Ms. Rooks Language Arts

Literary Terms

2010-11-30T12:32:00.001-08:00

What are all the literary terms?

Great dictionary of Literary Terms...

Even greater dictionary of Literary Terms!

How do I read this?

2010-04-23T06:11:00.000-07:00

Decoding Tips:

"Ge" makes a different sound than "G" - check this list out.

Remember the rule: Change the "Y" to "I" and add "ED". Practice reading this list.

Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry - Prior Knowledge

2010-03-23T21:36:00.000-07:00

1. Explanation of Sharecropping

How is sharecropping similar to slavery? It was a labor for land trade. When the slave practice was ended, landowners had no way to find cheap labor to work his vast acreages and the former slaves and many poor white southerners had no land of their own on which to live or to farm. A contracted trade off was made, where, for a share of the designated crop, land was provided to the sharecropper. It was a system that provided mutual benefit to both parties but was easily corrupted (landowners often cheated or took advantage of the sharecroppers lack of education) and often led to a new kind of economic ($$$- it created poverty) slavery.

2. Summary of the book - Wikipedia, 1 page summary,

3. Themes or topics to consider: family, quiet (or silence), and racism.

4. Explore some GREAT QUOTES worth thinking about more fully!

Cite: "BookRags Book Notes on ." 23 March 2010.

More about Skeleton Creek

2009-12-22T07:18:00.001-08:00

Check out this link about the book and author from Scholastic.

More about the author, Patrick Carman.

Poetry

2009-12-18T13:45:00.001-08:00

Poetry Pairings - Poems paired with other genres! VERY COOL - from NY Times.

Writing poetry:

I am poem - online format!

Let's find some mentor texts - great poems to read and ponder!

Space Poetry

Love Poems

Advice Blog!

2009-12-14T08:35:00.000-08:00

Need some advice?

Want to know what 8th graders have learned during their time at JHMS?

Check out their blog!

You'll find poetry and advice about friends. Trust me, it's worth the visit!!

Teton Science School

2009-12-14T08:34:00.001-08:00

"I'm scared to go alone," I said.
"Don't worry! You'll have fun," she replied, "and you'll meet new friends."

"OK," I said,"I'll try".
My trip to Teton Science School was about to begin.

At the beginning of the canoe trip, I felt really excited to race, play games and many other activities. We were going to String Lake. We got out of the van. Then, we had to wait for the van with the canoes. "How much longer do we have to wait?" I asked Cat, who was one of my instructors.
The canoes finally came, we had to carry them down to the water.

"Wow! These are really heavy," Emily said, a friend who I had just met.
"They're green," I announced to Lexy when I saw the canoes coming. I knew that Lexy liked green and would be excited about the canoes being green.
"I know," Lexy said excited. Green canoes could only mean one thing, we were going to have fun.
After we put the canoe in the rippling water, we had our first lesson. We put our life jackets on and got into the canoe. I felt excited and strange. I was in the back of the canoe, so I had a hard time paddling. I had to switch seats with Hunter. I sat in the middle, and Hunter sat in the back. We finally caught up with our teammates, and we started playing a game. It was canoe basketball. We were divided into two teams. There were three canoes on each team. The hoops were behind each of instructors. We had to pass the ball after we had it for five seconds. We got really wet, especially when we got the ball because it usually landed in the water and was soaking wet. Being wet was refreshing on a hot day. My team scored, but we didn't win.

After the basketball game, we got to race to the bridge. The first canoe to reach it won. Some of us got stuck on the rocks, but we got loose. We used our paddles to move the canoe off the rocks.

Finally, we got a break. We were supposed to chase a coyote or the bear. Do you wonder what this means? Well, this is how the teachers at T.S.S. say, "Go to the bathroom." Chase a coyote means to go pee. And, chase the bear means...well, you know!

I asked Cat, "Can we can get into the water and swim?"

I thought she was going to say no, but she answered, "Yes, but only up to you knees."

After swimming, we got back into the canoes; I knew it was going to be tricky. We had a race up to the boulder in the center of the lake. The boulder was like a soldier standing at attention. It seemed solid out there with waves crashing into it. "GO!" yelled Cat.

Once we got there, we joined up with three canoes. Together, we had to come back to the shore. We connected by holding onto the side of the canoe. The people in the middle canoe had to hold on, while the people in the outside canoes paddled. It was hard, but I knew we could do it. We went far; I was proud. We learned a lot about teamwork that day.

our next trip was to Yellowstone. I felt excited to see the geysers. When we got to Old Faithful, we ate lunch. My stomach's growl was an earthquake rumbling. Old Faithful only blew steam, just like a hot cup of tea. Luke said, "Old Faithful won't explode for an hour." I didn't want to wait; I wanted it to explode now.

"Then let's go see the other geysers while we wait," Cat said. While we walked around, we saw other geysers. The geysers were full of water, drops of water scattered and rained down everywhere. I saw little rainbows everywhere. Now I knew what to expect once Old Faithful exploded. We saw Cat and the others sitting on benches waiting for Old Faithful to explode. They were all sitting in a single file like a shelf with stuff animals.We sat with them and finally Old Faithful exploded.
Old Faithful looked like a big drinking fountain. It looked like it was going to hit an airplane. It feel like we were 2 feet away, and the hot steam blew in your face ) I wished my mom could see it. The hours past as quickly as at school. I was really happy to see the geyser, and I wished this could last.

The next day we went to hike the mountain. The mountain looked like a giant looking down at me. I thought the hike would be easy, but it wasn't. I was the first in the lead, just like the leader of a wolf pack.

"Wait for the others, Janet," Luke said.

"OK," I answered. While I waited, I . All of my friends caught up, and we were half way up. The trees were starting to leave the move we walk. Every thing looked like in was dead.that's what I thought. Once we were half way, I was in the middle of the pack, not in the lead any more. My body was begging to go back down. I was really tired, yet I tried to keep up with them, and every step I took it got harder. I wanted my feet to stop moving at once. Finally, we were at the top.
Once I was at the top the air blew through my soggy hair. My back was crying for help. I could feel my lungs every time I took a deep breath. Then I was going back down. While I was going down, I found a rock and stared to carve a wolf out of it. I also lost my water bottle. Once we were down, my friend Lexy and I were going to the bathroom. She asked a weird question, "What is that weird looking rock over there?"

I looked, confused about what she asked. I thought I was talking to a crazy person. I said, "That is not a rock; its a bear!" My eyes were shining with excitement and shock. It was small with brown hair trying to find some food. when it stood up i see the tummy of the bear all all full of hair I jumped to make sure it was true.

I was really excited and scared to see a bear. I ran towards Luke, almost tripping. I was yelling, "Bear! Bear!!"
He told us to startle or yell or talk to the bear to get it to leave, and I did want the bear to leave. When the bear left, he looked annoyed, and we got in the van and left for camp.

A couple of days past, and then it was the last night. I ran towards the fire excited and with a weird feeling in my gut. We told stories, ate s'mores, and sang songs. I was sad of not been able to tell scary stories luke thought we will have nightmares. The smores tasted like a really sugary piece of candy.We weren't allowed to eat more than two s'mores, and at the end we sang a song. Only three of my friends who knew the Sponge Bob song. Then we finished we went to sleep. My tent was dark as a cave. I was so sad and excited that it was the last night. I just wished TSS could last longer. Once we woke up we packed our luggage, got on the van, and left. I ran toward the van to be the first one in. Instead of taking two hours to get home, it took four. I didn't care because I was so happy that I had two extra hours to be with my friends.

Once we were back, we took everything out of the trailer and the van. I found lots of clothes, a water bottle, and a backpack under my seat. "Whose is this?" I asked.
Emily said, embarrassed, "That's mine."

We got all our belongs out and cleaned the van. We have to clean the windows,vacuum the inside, and wash the outside. All of the extra food was sent to kitchen and the cooler were washed. Our tents were cleaned. When we finished, we waited for our parents to come. All my friends' parents didn't come so we sat together. We went into a meeting room. Betsy introduced the camping groups. Then the slideshow started. One by one the pictures came out: every time I saw my picture I was embarrassed. We laughed at the ones that were funny. At the end of the slide show we went to find our parents. I saw my mom. I felt lots of happiness of seeing her again. I said, "Ma."

She answered, "Te gusto."

I replied, "Si mucho."

Emily, Kayla, Lexy, Regan and Emma came to say good-bye and I introduced them to my parents. Before we left, I went to say good-bye to Luke and Cat. "Are you coming back to T.S.S.?" Luke asked.

I answered, enthusiastically, "Yes, I am."

"Then I will see you next time," Cat said. I left with my bag of clothes and my hiking backpack. I was sad to be leaving.

by ~ Janet

I learned that I can go do the same activities many times and still learn more. I discovered that being so close to a grizzly is exciting and scary at the same time. I never realized leaving my parents for a week would make me miss them so much. I was proud when my successful journey ended.

Don't be Afraid!

2009-12-14T08:26:00.000-08:00

Willow Street Preschool

I was ready, I felt excited. I had to go to sleep early. I had to go to sleep at 8:00 p.m. Before I went to sleep, I had to put my pencil, markers, and scissors in my backpack. Then, I ran around in circles as fast as I could. Suddenly, my dad grabbed me, threw me in the air, and flew me around like an airplane. After that, I went to my room and my dad tucked me in. I felt scared and happy to go to preschool. I turned my nightlight on and checked under my bed for monsters. I could imagine them looking at me. Their eyes yellow, staring at me. They would be big and fat. However, all I found was a dark floor covered with night.

The next day, I grabbed my backpack, but I almost forgot to change into my new school clothes. I quickly changed into my clothes, but then when I opened the door, my parents told me that I had forgotten my backpack! I started running to my backpack, but instead I ran to the car. I was CRAZY! My dad and mom thought I was funny

My dad and mom took me to school, and I was singing a song that I had learned from my grandma back in Mexico. When she sang it, she sounded like angels singing with bells ringing. She sang it like no one would ever sing it again in a million years. The ride went on forever. On the way to school, I told my parents about my dream. "My teacher was Winnie the Pooh!"
They laughed.
I said, "I hope she is."
Dad said, "You know, Carlos, she won't be Winnie the Pooh."
I said, "Will she be Barney?!"
They laughed again, and Dad said, "No."

When we got there, I entered the school with only my mom. At first, I thought it was the doctor's office. When I looked inside, a woman was with a bunch of kids. I started walking into the room. She said, "Hi!" Then, she showed us around. When my mom was leaving, I grabbed her hand and was going to leave with her, but she told me to stay. I grabbed her leg and started crying. It took five people to pull me off my mom's leg.

My teacher said, "Don't worry! Don't cry!" Then, right away she put on a Winnie the Pooh movie my mom had given her before she left. We watched the movie with popcorn. The popcorn was delicious; it had butter and salt. After that, we played Hide and Go Seek, and I was found second to last. My favorite part of the day was when I met a new friend named Sergio. He is still my friend today. That was the beginning of preschool.

I now realized that preschool is fun. I want people to know that school is something their children will be avid about. I want all little kids to not be scared or sad because it turns out the Willow Street Preschool is fun.

by ~ Carlos

Student Poetry

2009-12-13T11:13:00.001-08:00

Sometimes

I am my best friend,
I am the only one who
understands me:
My problems,
The things I do
and the reasons why I do them.
I am the only one who understands
the reasons I am
like I am.

Sometimes

I am my worst enemy
I don’t even understand myself
why I say and do the things I
say and do
Why do I cause problems?
Why am I so negative?

I don’t know why
and that makes me
want to be alone
I don't want people to talk to me
my whole self begs for isolation
so I can escape into nothing

and

my heart aches to be hugged.

Sometimes

~Alejandra

Paradise

I hold my breath
as I dive in
Entering the deep dark hole

a deep dark forest

my paradise

The sweetness starts to
melt slowly
It forms a river

It trickles
into my tummy.
A river of melted deliciousness
rolls into my throat.
It's getting smaller and smaller.
I'm in heaven.
It cascades down

I swallow.

Chocolate

by ~ Yesenia

Dinosaurs

I live with a dinosaur.

It was a terrific day
when it start crawling.
That day was perfect, terrific, and
I felt nothing could ruined it.
I thought I was sleeping,
dreaming,
as I watched the dinosaur crawling
toward me,
but I was awake.

Then,
it bit my hand,
the pain made me think
my hand was asleep,
tingling,
burning.
Anger made me want to
hit the beast.
Instead, I open its mouth.
I counted its teeth.
Surprised I found
eight teeth.

I couldn't believe it.
There were eight
sharp
dinosaur
teeth...

and they were in
my sister's
mouth!

by ~ Francisco

My neice - Lindsay

2009-12-10T12:20:00.000-08:00

MY NEW NEICE

Once I was in Jesus', my brother's, house and he told me, "You are going to have a new niece!" Happiness flowed throughout my body. In my mind, I saw all pink because I wanted the baby to be a little girl. I couldn't wait to tell my friends at school. My family was so excited because we were going to have a new member in our family. I thought, "GREAT!" I wanted to jump; I felt so good.

When my sister-in-law, Maria Guadalupe, went to the doctor, they did an ultra sound on her stomach. When my brother Jesus showed me the picture from the ultra sound, I felt like I was the happiest person the universe. I saw the picture of my niece; it was black and white. The baby looked like a bowl of love. I could see her head, legs, arms, and her body. Once a week - at least - I asked my brother,” How many more months? I want my niece now!" I wondered what she would look like. Mexicans always say, "With whom does she looks like?" That means, "Does the baby look like her mom or dad?" I was secretly hoping that she would look a little like me.

When I heard my brother saying, "I am going to have a baby-shower," I got even more excited because I knew would be born soon, not too many months away. My nephew's godmother had prepared the baby shower. It looked good because it was all decorated with baby pictures, pink colors, and there was a chair where Maria Guadalupe sat. Next to her there was a table; on the table, there were baby bottles with pink balloons. I really enjoyed the games, especially when two women had to dress two other women in baby clothes. They made the clothes out of paper. When they made the diaper, it was the funniest moment of the entire shower. I was so happy that day. Another game was a thinking game. We had to grab clothes pins off a line. Every time we grabbed a clothes pin, we had to name something the baby would need. If we dropped a clothes pin, our turn was over. We all started to laugh when Maria, my brother's coworker, said, "A baby needs her mama!" Another game included a baby bottle pin. Everyone wore a pin that was clipped on our clothes, and if someone saw me crossing my feet, they could take away my baby bottle pin! When my cousin got my pin, I smiled and gave it to her. The baby shower made me so happy because, all the babies that I see make me feel so happy. When I think about my nieces and my nephews, my smile stretches across my face.

Lindsay was born September 22, 2009. I remember because it was picture day at JHMS.

When I first carried her, I felt so happy. She was so, so small, as small as a kitty. She looked so cute, and she was also so hairy. I felt scared to hold because she was so small. I thought that I was going to drop her. After a while, I got comfortable and didn't want to give her to anyone else. She has long eye lashes like her brother Kevin, and when Kevin was born, my family said that he looked like my sister, my sister's mane is Dulce. Whenever I carried her and kissed her my nephew, her brother got mad at me. He was hitting me, even now he doesn't want me to carry here, especially because, I tell him that I'm going to take her. That day my nephew went to sleep to my house because; his parents were in the Hospital.

I NEVER thought that, 7 pounds 4 oz would bring me so much love, in my life. I want my family to know how much I love her, especially when she was born. I am still the happiest aunt in Jackson Hole. I also thought that my heart was going to explode; it was also bumping hard. I have no words to explain the love that I feel for her. My love for her is as big as the universe. The universe might seem spooky, dark, and dangerous, but really the universe is smooth, warm, soft, and so, so light. Not heavy, small. Lindsay taught me this.

By ~ Adalid

ELL Parent Night, 11/17

2009-11-18T07:30:00.000-08:00

Student sharing at the ELL Parent night, 11/17/09:

8th graders:

I am bravery. I have experienced something most American 10 years olds can't imagine.

I never realized that I was going to live in the USA. While crossing, I discovered that I'm brave. I now know that some migration officers are good people. Crossing the border is a life changing experience. I am happy I'm learning English, but I discovered that the US is not what other people told me. I want people to understand that Mexicans suffer in order to come here. Be nice! ~Emmanuel

Lindsay was born September 22, 2009. I remember because it was picture day at JHMS.

When I first carried her, I felt so happy. She was so, so small, as small as a kitty. She looked so cute. I felt scared to hold her. I thought that I was going to drop her. After a while, I got comfortable, and then I didn't want to give her to anyone else. Whenever I carried her and kissed her, my nephew, her brother, got mad at me. He was hitting me, even now he doesn't want me to carry her, especially because I tell him, “I'm going to take her.” He wants all of my attention. I love how he acts whenever I say, “Give me a kiss!" He does it, but sometimes he doesn't want to. I love all my nieces and nephews.

I NEVER thought that 7 pounds 4 oz would bring so much love to my life. I am still the happiest aunt in Jackson Hole. I still think that my heart might explode. The love makes it bump hard. I have no words to explain the love that I feel for her. My love for her is as big as the universe. The universe might seem spooky, dark, and dangerous, but really the universe is smooth, warm, so,so soft, and light. Not heavy, small. I will always love my FAMILY. ~Adalid

Response to Stuck in Neutral:

People have been killing their children for something that it's not their fault. I never realized that parents could kill their kids for being disabled. Two German parents killed their own four-year-old son for being disabled. They committed suicide after killing him. This fact is interesting because most of the parents don’t know what to do in those situations, and they make the wrong choice. A forty-six-year-old women killed her sixteen year old son in southern Australia; this happened in July 2009. She had already lived with him for sixteen years. Why would she kill him if he was already sixteen years old? Many claim that this shows these parents love their children, but I think with all the pain inside of them, they are scared of what's happening inside their children. This problem made me realized that life is not easy. I learned that people have a lot of going on in their lives, and it’s not always easy for them. ~Aridai

At the beginning of the canoe trip, I felt really excited to race, play games and many other activities. We were going to String Lake. We got out of the van. Then, we had to wait for the van with the canoes. "How much longer do we have to wait?" I asked Cat, who was one of my instructors.
The canoes finally came; we had to carry them down to the water.

"Wow! These are really heavy," Emily said, a friend who I had just met.
"They're green," I announced to Lexy when I saw the canoes coming. I knew that Lexy liked green and would be excited about the canoes being green.
"I know," Lexy said, excited. Green canoes could only mean one thing, we were going to have fun.
After we put the canoe in the rippling water, we had our first lesson. We put our life jackets on and got into the canoe. I felt excited and strange. I was in the back of the canoe, so I had a hard time paddling. I had to switch seats with Hunter. I sat in the middle, and Hunter sat in the back. We finally caught up with our teammates, and we started playing a game. It was canoe basketball. We were divided into two teams. There were three canoes on each team. The hoops were behind each of instructors. We had to pass the ball after we had it for only five seconds. We got really wet, especially when we got the ball because it usually landed in the water and was soaking wet. Being wet was refreshing on a hot day. My team scored, but we didn't win.

After the basketball game, we got to race to the bridge. The first canoe to reach it won. Some of us got stuck on the rocks, but we got loose. We used our paddles to move the canoe off the rocks.

Finally, we got a break. We were supposed to chase a coyote or the bear. Do you wonder what this means? Well, this is how the teachers at Teton Science School. say, "Go to the bathroom." Chase a coyote means to go #1. And, chase the bear means...well, you know!

I asked Cat, "Can we can get into the water and swim?"

I thought she was going to say no, but she answered, "Yes, but only up to you knees."

After swimming, we got back into the canoes; I knew it was going to be tricky. We had a race up to the boulder in the center of the lake. The boulder was a soldier standing at attention. It seemed solid out there with the waves crashing into it. "GO!" yelled Cat.

My best friend is ten inches long, has spikes, and beautiful colors around his body. His name is Camila; he is a bearded dragon. I got him during the summer of 2009. He was 1 month, and now he is 4 months. His spikes are really funny looking. When he arrived, he looked like a monkey making funny faces at me. And when he got mad, he puffed up his balloon-like beard. At first I thought he was scary, now I'm used to it. It was easy getting used to him because he does those things all the time. When I held him for the first time, he felt like a soft banana with soft needles sticking out of the sides. I said to him, "You are one weird animal."

When I watched him eat for the first time, again I said to him, "You are one weird animal." When he eats, green guts squirt out of his mouth. He crunches down on mealworms and crickets, and usually their guts come out. If you listen really well, you can hear explosion in his mouth, it sounds like a grenade. That's a lot of pressure. When he drinks water, he becomes a cute little puppy...a puppy with spikes! He takes his tongue out and starts licking the water so fast, silent. Camila is my best friend. ~Axel

Emotions are a roller coaster. They go back and forth, up and down. I want to scream and throw up. Sometimes they make me feel bad and other times they make me happy. When they go down, I feel sad. When they go up, I feel happy. Feeling sad is inevitable, but there are ways to make myself happy again.

Friends are the ticket off the roller coaster. There are three ways friends can make me feel happy. First, when we are all together, I feel stronger. When I am feeling strong, I can laugh and my negative emotions go away. Second, when we go places together, I forget about everything that was making me sad and angry. My friends and I go for a walk, to the movies, or to each other’s houses. Third, spending the night together is the best way to feel better. When my friends call me to spend the night, I know it is going to be a good night. When we are together and talk about our sadness and angers, we help each other because we understand each other perfectly. We share connections that we have. When someone tells about her angry mom, another person might say, "That is just like MY mom!" It feels like we have the same mom and the same experiences. When I am with friends, I feel supported and sadness and anger disappear. Sadness and anger make me feel lonely, but I know that I don't have to be alone because I have my friends. You will feel better by being with your friends, too. ~Nidiyare

Sometimes

I am my best friend,

I am the only one who

understands me.

My problems,

The things I do and the reasons why I do them.

I am the only one who understands the reasons I am

like I am.

Sometimes

I am my worst enemy

I don’t even understand myself

why I say or do the things I

say or do

why I cause problems?

why I am negative?

I don’t know why

and that makes me

want to be alone

I don't want people to talk to me

my whole self begs for isolation

so I can escape into nothing

I don't have a reason to live...

and

my heart aches to be hugged.

Sometimes

by Alejandra

6/7^th graders:

There is someone who is there for me every day; she's a girl who has a lot of love in her heart. She's MY MOM!

My Mom let me go to CA. There are three ways she showed her support for me. First, my mom supported me because she always wants to help me and to make me happy. Second, she was really happy because I'm the only one in our family who has gone somewhere far away. Third, my mom was so excited because I told her that I wanted to accomplish something by going to somewhere far away. She knew this was an important trip and opportunity for me, so she let me go. Sometimes I get mad at her, but I have to admit, she is the greatest mom I could ever have. ~Juan

I live with a dinosaur.

It was a good day

when it start crawling.

That day was the best day ever.

I felt nothing could ruined it.

I thought I was sleeping…dreaming,

but I was awake.

Then, it bit my hand,

I was mad.

When I open its mouth

to count its teeth,

I was surprised that it had

eight teeth.
I couldn't believe it.

They were sharp

Dinosaur teeth…

and they were in my
sister's
mouth!

~ Francisco PR

I was ready; I felt excited. I had to go to sleep early. I had to go to sleep at 8:00 p.m. Before I went to sleep, I had to put my pencil, markers, and scissors in my backpack. Then, I ran around in circles as fast as I could. Suddenly, my dad grabbed me, threw me in the air, and flew me around like an airplane. After that, I went to my room and my dad tucked me in. I felt scared and happy because the next day I would go to preschool. I turned my nightlight on and checked under my bed for monsters.

My dad took me to school, and I was singing a song that I had learned from my grandma back in Mexico. When she sang it, she sounded like angels singing with bells ringing. She sang it like no one else. The ride went on forever. On the way to my new school, I told my dad about my dream. "My teacher was Winnie the Pooh!" I hoped it would be true. ~ Carlos

I hold my breath
as I dive in
Entering the deep dark hole
Chocolate.

The sweet chocolate starts to
melt slowly
It forms a river

It trickles
into my tummy.
A river of melted deliciousness
rolls into my throat.
It's getting smaller and smaller.
I'm in the heaven.
BOOM
It cascades down

I swallow.

~Yesenia

Dear Dad,
Did you remember when you taught me the multiplication and division? Well, you should; you were the one who taught me. Thanks teaching me my math facts.

You believed in me me, and encouraged me to keep studying and to make new goals You even talked to me about my future and why I needed to know my math facts. I'm really thankful and lucky to have a dad like you:-)

Love,

Maria

Leaving my mom was the best thing I ever did!

In the beginning, I felt so excited I was going to Washington with my dad. On a Friday, my dad asked me if wanted to go to Washington; I answered, "Yes". I felt bad that I was leaving my mom, and I felt happy that I was leaving my sister, but I mostly felt excited that I was going on a trip with my dad. So I ran to my mom and hugged her, and she hugged me. She said, "Be careful son". As we drove away, my mom was crying which made me start to cry.
My trip was amazing. The adventure was so fantastic. I discovered that being with my dad is so exciting. I want fathers to understand that spending time with their sons is the best thing they can do. That trip was one of the most exciting times of my live.

~Alex

This year, the 8th grade students have studied ancient cultures from Mexico and South America. Our 6th and 7th graders have studied Hispanic leaders from our past and present. We've also read current events articles about the current state of Latinos in America. And, we've discussed the possibilities that exist in Jackson. A study of heroes is always interesting, but it isn't until we apply those same characteristics to ourselves and the people around us that we find inspiration and motivation. To only study heroes is to place success "out there". Our goal is to help our students recognize not only the powerful people who have paved the way, but the people, YOU - their parents, who continue to show them the way. If we do that, we can help our students tap into their inner resources to insure they find their way.

Our students would like to acknowledge YOU:

Stefani: My mom is my role model because she is a hard worker. She’s awesome.

My dad raises my expectation of my future because he says that everyone can reach high goals – especially if you are Latino.

Nancy: My parents are my role models because they inspire me to study and be a good student.

Cinthya: My mom is my role model because she inspires me to not give up on my goals.

Francisco: My mom inspires me because she tells me, “Don’t give up!”

Zamantha: My parents are creating new expectations because they expect more of me. They don’t want me to get C’s, they want me to have all A’s. They encourage me to study for tests and not watch a lot of TV. My parents say, “Don’t give up! If you get good grades, you’ll get a good job!”

Marco: My mom is awesome. She broke down stereotypes by not dropping out of school. She went to college and became a hairdresser. After all these years, she bought a salon just across the street from K-mart. Her success inspires me.

Alex: My mom is my role model because she inspires me to help my sister on her homework and to help everyone. I feel proud when I help others. My dad inspires me to work hard and not goof off.

Danicia: My parents are my role models because they both have their own companies. They are the bosses. Instead of taking advantage of the fact they are the boss, they are not lazy, they wake up early and go to work just like their employees do. They inspire others.

Carlos: My dad is my role model because he shows me how to do construction. He doesn’t give up, so I won’t either. My mom helps our community by volunteering for the PTA. She makes our schools better. She sold pumpkins in the pumpkin sale. I’m proud of my parents.

Maria: My familty – in different ways – inspire me to not give up on my dreams. My brother is working and working hard in school. My sister tells me, “Don’t drop out, you’ll get a better job. You will be able to be a doctor or teacher.” My dad shares about his past and this makes me feel good about my life. He tells me, “Try to improve so you can learn more.” My mom tells me, “Look forward!” My family inspires because they believe in me.

Juan: Instead of being shy and not working, my mom is not a bit nervous. I have discovered that she wants to learn many things: English and cooking. She is a lifelong learner. My dad has been in Jackson for 11 years. He has two jobs, which is a big responsibility. He never gives up. He is smart and always active. They inspire me to be the same.

Yolanda: My dad helped the community when he was a police office in Mexico. He protects other people, which is why he is overprotective of me. I will always be his little girl – though it wouldn’t hurt if he realized I was 13 years old! My parents are my heroes. They make me feel better. When they encourage me, they make me feel like I am on top of the world. They once said, “Never give up. Always follow your dreams! No matter what, we will always be here for you.” I love you.

Ashley P: My dad helps our community by building homes in a lot of places. My dad works with many different people. He is fun and sometimes he buys us what we want. My mom is a role model because she shows me how to cook and encourages me to finish school. I want to finish high school and go to the University in Mexico. My parents believe in me.

Nidiyare: My mom and dad create new expectations because when they come to conferences, they expect a lot from me. They have high expectations for me all the time. My mom is my role model because she helps my family in everything, and she brings in money, so we live better. My dad is also my role model because he supports my family.

Alejandra: My mom is inspirational to me because she buys me new books at the book fair. I am proud of myself for reading Emako Blue. I discovered that some books are not boring and I now know that I want to read more books like that one. My mom supports me because she believes I am a reader and buys me books. Reading more will make my future brighter.

Adalid: My mom is my role model because she always tells me, “Do your best.” She also gives me advice. She believes in me and helps me to be a good student, so I can go to college.

Emmanuel: My mom and dad inspire me; they want me to graduate from college, so I can have a better and easier life than they did. They don’t want me to suffer like they did when they were children and even now when they try to find work. They want me to speak English, learn other languages, and work hard in school so that I can graduate and have a great job.

Yair: My mom and dad are my role models because they have high expectations about my grades. They give me prizes and rewards when I get good grades. They always tell me to do my best. They keep me motivated!

Janet: My parents are my role models because they are hard working. My mom inspires me to move forward. She reminds me to try hard and never give up. I did that this year in volleyball, and I succeeded.

Aridai: I am proud of my parents because they have worked hard to bring us to the USA and to keep moving forward. They have patience with us. My mom and dad care about us. They are good parents for my brothers, sisters, and me. I know it is hard for them to keep working so hard, but they have us to help them. I thank God for the wonderful parents he has given to me, for all he has given to me.

Jassiel: My friends inspire me because they are funny and make me laugh a lot.

Axel: I am breaking stereotypes by getting good grades! My mom and dad help the community by recycling. My parents inspire me by supporting my love of music. They buy me guitars and bases and amps. They help me a lot when I have a show. My mom says, “You can do it!” and my dad taught me how to sing. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for supporting me and introducing me to music. Music is my life.

Response to the Statistics from our Current Events article:

It is important that we work together to avoid some of the unnerving statistics that face our children. Across our nation, 50% of Latino Students drop out of high school… However, Jackson is a special place. This statistic doesn’t have to be real here. There are resources - both human and financial - that can help make this true. But we also have to work together to be sure the resources aren't lost.

Yolanda, "I never realized that so many Hispanics drop out, and the effect this has on their futures. I want to go to college and have success in my future. I now know that if you drop out of high school, you completely change your future. I want my parents to know that I can succeed. I want my mom to know that she is right; my education is very important. I would like to thank my parent for pushing me toward my future goals.

I discovered that this year I'm getting better grades. I know it is because English is getting easier, but I'm working harder. I can't believe it's my choice to decide what my grades - and my future - will be. I now want to focus on my education. I never realized I have that power.

When I learned that my brother was struggling in kindergarten, I decided I would read to him more. This will help him learn more and more. I discovered that my brother is confused by English and Spanish...it's not about what he is learning. I now know that I can and will help my brother succeed. I want to be a good example for my brother. I want a good future so that one day I'll be my brother's role model. I am going to go to college."

Juan, "I learned that if we want to have a college degree, we can because we live in an awesome town." Let's work together to make sure our kids get to choose their future. Let's work together to get them through high school and into college. We can do it, we just need to work together.

This is going to be a great year!

Short Stories

2009-11-16T14:37:00.000-08:00

Planning a short story: Read, Write, Think planning tool.

For Yair: Read this article? Ask about these 5 books: A Girl with a Baby, Just Ask Us, Hanging on to Max, Crank, or Burned.

Family Reading

2009-11-12T10:39:00.000-08:00

Family Reading:

Did you know that faster readers comprehend faster and concentrate better?

To get faster, students must read more!

Many students have siblings they can read with and to. This is a great way to foster literacy at home.

Click here for Reading Tips for Families.

Click here for more ideas from Families Reading Together.

Book Club Opportunties

2009-11-11T20:41:00.000-08:00

Teton County Library Parent-Student Book Club:

Avid literary buffs from fourth grade through high school meet monthly during the school year to discuss selected books, share favorite titles and have fun with literature. For more information call 307-733-2164 ext. 103.

Problem Solution essay

2009-11-09T15:46:00.001-08:00

A problem solution essay has 5 parts:

introduce the problem,
tells the reader why it is a problem,
introduce a solution (or list of solutions),
tells the reader the predicted effects of the solution OR why one solution is the best, and
imagine the world without this problem.

It's a persuasive essay! You want your reader to agree to the solution you present!

Remember - good essays come from GREAT plans. Spend time planning your writing!

Click here for my EXAMPLE P/S Plan and Essay.

Weekly Reading Assignment

2009-10-27T05:21:00.001-07:00

Go to this Weekly Reader webquest. Read from one of the assigned categories. Enjoy!!!

OR

Read: Haiti in Ink and Tears: A Literary Sampler

OR

Go to ProCon.org to read about different controversial issues ranging from the death penalty to immigration to alternative energy and war.This site fosters critical thinking by providing quality research on hot-button issues in an unbiased pro and con format.

OR

Check out Popular Science articles...dating back to 1972 if you wish!

Then

Write up your reflection paragraph. For a plan form, go to the Workshop Webquest (scroll down to the writing section and it will be the first paragraph plan #3).

Remember, you will be graded on depth of thought and the writing process. I expect a plan, rough draft, and revised and edited final copy.

Book Talk 2009-10

2009-10-19T12:58:00.001-07:00

Your First Name:

Name of the Book:
Author:

Rate your book: 0 - 3

Three reasons you like this book:
1.
2.
3.

Welcome Back - Let's Introduce Ourselves!

2009-09-03T06:16:00.000-07:00

Hi,

We are going to introduce ourselves to each other using the Expository Text Structures!

To plan your introduction, please use the Think Sheet found under Expository Text on the Workshop Webquest.

How are my Graphic Organizers graded? Check out this rubic on the Webquest.

2. Once your thinksheet has been approved, begin your Glogster Poster!

Have fun!

Hispanic Heritage Month

2009-08-29T07:56:00.000-07:00

Did you know September 15 - October 15 is designated Hispanic Heritage Month?

This year's theme recognizes the commitment to family values and civic involvement of Hispanic Americans and how their patriotism has helped strengthen our country.

We are going to celebrate by researching Hispanic Americans and bringing them to life in JHMS. Find your assignment on JHMS's fighting racism blog.

Side Note:
Always wondered about what is politically correct or what all these "names" mean?
1. Hispanic - used by Cubans, Puerto Ricans and other Caribbean people who consider their cultural heritage linked to Spain.

2. Latino (Latina for women) - used by descendents of Latin America (Mexico, Central America, and South America).

3. Chicano (Chicana for women) - used by people of Mexican ancestry wishing to distinguish their heritage from those of other Latin American countries. The term Mexican-American is becoming a popular replacement.

4. Hispaño (Hispaña for women) - used by the direct descendants of Spanish conquistadors and other Spanish settlers of the US southwest (who did not immigrate from Latin America).

Parent Survey - Beginning of the Year

2009-08-28T18:26:00.000-07:00

In effort to build an email list, I need email addresses from all parents. Please email me (mrooks@teton1.k12.wy.us) with the answers to the following questions:

1. What you need to know about my child in school:

2. What I'd like you to know about my child outside of school:

3. My hopes for my child this year (either academic or social or other...)

4. My fears for my child this year (either academic or social or other...)

5. Skills and/or experiences (ex: any traveling in the Eastern Hemisphere!) I would like to share with the class or JHMS:

6. Other comments or information

**Thank you!

LA Skills - Practice

2009-08-28T18:21:00.000-07:00

All Skills:
This is a great site to practice all sorts of Language Arts skills. It provides instant feedback. It is very helpful in a number of different topics!

This site has a lot of grammar lessons and games.

Vocabulary and Editing...and Saving the World:
Also, try Free Rice to develop vocabulary and practice editing and grammar skills.

Games for editing and revising.

Glogs places to find many helpful sites - try this one for typing & spelling, try this one for games and site words !

Spelling:

Spelling Practice:

What do you think of this:

Spelling? Deos it rlleay mttear? I cdnuolt blveiee it!

I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid! Aoccdrnig to a rseaerch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deson't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh? And I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt?!

Enjoy!

Reading Sites

2009-08-28T18:20:00.001-07:00

Check out these sites to find new books:

Find out about authors you love!

www.Bookadventure.com - created by the Sylvan learning center. This site's book finder matches kids with reads they'll enjoy. (It's like match.com only with books!!) Acing book quizzes lets them win prizes!

www.Teenreads.com - this extensive site posts lists of upcoming books and interviews with popular writers like Anthony Horowitz and Judy Blume. it also gives tips on how to start a reading club.

www.Guysread.com - This site was launched to connect boys of all ages with literature relevant to them. he urges guys to expand their definition of reading, pointing out that nonfiction, comics, and magazines count, too.

Info about books and authors: http://www.bestlibrary.org/cool/

6th Grade Historical Fiction Lit Circles

2009-08-28T18:19:00.001-07:00

Ladder #1: Individual Activists - fighting societal injustices

Iqbal: A novel about a true story. This book is set in Pakistan and shares the plight of children sold into slavery. Read more about the nonprofit, Free the Children, that was founded after reading Iqbal.

1. Go to Issues and Controversies (jackson/hole). Type in Child labor and choose the one titled “Child Labor and Sweatshops.”
2. Google Iqbal Masih: There are a lot of great websites dedicated to him.
a. Read Wikipedia article
b. There are some great links at the bottom of the article! Feel free to check them out. Children's World and Who Was Iqbal Masih?
3. Check out Free the Children
4. Go to Culture Grams (jacksonbronc/hole)– build prior knowledge about Pakistan
a. Find information about child labor, Iqbal Masih
5. Wondering what you can do? Visit the International Center on Child Labor and Education (ICCLE) site to find out more about child labor facts and myths, and explore links between child labor, education, and poverty. You'll find true stories of child workers turned advocates - like Iqbal. There is poetry and art and a lot of students - like you - who are walking their talk!
6. After reading chapter 4, check out Bukhara rugs. Consider what Iqbal's rug may have looked like.
7. Check out this activity regarding Child Labor issues today.

The Breadwinner: This book is set in Afghanistan during the time of the Taliban. Learn how one young woman becomes the breadwinner despite the laws against such an act.

1. Go to Issues and Controversies (jackson/hole) – search Taliban, choose the first article.
a. Consider the first picture. What would life be from this point of view?
2. Go to: Taliban Rules for Women
3. Go to WorldBook Online (Teton1/schools) - Taliban
4. Go to CultureGrams (jacksonbronc/hole) – build prior knowledge of Afghanistan

5. The Taliban is now an issue in Pakistan. Check out this article from cnn.com about a Girl Poet who is taking on the Taliban TODAY. There are also many current events links on this site.

Homeless Bird: This book is about a young girl who becomes a widow in India. Learn about what this means for her life at a 15 year old and her future.

1. Go to United Streaming Videos

2. Article about widows in India by CNN.

3. Information about Amar Bari, "My Home" - a refuge for widows in India.

4. So much informatin - WOW - from Widows International.

5. Another non-profit that works for marginalized women and children in India: The Guild of Service.

6. Link to the movie blog: The White Rainbow Project (I ordered the movie; it should be here soon!) and for more about the movie, click here.

Journey to Jo’berg: This book is set in South Africa during the time of Apartheid. Learn about how a brother and sister risk their lives to simply get their mother home to her sick child. Along their journey, they learn what apartheid really means for their family and their futures.

1. Go to BrainPop (teton/tcsd): Social Studies – Apartheid
2. Go to WorldBook Online (teton1/schools) - Apartheid
3. Go to: Apartheid Museum
4. Great site to understand Apartheid better.
5. Go to CultureGrams (jacksonbronc/hole) – build prior knowledge of South Africa
a. Look at timeline for information about Apartheid
6. After reading about Grace's brother and her stories about students fighting back, watch these United Streaming Movies.

Ladder #2: Survival stories - surviving man-made and natural disasters.

Read Hiroshima and Sadako: These are stories about the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima at the end of WWII. They also help us to understand the deadly consequences.

1. Go to United Streaming Assignment.

The Bomb: This is the story of a small group of islands, very isolated from the rest of the world. The US government chose Bikini Atoll to do further testing on their nuclear bombs. Read about how this island fights back.

1. Go to United Streaming Videos for The Bomb

Under the Blood Red Sun: This story is set in Hawaii and takes place in 1941 as America responds to the attack on Pearl Harbor. Experience the fear and racism of the time.

1. Go to WorldBook Online (teton1/schools) - Pearl Harbor (good pictures and videos)
2. Go to American History (jackson/hole) – search Pearl Harbor (videos)
3. Go to Navy Pictures of Pearl Harbor
4. For information about the internment camps of the Japanese-Americans, go to Japanese Internment Camps
a. Toward the bottom there is information about Sand Island, Hawaii.
5. Read So Far From The Sea by Eve Bunting.

The Killing Sea: This story is set in Indonesia in 2004. The story begins the day before the Tsunami hits. It is a survival story that brings together two characters from very different cultures.

1. Go to BrainPop (online databases (teton/TCSD)): science – Tsunami

2. Go to WorldBook Online (Teton1/Schools) - Tsunami (2004), good pictures

3. Go to CultureGrams (Jacksonbronc/hole) – build prior knowledge of Indonesia

4. Go to :Tsunami Videos

5. Go to : United Steaming Videos

6. Other videos

7. National Geographic video - from Mr. Wiley

Ladder #3: Fighting against a government. Understanding propaganda and oppression.

Kiss the Dust: This story is set in Iraq. It is the story of a Kurdish family that must flee to Iran due to persecution against the Kurds in Iraq. It tells the story of refugees in a way that will break your heart.

1. Go to United Streaming Videos for Kiss the Dust.

The Year of Impossible Goodbyes: This story helps us to understand Korea's history from the end of WWII to the beginnings of the Korean war. It's a story of a family that is forced to live in an occupied country for many years. This story shows the power of propaganda.

Red Scarf Girl: This is a memoir of a family living in China during Mao's Cultural Revolution. It is a story of living with propaganda and conflicting beliefs. It helps us to understand how difficult it is to live with fear.

1. Go to WorldBook Online (teton1/schools) - Cultural Revolution
a. Check out some of the Back in Time articles
2. Check out these United Streaming movies (follow the directions telling you which movies to watch first)
3. Go to CultureGrams (jacksonbronc/hole) – build prior knowledge of China
a. Pay attention to the time line – China under Communism
4. Explore Ji-Li's company, East West Exchange, to promote cultural exchanges between the United States and China. "If I can help Americans to understand China, and the Chinese to learn about the United States, even a little, I will feel very rewarded. I will have contributed something to my country, China, and my home, America (p 271)."

Other:

MAROO OF THE WINTER CAVES:

1. Go to United Streaming Videos for Maroo

2. Go to BrainPop (online databases (teton/TCSD)): Science-Earth System- Ice Age
Go to ACTIVITIES-->Graphic Organizer-->Print--> Take notes on this activity sheet as you watch the movie-->Go back to movie-->Press CC button and read along --> Play the quiz-->Graded Quiz--> View your results --> OK --> Record your score --> Review answers --> If you missed more than 2, take the test again.

3. Go to BrainPop (online databases (teton/TCSD)): Science-Earth System- Avalanches
Go to ACTIVITIES-->Graphic Organizer-->Print--> Take notes on this activity sheet as you watch the movie-->Go back to movie-->Press CC button and read along --> Play the quiz-->Graded Quiz--> View your results --> OK --> Record your score --> Review answers --> If you missed more than 2, take the test again.

4. Go to WorldBook Online (Teton1/Schools).
Go to My Backpack-->Maroo and Wolf Brother--> Stone Age-->

Responding to Our Writing

2009-08-28T18:17:00.000-07:00

1. Read 4 stories.
2. After you read each story, write a comment.

3. Comments should include 3 parts: a response to the content of the story, another response to the content of the story, and a compliment on the author's writing.
4. INCLUDE YOUR NAME! (You will not be given credit for a comment if your name is not on it.

5. Remember - your comment will not count toward one of your 4 assignment comments if 4 comments have already been written for a story. (It will be extra credit if you have already written 4 other comments.)

Remember: now is not the time for criticism or suggestions. It's just time to celebrate your peers' writing efforts.

Spanish Sites

2009-08-28T18:10:00.001-07:00

Check out these blogs and websites in Spanish:

1. Songs, poetry, stories, etc... all in Spanish!

Academic Vocabulary - MAP

2009-08-24T12:49:00.000-07:00

141-150: ABC order, beginning sound, vowel

151-160: advertisement, business letter, ending sound, fable, journal, legend, list, opposite, outline, rule, short story, synonym, thank-you note, title LU: list

161-170: atlas, bias, biography, chapter, compound word, contraction, cookbook, describe, dictionary, fairy tale, folk tale, index, main idea, note, nursery rhyme, personal narrative, prefix, problem, sign, suffix, table of contents, title page, word family LU: capital letter, comma, command, comparative, contraction, essay, exclamation, exclamation mark, exclamation point, invitation, mark, noun, period, play, punctuation, quetion mark, sentence fragment, sign, superlative, where, word order

171-180: announcement, antonym instructions, main character, make-believe, newspaper, nonfiction, plot, point of view, root word, schedule, science fiction, setting, syllable, tall tale, textbook LU: action verb, apostrophe, capitalize, date, edit, greeting, past tense, possessive, proofread, to describe

181-190: acronym, advertise, almanac, American literature, anecdote, anthology, aphorism, argue, autobiography, bibliography, book review, brochure, caption, category, characteristics, conclusion, context, conversation, description, diary, drama, entertain, excerpt, fact and opinion, fiction, foreshadowing, glossary, graphic organizer, guide words, historical fiction, homonym, inform, job announcement, labels, literature, magazine, main point, manual, memoir, moral, multisyllabic, myth, narrator, news, novel, one-act play, persuade, persuasion, picture book, poet, policy, problem and solution, purpose, recipe, reference book, reference book, reference material, reports, resolution, resource, rhythm, rising action, satire, science book, speaker, stanza, summarize, syllogism, thesaurus, topic, topic sentence, Venn diagram, vocabulary LU: address, adverb, advertise, argument, audience, autobiography, bibliography, book report, book title, chronological order, closing, colon, compound sentence, creative writing, description, diary, drama, ending, exclamatory sentence, expository writing, fiction, figurative language, formal essay, friendly letter, grammar, graphic organizer, heading, hyphen, indent, introduction, literary analysis, main topic, manual, margin, memo, mystery, novel, persuasive writing, plural, proper noun, punctuate, quotation, quotation mark, review, revision, run-on sentence, salutation, semicolon, signature, singular, stanza, subject-verb agreement, supporting detail, tense, to entertain, to inform, to persuade, topic, topic sentence, verb phrase, when

191-200: annotated bibliography, editorial, footnote, metaphor, middle sound, summary, word root LU: abbreviation, classified ad, clause, descriptive writing, editorial, expository, formal language, format, freewrite, future tense, imperative sentence, interjection, journalism, letter closing, main clause, main heading, narrative writing, part of speech, predicate, proofreading, resume, simple sentence, slang, word choice

201-210: alliteration, assonance, assumption, British literature, characterize, chronological, conflict, consonance, coupon, debate, exaggeration, exposition, falling action, field guide, flashback, headline, instruction, irony, literary device, literary element, memorandum, narrate, order of events, parable, persuasive, present tense, primary source historical document, pun, quote, reference, research paper, scene, secondary source, speech, tale, thesis paper, word play, world and ancient literature, world literature LU: abstract, active voice, adjective clause, adjective phrase, adverb clause, alliteration, analyze, antecedent, argumentative, argumentative essay, capitalization, caret, cliche, cluster, common noun, complex sentence, compound-complex sentence, conjunction, declarative sentence, dependent clause, direct object, direct quotation, exposition, expository essay, gerund, humor, hyperbole, independent clause, infinitive phrase, informative essay, interrogative sentence, introductory sentence, irregular verb, language, linking verb, main verb, modifier, noun clause, noun phrase, onomatopoeia, parallelism, parentheses, parody, participial phrase, persona, personification, plural possessive, preposition, prepositional phrase, present tense, prewrite, prewriting, process essay, rough draft, singular noun, subordinate clause, thesis statement, tone, transition, verse, visualize

211-220: allusion, appendix, characterization, contrast, extended metaphor, guide letters, homophone, oxymoron, resolve, suspense LU: comma splice, contrast, documentation, fragment, journalistic, limerick, organization, paraphrase, participial, participle, present participle, to explain

221-230: archetype, contradict, first person, iambic pentameter, metric feet, omniscient, paradox, pathetic fallacy, second person, sonnet, standard English, stereotype, supporting details, symbolism, symbolize, third person, viewpoint LU: allegory, analysis, application, colloquialism, compose, dash, diction, ellipsis, epic poem, expository paragraph, formal outline, how-to essay, infinitive, italics, literary response, persuasive argument, plagiarize, predicate noun, reflexive pronoun, symbolism, tragedy, works cited

231-240: antithesis, metonymy, scansion, synecdoche LU: appositive, objective pronoun, supporting evidence

Need help understanding Literary Terms? Try this link for very clear definitions. To find any word you can imagine, use this link. Click here to find Wikipedia's list of literary terms. Great site for Literary Elements.

Challenge Poetry

2009-06-14T08:24:00.000-07:00

Want to hear poets read their poetry? Click here!

Challenge Poetry Styles:

Think of a serious challenge in your life. Modeling your writing after these commercials, write 4 poems about this challenge.

Beautiful

_____________ is beautiful.

_____________ may be ugly,

but

_____________ is beautiful.

Remember

Remember me, ____________________?

You gave me ____________________.

You made me _____________________

And ___________________________________

And __________________________________

But

You made me ________________________________

And _____________________________________

And _____________________________________.

Remember me, ____________________?

You made me what I am today.

I Want

I want to (die of, fight, worry about, etc.) ________________ ____________________

But I refuse, I refuse

to _______________________ __________________________.

I want to ___________________________ from something else.

Infections

I’m infected with ________________________________________

And ____________________________________________

I’m infected with ________________________________________

And ____________________________________________

I’m infected with ________________________________________

Understanding Who WE are!

2009-06-14T07:15:00.000-07:00

Exploring who you are is something that fascinates many people....
here are some tools to do this:

* Personality tests

* Another personality test:
Long Test or Short test

* The Right Questions:
The Right Questions - 10 Essential Qustions to Guide you to an Extraordinary Life! (by Debbie Ford)

These are question to ask ourselves when we are making choices in our lives:

1. Will this choice propel me toward an inspiring future or will it keep me stuck in the past?
2. Will this choice bring me long-term fulfillment or will it bring me short-term gratificaiton?
3. Am I standing in my power or am I trying to please another?
4. Am I looking for what's right or am I looking for what's wrong?
5. Will this choice add to my life force or will it rob me of my energy?
6. Will I use this situation as a catelyst to grow and evolve or will I use it to beat myself up?
7. Does this choice empower me or does it disempower me?
8. Is this an act of self-love or is it an act of self-sabotage?
9. Is this an act of faith or is it an act of fear?
10. Am I choosing from my divinity or am I choosing from my humanity? (I'm not far enough in the book to totally understand this yet.)

* 7 Essential Questions:

1. How would you describe yourself as a child between the ages of 5 and 12.

2. What did you learn about women/men while you were growing up?
3. What are three or four of your early childhood memories?
4. How would you describe either of your parents?
5. What were your siblings like?
6. What's the difference between your ideal self and your real self? (
7. How would you fill in the blank?: I only matter in life when I am _______

from Kevin Leman The Birth Order Connection

Getting along with others:

Outwitted

He drew a circle that shut me out -
Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout;
But Love and I had the wit to win:
I drew a circle that took him in!

By: Edwin Markham's

The Power Of Questioning:
"Questions are the lasers into human consciousness. Use their power to cut through all obstacles in life. Successful people ask THEMSELVES tougher questions and provide themselves better answers." -Anthony Robbins

QUALITY QUESTIONS create QUALITY LIVES!

Quality Questions:
are about the questioner
use I, me, myself, etc...never her, him, he, she, they, etc
are used to understand the questioners feelings or emotions or motives or actions....

example:
Why do I....
Why did I....
How could I get my teacher to listen to me. (Not, why doesn't my teacher listen?)
How could I have reacted to.....
Where did I go wrong?
What could I have done differently?
Who am I trying to impress?

Daily Power Questions:
What makes me happy?
Why does this make me happy?
How do I feel when I'm happy?

(Goal: to understand why things make us happy so we are able to look for happiness in other places. For example: Skiing make me happy because I can think on the lift. By understanding that thinking makes me happy I can create that in other places. Also, by understanding how I feel when happy, I can recognize it! Skiing makes me happy because it makes me feel peaceful. I might then recognize feeling peaceful while reading and realize that also makes me happy.)

More Daily Power Questions:
What do I give?
How do I contribute?
What did I learn recently/today?
How has today enhanced my life?
How can I use today as an investment for my future?

As a Human Being, I have the Right:
to be considered as a mature adult.
to have my needs be of equal importance to the needs of others.
to makes mistakes and to be responsible for them.
to make my own deicisons.
to say "no" (without feeling guilty).
to express my opinion.
to feel and express anger - as well as other emotions - as long as I do not hurt others.
to be listened to.
to be responsible for myself and my actions.
to say "I don't know" or "I don't understand"
to feel positive toward myself and my accomplishments.
~not sure who wrote these?

4 agreements:
Don't make assumptions.
Don't take things personally.
Be impeccalbe with your word.
Always do your best.
~Don Miguel Ruiz

Hiroshima ~by Claire A.

2009-06-05T07:55:00.000-07:00

The summer of 1945 changed my life forever. Nagasaki had supposedly been bombed yesterday, but I didn't believe that. Rumors were flying throughout Japan in 1945. The war was coming closer to our shores. My sister, father, mother, who was large with child, and I ran through the streets of Hiroshima heading toward the shelter. As we ran, my mother began to slow. Then she stopped, letting out a blood curdling scream. The baby was on its way.

We were separated from Momma, and she was transported to the hospital. Days went by really slowly in Hiroshima, as we waiting, hoping that no bombs would come. However, the days started going by really fast with my mother in the hospital and my family in jeopardy. It was strange living without my mother. Every night my father went outside the air raid shelter; he said, "I'm just going out for a smoke." I would ask if I can go outside with him, but he said no. I was sick of sleeping on the concrete, being trapped inside a metal building, and breathing in "people fumes."

One night I decided to go outside with my father, to see what he was really up to. I didn't want him to know, so I stayed in the doorway. I saw my father go around the corner; I followed. Papa reached into his shirt pocket, pulled out a pack of cigarettes, and stood in front of a telephone booth. The phone started ringing. I was surprised; it seemed Papa was waiting for the call. Papa held the receiver up to his ear and said some words in a language I did not know. Confused, I went back inside. With a twisted look on my face, I shuffled over to the sleeping mat and plopped to the floor. I called my sister over, "Sazukia? Sazukia?" She came running over. I repeated the words I had heard Papa say into the phone. She had been studying English, and I wondered if that was the language he was speaking. I asked her to translate. She gave me a puzzled look, and then translated those cursed words.

Two days went by. Father still went outside for those calls. On August sixth he went outside for a final call. Suzukia and I followed. It was the same routine I had seen before: he went outside, the phone would ring, he would answer and say words I had never heard before. Sazukia's eyes widened, and she couldn't speak until I shook her out of the trance. "What did he say?" a worried tremor in my voice.
"Well," Sazukia said hesitantly, "Um he said..."
"Spit it out!" I said, getting impatient.
"He said...um...that the conditions are perfect for a bomb drop."
"He wouldn't say that! Who would he be talking to? How does he know about bombs?" The conversation went on for about thirty minutes, back and forth, back and forth as we tried to figure out our father.

Then we got the news we had a new sister. My heart was filled with emotion; it was almost overwhelming. We were going to the hospital to meet our sister. It was the first time I had actually gone outside in three weeks. My father told our escorts that he had to go to the lavatory, and he disappeared around the corner. I followed him as he snuck back to the phone booth. Right then and there I realized my father was our enemy, not our hero. He picked up the phone and placed a call. As soon as the person on the other end picked up, Papa whispered, "Now." When he said that word, an enemy fighter plane appeared in the sky. I could read the words ENOLA GAY painted on the sides. Under the plane, a white sphere kept my eye, holding it like a lion clutching a baby gazelle.

"Inside, now!" our escorts yelled.
"But my mommy's out there," I screeched hitting our escorts as they dragged me through the door. I desperately wanted to get to the hospital. The door was slammed behind me, and my father followed us inside and glared at me, an evil glint in his eye. This look I did not understand, and it was a look I didn't like.

Within seconds, everyone ran to the windows to see what the commotion was about. I ran too; I saw then the bomb drop from the belly of the plane. It fell from the sky and everyone ran away from the windows except me. My mother was out there and I wanted her back. Then, blue rays of light shone in through the windows and hit many people. I fell to the floor as the building was lifted intact and moved by the blast. A grueling ten minutes went by and the building moaned and groaned, then collapsed. It felt like the weight of the whole building was on my back as I lay face down in the broken concrete. "Help!" was the only thing I heard, and it rang in my ears. It rang endlessly, "Help, help, help."
After the smoke cleared, I saw nothing. Well actually a dry trench surrounded by scorched,crumbling buildings. The destruction was horrifying. The once beautiful park was now filled with shards of broken glass and ash.

We had struggled through the day, running from the fires. We made it to an elementary school that would serve as our shelter that night. When I woke up the next morning, I remembered that my baby sister was born yesterday. August 6th, her birthday, was the worst day of my life. I called for Sazukia, but my sister didn't answer. I clambered to my feet, ignoring the nurses who told me to stay put. I walked around regardless of my bleeding feet, and mangled skin. I called and called for my sister, over and over again. I called for my mother, and I even called for my father, even though he was a traitor. After all he might have been the only part of my family left. There was no reply. The deep gashes on my face oozed blood that ran into my eyes; it stung and I cried bloody tears. I called one more time before giving up, and that is when I heard my mother's voice. It was as thin as a spider's web. I started to run toward the voice, but I was stopped by the police.

"Excuse me, I just wanted to ask you some questions."
"Yes," I replied, nervous to find out what they wanted to know.
They asked me many questions, simple at first, but they got harder and harder, and finally they asked me the question I had been dreading. "Do you know anyone connected to the bombing?"
I swallowed hard then burst into tears, "Yes, yes I think know someone. My father has been making calls to someone...about a plane? He...he..."
"Show us your father," the guard said.
"I...I...don't know were he is," I stammered. The police led me to a nurse.
"Mam," a nurse turned around. "We would like to know where," they turned to me, "what is your father's name?"
"Kentaro Chan," I said, trembling.
Then they turned back to face the nurse, "Where is Kentaro Chan?"
The nurse turned back to the half burnt notebook and started flipping through the pages. When she found my father's name, she motioned for us to follow; we did. We reached the location of my father. He sat up, a dazed look on his face. "Is this him?" they asked me.
"Yes," I answered, swallowing my tears.
"Kentaro Chan, you are under arrest by order of the Japanese Guard!"
My father looked stunned, but I could tell he was fibbing. "What did I do?" my father asked trying to look innocent.
"You killed many people. You killed my friends; you killed Sazukia," I screamed.
He snorted. "Why would I do that?" he asked, getting agitated.
"Just come with us," the guards huffed, suspicious of his response. They hoisted my father to his feet, and then something I could never have dreamed of happened.
He pulled a gun on the guards. "Let me go and no one will get hurt," he growled. Father whipped around and steadied the barrel right in between my eyes. The guards stepped forward.
"Don't move," my father hissed.

Bang!

My father was suddenly cross-eyed, and he fell to the ground; the blood from the body I used to love dripped from his mouth.
"I'm sorry, I couldn't let another life be taken," the guard whispered solemnly.
I nodded. I was numb. I'd just watched my father die. I hobbled around searching faces for one I knew; then I saw her. She was the most gorgeous baby I had ever seen; I continued to stare then I tripped. I looked down to see what I had tripped over. It was my mom, a baby girl cradled in her arms.
"Mommy, you're alive! I missed you!" I exclaimed tears pouring from my eyes. I latched onto her in a grasp no one could break. I began to sob and tell the tales of the last few weeks.

Eight years later.......

" Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Maskia, Happy Birthday to you!" On this day I turned seventeen, who knew it would be such a horrible day. I walked outside to breath in fresh air and realized in two days it would be my sister Chizuko's birthday and the eighth aniversary of the bombing. Then I realized I had something to do. My sister's grade at school was having a track meet and Chizuko was chosen to represent the bamboo class. I started to make my way over to the dirt track. When I got there, Chizuko saw me and her smile widened. She trotted over to me. "Hey, Maskia," she chirped.
"Hey, are you exited." I asked
"Yes, I am even kinda dizzy," she added.
"Good," I chimed, "I'm going to the bleachers now, Good luck!"
"Thank you," she said gratefully and scampered over to the starting line.
I sat down and then I saw her, it was the girl from the bombing. I could tell it was her from her gorgeous smile. "Hi there." she chimed. Her voice sounded like the angels above were singing.
"Hi," I said nervously. "What's your name? I hope it's as pretty as your face."
She giggled. "My name is Latika."
"Ooh it is pretty," I said shyly. Then I sat down, and she sat next to me.
"Gooooooooooo!" screamed the announcer. The runners were off, including my sister. She was breezing past people. Then it happened, her eyes shut and she fell to the ground. The crowd held their breath as help rushed onto the track. Her teacher picked her limp body up off the field. I stood up, so did Latika. We rushed over to the teacher who was lifting her body into an ambulance. His eyes were closed, and he was shaking his head, not again.
My mother met us at the hospital. We waited awhile until the doctor called us in. "Ms. Chan, I'm afraid your daughter has the A- bomb disease."
My mother dropped to the floor crying, I knelt with her. We cried until the tears ran out. Then we went to comfort Chizuko.

"Honey," my mom said, "you have leukemia."
Chizuko started to cry. "I'm going to die," she whispered through tears. We all were silent, the once cheerful Chizuko was thinking about death.None of us spoke for a very long time. The silence was deafening.
Then the doctor came in. He was very tall and slim. "Miss?" the doctor addressed my mother. "I'm very sorry. Your daughter is very sick. She has only a few days to live."
I felt like the world would come to an end when this little soul went to the land behind the stars. We waited by Chizuko's side late into the night. We watched her sleep. She twitched uncontrollably. It was painful to watch. As she slept, I folded cranes. Legend says that when one thousand paper cranes are folded, they will heal. I had made three- hundred cranes by the time Chizuko opened her eyes.
"The cranes." She said in a trance. " They are gorgeous."
" Thank You." I said grateful she could see them. Her jaw dropped in surprise and she started to hack and wheeze. She started to look pale faced. I jumped into the chair and started folding cranes. My mother screamed and the nurses came rushing in. They put medicine into her IV and she fell asleep. That was the last time I saw Chizuko's eyes. The doctor asked us to leave so they could check her heart. We watched them start to rush around. They brought in the Defibrillator. Hooked it up to her lifeless body and shocked her. She didn't move, she was gone. To the land behind the stars. My little sister Chizuko passed away on her ninth birthday. I still think about her often. I am now sixty-three and have a wife and three children. I wish that my sister was able to be here and see the many beauties of life.

Soccer ~by Danny

2009-06-03T17:47:00.000-07:00

I think that soccer is amazingly fun because there are lots of fun games that my friends and I get to play. I get to play with other teams not just my team. I get to travel. Traveling is fun because I get to go to Salt Lake City, Utah and Casper, Wyoming and other places. But the games aren't the only fun part of soccer.

It is fun at practice,too, because I get to play a soccer games against the coaches. If we lose, we have to do 10 crunches. If we win, we get to tell the coaches what we want them to do. Our favorite thing is to make them do butt letters. (It's funny, trust me.)

The best game ever happened when we were playing a game at Salt Lake City. It was two hours long. There were 50 minutes left in the first quarter. We had scored 2 goals and the other team had scored 3 goals. The ref blew the whistle and both teams went to the bench. My team was losing. My coach said, "Okay guys, if you work together, you can score and win."

"OK!" we cheered. "Let's do it!"

Our break was over, and we started playing. We played better than the first quarter. We played for a long time. Then we were down to the last 15 minutes.

I passed the ball to my friend, Juan and he shot. We scored. We were so happy that we stared to sprint all around the field. We ran and celebrated until the ref told us to start the game again. We were tied, and the ref blew the whistle and we started to play. We played until there only 5 minutes left. I had the ball and when I was about to shoot, I got tripped and the ref said it was a penalty. I put the ball on the line then I got ready. The ref blew the whistle and I started to run toward the ball. I shot it extremely hard.

"Goal!!!" screamed my coach. We were all excited! My team got the big gallon of water and poured it on my coach. Then the ref blow the whistle and called it a game.
It was really fun. We got a trophy and some metals. That was the best game I have ever played!!

Olympics ~by Anna

2009-06-03T17:39:00.000-07:00

"Aphrodite!"

"Oh, Mom! It was so great!!! I got to meet Cynisca of Sparta; she won two chariot races before me. And then I got money for Papa 'cause I don't know if you saw, but there was a fire at home and he broke his leg. But anyway, I won the pentathlon; that's where I got the mon--”

"O.K. honey. I know you're excited, but stop a moment to breathe, will you!”

"We still have to breathe when we're dead?"

"Well... no. It's just a figure of speech. Now why don't we go have a victory feast for your Pentathlon win, and you can tell me all about your adventure then."

As we walked to our dining room I took in my surroundings. Heaven was different than I had imagined. In the Bible, it said that the roads were made of gold, and nobody was in pain, but it's nothing like that. In truth it looked just like home, except not quite as dreary! My guess is that it looks different to each person.

As soon as we stepped into the magnificent dining hall, the food magically appeared onto the plates, with exactly what we felt like eating! I found my plate with no difficulty and started to dig in. After I had practically inhaled half my plate, I exclaimed, "This food is to die for! Oh wait, too late!"

"I'm guessing you should have looked before you leaped. But don't worry, you get used to being dead." My mother had passed away five years ago when a flood hit the village three kilometers from our grove.

"Oh yeah! I forgot to ask you, how did my dresser survive?"

"Well, I pulled a few strings, and I wanted to help you help your father." She turned to me and said in a more serious voice, "And by the way, I know you don't think Papa loves you, but he does."

"Sure, sure, I'll believe that when flying pigs eat purple olives underwater. So, like I was saying..."

ONE YEAR EARLIER

"Papa, will you pass the lamb?"

"Sure, here you go," he smiled.

As I picked at my leftover fish I queried, "Why so happy?"

"Our farm has just sold our ENTIRE year's harvest to the Olympic Feast!!" he explained after swallowing a mouth full of olives.

"Oh that's wonderful!" During the last four years we sold only the amount of one full harvest. This was big news for us. We ate in silence, each of us immersed in our own thoughts and dreams.

"Soooo. How was school today?" Ever since my mom's death, I'd had to go to school with the boys in my town. She had taught me at home, but now there was no one at home during the day. I could tell he was just trying to make small talk; he had never been good with silence. I loved my dad, but he didn't seem to love me enough to ask me about my school day or really care. I had always been envious of the children whose parents would greet them after school with a big hug, then go and buy them cake with honey and fresh fruit. Instead, I walked the three kilometers back to our grove, did my small pile of homework, then curled up with a scroll and read until Papa got home from the far side of the wood.

"Um, it was fine. I didn't make any new friends though." I had always been shy. I had made only one friend in my entire years here in Tavros, Greece. While I was thinking about my life in the shadowy corner, Papa stood up abruptly, knocking over the lit lantern. We both gasped. Everything seemed to go in slow motion as the lantern fell to the ground, smashed to pieces, and burst into flames.

The fire, evil as Satan himself, licked the table. It lit up, shooting sparks in a matter of seconds. It seemed that the inferno was getting ten times larger every second. Papa flew up the stairs; I thought to get the picture of mama. In reality he did grab the picture, but he also snatched a random set of clothes for the both of us. In the minute it took to get the items, the fire had sprung up the stairwell, amazingly skipping the bottom three steps.

"Jump, Papa! Jump!" And he did.

His leap was flawless, but I wish I could say the same for his landing. He caught one of his feet on the bottom step, and then stumbled into a somersault across the floor. I looked away when I heard a sickening crack. Once I looked back, his leg hung at a ninety degree angle. Papa collapsed onto the tile floor.

"Papa!!" I yelled as I sprinted over. Just as time had slowed down, it seemed speed into double time. My father was moaning in agony. What am I going to do? I ran around frantically trying to think. One thing I knew was I had to get him out of the burning house. "The fire's getting closer! Do you think you can walk?" I asked him frantically.

Papa nodded his head slowly with his teeth gritted. I attempted to help him to his feet. Once standing, he immediately fell back down again. Lucky for us, I was strong from a life of lifting crates of olives. I silently prayed that I was strong enough to lift him. I bent over and heaved. Astonishingly, he floated off the ground. Slowly, but surely, we made our way outside and clear of the blaze. I hadn't realized how hot it had been indoors until the cool night air wafted over me. It was a relief to get away from the sweltering heat.

Suddenly a thought struck me and I again ran inside my burning abode. "Our safe is under the stairs." I was thinking out loud, but I didn't care. I had to get to the safe to get our gold for a doctor. I bolted to the room under the stairs. When I opened the door, the flames catapulted out as if they were trying to escape as well. "AHHHH!!!!!" I shrieked as I darted out of the way of the roaring blaze. "I don't think a doctor will want to help us at 1:30 A.M," I said, trying to figure out how to get to the safe.

Suddenly, an idea sprang into my head. If a doctor wouldn't splint his leg, then I would. It wasn't the best idea, or smartest idea, or safest idea for that matter. But it would have to do.

I raced outside to get a piece of wood. Luckily, a stream ran a little ways away from our house. I sprinted down a fair sized hill to the little brook. Unfortunately, all of the smoke from home was catching up to me. I was wheezing when I reached the water. I'd bet the wet wood would help ease the pain as well as keep his leg straight, I thought. I frantically searched the dark, moist ground. "Ahhh!" I came up dripping and freezing. "Owwww!!!!! Hey a good piece of driftwood!” Once I removed the stick from my bottom, I sprinted back to my dad. My main reason for sprinting was to get back to Papa. My second reason was to try to dry off. I held my breath as I ran back inside the burning house. I went to where Papa had dropped the clothes. My lungs started burning as I ripped off strips of cloth from his shirt. Again, I ran into the night to where my injured father lay. I snapped his leg back into position, despite his screams. I winced as he shrieked. I placed the wood behind his leg, wrapped the strips of cloth around it, and tied the knots needed. "Not perfect, but it'll have to do for now," I said gently. I had absolutely no clue how to give him proper treatment, but I could worry about that later.

"Remember gentleman ... and Aphrodite, the human body can go for weeks without food, but can only go for a maximum of three days without water. Now have a good weekend!" It seemed like only yesterday that my teacher had said that. Oh yeah, it was yesterday. We were learning about survival. Quickly I announced, "Papa! We have to go find clean water. Our well is filled with ash up to the brim!

"Do...it...tomorrow. Need...to...sleep," and with that, he slipped off into a nightmarish sleep, full of pain for his leg and sorrow for his deceased wife and now burning home. Luckily, it was a warm summer evening and the heat of the flames warmed us, too.

I awoke to the morning light, shivering. What happened last night? I thought in wonder as I looked back on what used to be a five room house around an elaborate courtyard. It was a pile of ashes. I glanced around and spotted Papa on the ground a mere fifteen feet away. I began to crawl toward him thinking of nothing but how to get help.

An idea struck me. I abruptly stopped. "Papa, I have an idea!"

He grunted through his half-asleep pain.

"I could enter the Olympics! I've always been a good runner, and I bet I could throw a javelin and a discus!"

"Girls...not...allowed," he struggled to enunciate.

I moved Papa to a safe place to rest and went to explore the fire that had at that point burned itself out. Miraculously, my dresser was sitting on the top of the rubble undamaged, in mint condition with the exception of a few burn and scratch marks. For some odd reason, I had always kept my shoes in the bottom drawer of my dresser. "Papa! My dresser survived!!! I still have clothes and shoes and everything!" I yelled. Knowing that one dresser endured the unbearable heat, I looked for other surviving belongings. I found nothing, nothing but ashes. Unfortunately I was much, much, much smaller than Papa was, so he would definitely need clothes. Suddenly, I said aloud, “I could dress up like a boy, change my name temporarily to Aristotle, and enter!!" I felt pretty smart right then, despite the nervousness eating away at my stomach. To me it was the best idea in the world, but I had yet to learn what tragedy awaited me at the Altis wall.

My long legs barely touched the ground. This stadion was mine. I could almost touch the trophy, almost hear the praise!

Whoosh!

Oh no!! NO! I won't let him beat me! I didn't think it was possible to run faster than I was, but I did. My feet flew to the finish line. I didn't know if I had won the dash or not, but apparently I had because all of a sudden, I was compressed between hundreds upon hundreds of people! The sudden metal in my hands felt wonderful. I knew I could win this. Papa would be so proud of me! He couldn't ignore me this time. I loved the feeling of glory, but I had to go train for wrestling, which I had to admit, I wasn't too excited about.

I pushed and shoved my way out. The people finally let me out of the throbbing crowd.

Back in my tent, my Papa joined me. "A few more wins like that, and you'll have it done!"

"I'm not sure if I can win wrestling," I said nervously.

"Don't worry about it! I know you'll do fine."

"I wish I was as confident as you are."

Stepping out into the sand pit was the scariest thing I had ever done. I turned to the crowd, bowed, then looked into the opposite corner to see my opponent. He. Was. Massive. By the look of it he had to weigh 300 lbs, and he was about three feet wide. This was going to be my death, I was sure of it. Thankfully, I wasn't very good at predicting the future, and I lived to see another day.

Faster than I had hoped for, the bell tolled and my own personal devil began inching toward me. All I remember after that was seeing a great, giant fist coming straight for me. The next thing I knew, I was staring groggily up at my Papa and the referee. I hadn't won, but luckily I had survived.

My next event was the long jump. That was my next mountain to cross. Luckily, it had something to do with running. Fortunately, there was one day that I had free to practice the rest of the events. I was carrying the halteres to the starting line. BOOM! And I was off! I was running, but the sand pit didn't seem like it was getting any closer! All of a sudden, the line came. I threw the halteres over the sand; the momentum almost pulled my arms out of their sockets. I flew so far I actually leaped over the entire sand pit and on to the grass. It was a really hard landing, but it was worth it.

Again, the crowd rushed to my side, and front, and back and other side. This time the people were taller, and I could barely breathe! "Please let me out! I need to practice," I gasped. Right then and there, the people lifted me up and carried me to my tent! It was AMAZING!

"Papa! I think I can win this!!"

"Good. My leg is killing me."

Is that all you can think about when I'm risking my life for you?

The amentum was making my hand sweat so bad I thought I would drop the javelin. My first throw was, not so great. My second went about 50 whole meters. My third launch went 70! I hoped my fourth, and fifth throws would be better, though.

It turned out that my 4th and 5th throws were much, much worse. The 4th got to 44 meters. The 5th, 38. Luckily, only my 70 meter counted. As it turned out, I won that event, also! The feeling of success wore off the 2nd time. However, the crowd picking me up hadn't gotten old yet.

The 4 ½ pound disc felt like lead in my hands. It felt like there was another 40 1/2 weight in my stomach. I spun 360 degrees, and then released the discus. I waited for the judge to give clearance. Then, I walked to the scoreboard to see how far it went and was astounded to see it had gone 70 meters also!

At the end of the event, it was me against Dionysus, who had the same score as I did. Luckily, my second best score was 55, while his was 53 meters. I won!

As soon as the cheering started, I went into shock. I was in a trance the whole time I was getting my money, and trophy, and my fame. I had done it. Me, Aphrodite, had won the pentathlon! Unfortunately, after that, I got cocky.

ONE YEAR LATER

By this time, Papa's leg had gotten better. And I was Aristotle once again. This time it was a little more risky, though. After all, it had been a whole year, and I was starting to resemble a girl.

Because of my earlier win, I could almost feel it in my bones. I was going to triumph once again. I just knew it. This chariot race was in the bag. I had been able to buy my very own chariot and horse. I named him Midnight Star because of his jet-black hair everywhere along his body. Everywhere except on the top of his head, where there was a star shaped white area. I really loved that old boy. Plus, I'd gotten to know him very well over the winter. He really loved strawberries.

Ahhh!! I thought as I wildly spun around a corner. This will be my death, I'm sure of it. Oh dear god, help me! But unfortunately, He wasn't listening that day. And this time, my prediction was right.

On the next turn, the chariot slid out from underneath her, and she went tumbling down to the ground. Only to get trampled by the oncoming racers. Her mind and soul slowly floated to heaven where she met her mom, who was waiting with open arms.

BACK ON EARTH

Once the race ended, her father hurried out to determine her fate. As soon as he saw the extent of the injuries, he burst out sobbing. Aphrodite didn't see this though and she would not know that he loved her until her he joined them in heaven.

IN HEAVEN

"Thank you honey. That was an amazing story."

"Thanks for listening Mom!"

"Of course sweetie and I know your father still loves you, now more than ever. Now let’s go home."

"Okay, I believe you. And home sounds good. I'm beat....And mom?"

"Yes?"

"I love you."

"I love you, too."

Gladiators ~by Gideon

2009-06-03T17:37:00.000-07:00

When we got to the barracks, we were given a lecture. After listening ot the elder Spartan trainers lecture it seemed like if we did one thing wrong, we would be beaten until we were purple. Immediately after the lecture, we were sent on a long run . We ran for what seemed forever, but when I think back it was most likely only one mile. After the run, we dueled with wooden swords and wrestled, which was really entertaining and also frightening because some of the kids were a lot bigger than me. Every kid learned to duel and wrestle at the barracks. That was just what we had to do. I wrestled Jason, and some kid who I did not know dueled Sparcus. Jason had me on the ground in about five seconds. The kid that Sparcus dueled was about my size and got the wind knocked out of him in moments . The kid was really angry at Sparcus but couldn't do anything about it until he could breathe naturally. Every kid dueled and wrestled that day. The most exciting thing that happened was that a couple kids were thrown on to their heads which caused them to forget what had happened. Some thought this was entertaining while others thought it was scary. Most of our life had been enjoyable so far but everyone knew how hard it was about to become. We were told later that evening by kids who were almost done with training how much bloodier and scary it would get. They told us stories about the duels and warned us we would start using real spears and swords. This scared me because I was barely able to survive with wooden swords. The next couple of years would be very difficult.

After a month or so we began to receive less food from the mess hall. We were starving. We needed to eat. At about 12 o clock at night we would sneak out and steal from the market this was the only way we could survive. My friends and I thought they didn't give us enough food because the cooks were too lazy but in fact the elders just wanted us to get used battle conditions . The lecture on first day of training made it clear that if you were caught stealing you would be whipped for being so stupid as to steal. In the moment we didn't think about the consequences all we thought about was food . One night when we were out we heard screaming. Kids in another pack had been caught stealing food, they were beaten by there captain who was angry to find out that his training did not teach stealth . Jason ,Spacus and I now knew for sure, while watching the whipping, that we were being tested and that was why we weren’t getting very much food and drink. The captain beat the kids form the pack with a whip. Every time one of them was whipped a there would be a spurt of blood like a malfunctioning water fountain. They were almost in tears I think everyone felt bad for them and I think it scared everyone too. No one went out the next night to steal from the market.

I was so tired from not eating because when you don’t have enough food in your stomach it is hard to do pretty much anything. I couldn’t even sleep. I would lay awake making a plan to fill my belly. I decided not to attend the ceremony where we sacrifice to the Gods. Instead I decided to sleep and regain my energy and to steal something good from the market. I told Jason and Sparcus my plan, they think I will be caught and beaten. I told Sparcus to dress up in my robes so I wont be caught and he agreed.

The day after the sacrifice I went to the mess hall with Jason and Sparcus. All of the elders praised us for being very religious kids and announced we should get special privileges. They announced we don't have to go running. Instead we were able to go spar which is my favorite thing in the world and a priviledge. However, the one thing I didn't know is that we were about to use real swords and spears for the first time.

After, being praised by the elders, our elders let us have a day that all we do is fight. I fought a kid I really didn’t know. Within seconds, I had the tip of my sword at his throat. There was terror in his eyes he said "since when are you good at fighting?" Jason and Sparcus were crying with laughter because the kids expression was pretty hilarious. He looked like he was going to start crying but he finally got up. After that little battle there were a couple of really gory fights. Jason was fighting a kid with a spears. He hit the kid in the head with the shaft of the spear, the kid then fell onto his hands and knees and then Jason brought the tip of the spear straight down into the kid’s hand. If you can imagine a bottle of wine exploding you should be able to picture this. The kids hand was stuck in the ground cause the spear had gone straight through his hand and beyond his hand, several inches in the ground. Everyone was speechless except the kid who was screaming "take it out please!!!! " Within seconds Jason pulled the spear out and the kid had left and gone to the infirmary. In the past Jason and I would always duel but he was not dueling today and seemed somewhat down. Instead I dueled Sparcus who's reflexes seemed sort of slow. Still he was very good he almost cut my head off if hadn't ducked I wouldn't be here today. I lunged and stabbed at him but he sidestepped and I missed him by inches. He slashed down at my feet and I jumped back. Sparcus had a creepy grin on his face he looked like he wanted to stab me as many times as he could within the next few minutes without chopping me in half. He started to sprint at me I did the first thing that came to mind. I threw my sword like a dagger it went soaring and it hit Sparcus square in the jugular. Everyone was slightly impressed but they were also frightened. Several were muttering "how did he do that". It seemed that the world had stopped for me I just put a sword through my best friends throat. We all have been told by the elders that you can only live for a few minutes when your throat has been slit. My sword was still in Sparcus. I walked over to Sparcus I felt like I had no emotions. I wasn't in tears, I wasn't happy, I wasn't sad, I was just there. When I got to Sparcus he was as pale as a ghost. I was suddenly overcome with emotions. I was starting to feel extremely horrible then Sparcus whispered something to me " you fought well" then he was gone. I put my foot on his chest and pulled my sword out of his throat there was a blast of blood then it was over, Sparcus was dead. The boy who helped me out more than anyone was dead. I was going to have to overcome what had happened that day. I was changed from that day forward.

After many years of training to be a warrior I became a captain and lead the Spartans into many battles. I was one of the thousands that fought at Troy. I became what Sparcus wanted for me. Jason died at Troy he was my favorite he was killed by the Trogens spears. He gave his life for so many people he was a true hero.

In the end plenty of us survived even though my best friends were dead. I noticed that I have come a long way from being the kid who almost gets beaten with wooden swords.

Samurai ~by Aidan

2009-06-03T06:39:00.000-07:00

Keyoko, a thirteen year old boy, lay in bed in a deep, deep sleep. At midnight, a group of four ninja soldiers crept through his open window. Dressed in all black, they blended with the night. Their hoods covered their heads, leaving them only a small slit to see through. They were silent. After making sure the family was sound asleep, they picked Keyoko up, careful they did not wake him up and took him from his bed. Leaping through the open window, they landed on the road and dashed away to Hideyoshi's golden palace.

Keyoko woke up in a bed in a room he didn't recognize. Scared he said, "What is going on? Why am I here?"He was trying to figure out what room he was in. The room was large, unlike his room at his home. He would soon learn he was in Hideyoshi's golden palace.

Suddenly a man entered his room whom he did not recognize. He was trying to figure out who it was. He did not have to wonder long as he realized, it was the grand emperor Hideyoshi. He was an old looking man, about 45-55 years old. Keyoko recognized him from the pictures that were posted in every town. Hideyoshi said, "We have decided that you are going to be the next samurai legend of Japan."

Shocked, Keyoko said, "Why me?"

“Your great grandfather was the hero in battle on the island of Kyushu where he defeated the terrifying Koreans. You will some day take my place as shogun of the Japanese army!" said emperor Hideyoshi.
Keyoko was shocked. He had not known his grandfather was in the battle of Kyushu! Keyoko was frightened, he was wondering how his parents were feeling and how sad and scared they must be. What should his next move toward becoming a samurai be? He wondered at what life had in store for him.

~ Training ~

The next day his training to become a samurai began. He battled other young boys. Four times a week they would go outside with wooden swords and battle each other. And during the winter, they would take long hikes through snowy fields to build their endurance. Slowly, he became better at the skills he practiced. However, he never stopped missing his family, he gradually became accustomed to his new life.

Eight years later, the emperor came to him and said, “Your training is complete. You are ready to become a samurai.”

Keyoko was pleased with what he had just heard! Yet he was also very scared about becoming a samurai. Not knowing what would happen to him, he thought, What shall I do?

Some years later Keyoko was granted the military rank of general for all of his hard work and effort in his training. Then, the emperor asked for Keyoko to visit him. The emperor announced, "Our land is in danger. Tokugawa's army may come to invade Japan. You are our only hope if we are to win the battle against the powerful army.”
Keyoko thought , What am I going to do? Will I survive this horrible battle? Will I be able to defeat Tokugawa the great general? Should I stay to fight or should I go back home and give up? The emperor said I was ready so why should I leave after all the training I have gone through? He quickly dismissed all his self-doubt and said, "I shall I should stay and fight. For if I don’t, we could lose the battle. I will stay to defend my people and my country!”

Every day Keyoko would go to meditate with emperor Hideyoshi. They would do this for half an hour. Meditating would relax them and calm their bodies. Hideyoshi told him that the samurai would do this before every battle to drive away all fear and uneasiness on the battlefield. After each meditation session, Keyoko felt more and more sure of himself.

~ On the Battlefield ~

Keyoko's army was at a huge disadvantage with regard to weaponry. All they had were samurai and swords. The opposing army had soldiers and guns. Keyoko saw men dying all around him. People were being stabbed and shot. He began to fear they may not win. They fell back behind a hill to a little trench in the ground. Then the archers fired a barrage of arrows into the air. Some were even on fire. Soon the archers ran out of arrows, and they all pulled out their swords and led a charge against the enemy.
Keyoko's army had almost won, but they were dangerously low on troops. Keyoko's army had about two hundred and fifty troops, Tokugawa's army has about five hundred troops left. Later, more archers had came with more arrows. With three last shots of arrows, Tokugawa's army had about two hundred troops left, and Keyoko's army had about one hundred troops left. The battle was still raging. Keyoko's army had commenced one final charge; they obliterated about half of Tokugawa's army losing all but twenty of his own men. The odds were at one hundred to eighty troops on the battlefield in favor of Keyoko. Then, one hundred men in Keyoko's army came in with spears. They killed about three-fourths of the enemy army. They ended up defeating the rest of the enemy army, and Tokugawa was forced to surrender. The battle was won.

After the battle, Keyoko won the respect of his country and learned Bushido. Hideyoshi had claimed that Keyoko had indeed learned Bushido. Keyoko was pleased by the news he had heard. He asked Hideyoshi if he could go see his family, and he agreed. But Hideyoshi told him to hurry back because they were going to have a celebratory meal in honor of his bravery and courage on the battle field.

Because he believed in himself, he became shogun of Japanese army and took Hideyoshi's place.

After that had happened, he went home to see his family again. It had been about ten or thirteen years since he had last seen his family. He gave his parents all hugs. His parents were so happy to see him that they were crying in his arms. He told his parents about everything that had happened since he had been gone from his home. He told them about the training he had done. He told them about meeting Hideyoshi, and all the warriors he had met. Then he told them about the battle against Tokugawa's army. He told them about how so many brave men had died trying to defeat his army. But his parents were so proud that he had beaten them. And that he had become shogun of the Japanese army. He invited his parents to come live in the palace with Hideyoshi and himself, and they agreed to live in the palace with their very brave son and the emperor who had found him in the first place. If Hideyoshi had never found him, the battle may not have been won, and Tokugawa would have taken over and all hope would be lost, not just for the army but for everyone. They thanked Hideyoshi for all he had done for their son. They were still a little angry that he had kidnapped their son, but they were just glad that he was alive and safe. Sadly many years later, Emperor Hideyoshi passed away. But then, Keyoko became the Emperor.

Webquest

2009-06-02T05:13:00.000-07:00

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Hatshepsut ~by Amelia

2009-06-01T15:21:00.000-07:00

The dew on the fully blossomed flowers was shimmering in the light. Hatshepsut strolled along the dirt path, feeling the same way she felt every day. Today was just normal. Like always, the sun god hadn't forgotten to raise the sun. The gardeners worked joyfully trimming here and there. As she passed, however, they bowed deeply with great respect. Hatshepsut was puzzled. Why did they bow? I am a girl; people only bow to pharaohs.

Hatshepsut opened her closed eyes; it was a still very dark. Just a dream, she realized. She had been in her room the whole time. But, the dream seemed so real, she could not discount it. She knew the dream was from the God of Pharaohs, Amen. This was his way of showing her something...but what? Hatshepsut laid her head on her pillow. She was still immensely tired so had no problem falling back to sleep.

Hatshepsut opened her eyes and sat up in her bed. The morning air was filled with the sounds of laughing children. She thought about her dream; what could it mean? I can not be thinking about my dreams! There are other more important things to be worried about, Hatshepsut thought. Today was not the day to be thinking about these type of things, for on this day Tuthmose II, her half brother and husband, would have a meeting with the generals of his army. What usually happened was they discussed which place they were going to raid. She was nervous. When they had these meetings, the next thing she knew Tuthmose would leave, attacking a country in hopes of expanding his empire. Hatshepsut wanted to know where they were going. She wanted to be included in the decisions.

After the decisions had been made, Hatshepsut moped down the stairs to her friend Mutoket who was in the flower-filled garden. "Tuthmose is going off again," Hatshepsut said despondently.

Mutoket muttered."Hatshepsut are you worried again? I thought he wasn't important to you."

"He isn't, but I am worried I won't be allowed to rule Egypt if he is killed," Hatshepsut admitted. She thought of what would happen if she had the chance.

"Hatshepsut, don't waste your time on this thought. They're not going let you rule Egypt; you're a female," Mutoket reminded her.

"You're right Mutoket; I shouldn't even consider this thought."

Out of nowhere Tuthmose came striding in, his horse and chariot following closely. "I'm leaving now. I'll be back in eleven moons. My son is in charge until I get back, understand?"

Hatshepsut nodded. His son was by 7 months old. How would he rule? Who would listen? Suddenly, Hatshepsut had an idea. She did not knowing if she was joyful, angry, or sad. The dream was from Amun. Maybe it as an unfulfilled prophecy. This is my chance, Hatshepsu thought.

Then, Tuthmose turned around and galloped into the sandy desert.

After the 20th moon, Tutmose had still not returned. Hatshepsut began to suspect what she would soon learn to be true. She sat upon her silk sheeted bed. There was nothing to do, so there was plenty of time to question her dream. Why her? Why was Amun giving her the dream? What could...

"Hatshepsut?" the woman's voice paused, "Tuthmose.... is dead."

Hatshepsut sat stunned, still taking in the information. She jumped from her bed. She is lying. Tuthmose is not dead, Hatshepsut thought. Hatshepsut ran to the door. Prove it, she was about to say. But standing there was Mutoket, her best friend Mutoket, who never, ever lied to her.

"Where is he?" Hatshepsut asked.

"In the garden," Mutoket answered."You won't cry will you?"

"No." Hatshepsut hurried down to the garden. The torches lit the fountains turning the water into glistening drops of light. Crickets chirped. How could this night be so peaceful when things have changed so much? Hatshepsut wondered. She heard footsteps. Who could it be. Mutoket stepped onto the large path.

"I'm sorry. I didn't startle you, did I?" she asked.

"It's fine," Hatshepsut answered. Where is he? Hatshepsut needed to know. She needed to see his body before she'd believe the news. Then she heard voices from the patio.

"How is Tuthmose III going to rule, he is but a child?" a man asked.

    "Maybe Hatsheput can rule Egypt in his place until he is old enough," the woman's voice wondered aloud.
    "A typical response from a woman, only a male can be pharaoh," the man said.
    "Well, who else could fill the slot?" asked the woman.

Hatshepsut walked quickly along the path towards the voices.

In the firelight Hatshepsut could make out the faces of her father, Pharaoh Tuthmose I, and her mother, queen Ahmose. In the shadows beside them, she saw her dead husband, Tuthmose II.

"Hatshepsut," her father addressed her. Hatshepsut simply glanced at him; then her eyes went back to her husband. TuthmoseI went back to arguing with Ahmose.

"Why not Hatshepsut? She has been a coleader for years," her mother said.

"I told you, women can not be Pharaohs," then his father added, "we'll just have Tuthmose III be pharaoh." Her parents keeped arguing without noticing that Hatshepsut was still there. Then Hatshepsut had the strangest idea ever. This was something she never thought of. Hatshepsut and Mutoket left Hatshepsuts parents to argue in the dim torch light. Maybe there was a way she could be pharaoh. She would try for her mother and for herself.

Hatshepsut was on her morning walk along the Nile River when she had an idea. Her father had said that only a man could become a pharaoh, so she would dress as a man. This would convince her father and the public that she was the next ruler. Hatshepsut went up to the room where Tuthmose II slept and went to his closet full of men's garments. She took four of his garments and headdresses. Making sure no one was there, she gathered up all the items and headed back down to her room. Once she was there, she hid them under her bed just as her servant Aumeeza knocked on the door. Aumeeza was an eleven year old servant, who had been with Hatshepsut since she was born.

"Aumeeza, I'm glad your here,"Hatshepsut said,"I need you to fetch Mutoket for me." Without saying a word, Aumeeza left. She was back with Mutoket quickly.

"Not that I'm not happy to be here," Mutoket told Hatshepsut, "why do you needed me?"

"Well, I'm planning on .... ," Hatshepsut started to answer when she noticed Aumeeza was still there."You may go," she told her. Aumeeza disappeared into the hall,the door closed behind her.

"What were you going to say?" Mutoket asked. Mutoket looked exhausted. There were big purple and black bags under her eyes. Life in ancient Egypt was difficult for people, unless they were royalty.

"When I was on my walk, I had a plan," Hatshepsut paused, "If I were to wear the cloths of a pharaoh, I might be able to convince the people including my father that I am pharaoh."

"That's a great plan," Mutoket said sourly. Hatshepsut sensed the bitterness in her voice. "Is that all you needed?"

"No, I need you to tell me how much I resemble a man in these clothes," Hatshepsut took the clothes from under the bed.

"Those are from Tuthmose," Mutoket had obviously recognized the clothing. Hatshepsut said nothing. She took a garment from the pile of silk and walked over to the extra room slipping her right sleeve off as she went. The soft cashmear fabric brushed against her legs as she took off her dress. She gathered up the traditional silk outfit of a Pharaoh and slipped it onto her body. The beautiful, intricate design of the fabric held many colors: red, green, blue, and gold all woven into shapes that pleased the gods. Then she took one of her gold chest plates that stretched over her slender sholders to her back. There were many gems placed perfectly to create a picture of two lizards. Gold shimmered off of the crown she took from Tuthmose's room. The crown also had gems; it was heavy and beautiful.

She walked out of the room and Mutoket gasped. She bowed and said, "You are a pharaoh."

To make her people believe she was a man, Hatshepsut knew she would have to work hard. First, she would wear a fake beard to look like all the male pharaohs. Luckily, she had taken some when she stole the assortment of clothing items from Tuthmose. Second, she would convince her cabinet that she was the all powerful daughter of Amum. This was somewhat true, she had received the dream from him; he obviously wanted this. Third, she needed a grand speech. She had already made a speech and was going to present it in a few hours. Her speech told how women should be treated just like men. She had already passed all of her ideas to her father. He approved her plans with a little pleading from her mother.

Hatshepsut stood in front of all the people of the royal court. A mixture of feelings went through her bloodstream. She felt excitement, fright, and nervous all at once. Hatshepsut started her speech.

"As you all know, only men have been pharaoh for a very long time now,"Hatshepsut started. Her words came smoothly from her lips only because of the many days of practice. She went from the women's rights to her ending which explained what she would do if she were pharaoh. Each word sounded as beautiful as the next. The sun god was bringing down the sun for the night when she was done. This will make me pharaoh for sure, she thought.

"How could they not like my speech?" Hatshepsut questioned her father. There was a look of complete despair on her face.

"Hatshepsut your speech was about women becoming pharaoh's," Tuthmose I answered." You do realize that the law states that only a man can become a pharaoh?" he added.

"Yeah, but...," Hatshepsut was cut off by her father.

"But what Hatshepsut? The court would change their law?"

"Father, don't you have the power to change that law?" Hatshepsut asked.

"I do, but I don't want to change that law; I stand by it." Her father seemed sure. There was no changing his mind. She would just have to do this herself. Wait, Hatshepsut said to herself, I still have the temple plans. Hatshepsut ran to her room at almost lightening speed. On the elegant wooden table that sat in a corner were the palace designs. She grabbed them and raced down to the first floor. People watched her leave the palace, and some made a face. She burst into the room where the court members usually spent their free time. It was a dingy hot room with many chairs. They had silk and lace pillows on every chair.

"Hatshepsut," the man named Tutoo addressed her curtly.

"Hello," Hatshepsut greeted."I'm sorry, but I will not rest until I'm Pharaoh." Hatshepsut read the disappointment in Tutoo's face."I must show you my designs."

"Please don't waste our time,"Tutoo responded. Hatshepsut laid out her many drawings of the palace.

"I'm planning to build the temple in Deir el-Bahri," Hatshepsut informed them. "And i'll name it Djeser-Djeseru. Then she showed them some of her other plans for Egypt. She had many ideas, old plans, new plan. The court members seemed intrigued.

"Hatshepsut give us a month and you will either be a pharaoh or not,"Tutoo said. Hatshepsut's heart soared. Now she had a chance.

It had been five months since she had talked to the court, three months after the decision date. The court members had told her that she would be the pharaoh and that they expected many of her ideas put into action. Her ceremony happened on a very sunny day. Many people from all over Egypt had came to see her. Streamers were dancing in the air. They were many different colors: red, green, and the all important gold. It was a day she utterly enjoyed. After all, this was her life-long dream. As soon as all the ceremonial events where done, she went to the garden. Every single thing was like her dream. The plants were glimmering, and the flowers were in full bloom. it was a beautiful rainbow of color, and as she strolled by, a gardener bowed deeply with the same amount of respect as in her dream. Now she could live the rest of her days peacefully knowing she had completed her life-long dream.

Hatshepsut died in 1482 B.C.. She had been pharaoh for twenty-two years. After her death, her stepson Tuthmose III tried to wipe her from history, but he didn't succeed.

Mexican Revolution ~by Julio

2009-06-01T14:26:00.000-07:00

Michoacan, Mexico, 1909:

   As the smell of gasoline fills the air, the bland walls tell no story. The cobbled streets of the central square are packed with people minding their own business and street marketers trying to make a living.
   People sit with melancholy waiting for a miracle. Some people think that poverty is a sad, terrible thing but I see it as a good thing not because people are poor, but because poverty is one who slowly and secretly brings people together. Aside from poverty, it’s not all sad. People smile and laugh with the people at their side.
   There are also places to escape the crowded streets; you just have to find the empty ones that are filled with rich, inviting air. They are the peaceful ones, they are the ones that help you relax. These streets are not so rare, for they are everywhere. These streets pave the way to escape for all who choose to follow.
                                                            ...

   On my way home from school, I saw Xochil working in the sugar cane fields. When she saw me approaching, she said in the sweetest voice, "Serapio, I want to go to school."
   In return I told her, "Some day, my dear friend, I'll have enough money to send you to school. I'll have enough to send you for your whole life if you want!"
   "Maybe if this year's harvest is good, we'll have enough for at least half a year," she said in that same dreamy voice.
   In my seven-year-old mind, I already knew that we wouldn't. As young as I was, I already knew that she would not go to school. So, I quickly departed to do my work. I truly wanted to help her go to school, but alas, I didn't know how to make the money. People in my country of Mexico didn't have a surplus of money for loans. Even if they did, who would give it to a feeble seven-year-old in order to send his friend to school?

    The next day was Christmas. It's odd how everybody can be happy on just one day; but they are. I've always wondered about the significance of this particular day. My parents told me that it's Christ's birthday. I wondered why he is worshiped. Would he want to be worshiped? This leads to my theory of church. Some people went every Saturday or Sunday just to rid themselves of the sins that they had committed over the week. Then, they would sin in the same way following week. Despite my beliefs about Christmas, I still got Xochil a present.

January, 1910:
    Today Xochil and I were walking home from the sugar cane fields when suddenly we heard the loud blast of a rifle. I thought it was my father in his drunken state. But then I saw five people mounted on horses going towards the house. Standing next to me was Xochil, who had froze with fear. I grabbed her by the arm and together we hid in the the fields watching the strange men. What are they doing, we wondered as we watched. The strange men broke the door of the small house open and a few minutes they came out dragging the women and restraining her while pushing the men out of the house. The men threw Xochil's and my parents onto their knees all facing the same direction. Then one of the men stood forward and said, "Your land will help us achieve our goal."
    "And what makes you think I'll let you use my land?" my father boldly replied in a raspy, angry voice.

The strange man in a blue somewhat Napoleon like army suit simply said, "You won't." As he walked away, he nodded to his men. The four other men aimed their firearms at Xochil's and my parents. At almost at the same time, they fired.

    Xochil burst in tears. She ran towards our parents' executioners nearly knocking one of them down, she started beating his chest. But he was impervious to her blows. He grabbed her by the arms and threw her on the ground. Xochil stayed sobbing on the ground.
    As the man who ordered our parents to be killed walked passed me, I stared at him, tears rolling down my cheeks. All he did was stare back at me. I looked back to see him walk away with his men following behind him and then disappear into the sugar cane field.
    I turned and walked toward the still crying Xochil. She had collapsed next to her parents' bodies. I grabbed her arm and helped her up. We walked away not knowing where we going or what we were going to do. All we knew is that we had each other.

    Present day:
        I still remember my parents' death. I still remember the assassins, which include Madero's, Emiliano Zapata's, and Fransisco Villa's. Many memories of my past dwell in my mind....

by ~ Julio

Forgiveness ~by Fuller

2009-06-01T14:22:00.000-07:00

As Petyr waited in Dr.Ross's office, he started to shake unexpectedly. He was reliving his terrible past. His breathing was labored, hard. His heart was beating rapidly, and once again he saw his past playback in his head. He watched as his best friend, his mother, little brother, and sister were taken to the gas chamber like so many others. Just as suddenly, Petyr came out of his trance. He started to cry and whispered to himself, "Why did some people survive the Holocaust while others were taken by the hand of death? Why? Why?"

Petyr understood he was haunted by his past. He wondered how to stop the haunting trances and nightmares. He had read and studied about this and was stuck. Was the only way through forgiveness? He thought, I know I should forgive, but how do I forgive the Nazis? He realized, I want to forgive, but I can't. I can't forgive for the deaths of my sister, brother, mother and best friend.

    As Petyr was deep in his thoughts, Joshua walked into Dr. Ross' office, and waiting for his appointment, he looked for a place to sit. Finally, he took a seat in a chair next to another man. The man turned his teary face toward him, and Joshua was startled. He felt as though he remembered that face, but his memories showed a slimmer, more terrified face - a face that was terrified of him. He ignored these unwanted memories. He finally offered his handkerchief and the man gratefully accepted it. As he reached for the handkerchief, his sleeve slid up, exposing a tattooed number. Joshua gasped.

    Petyr, still teary eyed, noticed the man's startled face.  Why would anybody be startled by me? If anyone should be startled it should be me, he thought. Then he looked down to where the man's gaze pointed and saw the tattooed number that the Nazis gave him in 1942. It read 6783.

    Petyr was unnerved by this man who is now staring at him with a mix of hatred and apprehension. Suddenly, the man introduced himself, "I am Joshua. I wish to hear your story of the war...the great war."

    Petry shook his hand. At first he didn't want to talk, but then he though it might help his emotions. So Petyr started telling his story from the beginning; he told his story.

    "I guess I have to start at the beginning. I was born in Amsterdam,Holland in 1928; we had a simple life. My father was the shoemaker and my ma kept the house clean, cooking traditional meals in the traditional way. My sister, brother, and I went to school. Our life was great, surrounded by the love of a family and friends...then the worst possible circumstance happened.

    "Hitler was elected the Chancellor Germany and soon most of Europe was in his grasp. We all know that now. We had to go into hiding in a small cell with five other people. There were no jobs, and we depended on only two people to bring us food. They were the only people we could trust; we were scared, scared of walking outside, scared of people seeing our faces. As I sat at the small table one night, my father announced, 'We heard today that Hitler has opened two more concentration camps... and he is targeting Jews, gypsies, homosexuals, the disabled, and so many more people. People he sees as not worthy. This includes us,' he said sternly to my family, including my little sister who even at three years old understood. The camps are called Auschwitz and Bergen-Belson. We have to be more careful. We cannot be so loud. We cannot be found or the fate will be terrible,' he muttered. We heard about terrors that we couldn't believe. This information came to us via a newspaper called the Polish Underground. The stories didn't seem to be possible, but later I figured out the truth that they were right.

    "We stayed quiet for three years. For three years, I was calm and silent. We were safe until one day. The day my little sister looked out the window, around the blinds; she saw them. She saw the dark green uniforms with the r-r-r-red, white, and black patch," Petyr whimpered at the memory. Even now the vision scared him. He continued in a scared, trembling voice, "That was the day we all feared. She looked directly into the face, the eyes of a Nazi."

    Petry sniffed and blew his nose. Joshua silently encouraged him to go on. Petry shook his head and continued, "It was a time of fear. You could feel it as the dogs barked and the men yelled. I was pushed, pushed into the cattle cart.  That cart still makes forgiveness impossible. There was barely room to breathe. I remember the little babies who were silent when they should have been crying. Where they dead or did they know? What I couldn't know was that the silence of the babies foretold our future. While we fought with our dreams of escape, they had silently slipped away in their mother's arms. There were times I wished it would have been like that for me.
   During the trip, we never slept. We didn't dare doze. When we would stop at each station, the whip...the crack of the whip against the cattle car would scare us. They did everything to scare us, and it worked. Finally,we stopped. When the doors opened, I remember thinking, This is truly the end; it is.

    "A Nazi soldier grabbed me and threw me out into a huge mass of people. It was then I saw it: my brother, sister, mother, and best friend were headed in the other direction. Another wiser prisoner had told me that being moved into the left line was a death sentence; it meant the gas chambers. I saw my family and other weak people being moved into the left line like animals who were no longer in use for surplus. Before I could yell to them, someone shoved me very hard, and I was eaten up by the swarm of the people who were awaiting the horrors of the Holocaust. I was never to see my family again.

"The year was 1942. My life of freedom was swept away, and I was swept with it into a world of hunger and hatred and fear. As it began, it wasn't so bad. There was less food and it seemed that two men would die each day. It was not a number I liked, but looking back, those were the good times. Not long after arriving, however, things changed drastically. Before our eyes, we saw the pile of unburied human bodies grow like wheat. After the war ended, I learned about 50,000 Jews perished in Bergen-Belson alone, and the allied troops would find 10,000 unburied bodies during liberation.

"I got weaker everyday and every day people disappeared from my life. We saw a constant stream of smoke coming from the top of the crematorium. Then, two years after my arrival, I was so weak that I fell to the ground. Assuming that I was dead, they threw me onto the pile of dead bodies. I woke up. For those who have not experienced the Holocaust, I would imagine this would sound dreadful, but I figured I would have a better chance of living there than in the barracks, having to work each day. Under the pile of bodies, I was hidden. I was always scared when the men would run close by me. Even the crack of a twig scared me. I lived a life of fear. During the night, I would work up the courage to claw my way out and scavenge for food. It was during one of those nights that I watched them make the lamps."

Joshua's eyebrows arched. He looked at Petyr questioningly, urging him on (though he knew what he was talking about). Petyr cried as he told more of his story. He cried for the people that didn't make it through but might have had it easier without the nightmares and unbelievable memories. But, he continued, "The lamps were being made of human skin." Petyr winced, as did Joshua. Petyr looked at Joshua and asked, "Should I continue."

"Yes, please," Joshua responded in a sad voice.

"It was so repulsive. It is a story that rarely is told. But that isn't all they made from human parts. They made pillows out of human hair. When I saw these things, I couldn't scream or gasp. I had to be still. It is hard to respond to inhumane acts in an inhumane way. That is one of the tragedies of the Holocaust.

"However, witnessing this act suddenly gave me an idea of how to stay alive. I had been in the putrescent bodies for days. I suddenly realized that I had a food and moisture source. Human skin was food and the grimy water at the bottom of the pile would be my water source. This seems barbaric but it was much better than what I saw. I wasn't sure I could do it for the smell of rotting bodies and picking through the maggots was nauseating. It would be hard but easier than in the camp itself. Now I had to fight the insanity of the day because I couldn't move at all. At night I couldn't move much either for if a Nazi guard saw me, I would be shot instantly, or worse. The horrors were endless." Petyr's story was further solidifying his belief that forgiveness was impossible.

"Since I was able to observe more than most people, I saw things that happened in the camps. Sometimes people would be forced to dig their own graves. It sounds grusome, but for some, it was a blessing. The death rate was enormous, but the torture of living was just as high."

    Joshua spoke in a raspy voice, "It couldn't have been that bad."

    "Oh it was!" he said defensively, "For every man and women that didn't make it. You didn't experience it. After two years had passed, suddenly they were taking people out on marches. I figured out from a friend who walked, that if someone fell, they would shoot them through the head. Their goal was to leave no survivors. They wanted no one left alive to tell the world of what the Nazis did. But as they walked, I stayed hidden in the decaying bodies. I began to realize that fewer and fewer people were in the dreadful camp. It started to look deserted. There were many of us hidden in different places throughout the camp, but none of us knew what was going on. As we realized that we were alone, we began to come out of hiding or I did for many others were much too weak. One day, I had the courage to come out from under the mass of bodies. I walked, walked without fear for the first time in years. Suddenly, I heard cars coming down the bumpy road, fear returned. I instantly ran back to the pile of death until I realized it was the best day of my life. The tanks and trucks were British. As the British soldiers tried to comprehend what they were seeing as it was much worse than front line, I asked what year it was.
   A kind soldier answered, 'April sixteenth 1945. The day of your liberation.'
   I thanked him, tears streaming down my face like Victoria falls.

    "I had been in there for three years and finally I was free. I was seventeen and decided to look for my father. The chances were slim, but I tried to believe, to have hope. I tried to look on the bright side. The British fed us watery soup and gave us much water. Coming back from near death was a slow process, but we all believed it would be OK and we could start the journey back into civilization."

    Both men were silent for a short period of time. Full of sorrow, Joshua spoke,"It's terrible what we did.. I didn't realize..."
    As soon as Joshua said that, in a distraught voice Petyr asked,"We? You were a Nazi?"

    Joshua turned to him, eyes wide. "Yes, I was young and following orders. Now my days and nights are filled with the horrors of what I did. My pain grows with the years. I cannot sleep for fear of the memories that haunt me. I know I do not deserve this, but I am asking you for a favor that will allow me to rest. Please, will you...can you...will you... please forgive me?"

    As Petyr looked into the tortured face of his tormentor, the nurse announced, "Is Joshua here? The doctor is ready to see you now."

    Joshua took one last look at Petyr. Joshua was met with a stare from ice-cold, blue eyes. As they looked at each other, they both knew the answer.

By ~ Fuller

Oregon Trail ~by Roberto

2009-06-01T04:50:00.000-07:00

One day my friend Ezra Meeker was on his farm in Washington, D.C. He was sitting with his ill wife, Eliza Jane; his seven year old son; and me, his good friend Samuel. I looked at his son and wife and then I noticed that they were crying. They had the saddest faces in the whole world because Ezra wanted to leave their family, friends, and home in Washington DC. They were trying to be strong and brave because Ezra believed that moving West would make their lives better. Ezra knew his wife was in danger of dying at any time. He needed money to help her heal, and he beleived going west was the only way to get it.
"It has taken 30 years to create our live here. Our crops are growing, we have friends and family here. Why do you want to leave?" Eliza Jane asked.
"California is the land of riches. The land of milk and honey!" Ezra cried. His only thought was to save his ill wife and give his son a better life. He was thinking about going West to find gold and riches.

Finally, his family agreed and they left for California. They dreamed of gold and a cure for Eliza. But they also all wanted to stop in Nebraska to stay with family for a time. They missed their family in Nebraska. His family really wanted to make Ezra stay with them in Nebraska. His father said, "Now Ezra, you know the grass isn't always greener on the other side! You have family here and we know the land. Stay with us."
But he already had bad news for them. "We are going to California. I know that California will save my wives life. If some of you want to come with me, please tell me now. We will return to Nebraska one day, after Eliza is cured and we are rich!"

After a year on the Oregon trail, the Meekers finally made it to California. Ezra sent his father a letter telling him of their arrival. While he was excited, he did admit that they were really struggled to make a living. "We left for Nebraska to search for a better living, but things were even worse there. We are coming home." In Nebraska, Eliza, Ezra and his son and Samuel all moved in with Ezra's parents. Once there, Ezra went from being a farmer to a protector of his family. Although Eliza was not cured in California, she did get stronger and stronger in Nebraska. Later Ezra told me, "My beautiful wife was cured, not by riches and gold or the sunshine of California. She was cured by the love of her family."

Ezra learned that the grass is not always greener in California! He learned that nothing - not gold or sunshine - can replace the love of family. And he learned that sometimes you have to learn these lessons for yourself along the Oregon trail.

~by Roberto

The Haunted White House ~by Cinthya

2009-06-01T04:49:00.000-07:00

Did you know that the White House is haunted?

In January of 2009 president Obama and his daughters Malia and Sasha moved in the White House. It was a bitterly cold day in Washington DC. The president and his daughters Malia and Sasha were exploring their new home, the White House. They were trying to take their bags out of the truck, and put them into their BIG house. The girls were helping by carrying boxes into their rooms; however, the movers were very fast. This gave them time to explore. While they were seeing their new home, they saw a lot of drawings hanging in the walls of the halls. They also saw plants and carpets.''Those carpets are beautiful''.Sasha said said. They felt so happy to be able to live in the White House. The girls were also a little scared to be actually in the White House. When they first were walking into the White House, Malia and Sasha could not believe their eyes.

The girls felt so excited because they would be choosing their rooms, decorating and painting them. They also felt excited because of the tennis court, basketball court, and swimming pool. They couldn't wait for Christmas because their dad told them that the first family gets to have a special party just for kids. While the president was helping his daughters organize their rooms, he told them that he was happy because there were five cooks who would be serving them their favorite meals and snacks whenever they were asked.

When Sasha and Malia finished decorating their rooms, they went to sit on a couch in a very fancy room. Then Malia had an idea, "Let's play hide and seek!" She was very excited.

"Yeah! That's a great game," Sasha replied.

Before they played, Malia wanted to tell Sasha a scary story. Malia started the scary story by saying, "The white house is haunted!”

Sasha shivered.

Malia continued, “When people visit the White House they often see somebody walking down the hall and they can also hear footsteps. ''The ghost is ... Malia paused. ''Abigail Adams." She said with a scary voice.

Sasha didn't believe her sister.

They started to play Hide and Seek, and Malia wanted to be the person who hid. Sasha agreed. As Sasha was looking for her sister, she heard footsteps coming from the stairs. She felt scared. She stopped and sat down in the hall, waiting for her sister to come out. She heard footsteps getting louder. She remembered her sister's story. Sasha frantically looked for her sister, but how would she find her in the 132 main rooms and the 35 bathrooms? Now Sasha was scared. "Malia, come out now!" she yelled. Malia did not appear. Terrified, she ran to her room and hid under her bed. When Malia came out, Sasha started to cry; she was really scared. Sasha could not speak.
"What happened?" Malia asked.
Sasha didn't feel like explaining. All she said was, "You scared me."
When Malia saw how scared her sister was, she felt sad. She couldn't believe her sister. "You are so dramatic?" Malia said with a really loud voice. She ran to her room and slammed the door. She was so nervous that her dad might get mad at her and ground her for the rest of the year. The only thing she thought of was that Sasha was going to get her in trouble.

Later that night, President Obama went to Malia's room. "What happened? Do you know what happened to your sister?" he asked concerned.
"Nothing. "Leave me alone! I don't want to see anyone right now!" She yelled. Instead of leaving, President Obama took Malia into Sasha's room. "Can someone please explain to me what happened?"
"I will daddy,'' Malia said in the hallway. Malia and President Obama went into Sasha's room.
"Thank you." Mr. Obama said gladly.
Malia sat down on Sasha's bed. "I told Sasha a scary story about Abigail Adams and she got a little scared. Then I asked her if we could play hide and seek. While we were playing, I wanted to see if she was really scared, so I started making footsteps. I think she really got scared because I had never seen her like this before. That's how all happened.'' Malia explained sadly.
"Where were you hiding while your sister was looking for you?'' Mr. Obama asked.
"I was in the closet on the top floor," Malia answered.
Sasha was relieved as that is where the sounds had come from! "It was you!" she said.

"I'm sorry!" Malia said sadly.

"OK! But, promise me you are never going to scare your sister again," the president warned Malia.
"I promise, Daddy," Malia said. They both hugged each other.
President Obama smiled and said, "Malia, I like how you have told me the truth. Now, I am going to give you and your sister a present." Mr Obama had a proud and happy smile on his face.
Malia and Sasha waited calmly, wondering what their present was going to be. Suddenly, a dog came running up the stairs. "A puppy!!" Malia screamed, really happy. They ran into Sasha's room and took the beautiful puppy with them. Sasha smiled. They both gave each other a big hug and knew they would never be scared again.... especially now that they had a dog to protect them!

~ By Cynthia

Soccer Game ~by Jonathan

2009-06-01T04:47:00.000-07:00

Soccer is amazing because it is my favorite sport.

Getting ready for the game is exciting. As I am running onto the field, the people are screaming, "Come on! Do not give up!!" When the game began, we stared at the ball, and the people start cheering.

At half-time, we were losing by one goal. The crowd was sad and losing interest. I said to my other teammate, "Pass it to me so I can make a goal." They agree.

As I am running down the field, Danny kicked it to me. I hit it with my head. The ball flew through the air, toward the goal. Everybody stood up. The ball continued toward the goal. It went past the goalie. I made the goal! I made it! All the people on the sidelines screamed, "Goal!!!!!!!!!!!!" My coach give me a big pat on the back, and all my teammates were happy.

Unfortunately, the other team made a goal. My coach said, "Come on! You can do it! One more goal!!" The score was 2-1, and there were just 15 minutes left.

We threw the balled in and I passed it to my friend. He missed and I said to him, "Nice try." When he got the ball back, he passed it to me. I did a back kick and the goalie did not stop the ball - again.

The crowd charged in. Danny, Juan, and I were the best on our team! We felt proud.

Danny, Juan, and I have practiced so much together that we play well together. Practice really does pay off. It allowed us to score many goals during games because we knew what the other person would do. We trusted each other!

My team was cheering and my coach said, "Great job, guys!" He promised that if we won, he would throw a party! My team lifted me up on their shoulders, and Juan said, "Nice job, Jonathan!" Soccer is amazing. It is my favorite sport!

~by Jonathan

Birmingham Church Bombing ~by Kameron

2009-06-01T04:45:00.000-07:00

Thirty-eight years after two men killed my daughter, they were finally been convicted.

I sat quietly in the courthouse with Thomas Blanton Jr. and Bobby Frank Cherry, the two men who bombed the church in which my daughter was killed. The judge called me up to tell the story of how my daughter died. I was terrified. What if they thought I was lying? This was during the 1960's, and it was well known that Americans never believed blacks. What if Thomas and Bobby didn't get convicted of murder or even the bombing?What would happen to me if they were set free? I was a black man living in the south during the more violent times in our history. I was about to testify against two well known KKK members. I walked up to the stand slowly, thinking about how I would tell my story. Despite the stress, I told my story, the truth, and it went like this.

My daughter and I were walking to the 16th Street Baptist Church on September 15, 1963. I went into the church service upstairs. My daughter walked downstairs to Sunday school with three other girls like she did every Sunday morning. I felt uncomfortable that day. I can't tell you why, but I knew something was going to happen. My stomach ached during the entire service. Right before church was over, my uneasy feeling had expanded. I had no idea what was going to happen, I thought I was sick. But the queasy feeling in my gut was something much more in-depth. As church ended, I was in no mood to talk. I headed for the door quickly, and waited for my daughter outside.

Then, out of nowhere, the staircase flew outward. I dodged rubble and used what was left of the stairs to enter the church. I had to find my daughter. I scrambled into the Sunday school classroom, bodies were everywhere. Some were on fire, and the amount of blood was sickening. Among the rubble I saw my daughter. I was devastated by what I was looking at. My daughter was dead, sprawled on the ground. I couldn't look anymore. I could hear sirens coming down the block getting louder and closer by the minute. When the police arrived at the church, they investigated. They said that dynamite was under the stairs. I told them in a sad voice, "I want to catch the people who did this. They should be punished." I wanted revenge. Unfortunately no one knew who it was, and I was out of luck.

For 38 years, I have been trying to hunt down the people who bombed the church that killed my daughter. One day I was talking to my neighbor he said, "I'm going to church." He ask me if I wanted to come, but I said, "No." I still hadn't forgiven God for letting my daughter die. Two hours later I got a call from the civil rights attorney. He said, "They found the men who bombed the church." He continued, "We are going to court to file the charges against them. We are going prosecute them." I was shocked. It had been so long, and I had all but given up hope. Suddenly, I felt so confident. I rushed to the courthouse. When I pulled into the parking lot of the court house, I started getting nervous. What if this isn't going to go the way it should. My attorney met me outside and took me in.

As I I walked in, I saw friends and family on the right side of the courtroom. However, white people who should have been wearing white hooded costumes were on the left. Their frowns were ominous. I sat down beside the other men and women who lost their daughters that day. The judge introduced the fellow families and myself to the jury. Then he introduced the two men who killed our children. The two men, Thomas Blanton Jr. and Bobby Frank Cherry, would finally be held accountable for their actions.

The trial went on for weeks. Finally, the judge called me up to tell my side of the story. I was shivering with fear. What if I don't tell the story right? What if they don't believe me? I shook my head, trying to rid myself of those thought. I straightened my back and confidently told my story."

When the guilty charge was given, the courtroom gasped. Some people cheered, and other's prayed. As the two men were taken away to jail, they pointed at me and yelled, "You'll pay for this." Everyone started leaving the courtroom, some of the KKK member made rude gestures at me. Despite that, I thought that I did a good job. My attorney congratulated me on how I did. I should have felt better than I did. For some reason, I started to feel guilty. I felt like this whole thing was my fault. I was remembering hearing the sizzling noise, if I had only realized that it was dynomite. If I had, I could have saved everyone. I fell to the ground in tears knowing I could of saved my little girl. We won the court case, but I still had lost my little girl. I realized that justice did not bring her back. I wanted to be with my little girl.

Later I was in a interview with the press. They asked me what happened that day when the dynamite blew. I told my story the same way I had 38 years ago, and the same way I did in court. "Why do you think the two men bombed the church?" the reporter asked.

"Funny you asked that," I answered. I had been thinking hard about that. "Now that I'm sitting here thinking about it, I realize it wasn't the fault of those two men. I think it was the clan's fault," he said. "It is difficult to be a bully without bystanders, and it would have been difficult to bomb the church without people egging them on. They should be held accountable for their actions, but we should all work to stop the KKK and other hate groups. There is no room in the world for hate."

I went home. I moved to a new house, that was smaller. I forgave God and went back to church; however, every Sunday I would skip the first half of church to go to the cemetery. I would sit by my little girl's grave. I prayed for her, for me, for the men in jail, and for the world. I prayed that hatred would end so ... And then, I would put flowers on her grave.

~by Kameron

Pirate Love ~by Juan

2009-06-01T04:42:00.000-07:00

~Love can change you, and it can destroy you.~

One day when pirates ruled the high seas, there was a young captain called Greaves. Even though he had glistening long hair and huge muscles that look like Popeye's, he didn't know the meaning of love. He was a mean and cruel captain. He only cared about treasure and was selfish. This was true until the day he met Anne.
Anne was a beautiful young girl who wanted to be a part of a crew, she wanted to be a pirate. Since she knew they wouldn't let her in the crew as a woman, she decided to dress up as a man. Greaves didn't know what was happening to him. He was confused about his feelings. He had never felt this way, and he wondered, Is this love? or am I just curious about this new pirate? That question was wandering in his head, he couldn't sleep, but he couldn't stop staring at the new pirate. He was relieved when Anne confessed to being a woman. He fell for her immediately. How could you not stare into her deep blue eyes that look like the deep blue sea, or at her golden hair that looked like treasure.
Anne changed his life completely, now his crew saw a long-haired, gold-toothed, respectful, and kind captain. Greaves crew was amazed; they had never seen their captain so happy. Captain Greaves asked Anne to give him a chance. Flirtily, she said, "No," even though she loved him as much as he loved her. Captain Greaves kept insisting until one day she finally said, "Yes!" They lived a very happy life together.
Months later as Captain Greaves was heading back to Cuba to collect his child, a huge ship moving full speed bumped into them. Greaves's crew was stunned. They had been attacked by Blackbeard! His crew attacked, and in less than five seconds of fighting only Greaves, Anne, and Black beard were left fighting. Captain Greaves jumped out but Anne didn't. Anne wanted to end this; she was tired of Blackbeard bugging her. He made fun of her because she was a woman. He didn't think she could fight. He said she'd never win a battle. She yelled, "I'm ending this NOW!" She lunged toward him with her sword, only to find that Black beard had pulled his gun. She died in that duel.
When Greaves realized his love was dead, he jumped overboard. He swam to shore. He made it to shore and vowed to never sail again. He walked through a lot of people , with a sad expression on his face. A wise, old man knew something was wrong. Greaves needed company so as the old man got closer to Captain Greaves, he paused. The man asked, "What's wrong?"
Captain Greaves told his story.
The old man nodded and said, "It is better to have loved and lost then never to have loved at all."
Captain Greaves' was heart broken in that moment. He knew the old man was right, but the pain in his heart would not lessen. He started to pour tears as if it was raining...hard. He stopped crying and wiped the tears off his face. He whispered, "Men don't cry."
The old man said, "Aaaah, but real men do."
Instead of listening to the old man, he listened to the mean voice inside his head. It kept saying, "You're weak. You don't have anything. You didn't protect Anne." Captain Greaves fell to his knees and yelled, "Black beard! You...you're going to pay!" He marched to a ship. Revenge was flowing through his veins. It was as if he was the cyclops, and in a single moment he killed the pirates guarding the ship. He felt a sting, but he didn't care about that; he was too focused on killing Black beard. He finally took over the ship and recruited a crew.
Instead of looking for treasure, he started the ship and went out looking for Blackbeard. After years of searching, he never found him. Finally, he gave up, realizing that continuing to look was a waste of time. Captain Greaves screamed, "Why? Why did you take her away from me?" His grief was suffocating him and not letting him breath. Once Anne Read died, Captain Greaves knew that he has lost a part of him. His life felt like a broken pencil, "pointless". Captain Greaves felt lonely and sad without the love of his life. While Greaves pondered taking his own life, he remembered what the old man told him, "Remember Captain, you're never alone. She is watching you right know, and she is protecting you. You're never alone; she is always with you." Thinking about those words, Greaves looked to the sky. A star shot across the sky landing in the ocean water. Greaves knew it was Anne. He dove into the blue, ocean waters. His crew always knew, "Greaves didn't die because he was old; he died because his heart was broken."

Salem Witch Trials ~by Taylor S.

2009-06-01T04:38:00.000-07:00

I glanced at Annie. Her long blond hair was going to be cut in a few days. It had no resemblance to my short red hair! Annie and I are orphans! My parents died in a fire, and her mother was murdered when she was very young! Her father left Annie and her mother before she was even born!

We lived in Salem Village, Massachusets. It was January 10, 1692, and my birthday was in two days and Annie's was in six days. We were practically like twins. We would both be turning 12 years old. Even though we felt grown up, Eliza, our guardian, would still not let us play down by the river. With the strong rapids, she thought we would be killed by the large boulders underneath the water. She called us her little dare devils because everything we ever wanted to do was dangerous. We never worried because we trusted each other. We both said that if something happened, "I can trust you and you can trust me!"

IN MR. COPSEN'S OFFICE AT SCHOOL.

"Hester!" Annie whispered. She ducked her head under Mr. Copsen's old, wooden desk. I lept over it and hid on the other side of it.
"I have the papers right here!" I heard Mr. Copsen's low voice say right outside the door. I peaked over at Annie. She stared at me like she just watched a murder committed. My legs shivered. I tried my hardest to keep myself hidden. I closed my eyes, but my ears were still wide open.
Crrrrrrreak! The door opened. "I really think she is!" Mr. Copsen said. "The other girls in her class all blame her for it! What if they're right and we're not doing anything about it? No one will ever trust us with their children again! Girls have fallen down crying and choking while blaming her! And they say they see dark figures in the classroom talking to her!" I didn't hear anything else but the door slam. "Wait, Eliza!" Mr. Copsen yells.
Who? Annie and I both look at each other quizzically! What was Eliza doing at the elementary school? The door slammed again. Realizing he had run after Eliza, Annie stood up from her hiding place. "What were they talking about? Who were they talking about? What was she doing here? Hester, what is going on?"
I tip-toed outside the door to see if anyone was coming. I rolled my eyes. Who can I trust anymore? Were they talking about me or Annie? These questions raced through my mind, a little voice shouting them out. One more thought arrived to the big party, Are we in trouble?

Annie was looking around on the desk. "What are you doing?" I asked.
"He said he has papers! Maybe we can find them!" she said, scared.
Through the corner of my eye, I saw a paper on his desk. In big red letters it read, "Annie Files." I rushed over to them and picked them up. I began to read. My eyes grew wide and my mouth dropped open. I couldn't believe my eyes. "Annie! They're accusing you of being a witch!" I yelled in terror.

Annie smirked. In fact, she began to grin. She slowly licks her lips. Then she starts laughing.

"Why are you laughing?"

She looked at me like I was crazy. "Witches aren't real, Hester! How can they trust some stupid girls who think I am a witch? Wait...why are you looking at me like that? Do you trust a stupid piece of paper?"

"I don't!" I said, my head hanging. I couldn't believe a piece of paper had rattled me. Annie is not a witch! I thought to myself. But then a more troubling thought came to me. But am I? I talk to spirits. Does that make me a witch? That's what they're saying about Annie... And a thought that made me even sadder was, Why don't I trust Annie with these questions?

MY MAMMA:

My mamma used to know someone who said she talked to the spiritual world just like me. Then, that woman was murdered because someone thought she was a witch. The weird thing is that I talk to my mom...even after the fire that took her life. Call me coocoo, but I do.
My mamma told me why she was caught in that horrific fire. She trusted someone, then he took advantage of her. It was my father who killed her. He had never really spent time with us, or loved us. My mother was about to run away with me, when my dad swiped a match and threw it onto my mother's bedside table. However, his rage killed him, too, as he could not escape the building fast enough. Neither could mamma.
I never see her when I am awake, but she comes to me in my dreams. It used to be comforting, but now it makes me wonder. Does it mean... I'm a witch? Does it mean that I can contact the spiritual world? Is my best friend is getting blamed for something that I'm doing? Am I causing people to choke? Am I bringing the dead to haunt Salem Village?

THE NOOSE:

I knew that if I didn't tell Annie soon, she would never trust me again. I also knew that if I didn't tell her, she might die trusting me. I had to keep both from happening! I couldn't let Annie be accused...or hung...for something that was caused by me. My mamma warned me that problems were developing in Salem, and all of a sudden, I understood. Mamma had also mentioned Martha. What would Martha Witler have to do with these troubles?
Then I understood. Martha Witler might've been the one who told Mr. Copsen. As that thought entered my mind, my stomach tightened! How could she do that? She is one of my friends. And Annie's. Was I next?

Hours later, after dinner, and bath time, Annie and I were sneaking around in the woods by the courthouse, like every Friday night! "Annie! Wait!" I screamed as she ran into the other bush. "I need to tell you something important!"
She turned to me. Her eyes squinted. "We spend every second together, Hester! What do you know that I don't?" She sat down trying to be as quiet as possible.

"You know that my mother is also dead, right?" I whispered, knowing that she'd get frustrated with me when I told her the truth.

"AHHHH!!!" Suddenly there was an awful scream coming from the other side of the big, green hedge. Scared, I jumped back and almost slipped into the river and into the roaring and strong rapids under the cliff.

"Wait! Hester, this is what we come out here to find. This might be something interesting!! We'll be so happy because we won't have to pay to see a play in the theater! I want to see what is going on!!!" She tiptoed over behind the tree.
I follow her, making sure she wasn't seen.
She poked her head out on the right side of the old oak tree.
I slowly, full of caution, poked my eyes up too so I didn't miss out on a great show. Then, right before my very own eyes, I saw a women hanging from a noose in a tree. The women's neck dripped with blood. Her eyes were turned backwards as the noose swung and twirled. Then twisted around and she faced Annie and me. The noose was swinging as if she was a little kid on a tire swing. When I saw her face, I felt cold in my heart. My stomach ached as though there was a tapeworm eating it away.
I quickly ducked my head. I closed my eyes and tears raced out of my eyelids. I stopped and listened...
"This is what happens to those involved with witchcraft!" I heard a man say in a low scratchy voice that would've scared me even if he said something like "I love you" or anything else as sweet.
At that moment Annie sat down. She was hugging her knees and started crying with me. She flipped her hair out of her eyes and looked at me through her tears. "Are they serious? Hester, are they going to kill me?" she said this like she thought I knew the answer to that horrifying question. She put her head down again, barely lifted above her knees.
"I hope not, Annie!" I pause to think of a quick, sly plan. "We cannot trust anyone! I've got a plan!" Let's go somewhere we can talk.
We checked to see if the coast was clear. I looked up into the Oak tree right next to the one that Annie was hiding behind, the women was left there alone, still swinging from the noose. She was wearing a gown. It had a beautiful blue embroirdery job at the bottom. Why? I asked myself. Who did she trust? Who accused her? I had to get the heck out of there! But I knew that trust was not to be given away freely.

Annie and I tiptoed to the dirt road with pebbles that were blue! I stared at them, thinking of the women. Her face and her gown, were both very beautiful. I never wanted to look at those stones again. What if they do kill Annie? I ask myself. I would never want to look at anything ever again. It would just remind me of my true, best friend who I trusted with all my heart. I knew that my plan had to work because I could not lose Annie.

Annie and I arrived home after a thirty minute, nerve racking, silent walk home. The back door to the porch was open and I saw a lit candle. It was already 11:30 at night. No one was ever awake at this late, dark time. Rebecca, another orphan who shared a room with Annie and I, was always scared of the dark. Eliza was always too tired to stay up that late. Milton and Madison were twins, and they are both very shy and never left their room after 8 o'clock! Madison never really got along with Annie, but she looked to me as a role model. Mary would just never go downstairs at night alone! Who could it be, I wondered. Annie and I looked curiously at each other.
The light seemed like it is coming from the kitchen. Annie looks at me with her eyebrows crunched. I wondered who was in the kitchen. Did someone break in to the house while we were gone? Did something tragic happen while we were strolling? I don't know what to think anymore, after what we had just seen, I wasn't sure what to expect.

We walk towards the door that led to the kitchen. "Who's in there? No one ever stays up this late!" Annie whispered. Her head turned. She poked her head through the screen door. "It's Eliza!" she said.

My stomach no longer feels like it was going to burst. My mamma was always so nervous about everything as well. That's probably where I get it from. Annie lightly pushed her hands against the door.

"Oh my gosh! girls you scared me!" Eliza said as she quickly turned her head to look at who was coming through the door.

"We're always out this late," Annie said surprised that Eliza didn't seem to remember. I was confused. Was she scared that we got lost, or was she scared that we just burst through the door?

"No! You just scared me because I didn't hear you guys outside." she said calmly. "Would you like some hot chocolate and a candy cane?"

"I would adore you for some!" I said, smiling from ear to ear. Annie and I love Eliza's hot cocoa. But she's never let us have it this late or even right before bed. Eliza was acting a little strange. Why? What was making her act so weird? I thought to myself while Eliza was getting our mugs and making the hot chocolate. Annie was chatting with her like always. She used to talk with her mother every night before she tucked her into bed. I guess she talked to Eliza like that to bring some comfort.

I suddenly was aware of what Annie was telling Eliza. "...Yeah! And we peaked our heads up above this bush and saw a wo..." she said obviously excited to be telling someone.

"No!" I interrupted. I didn't want Eliza to know that we knew anything about the witch hunts. I didn't want her to think we might know about the accusations against Annie. But then I asked, "What were you doing at our school today, Liza?" I tried to act nonchalant, but my heart was beating. Annie stared at me in shock.
"Ummm..." she started."I can't lie to you! I was there because Mr. Copsen called me there to have a meeting!" She paused, starting to cry, "Annie is being accused for witchcraft!" Her voice turned very scratchy. Tears poured out of her eyes.
Annie glanced at me and quietly said, "We know." She hung her head with sorrow.
Eliza swiftly jerked her head up to look at us. She began to open her mouth as I put my hand on her skinny, weak shoulder. Then I interrupt her...
"We were in Mr. Copsen's office when you were speaking with him. We were scared that we were in trouble, so we looked around for clues." I said, then I held up the folder that said "Annie Files" on it. From crawling around in the woods, it had a little mud stain on it.

"Girls! Why didn't you tell me earlier that you knew?" Eliza spoke out in fury.
I didn't know what to say. I was searching through my mind to find the solution as Annie shouted...
"Well, I didn't think it was possible for people to believe in witches. Then when we were walking in the trees, we hear a bloody Mary scream.
"Are you sure you want to tell her, Annie? I think you should go wash your skirt, get the dirt out," I said worried. I hoped she wouldn't get mad at me because I was speaking for her. She hates that.
"No! Hester, I can speak for myself and it's me we're all worried about!" Annie cried. "I need to start taking care of myself for once! You won't always be there to catch me when I fall."
I went outside as Annie continued.
"I interrupted Hester's story and looked to see what was going on." Annie started. I didn't want to hear the rest, but I knew she was going to continue.
My eyes became watery, and my lips started shivering. I couldn't keep it in any longer and Eliza needed to know what I felt! I open my mouth and just before I was going to scream, the oven bell rang.
Annie continued. "There, right in front of my very own eyes, a women was hanging from a rope. She was dangling from a tree branch!" Eliza looked at her with confused but sad and worried face. "Then a man yelled, 'This is what happens to those with witchcraft!'" As soon as the story was out, she started to bawl. She slammed her head against the couch and started screaming. Eliza joined her trying to hand her hot chocolate.
I didn't want to hear anymore.

As the night wore on, I finally fell asleep. I saw Annie as soon as my eyes were closed. She had taken the woman's place in the noose. She was dangling from the tree. Another flash, and I was sitting by her gravestone. I forced opened me eyes. "It was only a dream," I wispered. I could hear the birds chirping, and I could see the sun pushing its rays through the curtains. It was as bright as a yellow rose. Surely on such a beautiful day, nothing like witch craft could be true.

AN EARLY MORNING VISITOR:

Annie was asleep on the couch. I look around and realized that Eliza must've gone upstairs. I noticed that the piece of paper with the disgusting words on it wasn't on the coffee table where I had put it last night. I wonder where it had gone. Did Eliza snatch it and hide it upstairs?

The smell of hot chocolate distracted me as it slithered through the living room and across my nose. The back door was cracked open like usual and the chilly breeze attacked me, so I curled up in my wool blanket. All of a sudden I heard a knock on the front door. Then a greeting from the voice of the man from last night in the woods.

I have to hide Annie! I thought to myself. I rushed over, placed my hands on Annie's shoulder and waist. I roughly shook her and whispered, "Annie! Annie! Annie! Wake up! You've got to hide!"

Annie slowly opened her eyes and looked at me like I was crazy.

"You've got to hide Annie! Come on!"

She quickly swung her feet onto the cold, hard floor. She grabbed my hand as we heard the voice again. I couldn't quite understand what he was saying, but he didn't sound very happy.

Annie jerked her head and ran quietly up the stairs. She had to have heard him as well.

"Go, Annie! Go hide somewhere really good! In the closet in the attic upstairs!" I whispered loud enough for her to hear. Then I walked slowly toward the door. I opened the door. "Hello?" I say, very tiredly so he would have no idea I had been up rushing around the house. I crunched my hair and waited. The man was very ugly. He had a big wart on his nose and his hair was styled like it was the 1400s. He tried to peak around me and asked, "Is Annie here? I need to speak with her immediatly."

My eyes widen as I think of a plan. "Who's Annie?" I asked innocently. "We don't have an Annie here."

He looked confused and then angry.

"Oh! I know who you're talking about! Annie! Oh, she moved to Connecticut last week with her cousin, Albert." I said, relieved that I could make up things on the spot.

"But this Annie is an orphan?" he said as his one eyebrow lifted. "She wouldn't have any cousins. Or any family at all." He seemed to be confused. Then he seemed suspicious. His eyes narrowed, and I think he was catching on to my act.

Eliza rushed down the stairs in her pajama pants and hair curlers. "She's not here!" she yelled a little too loudly. Then she pushed him out the door, and locked it.

Annie tiptoed down the hall so quietly I didn't hear her until she was right behind me. I quickly turned around as she wrapped her arms around me so tightly I thought I would lose circulation throughout my body.

"He's not coming back is he?" Annie asked Eliza like she would really know the answer to that.

Eliza didn't answer and walked off toward the kitchen. But we all knew it was just a matter of time.

THE PLAN:

"Okay, so Hester said that I moved to Connecticut. We should tell everyone that! I can use a wig and pretend to be someone else until the girls confess that they were making everything up," Annie said as she leaned back with a sly grin on her face.

"But what if they never confess?" I asked skeptically.
Annie shrugged and said, "They will." I suddenly realized that Annie's plans always seemed to work. "Just trust me, Hester!" She yelled. "It's our only option. You are the one that started it!" She instantly shook her head as she wanted to take back what words that just spilled from her mouth. "I know you want me to live! I know you are trying to help. I am very sorry!" She said.
"It's okay!" I said with a smile. I was glad that she knew how much I loved her and how much I would never want to let her go.

For the next month and a half, Annie was no longer Annie. She went by the name Elizabether and wore a wig so no one would recognize her. Her costume was perfect and no one seemed to suspect anything. She no longer trusted by anyone who didn't really know her, anyone but the ones closest to her! She never spoke to the girls who were accusing her, but she listened to their conversations. She learned that there was one more person behind the accusation. She didn't know who it was, but she couldn't trust anyone.

Our plan seemed to be working until one day in February. It was a rainy afternoon and Annie and I were out in the woods on a Friday afternoon. "Hester, I have to take this wig off. My head is itching like crazy! I want a moment with my hair back!" We looked around to be sure no one else was in the woods. Then, Annie pulled the wig off and then started flipping her hair and acting all dramatic. She smiled and laughed. "Haha! Heehee" she yelled with joy in her voice. "I feel free!" We laughed together and for a moment felt like we were living back in time, before witch craft came to Salem.
Then we heard something. We both paused.
I turned toward the noise and say Madison standing like a statue, eyes wide, a scream forming on her lips. But instead of screaming, a strange look covered her face. She smiled a deadly smile, a smile with evil written all over it. She said, "I knew you hadn't gone too far away, Annie." She turned and left us trembling in the woods.

ESCAPE:

Days went past before the man returned for Annie. One night I dreamed that he grabbed Annie and pulled her by her little, scrawny arms. He swung her into his wagon, tied her down. He pushed my shoulder, knocking me to the ground when I tried to pull her back. I was yelling and screaming! I felt terrified. I felt Helpless. I felt like I was never going to see Annie again. When I woke, I knew my dream was coming true.

I woke Annie just before dawn. "We have to get out of here," I said in the softest whisper. I grabbed her hand and out of the door we ran. After a short jog through the forest, I saw the old river. The rapids moved swiftly; I nodded to Annie and we smiled as we jumped. We knew we would never see our home or our friends again. But now, I know I had never trusted her more than I did at that very moment!

If you live in Salem, Massachusets, you might be able to hear our voices. We are free now to jump and play in the lively waters of the river. While they never found our bodies, Eliza always knew that it would take our lives. But thankfully, not even a roaring river can take our trusting spirits.

~by Taylor S.

Immigration Stories ~by Isa

2009-06-01T04:36:00.000-07:00

Coming to America.

The day that my family decided to move to Jackson, I was really happy. I had never been to Jackson, Wy. My mom promised, "Jackson is really cool. You will like Jackson a lot." I do. I have friends here, and I have good teachers and good classes. We flew in a plane to the border and then the adventure would begin.

In order to cross the border, we had to cross the desert. It was scary. In the desert, it is very hot. One Coyote ran my family and me over the border. He was not an animal. El Coyote was a man who helped pass my family and me into the United States. The desert is really hot and has dangerous animals like snakes. If you have food and water, you will be OK, but if you run out you are in trouble. During the day, the desert sometimes is so hot, but at night it is so cold. The desert is really dangerous.

We were lucky, we made it through. I kept thinking about snow. I kept saying to myself, "Be a good BIG sister. Be strong. Stay with my family!" It helped me keep going.

When we arrived in Jackson, I was so happy. I was happy because I was with my new family, here in Jackson WY. I was worried because many Mexicans are in the jail. But my family is not. I'm lucky; I like my new family very much. My mom said, "I told you that Jackson is really cool."
I said, "It is. I like school."
She said, "Good!" She is happy because I am learning English fast. It is so important to go to school. She wants my brothers and me to have good opportunities in life. We all know that school will help us get those opportunities.

There is a lot to learn here in Jackson, but it's my home. Home is where FAMILY is! I so happy because I have my family and I have my family and my beautiful home!

Mary, Queen of Scots ~by Cassie C.

2009-06-01T04:33:00.000-07:00

Mary was nineteen when she found herself standing on a rocking boat. She was lonely because her friends were staying in France. Saying goodbye was hard. Mary waited on the boat to Scotland. She was on her way to Scotland because her husband, the Dauphin Francis, had just died and could no longer rule France.

On the boat, Mary felt queasy because of the rocking and the food she had eaten for dinner. Mary's stomach rumbled inside. I wish I didn't have the beef, potatoes, carrots, and soup for dinner, and the cheesecake fudge balls for dessert are making me even sicker, she thought, leaning on the bow of the boat. Mary's tummy hurt because of the food and tight, metal corset she wore under her clothes. It made her sick, but she had to wear it to squash her stomach in and make her look skinny. She was uncomfortable and kept stumbling on her dress. The dresses she wore had many designs and colors that were only made for royalty.

She was a long way away from Scotland, and the rocking of the boat was making everyone seasick including the ship's captain. After 40 days on the long, long trip, she finally arrived at Scotland. Imagine her surprise to find that her cousin had betrayed her. "What? what?" she screamed when she saw a poster of her cousin Elizabeth being announced queen. "My own Cousin betrayed me and took the throne that I have been waiting for?!" She ran until she reached the castle and ordered the guards to lower the bridge, "Put it down! I have rights to be in this castle!"

When she entered the rusty castle, she quickly found her cousin smirking at her. "Leave, guards! Leave this conversation," Elizabeth scoffed at the tin caped men. Left all alone in the throne room, they talked all day long. They talked about who should rule the country. Elizabeth sat in what Mary considered her throne. She dismissed Mary, "I won't give it back."
"Please, please! I want it back!" Mary howled, falling to her knees.
"You don't deserve it. You were gone. This throne was meant for me, not you. It's too late now! Guards!! Guards!" Elizabeth spoke while staring Mary in the eyes. "Get this person out of my sight," she ordered, "Right this minute!"
"I will get you later," Mary cried while being drug away by the guards. They continued dragging her until they threw her into a cell in the dungeon. All throughout the night, Mary's mind went crazy. She couldn't stop thinking about the horrible destruction happening to her people. Elizabeth was torturing them. One hour later, Mary fell into an exhausted sleep, tears in her eyes.

The next morning she woke feeling cold, thirsty, and hungry. Sorrow melted in her as if she was in lava. She wondered how life would be with Elizabeth in charge. Will I be put in jail? Go through terror? Or be put to my death? she heard her conscious ask. "I need to toughen up and try to get my throne back," she vowed. "No more tears now; I must think only of revenge."

Fighting reached the land of Scotland. Elizabeth decided to allow Mary her freedom. The guards let Mary free and escorted her to Elizabeth's thrown. Elizabeth told her she had had two days to find as many men as would fight in her honor. If they won, Mary could have her thrown back. If they did not, they would be tortured and beheaded. Elizabeth knew that Mary would have be to killed if she was to continue to rule Scotland. Mary would never let her rule in peace. Mary was fighting for the throne, but she was also fighting for her honor. They both thought the thrown was for them. They thought that the only way to see who was going to rule the kingdom was to fight to the death, unfortunately, many would die in this battle.
"Winner gets the throne; loser gets beheaded," Mary fiercely said as she ran from the room to rally her forces.
Mary will simply lose, she can't find men to fight against my guards; it's impossible, Elizabeth thought to herself. Aloud she said, "Two days and the battle is on."

Mary traveled throughout the kingdom and hundreds of miles around on hoarse back houses looking for people who would join in her fight against Elizabeth. "Will you join me?" she kept asking. "If you do, I will bring you peace, money, care, and grant your other wishes. I will bring justice back to Scotland."
Much to Elizabeth's surprise, Mary rallied an awesome army of pheasants. Though the real soldiers would not risk joining her. They all feared the consequences of torture and death if they were to lose.
When she returned with her small but passionate army, Elizabeth mocked her. "I see that you have no soldiers on your team. There is only minutes before the joust begins; it looks like I will continue to rule Scotland after all!" Elizabeth laughed.

One more minute until the joust will begin. Panicking, Mary closed her eyes and wished someone would fight with her.

"Ding, dong, ding," the bells rang and gathered everybody came to the castle

"Gather around the fight is about to begin, and it will be exciting," Elizabeth announced.

The people sat down on the bleachers and cheered for Elizabeth. Elizabeth sent her knight out and Mary was then supposed to do the same. None of the pheasants would volunteer. Mary came out and confessed, "I have no knight. I failed to find one so I will fight myself.

"Sorry, Mary," the joust manager said, "the rules say that you have to find a knight. You are not allowed to fight yourself."

Mary sighed and looked at the ground.

"Ha!" Elizabeth laughed, "you are disqualified and that means OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!"

"No, no," Mary cried, "don't you have feelings for family."

"No!" Elizabeth answered, laughing.

Again, Mary was once more dragged to the dreaded dungeon and locked up. She spent the night cold and lonely.

Three days later, Mary had awaken and found her self chained up to a wooden table that was as tall as her neck. Her head ached because there was nowhere for her head to rest it. When she opened both eyes, there were all the the people from her kingdom watching, waiting for the execution. She thought, Why are these people watching me? Did I do something wrong? What did I do? Why would they want to see me killed?

"You should have stayed in France," murmured Elizabeth.
Tears rolled down her sad face, Why didn't people fight for me?
The executioner came out with an axe in his hand. He looked liked a person who was going to rob someone. He was dressed in a huge black vest with a black mask that only let the world see his eyes. The rest of him was black. He was really tall and muscular, and even more creepy.
Elizabeth cried, "It's time."
When the executioner held up the axe, he yelled, "HAAAAAAGH."

"Ahhhhhhhhhh," I screamed, fear taking over. He hit my back with the axe, blood was gushing and squirting out like water gushing from a hose. For a minute, I thought couldn't believe that I wasn't dead. There was only a little bit of skin holding me together. The pain was intense. Please, Lord. Take this misery away; it hurts to much,I was screaming in my head. The executioner held up the axe again.

"This time hit her neck," Elizabeth demanded.

"HAAAAAGH," he struck again.

Mary's ears closed down; she could hear no more. Her hands turned cold, she could feel no more. Her mouth closed, she could taste no more. Her heart stopped, she could breath no more. Mary closed her eyes, she could experience no more pain. She was on her way to a happy new life in heaven.

~ By Cassie C

Templar Chamber ~ by Schuyler

2009-06-01T04:31:00.000-07:00

I walked into the chamber, and the scene was like a vivid nightmare. The cold, musty Templar cellar overwhelmed my nose. In the dancing candlelight, everyone stood bleached white. Their thin faces were wrought with stress as if a demon was haunting them; I didn't want to ask what was wrong. Besides that, no one greeted me. For an odd reason, I felt like an unwelcome guest. I searched the room hoping to find the cause of this tension. I shouldn't have. I realized something that made my gut drop. Someone was gone. No, it was worse, I knew that by the way everyone was acting, someone was dead.

I searched the mass of people, but as hard as I tried, I couldn't put my finger on who it was. Then it came to me. "He's dead," I muttered, my voice slowly rising. I knew Eric wouldn't miss a meeting for his life. Something was horribly wrong.

"He's dead! Eric's dead!" I yelled, my miserable voice echoing in the halls. My best friend Eric was dead.

1120 A.D., Isreal

My memories took over as I thought back to the time when we had once fought together as friends. I remembered the blistering heat of the desert. The Muslim city glimmered in the distance like a mirage. The city intimidated me. I knew it was going to be fateful day, filled with life and death. The horn sounded, and I took off on my horse. I had a spear in my right hand and was ready to draw a sword in my left. As we neared the Sejuk Turks on the outside of the city, we let out a feral war cry. We were the outside city guard. When we got past them, it would be straight to the city. I pressed on, drawing nearer. Then I remembered Eric was to my left, and I turned my head and to see if I could grab his attention.

"Eric!" I yelled. The wind blew away my voice like grains of sand in a dust storm. Still, I caught his attention. I smiled at him. For all I knew, it might have been the last time I ever saw him. He gave me a sad, melancholy smile. I turned back towards the city. I prepared myself for a long, bloody battle.

I snapped back to the present and asked, "Why? Who did this?"
"We don't know," said William, the leader of the Knights Templar in the area. "We all were walking down the hall and found a dagger in his back. It could be any one of us." William knew everything, all the secrets about the group.
"Why though?" I pressured, "Why would someone do this?"
Someone in the group announced, "Maybe he was after money or a relic from the crusades?" All eyes turned toward William. Personally, I didn't know about any relic. We waited anxiously for William to speak. At last he announced, "That's none your business." With that he walked off, down a side passage, leaving us in a confused silence.

People started talking, their thoughts boiling like a thick stew. I knew I couldn't trust anybody. I kept my thoughts to myself. I sat pondering. Who would have done this, member or not? Finally, I couldn't stand the murmuring, so I quickly slipped out without a word. I headed towards the ancient oak door. I wanted to leave. My hands gripped the the chilled iron door and pulled. My heart skipped a beat. The door wouldn't budge. I pulled and kicked, but the door prevailed. Now I was really worried. A sick feeling sprouted in my stomach. I sprinted back to the meeting room as if I was running for my life. For all I knew, I was. I burst into the center of the room, panting like a dog. Everyone's eyes turned to me and stared at me like I was insane.
"The doors are locked," I announced, surprising everyone. Following my announcement, an outburst of angry discussion erupted. People were frantic. I knew the sanity would only last so long, so I slowly slipped out of the meeting room. I walked down the hall a small distance. The whole way I kept my eyes peeled. I started thinking. Why would someone do this? Is it for money? power? or do we have the relic? My gut tensed. Why hadn't William told me if he had a relic? Did he think I was a traitor? Anger swelled in me, but I slowly calmed down. I knew that making rash predictions would get me nowhere. My thoughts came back to earth. William had come back. Everyone was still heavily debating. I asked William in a hushed, pained voice, "Any lead on who you think did this?"

It was impossible for me to think that anyone here besides a new member would have done this. The new members were my main suspects, but I wasn't sure. Even though we were extremely careful who we let in, a spy could have joined. I was glad now that I brought my dress sword. If the situation escalated to violence, it might just come in handy. The dark tunnels were only occasionally lit with a torch, so they provided the perfect place to hide. On the way back to the center room, I wondered if the fight had grown. I had to keep everyone from leaving the center room. Whoever killed Eric could easily pick us off if we were caught alone in the tunnel. Thinking of Eric brought tears to my eyes. All though years we had worked together as each other's right hand man, and now he was gone.

1120 A.D., Isreal

The impact of my spear impaling the first soldier in my path almost knocked me of my horse. The Calvary had just hit the enemies front line. My spear was sticking out of the man like a weird body part. I swapped my sword into my right hand and charged ahead on my horse. In my few seconds of spare time, I looked behind me. I saw Eric on the ground clutching his knee. I could tell he was in agonizing pain. My heart was torn. The captain had given strict orders not to help anybody who was injured or fallen. He didn't want soldiers getting off their horses until battle was over. He wanted everyone focused on the battle. I heard another war cry, along with the distant rumble of hooves. I defiantly spun my horse around and leaped off. That was a big mistake.
I rushed to Eric and urged him to tell me where he was hurt. I knew if he didn't get up, the oncoming Calvary would plow us down. I dragged Eric over to my horse and tried to pull him onto my horse. As the Calvary got closer, I saw a soldier staring me in the eye. He sneered at me as he drew his sword and raised it above his head. I had to move. As I turned Eric around, I saw an arrow sticking out off his side. My heart dropped. At that moment, life slowed. I heaved Eric onto the horse and desperately searched for a weapon to defend myself with. I spotted one and desperately lunged at it. As I lifted myself up I saw a sword swinging down toward my head.

I shook my head, clearing it of distant memories. “Everyone,” I announced, standing on a chair, “whoever the killer is will not be able to pick us off in the center chamber. Stay here and do not leave.”
Nods of approval replied in the audience. I hopped off the stand and walked towards William. He nodded in approval, agreeing to my plan. I took him over into the corner to discus our predicament. "We need to find a way out of here," I whispered to him, "we should try breaking open the door."
"You know as well as I do that that door is more than one foot thick. We would never be able to break it open - even in our wildest dreams," he snarled back at me.
"Fine, but at least I'm trying to get out of this God forsaken pit. These tunnels are riddled with exits, we just have to find one." With that I walked off to talk to a few other senior members about what we should do. I knew that we had to find a way out. I proposed to the group, "We should organize a search party with about half of our group. That group would head off in search of a way out. The rest of the group could protect the center chamber." Or at least it was my plan.
They agreed and one of the most respected members announced, "Everyone, we need to break into two groups. One of them will venture into the tunnels and search for a exit. The other will stay here. We must act now."
"I will go!" I cried. Others chimed in after me. When we had a sufficient number of volunteers, we armed up. I grabbed my sword and prayed, I prayed to the lord. I asked for guidance. I slowly gathered my thoughts and pulled myself up from the chair I had sat on. Then, I slowly and solemnly lead my group out into the tunnel.
As I continued walking, William ran up behind me. "Don't do this!" he told me urgently.
"I'll do what I must," I responded gravely.
"You're on a suicide run and you know it," he yelled at me with all the malice in the world entwined into his voice. "You were always stupid. I'll be glad when you exhale your last breath. Good riddance"
This stopped me dead in my tracks. "Well it seems all you want to do is to sit in the chamber and rot to death. I guess it comes to this. When I find the way out, I won't bother helping you escape." I instantly regretted saying that. It was against my heart.
With that, he turned around and silently walked off. I beckoned for everybody to follow me. I couldn't speak as I knew my voice would failed me. As I walked down the torch lit tunnel, I grabbed one of them off the wall. I was glad I did. About thirty feet ahead the torch line ended. We slowed down as we entered the shadowy realm. I felt my very life slow down as a silver tipped arrow skimmed past my face. It was an omen of death from the devil himself.
As life instantly snapped back into real time, I heard the arrow sink somebody; this is a sound you would never want to hear. A black shadow leaped though the air, an omen of death. I instantly unsheathed my sword, but he shoved me down. With a quick few swings everyone was dead within seconds. Before my eyes flashed the image of Eric. With a yell of anger at all the deaths of the past, I leaped at the assailant. Our swords met with a unearthly clash. I quickly spun my sword above my head and brought it down on him with all weight of the deaths of the past. But he barely blocked as he staggered back. We went back and forth. Finally, I sliced his torso in a lucky swing. He stumbled back to the wall clutching his wound. I slowly walked up to him, preparing to give the final blow. As I approached I saw his face. He was Arabian. As I got a closer look I realized he was a Hasheem, a type of assassin. Before I could respond, I saw a flash of steel felt a searing pain from my rib cage. I sliced at his head and felt a soft swosh. I won't tell the details. I fell to the ground, gasping for breath. In my last minutes of my life I thought about my life. I realized William had only acted out of fear. Fear controls people. I slowly let go of life. At least I could be with Eric. I was at peace. For a final time I closed my eyes.

~ by Schuyler

9/11 ~ A Story of a Daughter -by Columbia

2009-06-01T04:30:00.000-07:00

I woke up on the 11th of September, 2001. Out my bedroom window, a blue sky kissed the New York skyline. I danced happily over to my mom's room.

"Mom, can I go to the dance?" I asked. I sat waiting for her response. Hopefully it was a response I wanted to hear.

"You're not going to the dance," my mom said, anger in her voice.
It wasn't the response I wanted to hear. "But why?" I screamed, stomping my foot with indignation.
"I need to go to work, and there is no one to pick you up and bring you home," my mom explained. She just looked at me; she must have just assumed I knew her schedule.
I couldn't believe she wouldn't at least offer to call my aunt to see if she could pick me up. So instead I just mentioned it to her myself. "Auntie can pick me up," I ordered, stomping my foot again.
"No!! She has her own life," my mom remarked glaring at me.

"Ah, I hate you," I whispered under my breath.

"Excuse me," my mom said, twice as angry as when I first sassed her.

"You heard me!"I remarked very annoyed. I walked off, anger in my body just waiting to jump out as soon as she left.

"I'm going to work," my mom said hoping for a reconcilitory remark like, I love you, Mom, but of course, that wasn't the answer she got.
"Well I don't really care," I replied in relief. Finally, she was gone. I don't have to listen to her. All she ever says is N-O,no!

Free of my mother, free of everthing. I danced over to the T.V. "Ah," I sighed. "I wonder what's happening on the news." It was 8:45 in the morning, and I was so tired because I didn't sleep very well. That night before I had an feeling in my stomach that something terrible was going to happen. There was the same old news. "This is boring. I wonder what's on the reality shows?" Right as I went to change the channel...

BOOM!

A plane had hit North Tower. At first I thought to myself, This is just a commercial. There is no way this is true. But as I kept flipping through the channels, the same scene was on almost every channel. I realized, This is real, but how could it be? What did we do to deserve this? Who would attack NYC? I kept watching for a while longer. "So much for the boring news. This is definitely not boring. This is a big problem...I bet school will be closed!" At that moment I realized my mom and my two aunts worked in that building. I was frozen in disbelief.
"NOOOO!" I screamed. Questions shot through my head. I felt like I had been shot by a 50 caliber gun. "Why, Why?" Why did this have to happen to my mom? Why did it have to happen on the day we got in a fight? What if they didn't get out of the building in time? I had to trust the fireman would get all my family out alive or I would go insane. I just sat hoping and praying they weren't hurt too badly.

It was 9:00 a.m in the morning, and I knew I would always regret everything I had said to my mom an hour earlier.

After waiting for what seemed hours, I called my mom's cell phone. There was no answer. I called and called, but still she did not answer. I called again, and left my 10th message on her voice mail. "Ah," I said, sweat dripping from my face in fear. "MOM! I love you so, so much." I promised. "I am so sorry about this morning. I never want to get in a fight again." I hung up and instantly pushed redial.

Ring...Ring....Ring... Then my phone disconnected. All the circuits were busy.

"Answer. Come on, please answer!" I begged as tears streamed down my face. What would I do without my mother? I knew I couldn't just wait there, I needed to go and try to find her. I grabbed my phone and ran out the door.

I ran toward the Twin Towers, but I was stopped by the policemen. I looked toward what used to be the Twin Towers. Nothing. There was nothing there; it was all gone. In disbeliefe, I dashed over to the cops. "My Mom! My Mom!" I yelled. "She is in the building."

"What is her name?" the cop asked with doubt in his voice.
"Her name is Susan...Susan," I explained.
He shook his head and turned around. At that very moment, my mom emerged from the dust in a firefighter's arms. My aunt limped next to them. I ran to them. When I got over to her, about five inches of her top leg bone was sticking through her skin. My mom's hand was black and blue. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. The firefighter loaded her up into the ambulance. My aunt grabbed my hand and we jumped up into the back of the ambulance. Tears were streaming down our faces.
As we were on the ride to the hospital, I held my mom's hand. I was praying and hoping that everything would be okay. I whispered into her ear, "I'm sorry. I love you. Please, please be OK."
We arrived at the hospital; they rushed her to the emergency room. There were a lot of nurses all around; it felt creepy because then the doctor started to take her away. I wanted to go with them, but the doctor wouldn't let me. He said, "We need to do an MRI." I sat in the waiting room next to my aunt. I was really nervous because I didn't want her to die. I was shocked because I never thought this would happen to my mom. Crying, I told my aunt about our fight, she told me it would be alright.
When they finished doing a MRI, the doctor called me in and said I could stay with her. That night I slept in the rocking chair. I woke up, and my mom was awake in her hospital bed. I walked over to her bed and said, "How are you feeling, Mom?"
"I am OK,"my mom answered weakly. I grabbed her hand. I knew in my heart I had changed. I looked at my mom; a single tear trickled down my face. She smiled. She knew that we were going to be different, better than we had been in the past. September 11, 2001 reminded us that our love for each other was more important than anything.

The End!
by ~ Columbia

The Hindenburg ~ by Clay

2009-06-01T04:26:00.000-07:00

The Hindenburg
May 6th, 1937

"Hello folks, this is Herbert Morrison coming to you live from Manhattan, New York. It's about seven o'clock, and twenty minutes ago, the marvelous airship Hindenburg flew over the city and became the center of all attention. It should be heading over The Bronx any minute now and..." The broadcast was muffled by noise outside. A man who was listening to the broadcast rose from the chair he was in and sauntered over to his open window. Arching his neck, he peered at the sky and saw the gray mass of lighter-than-air material. The street was packed with people and stopped cars, all gazing up to catch a glimpse of the flying wonder. "Germany's pride! Bah! That is nothing to be proud of in my eyes," the man scoffed.

To many people, this was not just some man. His name was Henry Birch. Henry was a science teacher at the nearby Kennedy High School. He was the teacher that many of his students thought of as "the mean one", "the old one", or "the strict one". But what did he care? To him they were just a group of children; and every year he was forced to meet more of them. They did silly things with their silly friends. They annoyed him to no end, even when they were trying not to. All his students annoyed him, even the smart ones who didn't say much.

Dropping his thoughts of his dreaded workplace, he watched as people continued to gather in the street. "Everything in this day and age is getting too exciting. Everyone gets so hyped up about the smallest things," he grumbled. It irritated him that they were mesmerized by a German airship that was sailing high above their heads. "And now this Germany business... Humph," Henry spouted with a frown. He was against what Hitler was trying to accomplish, and on this issue, he agreed with most of the other people in his community.

Henry returned his focus to the familiar airship he could see out the window. He had ridden the vessel not a year past and, quite frankly, hated it. The engines were loud, the bunks were small, and there was always a "slight delay". Everyone dressed fancy, spoke fancy, and walked fancy. Henry hated everything being so sophisticated and bland. There was one thing, though, he saw on this day that he didn't remember from before: The Nazi symbol.

The insignia was painted on to either side of the back tail fins. His rage boiled over, and he began to murmur increasingly loudly until it became a yell. "Unbelievable! I can't believe-" he stammered, not noticing his redundancy. The gathering crowd in the street momentarily averted their eyes to him and his face got hot. Embarrassed, he tucked himself back in through his window and closed it. The dull roaring noise of the airship and the crowd was stifled, and he again could hear his radio. "What a sight it is. The insignia on the back was a new addition to most of us, but it being a German airship, that's what we should start to expect, I suppose," the speaker proclaimed.

Henry's anger exploded, and he stormed into the kitchen and knocked a picture frame on the floor. After cooling down somewhat, he returned to his radio and turned up the volume. What the broadcaster was saying gave him a bad feeling. He was scared about what that sign could mean, what that ship might do, and even more scared about how close his thoughts could be to the truth. He cursed. "That symbol should be nowhere near our wonderful country," he said to himself, picking up his radio. That gave him an idea.

He had one of the newer radios availalbe, the best his teacher's salary allowed him to buy. But this radio ran on batteries, meaning he could bring it anywhere he could pick up a radio signal. He peered back out the open window. Traffic was once again moving. He snatched up the radio and grabbed his jacket. Trying not to look suspicious, he walked out into the driveway of his small home. It was located in upper Bronx, New York. With yellow paint, the wood structure was just an average house. Henry slowly strolled towards the car parked in his driveway. He dropped into the seat of the car. The car was all black, with black leather interior. Black was his favorite color. Grabbing the keys from his jacket pocket, Henry searched for the Hindenburg. He spotted it heading southward towards New Jersey.

Hmm.., Henry thought. He revved the engine, switched to reverse, and backed out cautiously. He drove down all the roads necessary to keep the giant ship in his sights, never letting it sneak away behind a building. The entire time he thoght of everything He kept his gaze as much on the road as possible while still seeing the flying marvel. After several hours, Henry had to rest his neck, strained from staring up. He focused his eyes back to the road realizing it was almost three o' clock. Up the road a ways, a sign that shocked him. The words painted on the green metallic sign read WELCOME TO LAKEHURST.

"New Jersey!?" Henry yelped to himself, accidentally swerving between lanes. He realized how coarse his voice was due to the fact he had not spoken for well over seven hours. He was hungry, tired, and thirsty. He had had drinks and snacks along the way, but he had not seen a gas station for several miles. Henry was exhausted from the strenuous driving he had endured and was ecstatic to see an air station. He cleared his throat to keep his voice from remaining so hoarse. "This has to be the place," he whispered.

Not long after five o' clock, it began to rain. Turning on his windshield wipers, Henry glared at the sky to see the Hindenburg heading the opposite way. He would have followed it, but he was too tired to care. He stopped near the air station at a small restaurant and bought himself a late lunch. Each bite fueled him and he took as long as he felt, for the dull roar of the airship was not returning. After swallowing the last bite of the delectable entrée, he ordered another smaller dish. After taking the final bite, Henry felt a wave of nausea. He hadn't eaten that much since 1889. With two meals in his belly, he felt he could lift a car. Or vomit. He paid the bill and hobbled out of the restaurant. He took a short rest in his car and drove back to the air station, checking his watch. It was later than he expected, about 7:15. The rain had let up and the damp soil felt soft under his shoes. A chill still floated in the air, so he popped his jacket collar and shrunk into it like a turtle in his shell. Off in the distance, he saw a gray mass in the sky that appeared to be a round, moving cloud. Although it took a minute, he realized it was no cloud. It was the airship. The Hindenburg. But it was not going directly towards the air station. It began to turn towards the runway slowly, but the turns it was taking were very sharp turns. Henry knew that could cause friction, but his mind was elsewhere.

"Whoa..." Henry remarked in awe. He saw the ship coming in slowly and noticed that he was on the soft dirt used as the runway. Henry would have moved but he was mesmerized by the size of the airship from this close. It was slowly decreasing in altitude, and he still stood on the runway. The Hindenburg was now getting closer and closer to the runway, but he was paralyzed. The huge ship sailed just above him. He looked directly up at it, then saw the symbol. The Nazi symbol. Just below the mark Henry saw something completely unexpected. A fire.

The ship’s tail was just above him when an extreme wave of heat hit him, followed by the loudest noise he'd heard in years. The zeppelin plummeted, tail first, straight at him. The explosion and the oncoming heat woke him from his trance and he looked to his side. Women and men alike were screaming at the fireball. He realized the danger he was in and ran as fast as his sixty-five year old legs could take him, which was surprisingly fast. He heard the sound of metal on dirt as the ship hit the ground behind him. At a safe distance, he checked over his shoulder, panting, just as the word HINDENBURG burned. The metal frame collapsed into itself, shooting sparks even as far away as he was.

He saw people exiting the ship. Some were on fire and women and children screaming and crying. He wouldn't be able to live with himself knowing people could have survived if he'd saved them. His legs and lungs burned as he ran back into the flames. As he ran through the melting metal frame, he was careful not to touch the frame. He was a science teacher, and he wasn't about to test the theory of conductivity. He saw people he could not save, for the fire had alredy engulfed them. As he walked through the labyrinth of burning metal, he saw a boy, a young boy. He grabbed the child, and the boy did not complain. He did not seem scared and did not say anything, but held onto Henry tightly as he rushed the boy out of the burning remains of the once great Hindenburg zeppelin. Once they had left the metal, Henry attempted to release the boy. The boy did not release Henry's neck. Henry pried off the fingers of the small child and looked him in the eyes. Henry said, "Find your mother." He left the boy where he was, but looked back to see the boy run into the arms of a near hysterical woman.

He ran again, this time to his car, where he found his radio. His breathing heavy and shaky, he clicked the switch and it sparked to life. He spun the tuner that changed the channel until he heard...

"Oh, this is terrible! I-I-I... I don't know what to say folks. Oh, this is terrible! Oh please look out, please get out of the way! Oh no... oh I-I... I apologize folks, I'm cutting the broadcast. I need to get inside where I can't see this... event." Henry looked through his closed window and saw the burning frame. The Nazi insignia had burned off and the frame was melting. Henry closed his eyes. His legs were aching, his lungs were burning, and his heart was racing a hundred miles an hour. His muscles shaky, he slowly pressed the gas pedal of his car and it putted away from the scene slowly. A tear rolled down Henry's cheek, followed by more. Each white hot, yet ice cold, drop of salty water splashed against the leather interior, leaving a mark on the fragile fabric. Those tears represented fear, mingled with anger, sadness, and other emotions he hadn't felt for years.

NOW LEAVING LAKEHURST, the sign read.

May 7, 1937

"Welcome back class. I hope you had an eventful weekend. I did.” His students had no idea how true that was. “Now today we are starting things off a little differently." The students sighed and groaned, fully expecting punishment for it, but Henry paid their complaints no heed.

One of his star pupils piped up, "So what's different about today, Professor Birch?"

"We're taking a class poll," he replied, much calmer than the child expected. Ever since those tears hit the leather interior of his car, he had been calmer about a lot of happenings. Having a mass of burning material and metal drop out of the sky and almost hit him, scared him. That scare had made him appreciate that he woke up the next day outside of a hospital and in good health. "But this poll is on a subject I don't believe we've touched on before. Religion. The principal is wondering because we soon will learn about foreign affairs. You will be able to study the country your religion originated in."

After the end of the day he looked over the polls and discovered something. The most common answer was Christian. The second most common was Jewish. Almost two fifths of the entire school was Jewish. He thought about some of the children who were Jewish. Many of them which he was fond of. Hmm... would you look at that, Henry thought. He thought of Hitler's scapegoats in Germany. He thought of the children... and Hitler... and himself. "I don't have a lot of time left here," he thought out loud, "but this is a pressing matter. I need to do something about this. I care." The words relieved him. He had always known it, but it was then that he truly realized his life was ending. He thought about the last fifty years of his entire life he had wasted being dull, mean, and angry. He decided to stop. His plan for the next day was to be kinder than ever before. He knew it would be hard, he knew he would really have to try, but he also was completely aware how much it would be worth.

May 8, 1937

Henry woke with a smile. It was another day for him to share the knowledge of his collected years of existence. Today marked an addition of one year to his count of existence. It was his sixty-sixth birthday. Two days ago Henry was the meanest man he knew and didn't care at all. But that no longer mattered. He was prepared to do whatever it took to show the world that he had changed. He was going to do his best to make everyone believe that he wasn't the same as his old self. Henry Birch realized something on May 6th, 1937 at 7:26 PM. Nothing is as safe as it seems. No matter what you're told, no matter who's telling you. His car, his house, even his oven. They're all dangerous, and they're all the same. All it takes is a spark.

By ~ Clay

9/11 ~ A Story of Susan -by Yesenia

2009-05-31T18:48:00.000-07:00

It was September 11, 2001. Out my bathroom window,a blue sky kissed the New York skyline. I was in my bathroom doing my makeup when I heard my daughter ask, "Mom, can I go to the dance?" Sasha said it in a nice way, but that wouldn't change my answer.
"You are not going to the dance," I said.
"Why?" my daughter asked angrily.
"Because I have to go to work and I can not pick you up,"I said.
"But Aunt Lizeth can pick me up," Sasha replied.
"NO!! You are not going to the dance and that is my last word," I said. It was hard for me because she always argued and never listened to what I said. It has always been like this with Sasha; I try, but she doesn't.
"I hate you!" Sasha said to herself stomping her feet.
"EXCUSE ME?? What did you just say?" I asked.
"You heard me," Sasha said, with that defiant head shake that make me want to kill her.
I walked towards the door mumbling, "You are in so much trouble when I get home." But I knew it was just going to be another fight.
"Bye," I said and Sasha did not answer. I just kept walking to my car. I was already tired and it was only 6:30 in the morning. This was a normal fall morning. It seemed like we had a fight every morning.

I drove to work, toward the North Tower. I was a secretary on the tenth floor and had been working there for five years. I arrived early that morning - too early, 7am. Already at that time there were many people in the building, but not nearly as many as would fill it later in the day. I got to work early because I had lots of work to do. At 8 am, I was caught up in my work, and I had started my normal day. I was really into my work when I heard a thunderous noise outside. Curious, I looked. A plane was flying by. Everyone in our office was looking out the windows and wondering why a plane was flying so close to the tower. "I have never seen a plane in Manhatten?!" I said to my boss. Nobody knew why it was there! And, it was flying so low, too low.

Boom!

The plane crashed into the top floors of the North Tower. I felt the building shake, and smoke seemed to immediately fill our office. I thought I was going to die right there. As I ran to escape from the building, I heard many people were calling for help. I wanted to help them, but I was trying to save myself. Instinct pulled me toward the stairs, away from the pleas for help. I was running down the stairs without thinking. I had reached the second floor when I heard a loud rumbling. Only later would I find out this is when the tower started falling down. I didn't slow down, I just wanted to get out.

It was all happening so fast. Suddenly, my daughter popped into my mind. I knew that she would be worried about me if she had seen this on the news. The building shook again and I fell down, and I couldn't breath because all of the smoke. I thought, I am going to die. But just as suddenly I thought, I will not die. I will not leave my daughter alone. At that moment I didn't care about the fight that we had had that morning. I knew that I would change if I got out of this building alive. There would be no more fights or anger, just happiness. So I had to get out, but how? Everybody seemed to be screaming and crying, but I soon realized that I was on the first floor of the tower; I was almost out! It was then I saw something coming towards me. I felt as though the entire building crashed down upon me.

The next time I opened my eyes, I found myself in the dark. I thought I was dead, but then I coughed. I coughed again, and then realized that I wasn't dead, but I was hurt. I screamed for help.

Finally, a firefighter found me. I wasn't dead, but I was hurt really bad. I had broken a leg and a arm. My body was covered with blood because of all the cuts that covered every inch of me. He picked me up, but even though he was trained to help me, I couldn't help thinking that we weren't going to make it out. All I wanted to say to my daughter was, "I LOVE YOU." Some way I had to tell her that. But how? I didn't know then that all the phones lines were dead, so I couldn't call her, and she couldn't call me ether. I kept trying to reach for my phone, but my arm wouldn't move. I wanted to get out of the building quickly so I could call my daughter to let her know that I was OK. I knew I was OK. In my heart, I knew that I wasn't going to die; I couldn't. That's when the firefighter leaned down and said, "We are almost out of here. Hold on!"

I'm Safe! I thought when I saw light right in front of us. We were coming out of all of the smoke, and like a dream I saw my daughter and my sister running towards me. I couldn't believe it, my daughter was crying. I had never saw my daughter crying for me; in my heart I knew that she had changed, too. The firefighter put me in the ambulance, and my sister and my daughter jumped in. We all drove to the hospital together. I got to the emergency room and a lot of nurses gathered around me. They took me to a white room, and the doctor put me to sleep. When I woke up that night, my sister and my daughter were in the room with me, each one holding one of my hands. We were together in the dingy green room, my daughter asleep next to me in a blue rocking chair. My sister asked me, "How do you feel?"

I answered, " I am OK...now."

The doctor came in, and he told me that I had a broken arm, broken leg, and five broken ribs: three ribs on the left, and two on the right side. My daughter woke up, and she asked me, "Mom, are you OK?"

I answered, crying, "Yes, I'm OK."

"I LOVE YOU," she said.

I answered with a smile, "I LOVE YOU, too." It's ironic, tragedy has a way of bringing people closer together.

THE END!

By ~ Yesenia

Sonamax - A Gladiator Story ~by Paul G.

2009-05-31T17:54:00.000-07:00

This is a true story, not make believe. I hoped that I would earn my freedom, but this is reality. Often in tales the good guy wins, and evil fails. But not in reality. In reality, people die and evil often does win. So here is my story, a true story.

I have to get there! I have to get there! The thought filled my head; it was all I could think. Though I could not yet hear the guards footsteps behind mine, I wanted to get to the house as soon as I could and warn my boy about the games.

There was no time to think about my escape from the Colosseum. I could feel the burn in my muscles and the pain in my chest. I was breathing hard. I had to try to calm down. Around me the trees were whispering to each other, urging me on from the gentle night breeze. Dashing swiftly and quietly through the mud and brick city's dirt road, I saw that I was close. I turned one more corner and there it was. A single tear fell from my eyes. My small house; through the darkness of the night I could make it out. I knew this would be the last time I would ever see this house.

Another tear started to fall; I wiped it away quickly. There were other things to worry about. I could hear the guards footsteps coming closer now. I was going to be captured. I had to make use of these last minutes before they found me.

I was only a couple feet away from my house, so I jumped up onto the porch and ran through the doorway. The smell of bread and cheese filled my nostrils; I ran to my boy's room, and tapped him on the shoulder. He woke up and said in a shocked voice "Father, what are you do-."
I interrupted him before he could finish and said, "Shhhh. Now listen to me. Never become a gladiator! Do you hear me? NEVER! If the soldiers are capturing slaves, don't try to be brave. Just run."
My son was more awake now, nodding his head in agreement. "Yes father, I hear you," He cried. His eyes, like mine, swelled with tears.
"Now, I want you to tell your mother that I love her, and that I shall see her again in heaven." Tears now flowed freely from my eyes. I hugged my son knowing that this would be the last time I would ever see him . "I have to go now or they will take you too," I sobbed.
"No, please stay here, I don't want you to go!" he stuttered, tears running down his face.
"I'm sorry. You are the most important person in my life, and I can't have them take you too. Goodbye. I will never forgive myself." Those were my last words and I was out the room.

I saw the guards circling the house now, their swords ready. I figured that they must have seen me run into the house. I saw that they they hadn't covered the back of the house yet, so I hopped out the window and started to run. But before I took three steps I saw a guard running toward me, calling out my name. "Sonamax! Sonamax! Come out. We know you are here!"
I could see the guard clearly in the light glowing from his lantern. A silver, shiny suit covered most of his body, and a silver helmet protected his head. He had a three-foot long sword and a small round shield. Thank God it was night, otherwise he would have seen me. I picked up a large branch and hid behind a corner. I was hoping that if I could hit the guard hard enough, the blow would knock him unconscious, and I would be able to make a run for it.
I could hear his footsteps getting closer. I only had one chance to get this blow off. I saw one of his feet step into my view. As he walked around the corner, I threw the branch and it whistled through the air. Before he could harm me, there was a deafening clash and the guard dropped to the ground unconscious. I knelt down and my fingers touched something wet. I picked up the lantern and looked. I could see a puddle of blood starting to form behind his head. I picked up his head and saw what was causing the bleeding. There had been a rock right where his head had landed.The branch had knocked his helmet off and the back of his head had hit the rock.

It was then I flashed back to the fight at the Colosseum. The bleeding corpse at my feet. The crowd cheering at the death.

Just as quickly, I was back in my small town with an unconscious guard lying in the soft grass; his head bleeding, his arms and legs limp in the darkness of the night. I knelt down and checked his pulse, one of the only positive skills I learned in gladiator school. He was still alive. I grabbed his sword and started to run but a piercing pain bolted through my leg. I tumbled to the ground, only to find an arrow sticking in my calf and four guards approaching.

"Well, well, if it isn't Sonamax?" said the guard in front. "We have finally caught you. Hard to believe that you could actually escape the Colosseum. The guards were amazed when you where able to sneak through the barracks and past them without any of them noticing!" The guard was a tall man, possibly six foot three to six foot four, stern and hardened from years of fighting. But at that moment, he seemed pleasantly amused. By the look of his face, I figured he was in his late twenties, possibly early thirties. I studied the other three guards. Two of them were also tall, and by the look of their faces it looked like they had not smiled in years. But the last guard was shorter than the others by an entire head. "Come, let's chain him up; we have a long way to walk." They pulled my hands behind my back, and tied chains around them. They picked up the unconscious guard and then started to walk. I looked behind me and considered trying to run. But the pain in my leg was to strong, and they would probably catch me in an instant, so I just went with them.
Then the shortest one said, "So Sonamax, tell us your story. It will give us some sort of entertainment for the walk back."

I refused at first, but then I figured there was nothing better to do. I knew they would kill me either way, once we got back to the Colosseum. "Well," I sighed, "I was captured last year in 245 BC. I was just a regular man, living a regular life, until you came in."

"Me?" the man questioned.

"Guards," I said. "Lots of them. When they first started the raid, I had no idea what was happening. I saw smoke on the other side of the town, and people running and screaming. Then I saw guards riding on armored horses throwing nets over the citizens. When I saw this, I knew what was happening. I had heard stories," I sighed, "I started to run, too, but in an instant, I was trapped under a net, and I was falling onto the hot dirt road." I paused. I looked at the guards' faces. They were emotionless, the same as always, not troubled by the story.
Then the shortest one said, "Then what?"

At least he showed some interest! "I can't remember what happened then, I think I hit my head on a rock. I woke up a couple hours later, riding in a wagon. There were four other people on it also. They all looked very muscular and sad, as if something terrible had happened to them." I stopped talking. I could feel the tears coming. I blinked and held them back. I noticed the guards hard faces still looked emotionless. "Then, I remembered what had happened and why these people looked sad. I remembered the raid and the guards on the horses. I started to sit up but a person with dark skin and big brown eyes said, 'No. Stop and rest. You hit your head badly you need to let it heal.' I slowly laid back down. The man was tall, maybe six foot two or six foot three. He had a thick body, muscular arms and legs, and scar running down the side of his face. I fell back asleep and I didn't wake up until we stopped at the gladiator school."

It was a big, brick building with very few windows. We were taught to fight each other using wooden swords, and blunt iron objects. We trained with an instructor. The instructors were mostly past gladiators who won their freedom in the Gladiator games. They told us of great fights and victories. I heard that once a man had to fight his own brother to the death! Anyway, the training went well. I was better than I thought I would be. Everyone said I was a natural, able to do all the strike attack movements easily. I relaxed and began to enjoy myself until I had my first fight the Colosseum. It was at the end of the fight..." I paused sucking up the tears and recollecting myself.

"I was fighting a bigger man, possibly six foot eight of six foot seven. Had a broad face and a beard and dark blue eyes. And as I said it was at the end of the fight. I lunged my sword straight at his stomach but he blocked it with his shield. He pushed me back with his shield, took a step back and swung a blow at my head, I ducked, took a step to my left, and swung my sword at his wrist. It hit, and blood pulsed out. He dropped his sword in shock and tried to cover the wound. He was defenseless and his life was in my hands. I looked at the emperor; he was contemplating. He stuck his hand out and put a thumb down. The crowd roared. I knew what I had to do. I raised my sword and brought it down on his neck. It was then that the enormity of what I had done hit me. I saw the man laying there; his face pale and his body motionless. I knew that man probably had a family and dreams. And I had ended them with one quick stroke. After that I went crazy thinking of what I did. I didn't want to believe I was a killer but I was. From that moment on, there was always something to remind me of what I had done. I thought about committing suicide, but I could never bring myself to do it. It didn't take long until I knew I had to worn my boy about the games."

"Yes, I was wondering how you could have escaped."
One of them said, "Then I shall tell you."
I said, "It is quite simple actually. I had studied and devised a plan. In the morning I found a rag and wrapped it around my leg. I will tell you why I did this later. I figured out that at mid day the guards would go for their meal. At the same time a man would walk through the barracks giving food to the gladiators through the bars of the cells. The Gladiators had to stick their hands out for the man to give them food. When he saw me sitting in a chair away from the bars he asked me why I wasn't standing at the bars like the others. I told him that my leg was injured and that he would have to come give it to me. I showed him the bandage wrapped around my leg. He took out a key, opened the gate, and walked over to give me the food. When he did, I punched him in the stomach and then slammed his head in the wall. I made sure he was alive, then made a run through the opened gate." I looked at the guards. "I assume someone had to see me, or you wouldn't be here." I said. I looked ahead and saw we were arriving at the Colosseum.

"Killing was not like I had been told. There was no glory, no pride. Instead I felt like a thief. I had taken all that man's hopes and all that man's dreams for nothing. All his dreams had vanished in a flash. And he was innocent.

"I wish I had never killed that man. After it was over, I wished I were the one killed, not him." The guards looked at me strangely then the one in front said, "Well Sonamax, tomorrow you will get your wish!"

I looked at him and whispered, "Thank you."

By ~ Paul

Escaping The Cultural Revolution ~by Adam

2009-05-31T17:51:00.000-07:00

Sayman gazed out the window to the bustling streets of 1996 Shanghai. Children laughed and darted about without a care, their parents striding past the colorful market stalls. Sayman sighed sadly. She knew she did not have much time. The cancer resigned her to a miserable fate. The sparkling sunbeams filtered into the hotel room, a balmy glow making her feel drowsy. Sayman knew that the time had come for her children to know of her story.

"In the small town where we resided, your father, Nounsan, and I were celebrating your sister Jacqueline's half birthday. The door burst open, and a telegram was delivered. I glanced at my husband's face. He frowned. 'I must leave tonight, or they will kill me.' While this was not overly surprising, as China had been under communist rule for over a year, and Nounsan was bourgeois, capitalist, and belonged to the five black categories, I was stunned. His voice burst through my thoughts. 'We will leave separately and meet in Hong Kong as soon as is possible.'

"No!" the strength of my own voice surprised me.

"Sayman," Nounsan whispered, "it is for the best." I followed him to the door where he held Jacqueline and smiled. The warmth of that smile would heat the coldness of the coming months. "I will see you soon." It was not a plea or question; it was a fact.

Through my tears, I made out the figure hurrying through the dark night. I wandered throughout the house remembering the long, happy years spent here. I left just minutes after Nounsan's departure with Jacqueline in one arm and a small bag with food and a box of matches in the other. Glancing back through the small doorway, I saw three bowls of rice still warm on the table, a reminder of the happy celebration interrupted just hours before.

I ran. Feet pounding against the dry ground. Stumbling occasionally, I did not feel the burning of my legs. I felt only the sorrow of my heart. The sorrow for a girl who may never again see her father. The sorrow for a man fearful for his family. Sorrow for a world filled with war and power struggles. But for myself, I felt only the anger fueling my lungs. For the first time, I hated Mao, the one who started it all.

I slowed and tramped for miles, until the dusk engulfed us. I continued until the dawn lengthened our shadows once more. Jacqueline's plump face was peaceful, and she had not made a sound for hours. I trekked along the rutted path for a mile more. Over the fertile hill appeared a rural farming town. Entering the largest of the random roads, and weaving through small homes I wandered aimlessly through the town. . We slept. Everywhere I looked, Mao was there, red painted on the background around his face. The people of this village had calloused hands and worry lines from their hard and tiring work. After the communists came to power, everything changed, and yet nothing had. (more powerful shorter.) We slept in an abandoned, mud splattered cart found on the road that night. The cart was a weary companion for countless travelers. For the first time, Jacqueline and I slept under the starry skies of the heavens.

Months later, I had relocated from town to town countless times. I allowed myself to stay at each town for no more than a month, because of the fear that we might be found by the Chinese police. All the time, I towed the cart with Jacqueline inside. She had adapted and become a quiet baby. This was necessary or she would endanger our lives. We had learned many things traveling. We had learned how to satisfy our hunger with stream water, and not to trust those who could not think for themselves, those who Mao had brainwashed and blinded with propaganda. We had learned how to pick berries from bushes, and while the berries never filled our bellies, we would not steal. But on that well trodden path to a town by the sea, I realized that nobody could ever succeed in preventing determination from reaching its destination. Corruption, evil, hate, and malice could delay the eventual outcome of a struggle, but they could never change it. I paused to rest under the shade of a peach tree. The half-formed blossoms swayed in the gentle breeze. Like this tree, I would bend to the communist party, but I would not break. I continued down the slight incline to the boat headed for Shanghai.

I clambered onto the slow cargo ship, Jacqueline toddled beside me. At one and a half years, she was surprisingly large and strong. We had bribed the crew hands to smuggle us to Shanghai, but only after we were sure they would not betray us to the authorities. When we snuck on board, a man holding a lantern beckoned to us. We followed him into a hold full of goods that were headed to the big cities. The goods were under tarps and I did not dare to ask exactly what the cargo was. The man lifted a small plank to reveal the handle of a trapdoor. "Get in!" he ordered.

I descended the ladder. A difficult task with a small toddler. As we climbed down into the darkness, I heard frightened whispers. At the bottom of the ladder, I lit one of my remaining matches. The match's small aura of light revealed many faces huddling together, a small taste of the sorrow that communism had secretly brought to our country. "Who were you?" a small refugee asked in a pinched, tired voice. I recounted my story, the tale of my content life before, and others quietly recounted their stories as well. It was strange: a group of the oppressed shivering in the rags of their former wealth. A musty ship's hold their palace, and rats their courtiers. Lost in our stories, the only possessions we deemed fit to share with others, we barely realized that we were on our way to Shanghai.
The ship stopped with a jolt. We had traveled only half of the time needed to arrive at Shanghai, and this terrible fact silenced all conversation. Boots traveled heavily on the deck above, ripping sounds echoing as the tarps were torn. Soldiers. Jacqueline cried, a testament to how frightened she felt. The tramping stopped. Urgent hisses told me to quiet her. I smothered her mouth, so she could breath but not make noise. The soldiers continued their search. Jacqueline fell asleep my to my relief.

My eyelids, crusted over with salt, opened. The movement of the ship was eerily absent, and the water lapped at the hull. The refugees began emerging from the boat, one by one into the darkness. The stragglers waited under the deck, half expecting screams and gunshots. Nothing. Only the wind swishing over the water. I emerged, cradling Jacqueline in my arms. A shadow darted from a bush, and I froze, hardly breathing. I waited for the gruff voice of a tired soldier, but heard a familiar one. "Sayman?"
Nounsan! I ran toward him. As we walked slowly so that Jacqueline could keep up, we could not control our feelings of disbelief. At last, we had been reunited. Nounsan had waited for almost a year for us, checking continually for our arrival at the corner of Haiying Cun. Jacqueline looked up at her father's face, now the face of a stranger. The black waters of the harbor embraced the land. Lights from the surrounding city mimicked the stars of the night sky. I took a breath. It tasted cool and moist upon my tongue, the taste of freedom, of safety, of the promise of a new life.

The day passed as I told my tale. The velvet folds of night had enclosed us. I looked at the world around us. I knew I would savor this life.

by ~ Adam

9/11 ~ A Story of an Hero -by Yesica

2009-05-31T17:49:00.001-07:00

It was Tuesday morning in Manhattan, New York. Blue skies were overhead; it was a sun-shinny day. I had arrived at work early today and was logging into my computer. I'd worked for Cantor Fitzgerald for seven years. I had lots of friends at work, and best of all my best friend worked with me, too. My friend had a baby. When she went to work. she always left her baby with a babysitter.

I open the blinds for window of my office; I looked outside the window and at 8:00 is was already nice and warm. It was a beautiful day outside. The day was flying by as I had already been at work for 37 minutes. I looked outside the window again thinking that it was really a beautiful day.

At 8:45, a plane was flying by the tower. This never happened! It was too low. My coworker shouted, "Why is that plane flying by?" Nobody answered. Nobody knew why. Then we watched as it crashed into the North Tower. Fire exploded out of the building.

We all started running toward the door. I just wanted to get out. Everyone was shouting. My boss stopped us and told us, "Calm down. We need to think."

Looking across the way at the North tower, I saw people on fire. Black smoke poured from the towers. Fire trucks were arriving at the scene and firefighters were spraying water onto the North Tower because there was fire even at the bottom. We watched from the 77th floor. Thousands of people were exiting both of the Twin Towers. I watched people run out of the towers.

I knew I needed to get out too. I knew I needed to take my best friend with me. I found her and she said to me, "Should we get out of here?"

"Yes! We should," I said. We both ran to the elevator, but it didn't work. We had to go down the stairs, even thought it was a very long way.

"I hope I make it home to my baby," she cried as we started down.

As if no time had passed, a second plane came into view. It was going to crash in to the tower that I was in. Everyone panicked and started running. I started thinking of people who were in the top of the tower. Would they get out? I felt scared that we would not get out of the tower. Would we be stuck? How are we going to get out? Am I going to die? I wondered. I was also so scared that my friend would never see her baby again.

My friend was crying about her baby we went where her baby was but the baby sitter wasn't there the other plain crashed into the tower. She was screaming about her baby she saw the baby sitter going down stairs with the baby. She took the baby out of the baby sitters arms she told the women if her baby was okay.We started walking the sitter didn't go with us. We stopped and told her to come with us she said she was to old to run. I told her I would carried but she didn't come.

I was terrified. I knew I had to run in order to save my life, but could I leave these people behind? The 77th floor was filled with injured people covered with blood, and people who were already dead. I turned to my friend. She was bleeding and limping. I knew I had to save her. I took her baby in my arms and took my friend from her arm and started running down stairs she was falling down but we keeped running down stairs.

As they exited the tower, a policeman ushered them down the street. The TV crews were waiting at the edge of town. A cameraman asked, "How did you have the strength to carry her?"
She said, "It wouldn't have been worth living, it I had let her die!"

Roman Gladiators ~by Brady

2009-05-31T17:47:00.000-07:00

Running down a narrow alley, away from the Roman police, was the baker, Fabricius. He just stolen some money from a merchant. Since his family was poor and he needed the money, in his mind, it was time to take drastic measures. Finally, when the policemen were within reaching distance of the baker, a policeman lunged and took out the legs of the muscular man. He fell to the ground about 100 yards from the bakery. At that moment, the baker lost all hope. The coins scattered everywhere. He was on the ground and the police were on his back, chaining him in shackles. They lifted him up, and drug him to a cell.

Fabricius's family was at the house sitting in front of the fire, wondering where their dad was. What could he be doing? his wife Flora wondered. Julius, his son, began to worry. She walked her son to his room to put him in bed; they said their worried prayers. "Please let daddy come home," prayed Julius. She left the room with many thoughts about her husband floating in her head. Throughout the night, she sat near the fire in hopes of hearing her lost love return. Finally, resting her head on the table, Flora slowly drifted to sleep.

Early the next morning the Roman police stormed into the house, stopping where Flora was lost in sleep. She awoke with a hectic start. Many questions tried to force their way out at the same time, but all that came out was, "Who are you? Where are we? Do you have my husband?" Then Julius woke with a loud a treacherous scream. The woman knew instantly they were taking her child. The crazed woman thought of her son and grabbed the closest vase. She made a break for her son's room, snatching some knives along the way. She spotted a guard in the doorway facing the child. With rage filling her swing, she plunged the knife into the back of guards neck, sending him straight towards the ground. Entering the room, Flora smashed the vase over the guards head who was reaching for her son. Flora was in such a state of anger and fear, she was randomly was picking up objects and hurling them at the guards' heads. Finally, the guards pried the miscellaneous items from her hands and threw her to the floor. Yelling and moaning in pain, she knew she lost. She was about to lose her son as she had lost her husband.

Once they got Flora under control, the guards informed her, "Your husband is in jail for theft."
Immediately she was questioning the guards, "How is this possible? He is an honest man. There must be some mistake?" Inside she wondered, What must he have done?
Without answering her questions, the guards told the Flora she would have to offer up food and taxes for the injuries that were inflicted upon the guards.
Flora nodded. Then she grabbed her son and coat and bolted for the door. Once free from the police, Flora sprinted towards the jail facility. She ran through the market place, bumping into citizens, breaking pots, and running into stands. She was rapidly approaching the facility. Flora sprinted at the speed of wind, dragging Julius behind her. Rounding the last corner, she sped down the final straight away. She finally rushed into the door and calmly demanded to see her husband. She was let to her husband's cell. With one quick glance she knew exactly what was going on. Her husband had chosen to be a gladiator instead of face trial.

Fabricius knew what she was thinking, and it wasn't good. Sitting in a corner of the stone cell, with shackles hanging around his wrist, he could do nothing to convince her that this was the right decision. He was sure it was the best decision, until he thought about his family. How will they ever survive without him running the bakery? As he tried to convince Flore, but she just stood by the bars in shock. And then, unexpectedly, she walked away. She walked away as if she had no more feelings towards her husband. He instantly shot himself against the bars. Fabricius stood up, shook the bars of the cell, and pleaded with his wife to forgive him. Flora stopped walking. With sudden hope and relief, her husband exhaled, but there was a long pause. Then, she carried on and thoughtfully strode out the door, shedding a light, thin stream of tears from both eyes. In a rage, Fabricius screamed and punched the wall. He immediately hit his hands together against the cell wall trying in vain to break free. Blood dripped down his arms to the ends of the lead chains. He knew his life was over. For many hours straight, all he did was pray that his wife would take him back.

After a long painful night, a guard suddenly pounced into the cell where Fabricius was lying down. In a state of shock, Fabricius realized the guard meant business, and with one sudden movement, the guard heaved him up with one arm and carried him away. The guard brought him to a horse drawn wagon. He tossed Fabricius in among many other slaves and crooks.

"What a day," said a black man beside him.
"Yes, what a day," Fabricius replied.
"My name is Accius. I am a prisoner, a slave to the Roman empire, and you?"
"I am named after my father Fabricius. I am here because I robbed an old man for money. After that, I ran away from the police. I led them through town. After a while, though, they caught me and threw me to the ground. I was put in jail, and here I am now."
"Harsh way to live my friend," Accius replied. Nothing was spoken for a long while on their way to the dreaded Colosseum.
Fabricius nodded off and then awoke with a sudden halt of the horse-drawn wagon. Fabricius took a glance at the new environment. There was so much going on that his brain could not comprehend most of it. When his gaze returned to the cart, he realized that Accius was being taken away by guards. Fabricius' instinct was to run after him and assist, but he knew he would be in far more danger then he was now. When his attention was focused on Accius, a guard crept up behind him and threw a chain around Fabricius' neck. After a struggle to break free, Fabricius grew very weak, and within seconds, he was out cold, limp and lifeless.
Fabricius regained consciousness with a start. He was in a room that was cold, dark, and covered in dry dirt. The room resembled the cell that he had been in recently. However, there were no bars or locks. He was wondering how long it had been since he was put in the room. What time is it? What day is it? Then he remembered Accius and his attack. Where is Accuis now? he wondered. Fabricius tried to get up, but noticed it was hard to breathe. He unsteadily reached his arms up to his neck, and felt deep indents in his neck. A shock of remembrance ran through his head, and now his head was filled with a lot of different thoughts. Memories flooded his mind; he had been choked. Despite the pain, he knew had to try to find Accius. He had to help him.
He stood up with a grunt, and it wasn't too long before he was surprised again. Almost instantly, he felt pressure in his stomach. Curious, he lifted up his shirt and found deep red marks resembling the ones on his neck. Fabricius began to panic and hyperventilate. This made him cough violently, and within seconds he was choking on his own blood. With blood dripping from his mouth, he moaned in agony. Cough after cough came, and he was choking up more and more blood. For a split second, Fabricius thought he was dying. He couldn't tell how much blood he had lost. Over a period of time, his vision started to blur. Before he knew it he was laying on the ground again. Out cold.
Fabricius woke to the sound of a beating outside his room. He heard a familiar voice; it was Accius. His friend was getting a licking and it seemed that he couldn't do anything about it. While listening to Accius scream in terror, he tried to make his way to the door that was slightly ajar. As he was moving to the door, he collapsed. He was in agony, lying on the ground, but he knew he had to help Accius. Fabricius got up, adrenaline racing through his body. He slipped through the door, but he was too late. There was Accius lying on the floor of his room, across the hall from Fabricius. He was covered in blood. It was hard to imagine that his friend had been beaten so closely to him. Am I next? he wondered. He crouched down and put his ear to Accius's chest, listening for a heart beat or his breathing. Accius spoke in a quiet, rough voice, "Help me, please."
Immediately, Fabricius dragged him into his room and shut the door. Fabricius vowed to protect Accius through times helplessness and despair. Everything was silent but the crying of Fabricius. Accius leaned toward Fabricius and said, "you are a good friend. If you carry on throughout your life like this you will succeed." Accius' head grew limp and gently rolled back. He was asleep but his eyes were still opened. Fabricius knew his friend had passed away.

~By Brady

Olympic Dreams ~ by Melissa

2009-05-31T17:41:00.000-07:00

My Plan:

Throughout my life, I've been very observant. I watch and I learn from the people I look up to. My life plan was simple let them figure it out and I would copy. This created a habit that I called "Note to Self," which meant that I recorded important information that I might use later.

My Dream:

Get ready! Get set! Go! The shot went off in my head. I ran, ran, ran until I was flying; I was free; I was invincible. The hot Greek summer sun snaked around my body. The hard earth underneath my feet was trailing along with me on my race. This is the best time of my life. I have been on this earth for 13 and a half years now, and I have been to the Olympic games for as long as I remember. It is the very beginning of the second century A.D., and I am free as a bird. That day will be a special day.

Olympics, 200 AD:

"Runners, on your mark!" I made it. "Get set!" Here it comes. "GO!" I can't believe I'm at the Olympic games, I thought to myself, preparing for a great event.

Five athletes, one winner and four losers, sprinted away from the line. In the lead was the most famous athlete. He had won most of the competitions during the last week. He thought he was a big shot and flexed his muscles for the women. He was so big and muscular, and just by the look on his face, you could tell that he only cared about himself. In second place was the other hot shot. He had won first place in one of the games and second, third and fourth in the other games. He was a clear contender for this race. In third place was the guy who really, really wanted to win. He had a very concentrated expression on his face. He was shorter than the others but just as strong.

As I watched the race, I saw different expressions. Some were on the prize, while others were filled with determination. Some were actually angry. I watched as they started the race. Some flew out of the starting blocks, while others took it nice and easy. Only few kept a pace, others thought that by going faster and faster they would make it. Should they really make it after starting fast and ending slow? Or just the opposite. Everyone started slowing down, one by one. The person who started out in last place, was now in the lead by what I guessed was two feet. One by one their expressions changed from wanting to win, to the expression of a mother lion preotecting her baby. The lead runner was almost to cross the finish line; he was so close... then, the runner in fifth place threw his boney yet muscular arms out to the side and went past the other runners to reach the finish line first. The crowd went wild. Who would have guessed that he would have won the race? The person no one suspected would win, won.

Note to self: start out slow then speed up to reach victory.

"Venus!" I knew that voice, that voice that I had heard my whole life.

"Father!" I ran to him. My father was the Olympic Game coordinator so he got to put the games and activities together.

Note to Self: You never have to, you always get to.

"Venus, did you enjoy the race? " father asked.
"I loved it! I would never have guessed that Leonidas would be the winner of the race -"
I was interrupted by my Father's best friend and working partner, Uncle Jonathan. He had black, sleek looking hair and was tall and strong.
"Robert, so glad to see you! Oh, hello, Venus." Uncle Jonathan patted me on the head and turned his attention back to Father. " We need you down by the finish line to congratulate Leonidas. We need you right now!" He looked at me, "Wasn't that race exciting? I knew that kid would win. That's a great strategy!"
Father turned to me with an expression that said, Sorry honey. I'll catch you at dinner. I love you. I knew that he was a very busy man. Sometimes he was forced to go and do his job when he would much rather be spending time with his family. Uncle Jonathan was always, and I mean always, busy. He was only free on weekends when the family had picnics. We all knew the games and embraced the Greek sun, and the Emperor wanted them to be good.

I started to look around for anyone I knew, but the crowd was so thick it was like looking for a piece of straw in a hay stack. I walked around a corner to see what else was going on. That was when I I saw all of the contestants who had been beated. Their good sportsmanship had all but disappeared as they kicked at the dirt, complained, and threw their things around.

Note to self: Everyone who loses in an event of any kind will be very mad. You can tell what people are like if they throw a huge fit in public or if they wait to be alone. Good Sportsmanship is an important trait.

To the crowd and their families, the "losers" were saying it wasn't a big deal and there was always next year. If their eyes hadn't been filled with anger and defeat, I would have believed them. But alone, they seemed to be mourning their missed shot at victory.

"Venus!" I was startled. Who could be calling my name? How could they even find me? I turned in all directions and then finally saw a familiar skinny, muscular, tall body. It was my best friend Zues. Our parents had known each other even before we were born. We were next door neighbors, so we got to spend a lot of time together. Zuess was older and taller, but not faster than me. We always competed with each other in running races, and I always won. He came closer and stood directly in front of me. "Where were you? One second you say we can sit together, and the next thing I know you are running almost as fast as the racers." I blushed and turned pure red. Could he see that? I thought I was only running in my dreams.

"Oh, you saw that?" I blushed even more. "Did you enjoy the race?" I wanted to change the subject fast.

"It was awesome! It would have been a lot more awesome if you were with us. I was amazed when Leonidas won!"

"Same here," I knew that everyone would be saying that for a while, a shock it was to everyone.
"What a strategy! Oh, I saw your 'Uncle'," Zuess used air quotations. He knows pretty much everything about me - even how I think about my uncle. "He looked very buisy. He said hi to me though. He stopped me, looked me in the eyes and said that someday I could be the winner."

Note to Self: Winners always need someone to believe in them first.

"Oh please, I could outrun you in a heartbea!." I didn't mean to brag, but it was the truth. I hoped that he wasn't hurt.

"Well, bring it on! I can beat you to the VIP arena."

" Oh, you're so on!" We started to run. We ran, ran, ran, ran, and ran....

We spent the next four years running. It was 4 years since the last Olympic games, since I ran with the racers. It had been four years of practicing my come from behind strategy. Four years since my dream. And during those four years, my dream of becoming an Olympic athlete has become so large it is like a sponge absorbing every ounce of water.

I have become taller; I have grown more in every way. What has grown the most is my passion for racing and my love for running. Olympia, Greece was still hot, sunny and welcoming. I wouldn't wait for the Olympics; they were two weeks away. I walked into the sun room and sat down on the long sun chair. Shall I read something about love, sports, or.... I couldn't help myself but I driffted into a daydream.

I was running and living an even more lovely life than I have. I seemed to be running toward a big house. Is that my house, I wondered. I am a star runner, and there is a man. He looks like a boy, but he looks handsome. No, he is more of a man. Who is this? Is he my husband? Suddenly in my heart I know that it is. He was about to turn around...and I am about to see his face.....

A faint voice suddenly got louder and louder, interrupting the moment. Then, I noticed it was my mother, breaking me free of my dream. Disappointed I opened my eyes.

Note to Self: Run faster in my dreams!

" Venus. There you are. Dinner needs to be prepared." My mother has always been beautiful. She was nearly 38 years old and still elegant.

" Okay, mother. I'll be there in a second." I tried to imagine his face but I couldn't get it back into my head. Frustrated, I got up to help with dinner.

Later that night, Zuess and I raced through the fields. "How can you do that?" Zuess was tring to catch up to me. He was very shocked just like every race when I beat him.

"I just have skill!" We were walking on the mountain by our favorite childhood hiding place that over looked the Medeterrianean Sea. It was nice and warm. This was the place where we could talk without anyone hearing. This was the place we shared our dreams.
There was an evening breeze, and I was wrapped up in a blanket, my long, brown, wavey hair blowing in every direction with the breeze. In sync, we slivered up the tall oak tree, like snakes slithering up a human body. I sat down on a branch that over ooked the ocean and inhaled the sweet salty sent of the summer sea. I didn't want to break this silence, yet I wanted to connect.
I was about to speak, but he beat me to it and his voice was so soft, deeper and more mature than last year. "So, how have you been Venus?" It surprised me as he rarely said my name. I noticed that I was feeling fidgeting, strange.

Note to Self: Sometimes things change with boys, the older they get the more they want to be mature.

"Good, I have been learning how to do housework, knitting, pot making, time keeping and some more running." I decided not to tell him about my dream. "What about you?"
"Um," he stuttered. I knew Zuess had something to tell me, something that I wasn't going to want to hear. "I have been fantastic actually. I have been learning how to hunt and build." His face was becoming sad. His smile faded and his face was turning depressed. I was nervous and my heart became a train, going faster and faster each beat. "I haven't wanted to tell you this, but...I don't want to lie to you anymore. For the past year, I have been training for the olympics. Under the running category. Your father and your uncle think I am going to be great this year. "
My heart shattered into microscopic pieces. I had to be brave, but I was too stunned, too jealous, too angry. I could not keep it together, especially in front of my best friend. I took a breath that seemed to come from the bottom of the ocean. "Wow. I am, proud of you," I couldn't find the right words to say. "That's amazing. You really deserve it. You have become an outstanding runner." I looked at the sky. It was as if the gods heard me and the sky turned gray.
"You know I owe it all to you. Without our races..."
"You really deserve it," I said again. My voice betrayed me. I was about to cry and we both knew it.
"You should be getting home. Me, too. I have to train tomorrow." Zuess was acting like a brave man but before he could get something over to me to protect me from my pain, I started to run. It was a sudden jog, and Zuess caught up to me quickly. He even ran a little further than I did, but as the lighting struck I ran faster than he did. I made it to my yard and took a moment to cool down, I felt the light rain become heavy rain and the rain soaked me. I watched as he ran toward me, something familiar stirring in my stomach.
"I like your style. You are a better runner. I still have a lot to learn from you." Zuess was humble as he ran off toward his house.

I climbed up the vines to the top floor where my bedroom was. I climbed in and immediatley went to my bathroom. I took of my clothes and wrapped a warm cream-colored towel around my skinny body and my developed chest. It was so warm and so comforting. It wasn't until I got to my dresser to put on my pajamas that I realized that my best friend, the boy across the street, the boy who I grew up with, the boy who is slower than me was now living my dream. He would be in the summer olympics in just two weeks. My anger began to boil. My hands were shaking and tears were sliding down my face. He was going to run in the Olympics, and I wouldn't be. I couldn't. My dream was not even a reality. But why? Why couldn't I?

NOTE TO SELF: Don't let others create your reality.

I turned for the door and jumped down the stairs very confidently, sliding down the silky wood rail. Mother and Father were in the kitchen, and I was ready to ask them - demand to know - why girls couldn't run in the olympics.
" Good evening Venus," Mother spoke with a soft lullaby tone to her voice. Her voice took me into a sleep trance, as if I were a baby. After the sudden silence, I came back to earth and was determind to get some answers.

" Good evening Mother and Father. I want to run in the Olympics?" I meant for it to be a demand, but I was unsure about my words and it came out as a question.
They looked at each other like there was something that they have never told me, and there was. Father answered, "I've always loved your passion about the Olympics. But, you know the Olympics are very important to MEN. The running and sports help us to determine who is the strongest and bravest, " To me, it seemed like he was going on and on.
The only response I could think of without making this longer than it should be is, "Yes."
"Do you ever see any women in the stands during in the olympics?" Mother was calm, but not as calm as it was before.
I still didn't want to make this drag on so I just said what I knew, "No." We were silent but I bet my face was turning blank.
"Well, it is against the rules of the Olympic Games for women to be watching the olympic games if they are married," Dad reminded me of this rule. I was nearing the time when I would no longer be able to even watch the games. "If woman cannot even watch the games, you know that it is against the rules for women to race in the olympic games."
My heart shattered for the second time that day. We stood still for what seemed like forever when I finally gave up and tears started filling my eyes and weakly I spoke.
" Never?" I couldn't help but starting to cry.

"Never." My mother and father spoke in union.

Not only had my best friend been chosen to race in the Olympic games, stealing away my dream. My parents had finally shattered it. I would never be in the Olympic games. I ran upstairs and into my room. I closed the door behind me trying to make it as silent as possible, but I was sure Mother and Father heard it. I leaped to my bed and started to cry. I began to sob. It was like having my baby being taken from me by someone I loved only to slaughtered it. A puddle was forming on my pillow, but I didn't care. All I wanted was to run. I cried until I fell into a fitful sleep.

I had a dream that night that I was racing in the Olympics without a care in the world. And when I woke up the next day, I knew that was my mission.

NOTE TO SELF: It's good to have a mission.

"Venus, could you please go get some fresh water from the well?" Mother was washing the floors.
"Of course, mother. " I grabbed the bucket and left. I was now on my mission to the garden. Father, Uncle Jonathan, and a few of their emplyee's were in the garden talking about the Olympics, which were one week away. I lingered along into the garden and went to the well, slowly attached the bucket to the string, and lowered the carrier into the water.
"The celebration meal will be held at the stadium, but who will be the cook?" I couldn't help but overhearing what they were saying. (I hadn't planned on listening to their conversation, so you can't call it eavesdropping!)
"In the market there is the best restaurant. They have cooked for us before and they are amazing! It's just by the south fruit place and they are true Greek cooks." Father had showed me that restaurant before, and they were amazing chefs. Two summers ago, Zuess and I would saved up our money and buy a frozen treat to quench our need of a cold treat. Feeling nervous about listening, I swiftly moved back into the house and handed mother the bucket, then I grabbed a tray of sandwiches for the men. This was my time to complete my task. I moved like a dancer through the garden, waving all of the bugs away so they wouldn't attack the penutbutter and honey sandwiches. I finally reached the table and gently put the tray down.
"Thank you Venus." Father cheered. I could tell that they were all very hungary after all of that work. I smiled then waited because they would have to make small talk with me if I was just standing there.
"So how is your summer treating you Venus?" Uncle Jonathan looked eager to get back to work, but he was being polite.
"Great," I needed to get to the chase fast. This was my only time. " So, how are the preperation coming?"
"Okay, we are having some difficulties but that is just how work is." Father loved taking time to talk to me. I loved that about him. They started turning around from me to get back to work, then that was the time I had to say it.
"Are there any surprise racers in these Olympics games?" I know it sounded to eager, but they really don't know my plan so I was safe, or at least I thought I was.
"Not yet, but there are always surprised at the starting line!" Father looked at me strangely and then returned to his work.
"Zuess is coming along! I predict he will have a fine showing in his first Olympic games," Uncle Jonathan looked very different then he had any other time I had seen him. He seemed excited, proud. It was like he had discovered Zuess himself.
"I just wish women were allowed into the Olympics," I said as I turned to walk away, "then there would a race!" I smiled as I left them speechless.
" Women in the Olympics?" one of the other men asked.
They were silent for a while then Uncle Jonathan decided to speak. "Women in the Olympics?! That is the most uneducated thing I have ever heard anyone say. Women can't run! They can't race!"
I froze. Anger was growing.
"No women should ever even think about that. Women just need to stay home and cook, clean and stay silent. I don't even like how women are getting an education. It is quite annoying for men who need to go to collage, women are just stealing everything," he continued.
I was still in shock. Who would say that? Was this the person I have always known? Or had he been wearing a mask for all of those years? Furious, I stormed away.
"You've got that right," one of the men said. Father spoke up finally, changing the subject and getting people focused on their work again. I could tell he felt badly for me, but he didn't know my plan. I was now on another mission. I was determind to show him and the other men at that table who would an Olympic winner. The Olympics were two weeks away, and I had a lot of training to do.

Olympics, 204 AD:

Get ready! Get set! Go! The shot went off in my head. I ran, ran, ran until I was flying; I was free; I was invincible. The hot Greek summer sun snaked around my body. The hard earth underneath my feet was trailing along with me on my race. This is the best time of my life. I have been on this earth for 13 and a half years now, and I have been to the Olympic games for as long as I remember. I am free as a bird. That day will be a special day.

I walked out of the athletes room ready to prove Greece wrong. I was for sure though that they would recognize me by my face and body structure, but I guess I didn't fool anyone. I walked out with four other men, including Zuess. The men and Zuess wore a diper type bottom and that was it. I on the other hand wore a type of man dress. I had wrapped my chest with cloth so that I didn't blow my cover. I wrapped my hair up and put it in a hat. I really looked like a man. I even dirtied my self up a little bit.
"Contestants, to the starting line." Almost there. " Get ready," I was ready. " Get set," I was surely set. " GO!" Everyone dashed from the line except for me and Zuess. Has he been watching me everytime we raced? Of course he did, he was fasinated by my skill level. I was the last one and I was following everyone else. It looked like I needed to catch up big time, but I knew it could get in front. Faster and faster everybody went except for Zuess and I. I really wanted him to win, but I was the one in this race. The first three started to slow down, now it was me against Zuess. I started going faster picking up all of that energy. I knew he could sence me and sped up, but before he knew it I was in front of him. He looked stunned but I wasn't suprised. He tried to keep up, but he was too slow for me. The finish line was three feet away. I spread my arms out and I split through the ribbon. The crowd was shocked and yet they went wild. I could hear the others behind me and they finished the reace two. In the backround I could hear Jonathan kicking and screaming. He thought that Zuess would win, and I bet he had bet a lot of money on him. It was the perfect timing to show who had really won. Gently getting everyones attention, I faced my face to the sun light and un vailed my hat and my long brown hair drapped around my manly looking body. Everyone who was watching, even the animals, dirt, rocks, and other contestants gasped so loud that the loudness could cause and earthquake.
" Disquallified!" Jonathan rushed over to us. I had a seriouse look on my face because I knew I could out wit him. I could even see my father in the corner of my eye standing there frozen.
" I am not!" I was wanting to make a statement with this.
" Yes you are! Women are just silent creatures that should never, ever particapate in a sporting event! They shouldn't even be allowed to get an education!" The crowed gasped again. I wasn't supprised at all though. In his eyes, you could tell he wanted to take back those words.
"You know what Jonathan," I had thought about this moment my whole life. I have even dreamed about doing this, and I knew that the gods were on my side.
Note to self: When you know something will happen, think about what you will say so you are prepared to win a battle with words.
"Women have every right in the world to do what ever they want." I knew that this would throw him off and it did. He was silent then moved away. How could an adult man be afraid of a fourteen year old girl? I felt I had power. The crowd started cheering again and I felt fantastic, and I had forgotton that Zuess was watching all of this time. I turned to him then he took two steps to me then pulled me to him and gave me a kiss. My first kiss from my best friend, which was know my love.
"You are amazing," He towered me, but I felt comfort. "I tried to do what you do, but you always do it best." We hugged and just stood there while the crowd went even more nuts.
"Today, I got to live my dream, and I have always wanted to share it with my best friend." I gave him another kiss and at that moment I had begun the rest of my life.

Note to self: Everyone can dream, but the ones who follow them are the ones with the power.

9/11 ~ A Story of a Police Officer -by Sandra

2009-05-31T17:39:00.000-07:00

It was dark outside, and the moon glowed like a bright crystal ball, just like all the stars that surrounded it. I was sitting on the living room floor with my three wonderful sisters:Yesania, Sasha, and our youngest sister Lizeth. She had dark blue eyes and a smile that would brighten any one's day if they saw her red-pink lips formed into a smile. We were all talking, and usually all at once! Yesenia told me about how her day was at school and what she had done with her friends after work.

And Sasha told me about her day at work also. We were all gathered around the living room floor. We talked about our day; even though it was a talk that wasn't that exciting, I didn't really care, all I cared about was spending time with my sisters. It was nice to hang out with them. We told each other jokes. Giggles came out of us, even when we told the same old lame jokes. We talked for at least two hours, non-stop until our tongues were numb. "Lets do this tomorrow!" Sasha said filled with enthusiasm. We all agreed with each other that the next day would just be about fun. We said this not knowing what a nightmare we were going to live through the next day.After an entire night of bonding and gossip, we all went to bed.
BEEP BEEP my alarm went off that next morning. A bright yellow sun was rising just right above the World Trade Centers. The glow of the sun looked as if the buildings were crystals of ice, shimmering in the summer morning light in New York City. Every morning I woke up and opened the curtains in the living room of my house. I admired the beauty all around me, from the buildings and the cityscape to the people. What I loved the most was to walk up to my window, open the curtains, and hear the birds singing the songs that could be heard throughout the city.
"Bye, guys," I said to my sisters the next morning. I remember the way they looked as I walked out of the house. "Have a good day at work today."

I arrived at the New York Police Department for my shift. It was 7:00a.m. The morning at the department seemed to be normal. The city was calm. Mr. Hikera,our police chief ,was giving his morning briefing. Today we would go to investigate a gas leak a couple blocks from the World Trade Towers. Shortly after we arrived we heard a plane fly overhead. The sound of the plane caught our attention since it was unusual to see a plane flying so low. I looked up suspiciously trying to spot the plane. As I was watching I saw the plane crash into the towers! My first thought was to wonder if this could be real. The screams from my fellow officers brought me back to reality. My sisters are inside, I recalled. I ran back to my police car; it was 9:00 in the morning.The red, blue and white lights flashed and my siren sounded as I sped towards the towers even though I felt as if I was going so slow that a snail had passed me. I was driving at 30 miles per hour in the first couple minutes of driving, but ounce I arrived closer to the scene, I had to slow down my speed.

There was a crowd of people running away from the buildings, trying to find a way to escape the flaming towers and the falling debris. The crowd was so big that people couldn't find a way out. I had to drive even slower, "Uuuhhh!" I screeched. I was too impatient to stay in my police car, so I jumped out and ran as fast as I could. It was hard to see. Smoke and ash covered me as I ran, faster still towards the burning buildings. People were inside the Twin Towers and needed to find a way out. I needed to help them I thought to myself.

My heart beat so fast I could hear the thumping in my head. I tried to think positive thoughts for my sisters, but an image of my sisters inside the towers covered with fire flames was haunting me. Thoughts race through my mind. Are they alive? Are they hurt? How can I get to them? I promised that if I ever saw them again, I would be sure they knew I loved them very much. I trembled as I wondered, Will I ever see them again? Will I be able to give them a hug? I knew at that moment that I would be willing to risk my own life in order to save my sisters' lives.

As I ran down the stairs, I promised that if I lived, I would always enjoy life - as if every moment was my last. What happened that terrifying day made me realize life isn't forever. As a police officer, I had already taken a vow to help people, but never could I have imagined being witness to such a horrific event. From this day forward, I vowed to make every day count. I went to work the next day with a renewed sense of purpose, thankful for what I had always taken for granted.

By ~ Sandra

Vietnam War ~by Jose

2009-05-31T17:37:00.000-07:00

The Vietcong bombed a United States supplies ship in the Tonkin Gulf. South Vietnam thought that the North Vietnamese were betraying them, so Ho Chi Minh sent a group of solders to the North Vietnam along the Ho Chi Min trail. Ho Chi Min's desire was to spread Communism to all of Vietnam. This scared the United States. When Ho Chi Min's group started it was very small, but soon his group grew bigger, so the U.S. had no choice other than to send a group of solders into Vietnam. There was a question that President Johnson had in his head, If I send in soldiers how many will die in this war? Is this really our war to fight? In the end, he ignored that question and sent many solders to fight in Vietnam.

***
I'm General Black, a survivor of the Vietnam war. I wasn't always sure I would survive to tell my story.

I was scared of dying and never going home to my family. It has been a bloody war since Squad B and I stepped onto this dirty and deadly land that is Vietnam. During my 20 years career in the military, I have never been in a war like this one. I have seen many soldiers falling to the ground, covered with blood though the enemy is not in sight. I have seen others fall into booby traps only to lose their legs when they are stabbed by very dangerous weapons, sharper than any knife. I dont think you would believe me if I told you that the weapon was made of sharpened bamboo sticks. We had no idea they could be so deadly. I have seen other soldiers cut off their own legs to avoid being captured by the Vietcong. I don't know how long this war is going to last, but I'm terrified. I have to hold my emotions in if I am to survive this bloody war. I can't show my fear to my enemies because they might think that I'm a weak, easy target for them. I don't want the Viet Minh to find me. Insteaad of acting scared, I pretend I'm confident and that I love this war.

Although we have very powerful weapons, the Vietcong has the advantage. They use their knowledge of the land as a weapon. It feels that we are playing hide in seek with them because we are mostly fighting in shadowy jungles and swamps. It is hard to see. They hide down beneath the dark, foggy forest. But, the most difficult thing is we have to walk in dirty swamps where we can't see anything, not even our shoes. Wading along in the water is dangerous because there might be booby traps rigged with knives or even grenades. Sometimes they put two stakes on either side of the creek with the safety pin partially removed from the grenade. If someone hits the trip wire, it explodes. I am always worried, never calm, in Vietnam.

I want to go back home, but I cant. I'm stuck in Vietnam like an animal in a cage. I'm trapped here until the end of this war. I hope God protects me and all our troops.

6 months later:

My prayers have been answered. My squad plus some other solders from other squads like A, C, and D are being sent home. We are alive and now we were going back home to our families. We can leave this war behind and have fun with our children, neices, and nephews. As we board the helicopter, our commander speaks to us, "Enjoy the time you are not on duty. Enjoy your lives with your families, but you shouldn't forget the loses the United States has experiences. Remember the 58,200 solder who have died in Vietnam. Pray for them in their next life, in the arms of our lord, God."

As the helicopter is taking off, suddenly Vietcong bullets are flying through the air. They are still chasing us, but the helicopter is in a clearning they are not willing to enter. As we run to load into the copter, a soldier fires in the direction the bullets seem to be coming from. I run to the copter as fast as I can, I do not want to die in Vietnam, not when I am so close to getting home. As the copter takes off, I realize there are Viet Cong troops on the ground, and unfortunetly, there are a few American soldiers laying there, too. I realize some of my friends are being left in Vietnam. I know that I will not forget what happened here. May their souls rest in peace, away from this land.

Our plane finally landed in the San Diego airport. There were people waiting for us, but they weren't cheering. I was seeing people who were sad and angry. One woman held a sign that read, "Why didn't you save my dad?" I felt guilty and sad for all the soldiers who died in Vietnam. I knew that I would feel miserable forever. Soldiers returning from Vietnam were not treated like heroes. No, people spit on them and yelled at them as they tried to make it home to their families. I wonder if they would have done it if they knew how we were feeling inside.

***
Back at the White House:

"STOP THE WAR! STOP THE WAR!" This is what I hear every day from thousands of people outside the White House. Protesters come daily since they have seen the television of how many people are dying in the war. People question if we can win this war. People are angry. They aren't asking for an end to this conflict, they are demanding it. A garden of humongous posters demanding an end to the war is in the front lawn of the White House. I see more protesters. This group is holding a huge poster with both the flag of the U.S. and Vietnam and around both flags is a peace sign. Can we live in peace? Can we end this war? I wonder. The expressions on their faces tell me that they are not proud of the United States or my decision to fight in Vietnam. I know that this is affecting the solders. They come home expecting to be heroes, but instead, they are yelled at and spit upon. They are confused and they should be. They have been sent to defend our country, but they cannot take pride in what they are doing when they believe their friends and neighbors are against them. "Will the war end soon?" I asked my military leaders. "I don't want the war to take much longer. I hope the war ends very, very soon. We must win so that every soldier can return home safely to his family and enjoy the rest of his life."
The leaders of the army, navy, and marines all shake their heads. "Mr. President, we are in for a long war. The end in not in sight."
I shake my head and look out the windown. I hope God protects me and our returning soldiers from our citizens, and I hope God allows those who have fallen a chance to rest in peace in heaven.

By ~ Jose

Battle of Iwo Jima ~by Ruben

2009-05-31T17:35:00.000-07:00

BATTLE OF IWO JIMA
"Hey, it's Ira! The great hero from Iwo Jima!" exclaimed the crowd .
"I'm no hero; the real hero's are the ones who died for our country," said IRA in drunk voice.
"Anyone who served in WWII is a hero. Come on Ira. Tell us your story!"
"OK, " IRA said with a drunken look on his face. "But only if it will shut you up!"
The crowd screamed with joy

As soon as we hit the beach of Iwo Jima, the men to my right and my left were hit by mortars. My brain told my legs to move, but they did not respond. Bullets flew every which way barely missing me. The man in front of me jerked involuntarily as a hole ripped through him large enough to frame the Japanese gunner who was firing. Finally, Rene, one of the other soldiers, pulled me down on the dark sand. When I finally came back down to earth, I realized how much blood there was on the sand and how many boats had been destroyed. The beach was strewn with brains, intestines, and everything else usually kept inside the human body. Our commander, Stank, ordered us to take out the bunker that contained the man and the 47 caliber machine gun that was ripping through our men. We chucked every grenade we had at the enemy. BANG. BANG. The explosion was great. The Japs couldn’t see, but that didn’t stop them. They shot blindly; firing even on their own soldiers without knowing it. My whole squad stopped at one point, but I kept on running. I heard the whiz of bullets coming toward me. Once I reached the top of the bunker, I pointed my Thompson down and pulled the trigger, decimating every living soul in the bunker.

"Nice job, Hayes," yelled Strank, "those Japs probably didn't even know what happened until they met the devil himself!" I only grinned at the compliment. The whole squad sat in the bunker looking at the holes in the roof, shock registering on their faces. No one ever excepted that an Indian from a reservation would have the guts to do what no other man in the squad would dare to do. Their thoughts were suddenly put into place.

Now that we had taken the beaches, Mount Surabachi was our next target. As we climbed the mountain, struggling to gain control, more and more marines fell to the bullets of the Japanese. The bodies of the dead were filled with bullets coming from the Japanese. More and more bullets flew toward me, missing by centimeters. A bullet whizzed past me and hit Bradley in the leg. I watched as he fell a couple feet before the medics carried him away on a stretcher. After that, rage flowed through me like it was the blood pumped by my heart and soul. The only thing that mattered to me now was killing as many of the Japanese as possible. I wanted revenge for Bradley. I pulled out another magazine for my Thompson, my hand shaking. The deafening noises surrounding me only made it harder to concentrate. I put the magazine into the gun and let the hot lead fly from the barrel, hoping at least one bullet would hit its target, a Japanese gunner on the mountain. Finally after two magazines, one bullet hit its target. I watched a Japanese soldier grab his chest. The bullet breaking any bone in its path.

After the gunner was taken out, a lot of the heat let down. My squad was able to charge up the mountain. Once on top, we went into close quarters combat (cqc). One Japanese soldier pulled out a knife and came at me. I hit the knife out of his hand, and then I kicked the Jap over a nearby cliff. There was a scream, but before I could see the Jap hit the ground, another Jap armed with a knife came at me. I pulled my pistol out and shot the man in the chest cavity. He fell to the ground a couple inches from the edge of the cliff. As I was looking down at him, a grenade rolled to my feet. I kicked, but it still knocked me over. I opened my eyes and bullets were still flying everywhere. I couldn’t think straight or aim right, so I got on a mounted machine gun, the jap still holding his chest dying slowly, i shoved him out of the seat, grabbed the gun and fired blindly into the crowd of Japanese soldiers. Long after every Japanese soldier was dead and the mounted gun was out of bullets, I still kept my finger tightly closed on the trigger. The constant sound of clicking came from the empty gun. Finally, Rene came over and calmed me down. It was then we realized that we were half way to taking the island.

After we had taken Mt. Surabachi, my squad raised the American flag, more mortar fire came and we raced down the mountain to suppress the Japanese and keep them from getting any closer. All six of the flag raisers were there on their knees in the sand covered in blood. Most of it was American blood.

Strank was drawing a plan for us in the sand, and we heard the sound of mortar fire again. Then...suddenly, Strank was hit. He shattered; his guts, brain matter, arms and legs flew in every direction. We all just sat in shock. Our first in command had just been blown to pieces right before our eyes. "What are we supposed to do now?" someone asked, for all I know it could have been me. Finally someone else stepped up and took our commander’s place, Corporal Bradley.

"Well? Are we just going to sit here in grief because one man sacrificed his life for his country? If you haven't noticed that's has been happening all around you!” yelled Bradley. "Are we going to sit here and cry or are we going to kill some Japs and help our country and win this island over!" Little did Bradley know that those would be his last words, for just an hour later as we were rushing into more Japanese resistance, Bradley came to the same fate as Strank, leaving only four of us: Block, Rene, Franklin, and me.

After we had a better handle on the island, we started to get shipments of flamethrowers and gallons of gasoline from our allies. We had more and more marines come in to help secure the island. We had pretty much taken over the island all we needed to do is clear out the foxholes and get the Japanese out into the open. We poured gasoline in the entrances of the foxholes and had men waiting with guns to either shoot resistant Japs or take them prisoners. We all knew that a Japanese soldier would rather fight to the death than to surrender. We were ready. At other times we would use the flamethrowers to chase them out into the open so that our sharp shooters could shoot them. Of course we couldn’t get all the foxholes, but that would be dealt with later.

Finally, Franklin, Rene, and I were running back to the boats. Rene in front of me and Franklin was in back. I was looking at Franklin, and he had an expression on his face that said, "We did it! We finally did it!" He was proud. Then, I heard a sound that was too familiar, and Franklin dropped, a hole in his back oozed color red. Looking past him, I saw a Jap running back into a foxhole. Rage flowed through me mixed with my own blood. I took my last grenade. I pulled the pin and held the trigger to let it cook. I then turned around and threw it into the foxhole. The Jap crawled out and yelled something I didn't understand, but it was too late for him. The grenade exploded.

They had to pull me back before I went back in and got myself killed. We loaded onto the boat. Once we were on the way to Okinawa, I decided to stop making friends. Maybe if I didn't make friends, I wouldn't care if they died. I know that every death touched my heart, ripping a bit of it away. One bit for each of my fellow marines who died. Was it possible to witness all that death and not care? not be impacted? I pondered these questions until my head ached. Finally, we reached Okinawa...

(Thump!)

The crowd gasped as they stared at Ira laying on the bar room floor. He had survived Iwo Jima and Okinawa, but he would not survive this night. Ira lay dead on the floor of the bar. As the crowd disapated, they all knew a bit of their heart was ripped away. They all knew this is what war does to people.

By ~ Ruben