The Killingly Intermediate School 1599 Upper Maple St Dayville, Ct 06241 (860) 779-6700
A literary arts magazine. And so much more. Yeah, we pretty much do everything. And we do it at night.
a Dog's Perspective
by Janelle LaRiviere
He stared.
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I stared back.
He looked at the ground, and drooled in a sigh. No animal stands up to me - a corgi with a great attitude.
He needed to know he was not welcome. He needed to know this is my home. His chubby body was in the wrong place. No other animal comes to my master’s and my property. He didn’t stand a chance.
“Frank Noah”, my master, called.
Who was this “Frank”. She was calling?
The child, who I’m assuming his name is Frank, came running into the kitchen like a little Chihuahua that drank an energy drink thing that my other master drinks. Then, he sure did it. He wobbled up to the garbage in a dish and practically ate it in one bite. Then, he wobbled over to me and ate my kibble! I growled.
One of my masters, I think his name is Kevin, (the other one being Amber I think) came up and put me outside and scolded me! Like I was a... cat! After about thirty seconds, I scratched at the door. Nobody came to get me. It started to snow. I scratched again. Nothing. Then, I did something I rarely do. I howled. I immediately regretted it because Amber came out and grabbed my collar, and put me in the car, and we went for a drive. She got out, opened my door, and took off my collar. She grabbed a stick and told me to fetch, so I did. Then she got in the car and drove away.
I chased after that car until the sun went down. It got cold. Really cold. My fur wasn’t enough to keep me warm. I went to find food but about six cats ate it before I could get to it.
(Eight years later)
Someone found me. They brought me to a vet and I and said i was fine, and i needed a little time to heal. The person brought me home and loved me. Now I have a shelter, food, water, and a nice bed. But... not all strays get this lucky.
The Willow Tree
by Avery Caisse
Willow tree, Willow tree
Oh why are you
weeping?
You don't need to
cry,
the birds will fly,
There’s a waterfall of sunlight
shining down on you
while you wash your thick hair in the pond below,
You’ve got everything willow tree
so why are you
weeping?
Grammar
by Devin Price
very important in life
make sure you know it and
make sure you know it write!
An Angel's Death
by Melody Kettle
The feeling of scattering tears and a touch of a mom who cares
The memories we share stings like a knife in my heart
My eyes fill with water ready to shut and never open
I hear nothing I only feel pain
All I smell is the smell of my dying heart
Honorable Mentions
Sherrie Simoneau
Gina Soraseun
Abigail Berube & Sharon Jankowski
Madisyn Lawrence
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Elijah of Buxton & The Watsons go to Birmingham / Compare and Contrast
by Jane Stockford
In the book, “Elijah of Buxton,” and the movie, “The Watsons go to Birmingham,” there are numerous similarities and differences. In the two stories, the theme is relatively similar. Both themes are Overcoming Challenges due to the characters’ journeys, and revolve around racial discrimination, particularly toward blacks.
One thing that the two main characters, Elijah and Kenny, have in common is the way they developed throughout the story; the pair of boys started out fragile, then became stronger mentality-wise. A big part of the plotline in both stories involves a big trip that ends in despair, but teaches a lesson. In Elijah’s novel, he learned how slaves were actually treated, making him more respectful.
With Kenny and his movie, he found out about segregation in Birmingham which made him more grateful for his privileges, especially when the 1963 Birmingham Church Bombing occurred right down the street from him. Along with all the similarities, there are quite a few differences as well.
One major difference was the time period in which the story takes place. “Elijah of Buxton” took place during slavery, whereas “The Watsons go to Birmingham” happened during the era of segregation. In terms of the theme, Elijah conquered mainly his challenges. Kenny, however, only overcame the shock of everyone’s tragic events. In both tales, the major problems almost always relate back to the discrimination against blacks. In my opinion, there were more relationships than unlikeness between the two.
The Long Trail to Destiny
Raigan Leveille
Prologue
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As I winced down at my toes, I could see the grass going in every direction. In my head, I longed to not have to go to Science class. We were dissecting frogs. The sound of the earth - shaking bell snapped me right out of my thoughts. When I sat at my desk, I could hear the whispers of my classmates. I have learned to ignore them, even though it should not bother me. I still cannot get past how crowded the rooms are.
Back in Travasa (tra-va-sa), I lived in a tiny shack about the size of your classroom but with 6 people and me in it. But here, there are about 23 of us in this room, plus the teacher. Right then, the teacher yelled - as if she sings opera, “Quiet!” Then started taking attendance. Jack Maleverd (Mall-e-verd), “Here”, I said.
Chapter I
Everyone, page 20
School was not my thing. I never got anything above a C. But Gym was my thing. I could run for days on end but I can’t anymore since we are all in hiding. As in ‘we’ I mean the 6 people I lived with in Travasa. If you think we are the only ones, you are right but there used to be as many of us as there were humans. “TURN IN YOUR TESTS” - I took a glance at my paper. The only thing on it was my name and the numbers that I can remember: 3-10-29-37-86
This is my list of classes that I used to take. There goes my perfect ‘C’ report card.
Chapter II
Why
My teachers would always ask me why I did something. But one day, it was me that asked the question of why I needed to leave my fake life as Jack Maleverd and why in such a hurry. The only reason Maya would give me is: “Because it is important.” As soon as we entered the world of Travasa, I saw something. It was as big as a rhino and as thin as a leaf. But it had more power than a rocket. Could this be my final test? Could this be the reason for my unsafe feeling? Could this be the end?
Then I heard a familiar voice (mom?). Then I opened my eyes to the sounds of ‘BEEP-BEEP’. It was all a dream…
I was never Jack and now I am where I know I was. In a place that smelled clean and there were many people.
I heard my mom saying, “Are you ok?”
I looked down at my legs. I could see the wood fragments in them. I forced myself to look away. I asked what happened.
​
My mom was shocked with this. “You don’t remember?”
“No,” I replied, trying to sit up in the hospital bed.
“Well,” mom spoke softly just so I could hear.
“You went to Maya’s house and then a group of Minitar attacked the house. You and Maya escaped. Your father is with her now.”
“Is she ok?” I almost demanded the answer.
“I don’t know,” said mom. But now we can’t live normal lives. Some humans thought it was our fault and now we are no longer the Firecrest family. We are the Smiths.
“Listen, Monolow (Mon-o-loaw), your new name is Jason and Maya’s is Jane, ok?”
At the moment, I could not take it all in… but I had to.
Chapter III
Bye
Two weeks later…
“Jane,” I called - even though I had to practically bite my tongue so I wouldn’t say Maya.
“Ya Jason?” she exclaimed.
“Are you packed?” I gestured, “Yes” Jane replied.
“Then we better get moving.” I suggested. My mom and dad said their Good-byes and we were off…
To be continued...