2018 2019 complete

The Write Eye

art and literary magazine

2018-2019

Write Eye | 1

The Write Eye

art and literary magazine

Robert R. Lazar Middle School

123 Changebridge Road

Montville, NJ 07045

2018-2019

Write Eye | 2

Table of Contents

Sunset at Arizona

Adelina LaScala

colored pencils

front cover

Writing a Poem

Jules Zea-Joya

1

Diner

Swara Agarwal

2

The Great Mwokozi

Luka Repic & Michael Maly

3-6

Sunset

Lyla Monte

4

Eleven

Sara LoPresti

6

My Homework Entry

Jules Zea-Joya

7

R.I.P. Charlie “Da Man” Bell

Matt Colatrella

8

Slowly Drifting Away from You Elijah Dor

9

A Berry

Varun Rameshkumar

10

Try After Try

Ian Glennon

11

Auni the Hero of the Desert

Giustina Walsh

12-13

Ball Gown

Gabriela Soreiro

14

Image in the Mirror

Sophia Cannilla & Yasmeen Sharipova

15

Lost in Thought

Misha Gill

16

The New Town

Montserrat Grandeno

17-22

Crystals

Eman Albukhari

19

My World

Vio Palladino

20

Fallen Angel

Gabriela Soreiro

23

Whispers of Belonging

Nicole Nieradka

24

Mountain View

Najaat Ouedraogo

print making back cover

Write Eye | 3

Writing a Poem Jules Zea-Joya

Writing a poem

Is not easy

Takes creativity

And can take long

Especially this one

Three poems in one

You need to think for

Three stories in one

A thought to spark your mind

To light a fire of ideas

And write it down

With ink from a pen

With lead from a pencil

Anything is possible

You can always make mistakes

There is always another chance

Just try again

You can do it if you believe

Write Eye | 1

Swara Agarwal Diner acrylics

Write Eye | 2

The Great Mwokozi Luka Repic & Michael Maly

Once upon a time, a poor man named Maskini was riding his beloved camel, Ngami, through the hot and dry Sahara desert. Maskini was on his way to see his family in Sudan after ten years of traveling around Africa. Maskini had visited almost all African countries in the Sahara desert and was traveling home to finally see his family. During his journey, Ngami was his main use of travel. Ngami did everything for Maskini, such as carrying his supplies. There wasn’t another camel in the world that Maskini would want for his journey. As Maskini was approaching the final days of his journey, he started to feel drowsy. Maskini hadn’t eaten or drank water for a whole week. He thought he would be able to make it to Sudan the rest of the way without stopping. He ran out of water and had very little food left. Maskini was about 100 miles from the border of Sudan and needed to travel about 300 miles into Sudan to reach his family. This would be a five-day journey for Maskini and Ngami. Maskini started to realize he wouldn't make it, and he knew there wasn't civilization for another 175 miles. He needed help and he needed it now. There were no bodies of water near him, so water wasn't an option. Maskini felt dehydrated and couldn’t continue traveling. He prayed and prayed that he would get water and food soon. He then collapsed to the ground with Ngami by his side and slept through the night. While sleeping, the strangest thing occurred. Maskini had a dream about this mysterious man walking through the desert. The man came up to him and whispered to him in a mysterious voice, “Wewe ni sawa.” Shocked, Maskini replied, “Wewe ni nani.”

Write Eye | 3

Lyla Monte Sunset acrylics

The man responded, “Jina langu ni Mwokozi, Mwokozi Mkuu. Nimekuja hapa kutimiza mahitaji yako.” Mwokozi told Maskini what he was going to do for

him. Mwokozi had the powers to grant Maskini anything he needed. When asked what he wanted, Maskini replied, “Nina njaa na kiu. Ninahitaji kupata familia yangu.” Maskini may have wanted money, but he was grateful for what he was getting and only wanted to be able to see his family again. Mwokozi knew this man was in trouble. He told Maskini to go back to sleep and when he woke up he could return on his journey.

Write Eye | 4

Maskini said, “Jinsi, mimi ni dhaifu.” With a smile on his face, Mwokozi replied, “Utaona.”

So, Maskini did what he was told and slept through the night. Waking up from his slumber, there was no trace of the mysterious man. There was however all of what Maskini could have wished for and more. In front of him was a full table of food and the biggest and freshest lake of clear blue water he had ever seen. Maskini, feeling revived, ate the best meal of his life and had hope that he could make it to his family. After he finished his meal, Maskini was eager to get to his family. As he was leaving, he spotted a mysterious chest half buried in the sand and a shovel. He slowly dug it up and was able to get it out of the sand. He then slowly opened it. There were wads of cash, gold, and jewelry. With all of his goods, Maskini questioned himself saying, “Nitafanyaje haya yote.” Then, out of nowhere, a wagon came rolling down the sand dunes, stopping right next to Ngami. Maskini whispered to Mwokozi, “Asante,” knowing he was probably watching him and listening. Maskini loaded all the food and riches onto his wagon and continued his journey back home with Ngami. In a few days, he made it back home to his family. He made sure to share his riches and other goods with them. People started to hear about him and his riches after he returned. Maskini had lived with his family in Dongola his whole life. With all of his new riches, he became the ruler of Dongola, all thanks to the Great Mwokozi.

Maskini - Poor man

Ngami - Camel

Mwokozi – Savior

Wewe ni sawa - Are you ok?

Wewe ni nani - Who are you? Jina langu ni Mwokozi, Mwokozi Mkuu - My name is the Savior, the Great Savior Nimekuja hapa kutimiza mahitaji yako - I have come here to meet your needs Nina njaa na kiu - I'm hungry and thirsty Ninahitaji kupata familia yangu - I need to get to my family Jinsi, mimi ni dhaifu - How, I am weak Utaona - You will see Nitafanyaje haya yote - How will I carry all this Asante - Thank you

Write Eye | 5

Folktale: A story originating in popular culture, typically passed on by word of mouth. Folktales came to Africa as traditions passed down by families. Swahili: Originated as a lingua franca used by several closely related Bantu-speaking tribal groups. It was made from Arab influence. Swahili is still spoken today by countries in East Africa including Tanzania, Kenya, and DRC.

Sara LoPresti Eleven Sgraffito

Write Eye | 6

My Homework Entry Jules Zea-Joya

Maybe she’ll smile at me for trying my best. Even if she did, my homework entry would be as bad as a million bee stings. My classmates would do so much better than me, writing about a classic historical novel, a thick nonfiction war story, or a survival, life or death thriller. But no, I had to write about a graphic novel. I tossed and turned, and looked at my clock on the dark, smooth bed stand. I woke up way too early, and was waiting for my dog, Coco, to run up to my bed and wake me up. Soon I heard scampering, and he jumped on my bed, barking like crazy as if yelling, “Wake up, wake up, wake up!” I turned away from him as he tried to lick my face. I turned away again when he found my face. I turned away again and again until before I knew it, I was on the floor. I looked at my report on my desk. It was so short! So pathetic! Do you know that if- I- go- to- school-I-will-die-because-I-did-bad-on-my-work feeling? Well that is what I feel like now. My dog jumped off the bed, landed on me, and fell onto my beanbag. He was acting like a crazed maniac! I hated my report! I hated the font I chose! I hated that my dog was going nuts! I picked him up to take him downstairs, and he squirmed like a particularly excited worm. I calmed him down as I walked down the stairs. With each step I took, I got colder and colder. It was warmer upstairs. And with each creak of each step, I knew I was getting closer to my death. I finally reach the bottom. As I ate my breakfast and got in the car, I hoped that maybe she’ll smile at me for trying my best.

Write Eye | 7

R.I.P. Charlie “Da Man” Bell Matt Colatrella

My father was the best man of all, He was kind, fun and played basketball.

He took us out and told us a story, Of when he played ball, in all his glory.

When we went to the rec and beat everyone, That might have been the best fun of all.

The time when I felt closest to him, Was when we shot free throws although they didn't hit the rim.

Although he couldn’t sit courtside, I always felt he was right by my side.

I will always feel he's guiding my shots, And I will always love him lots and lots.

Even though we won that game, It only means something, if you would've came.

I will always look over to see if your there, Sitting atop the bleacher in your chair.

Now I know who I want to be, Not you not me not even JB, I want to be, all three. “We Da Man”

Write Eye | 8

Elijah Dor Slowly Drifting Away from You sketch

Write Eye | 9

Varun Rameshkumar A Berry digital art

Write Eye | 10

Try After Try Ian Glennon

The sun’s golden rays peaked into the nest, Branches shake at the rhythm of the breeze. As a little, fluffy bird wakes from rest, Looking at the sight of the gnarled trees. Shaking his wings, getting ready to fly, But he is overwhelmed, trying to stall. Standing on a branch, as a bird goes by, He jumps high, he flies, but only to fall. Once again, the bird gets ready to soar, Hoping to feel the wind under his wings. Again he falls, yet better than before, But does not quit to see what his life brings.

We’re all a bird, first we learn how to fly, Try after try, we can soar through the sky.

Write Eye | 11

Auni the Hero of the Desert Giustina Walsh

Once there was a strong and helpful camel named Auni. Auni was as strong as an ox and was very faithful to his owner, Chacha. Together they traveled across the desert to trade goods such as dhahabu, chumvi, pamba, and hariri. Auni had to be strong and stiff as a board while traveling, to hold all the valuable items. Sometimes they traveled across the desert with a caravan so they would be able to fight of the attackers and people who wanted to steal their goods,but this time they decided to travel alone. “Kuwa na nguvu,” said Chacha. Auni knew that he could not be weak and give up easily. If Auni was slow, he would delay Chacha and some of the goods would go bad. They traveled all through the night with only a candle to lead the way. They finally got to the trading area where they sold valuable diamonds and many types of food. Once all the goods were sold out, the money earned was used to buy more goods to sell back home. They began their journey back in the scorching hot Sahara Desert. “Kazi nzuri,” said Chacha. “Asante,” said Auni. While they were in the middle of the desert, they saw some other merchants ahead. Chacha and Auni both paid much attention to all the movements they made because they could be robbers. They inched closer very slowly and finally were face to face. All of a sudden the other merchants began to attack chacha and Auni. “Msaada,” said chacha. “We got you now!” said the merchants. They took hold of Chacha and it was up to Auni to save the day. He began to fight the merchants one by one with his special powers and managed to get Chacha to safety. “Asante,” said Chacha.

Write Eye | 12

But Chacha was not the only valuable thing. The robbers had taken all the goods Chacha had just bought. Auni knew how big of a loss this would be to Chacha, so be began to chase after the merchants. When he caught up to them, they were so scared that they just decided to give up all of the items that they stole. “Pole,” said the robbers. Chacha and Auni made their way home and all the people of the town heard about what Auni had done. Auni was named “Shujaa Wa Jangwa” or hero of the desert and held great power for the rest of his life.

Swahili to English

“kuwa na nguvu”- be strong

“dhahabu”- gold

“kazi nzuri”- good work

“chumvi”-salt

“asante”- thank you

“msaada”- Help

“pamba”- cotton

“hariri”- silk

“shujaa wa jangwa”- hero of the desert

“pole”- sorry

African Folktale What is a folktale? Folktales are cultural stories passed down by word of mouth. How did folktales come about in Africa? Africans brought folktales when they worked as slaves and came to the New World from Africa in the 1700s and 1800s. Telling stories was a way of entertainment and a way of expression for the slaves. What were folktales mostly about? They included stories about the world creation, heroic deeds, and magic. The stories are parables and have morals or lessons that are taught.

Write Eye | 13

Gabriela Soreiro Ball Gown sketch

Write Eye | 14

The Image in the Mirror Sophia Cannilla & Yasmeen Sharipova

Staring into the mirror every day, Pointing out all of the flaws on my face. Hoping all of my problems go away, everything is changing at a snail’s pace. Self-love can be a hard thing to fulfill, When not only the people around me, Judge my character and wish me ill will, But when you find you’re judging yourself too. Oh why can’t I just accept who I am? Instead of comparing myself to them, Who have thousands of likes on Instagram. Feeling this way is causing my mayhem.

They can gossip and stare all they want to, Now I know I’m beautiful through and through

Write Eye | 15

Misha Gill Lost in Thought sketch

Write Eye | 16

The New Town Montserrat Grandeno

The sound of heavy rain falling on the car window woke me up. “Dad, where are we going?” I asked. “Oh you’re up May. We are going to see our new house,” my dad said, driving. “Oh. Where is Alex? He isn't here?” I asked. “That brother of yours is fast asleep on his bed! He wouldn't want to came either way,” He said. “Dad, why is your job in this town?” I said. The rain made it hard to see. “Dad, when are we going to get there?” A few minutes later, he said, “It’s an hour ride May, but we are almost there.” The rain stopped when we arrived. Dad got out of the car, and I followed him. We went in the house. “Dad, the house is nice but you still didn’t answer my question. Why is your new job here?” Again my dad didn’t answer, but I saw that he was smiling. “May, some things are not meant to be said,” he said.

Write Eye | 17

“Why won’t you answer my question dad?” I said to myself. “So Dad, can I choose my room?” I said. “No, not today, sorry, but we still have to pack our things,” he said. “We should get home. Your brother might be awake.” We got in the car and left. An hour later we got home, “Hey, we’re back!” I yelled as I knocked on Alex’s door. “Can you be any louder!?” he said as he opened his door. His brown hair was messy. He looked really tired too. “What?” “Dad is waiting!” I said annoyed. “We have school!” “Okay, tell Dad I am coming,” he said closing his door. “May?” Dad said. “Yes, Dad?” “Where is your brother? We have to go now!” he said. “I am right here Dad. Let’s go,” Alex said has he walked in. “Okay. Bye, May, be careful,” he said, as they walked outside. “I will. Bye,” I said waving. As I ran inside to get ready for school, I locked all the doors, my brown hair on my face as I ran to the bus stop. I heard someone calling my name in the distance, and it was my one of my friends, Kate! “Hey, May,” Kate said waving at me. “Hey,” I said catching my breath. “So,” she said. “So, what?’ I said. “How was your new house?’ she said. “Well...it was nice, but I won’t get to see you and Lily,” I said. “Hey I am sorry I am late!” Lily said, running up the sidewalk. “Wow, Lily! You ran from your house to here!?” Kate said shocked. “Yeah! I just woke up and I saw that it was almost 7:00!” Lily said, breathing heavily.

Write Eye | 18

Eman Albukhari Crystals ink print making

The bus came and we hopped on. When we

arrived we went to our homerooms.

“Bye, see you at lunch,” Lily said waving to Kate

and me.

“See you!” Kate and I said. We stepped in. The day went so fast before I knew it the day was over.

Write Eye | 20

Vio Palladino My World colored pencil

“Hey, thanks for waiting,” Kate said running to

us. Kate’s blond hair was shining as she ran.

“No problem,” I said. “Hey, can we go to your house?” Lily asked. “Sure!” I said We walked to my house and Alex was opening the door. “HEY!” I yelled. Alex just looked at me and walked in the house. “Okay,” I said We went in, and Kate and Lily sat down on my bed. “Wow, is this even your room?” Kate said amazed.

“Well, I packed all my stuff,” I said. A few hours later Kate and Lily left.

Write Eye | 21

Three months passed really quickly and I saw that Alex would not talk to me or Dad. The day we moved was sad. I had to say bye to everything and I also had to say bye to Mom, but things weren’t bad. School was fun and I met two girls named Ashley and Jane. Things were fine until the day when dad said that he had a “surprise” for us. “May, Alex, come downstairs I have someone you need to meet,” he said excited. “Do you know something?” I asked Alex. Alex shook his head no. We walked down the stairs and Alex and I saw a women with long, straight blond hair and greenish eyes. She was pretty, but she was hugging my DAD! “DAD! Who is she?” I yelled. “May, this will be...” he paused. “Your new mother!” he said, so happy. I looked at Alex who seemed shocked and mad, too. That night dad introduced us to the blond-haired woman. Her name was Lisa. “I am going to bed,” I said getting up. “Okay honey, good night,” he said. “Yeah,” I said. Then out of nowhere Alex said, “Dad can I talk to you? ALONE?” “Sure,” he said. Lisa and I got out of the room. I was about to go upstairs when Lisa grabbed my hand. “What do you want!?” I yelled. “I know this is hard for you but…” then Lisa and I heard Alex yelling at Dad. “Hey, do want to go somewhere?” Lisa said. “I guess?” I said.

Write Eye | 22

“So, how do you like your new home?” Lisa said as we walked down the sidewalk. “Well…It’s…DIFFERENT! I had to leave Mom and...and...” I paused because Lisa was hugging me. “Hey, I know things were hard but what I don’t get is what happened to your mom?” she said. “Well, what happened was that mom...She died,” I said, crying. “I don’t mean to be rude but how did she die,” she said. “Mom had to go to work, and it was raining, and she crashed,” I said, trying to be strong. We were quiet on the way back. We stepped inside to find that Dad had slapped Alex. “Alex are you ok?” I said walking across to him. “Why?” I said to Dad.. Alex and I went to our rooms. That night was the worst. I woke up from the roar of the thunder. I got out of my room, and I saw that the light in Alex's room was on. I knocked the door, and Alex opened the door and said, “Hey, What do want?” the tone of his voice was sad. “Can I talk to you, brother?” I asked. “About tonight right?” he asked about letting me in. “Yeah, so...” Alex interrupted, “If this is about Dad, I will tell you.” Alex told me everything that night and I think he felt better because in the morning he apologized to Lisa and Dad. Things were back to normal. “May, your brother started it!” “Dad we are your kids!” I yelled.

“So yeah, Mom, things are going to be fine,” I said getting up looking at mom’s grave. “I know they will,” I said walking away.

Write Eye | 23

Gabriela Soreiro Fallen Angel sketch

Write Eye | 24

Whispers of Belonging Nicole Nieradka

The ancient oaks told me of all their leaves, How each individual fell and broke, And how the bright colored daisies believe,

Each and every life is filled with hope. The remind me of each now distant past, How the bright twinkling stars turned evening’s day, The memories of feeling didn’t last, Oh how the weary heart has misbehaved. The clouds of the sky hint at endless space, And the entrancing highlights in the sun, They say your crumpled leaves have been replaced,

Don’t say you have forgotten everyone. But each single dawn whispers belonging, And I know that I have found my calling.

Write Eye | 25

Staff

Mr. Michael Miller, advisor

Mrs. Suezette Given, advisor

Gracemarie Williams Shahenda Nissan Jillian Butler Katrina Harasts Ananya Bhat

Submissions All students of Lazar Middle School are eligible to submit original artwork and writing for consideration for publication in the magazine. Students are eligible to submit as many items as they would like for consideration.

Submissions should be submitted electronically to thewriteeye@montville.net.

Club Information Write Eye meets with the purpose of perusing submissions to be included in the magazine. The students are responsible for item selection and completion of the magazine. All students are welcome to attend meetings.

Colophon The magazine was typed on school computers using Microsoft Word, various Google apps, and various photo editing programs. The magazine used Segoe Print font text of various sizes.

Write Eye | 19

Write Eye | 20