade, bills to pay, dishes to wash, laundry to be done, and piles and piles of dinosaurs around the house that need to be readied for the next battle royale (for context: I have a five-year-old).
I do, however, have time to write just one line. Sometimes it’s a jumble; sometimes, honestly, it’s just a word or maybe two. And, if I must be honest, sometimes I do forget. I write about the mundane. I write about the space in between. I love the ED dash. That’s what I call it—the em dash—but ED after Emily Dickinson who used it so well and so often. I love the — that leaves room before or after to breathe—or that just jabs right between to the thick of things. That’s where I find my creativity. In the one line. In the one word. In the one mark. I wish you happiness and health and that you may you leave your one line well—
For line-a-day prompts and ideas, click the image above
Alicia K. Clavell is founder, editor, and publisher of Southern Women’s Review (www.SouthernWomensReview.com), an online and limited edition print journal. Clavell has been writing about life and style in the South for almost two decades—whether in the pages of Southern Living magazine or in her book by Rockport/Quarry press, Southern Kitchens and Dining Spaces. She is also a former Hackney Literary Award winner and a two-time winner of the University of Alabama at Birmingham Barkesdale-Maynard Poetry Prize. Clavell currently serves as an instructor and freelance writer/consultant for magazines and online venues. Email her at southernwomensreview@gmail.com.
21 Young Writers submitted to the 1st CAJ Fall Story Contest last semester, from 4 area elementary schools!
FIRST PLACE: Juana Olivares, Striplin Elementary School
Second Place: Jay Williams, Striplin Elementary School
Third Place: Erika Edge, John Jones Elementary School
Honorable Mention: Anthony Perez, Oscar Adams Elementary School
Honorable Mention: Anthony Ash, Striplin Elementary School
13 Young Poets submitted to the 1st Fall Poetry Contest last semester!
FIRST PLACE: Elijah Cofield, Rainbow Middle School
Second Place: Jack Hooks, Rainbow Middle School
3rd Place: Caroline Kilgo, Rainbow Middle School
Honorable Mention: Will Bade, Rainbow Middle School
Honorable Mention: Macie Hull, Rainbow Middle School
5 Young Adult Artists submitted to the Fall Art Contest last semester, from 2 area high schools!
FIRST PLACE: Maliah Patterson, Southside High School
Second Place: Katey Works, Glencoe High School
Third Place: Harmony Oliver, Southside High School
Honorable Mention: Italy Ainsworth, Glencoe High School
Curse of Wellstown
“Sick!” cried out my Best Friend Maxine Jones but everyone calls her Max. We were exploring the woods and we found an old box and inside was a beautiful ring! How lucky is that? We admired the pearl design “So..Think it's worth anything?” she said waiting for an responde “Mm..Maybe 100 bucks?” she agreed before i grabbed the ring, looked at her and grinned before putting it on my finger. Max then grinned before singing in a man's voice “Here Comes the Bride!” We laughed then suddenly I felt as if …the ring had tightened around my finger “Ouch!” l cried out and winced in pain. “What's wrong Janice?!” said Maxine worried “T-the ring is stuck!” l said I panicked. We started to panic trying to pull off the ring but to no avail nothing worked. “What do we do!?” l said frantically my finger basically felt like it was burning in the chaos max spotted in the box a note…”Huh?..” She grabbed it and read it her eyes then went wide and read out loud “Please if you find this don't wear the ring it's very dangerous and if you do…it's too late at midnight on halloween something very bad will happen….” Maxine frowned “what is this? Some type of sick joke!?” she threw the paper down “It's halloween today..!” l cried out in only a couple of hours it would be midnight. Everything grew silent as the autumn leaves fell.
The Red Leaf
One day my friend and I saw a red leaf in my backyard. My friend picked up the leaf and there was a note on the bottom. The note said that you can find the next clue at the park. We went to the park and a football player showed up. He told us where the clue was. He said it was at the football field and then we saw a dog. We played with the dog and then we got lost. A tall guy with candy started talking to us. We ran to his house then he gave us some candy. He showed us where to go, and around the corner somebody grabbed us then asked where the red leaf was. We didn’t even know the red leaf had magical powers. Everyone was chasing us trying to get the leaf. We were running and all of a sudden we were transported to another planet. There were aliens, but they treated us nicely at first. They turned mean and wanted to eat us. I started running so fast and all of a sudden, I woke up!! I looked at the clock and got out of bed, I looked down and saw the red leaf on the rug beside my bed!
Bear’s Fall Adventures
Bear walks out of his house into the yard. He notices something different about the leaves. The leaves are falling and a small breeze blows. Leaves are changing and the trees sway with the wind. Bear starts gathering food for hibernation because winter will come soon. He collected nuts, berries, and honey for hibernation. After Bear gathered his food he went to see his friends Wolf and Raccoon to say hello. When Bear walks in they were having a feast for Thanksgiving. Wolf welcomes Bear with a pumpkin and honey. Bear says thank you then gobbles it all up. Bear then told them all his adventures. “Winter is coming,” said Raccoon. Then, they all walk outside to play a game. Bear and his friends played a game called “Go Fish”. The cool breeze was still blowing. Bear had a lot of fun. He wished that he did not have to leave the feast. But, it was time to go for hibernation.
The Fall Curse
It was fall in Hawaii 1998 there was a ancient ruins in hawaii there was a detective named mike he had to solve a case of missing people in hawaii mike traveled there mike found the mysteries ancient ruins he went in side a.circle of bones Mike saw a ghost Mike replied hello the ghost said hi please help me i have a curse i am stuck in the castle forever until someone frees the souls you have to do that by breaking the shadow ring and Mike decided to help he searched and searched until he saw the ring on the floor mike picked it off the floor And it floated to the doorway he. Saw a ghost that said look for a tree that will help you find the shadow ring Mike was shocked. He realized that the ring that was on the floor wasn’t the ring
He looked around the castle ruins he searched and searched until. He saw the tree mike looked up the tree
Shadow ring on the tree.He climbed the tree Mike grabbed the ring the tree bursted out of the ground he ran across the ancient ruins the wind blow leaves on Mike he.
He found a hatchet on the floor he cut the branches then the tree was almost destroyed it until more came he ran out of there the the castle collapsed he ran to his car and escaped as the trees chased him he went to the village and the trees stopped right next to the forest the town said you saw the castle he traveled back mike vowed to never come back the end.
The Football Playoffs
One October day I woke up and got ready for school. When I got to school everybody was talking about the big football game my teammates and I were having in a few weeks ,but then they started saying we were gone loose because we had a trash boy on our team. Well they thought he was trash,so then a few days passed and we were practicing every day except for Saturdays and Sundays and we were beating every team in our way of not going to the playoffs. We had an off week,but then on the week back the boy that they said wasn’t good was getting bullied ,so I walked over there and told them to stop but they kept doing it. He ended up transferring schools. The next day I saw him at the store, and I asked him why he left and he said they don’t like him and I said they will see at the playoff game. The next day came and we were at practice and our coach said that we need to lock in, we didn’t come this far to lose. After practice, I went home and went to sleep. I woke up the next day and it was game day. I was getting hype and then we got to the field and played . The boy they were calling trash played and he caught eight passes and 3 touchdowns and helped us win the game!!
My name is Anthony Ash, I am in Mrs. Daniel’s class at Striplin Elementary. I love football and basketball.
Autumn’s Grasp
In Autumn’s grasp, the world does change,
Leaves on trees begin to rearrange.
From green to red, orange, and gold,
A story of nature, so often told.
Crisp air and skies of blue,
As daylight shortens, the season’s cue.
Pumpkins on porches scarecrows in the field,
Harvest time’s bounty, a plentiful yield.
Kids in costumes, for Halloween’s delight,
Trick-or-treating in the pale moonlight.
In eighth grade, we welcome fall’s embrace,
A season of beauty, at a slower pace.
Fall Poem
Leaves turn gold and red,
Crisp air fills hearts with delight,
Fall's beauty is spread.
Pumpkins bright and round
Carved with faces, glowing light,
Fall’s beauty is spread
Harvest time is here,
Fields of plenty, fruits and grain,
Fall’s beauty is spread
Cozy fireside chats,
With loved ones, warmth and laughter,
Fall’s beauty is spread
As the days grow short,
Nature's canvas painted bold,
Fall’s beauty is spread
Fall is in the Air
Pumpkin spice is all nice
While the fall leaves sing.
I see the apples on the tree
Wondering how sweet they'll be.
I look at the golden sun
As I hope it's not all a dream.
The wind howls and blows,
But it's all good with me.
I'll see you next year autumn,
So don't forget about me.
The last leaf falls
and I already see the presents under the tree.
Autumn Winds
A bus rushes by with leaves to follow,
Trick-or-treat buckets, nice and hollow.
Autumn winds make bones shiver,
Scary costumes make children quiver.
Witches and vampires roam the street,
Hungry for the blood they eat.
On the dot of the midnight hour,
The wolves are out for flesh they’ll devour.
One last yelp, a scream, a shout,
For no more kids to be left about.
The neighborhood is quiet now, at this time,
A grandfather clock let out its very last chime.
Fall Poem
Why is fall the favorite of the seasons?
Too many to count are the reasons.
Cooler temps make being outdoors nice.
Truly a blessing for this season to suffice.
Plenty to do and adventures abound.
Sitting by the campfire, hiking around.
Roasting marshmallows, camaraderie dear.
Reminds us to keep friends and fellowship near.
The colors of fall are such an exhibit.
Of God’s artistry that does not prohibit.
Bronze, copper, gold, and brazen red.
Are examples of beauty soon to be shed.
Time goes by so very fast.
Take a moment and decide to make it last.
Memories are special so soak them in.
The fall season will change, and winter will begin.
Landscapes of beauty will dull with a chill.
Only to alter after spring’s promise to fulfill.
On and on seasons change constant.
Fall season will be gone in an instant.
So glorious season that is fall .
You are my favorite season of all.
Eura Brown Elementary School
Charlotte Bailey
John S. Jones Elementary School
Erika Edge
Oscar Adams Elementary School
Anthoney Perez
Ja'Leigha Bryant
Bella Bush
Zendaya Childs
Carlos Gregory
Genariyah Hamilton
Zoey Higginbotham
Zavien Hughley
Taureuna Jackson
Alyriq Owens
Jose Simon Pedro
LaRessa Thomas
Kayla Tomas
Striplin Elementary School
Anthony Ash
Aidan Gray
Zelda Hill
Freya Knowles
Juana Olivares
Jay Williams
Rainbow Middle School
Will Bade
Natalie Beggs
Adeline Bozeman
Elijah Cofield
Jack Hooks
Macie Hull
Kizley Johnson
Caroline Kilgo
Lucas McGlone
Ezra Raiche
Sarah Seay
Adalyn Walls
Reese Walters
Glencoe High School
Italy Ainsworth
Katey Works
Southside High School
Harmony Oliver
Maliah Patterson
10 years old
Mrs. Stephens - 5th Grade
Oscar Adams Elementary
THE ANCIENT CASTLE
October 4, 1981 England
One day a curious detective named Greg Hamilton was looking for a mystery to solve when all of a sudden he and his daughter Genariyah came across an ancient castle that was covered in fog. Before they walked in they decided that they were going to admire the beautiful fall leaves changing color and all the leaves falling. When they finished admiring the beautiful fall leaves they walked in the castle. It was very dark in the castle because the light bill hadn't been paid. So they had to use flashlights. Detective Hamilton got the flashlights out of his backpack. Armed with light they were eager to start exploring. As they were walking down the hallway they came across a mirror. It looked weird, it had red writing on it that looked like blood. When he went up to the mirror he touched the writing and found out that it was really blood. The words read LEAVE NOW OR BEWARE. Genariyah screamed but Detective Hamilton was not moved by this. He stood there for a moment trying to figure out who had written this statement. They went upstairs and went into this one room that was different from all the others. There were candles and a ouija board on the ground. He lit all the candles and started using the ouija board. He asked if there were any spirits in this house and the board said yes then he got scared he saw a spirit. The spirit was one of the old owners the spirit said there was a demon in the house so leave now.But he didn't listen he was never seen again.The End
11 years old
Mrs. Stephens - 5th Grade
Oscar Adams Elementary
The Ghost August 12, 2015
Once upon a time we went to the mysterious abandoned carnival at midnight and my friend lele walked in. We both heard creepy whispers and saw flickering lights . Lele screamed and objects started moving on their own and I walked up to her screaming and said there's a ghost run . We both runed all around the house in fright until the ghost was gone. Later on that night we both found the door to get out. Mya yanked the door and it wouldn't budge then we both turned around and yelled ahhhhhhh there was a ghost. a pretty angel ghost we told her to be careful. It's really creepy ghosts and spirits here. then we Shall her arm. It was bruised a little. I told her I had some bandages to go to the bathroom. We opened the door hearing screeching. I guess this building is old. Mya said hear you go, some bandages. take care i said bye turned my head and she was Going. i went back into the room with lele and said i gave her some bandages and said bye and a couple minutes later she was Going. I hope she's okay. Lele told me to say mya but I know her arms are better for Shuer. Yeah, said Lele with a little giggle. We stared out the window looking at all the pretty fall leaves wishing we could jump in them next thing we know we both see the same spooky ghost but hear Rispers when it comes bye. catch the ghost to break the curse so me and lele set up traps everywhere next thing we know we hear a bang ahhhhhh. said mya we caught the ghost yes yes yes we read to the door it was unlocked we runned out and jumped in the pile of leave looked back and Sall the carnival was goin the end.
10 years old
Mrs. Stephens - 5th Grade
Oscar Adams Elementary
Fall November 2, 1677
Maine
There was a boy named Lucas Theodore. He loved to go on adventures and he loved to explore creepy places. On one windy Fall night on Halloween, Lucas thought of a brilliant idea, he would go to a spooky mansion. As he entered the building there was a strange sound upstairs. While Lucas was investigating he found a mysterious game. It said “Beelzebub” and in very fine print it said ”DO NOT OPEN" .
Lucas thought it was a joke, so he ignored the warning. He opened the game and started playing it. As he was playing, it got darker and darker around the house, but it was daytime outside. While playing, Lucas pulled a card that said “The man”. The back of the card stated, If you pull this card a man would appear in the window. However no one ever appeared. Lucas became bored with this game and decided to head home. He stepped on the porch of the spooky mansion, but as he was attempting to leave, in a blink he was back in the mansion.
He asked himself what was happening, but he could not understand what had just taken place. Lucas closed his eyes and hoped he was dreaming. He opened his eyes and he was beyond disappointed. He thought there was no way he could get out. Then he thought of the last movie he watched. There was a magnetic force a twelve year old boy was stuck in. The way he got out was by heating the magnetic force. Lucas thought he must be in a magnetic force as well. Lucky for Lucas he had a lighter in his pocket. He tried to break the force by starting a fire, but it did not work. He tried everything possible to break the magnetic force but he could not break it. He tried time and time again to leave the mansion, but he was always unsuccessful. He decided to call 911 and told them his location, but the dispatcher said that address doesn’t exist.
10 years old
Mrs. Stephens - 5th Grade
Oscar Adams Elementary
The Ghost Seeking Redemption
Saturday, October 8th, 1989.
Once there was a Ghost seeking redemption right up the street from where I live. It was (Fall) and very windy and the plants were dead. So I was going to see what was happening there. So when I walked up to the door I heard Mysterious footsteps in the dark.Then all I heard was boo boo boo. When I walked in the doors locked on their own and heard a voice say, "do you want to play a game?" I said sure, what game are we playing? He said “hide and seek”. Then we started playing. The ghost said go hide, you have 20 seconds to hide, Then when the ghost started looking for me I heard boo boo boo again and then the ghost opened the door and found me.
When he found me, My friend Genariyah was calling me. So I answered. Then she said, where were you? I said I was at a Seeking Ghost redemption right up the street where I live. There was a knock on the door, and I thought it was Genariyah, But it was one teenage girl and when she walked in she was locked up too, So I tried and tried to call Genariyah but my phone went dead So I was out of luck. Then me and the ghost went downstairs and saw the teenage girl. Then me and the teenage girl made a plan to escape the Seek Ghost Redemption. The plan was to make the ghost chase the teenage girl and while the ghost was chasing the teenage girl I would try to kick the door down . So when the girl said hey ghost come get me. I started kicking the door down and it worked. When we got out We said We will never return again.
THE END.
11 years old
Mrs. Stephens - 5th Grade
Oscar Adams Elementary
1999 October 3rd in Minnesota
In the town of beacon hills
Once upon a time, during the month of October, when the leaves on the ground were orange and yellow. A young boy named Henry,got lost in an abandoned house with ghosts. Henry takes a step back when he sees a ghost walk out of the shadows. David said the ghost was the past owner of the house before you. i'm not living in this house said Henry you are now said david as soon as you step foot in this house you trapped yourself no that can’t be i need to go home said Henry, Henry ran to open the door it was lock David looks at Henry and says ‘’run now’’ Henry looks behind him and Sees a tall dark ghost watching him Henry took off and flew up the stairs but he stops in his tracks
Because he saw the ghost standing right in front of him and Henry fell down the stairs out of shock when he fell down he broke his neck so then,spends his days being trapped in that house until he sees David talking to a boy that got lost in the house. He went down to keep the boy in the house but he escaped so Henry spends the rest of his years as a ghost wanting to go back home and see his parents but that can never happen.
The end
10 years old
Mrs. Stephens - 5th Grade
Oscar Adams Elementary
Trapped in the corn maze!
ONE MIDNIGHT a boy was walking around when he was about to leave. He saw a corn maze so he went in to check it out. when. he went in there he saw a bone on the ground. He thought it was real. and he grabbed it. he realized it was late he tried to find the exit but he ran into a long lost trophy so he grabbed it. When he grabbed it he heard a strange noise so he went to investigate it. as he was walking he felt like he was going into a circle. when he moved even more he tried to let go of the trophy but it would not come off he tried to call his mom but he could not reach for it he yield for help but no one was around. he thought he would never get out when he down the trophy came on his hand he got up and tried so he ran as fast as he could so he could. get out of the corn maze. He thought. he saw somebody he was.dreaming .when he woke up he still had the trophy in his hand .so he tried to take it out with all his strength and then it finally came off so he ran faster than he could ever run so he could get out he found a path way that says exit so the boy went there he thought it was the exit but it was a decode so he went another way so he could find the exit and get out he was searching for the exit for about 3 hours already and he was still looking for the exit after a long time he found another path way he went there when he was half way there he saw the exit so he went to the exit exited to leave the corn maze he went home when he went thru the exit he went home when he got home his mom was on the couch crying when he taped his mom on the shoulder to see what was happening but when she turn her head he saw her eyes were red he got so scared that woke up along he was dreaming the end.
11 years old
Mrs. Stephens - 5th Grade
Oscar Adams Elementary
Best Friend At an Abandoned Carnival
Midnight, Sunday, October 8th,1943
Once upon a time there were two girls named Bella and Zoey they both had went to a abandoned carnival at midnight they were going to play some games but something moved in the back it was a chair then zoey screamed and bella ask what’s wrong zoey said I seen something in the red room move bella said its`okay don’t be scared then bella and zoey walk to the food stand and they were so scared because they heard something move in the back of the truck zoey said bella go look in the back but bella said No you go look in the back so they were going back and forth And then they seen something moving right in front of them it was a explorer from boston zoey said who are you he said the explorer said im explorer from boston then zoey said boston?
Yes boston i was born there zoey said what is boston boston is a country its by new york oh said zoey but can you help me and my best friend bella we came here but it was to scary for us said zoey im sorry said mark im lost to but it is almost morning so we need to find a place to sleep, wait i got to find bella so zoey ran to one place and mark ran to another place but zoey was run so fast that she trip on a rock but that did not stop her and then she find bella and mark and they ran and ran and then they fined they exist and they find there phone so they called there mom and they moms came to pick them up ad\nd they went home
the end
10 years old
Mrs. Stephens - 5th Grade
Oscar Adams Elementary
Once upon a time, there was a boy who was going camping with his family. At midnight, they saw a cat. He asked his mom and dad if he could take the cat and they said yes. They had to give him a shower because he was dirty . They went to buy some snacks so they went to the place where they were going to get snacks from.When they were going to get snacks the cat started to make weird noises. But they didn't think anything of it so we told the cat to be quiet so it did it”. When we went to the camping site they all went to sleep.The boy woke up because he heard a loud bang.So he went outside to see what the cat was doing. When he went outside and saw there was a blotch of blood on the ground. But the cat was nowhere to be found. So he ran inside up the stairs and told his mom and his mom said "let's find the cat” However, they”did not find the cat’’. The family never found the cat aging.The boy was crying because he thought his cat died or someone took it.Then he heard a bear the bear was going after him and he screamed so loud the bear stopped and went back. Then he told his mom and she took him to buy him a new cat. He was so happy and now he named his cat Lucas. He took him to buy him a toy. Then his family were going home and the boy was happy to go home and he had taken his cat home too and they played togeter and they are happy now.
Mrs. Daniel’s 5th grade reading class at W.E Striplin Elementary School
The Fall Whiteout
I wake up and start the day .I brush my teeth, wash my face. My Mom cooked breakfast, so I eat and go to school. Every thing is normal.I walked home, did my homework, played with my dog Blue showered and went to sleep.Rinse wash repeat.Until one day I was playing with Blue and we got separated then I found a weird looking mushroom by a tree. In the orange leaves and white snow it gave off a blue-ish glow.I took off my glove and reached out. I heard some leaves crunch, so I whipped around and pointed the stick Blue and I were playing with! I couldn’t see because it was inthe shadow of a large tree, but I could see something moving closer. It stepped into the light and it was Blue, he found me and it was getting late so we went home. It's the weekend so I started back looking for the mushroom. Sure enough it was there. I reached out and grabbed it. Immediately a surge of electricity went through my body! The snow and ice around me started to melt. I woke up in the same spot but the mushroom was gone. I started to limp back to my house when I got there it was empty except for Blue. I sat on the steps confused at what's going on. I got up to the sound of mechanical wiring. I grabbed a metal pipe and walked in the house. The noise got louder the farther I went until I went into the back room.I saw a pumpkin.It had the same glow as the mushroom! So I grab it. . .
To Be Continued!
Mrs. Daniels’s 5th grade class at Striplin Elementary School.
The Night Before Halloween
I was heading home from a walk to celebrate my victory at the Halloween recital, when I grew tired and found a shortcut. It was a thickly grown path. I thought about turning back, but I could just see my house through the thicket. I went on. As I neared the first turn I saw a shadow in the trees. As I neared the shadow, it scurried out and I jumped. It was my dog, Percy. He walked towards me with evil eyes and a low growl. “Percy?” I said with a trembling voice. To my surprise, he responded, “Ha,ha,ha….I am not this ‘Percy’ you speak of,”. I wanted to run, but I couldn't because of the growth. It was getting late and I knew Mom would be looking for me. When I tried to walk away, I felt a tug on my body. His eyes glowed red. Blood red. I felt the pull again. I felt a raindrop on my face. “I know you want to leave, but you can’t. I’m sorry,” he said with a bark. I felt another raindrop. And another. They kept coming. I heard my mom’s voice. I tried to yell at her, but I couldn't. I had stopped at the park and screamed until I couldn't any longer. His body started to glow blue, and I heard him shriek. A form rose from his body and it looked like my old grandmother that had died a few years back. I was confused and scared at the same time. Then I realized what was wrong. I never made it to the funeral because I was sick. “What do you want, Gran?” I said, trembling. I was already soaked from the rain. “Anya, Anya, darling. All I wanted was to see your fa-” “Anya!” Gran was cut off by my mom. “Mom? What’s going on here?” Mom said. I no longer felt the tug on my body. I rushed to her. We left with a weak Percy, barely lagging behind. The next day, a box was at my door. I was scared to open it, Percy came up behind me and barked softly, so I started to open the box.
Halloween House
Age 8
3rd Grade, Eura Brown Elementary School
There is a spooky house on the hill that sits above the city. One light is always on, but people say no one lives there. On Halloween night, a group of friends and I go to the house on a dare and I open the door. We go in and I can only see spider webs, dust, and old furniture covered in white drapes. My friend and I hear a noise from upstairs. We jump back in fright! I say, “I think we should go home now,” but my friends do not agree. They say that they are scared too but that they want to explore a little bit longer. I wag my finger. My friends smile and two of them say they will hold my hand. The rest of them say that they will stay right beside me. I take a deep breath and say strongly, “TO THE KITCHEN!” My friends laugh and say “to the kitchen” as well but they are laughing so hard that I almost couldn’t hear them. “Here we go!” I say.
As we enter the kitchen, we see food. I think it is new but my friends say it is old and dusty. I calm down a bit thinking I see dust in the air. However, when we approach the table, we realize that it is new food! The thing that I thought was dust in the air was actually steam! My friends say that it is just fake, but I see them shaking and trembling. I tell them that it is time to go back but they don’t want to! I remind them that they told me we would only stay a little bit longer but they say they want to explore the whole house first. I am not happy about it. They suggest another room and I give a weak smile and give in. “TO THE DEN!”As we walk out of the kitchen, I notice that something is cooking in the microwave. I tell my friends and they all shiver and we walk quickly out of there.
As we walk to the next room I say that this is the dining room, not the den, and that the den is probably through the archway. My friends agree and we go under the arch. As we go through it I think that I see a creepy ghost. I squeak and walk a little bit faster. As we enter the den, I see that we can’t go in because the room was filled with a giant spider web full of spiders! “Back to the dining room!” I say, and we all speed walk back.
As we enter the dining room we all notice that there is a fire in the fireplace! We all scream and then we hear glass shattering. Now we are all terrified! I freeze for a second and then I faint! When I wake up all of my friends were crying! I ask what is wrong and they all start hugging me and saying things like “I’m so glad you are ok!” and “we thought you were a goner!” Then I tell them that I think I just fainted and they breathe a sign of relief and ask if I want to go upstairs. By this time I was brave. I pump my fist in the air and say, “YES!” Here we go!
As we’re walking up the steps I notice that they creek with every step we take. I begin to shake and my friend tells me that she is nervous too and that she wants to go home. “What!” I exclaim? She explains that she did not want to tell me earlier because she was afraid that the others would call her a baby.
“No one will say to you or me” I tell her. “Just tell them what you feel and they will understand, I promise!”
“Thank you!” she says as she runs up the stairs. “STOP!” she yells to the others, and then she tells them what she told me. Just like I thought, they listen to her. We were both so happy.
As we finish climbing the steps we see a hallway and down that hallway we see a door. From underneath the door we see a light. We almost scream! Then I gather up my courage and reach out my hand to turn the doorknob. As I open the door it creaks and I see a bed and a lamp, dresser, vanity, and a bathroom door. Then I take a better look at the bed and there is a lump! I walk in and saw an old man and woman. Then, the woman says, “Looks like we have some visitors! Come in quickly!” Of course, my friend and I hurry in quickly. Then, both of them walk to us. “Hello!” they say to us.
“Hi,” squeak my friends and I.
“Don’t be afraid,” said the man. Then he talks about why they were there in that creepy house. After he was finished I ask what the noises were and why the house was so scary.
“Well,” he said, “we want it to be creepy so that no one will bother us, and the noises were me dropping my phone and my wife Caroline dropping her mirror. We didn’t mean to scare you though. The truth is, we are sort of lonely. Actually, let me introduce myself…I am Paul and this is my wife Caroline.”
‘Hi! Nice to meet you!” say my friends and I. Then I ask them if they just moved in. Caroline sighed and nodded yes. I ask, “are you ok?”
“Just a bit,” she says.
“Oh why,” I ask softly.
“Well, we don’t have any friends here,” said Paul.
“Well now you do!”
“Who??” asked Paul.
“US!” we exclaim!
“Of course,” Caroline said, “Oh Paul we do! We have them! Yes we do! We do!”
“Hooray!” said Paul. “We finally have our first friends and visitors!”
“You sure do!” I say, trying not to laugh with joy!
“YOU DO!” cry all of my friends at the same time.
“Let’s go into the neighborhood and find even more friends!” I suggest. “Down we go!” And down we went, out the door, down the hill, and into the city.
First, we introduce them to our parents. They got along really well! Then, we made some calls to our family and our teachers and even babysitters! Soon, the whole city knew Paul and Caroline and they all liked each other. It was a great night and I was so happy. As I fell asleep that night I thought about Paul and Caroline and how scared I was but instead of running out in fright I ran out having two new friends. I smiled and fell asleep.
THE END
A spring ending
Mrs. Daniel’s 5th grade reading class at Striplin Elementary School
One early morning, I woke to find my cat Haruki sitting beside my bed. She meowed peacefully. I got up and made green tea. I wanted to look good, so I put on a beautiful pink kimono. I put on my sandals, and grabbed my purse. I walked out, and started my morning walk. “Konnichiwa Yuki!” said Mr Hashi “Konnichiwa!” I said warmly. Then I continued walking. I was hungry and got dango from the Shiroki market close by. I saw the sakura blossoms falling. They were so pretty. A stray bobtail cat approached me. She meowed at me. She wanted to follow me. She was so cute I couldn't resist. I also got some cat food for her and Haruki. I got “Mikio” , a bell collar like Haruki. When I walked out the cool breeze mixed with the smell of flowers made me calm. I took Mikio with me as we walked to a grass plain, and sat down. I rested my eyes,and layed down with Mikio and listened to the soft wind…
THE END
10 years old
Mrs. Stephens - 5th Grade
Oscar Adams Elementary
October 15, 1887 Once upon a time there was a Black Cat. The Black Cat's Name was Albert. Albert was at a spooky mansion at midnight and because it was fall it was really cold. Therefore Albert was cold. The Black Cat was going on a scavenger hunt to see if he had any cousins or family members. Albert went to the 12th floor of the spooky mansion. When he reached the 12th floor he went to the picture room. After Albert left the picture room Albert went to the office. Albert saw his mom and granddad in 15 pictures on a board of 573 pictures on it. When Albert turned around he saw two boys named Dre and Kobe. Kobe was scared when he saw Albert because he thought that Black Cats were evil.
11 years old
Mrs. Stephens - 5th Grade
Oscar Adams Elementary
The Weird Family That Moved Next Door
One fall day I saw a moving truck and there was a family. I was shocked because after the people had lived in that house and the family had died because someone had murder he family. So the girl
started to walk over to me and i was scared hi she said “hey how are you”. “Good," she said in a weird way to her dad. told her why they are talking too that girl said her father sorry father. Wait I had said yeah she said can i get your name my name is sky that is pretty what’s yours my name is maya my baby sister
my name was Maya oh that’s crazy. I have to go. come on sky
i am coming dad ok hurry up i
have to go bye she said.can i have your phone i don’t have a phone oh ok can i kill you what. nothing ok bye I said she is so weird. Honey .yes mom go take a bath you have school ok thank you.you welcome. so i had went to take a 30 min shower i had heard scarming so looked out my window so i saw that weird girl sky omg my mouth drop i was
shocked
it was that same person that had kill the other family in the 1999 than the killer had saw me and cut sky neck i was very scared I put some pjs and ran as fast to tell my mom that the man is back that had killed the
family! Mom I had said so loud that my baby sister was crying. Mom mom i said so fast, my heart started to beat so fast i beating 1.2 min
per hour and mo, the man is back the man is back!
The man that had killed the family in the house
next door my mom said. yes mom ok lock all
of the doors and windows
and glue them to ok my said! Got it mom so i did what my mom told me to do and i did so quickly that i had got tired honey are u done yes ok mom! Yes he is coming to run and go in the secret room.
10 years old
Mrs. Stephens - 5th Grade
Oscar Adams Elementary
The Twin Brothers
October 1964 Australia
Once upon a time in a small town in Australia lived twin brothers, named Ali and Ace. The brothers had been stuck in a scary mansion for the past two years. Thinking they’d be stuck there forever, they had to come up with a plan to get out. The plan was to try using the bow and arrow downstairs in the basement to get out, however there was a spooky owl in the basement. The owl would try to attack them when they tried to leave the house. So one day they tried to escape. They escaped with a bow and arrow to shoot the owl dead so he could escape from the scary mansion. They used leaves that couldn't really tell the difference between real or fake. so they hid for a long time. Until they could find some food, his brother would have flashbacks but all Ali could think of was the places they slept and why they had been waiting so long to escape. so the next day they found a person that could help them. Ali thought it was another kidnapper so he bought them clothes and food. He wasn't really that bad, Ali thought but deep inside he was actually a kidnapper so he took them home he said the next day i'll come back for you tomorrow. so the twin brothers had to go somewhere else at this point they knew he was a kidnapper so long after he never came back lookin for them until next week.ali woke and saw Ace wasn’t beside him he looked everywhere for him. So he went back to the house he saw his brother tied up. So the kidnapper said you’ll have to do something for me. So Ali said, "Can I go to the bathroom?" The kidnapper said yes so he called 911.next hour the police Was there the kidnapper was finally arrested. Ace was so proud of his Brother
The End.
Age: 13
Grade: 8th Honors English
School: Rainbow Middle School
Mood swings
Our decisions change,
Just as the moon does to the shore.
High tides, and low waves;
Shall we keep up with anything more?
I will drown in the water as you transmute your persona-
It's as if you fear you'll disappear.
Even if so happens, do yourself just, it is by these actions you’ll persist-
Listen closely to the words that tend to go in and out through one's ears.
Forget me not, in such a state;
I've only ever had a plan to never stay.
It is by night I cry,
But, endure you I must in the cold light of day.
When a heart stops beating its frail colors turn blue-
It is when gazing at the ocean, crystal bright waters shining,
It becomes obvious that being broken is the story of you;
I’m finding it frightening to even so much as scarcely breath.
Three seconds could stop time, but if I catch your eye you will only walk by.
I fear we’re too much alike.
It’s a scary thing-
To not know what your own mind thinks.
Can you read my soul better than me?
I get lost in a labyrinth of thoughts, all vast yet bleak.
It feels as though you’re fictitious.
I see it on your face, your mind is far too viscous-
It won't leave you be.
Your eyes get lost within mine, and for the first time I can see.
You never stopped my heart, you revived it.
If only this was meant to be.
Reconciliation
Hands recoil, and respirations no longer exist.
Among the devils, silence feels like a god-given gift.
Meanings fade to abstract paintings;
What is trust if you’re left waiting?
Inhale the toxicity;
Release your comfort.
Crowds are there for lost minds to wonder.
Blackened is the curse of stillness-
Death, its only friend.
Conceal your heart before you allow the cold to seep in.
My veins drain, I feel it all the time, as blood drips from a body that isn’t mine.
Crestfallen, empty on the ground;
The distance holds a siren’s sound-
I fear that I’m abating.
Should fear be what I hold?
The room is quiet, barren, and cold.
Is it selfish to fear my life if some do not make it past thirty-nine?
Peel open your eyes.
Maybe it’s all a dream;
Some invisible scheme to make your mind catch fire.
Why is it that everyone I meet turns out to be a liar?
Fake is the game we play to stay alive.
It is only in the light that we flounder to survive.
The secrets are held, but for what purpose?
We all go through life feeling like a burden.
So, hold me close, and don’t let go.
Your heart is mine for evermore.
As I lay here barren, and cold;
Crestfallen on the prosaic tiled floor.
Consume my air, and steal my soul.
Take me to where the grass will grow-
Where lilies will dance with dandelions as stars leap from a crescent moon.
Oh, take me there, and deliver me there soon.
Death, carry me to where my father lies;
To the greatest heaven of the bluest skies, and do not grieve at the loss, but understand-
I finally found an old, forgotten friend.
It is because of you, that…
I know happiness again.
Rainbow Middle School
8th grade
Age 13
Halloween Frights
Growing up in a haunted house
With fall winds blowing toward the south
Our scarecrow standing tall and large
Among the leaves that filled the yard.
It took so long to rake them up
And the wet ground made them stuck
When the bats and cats came out at night
The scarecrow seemed to come to life.
My neighbors house just to our side
Had pumpkins carved with glowing eyes
By the time the yard was through
On their broomsticks witches flew
8th Grade, Rainbow Middle School
Mrs. Tucker's English Class
I Notice…
I notice the weather getting colder.
I notice the leaves turning a crispy, golden brown.
I notice everyone wearing thick knitted sweaters.
I notice the feeling of fall.
Fall has been here for a while.
The weather is getting even colder.
Everyone is wearing thin jackets.
I notice the feeling of fall.
Fall is almost at its end.
Everyone is wearing thick jackets, and hoodies.
I am beginning to miss summer.
I notice the feeling of fall.
I notice the weather getting frigid.
I notice the trees have lost their leaves.
I notice the fluffy, white snow on the ground.
I notice the feeling of winter.
7th Grade, Rainbow Middle School
Autumn
Fall reminds me of the cold breeze
Colorful leaves falling from all the trees
I see some leaves are in a bunch of trees
Munch, munch, munch
I see my family is eating lunch
Crunch, crunch, crunch
A sound I cannot get enough
The wind starts blowing rough
That lets me know it is time for lunch
8th grade Honors English
Rainbow Middle School
True beauty-
She was beautiful
A heart of rose
A button nose
Her hair resembled fire brightening a path
Her skin fair
Brown glitter sprinkled on her face
Pink petals glued to her cheeks
These aspects of her perfect to the naked eye
Yet inside she was remarkably kind
She felt anxious when others fell
Helped the to rise to the clouds
Her voice wasn't loud
And no one saw her
Even when she helped, people were unbothered
Fall, Leaves, Fall
Bundling up in warm clothes
All around is a cool, crisp breeze
Leaves falling all around
Its hard to feel bitter on times like these
Thank goodness it's finally fall
Inside homes all around
The joyous families gather around the fire
Talking about what they're thankful for
With all God has given them and more
From now and for many years ahead
Gathering around the cozy fire
With a welcoming crackle of the wood
With a golden hue on the children's faces
The seasonal weather is finally here
It’s beginning to feel like fall
Families gather around the table
Writing prayers on the thankful pumpkin
Kids waking up excited for thanksgiving
Thrilled for their families to arrive
Playing outside in the leaves
Farmers harvest the apple fields
Sending them to make fresh apple cider
The scarecrows in the corn fields
Bats flying playfully at night
The weather is becoming brisk and cool
Trees are changing from different colors
From red and orange, even yellow
Raking leaves as your spirit rises
Making piles of many sizes
One of falls many delightful changes
Leaves are falling from the trees
Falling with many colors
Making yards full to rake
Kids jumping in the leaf piles
When leaves are falling, autumn is calling
Thanksgiving has come, filling everyone's homes
Fathers cutting and serving the turkey
Mothers preparing the rolls and pumpkin pie
Kids running around the house, playing
Oh! What a beautiful sight!
Bringing in the turkey, stuffing, and potatoes too
Delightful aromas filling the air
All of the different foods, here and there
Plenty to pass and lots to share
People gathered around the table, hand in hand
The seasons spirits are high
It’s quite an unshakeable feeling
Undoubtedly, it’s the most cherished part of the year
I can’t believe it's finally here
Thank goodness it’s finally fall
8th grade, Rainbow Middle School
Fall, Leaves, Fall
Picking out a costume.
But my arm won't fit.
There's not enough room.
I knew it.
Trick-or-treating might be fun!
But we went out too late.
Everyone's done.
Just great.
My brother and I can make a treat!
Maybe brownies, that's clever!
But he's too lazy to get on his feet.
Worst. Day. Ever.
I guess we'll have a quiet night in.
It's not different or new.
It's not how I planned my Halloween,
But I guess it will do.
Then I heard a knock on the door.
It was past ten!
What are they here for?
It's all of my friends!
They came inside, all wet and droopy.
They had the same problems as us!
They wanted to watch a movie.
So that's the way it was.
We watched a spooky movie,
And made some popcorn.
Everybody screamed loudly.
It was lots of fun.
Turns out Halloween wasn't so bad.
It was actually a blast!
The night was happy, not sad!
I'm sure that it won't be the last.
8th grade, Rainbow Middle School
AUTUMN
A - Autumn or Fall, it’s all the same. Synonyms of one another, just a different name.
U - Umpteen fun to be had during Fall, there’s corn mazes, bonfires, and cider for all.
T - Thermos full of hot chocolate with my phone in hand, cozied up by the fire, that’s
where I am.
U - Unexpected Autumn festivities, hiking in Cherokee Rock Village you’ll see red,
orange, and yellow leaves.
M - Marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers too. S’mores are so good you can’t
just have a few/
N - Noccalula Falls Park with its 90 foot waterfall, during Autumn when the leaves are
changing, it’s a must see y’all.
8th grade, Rainbow Middle School
AUTUMN
A - Autumn or Fall, it’s all the same. Synonyms of one another, just a different name.
U - Umpteen fun to be had during Fall, there’s corn mazes, bonfires, and cider for all.
T - Thermos full of hot chocolate with my phone in hand, cozied up by the fire, that’s
where I am.
U - Unexpected Autumn festivities, hiking in Cherokee Rock Village you’ll see red,
orange, and yellow leaves.
M - Marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers too. S’mores are so good you can’t
just have a few/
N - Noccalula Falls Park with its 90 foot waterfall, during Autumn when the leaves are
changing, it’s a must see y’all.
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