# data[].attributes.body
The smell of pine

Making the air smell fine

With its bittersweet scent.

We headed outside

To fix the boredom

That was seeping into our bones.

We chose the game

That was an easy win to fame.

Hide and seek

Was the game that would help

Fix our broken joy.

We ran for cover

My partner and I

Trying to find the place to hide,

Where no one would find us.

Caleb suggests, “why not the car?”

Obvious but good so we take the chance.

Five minutes passed

Then ten

Then fifteen...

Alright what’s going on

Thirty minutes later we are sweating to death

In the trunk of car.

We choose to risk a peek

To make sure we can keep our spot

From their evil prying eyes.

We look around but hear no sound

Except for our names being called.

But not just the ones with the prying eyes

But the parents as well.

Then in comes a soothing breeze

Striking the back of our knees

Making us crumble with shock.

For standing above us

Was the one who would help.

He stared down at us as we explained

Why we were stuck in the trunk of his car.

When we thought he was mad

He started to laugh

And promised that he would not tell.

Only the parents would he share the secret

Of where we were hiding so well.

5 minutes after he left

The ones with prying eyes came

And found where we were so cleverly hiding

Their faces twisted in rage.

They screamed and yelled how worried they’d been

And how hard the had looked.

We got out of the car

And grabbed the bar

To lower the lid of the trunk.

We tried to say sorry

But oh good golly

They were so not in the mood.

They started to advanced and with only a glance

We broke into a run

With them on our tails.

So instead of hide and seek

It turned into tag.

# data[].attributes.headline
I walk out just to see the fishJumping as the morning sunGlares deeply into my dark brownEyes. watching dawn set intoFully grown flare of fire beaming downOnto Oklahoma’s Lake Eufaula.  I cast the blank line into the Sparkling watersSitting patiently for the creaturesTo bite the hookWhile the sand bombardsThe crevices of my toesThe feel of the grit remindsMe of the beaches of when iWas a childThe tug on the poleStartles me as i catch a glimpseOf the fish pulling awayI reel the the string  Slowly and silently Im lurching upon Him.He steals part of my prideAs the line splits down the middle.As he swims away with theBait he has won from me.I grab the tackleAlong with the baitCasting rod that had not Brought happiness to my dayI set for my resting placeFeeling unacomplished From what the moment had broughtYou don't always win the fishBut yet they win you over timesDarkness cannot drive out Darkness only fishingCan do that. 

# data[].attributes.subject
I walk out just to see the fishJumping as the morning sunGlares deeply into my dark brownEyes. watching dawn set intoFully grown flare of fire beaming downOnto Oklahoma’s Lake Eufaula.  I cast the blank line into the Sparkling watersSitting patiently for the creaturesTo bite the hookWhile the sand bombardsThe crevices of my toesThe feel of the grit remindsMe of the beaches of when iWas a childThe tug on the poleStartles me as i catch a glimpseOf the fish pulling awayI reel the the string  Slowly and silently Im lurching upon Him.He steals part of my prideAs the line splits down the middle.As he swims away with theBait he has won from me.I grab the tackleAlong with the baitCasting rod that had not Brought happiness to my dayI set for my resting placeFeeling unacomplished From what the moment had broughtYou don't always win the fishBut yet they win you over timesDarkness cannot drive out Darkness only fishingCan do that. 

# data[].attributes.body
(exerpt) Was given a push

Could see the forgiveness in reach

Forgiveness will be my rush

Not a sound not even a creach

Able to go anywhere now, here to hang.

# data[].attributes.headline
Kiana`s Payback April Fools Day… fun dayFor Dad, it was grocery daySix stores took hours eachMy plan to get back at himWas patiently sitting in my mindJust wait `till we get homeCheetah quick, my sister and I Snatched the sugar sweet suppliesAnd raced up the stairsWhisking, kneading, molding,In 30 minutes, it was timeFeeling the chill tile touch my toesMy heart beat loud, yet slowOur half-whispers too loud,Thank the television in the background The phony feces was perfectly placed,Ready for its first victimSeconds passed, then minutes, then hoursUntil my dad hopped off the couchGiggling, guilty goosebumps and red cheeksHe hollered, and I`m surprised The neighbors did not hear Like the clouds coming in,Our laughter had faded into gloomA harmless prank now a big dealNo phones for the dayAnd no dessertConsequence after consequence after consequence Maybe… i should have thought that through

# data[].attributes.subject
Kiana`s Payback April Fools Day… fun dayFor Dad, it was grocery daySix stores took hours eachMy plan to get back at himWas patiently sitting in my mindJust wait `till we get homeCheetah quick, my sister and I Snatched the sugar sweet suppliesAnd raced up the stairsWhisking, kneading, molding,In 30 minutes, it was timeFeeling the chill tile touch my toesMy heart beat loud, yet slowOur half-whispers too loud,Thank the television in the background The phony feces was perfectly placed,Ready for its first victimSeconds passed, then minutes, then hoursUntil my dad hopped off the couchGiggling, guilty goosebumps and red cheeksHe hollered, and I`m surprised The neighbors did not hear Like the clouds coming in,Our laughter had faded into gloomA harmless prank now a big dealNo phones for the dayAnd no dessertConsequence after consequence after consequence Maybe… i should have thought that through

# data[].attributes.body
I was nine when I started

Volleyball with my team

Our knee pads up

Sitting squared on our knees

Ready to return anything

that comes our way.

As my coach watches

I start to doubt myself

Can I really do it

Standing on the court

Mind flickering like a lightswitch,

what do I do

The whistle is blown i stand

there waiting-- what should i do

how do i act. Waiting

if feels like one-thousand years

have past by as i wait patiently.

The ball comes fast swooshing

over the net right to me

i hesitantly got towards the bal

l and pass the ball. It goes flying high

in the sky as the setter chases off to get it.

Realizing that i got my pass up

i happily smile and jump around.

I turn to my coach and see

her smiling as she gives me

a big thumbs up. Smiling,

i continue to play volleyball,

getting up all my passes.

I had to trust myself

as i went for the ball.

I taught myself that practicing

and believing that i can do

it has helped me become a

better volleyball player.

.

# data[].attributes.headline
Cluttered room Waking  up... normal mundane day  Realizing  something that leaves me in dismayRemembering I'm forgetting to clean my room  Getting the brush and getting the broomAnd beginning to clean my horrible roomRealizing  this mistake, my negligent doom Walking across the cluttered carpet Making  me want to quitSpotting the clutter on the walls and floors Shoddy clutter even on the doors!Starting  to clean but then realizing it's boringSpotting  my brother in his bed snoring Ideas infiltrating  my head Making  him clean my room insteadBut how? How will I do itBut then it suddenly hit.bribe him with some sweet candyIf it works it will awfully dandyAsking  him if he would take the treatOnly if he makes my room look neatHe says yes right away Telling  him it needs to be done by todayMy room beginning to be cleanRealizing it  was kind of meanWaiting a few hours later my room is completely tidyHaving to do no work it leaving me in gleeclick...click...click... the door rickety ricksSilence sitting waiting to  break “I told you to clean,-- not play”My ears close up not wanting to hear the monstrosity  of the pleaShame, Punishing me... making me sadLearning the lesson in the endThe hole in my reputation will not mend

# data[].attributes.subject
Cluttered room Waking  up... normal mundane day  Realizing  something that leaves me in dismayRemembering I'm forgetting to clean my room  Getting the brush and getting the broomAnd beginning to clean my horrible roomRealizing  this mistake, my negligent doom Walking across the cluttered carpet Making  me want to quitSpotting the clutter on the walls and floors Shoddy clutter even on the doors!Starting  to clean but then realizing it's boringSpotting  my brother in his bed snoring Ideas infiltrating  my head Making  him clean my room insteadBut how? How will I do itBut then it suddenly hit.bribe him with some sweet candyIf it works it will awfully dandyAsking  him if he would take the treatOnly if he makes my room look neatHe says yes right away Telling  him it needs to be done by todayMy room beginning to be cleanRealizing it  was kind of meanWaiting a few hours later my room is completely tidyHaving to do no work it leaving me in gleeclick...click...click... the door rickety ricksSilence sitting waiting to  break “I told you to clean,-- not play”My ears close up not wanting to hear the monstrosity  of the pleaShame, Punishing me... making me sadLearning the lesson in the endThe hole in my reputation will not mend

# data[].attributes.body
He darted to the temple

He was very very ample

Tripping on his heavy sword

Landing on his lord

Who was drinking from a gourde

The lord got a letter

From the ancient temple

A duel with both of the best warriors

They went out to the barriers

Where they would engage each other

Nervously sweating

He approached uncertainly

Wet his lips braving his mind

Braving his mind

Mumbling like a fool

His eyes twitched a red

For he lunged with a fury of dread

For his brother was dead

Lying beneath his bed

He waits for his honor to remed

Slash--slash--slash--slash--slash

Riza fell to Val’s feet

The sword ripped through his chest

There was a fork on the road

For Val did not know which way to go

He went north to his home

To find his brother

For the lord’s shame poured out like smog

For his greatest warrior lie there with a sword of defeat

Which was an honorable feat

He said goodbye to his earthly life

And was buried with his grandfather's knife
Only darkness shined that day
the day was despair

# data[].attributes.body
I glance over my shoulder

Golden blonde hair

A rosey smile

I walk towards who hopefully will be mine

To ask a question

With only one answer in mind

I arrived at six

Rivers of sweat through my body

I awkwardly talk to her dad

And we leave

Driving to our destination

Thinking about what to say

We sit down and ordered our dinner

I quickly start a conversation

H-h-hey I stuttered

Nervously shaking my drink

Dropping everything in my hands path.

My face grew red as I offered her my jacket

The drive home was as awkward as having two left feet

I dropped her back off at her house

A look of disappointment upon her face

As she tossed me my jacket

And escaped towards her house

I dreaded getting up on monday

Having to face her at school

I opened the door and walked in

Hopping not to run into her

Lunch came, and she approached me,

We dished out are feelings

All seemed to be fine in the end

# data[].attributes.body
The rat lying in its own trap

Longing for a destiny to be free

Craving one last piece of cheese

Lying in the goldish yellow

Sticky hollow trap made for his kind

In grandma ma's house

Taking it from one place to another

To the fresh smell of flowers

The leaves having the best time ever

The sun so bright clouds run away

Bumpy rocks sheltering the ground

The wind caressing my face

Cutting it open to explore the insides

Smelling the stench of beans and candy

Seeing the insides wrapped like licorice

My heart crumbling like corn bread

As if it were burning

Seeing the cries people did

Gave my heart and tummy a tickle

Getting caught and thrown in jail

With no one else

Just blackness and darkness

# data[].attributes.body
The sun sets on the horizon’s back

Time ticking slowly away like a snail

Every second is like a thousand years

Bored children waiting to take adventure

The possibilities jumping in and out of my brain

Until our neighbor’s ideamaker glows ‒ ding

Now his prank idea holds my attention

Talking, planning, laughing, and more planning

Excitement builds as our ideas flow

Racing to the store, grabbing, taking, buying

Scaly slimy shifty and gold, they fit inside a bowl

Or, in this case, two kiddie pools

The sun is gone and darkness surrounds our crew

Grabbing two blue circles that we fill with water

That suddenly comes to life with movement and quick flashes of gold

My heart was running a marathon inside my chest

Fearing getting caught but not afraid enough to stop

Suddenly the quiet ghostly house is alive

At the sound of the doorbell ringing ding-donnnnggg

Then running for cover like a rat being chased by a hawk

The others stampeding behind me

Watching as the discovery is made

The door creaking

Their faces shocked, their voices rising

Giggling not so quietly, laughter gives us away and

While the night was fun, the expense of their pain

For my enjoyment was not right

Dealing with guilt and shame forever is the price I pay

# data[].attributes.body
standing on smooth, shiny kitchen tile

giggling screeching of small kids

outside a four-squared window,

Smelling fresh aroma of burning incense

our kitchen counter became a chair

Craving thoughts of sustenance fill the air

observantly scanning our Food packed fridge...

last nights dinner…thinking maybe just a smidge

There it is...finally spotting it

snatching it out of the cold-storage box

The microwaves mouth opens wide

Receiving the aluminum

Wrapped chicken sandwich

2:00
It heats up

My heart then sleeps peacefully

imagining the taste of my mouth watering

chicken sandwich

Looking at my reflection

From the glossy, back microwave,

Turning my back for a split second

And suddenly hearing the chaotic sounds of

Boom! spark! Crackle! Pop!

Doing a 360 back around

Seeing that my microwave has now exploded,

Sudden words from my mother pop up in my head

“Don't forget to take the aluminum foil off of the sandwich Isabella”

In that moment

Rushing to clean the explosion up

Thinking about the consequences

Knowing

An I told you so...was going to occur

# data[].attributes.body
Feet touches softly at the peach carpet

Sounds of birds chirp and

Chirp through the crisp air

A baby is pure as a white dove

Full of innocence and wonder

With an evil darkness slithering beneath the light

Two related but total opposites

One virtuous and one wicked

Lures the baby in the bathroom

Deceiving her with temptations and illusion

Quietly sets her trap as a smile reveal on her face

Confusion strikes in the victim’s mind

Unaware of the black cloud above her head

Lock clicks as the door slams

She dashes towards the exit

Knowing her life depends on it

A tightness grows in her chest

Walls are moving closer drying

Her out for its last breath

Frightening hallucinations become nightmares

Vile nightmares become reality

Tears fall from her face

Drowning in her sorrows and misery

Until a small glow emerge

Opens the door as she strolls in

Its villainous side shows but within

The shadows, a loving heart lies inside

Rushes into her arms

Tears of sadness dissolves as she finds comfort

Annihilate the darkness leaving nothing

But ecstasy to heal the wound

Guiltiness grows in the sister’s mind

Knowing her consequences as she apologies

Dad trudges slowly towards the cries

smile slowly transforms into a frown

Visible destruction throughout the house

trust and dignity breaks into tiny pieces

Only time will mend its pain

Anger afflicts towards the young woman

Responsible but full of despair

# data[].attributes.headline
BrokenFriday night cold, crisp airroom filled with darknessfeet sunken into warm carpetEveryone home -- sleepingLight peeks through from a back corner Thoughts of being--high upThe air became thin almost not breathableplopping my cape on like a superheroClimbing the ladder to get to the bedSeventy-five feet up in the air Then remembering--Never to jump from heightsThe room filled with heatMy heart was racing 1000 beats per second,could not breath anymore--never being the brightestBut my mom says otherwise but then… I jumped Taking hours to hit the ground,It finally happened landing onto my beanbagBut bounced and reflected and shot to my desk,The room became humid like I couldn't breath--Im okMy hand isn't though it is throbbing in painCovered in a purple film around my finger Rushing in was my mom,Comforting me till I fell securelooking at my mom -- shaking my headwrapping my hand with a sticky wrap,covered with a yellow inhecive Having to deal with a swollen finger is one thing,But now having to deal with healing my mom’s trustWe rushed to the hospital my brain was gonna burst,Pounding and dancing to the sirens of the ambulanceHaving a bumpy ride is making my hand feel worse We finally made it to the hospitalThe doctor unwrapped the adhesiveWe had a checkup and we figured out,Having three fractures in my index fingerWe headed home in the car -- silentThe air became warm and comfortingBut my finger was not the only thing I broke tonight.

# data[].attributes.subject
BrokenFriday night cold, crisp airroom filled with darknessfeet sunken into warm carpetEveryone home -- sleepingLight peeks through from a back corner Thoughts of being--high upThe air became thin almost not breathableplopping my cape on like a superheroClimbing the ladder to get to the bedSeventy-five feet up in the air Then remembering--Never to jump from heightsThe room filled with heatMy heart was racing 1000 beats per second,could not breath anymore--never being the brightestBut my mom says otherwise but then… I jumped Taking hours to hit the ground,It finally happened landing onto my beanbagBut bounced and reflected and shot to my desk,The room became humid like I couldn't breath--Im okMy hand isn't though it is throbbing in painCovered in a purple film around my finger Rushing in was my mom,Comforting me till I fell securelooking at my mom -- shaking my headwrapping my hand with a sticky wrap,covered with a yellow inhecive Having to deal with a swollen finger is one thing,But now having to deal with healing my mom’s trustWe rushed to the hospital my brain was gonna burst,Pounding and dancing to the sirens of the ambulanceHaving a bumpy ride is making my hand feel worse We finally made it to the hospitalThe doctor unwrapped the adhesiveWe had a checkup and we figured out,Having three fractures in my index fingerWe headed home in the car -- silentThe air became warm and comfortingBut my finger was not the only thing I broke tonight.

# data[].attributes.body
I hear the cars outside zooming past

My dad walking up the stairs

I hear the slow foot steps

He opens the door

Tells me he understands why I did what I did

So, I go downstairs and apologize

# data[].attributes.body
I hear the cars outside zooming past

My dad walking up the stairs

I hear the slow foot steps

He opens the door

Tells me he understands why I did what I did

So, I go downstairs and apologize

# data[].attributes.body
I hear the cars outside zooming past

My dad walking up the stairs

I hear the slow foot steps

He opens the door

Tells me he understands why I did what I did

So, I go downstairs and apologize

# data[].attributes.body
I hear the cars outside zooming past

My dad walking up the stairs

I hear the slow foot steps

He opens the door

Tells me he understands why I did what I did

So, I go downstairs and apologize

# data[].attributes.body
Rip. Rip

His hands holding black and blue wires

In the kitchen he goes

Replacing wires with noodles

Trying to cover it up

“Mom” He yelled but she wasn’t home

Whoosh he goes dashing into the room

With his mind running around thinking about what to do

And then it hit him Right in the head

He is going to put the wires in the socket in the lightly faded room

Knowing if he did this he would end up in a tomb

Body aching trying to figure out what happened

He found himself black and blue

Him waking up to a furious face staring at him

Waking up in a bad mood

I wondered  who would leave their little sister in the crib

He did not know I knew what he did

Nor did he know about me crying

whhile laying there observing him

And my mother yelling at him with his face black and blue

The day that happened was the best day of my life

I know I will sleep like a baby tonight

He might as well played with a knife

My mother was in serious strife

Knowing he will be grounded

Watching him beg my mother for another life.

# data[].attributes.body
When I caught up to him

He had no idea what is going on

Smiling and cracking up

Having plan in my head

He was going to be dreading this

As I put the fake spider up

seeing in his eyes he was not ready

All the cold winds passing by

Watching as I see it in his eyes

He should be ready for what is coming

I did it -- I am proud

Everything is just so loud

I have no regrets doing this

I thought this would be funny

But I was wrong for my doings

This was like trying to catch a roadrunner

This ended up not going so well

Hearing my father’s yell

To tell me that my time was done

Dumb, -- for trying this

Seeing my Father’s blood red eyes

Screaming  -- in terror

I am, Deathly Scared

Taking his breath away

He was Deathly Scary

# data[].attributes.body
Sitting in the Living room
Quiet like a mouse waiting
Listening, waiting, hearing to the
Noises of the mimicking voices
Talking, hearing, listening, waiting, watching

Waiting for the best moment
To speak up to them
To listen to their feedback
To be heard my life
Hoping there will still be
A chance for freedom once again

Listening, accepting, attending
Hearing them say to me
“Do way better next time,
Use your effort very wisely”
Telling me I could do
So much more than I am

As the moment came shining
I spoke with a bit of confidence
Watching their faces brightly change
Like a adult Chameleon changing
From yellow to red skin color

Listening to their screams
Cries, their humanity melting and
Drifting out from the words
They speak, waiting for the moment
To yelling for me to leave--
To be punished far away

Walking, holding, listening, silently, watching
Them cry their tears of sadness
Holding their small weak stand
Together with a little bit of
Love, hope, forgiveness and happiness

They had a photographic memory
But never devolve the memories
Having the Dark light shine bright
Through the enormous clouds of hate
Waiting for another sunny day
To shine itself through the darkness

# data[].attributes.headline
  A Troubling Flame                                            By:Israel OrozcoThere I am--sitting thereAdmiring the flames of a newly lit matchAs if it were a beautiful flower that had recently bloomedMy family warned me-- told me “it's too dangerous”But i found comfort in the fire along with the smell of burning wood.And the warm aurora around the source of the fire--All seems well until there's a disturbance in my earIt's my parents calling my name  Sounding Distressed--worried like they'd lost meA jiggle of the doorknobUntil my parents stroll inThey look at meClueless of the situation Until they smell the stench That is the smoke from the matchesA question slips from both their lips “Why does it smell like smoke?”I'm internally contemplating whetherTo lie or tell the truth until i notice the angered look on their facesLie--i chose to lie--Which i immediately regretted that choice.My mother took first charge. Her face filled with anger As i'm scolded i can only wonder what punishment will followUntil my father walks in--with an expression that can only be described as disappointment and angerThey take my video games and toys as i watch with absolute terror in my eyesI run to my room--crying,crushing the matchbox that i believed got me in trouble, into pieces. My day is now a 24 hour period of boredom and despair--but then I hear a knock at the doorMy brotherWith a sketchbook in hand. He explains that what i did Was wrong but he doesn't like to see me sad.I thank him as we draw and play with my dog and cat--This day isn't so bad after all.

# data[].attributes.subject
  A Troubling Flame                                            By:Israel OrozcoThere I am--sitting thereAdmiring the flames of a newly lit matchAs if it were a beautiful flower that had recently bloomedMy family warned me-- told me “it's too dangerous”But i found comfort in the fire along with the smell of burning wood.And the warm aurora around the source of the fire--All seems well until there's a disturbance in my earIt's my parents calling my name  Sounding Distressed--worried like they'd lost meA jiggle of the doorknobUntil my parents stroll inThey look at meClueless of the situation Until they smell the stench That is the smoke from the matchesA question slips from both their lips “Why does it smell like smoke?”I'm internally contemplating whetherTo lie or tell the truth until i notice the angered look on their facesLie--i chose to lie--Which i immediately regretted that choice.My mother took first charge. Her face filled with anger As i'm scolded i can only wonder what punishment will followUntil my father walks in--with an expression that can only be described as disappointment and angerThey take my video games and toys as i watch with absolute terror in my eyesI run to my room--crying,crushing the matchbox that i believed got me in trouble, into pieces. My day is now a 24 hour period of boredom and despair--but then I hear a knock at the doorMy brotherWith a sketchbook in hand. He explains that what i did Was wrong but he doesn't like to see me sad.I thank him as we draw and play with my dog and cat--This day isn't so bad after all.

# data[].attributes.body
Wind whipping waves across my cheeks

Time became a flying bullet

Pushing pedals down with a passion

To reach a destination that awaits

The bike creaking at its joints

Being pushed to the limits
Until reaching a final destination

A place where nature lives

Dismounting a worn, trusty ride

Trees become a bike rack

Through a trail that leads to a river

Finding a friend skipping some rocks

Water jumping on one another

Rushing to be the first out

Until getting shoved by rocks

A place where nature walks

Stepping up to a companion

Questions to kill boredom flowing out

Deciding to complete what he started

Grasping the rock like a cookie

Loading the throwing arm, flicking the wrist

Sending the stone past the creek

Feeding the cookie to the beast

A place where nature eats

Exploring the land beyond communities

Prancing from stepping stone to stepping stone

Avoiding water like a cat

Suddenly footing is lost to moss

Hoping to avoid getting water on shoes

Until gravity goes against me with a splash

Shoes inflating with grainy, murky water

A place where nature attacks

Soaked toes and damp socks

Weighing down my feet as I scramble to my bike

Up the winding trail to the trusty ride

Mounting my steed and taking off

Hoping that mud is very easy to clean off

Legs exploding while traversing uphill

Jumping off my ride once I arrive at home
A place where nature invades

Days pass as the mud gets crusty

Becoming a second sole for my shoes

Until finally the time comes to scrape it off

Grabbing a spade sitting on the cold, hard garage floor

Jabbing away at the layer covering my shoes

Slowly, piece by piece the layer chips off

Returning my shoes to the original state

A place where nature is defeated

# data[].attributes.headline
Inner Battle The light buzzing calls from afarmy heart longs to get a glimpseof what other people are sayingBut I am for now restricted,restricted from my teenage freedomthough I plan to get it backThe heavenly voice inside mespoke softly of my planned wrongdoings,It speaks--lecturing, warning, forbiddingsaying words of wisdom I listen carefullyand just before my ways are changed,someone--something tells me to resistIt spoke with a snake tongueit hissed--pushing, convincing, compellingscreeching in my ear--pullingme to the dark sidewords of evil echoed loudlyThe heavenly voice still stayedArguing--the two voices fought They fought over my decisionracetrack mind--cars going full speeda bright, heavenly light flashessunrays to my inner darknessthe battle has been wonGlancing at the forbidden fruitbriskly turning away in resistancebringing this distress upon myselfis something I mustn't dofor I cannot go through   another painful and unneeded inner battle

# data[].attributes.subject
Inner Battle The light buzzing calls from afarmy heart longs to get a glimpseof what other people are sayingBut I am for now restricted,restricted from my teenage freedomthough I plan to get it backThe heavenly voice inside mespoke softly of my planned wrongdoings,It speaks--lecturing, warning, forbiddingsaying words of wisdom I listen carefullyand just before my ways are changed,someone--something tells me to resistIt spoke with a snake tongueit hissed--pushing, convincing, compellingscreeching in my ear--pullingme to the dark sidewords of evil echoed loudlyThe heavenly voice still stayedArguing--the two voices fought They fought over my decisionracetrack mind--cars going full speeda bright, heavenly light flashessunrays to my inner darknessthe battle has been wonGlancing at the forbidden fruitbriskly turning away in resistancebringing this distress upon myselfis something I mustn't dofor I cannot go through   another painful and unneeded inner battle

# data[].attributes.body
There’s no I in Team

Areiq is ready to start of his day at home

Getting ready for basketball

He’s ready for the championship

He knows because he thinks he’s the best

Areiq thinks he’s the basketball, he thinks he’s the team.

Areiq is Ready for the game

He’s ready to demolish the opposing team

Coach Bro and Areiq are waiting for the rest

Even though he’s waiting for the team, he thinks he can take the team

Oh here comes the rest of the team.

Here comes Nepon, the center

Xavier, the power forward, he thinks he’s the strongest

Jonathan, the shooting guard

Kairo, point guard #2

Ali and Jay who are both small forwards.

Of course Areiq thinks he is better than anyone on the team, even Coach Bro

The game starts and Areiq starts of with the ball

He hears mom and dad cheering in the background

Areiq has the ball and sees Ali open, but doesn’t pass

Areiq charges and scores for the team.

The game keeps going and Areiq doesn’t give his team a chance

The score is 20-38, Areiq’s team is 17 points behind

If Areiq doesn’t give his team a chance then they might lose the championship

It’s halftime and everybody crowding over Areiq and barking at him

Mom and dad are very disappointed at Areiq, even the little 5 year old.

Coach Bro tries to explain to Areiq that he is a part of a team

Areiq has a hard time realizing that he as a team that he can rely on

Areiq says sorry to everyone on the team and decides to be a team player

When halftime is over, Areiq starts off and passes the ball to Jay

Jay then scores and gives the team 22-38 because of Areiq’s assist.

The game keeps going and the score is 40-42

There is 58.7 seconds into the game

The team needs a 3-pointer shot to the championship game

Coach bro calls a timeout to plan out a play

Coach needs Kairo to be open because he is the best 3-point shooter.

Xavier to guard the strongest so he doesn’t get close to Kairo

Ali and Jay to be around the hoop if Kairo misses the shot

Then at least score a tie and give an overtime for the game

And Coach Bro’s duty for Areiq is to pass it to Kairo

Areiq gets the ball and dribbles close to his team

With only now 20.6 seconds, Areiq looks for Kairo

Kairo is wide open, but Xavier has trouble guarding
Then Xavier is pushed and the player gets to Kairo

Now with everyone being guarded, and only 10.3 seconds

Areiq is nervous, but Areiq goes to the 3 point line and score!

Areiq’s team win the championship game

The crowd goes to Areiq and pick him up

Everybody yells “Areiq, Areiq, Areiq!!!”

Till that day, Areiq remembered is that there is no I in team

“One for all, all for one!!”

# data[].attributes.body
Local Park, Melrose Massachusetts, ninth inning.

A baseball game is coming to its close.

The score 4-4, and i’m up to bat.

Making a fool out of myself in from of my friends

And family is not even a choice.

Steps outside the dugout I take

A large breath and charge to the plate,

I stare down the pitcher, widen my

Stance, and angled my knees.

Even with my thick, navy blue helmet,

I could still hear the roar of the crowd.

My situation was as if I the ball was my

enemy, and the bat was my weapon of choice.

The pitcher whipped the ball out of his

Glove, and it came straight for me.

I swung only a second too late, for i had missed

It by a millimeter, strike one.

The pitcher once again hurled the ball so fast,

I thought it burned through the catcher's glove, strike two.

The catcher threw the ball back to pitcher, and

I thought to myself that I couldn’t let the two strikes get to me.

This Time the ball never left my sight,

The pitcher pegged the ball as if it were a missile,

Straight for the catcher’s glove. Yet it never touched

The catcher’s mitt, I twisted the wooden bat around,

Launching the ball to the back of the baseball diamond.

Immediately I shot to first base, second, third.

Yet on my way to home plate, the player

At shortstop tossed the ball to the pitcher.

Ignorantly, he started to jog to the plate.

Now it was a race to home plate. I began to

Build up anxiety to if I was running fast enough.

With no more stamina to burn, I skidded on the

Muddy dirt with the last of the energy.

Laying face down in the dirt, i slid right into

Home Plate! The whole team began

Jumping up and down in the dugout.

I just won the game!

# data[].attributes.body
I approached the car with precaution

Waiting to see what truth would lie

Inside the cold silence of that silver Infinity

Slithering into the cold, black seat

Waiting….waiting...for a grocery list

I knew this would happen

Whenever, we go to the store

He is always focused on his mental list

He drives in silence- I ride in silence

The silence echoed like heeled shoes in an empty room

It felt cold and unwelcoming

I decided to take the risk and start to hum

A song- he knew too well

He looked at me with his warm eyes

But, turned back to driving- unphased

Faintly humming the same tune

He pulled out his phone from the grasp of the cup holder

...scroll..scroll...scroll....click… click

We waited in silence until..

I heard a faint sound of a melody

He looked at me with knowing eyes and nodded

Then I felt a little fire inside

And at the same time- we started to sing

“ Na… Na na… Na na na na… Hey Jude..”

A smile crept onto my face- it started to glow

We sat there- laughing- loving every moment

As the car approached the store

We got out of the car and walked

“Squeak” announced the doors to Kroger

Welcoming us to the golden gates of produce

I then felt a warm blanket covering my hand

It was my dad- holding my hand

We ran as fast as we could- wanting to sing again

# data[].attributes.body
Writing a DBQ hoping for the end

Seeing others complaining and sleeping

My eyes wander into deep space

Everything stops i'm left in my thoughts

I see a field of grass and trees

The sun shines it's light onto the meadow

across the roof of the Windmill

Grass sways back forth with the wind

Leaves rustle along the branches of trees

Seasons pass by as I sit and watch

Fall comes the grass shortens

The windmill still spins slowly

The trees colored a deep orange

Leaves pass by flying through the air

The stream covered in fallen leaves

Winter comes the windmill freezes

Trees still like a statue

The sky a cold blue

The grass hidden under the snow

The stream frozen like a tiled floor

Spring comes and butter flys

The windmill moves again

The grass and leaves sway and rustle

The sun rises for a glimpse

The stream flows once more

And I wake up from a sweet day dream

# data[].attributes.body
Awaking in my house.

Sunlight pouring through the window and dancing around my head.

It takes five years for me to get out of bed.

This perfect morning is ruined by school.

Getting ready for the bright yellow bus to pick me up.

The school comes nearer emerging from the bus.

While waiting in the cafeteria it dawns on me.

My face goes as white as a ghost’s.

Inside my head screaming bloody murder.

Forgetting special quiz grade homework.

It is as if my head weighs a million pounds.

stumbling to first period.

My happiness peeling away like an onion.

going to the next period.

Repeat until arriving at fifth period.

The door wide opening seeing my teacher inside.

He is taking up everyone homework as we pass inside.

Then praying, praying for anything to happen.

Then hearing it, the glorious sound.

My prayers have been answered.

The fire bell screeches, screams, and hisses,

While water is drenching my piers heads.

Fire trucks line up to the school.

Meanwhile, doing my victory dance.

Seeing my fifth period teacher looking like he is gonna explode.

# data[].attributes.body
Homework of Fire

Awaking in my house.

Sunlight pouring through the window and dancing around my head.

It takes five years for me to get out of bed.

This perfect morning is ruined by school.

Getting ready for the bright yellow bus to pick me up.

The school comes nearer emerging from the bus.

While waiting in the cafeteria it dawns on me.

My face goes as white as a ghost’s.

Inside my head screaming bloody murder.

Forgetting special quiz grade homework.

It is as if my head weighs a million pounds.

stumbling to first period.

My happiness peeling away like an onion.

going to the next period.

Repeat until arriving at fifth period.

The door wide opening seeing my teacher inside.

He is taking up everyone homework as we pass inside.

Then praying, praying for anything to happen.

Then hearing it, the glorious sound.

My prayers have been answered.

The fire bell screeches, screams, and hisses,

While water is drenching my piers heads.

Fire trucks line up to the school.

Meanwhile, doing my victory dance.

Seeing my fifth period teacher looking like he is gonna explode.

# data[].attributes.body
Pitch number one. Strike one!

I´m up to bat, bottom of the last inning, bases loaded.

Pitch number two. Strike two!

Winning run on second, two outs.

I grabbed my aluminum bat.

As I stepped into the box,

My red jersey flew in the wind, and

My aluminum bat reflected the sun.

The pitcher wound up to throw.

Time was like a snail. Ding!

The red laces spun off the bat.

I watched in awe as

The ball flew to left center.

I ran for first base.

The center fielder had the ball.

I went for a double.

Fwoosh! I dove into second.

The dirt was a dry, barren desert.

I looked at home plate,

And then at the umpire.

“Safe at second!” shouted the umpire.

I rose to my feet,

Only to find two of my teammates running towards our dugout.

As the umpire raised his hands,

He said to the crowd, “ball game!”

# data[].attributes.body
The house is abandoned town,

No sound or people in sight

No one to restrict me.

A idea flows through my mind

Telling me to bring the

One thing my tounge lives for, Chocolate milk.

It would be a dream to sit their

Playing video games with chocolate

Milk by side, but that is against the rules

Taking a step to the fridge

A horrible image of punishment

Screams at me not to take it.

But I also can see

The fun to be had if the milk is taken.

It was high risk high reward.

Breaking the law my hands

whip the milk around to the counter to make a glass.

stepping onto the soft, white, clean stairs.

My feet are heavy weights

Causing me to struggle.

Almost as if its warning

Me to turn back before it's too late.

The chair awaits me as

the floor awaits my milk.

Swinging back and forth in the chair

My Leg aims and crane kicks the chocolate milk.

The glass slams into the once white wall

Turning it into a brown polka dotted mess.

Shards of glass scatter across the floor

Shimmering, shining, and glittering like

The stars in the night sky.

Brown liquid is a homing missile

Splatting onto everything expensive.

My heart froze like water into a ice cube.

Regret shot into my mind

Making the enjoyment and fun a

forgotten Dream, Meaningless and irrelevant

Without even thinking my legs

Lead me downstairs to the cleaning supplies.

Sprinting back up stairs to the mess

my hands scrub as fast as they can

Like they were on fire, it doesn't come off

Then the dreaded bell rang.

My family comes inside and

My sister run to the there room upstairs.

They yell for my parents and see

The destroyed walls and brown paint milk everywhere.

Before my mouth could even open

Punishment and correcting stomped me into the ground.

# data[].attributes.headline
It started off as a great dayThe room roaredwith the sound of laughter,And children running wildly aboutIt was as hectic as the inside of a beehiveBut then, in an instant- everything changedSilence fell over the roomEveryone raced over to their own cramped cornerAnd settled downThe fun stoppedThe running cutoffThe laughter diedAnd there was nothing left to enjoyNap time- the most dreaded part of the dayIt seemed as if the clock on the wallWas hardly moving at allJust 45 minutes of plain nothingnessWaiting as the time passedUntil the wait became too much to handleLosing control suddenly I beganWhacking people with pillowsA sense of rage flooded my systemAngry becuase the loneliness was boringI was like a monster who had beenWoken up from a good night’s sleep,The other kids were frightened and petrified.The room quickly filledwith sounds of crying and screamingHow could a place so peaceful and sereneBecome a warzone in such little timeAll of a sudden I looked downAnd felt restraints on my armsGlancing around, confusedSuch a little kid couldn’t causeSo much destructionAt least...that’s what I thought

# data[].attributes.subject
It started off as a great dayThe room roaredwith the sound of laughter,And children running wildly aboutIt was as hectic as the inside of a beehiveBut then, in an instant- everything changedSilence fell over the roomEveryone raced over to their own cramped cornerAnd settled downThe fun stoppedThe running cutoffThe laughter diedAnd there was nothing left to enjoyNap time- the most dreaded part of the dayIt seemed as if the clock on the wallWas hardly moving at allJust 45 minutes of plain nothingnessWaiting as the time passedUntil the wait became too much to handleLosing control suddenly I beganWhacking people with pillowsA sense of rage flooded my systemAngry becuase the loneliness was boringI was like a monster who had beenWoken up from a good night’s sleep,The other kids were frightened and petrified.The room quickly filledwith sounds of crying and screamingHow could a place so peaceful and sereneBecome a warzone in such little timeAll of a sudden I looked downAnd felt restraints on my armsGlancing around, confusedSuch a little kid couldn’t causeSo much destructionAt least...that’s what I thought

# data[].attributes.body
Sticky summer air swirling

rich blue sky softly smiling

Fresh cotton linen mixed with newly cut grass,

The paint can screams,... “use me, use me, use me”

Hating the cotton ball color of my dad's Infiniti G37 Coupe,

making a plan, again I had hope.

Surreptitiously crawling on the sandpaper scraggy concrete,

clearing the coast clean, independence is mine.

My heart beams of rejoice out of my chest.

envisioning the perfect plum set of wheels, puts my plan into action

Clenching the faux wood brush,

Submerging it into the lilac goo

Still- stepping forward- beginning to spread the paint like butter.

No regrets, no care in the world, no more white car.

Overwhelmed with pride gawking at my masterpiece.

Fear takes over me, worrying about others opinions on the artwork.

Ding ding hollers the door alarm, as my dad steps out.

Frustrated, perplexed, disappointed

Scolding, sorries, and scrubbing ended the early June day

Others don't know the true beauty I recognize.

Soul feeling weak and drab,

My only option to recover was to find another canvas.

# data[].attributes.body
Lazily laying with my toys,

Sprawled out across the floor.

My choo choo train

Decorates the living room

Playing in silence like a mute

Listening to my parents chatter

The aroma of christmas candles

To escape the overpowering smell

Would be like escaping Alcatraz

Looking for my chattering parents

To show them my creation

When a sudden burst of noise

Booms through the relaxing mood

The mood dissolved in an instant.

Longing for the moment to come back,

Racing for the sound that rudely interrupted.

To find my loving parents,

Hypnotized by a bright box.

not pausing for a moment,

quickly dashing for the unwanted box

And hit the button labeled “power”

Every time the tv turns on

They would expect me to show up

To stop the box’s tyranny

My parents would scream profusely.

Until eventually they grew tired,

And put a stop to what they thought was banter

But the whole time they were being saved

From the box that ruined the good aura

So they put a lock on the power switch

Keeping my favorite feeling away

Not able to find it when the tv turns on

# data[].attributes.body
Cleaning the filth off the plate

Shoving it in the dishwasher

Noticing that we no longer

Have the cleaning tablets we

Use, looking around i find a

Bottle of dish soap and assum

That it will work just as well

Walking confidently back to the

Living room switching on the

Tv messing with the channels no

Care in in the world until

Out of the corner of my eye

Isee the golden brown pooch

Eating something shimmering white

Thinking that it was her favorite snowman toy

I pay no attention to her

Clink! I hear making my heart

Burst in pure terror darting towards

The predicament my eyes behold

A pool of glossy white substance placing me

In a state of panic

Attempting to clean up the Appalling mess

Quivering within every movement of my

Body my mother lazily walks in the kitchen

Glancing at the mess which results in

Her falling on the ground erupting in laughter

Lifting herself from the flooring she proceeds

To grabs a copious amount of towels chunking

Them at my body and  says ,” have fun cleaning

Your mess .”

# data[].attributes.body
The scene from the TV fled

Out of the screen absorbing

into my brain- conjuring an idea,

The laundry basket pulled my body

Towards it like a moth to light

Rushing up the stairs

Yanking my cousin and

The basket along with me

Plopping my body in the basket

Tucking my feet under the soft folded laundry

Grasping the hard plastic handles

Signaling my cousin to give me a push

He shook his head so much

He looked like a maraca

But with a little persuasion he finally agreed

He murmurs “ready? 1, 2, 3, go”

And with that I bolt down the stairs

surroundings turning into a blur

Speeding down the stairs If stairs had cops

I would’ve been thrown in jail

“Wees and Woos” fill the air

But suddenly stops when the basket

Meets a toy car sending me into the air

My body internally froze but  the rest of my body-

Was sent spinning around

Like I was in a washing machine

Terrified, life flashing before my eyes

Hair whipping wildly, scared for my life

Heart pumping like it was trying to  break free

BANG! Smashing into the wall

Face smooshed, glasses broken like two twigs

Slightly turning my face to revealing

My mother towering overing me

Anger steaming out of her ears

I knew it was game over for me

# data[].attributes.body
SQUIRT.SQUIRT.SQUIRT.

Goes the red, salty ketchup

On the clear saran wrap.

SQUIRT.SQUIRT.SQUIRT.

A malicious idea came

Knocking at the door asking

for trouble. “GOAL” are the

Noises ringing through the halls

coming from the two little pigs.

While the pigs are rolling in the mud,

The big bad wolves plant the

Prank on one of the pigs

Electronics. Along with the ketchup

A camera, recording all that happens,

Is included too.

STOMP.STOMP.STOMP.

Here comes the elephants charging

Into their domain. The big bad wolves

scamper up to their cave and hide.

“Gasp-blood!” SNICKER.CHUCKLE.CHORTLE.

“AHHHH” were the battle cries

Of the little pigs.This was war.

WHAM.

SLAM.

Goes the door.

For the first time. The big bad wolves

Were the ones running from house to house.

After what seemed the end of

The skirmish, The wolves apologized

And revealed that the messy pigs

Were being recorded. The steam

Pouring out of the pigs ears, was

Identical to the steam of a

Piping hot cup of tea.

Their anger did not stop there.

The pigs went to all the trouble

To tattle tale about our prank to the parents.

Another part of the payback

Was in full amount.They sneakily hid our electronics,

Leaving us clueless about what

Happened. The battle for the

Last laugh might never end between us

Siblings. We will go to

The end of the world

To get the final laugh-

Or the end of a ketchup bottle.

# data[].attributes.body
Street lights shining through the windows,

A scent of pizza filling the air and marching

Onto my tongue. The rough carpet tickling my toes,

homework taking over my brain.

Brother's eyes glued to the T.V. on full blast.

Getting a drink and coming back to see

Homework gone. Anger filling veins,

Grabbing the crumpled sheet from his hands

And retreating back to my spot.

Anger takes over, and a remote goes flying

From my hands and at his face.

Catching it he throws it back laughing.

This frustrates me even more.

Springing up I'm ready for war.

Living room suddenly a battle field,

Toys flying in every direction, littering the floor.

Finding I’m out of ammunition, my eyes scan

The room for a new weapon.

It is then that I spot the dominoes.

Running to the box and flinging away the lid,

I scoop up a hand full and hurl it across

The room. Starting main fight of the battle.

Domino's soaring through the air

And hitting us all over.

Brother aiming for my face is

The only thing that registers in my mind.

He throws and I lunge to my left,

Throwing myself onto a nearby couch.

The small slab just missing my ear.

As I hit it away.

While most fly to the floor, or off to the side,

That single domino finds a separate target.

SMASH!! A deafening crash fills my ears.

Stopping my heart. The domino had found the T.V.

The brand new T.V, only three days old.

Shutting my eyes, hoping against hope that

This is all a dream.

No such luck, the nightmare isn't a nightmare.

Opening my eyes I asses the damage.

Parents running in asking about the crash,

Until they turn their gaze to the screen.

Spider web cracks blanket the screen.

Shshshshshsh! T.V. makes a terrible glitching sound.

As black swarms over the screen, taking over.

All the work of a single domino.

Mom and Dad screaming, words becoming distorted.

As I realize the damage I have made,

And the consequences I will face.

# data[].attributes.body
Waking up to a warm April breeze,

a sweet smell of pancakes flowed to my nostrils.

Then problems arose like weeds in the yard.

It is April 1st or as most people call it- April Fools.

Dressing with haste and dashing down the stairs.

Seeing Zach, my older brother,

And then remembering what happened last year.

Ten o’clock last year, my misery.

My brother had hid in the bush

Watching, waiting, monitoring my every move.

When walking outside my brother

doused me in ice cold water

It froze me in place like a statue.

But it’s going to be different this year.

Focusing on pranking my brother.

Dashing as fast as a jet up to my room.

Pondering on how to prank my snob of a brother.

Then it came to me

pranking him with some firecrackers.

Swiftly taking his firecrackers out of his room,

Placing them under the toilet,

Hiding under the table in the hall,

Watching, waiting monitoring the bathroom door.

It was looking positive till someone walked in.

That someone is my Mom

And it was too late

Scrunching up my face and ears.

Watching, waiting, listening for the loud

Bang! The smell of pancakes

Rapidly replaced with a sulfuric smell

My Mom trudged out of the room

Telling me to clean it up.

Sitting in the bathroom staring

At the white, metallic toilet bowl.

My rear placed upon the cold, wet tiles.

My brother sprinted in mocking me

Like my reflection in the toilet bowl.

# data[].attributes.body
The sky vacant, empty, and blue

Not even a single cloud in sight

Chatting with my talkative friends

Longing for something more,

Something profound, something worth treasuring!

Lonely friend, hair in face

Lightly dribbles silver soccer ball

Smile on her mouth, eyes shining brightly.

Glamorous idea hit like a bolt of lighting

She, a stellar soccer player

And I only a novice.

Creeping stealthily up behind her

A kitten prowling its victim

Expertly kicking the ball away...away...

Dribbling the playful soccer ball

Enemy only one step behind...Gaining...gaining...gaining...

Sharp turn up ahead, incoming!

One look behind determines my fate

Rapidly thinking clever ideas with wit

Faking kick to the left

But way out of practice

Tripping clumsily over the ball.

Feet up in the air

Sun winking as if to say:

“Should not have done that!”

Sights whirl around, seeing stars

Landing on left knee and scraping palms

Rolling up my leggings, yikes!

Maroon blood gushing out of wound

Staining my ebony gym pants

Liquid that sustains life spreading...Spreading...Spreading...

# data[].attributes.body
To sprint to the upstairs shower

Instead of the downstairs one

Cancelling the shower curtains

So it’s no longer a blockade

To the escaping convicts

That dig through the floor

This was a big mistake...

Being completely oblivious as to what happened

Sprinting like a car downstairs

The hole staring through me

The hole flaking at the seams

The hole acting like a spiral staircase

For the tiny escaping convicts

My parents were scolding

As the convicts were escaping

They were being trapped in a cage

Set by us as they fall

The repairman adjusting the hole

Like a crazy magical wizard

Fast forward a couple years,

And the indent made by it is still there today

# data[].attributes.body
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