By: Jared Wun I am the excitement felt when watching the clock countdown the final minutes of a school day. The rush of roaring cheers led by the stomps of eager feet, echo throughout the hallway. I am the stratosphere, home…

By: Jasmine Chen Early morning dew shines with the sun’s golden rays. The flowers wake up. Sun rises to zenith, and trees reach up with their leaves. Heat makes all sluggish. Leaves fall with the sun as it turns orange, then…

By: Ruiquan Li The aroma pervaded throughout the room, like the distinct smell of my Mind Palace. I can still see some the settings, the lighter, the fire, and close eyes. Where Buddha was worshipped with faith, the old temples, like…

By: Lynn Tieu My hands are the shadows of my parents’. Dawn begins and a distorted copy trails along. On sparkling platters, the eggrolls my mother made were savory and sweet, And drew in devoted followers like seductive Sirens from their…

By: Abhishek Yenumula Dear six year old Abhishek, I would like to congratulate you and tell you that you are a senior at high school and going to graduate in five months. Now, I know it’s hard trying to adapt to…

By: Melissa Oshiro Bushy eyebrows and sarcastic humor, Dad tells me to be mature. Then Mom barges in, her irrational mood swings, unpredictable. My sister tries to stay, but must return to a home that is not mine. I run to…

By: Melissa Oshiro Going to sleep is important, though you think you can stay up to watch the sunrise. Dinner should not be eaten at four in the morning, nor should it be your first meal. The night is not the…

By: Nadia Rei Maglonso Relationships are by far the best and worst experience you’ll feel in your life. At one point you can feel on top on the world. On the other hand — you can feel the most gut wrenching…

By: Nadia Rei Maglonso Deny what is reality Block out words and hide from facts — The first wave of pain. I blamed you for leaving Resented you for my pain — I needed closure. Sometimes I regret Not having enough…

By: Mari Salarda Unpredictable— The water has its own mind Treacherous while calm My feet are dirtied black from the soil where green stalks grow and flourish It gives light and warmth Sometimes blue, red, or orange A tool, a weapon…