C’est La Vie

1. C’est La Vie This is a literary magazine written for an by the students and staff of Richardson Middle School in Torrance, California. This work is original and has not been published before to the advisor’s knowledge. If you are interested in submitting short stories, poetry, artwork, and/or digital pictures for consideration in the next C’est La Vie, please email them to lbezich@etusd.org with your name and grade. Student writers, poets, artists and photographers will vary issue to issue. If you have questions, please contact Leslie Bezich, Advisor.

2. Poetry We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for. Dead Poet's Society

3. Haikus Campfire Fire sings stories Of shadowed hearts and bright dreams Till the one song ends -Holly V. Birthday Get gifts and treasures Time is here that you’ve been born Balloons and party -Brianna M. Untitled Sun through my window Except when it it raining I hate days like this. -Josh B. Stars Shining glistening Bright sparkles in the night sky Miracles up high. -Madeline M. Flowers Beautiful flowers Blossom in the spring Always to give joy -Jamee C. Grandma Always understands The person I love the most Always cares for me. -Rachel G. Untitled Birds can fly up high Soaring through the moonlight sky They fly high and low -Kira B. Untitled Singing along with The radio that’s booming I feel happy now -Nicky Lee Basketball Players run down fast Dribbling to take the shot Swoosh, as it goes through -Kenneth L.

4. Haikus Continued Untitled Late nights, baggy eyes Midday naps during class time Life of a student. -Jin Y. Writing a Haiku I do not know how But I will write a Haiku It will be awesome. -George S. Untitled Surfing is awesome Bananas are on my board The waves are very fun. -Stephen K. New Years The sun is settingIt’s the last day of the year New Year is coming. -Rachel B. Random I like the Lakers. I like to eat Nutella. Ramen is awesome. -Gabriel H. The Graveyard Green and red collide The Dark Lord in the graveyard He and Harry tie. -Michael S. Hurricane The forest swaying The trees shaking in the fierce wind The hurricane comes. -Cody P. Feel The Movement Hands up in the air The beat is with every step A strong feel for dance -Annaliese S. Doctors Doctors are scary They threaten me with needles My blood draws slowly -Erik C. Katana The Katana sword It is beautiful and cool But deadly and sharp -Fergus L. Books Performing magic I pretend to be Harry Attending Hogwarts -Taylor J. End Depression is here All the tears and all the fears Never should it end -Jamie M. Reading To read is to live You can read an adventure It us worth your time. -Brandon A. Untitled Going to school Working hard on all my work Going home after -Kian Z.

5. Haiku Continued Friends My friends are all nice We laugh, we play, and we sing We are all great friends. -Madison R. Reading Open up a book The words leap off the pages Flowing to my brain. -Erika Y. Grass The grass is light green So green it looked very nice With pretty colors. -Prerana R. A Tout le Monde On the morrow’s wake Pray tell. My soul you shall take Je dois partir -Josh M. Untitled Soft and cuddly It protects me from danger My Super Cooper -Taylor B. Untitled Friends are lovely They are always there for you Till the end of time -Alexis M. Untitled Music tells stories You’ll get them if you listen They will change your life. -Sarah B. Water Park The blue water flows, Down the rigid and fun stream Hello water park. -Jordan B. Bacon Very good indeed Sizzles in the pan, yummy It’s very crispy. -Nick G. Haiku Five syllables first Seven syllables are next Then five come again. -Julia R. Friends Friends are always there In those nights of deep despair Always by your side. -Kencey C. The only problem with Haiku is that you just get started and then ~Roger McGough

6. Estelle Epic Sister To Everybody Loves her cats and kittens Love tigers like me Enthusiastic girl -Holly V. Karen Knows everything Artistically gifted Ravishingly beautiful Everyone is put before her Never stops giving -Devin F. Brandi Is Nice Brown and white A small tail Not a big dog Does not like mailmen Is too loud at night Takes on big dogs Is smaller than cats Small but speedy Nibbles on your fingers Is grumpy sometimes Cates are his only friends Extremely cute -Justis B. Acrostics Dance Daring Arabesque Never leaves the stage without leaving an impression Choreography Enjoys performing on the stage -Miah K. Trajan Trustworthy Reading A music lover Jokes are a favorite Ambitious Noble -Trajan M. Maheen Makes food once in a while Awesome at playing handball Happy most of the time Excited to have a party Entertained by comedy shows Nice to people. -Maheen R. Ricardo Ricardo Intimate Creative Husky Awesome Richardo Dangerous -Ricardo S. I've written some poetry I don't understand myself. ~Carl Sandburg

7. Diamantes Mustafa Funny, sport Basketball, softball, baseball Mike Lowery Racing sitting, talking Lover, playing Party -Mustafa A. Parker Funny, crazy Shopping, laughing, talking Romeo, Juliet Buying, eating, biking Text, weird Parky -Parker C. Monsters Creepy, ugly Hiding, stalking, lurking Werewolves, mummies, zombies, vampires Chasing, eating, drinking Creatures -Shane W. Heidi Fun, lover Reading, hanging, swimming Sister, teammate, student Super cool, awesome Hi Hi -Heidi G. You don't have to suffer to be a poet. Adolescence is enough suffering for anyone. ~John Ciardi, Simmons Review, Fall 1962

8. I Used To… I used to be a baby, But now I am a teen. I used to not like tomatoes, But now I eat them. I used to wear diapers, But now I’m potty-trained. I used to hate vegetables, But now they taste good. I used to be scared of the dark, But now I’m not. I used to get sea-sick But now I work on a boat. I used to hate reading, But now I have to. I used to love video games, But now I play sports. -Sam S. I used to dream about growing up, But now I am grown up. I used to watch people play basketball, But now I play myself. I used to beg to quit piano, But now I love to play. I used to eat whatever I wanted, But now I’m more careful. I used to be the youngest, But now I’m the middle child. I used to love TV, But now I love books. I used to be inexperienced, But now I know more. I used to be a child, But now I’m a young adult. -Julia H. I used to like Modern Warfare 3 But now I like Modern Warfare 2. I used to be my father’s only son, But now I have a brother. I used to hate alpacas, But now I think they’re alright. I used to enjoy Social Studies, But now it’s such a bore. I used to like Pepsi, But now it’s all about Coke. I used to get scared at night, But now I turn the lights off. I used to play soccer, But now I do Tai Kwon Do. I used to procrastinate, But now I’m on top of everything. -Kevin J.

9. I Used To… Continued I used to be two fee tall, But now I am five foot eight inches I used to not care about my future, But now I am serious about my career. I used to play football, But now I love and play basketball. I used to be a baby, But now I am a teenager. I used to listen to classical, But now I listen to Hip Hop. I used to crawl, But now I run. I used to have Dad, But now he lives somewhere else. I used to fear my dreams, But now I cherish them. -Greg B. I used to think boys had cooties, But now they are my best friends. I used to hate school, But now it’s my second home. I used to love Big Time Rush, But now I love One Direction. I used to hate to read, But now I can’t put down the book. I used to hate to wear bracelets, But now they are my lucky charms. I used to think planking was student, But now I eat, smell, breathe planking. I use to only eat carrots, But now I eat carrots and lettuce. - Karin S. I Used to be shy, But now I’m outgoing. I used to hate clothes, But now I love fashion. I used to be scared of roller coasters, But now I ride them every chance I get. I used to wear glasses, But now I have contacts. I used to be crazy, But now I’m calmer. I used to have no friends, But now I have many. I used to be flexible, But now I’m stiff. I used to be weird, But now I’m a little less weird…sort of. -Margaret J.

10. I used to be a kid, But now I’m a teenager. I used to be afraid of roller coasters, But now I love them. I used to dislike going to school, But now it’s not so bad. I used to not like the color blue, But now my room is the color blue. I used to like Baskin Robbins 31 Flavors, But now I like Yogurtland. I used to love Coke, But now not a s much. I used to dislike belts, But now they are one of my favorite accessories. I used to hate wearing jeans, But now I like them. -Jaslyn M. I Used To… Continued I used to do different kinds of dance, But now I play the clarinet. I used to love homework, But now I don’t like it. I used to be quiet around my friends, But now I am very loud to them. I used to play tetherball, But now I like to hang out with my friends. I used to wear Justice clothes, But now I wear Hollister clothes. I used to read a lot of books, But now I don’t read that much. I used to get injured a lot, But now I am careful. -Alicia W. I used to eat Mcdonald’s, But now I eat Subway. I used to play soccer, But now I play baseball. I used to like Disney Channel, But now I like MTV and Comedy Central. I used to surf, But now I boogey board. I used to hate my baseball team, But now I love my team. I used to take naps, But now I just sleep. I used to scooter, But now I bike. I used to play video games, But now I get out of the house. -Daniel H.

11. I Used To… Continued I used to hate school, But now I enjoy it more. I used to hate reading, But now I can’t get enough. I used to go to Riviera, But now I go to Richardson. I used to like chicken, But now I like turkey. I used to like cats, But now I like dogs. I used to hate swimming, But now I am the best. I used to have 3.5, But now I almost have a 4.0. I used to like Yogurtland, But now I like Starbucks. -Eric H. I used to be a baby, But now I am a kid. I used to shop at Justice, But now I shop at Hollister. I used to play dress-up, But now I just go shopping. I used to like Pinkberry, But now I love Get Shaved. I used to hate oral presentations, But now I speak clearly. I used to play Angry Birds, But now I play Temple Run. I used to drink apple juice, But now I drink Capri Sun. I used to read Junie B. Jones, But now I read Twilight series. -Bianca P.

12. Bio Poems Kate Determined, creative, and enthusiastic Loves parents, sisters, teddy, and Elliott Feels eager to learn more dance, to grow as an individual, and to finally be able to whistle Who needs the company of her own home, company, and frozen yogurt Who gives time for perfection, to always have a clean room, and to explore at least once a day Who fears high school, college, and not knowing what is coming next Who would like to see what life is like as an adult and all animals having a home Who share love toward her family, dogs and may others Who is a student, dancer dreamer, and perfectionist Who is a resident of Torrance, CA H Justin Funny, active, and positive Brother of Blaise Loves scootering, dogs and the beach Feels sorry for starving children, the homeless, and the needy Who needs fresh air every day, to be active, ad always has to have friends Who gives people advice, money and the truth Who fears sharks, injuries, and the world ending Who would like to see Michael Jordan’s house, the Empire State Building, and the Eiffel Tower Who shares advice, food and resources Who is a resident of Torrance, CA B

13. Bio Poems Continued Jasper Funny, Korean, Juggernaut Son of Jun and Anes Loves God, games and peace Feels like a Juggernaut, of a Ninja, or a terminator Who needs to play games, hang out with friend and Korean BBQ Who give friendship to friends, money to charity and food to pets Who fears wars, drugs, and fights Who would like to see movies every day, games super league, and soccer games Who share experiences, games and loves Who is a student of RMS Who is a resident of Torrance L Ian Determined, focused, smart Loves basketball, nuggets, donkey Feels basketball should be on every channel, cows should be pets along with donkeys Who needs to watch NBA 24/7, ranch with fries, Diet Coke Who gives 100% in basketball, money to homeless, and those less fortunate Who fears donkeys invading, polar bear, dying Who would like to see Kobe get the MVP, Lakers win 60 games, LA getting to Championship Who shares the ball, his Xbox, and nuggets Who is awesome, a baller Who is amazing, a gamer H

14. Bio Poems Continued Cindy Funny, prepared, happy Daughter of Nelson and Dora Loves mom, dad, and rice Feels joyful, sleepy, and hungry Who needs to get taller, braces, and swim more Who gives presents to people on special occasions, laughter, and smiles Who fears cold-hearted people, rats, and spiders Who likes to see myself getting good grade, get into a good college, and be a good doctor Who hates mean people, evil people, and scorpions Who is a swimmer, middle school student and a sleeper Who is a resident of Torrance C

15. If I Were In Charge Of The World (Imitations of Judith Viorst’s Poem) If I were in charge of the world I’d flood the streets and paddle everywhere Own every supercar, Own every sports car. If I were in charge of the world There’d be no Priuses, No school on Mondays, No mean teachers. If I were in charge of the world You wouldn’t die, You wouldn’t starve, You wouldn’t cause pollution, Or have different languages. If I were in charge of the world. -Bram S. If I were in charge of the world I’d get rid of knives Drink shakes during every meal Have ice shops in every school If I were in charge of the world There’d be no war Never any homework No need to cry If I were in charge of the world You wouldn’t have to pay to go to the movies You wouldn’t have to make your bed You wouldn’t have to pay for clothes Or have to watch commercials If I were in charge of the world Everyone would have a home And no one would starve A person with a fear of spiders And annoyed by small noises Will still be allowed to be In charge of the world. -Aly L. If I were in charge of the world I’d build swimming pools in every backyard, Make cards for every worker so everything is free, And ban spinach If I were in charge of the world There’d be no wars in any country, All terrorists would be executed, And every prisoner that is guilty of major charge would die. If I were in charge of the world You wouldn’t have to brush your teeth, You wouldn’t have to clean your room, You r wouldn’t lug a heavy backpack, Or clean the dishes. If I were in charge of the world. -Chris B.

16. If I Were In Charge Of The World… Continued If I were in charge of the world I’d make ferrets legal in California Have my own lake And go wakeboarding every day If I were in charge of the world There’d be free Nutella Drive in movie theaters again A school on the beach that surfing and tanning were classes If I were in charge of the world You wouldn’t have to go to college to be successful You wouldn’t need to pay for music You wouldn’t have people that come to your house to preach to you Or telemarketers If I were in charge of the world. -Mady K. If I were in charge of the world I’d let things be I’d let the people decide what’s right and what’s wrong I wouldn’t want to get in anybody’s way If I were in charge of the world There’d be true love, like in fairy tales And fairness And everyone would be equal and loyal If I were in charge of the world You wouldn’t have to worry about money You wouldn’t have to be mortal, you could decide when you want to die. You wouldn’t have to make nice with people you don’t like Or you wouldn’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. If I were in charge of the world. -Lauren H. If I were in charge of the world I’d make chocolate a vegetable, Ice cream a fruit, And gummy bears healthy. If I were in charge of the world There’d be no weapons, No war, And a safe home for everyone. If I were in charge of the world You wouldn’t have messy rooms. You wouldn’t have diseases. You wouldn’t have polluted air, Or homework on Wednesday. If I were in charge of the world. -Erica L. If I were in charge of the world I’d be a pro tennis plays I’d be a pro soccer player I’d be rich If I were in charge of the of the world There’d be security everywhere There’d be comics everywhere There’d be sleeping any time If I were in charge of the world You wouldn’t have churches You wouldn’t have to eat You wouldn’t be rushing every day Or “Hurry up. We’re going” If I were in charge of the world. -Lina I.

17. If I were in charge of the world I’d give everyone a nice house, A loving family, and a second change. If I were in charge of the world There’d be an extra day in the week, With more hours in a day, And plenty of sunshine. If I were in charge of the world You wouldn’t starve, or have disease. You wouldn’t feel loneliness, or heartache. You wouldn’t have disagreements and quarrels. Or major wars to fight. If I were in charge of the world. -Lauren T. If I Were In Charge…Continued If I were in charge of the world I’d make everything free, Have an unlimited supply of chocolate, and get rid of unhappiness. If I were in charge of the world There’d be no embarrassing class pictures, lonely people, and math homework. If I were in charge of the world You wouldn’t have to always eat your broccoli You wouldn’t have to make your bed You wouldn’t have to take your vitamins Or be able to say that you don’t have friends. If I were in charge of the world. -Kristy L. If I were in charge of the world I’d marry Niall from On Direction, Play in a band with my friends, And never have to worry about the day ending. If I were in charge of the world There’d be candy raining from the skies, Dancing all around the city, And magical nights every night. If I were in charge of the world You wouldn’t have to want want want. You wouldn’t have to share if you didn’t want to. You wouldn’t care what others thought of you. Or have to wait till 11:11 to make a wish. If I were in charge of the world. -Lydia W. If I were in charge of the world I’d ban all types of cancer. Diseases. And make sure that there is not poverty. If I were in charge of the world There’d be no occasional dog poop on the sidewalk, no terrorists. And weapons. If I were in charge of the world You wouldn’t have annoying little brothers, Or annoying sisters, Bedtime curfew, Or scents that reek. If I were in charge of the world. -Rachel C.

18. Metaphor For A Family Poems Kennel My family is a kennel. Mom is the worker, keeping us healthy and lover. Dad is the German Shepard, keeping us protected. Tyler is the Husky, always fun and loving. And I, I am the Dachshund, shy in the corner. -Trevor S. Flower My family is a flower. My dad is the strong, but sometimes breakable stem that holds us together. My mom is the leaves that takes care of us. Cooper is the annoying pollen, that sometimes gets out of control but creates new laughs Bailey is the beautiful butterfly that adds a nice touch to our family. And I, I am the petals, the one that needs my family to survive. -Taylor B. First Aid Kit My family is a first aid kit. My dad is a band aid that supports the family. My mom is the disinfectant that cleans things that are dirty. My brother is a tweezers that takes out the bad things in life. And I, I am an ice pack that cools down the family when family members are angry. -Anthony C. Rocket My family is a rocket not knowing when it will take off. My dad is the astronaut flying out there all alone. My mom is the re button saying self-destruct. My brother is the burnt out flame not wanting to go back to the huge flame he used to be. And I, I am the conductor forcing them to go the route I want them to. -Rachel W. Bookcase My family is a bookcase, full of different genres. My dad is the encyclopedia that knows everything. My mom is the instruction book that guides the way. My brother is the joke book, funny and witty. And I, I am the novels, complex and interesting. -Stephanie T. Wizard of Oz My family is like the characters in the Wizard of Oz. My dad is the Wizard of Oz; he is giving. My mom is Glenda, nice and sweet. My brother is the Tin Man. He seems to have no heard, but he really does. My sister is the Cowardly Lion, she doesn’t realize her full potential. And I, I am Dorothy, trying to find out where home is. -Shelby F.

19. Metaphor For A Family Poems…Continued Jazz Band My family is a jazz band, trying to work together. My dad is the trombone (backbone), keeping us together playing a part that doesn’t want to stand out, a balancing of all the instruments. My mom is the lead alto, pretending to be in control, but doesn’t realize that she has to follow the lead trumpet, as well as being loud, furious and full of energy. Ryan is a horn player, following the lead. Cristian is the ten saxophone in the group, following the alto’s and backing them up. And I, I am the percussionist, making the necessary sound and rhythms that go unnoticed, but are essential. -Barry J. Box of Candy My family is a box of candy. My mom is the chocolate, always smooth and sweet. My sister is the cotton candy, sweet and soft. My farther is the molasses chip, being sweet and clinging to your teeth. And I, I am the wrapper, hugging my family. -Fiona T. Statue My family is a statue. My uncle is the hand, proving his high status and strength. My mother is the head, loving and always thinking. My sisters are the legs, never staying in one place for too long. And I , I am the base, holding all of them together. -Addison W. Beach My family is the beach. My dad is the lifeguard, always ready to save someone when they’re in need. My mom is the lifeguard station, always watching out for someone. My brother is the sand, always lying there. And I , I am the fish in the sea, always splashing around in the ocean. -Kenna G. A Yard My family is a yard. My grandpa is the grass, you water him with love. My grandma is the flower, so beautiful. And I, I am the weed, I never go away. -Conner Y.

20. Metaphor For A Family Poems…Continued Orchestra My family is an orchestra. Dad is the conductor, always in charge. Mom is the piano, loud at some points and quiet in others. Lucas is a guitar, always needing and wanting to be in front. Sean is the beat, always moving. And I, I am the speaker, always loud. -Natalie D. iPhone My family is an iPhone. My dad is the internet, always knows everything. My mom is the art app that lets you be creative. My brother is the sports app that tell you the deats on a game. My sister is Temple Run, because she is so fast. And I, I am the singing app that won’t shut up. -Hadley C. Sports Equipment My family is a cart of sports equipment. My father is the bowling ball, strong and bold, always on the roll. My mother is the swimming goggles watching everyone carefully and closely. My do is a pair of soccer cleats, digging his claws in the earth. And I, I am the jump rope, getting tangled up sometimes, but always getting back up. -Mina G. Book My family is a book, slowly building our own story. My father is the spine ,holding the book together. My mother is the fine thread, keeping the pages together. My sister is the words, bringing the book to life. And I, I am the blank pages before and after the story, still discovering my purpose. -Emily B. A Volleyball Uniform My mom is the pair of spandex, she molds and fits to every need. My sister is like the jersey, she is tight but gives you space when its needed. My brother is the pair of knee pads, he protects you so you don’t fall and hurt yourself. And I, I am the volleyball itself, I get tossed around until I am worn out. -Hunter R.

21. Metaphor For A Family Poems…Continued Zoo My family is a zoo. My father is the monkeys, always being unpredictable. My mother is the peacocks, showing off their beauty and grace. My brother is the hedgehogs, hiding from the rest of the world. And I, I am the insects, small and unnoticed. -Krista C. Weasley Family My family is the Weasley family in Harry Potter. My dad is Fred and George, always making jokes to lighten the mood. My mom is Molly, worrying all the time, but loving her family. My brother is Ginny, shy and quiet around strangers. My do is Pigwidgeon, always desperately craving attention. And I, I am Charlie, easygoing at time, serious at others, and hating haircuts. -Alice F. Toy box My family is a toy box. Dad is the giant toy gorilla. Mom is the jack-in-the-box. Katrina is the Barbie Doll. I am the toy fish. -Jullian N.

22. Metaphor For A Family Poems…Continued Pencils and Pens in a Pouch My family is a pencil pouch. Dad, the official, fine ink gel pen, but occasionally screws up. My mother, the correction fluid who finds and fixes mistakes. Eileen is the squeaky eraser which marks out mess-ups. And I, I am the long pencil, unofficial, but still used in work. -Victor J. The Tool Box My family is a tool box. Dad is the drill that keeps everything attached and in place. Mom is the nails, tough and hard to break. Lucky is the screwdriver, only there for simple problems. And I, I am the glue who keeps the family together. -Hannah A. Galaxy My family is a galaxy. Dad is the Sun, bright and warm. Mom is the moons that revolve around the planets, calm and safe. Isabella is the stars that shine bright. Mason is the black holes, makes a mess and destroys thing. And I, I am the Earth which holds all life. -Michael Q.

23. Ink runs from the corners of my mouthThere is no happiness like mine.I have been eating poetry.~Mark Strand, "Eating Poetry," Reasons for Moving, 1968