We as a school community have all faced the challenges of returning to school full-time after the pandemic. In celebration of the reunion of our community, this publication invited students to share their creativity and thoughtful perspectives that act as a reminder of the love and acceptance that have been waiting for us at SJP. This publication's theme is about growing up, and simultaneously growing outwards into the world around us. Maybe the idea of growing up manifests as hope for the future and the possibilities of what could be achieved. Perhaps it’s a reflection on what has led us to this moment in our lives. Maybe it’s a specific childhood memory, or perhaps a larger commentary on what it means to grow up in today’s America. While this theme was interpreted in multiple different ways, our students were passionate and unique in their responses, sharing insights gained from the past that then guide their steps into the future. Please enjoy our publication; it is our hope that our writing serves as a tribute to all we have endured; an honor to all who have walked with us; and a celebration of what we have yet to experience.
routines every morning was a repeating cycle, like the alarm that continued to be snoozed. you wake up at 5 o'clock in the morning, never earlier but always later. your faint brown eyes open in despair, dreading leaving your safe haven of feathers and dreams. you get up in a rush, putting on the uniform that you hate. you thought it hugged your body too loose, almost like the loose hug she used to give you when she was upset. you stared in the mirror questioning who the young lady was looking back at you. you brush your fluffy hair, which falls out so much because of your anxiety. you take another sigh, another thing that makes your void bigger. you look at the time, quarter to 6. rushing to your room, putting on mascara and lashes so you’re not mistaken for a young man. a young woman or young man, who are you? you slide into your white vans that are covered in memories, white is the hardest to keep clean. maybe because of the rush you’re always in, be patient but speedy. you run out the door, not leaving any earlier but always later. -Anonymous Untitled May this be the day We realize how far we have come. Tired, we continue to keep fighting, Weak, we remain standing tall. Tethered by the fear of growing up, We are learning That it is inevitable. We steadily vow to be true to ourselves, We must always move forward on our own path. This new stage is our door, our portal. Even if it may seem light years away, Someday we will reach it with open arms, To leave the past in the past and take in what is meant for us. So let us not dwell on what broke us once, But reach for what will one day put us back together. -Angela Moreno '23 (Inspired by Amanda Gorman's "New Day's Lyric")
Night Running on grassy land, giggles hovering over The shiny blue sky, I was never fixating on the road before me, Nor the path behind. The World was nothing but colors on a giant canvas: Greenish reddish bluish patches, stitched together seamlessly. When young, shining daytimes Would be the only memory remembered; Night was made for sleep, Until I grew old. Worries about tomorrows and nightmares about yesterdays occupied the nights. Weary body and swollen eyes. Tossing and turning on the edge of the bed. Like a bird having a sweet home, but is never soothed by the sweetness. -YueEn Ma '22 (Inspired by Night by Elie Wiesel.) Child-Like Dreams Epitaphs of limestone meet honey suckled eyes A world full of gumdrops without hint of sudden surprise Lemon glazed sun dances playfully overhead While night brings a milk-like slumber to each child’s bed. Jackets of gold begin to melt in the sun Spilling all of the children's good fun in one jarring stun. Alas, just as joy began to quickly appear, It was all swept away with the incoming years. -Samuel Reisfeld '22 The Facts of Life You will be born, Yet sometimes you die before your actual death. You will learn all about your emotions, Yet still feel numbness most strongly You will learn to put a smile on your face, Yet you might not mean it sometimes. You will be held to standards by everyone, Yet you will learn to go with being held up to a standard. You will be told to live your life to the fullest, Yet trying to survive everyday never feeling emptier. You will be told to be your true, authentic self, Yet be criticized by everyone for your actions. You will try to fall in love with the right people, Yet when you’re successful, realize it wasn’t the right person after all. You will be get your hopes up multiple times, Yet end up being disappointed in almost every situation. You will learn to work hard for everything you want, Yet sometimes not get what you deserve. You will be taught that being quiet is respectful, Yet get scolded for not speaking out. You will be surprised by sudden illness, Yet not surprised that your time has come. Your body will finally shut down, When your mind already had a long time ago. -Angela Moreno '23
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AuthorsOur authors and artists include a combination of CWC members, as well as other contributing students in the SJP community. Archives
June 2023
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