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- George Bernard Shaw -
"Without art,
the crudeness of reality
would make the world
unbearable."
- 1 -
[ Foreword ]The Lauderdale County School System is pleased to share the Fall 2014 edition of Sweet Inspirations, a literary magazine of original writing, artwork, and photography submitted by students in grades 7-12 in the Lauderdale County School System. The name Sweet Inspirations is taken from a title of a song written by Spooner Oldham, a Lauderdale County alumnus, and is a nod to our area, our talented residents, and our rich musical heritage. The magazine is a publication of the Secondary Curriculum Department.
[ Acknowledgements ]
Cover Artwork • by Brooke Moore
Layout and Design • by Kristin Garrett
Superintendent • Jennifer Gray
Secondary Curriculum Director • Les Abston
Publication Advisor • Lara Muck
Special thanks to Carol Pace, Jane Corl, Pam Tanner, Mary Nicely, and Derek Daily for their role in making the dream for Sweet Inspirations a reality and for their role in making the magazine a success and to Lara Muck and her Advertising Design Class at ATCTC for taking on the project of the publication of Sweet Inspirations.
- 2 -
[ Table of Contents ]FICTION• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• First Place -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brittany Laster ......... ATCTC ...... The Kingdom's Assassin ................. 6-9• Second Place --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abby Roberson ........ LCHS ....... The Day ....................................... 16-21• Third Place -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hanah Sims ............. LCHS ....... The American Way ...................... 28-29
NON-FICTION • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • First Place -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ashley Irons ............ Central .... Ethics and Reputation in Business ... 12-13• Second Place --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Levi Bevis ................ Central .... America the Silent ....................... 22-23• Third Place ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hanah Sims ............. LCHS ...... 31• Honorable Mention -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Erin Thacker ............Jason .....................Levi Bevis ...............
LCHS ......Central ....Central ....
All About Me ................................Choices .......................................More Than Just a Club ..................
38-3942-4346-47
My Grandmother's House ..............
POETRY • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • First Place -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alexander Williams .. LCHS ...... Seconds in Between ....................... 11• Second Place --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adrianna King ......... LCHS ...... Ana Poem ..................................... 15• Third Place ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adrianna King ......... LCHS ...... 26The Life of Her Son .......................
• Honorable Mention -----------------------------------------------------------------------------Levi Bevis ................Savannah Owen ......
Central ....LCHS ......
4445
• Poetry Honorable Mentions ... continued on next page
- 3 -
Allegiances of Old .........................An Autumn Night .........................
[ Table of Contents ]
- 4 -
POETRY • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Dead Roses, Too ...........................Demon of Desperation ..................Eyes of Truth ..............................Home at Midnight ........................Memories ........................................My Existence ...............................
• Honorable Mention (continued) ----------------------------------------------------------Kaitlyn Tatum ..........Kaitlyn Tatum ..........Kaleigh Warren .......Madison Jones ........Jason Pruitt .............Kaitlyn Tatum ..........
LCHS ......LCHS ......LCHS ......LCHS ......Central ....LCHS ......
4150
34-35494033
ARTWORK • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• First Place -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brooke Moore ......... ATCTC .... The Colorful Dance ........ Cover & Page 14• Second Place --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abby Roberson ....... LCHS ...... Bored on the Bus ......................... 25• Third Place ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mason McGee ........ ATCTC .... 32• Honorable Mention -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
McKenzie Siemientowski ..Matthew Nowack ...Branden Griffis ......Brianna Wolfgang ..Ivy Stover .............Hannah Richardson ..Caroline Graham ...Nicole Yost ...........Chaylie Thorn .......
ATCTC ....ATCTC ....ATCTC ....ATCTC ....ATCTC ....ATCTC ....Brooks ....ATCTC ....Wilson ....
Agateophobia ..............................Christmas Night ..........................Graffiti .......................................Love Dove ...................................Simple Balance ...........................Still Life .....................................Untitled ......................................Window Pane ..............................Wise One .....................................
4836222845421736
6
Camp Jackson ..............................
• Additonal Selections ---------------------------------------------------------------------------Taylor Creasy ........Logan Hanback ......Mason McGee .......Briley Walker ........Emily Franklin .......
Central ...Brooks ...ATCTC ....Lexington .ATCTC ....
Abstract Autumn ...........................Craftmatic ....................................Evergreen .....................................Fashion Design ..............................Indian Headdress ..........................
2943204848
[ Table of Contents ]
- 5 -
ARTWORK • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• Additonal Selections (continued) --------------------------------------------------------
McKenzie Siemientowski ..Keelan Samples .....Tanner Bayes ........Allison Lott ...........
ATCTC ....ATCTC ....LCHS .....ATCTC ....
Lost Rolling Girl's Weeping .............Owls in Midnight ...........................The Guitar ....................................The Horned Owl .............................
35365120
PHOTOGRAPHY • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • First Place -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harley Chase ......... Rogers .... Music is Life .................................. 10• Second Place --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corbin .................. Central ... Americana ..................................... 24• Third Place ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Erika Grisham ........ LCHS .... 30• Honorable Mention -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anna Shea Hayes ...Sarah Kelley ..........Mikayla Smith ........Stokes Kasmeier .....Jason Pruitt ............Sarah Fike .............Harley Chase .........Hannah Gautney ....Emma McFall .........
Central ..LCHS .....ATCTC ....ATCTC ....Central ..ATCTC ....Rogers ....LCHS .....Central ..
Baby's Best Friend .........................Escape ..........................................Homecoming .................................Kasmeier Pond .............................Road to Serenity ...........................Snowy Days in Washington ............The Amazing Ring of Fire ..............The Dark Halls .............................The Old Broken Bridge ..................
273727183812374621
A Sister's Happiness .......................
• Additonal Selections ---------------------------------------------------------------------------Bayleigh Spears .....Molli Jo Whitten ....Brianna Wolfgang ..Stokes Kasmeier .....Christopher John Hartzell .Sarah Fike .............Brianna Wolfgang ..
ATCTC ....Central ..ATCTC ....ATCTC ....LCHS .....ATCTC ....ATCTC ....
Cabin in the Woods .......................Calm and Relaxing .......................Puppy ..........................................Sunset on Kasmeier Road .............Tunnel of Trees ...........................Vandalism in the Homes of Our Loved Ones ...Hedgehog ....................................
37133941483340
• • • by Brittany Laster • ATCTC The Kingdom's Assassin • • • • • •
I have killed before, of course. Those
ruffians in the forest when I was but fifteen
were my first. Father always said I was the
best, but he could not have had this in mind
when he said so. I was being ‘coerced’ into
committing the highest treason possible for
someone of my level, any level really. My
little sister’s life depended upon it, hers and
mine. I could not care less about my own, but
when I was fifteen both of our parents had
been murdered right in front of our eyes.
Though Olivia, my sister, could not remember
it for she had been but three winters. Now,
six years later, I have been called upon by the
very men that had killed my parents to pass
on the legacy by killing yet another. So much
death, yet I do not care. The only living being
in the world that I care for is my younger
sister. If she dies, this world will know it. It
will hear the screams of the ones responsible,
all mercy vanquished. Until that time, I am but a pawn used to forward the other players’
forward movement towards its ultimate goal, the king. Yes indeed, I was to kill the bloody
king. His life blood was to flow out of him and to the cold tile below; but not in private. No, I
was to make it a very public ordeal; though they still expect for me to walk out of the castle,
ld walk - 6 -
First Place • Fiction
“Wise One”•
by Chaylie Thorn- Wilson -
•Honorable Mention
Artwork
- 7 -
unquestioned. uHonestly, I have no doubt that I would walk out of this large, stone death
trap alive. I was my father’s daughter after all; the only problem is that I don’t want to walk
out of here bloody alive. This king is but the first; out of the nine sovereigns only one was
to survive who was to be termed the Kingdom’s Assassin. That would lead most to believe
that king was the one pulling my chains, but that was way too easy. I had no doubt in my
mind that he had nothing to do with the blood about to pour down the tile like rain. Marcus,
the messenger who gave me the details on the sovereign’s death, whispered to me that the
reason for the King’s death was for crimes against the all. Well bloody hooray, a king that gets
rewards from his people’s suffering, how original- not. If they asked me I would say they are
wasting their time, once one king was decrowned, ha-ha, another would soon replace him.
There is no such thing as a leader with morals. When there is, they are quickly murdered
and replaced. Of course, no one asked me. If they had, I would not be walking down the royal
hallway with my hair piled upon my head like a wig and my comfortable trousers replaced
with a not so comfortable corset and gown. God, being a female has to be the worst torture
possible within the nobility. Good thing I am not noble- I would have already killed this guy.
The bar maid who fixed my hair remarked upon my lack of lady-like behavior. I responded
with my trademark answer, “I am female, not a girl.” Really, that should be on a banner.
She responded with a whack to my poor, defenseless head, and found herself on her back for
it. Truly, that was an accident; my reflexes are deadly, she should at least have had a stab
wound. Anyhow, after Marcus had shut her and her complaints up, he dragged me here.
He gave me but a small dagger to get the job done. Sadly for him I prefer larger; hence, the
dueling sword currently strapped to the side of my leg, hidden under the miles of fabric.
Luckily, I talked the seamstress into making a small cut within the folds of the gown right
where my hands lie, giving me easy access to the hilt of my favorite sword.
All around me, the wealth of this king made itself known, very gaudily. Upon every
arch there was a golden bouquet of flowers, real gold, and every corner was adorned with a
matching golden suit of armor. Beneath the--surprise--gold chandelier, there hung small gold
The Kingdom's Assassin • First Place Fiction • Brittany Laster
snowflakes which caught the light and beamed it into the guests’ eyes; the hall was adorned
lushly with miles upon miles of different shapes and sizes of gold. This hall must be their
bloody treasury. It held enough gold to make the fiercest of dragons happy. The candelabras
attached solidly to the walls reflected their flame upon the gold, the dancing undulations
giving the hall the appearance of catching fire. Truly, the effect was breathtaking. Striding
the rest of the way down the hall, I pushed open the double doors with a flourish, making as
dramatic an entrance as possible. Walking right past the flustered announcer, I pranced over
to the king and took a deep bow, then quickly transformed it into a curtsy with an inward
shrug. Oops? It’s the whole lack of being a lady thing, I guess; Father and Mother never really
felt the need to teach me etiquette, only the correct way to wield a weapon.
“Sire,” I said sweetly, “I am positive you do not remember me, I am but a flea in your
beautiful hide,” Peeking through my lashes I could see him sit up higher in his throne. “Yet I
cannot help wishing for your Grace’s hand in a small matter.”
“What matter do you speak of, my lady?” He asked, his voice gruff from its old age.
“Why, when we last met you promised me a tour of your gardens,” His eyebrows rose
and I smiled softly. “The last we met, sire, I was but ten winters. It has been eleven years
since then.” The king seemed perplexed for a moment but quickly covered it with a nod.
“Of course, of course!” He said, slowly standing, recognition in his eyes. Marcus had
intelligence that the King’s spy network used that very excuse when they carried knowledge
of import to the king. The old sovereign finally gained his feet and led me to the double doors
I had entered. Slowly feeling the curious glances lessening, I moved my hand to the hilt of
my sword. Quickly drawing it out, I slashed through the king’s flashy robes and into the flesh
beneath. If the ones holding my sister had truly wanted me to get out unnoticed they were
going to be disappointed. Soon, I was surrounded by a group of soldiers as another group
carried their king’s corpse to the exit. If they hoped to save him they were out of luck, for I
felt his heart shudder when I planted my sword’s tip within it.
“Boys, boys, you do know how to be gentlemen, correct?” I asked as they all held their
The Kingdom's Assassin • First Place Fiction • Brittany Laster
- 8 -
weapons towards my neck.
“What, what happened?” I heard a man’s voice ask from behind me. “Where is uncle?”
I knew that voice. Wincing, I turned to face the boy from my past- a young prince who had
been present when my parents were murdered and who had tried to save me from the men
that took me. Only, he was not a boy anymore. Just as I knew he would, he had become quite
the handsome fellow. Too bad I had just murdered his uncle. His eyes widened in shock upon
seeing me.
“Pri- King Demetrius,” one of the soldiers said, “this woman has committed treason
and has murdered our King, your Uncle. Orders?” Huh, so his name was Demetrius, funny I
had never thought to ask his name.
“Her name is Adelaide, and she is my betrothed.” Demetrius said. I had been slowly
edging my way to the exit at this point, but hearing his words I froze.
“I am NOT your betrothed! How many times do I have to say it?” I yelled, exasperated.
He still thought I was his future bride, typical. Can an assassin not just murder a king and be
on her merry way?
“Wait, this is Princess Adelaide of the Lorcan Kingdom? She just murdered our king!”
One soldier yelled.
“She does not have the silver eyes.” Another said.
“She-“
“Hold it! What do you mean Princess Adelaide, I am no princess.” I said darkly.
Demetrius’ eyes turned to me. Really, how could they be such a crystal blue?
“You are,” he said on a sigh. “But why must you always be killing people when we
meet?” Huh, no love lost for his uncle then, for there was definite humor there.”Take her
to my chambers; I will deal with the guests,” Demetrius said, but just then a huge boom
resounded through the cavernous ball room, and the guests scattered like ants. Quickly
escaping the guard’s hold on me, I waved and winked at Demetrius.
“Bye, sweetheart,” My last view, his gorgeous eyes widening in shock.
The Kingdom's Assassin • First Place Fiction • Brittany Laster
- 9 -
First Place • Photography
“Music is Life”•
by Harley Chase- Rogers -
•First Place
Photography
- 10 -
- 11 -
It’s the seconds in betweenthe seconds that go unseen
That mean the difference between light and darktrust me, these words are true to their mark
It’s the seconds in betweenand those who go unseen
Now we must fightor darkness destroys all those in sight
It’s those moments in betweenthose times that go unseen
Those times to preparefor the darkest dare
It’s the seconds that go unseenthe seconds in between
In between struggles of dark and lightthat make the difference between day and eternal night
It’s the seconds within the meanand untold heroes in betweenThat make the difference for
those who’ll fight the war
It’s the moments that go unseenthat makes the difference between friend and feign
Never close your eyes during peaceor your light may cease
It’s the seconds in betweenthe seconds that go unseen
That build the coming battleso do not lay low like cattle
It’s the seconds in betweenthe seconds that go unseen
Make use of themthose God given seconds, amen
• • • Seconds in Between • • •by Alexander Michael Williams • LCHS
First Place • Poetry
- 12 -
Ethics and Reputation in Business • • by Ashley Irons • Central
Reputation cannot be bought or
sold; it can only be earned. Who would do
business with a company that is famous
for cheating its clients? Would a salesman
sell anything to a retail store that had
the reputation of not paying its bills? In
business, reputation is key.
So, how do integrity, honesty, and
civility in marketplace ethics tie in with
reputation to benefit a business as well
as the community? As the daughter of
a lumber salesman and former small
business owner, I have learned much
about integrity and ethics in business
throughout my life. If my businessman
father has taught me anything, it is that
without ethics, a business, community, or
individual cannot truly be successful. In
other words, integrity, honesty, and civility
are the building blocks of a productive
business.
Honesty is a trait that is often
pushed aside or written off as a thing of the
past. The most valuable thing in this world,
however, is the truth. For example, take a relationship between two individuals. If
one person has lied to the other in the past, would the honest person ever rely on
the liar again? This concept is applicable in the relationship between a business and
its customers. Why would a customer do business with a company known for false
First Place • Non-Fiction
“Snowy Daysin Washington”
•by Sarah Elizabeth Fike
- ATCTC -•
Honorable Mention
- 13 -
advertising or cheating?
Civility is another component that comprises a company's reputation. Politeness
goes a long way. If community members know that a business shows respect for its
customers, the business's sales will flourish. Take the company Chick-fil-A, for instance.
Chick-fil-A has had tremendous success throughout the years, and a fundamental factor
in that success is the apparent friendliness of Chick-fil-A employees.
Honesty and civility constitute the concept of integrity. Integrity within a business
has tremendously positive effects on a community. The city of Florence, Alabama, for
example, is benefitted by Panera Bread's food donations to the less fortunate community
members. This, in turn, boosts Panera Bread's reputation, which provides the company
with more business. This triggers the domino effect, providing positive incentive for
other businesses to give back to their communities.
The most important aspect of a company is an admirable reputation. Integrity,
honesty, and civility are absolute necessities for a reputable business. These traits stem
from the leadership in communities and businesses, so it is imperative that community
members display integrity in not only their businesses, but their daily lives.
Ethics and Reputation in Business • First Place Non-Fiction • Ashley Irons
“Calm and Relaxing”by Molli Jo Whitten • Central
Photography
- 15 -
Ana Poem • • by Adrianna King • LCHS • •
Second Place • Poetry
She knows she isn’t the prettiest, she knows she isn’t the skinniest,
She wants to be better, wants to be skinnier, she decides to fix it.
She decides to not eat, but it isn’t always easy. People started to notice.
People started to talk. She tries to cover it up moving around the food.
Taking a bite here, a nibble there. The over-sized hoodies, baggy
sweatpants. She just can’t eat. She feels fat at only 85 pounds,
5 foot 2 inches tall. She just doesn’t feel comfortable
The more that people comment, the worse it gets.
The skinnier that she gets,the happier she is.
Finally, she is done. Finally, she is
comfortable,but it’s too late.
She collapses. The
ambulance
rushes to
the hospital.
“We did
everything
that we
could.”
The words
roll off
of the
doctor’s
tongue.
Her
parents
fall to
their
knees.
“We never
knew.”
Words
that
everyone
said.
The American Way
Second Place • Fiction
It was the beginning of June, 1944; the weather seemed to be stuck in that awkward
phase where the heat was almost unbearable at midday and quite chilly at night. A gentle
breeze was lifting the smell of the sea and cooling off the inland country. Though that gentle
breeze smelled lovely, it made absolutely no impact on the fifty-pound load of equipment
strapped to Staff Sergeant Aaron McGilley's back.
Aaron McGilley was proud to be an American soldier. Aaron's grandfather and father
bravely fought in World War I. Aaron knew it was his duty to carry on the tradition and enlisted
for overseas action along the European coasts. He had trained in Switzerland, protected the
Polish fronts, and was now preparing to take part in Operation Overlord. McGilley was ready
to leave foreign soil. He had always wanted to explore Europe, but not while dodging enemy
fire or while avoiding landmines in a tank. The patriotism that had once burned hot in his
heart was slowly turning to nothing but ashes. He knew America needed a win.
The plans had been laid out by McGilley's commanding officer, General Dwight D.
Eisenhower. The general wanted a win for the American troops, but most importantly he
wanted to end the war. In thirty-six hours, American forces would invade the French beaches
at Normandy.
This time, prior to the invasion, was very important. It gave troops time to perfect attack
plans, write letters home, and mentally prepare for the unknown. Aaron McGilley did none
of those things. He was mentally, physically, and emotionally ready for the attack. General
Eisenhower knew just how focused and prepared Sgt. McGilley appeared to be. Even though
Eisenhower was a professional and claimed much more experience over McGilley, he always
sought the young sergeant's opinions before any tactical move.
The night before the invasion, General Eisenhower told Sergeant McGilley of his
intentions and sought his voice of reason once again. "This operation is not being planned
- 16 -
• • by Hanah Sims • LCHS • •
- 17 -
“Untitled”•
by Caroline Graham- Brooks -
•Honorable Mention
Artwork
The American Way • Second Place Fiction • Hanah Sims
with any alternatives. This operation is planned as a victory, and that's the way it's going to
be. We're going down there, and we're throwing everything we have into it and we're going to
make it a success."
McGilley smiled at his commanding officer and stated, "Yes, sir. Giving our very best is
all we can do. God will watch over us as we defend our country. We will make America proud,
because we are protecting the land of the free and the home of the brave."
Sergeant McGilley's troop was commanded to penetrate the enemy's line and evacuate
the P.O.W. camps. The troop was also told to evacuate the surrounding homes in the event of
a massive landmine explosion or fire. Tomorrow morning before dawn, the American forces
would put their invasion plan into action; this attack would become one of the most famous
during the Second World War.
Sgt. McGilley's team was the first to emerge from the protection of their amphibious
tank and wade ashore. Omaha Beach could only be described as a nightmare straight from
hell. Members of the American fleet were dying left and right. Aaron could see his comrades
dropping like flies. McGilley ducked as hundreds of bullets flew all around him. The whizzing
bullets reminded him of bees during spring. He knew he had to keep moving. McGilley launched
The American Way • Second Place Fiction • Hanah Sims
“Kasmeier Pond”
•by Stokes Kasmeier
- ATCTC -•
Honorable MentionPhotography
his grenades at the German forces and prayed for a miracle.
Then, it happened. The U.S. Air Force unloaded thousands of bombs, enough to weaken
the German front and give McGilley his opening. With renewed energy, Aaron rushed through
the abandoned front towards the Prisoner of War camp.
The camp was basically the equivalent of a barnyard. The smell was awful and
ridiculously disgusting. Sgt. McGilley was taken aback by the number of prisoners that filled
the small stalls. There had to be at least thirty people in each closet-sized stall. McGilley and
his other few surviving comrades unchained the prisoners and led them to safety.
Now the prisoners would be escorted to the nearest American Red Cross station and be
evaluated based on sickness, weight, etc. Hopefully, the prisoners would not be too mentally
scarred from the brutal treatment by the Germans. McGilley, being the head sergeant of his
team, made the last inspection of the P.O.W. camp, before the team destroyed the building.
Aaron always reflected on his actions as he did his walkthrough. He was thankful they had
liberated this camp. The emptiness was so vast, and it showed the true size of the camp. The
Germans had somehow managed to shove around one thousand people into a barn meant for
- 18 -
- 19 -
The American Way • Second Place Fiction • Hanah Sims
maybe twenty-five or thirty horses.
As McGilley peered around the last corner of the building, he saw movement, but
not enough for him to draw his weapon. There hiding, shivering behind a milk crate was a
frightened little girl. Aaron carefully and calmly dropped his weapon and equipment. She was
staring at him very wide eyed, like a little lost puppy.
"Well what a nice surprise ...what's your name sweetheart?" Aaron was trying to be
casual and console the child, but he got no response, just a blank stare. Aaron squatted down
right in front of the girl to get a better view of her.
She could only be about six years old. She wore no shoes, only a homemade blue
dress, most likely made by her mother. Her face was perfectly round and reminded Aaron
of a porcelain doll. The most astounding feature was her eyes. The girl's eyes were chocolate
brown, detailed with flakes of gold. She was a beautiful child.
"I'll try again," Aaron thought. "I'm not going to hurt you sweetie. I'm here to help you."
Aaron carefully rose and picked the girl up. He sat her on his lap and realized how fragile she
was, truly a porcelain doll. Then, she smiled. It was a pearly white smile that melted Aaron's
heart. Aaron patted her back and gave her a hug. The girl didn't even try to struggle; in fact,
she wrapped her arms around his neck and began to cry. There was only one thing Aaron
could do, sit there until she ran out of tears. He didn't have the heart to leave the stall with
her crying in his arms.
Aaron McGilley sat in that dark, damp prisoner of war camp for over an hour. The girl
finally lifted her head and wiped her eyes; no more tears would fall. He attempted to start
another conversation with her.
"Did you have a good cry, honey? All better now?"
She looked at him, and then slowly pointed to her ears. In that moment, Aaron realized
she was deaf. He just patted her arm and smiled; that made her happy and she knew he
understood. He had never encountered a deaf person who was as young as this girl. Even
though she was deaf, McGilley knew he could never leave her. They had already formed a
The American Way • Second Place Fiction • Hanah Sims
- 20 -
type of understood bond that should never be
broken.
The Red Cross officials told Aaron the
little girl's name was Lucetta. She had become
an orphan since her parents had died in the
P.O.W. camp. She was originally from Poland
and her family had gone to France for safety.
McGilley had now been transferred to
beach patrol on Omaha. With the American Red
Cross attending to even the enemy's wounded,
he was asked to be head supervisor by Gen.
Eisenhower. McGilley really enjoyed his duty
because he could go visit Lucetta after his
watch. Lucy loved seeing Aaron. She looked
forward to it every single day. They had both
been learning sign language and had been
able to actually talk. Lucy was very smart and
even funny when she told Aaron old stories.
He had decided this had been his favorite part
of the war. Aaron only had one more month
of deployment and then he was heading back
home. He only had one assignment left, and
this was the most important one.
Sgt. McGilley filled out an adoption
application so he could take little Lucetta to
America. He had made a list of reasons as to why
this was beneficial for her. Lucy needed medical
“Evergreen”by Mason McGee • ATCTC
Artwork
“The Horned Owl”by Allison Lott • ATCTC
Artwork
- 21 -
The American Way • Second Place Fiction • Hanah Sims
treatment for her deafness, and America had the best doctors. This task was quickened by a
letter straight from General Eisenhower. Eisenhower had only met Lucy once and immediately
witnessed just how close the little Polish girl and his American sergeant were. Aaron McGilley
had completed his military service and his last mission.
America welcomed the troops back with open arms. It would take Aaron a little while
to readjust to normal life, but he had Lucetta to help him. Lucy would also be learning how to
speak with a new hearing doctor and several speech therapists. McGilley had hired the very
best for his sweet, little Lucy. The future looked bright and the war was coming to a close.
“The Old Broken Bridge”•
by Emma McFall- Central -
•Honorable Mention
Photography
- 22 -
America the Silent
Second Place • Non-Fiction
One quick drive through Florence will
reveal that it is definitely election season.
Campaign signs line roads around the
county, billboards sport various candidates,
and mail boxes are filled with postcards
listing the achievements of Democrats and
Republicans alike. It seems like my home
phone never stops ringing with calls from
political advocates asking for a vote or
political survey. As most teenagers do, we
often ignore these political venues as they
fight for our attention. However, it is time
that we become more aware of our local,
state, and national political climate.
Unfortunately for the majority
of teenagers, our inactivity in voting is
affecting the course of our nation. Young
adults aged eighteen to twenty-four,
currently referred to as the Millennial
Generation, consistently have the
lowest voter turnout rate of any other
age group. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only 38% of Millennials voted in the 2012
national election. This may not seem like a low number, but when compared to other age
groups, it is considerably lower. For example, the highest voter turnout rate was found in
• • by Levi Bevis • Central • •
“Graffiti”•
by Branden Griffis- ATCTC -
•Honorable Mention
Artwork
- 23 -
America the Silent • Second Place Non-Fiction • Levi Bevis
adults aged 65 and older in 2012, and it reached 69.7% of that age group. With almost twice as
many older Americans voting as opposed to younger Americans, older adults naturally have
a better chance of electing candidates that they support. This can create a conflict of interest
for teenagers who support another candidate.
Another concern with low young adult voter turnout is underrepresentation. With a
large percentage of older Americans voting, the voices and ideas of Millennials are not being
heard. The majority of our generation is either in college or joining the work force. We are
quickly gaining applicable, real-world experience. We are contributing new ideas, innovations,
and technological advances to our society. We stand at the forefront of building a better world
and failing to vote is simply doing ourselves an injustice.
With all of this in mind, one may wonder what could possibly resolve this issue. The
answer is much simpler than one may think. Teenagers and young adults need to vote. We need
to deepen our political interests and express our beliefs. We cannot remain silent anymore. If
we are contributing to numerous facets of our society, why can we not contribute to the future
of our nation?
The best way to get involved in the political process is to register to vote. The voter
registration form can be mailed in prior to a student's eighteenth birthday. Once registered,
utilize the right to vote! This right is unique to democratic nations, and it is our responsibility
to take advantage of the opportunity to decide who will lead our nation, state, county, and
city. Also, we need to encourage friends, family members, and acquaintances to vote, as well.
Every vote counts.
We now have the ability to decide how our country will operate. We have the tools and
knowledge to make informed decisions. We are valuable parts of our society, and each person
has an opinion on any given political issue. The torch has been passed to our generation.
The only question that remains is, will we be able to stand up to the challenge of our political
system?
The Life of Her Son
Third Place • Poetry
• • by Adrianna King • LCHS • •
She feels him.Each soft little kick.
Loves him more and more.Her unborn son means more than life to her.
She feels kind of guilty.Knowing that he will grow up like she did.
Without the love of a father.She tried and tried,
but once he hit her while she was pregnant,she was done.
She had vowed to protect this baby with her life,at all costs.
Being a teenage mom,still in school,
no dad,no husband or even a boyfriend to help,
She hurts, cries.Then her little boy kicks.
She never knew being kicked would make her smile.Everything seems to be going wrong.
Everyone seems to be against her.She goes to the edge,
about to jump.Then she feels this little kick again.
Once again, her son helps her be strong.She is in an unbelievable amount of pain.
She was about to give up, then she sees her son.For a moment, all is silent.
Then she hears the breathtaking cry of her finally born son.Tears of joy and relief fill her eyes and stream down her cheeks.
Already, she loves him so much.That moment was the moment she lived for.
- 26 -
- 27 -
“Homecoming”•
by Mikayla Smith- ATCTC -
•Honorable Mention
Photography
“Baby's Best Friend”•
by Anna Shea Hayes- Central -
•Honorable Mention
Photography
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Honorable Mention • Photography
A crack of lightning came down from
the air, followed by a large clap of thunder. It
was January. But no snow came, only rain.
It rained for days, which turned into weeks,
to months. The girl noted this as she stared
silently out of the window, so close a patch of
condensation formed on it. She reached up
and drew a frowny face. It was almost "The
Day," a day she both looked forward to and
dreaded. "The Day" was when she visited her
mother. It wasn't at a cafe or coffee shop, but
the cemetery. Her mother had died when she
was six of pneumonia. The girl visited one
day a year, on January 15th, her mother's
birthday. It was January 14th. She retreated
and collapsed on the couch, where she stayed
for the remaining eighteen hours.
The next morning she awoke, and
for five glorious seconds she forgot. Then
she remembered, "The Day". Slowly, she got
dressed. At eleven o'clock sharp, she was
dropped off at the cemetery. Waving her dad goodbye, she made sure he was gone. After
he was, she went over to a tree directly in front of her mother's grave. At first, nothing
happened. But the girl knew something would. The ground shook slightly, and a woman
- 28 -
The Day
Third Place • Fiction
• • by Abby Roberson • LCHS • •
“Love Dove”•
by Brianna Wolfgang- ATCTC -
•Honorable Mention
Artwork
- 29 -
The Day • Third Place Fiction • Abby Roberson
walked out from the tree beside the girl. "Mom," she said, choking on tears. They embraced.
"How's life?" The mother asked, chuckling at her joke.
The daughter shrugged, "Teenage stuff." She was no longer sobbing but tears still
streamed down her face.
Her mother wiped away one of her tears, "Oh, come on, Honey," the mother said, "It's
not like I'm gone forever."
The young girl nodded and fiddled with her gloves. They talked, as they always did.
Then, the mother pulled something out of her pocket and dropped it in the girl's hand. It
was a brooch. It sparkled in the sunlight, the emerald green in the middle like a diamond.
She took it in her hands, "It was your great-great-great grandma's," Her mother continued,
"She asked me to give it to you." She looked up, "It's time," she said.
Mother and daughter embraced one more time, "I'm going to miss you," The daughter
said.
She felt her mother nod, "Me more. Tell everyone I love them." Finally, they broke
apart. She sprouted great wings, and rose up. After disappearing, the daughter sighed, and
headed to where her dad's truck had just pulled up. As she got in the old pickup truck, she
saw her mother in the sky. She waved and left. As the truck was driving away, it started to
snow.
“Abstract Autumn”by Taylor Creasy • Central
Artwork
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
Third Place • Photography
“A Sister's Happiness”•
by Erika Grisham- LCHS -
•Third Place
Photography
- 30 -
- 31 -
My Grandmother's House
Third Place • Non-Fiction
• • by Hanah Sims • LCHS • •
Every time I turn in the driveway, I remember why my grandmother's house is my favorite
place in the entire world. The Dogwood and Magnolia trees greet me as I park my car. The cracks
along the sidewalk each seem to tell their own story. The little details of this 70’s model house
give it so much character and the memories inside run even deeper.
The sidewalk runs along my grandmother's flower beds and the sweet aroma of her roses
urges me to stop and sniff a while. Growing along her wooden trellis are the honeysuckles,
clusters of sunshine that never fail to make me smile.
Grandmother's front porch is one of my faithful friends. It has provided me with a shield
from a rainy day, a seat to take a load off, and a perfect home base for hide-n-seek games. The
green wrought-iron chairs in the center of the porch creak and rattle much like the house, but
they have always been with me growing up, and I can't help but love them.
Inside the house, I will always be able to picture Grandmother slaving over her hot stove.
The wonderful scents of bubbly pinto beans, crunchy fried taters, and cornbread fresh out of a
cast iron skillet are the true smells of home. Grandmother's sanctuary is her country kitchen,
and it will never be the same without her timeless recipes. My favorite part of her kitchen is the
huge table. That table has probably heard more gossip than any quilting club or book club this
side of the Mason-Dixon line. Grandmother's kitchen, the smells, gossip, and her presence wrap
me up in a great big hug and force me to stay and eat a bite.
I know my grandmother better than anyone else in my family, and I'm proud to admit
I'm exactly like her. Most of my childhood memories took place at her house, from my very first
birthday to every Christmas Eve. My life would never be the same without my grandmother
or her simple brick house. Grandmother really made her house a home, and one of my biggest
dreams is to follow in her footsteps and build my home for other generations to enjoy.
- 33 -
My Existence
Honorable Mention • Poetry
• • by Kaitlyn Tatum • LCHS • •
They Look At Me,With Coal Eyes.
They Yell And Scream,Fighting To Know My Reasons.
How Can They Fight,When I Lie Here Bleeding?
They Call Me The Selfish One,When I Just Want A Little Piece.
It Feels Like I Am The Experiment,Poke And Prod Me They Do At Night.
Why Can’t You Let me Go,I Know I Have No Soul.
Quit Trying To Reason Why, I Promise You I’ll Never Know.
Hunt Me Down,Pierce Me With Your Eyes.
You Think You Know Me,You Only Know The Shell Of My Existence.
“Vandalism in theHomes of OurLoved Ones”by Sarah Fike • ATCTC
Photography
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Eyes of Truth
Honorable Mention • Poetry
• • by Kaleigh Warren • LCHS • •
Eyes of green, and eyes of blue.They couldn’t morph together, and they knew it was true.
But when they are together, the blue and green fades.For when they speak, their personalities change.
Not only do they hate,But they couldn’t stand each other, even if it was for fate.
They tried to be decent around each other,But they could never be each other’s lover.
Their friends thought they were perfect together. And they thought they would never have a forever.
But that’s what you get when you guess.And they only waited for that moment to suppress.
When eyes of green and eyes of blue,Are put together and never take a clue.
They become surreal,And neither one of them want to steal.
They didn’t want to steal each other’s hearts.Because they knew they would come apart.
Because this secret attraction,Could never be a real distraction.
They said they hated each other a lot,But that’s only what other people thought.
How could they show each other without getting told on?But lying to each other is still so wrong.
They wish that they could tell,But someone would let the secret sell.
And finally they decided to spread it themselves.But they were wrong, for the society didn’t treat them well.
The secret spilled and haters were created.They didn’t know they would become so hated.
Eyes of green were full of tears.How could they have become so dear?
- 34 -
Eyes of Truth • Honorable Mention - Poetry • Kaleigh Warren
- 35 -
Eyes of green only used a knife.And now eyes of blue wishes for a new life.
The green color was only hers,And now it’s faded because of the society jerks.
Eyes of blue wonder what went wrong.Could the only pair of green eyes had taken so long?
Only to express the feelings they had.Just because they wanted to be free so bad.
Now green eyes are stricken with knives,And blue eyes are risking their lives.For the love they had finally found,
Was merely to be found in the ground.
Tears of hate, and tears of depression.Scared to let go of this only true session.
For what has become of this awful world?Why did society have to kill a green eyed girl?
Now they both stand apart,Knowing they shouldn’t have stolen hearts.
Blue eyes are sad and broken.And green eyes are just a part of what has been spoken.
So eyes of green, and eyes of blue.Have come to this part that’s barely even true.
Some are faded, and some are gold.Maybe for once, the truth could finally be told.
“Lost Rolling Girl'sWeeping”
by McKenzie Siemientkowski • ATCTCArtwork
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
- 36 -
“WindowPane”
•by
Nicole Yost- ATCTC -
•Honorable
MentionArtwork
“ChristmasNight”
•by
Matthew Nowack- ATCTC -
•Honorable
MentionArtwork
“Owls in Moonlight”by Keelan Samples
- ATCTC -•
Artwork
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
- 37 -
“Escape”•
by Sarah Kelley- LCHS -
•HonorableMention
Photography
“The Amazing Ring of Fire”•
by Harley Chase- Rogers -
•Honorable Mention
Photography
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
“Cabin in the Woods”by Bayleigh Spears
- ATCTC -•
Photography
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
- 38 -
I've always striven
to be a leader. I want to
be the type of person that
people can look up to. I
want to be that humble,
down-to-earth person who
leaves people better than
I found them. I've gone
through trials in my life
that challenged me and
made me into the person
I am today. The good, bad,
ugly, amazing, messy,
and sometimes really
devastating days have
made me who I am, and I
would not change a thing.
I was born on June
20, 1996, at ECM to Kirk and Jennifer Thacker (also known as the greatest parents ever). I
was their first child. Eleven short months later my brother was born. I learned very quickly
that my brother was the best friend I could have ever asked for. I had a wonderful childhood
that included learning how to throw a strike and sinking a perfect free throw. With a dad and
brother so athletic, how could I not do these things? My childhood also included lemonade
stands, tea parties, building forts, and jumping from couch to couch because the floor was
hot lava. What made my childhood even greater is that I got to grow up in my favorite place
All About Me
Honorable Mention • Non-Fiction
• • by Erin Thacker • LCHS • •
“Road to Serenity”•
by Jason Pruitt- Central -
•Honorable Mention
Photography
- 39 -
All About Me • Honorable Mention Non-Fiction • Erin Thacker
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
on planet earth: the small town of Rogersville, Alabama.
Unexpected things happen sometimes. At first, we did not understand it, but later it
all made sense. I was six years old when my mom realized that something was wrong.
I did not have any energy and would lie around the house the majority of the time. My
parents took me to Children's Hospital in Birmingham where they ran what seemed like a
million tests. Ultimately, I had to have a biopsy to figure out exactly what was wrong. The
result was that I had Hodgkin's Lymphoma, which is a type of cancer. This was a moment
that absolutely rocked my world and turned it upside down. I went through seven months
of chemotherapy and radiation. It was a long, hard couple of months, but I've always been a
fighter. In July 2013, I was cured.
I am a firm believer in the saying, "Everything happens for a reason." God has a plan
for my life, and He holds my future. What I went through as a child has taught me so much
about strength, bravery, and determination. Honestly, it taught me what life is all about.
Life is short. While we are here, we should love
fearlessly and laugh every minute we can. I truly
mean that, those throw your head back, make your
stomach hurt kinds of laughs. To me, a day without
laughter is a day wasted.
In conclusion, I would not be the person I am
today if it were not for the trials I have faced. I hope
that my story would encourage others to persevere
through any obstacle they may face. I hope to
change peoples' lives for the better and be someone
my parents are proud of.
“Puppy”by Brianna Wolfgang • ATCTC
Photography
Memories
Honorable Mention • Poetry
• • by Jason Pruitt • Central • •
Is a day more than a small memory
that the brain holds inside its tiny cells?
Memories are our history.
But what happens if part of our brain fails?
Will we lose all of our sweet memories?
But would it be a blessing or a curse
To lose the painful memories?
Nay, they make us stronger, of course.
They give us strength to push on during life
Even through the most difficult route.
Do not be afraid to put up with strife
To protect your memories from your doubt.
Darkness fills the voids of memories of light
Until drowned we find ourselves lost in night.
“Hedgehog”by Brianna Wolfgang • ATCTC
Photography
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
- 40 -
- 41 -
Dead Roses, Too
Honorable Mention • Poetry
• • by Kaitlyn Tatum • LCHS • •
Let It Run Down My Arm,Thick And Warm.
Started At The Shoulder, Ended Six Under.
Tear It Top To Bottom,Pull It Apart.
It Pools On The Tips Of My Fingers,Drips Down To My Toes.
Drop To My Knees, Try To Clean It Away.
They’ll Try To Put Me Together, But I Was Never Whole.
White Roses And Red Roses And Dead Roses too,You’ve All Come To Visit, Sorry, Can’t Talk When I’m Sleeping.
I’ll Sleep Till I Breathe,But I Don’t Think I Want To.
“Sunset onKasmeier Road”by Stokes Kasmeier • ATCTC
Photography
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
One of the most
overlooked freedoms we
have is the right to make
choices. Each day brings
familiar and common
choices that we must
make, such as what we
want to eat or what want
to we wear. It is the choices
that we are forced to make,
however, that can change
us and the world around
us the most.
On March 14, 2012,
in a blink of an eye, my life
was changed in ways I had
never imagined possible.
My grandparents were on
their way to the doctor when a driver blacked out and crashed into them. I was in biology
class when teachers rushed into the classroom to tell me the tragic news. My grandfather
was sent to our local hospital, and my grandmother was med-flighted to the nearest trauma
hospital in Huntsville. I am very close to both of my grandparents and having to choose
which one to go with was one of the hardest choices of my life. This choice taught me that
sometimes we have to make rash decisions and hope we made the right one.
Unfortunately, I made the wrong one. We decided to go with my grandmother since
Choices
Honorable Mention • Non-Fiction
• • by Jason • Central • •
“Still Life”•
by Hannah Richardson- ATCTC -
•Honorable Mention
Artwork
- 42 -
- 43 -
Choices • Honorable Non-Fiction • Jason
“Craftmatic”•
by Logan Hanback- Brooks -
•Artwork
Unfortunately, I made the wrong one. We decided to go with my grandmother since
her injuries, which consisted of a broken neck, bruised ribs, and others were more significant
than my grandfather's. However, my grandfather later that day suffered a heart attack as
a result of the trauma he received in the wreck and was med-flighted to Huntsville. My
grandfather was put into an induced coma for approximately two-and-a-half months. My
whole family, including my grandmother, spent most of this time by his side. While he did
wake up for a few weeks, he eventually passed away, still in the ICU. If I had just made the
choice to go with my grandfather, I would have been able to receive the gift of hearing his
voice for a few more hours before it was taken away from him.
My choice, even though it was the logical one, ended up being the wrong one. Choices
are powerful things, and we must learn to face the consequences of the ones we make. The
best lesson I have learned from this event is that we must live our lives to the fullest since
we never know what God's plans are for us.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
- 44 -
Allegiances of Old
Honorable Mention • Poetry
• • by Levi Bevis • Central • •
As teens see it,
Older people talk of “glory days,”
Days that contained no dismays.
Yet, so often we find ourselves doing it.
We say,” Remember when life was good?”
On occasion we do or we do not.
We want to remember the good a lot.
However, we forget the loss that was not good.
We cling tightly to allegiances of old,
Lost times that we wish to be retold.
Never again can we enter that fold,
For they are forbidden stories of old.
In these tales, we hear of close friends,
Times were great, no worry found
That is, until that friend soon turned around
Tempers flared, feelings were hurt, and they lose that once close friend.
The scars of battle refuse to heal.
Times became turbulent amid the aftermath,
As they left the cordial trail due to a fork in their paths.
Each trying to allow his wounds time to heal.
No matter what remedy is used,
Memories are not fond of leaving,
And the lonely soul must get used to bereaving
A friendship lost that will never be again used.
- 45 -
An Autumn Night
Honorable Mention • Poetry
• • by Savannah Owen • LCHS • •
Cool breezes swirl around my hair,
And the wind urges the giant trees to shake off their leaves
Of red, gold and brown
They crunch under the weight of my steps
Looking up, I see the dark night sky, laced with brilliant, shimmering stars.
The moon a glowing orb
Nature and all her beauty are resting
And as dawn approaches
Another autumn day is here.
“Simple Balance”•
by Ivy Stover- ATCTC -
•Honorable Mention
Artwork
As high school students,
we are strongly encouraged by
many around us to be involved in
our schools. Some are encouraged
to join sports teams, others are
pushed to achieve academic
success, and still others are
expected to join school clubs
and organizations. While sports
teams and academic pursuits play
an important role in an enjoyable
high school experience, joining
a club is often overlooked when
it comes to making memories.
In my high school career, being
involved through clubs at my
school has allowed me many
unique opportunities available
solely to club members. Key Club has
especially enriched my life in more
ways than I can say.
At first glance, many students
and teachers are not familiar with
Key Club. One of the most common
jokes delivered to club members is the famous, or rather infamous, question, "Does your
More Than Just A Club
Honorable Mention • Non-Fiction
• • by Levi Bevis• Central • •
“The Dark Halls”•
by Hannah Gautney- LCHS -
•Honorable Mention
Photography
- 46 -
- 47 -
More Than Just A Club • Honorable Non-Fiction • Levi Bevis
jokes delivered to club members is the famous, or rather infamous, question, "Does your
club really make keys?" Despite common misconceptions and humor, Key Club does not
make keys. Instead, Key Club is a community service organization that seeks to better all
members' homes, schools, and communities. We seek to help our neighbors, even if they are
across our city, state, nation, or the world. Our motto says it best: "Caring, our way of life."
Key Club has impacted my life in dramatic ways. I have been an active member of the
club for four years now. Each year, I have learned valuable life skills, such as leadership,
communication, cooperation, service, and organization that will help me in my future
career. This club has taught me that determination, hard work, and a positive mindset can
accomplish even the greatest of tasks. I have learned much about myself, my school, and
my community through this incredible organization. It continues to push me to seek new
opportunities to serve those around me. It makes me a better student as well as a more
proactive member of society.
While Key Club has had a considerable amount of influence on my life skills, my
favorite part of this organization is the friendships that I have established through it. Not
only have I strengthened friendships with students around the county, but I have also made
numerous new friendships with students from around the nation. I have been blessed to
meet some of my closest friends through Key Club, and these friendships will last a lifetime.
This organization has truly expanded my horizons. From meeting new people to serving
others, this club has benefitted every aspect of my life.
I am exceptionally grateful for the experiences offered by Key Club. Clubs are much
more than a way to be involved in school. They can open doors to us that we never thought
were possible. They allow us to experience life with our friends while also allowing us
to give back. They develop leaders, productive workers, better students, and a stronger
community. Clubs, especially Key Club, have given me incredible memories that will not
fade. I am excited to see what lies in store for this fantastic organization.
- 48 -
“Agateophobia”•by
McKenzie Siemientkowski- ATCTC -
•Honorable
MentionArtwork
“Fashion Design”•
by Briley Walker- Lexington -
•Artwork
• • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
- 49 -
Home At Midnight
Honorable Mention • Poetry
• • by Madison Jones • LCHS • •
The skin is open, the blood drips.
I look at the once beautiful dress, now covered in rips.
My makeup is smeared, my hair a mess,
and all the pain comes from that dress.
Red as the blood that now drips from my limb,
the mood that it has set reigns awfully grim.
The way my sisters tore it apart,
truly relinquished my breaking heart.
The pearl earrings still hang from my ears,
the ones I’ve saved for now seventeen years.
No prince to save my horrid day,
no mice with which me to play.
Threw away the key, I’m a prisoner, without a trial.
I step into a room with floors of tile, feeling like I’ve run a mile.
My hands slip over the door’s rims,
I feel metal and my head spins.
In front of my eyes,
I see my evil mother’s demise.
A door unlocked with a forgotten key,
I leave no room for anyone to see.
My escape is quick, and I rest alone.
I try not to remember mother’s condescending tone.
The air twinkles, my mind races,
light floods everywhere, there are no dark spaces.
A woman appears, bathed in light,
her wonderful image fills my sight.
“Just one night,”
she whispers, “Don’t forget be home at midnight.”
Demon of Desperation
Honorable Mention • Poetry
• • by Kaitlyn Tatum • LCHS • •
It seems so strange,
your embrace around me.
It should feel safe;
it should feel comforting.
Instead, you wrap chains around me,
tie a noose around my neck.
You drag me down,
down to your level.
This is my fault.
You're my demon.
Let me go.
Give me the freedom I long for.
You told me you would help.
You only wanted to use me.
Demon of desperation,
why did I think of you?
You've carved a home for yourself
into my heart and soul.
- 50 -
- 51 -
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
“Indian Headdress”•
by Emily Franklin • ATCTCArtwork
“The Guitar”•
by Tanner Bayes • LCHSArtwork
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
“Tunnel of Trees”•
by Christopher John Hartzell •LCHSPhotography
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