David Fanto

2. Table of Contents:Beach Paradise 3Days at the Lake 3Noah’s Heart 4Friendship? 4Hopes and Dreams Like a Child 5Lasting Memories 5Nature and Destruction 6 Artwork: Rachel Ooyama-SearlsOpening Day 7Love 8When We Were Young 8My First Alaskan Adventure 9 Artwork: Bonnie ChanParadise 10Remember Me 10The Blizzard 11 Artwork: Bonnie Chan Special Memories 12The Hermit Crab 12The Box and its Shackles 13Down on Your Luck 13The Joy of Singing 14 Artwork: Bonnie ChanThe Old and the New 15The Race 15The Last Summer Rose 16 Artwork: Bonnie ChanWriter’s Block 17What Are You? 17I Am a Clock 18 Artwork: Anthony Williams David Fanto David Fanto

3. Beach Paradise Natalie Brueckner There is a place I always love to be It’s very fun and a beautiful scene, Standing on the sand, so close to the sea It makes me happy and feel so serene. The water is so blue and very clear Soft and warm sand, I feel it on my toes Underwater, fish begin to appear After a day here, sunburn really shows. Building large sandcastles oh what great fun, Or playing beach volleyball on the sand Either way, its paradise in the sun It is a feeling that is oh, so grand. When the day ends, there’s something you must see A sunset that is pretty as can be. Days at the Lake Jillian Pancio Crystal blue water crashes onto shore. The water will take all worries away. When it is hot you want to swim much more. All day at the lake you’ll so long to stay. I love the warm wind rushing in my hair and hearing the waves splash up on the boat. Feel the hot sunshine tan skin that is bare, Quench thirst with iced tea, relax on a float. In minutes the un-stirring body of water changes to a huge battle field. You’ll be in awe looking up high above Seeing dark clouds and bright lightning revealed. Alas summer indeed comes to an end. Sadly now it’s school that I must attend.

4. Noah’sHeart Sophia Loewenguth There was a little boy I knew who had a heart bigger than only eyes can see. He was kind to even those who were sad an amazing friend which I strive to be. Noah was his name, baseball was his game Every time he played he would not let you down, he played as the biggest fame and touched the hearts of all he had met. Thinking of Noah brings my eyes to tears even from heaven I can feel his love he’s always looking down as it appears and I know he’s helping me rise above. Our Noah cannot be with us today but among us his heart will always stay. Friendship? Jeffrey Guo Your luscious brown hair so awesome when you Your beautiful green eyes, in the right place. Our relationship blossoms like a rose, Growing so gorgeous like your chiseled face. Your voice is my medicine, so soothing. It flows off the tip of your tongue so smooth. Each syllable so perfectly moving, I wish I were as awesome as you. But we are only friends, yes, you and I. We’re like brothers, we’re always together; And though we don’t always see eye to eye, I’m sure that we’ll be forever. But you….. Know not my plan for world domination, You’re a pawn in my grand operation! pose

5. Hopes and Dreams like a Child Mary Svintozelsky Do you remember the days of the past? When evening comes, little one plays. The rope Those memorable days, which always last. A gateway to the sky, not losing hope. It reminds me who I am, all those days. My dreams, like a rose, will always blossom. I am a dreamer, soaring many ways. Some may die, those that live, will be awesome. Others may try and stop you. To dream Like doves a swift, and soft, love another. Do not let them, just keep on bright gleaming. And loving each and eve’ single brother. To by and by the ways of your actions. Will solemnly show thy reactions. Lasting Memories Mackenzie Maring I wish I were there right now. My family And friends all would be all around. Gorgeous lakes Are all in view. Waves jump and dive, fully The sun shines. As you lay out your skin bakes. We swim and tube and water ski each day. Each tries to be the first to the buoy Before the others take that pride away. And windy boat rides make my hair wacky. The darkness comes as we retreat inside. Each person gathers to have a good time. Best of all, we have crumbly s’mores outside. We also have drinks with a little lime. Good memories will always last for e’er. Don’t take precious time for granted, never.

6. Nature and Destruction Nick Brown The golden morning shines on a new world. A flower blooms from a once fruitless land. The way the living realm has unfurled, Delicately came from nature’s own hand. The swing of and axes and the buzz of a saw, Humans now start this great kingdom’s downfall. The old world is torn apart as we draw, New schemes for shining cities bright and tall. Will it end this eternally mad scheme? Will we ever fix the mistakes we sow? How will we ever find a way to deem, Righteous this plot now turned to sad sorrow? Life was once a treasure buried in deep, Being the treasure people could not keep.

7. OpeningDay HadiDahhan Baseball Opening Day finally here Wait since Fall Classic an eternity Finally fans at parks can have a cheer Watching Barry Zito face Ryan Flaherty Opening Day means hope for every crew Yankees, Red Sox, Rays all tied for first place Marlins new park in a nice shade of blue Of getting hot, winning close playoff race Will the high paid Pujols lead his new team, To the ultimate goal or to much shame. Cubs wait for Fall Classic like a false dream But the Phillies beat them and with no shame Baseball back in our daily life is good Happiest time of year since childhood Bonnie Chan

8. Love Manuel Stoeckl I scan the lengthy, multicolored rows to seek a box, imprinted with bright face. Unique and intriguing, this box now shows the promise of a dream, a goal, a chase. The box is taken down, then opened while smooth covers reveal rough hewn pages, full of fluid rows of angular type, style from tangled webs of diction to fine wool. Bought and paid for, the book to me will go. Content, I delve, to watch the birds of thought glide in rapid, illuminating flow. The book invites, but be put down it ought in time, and time again, I seek the book, for deeper depths remain since that first look. When We Were Young Katie Cok When we were little we played together; Like two flowers growing up in the light. With our hands clasped no matter the weather, We shared our lives, we kept back all our spite. Then clouds filled the sky, and our happiness fell short. The warmth left the air and we grew apart. The busy winds of life blew less, But I still went on my way without you Years passed and we never saw each other; We almost forgot the sunshine from then. But our younger lives we could not smother, And after ten years, we met up again. We were still friends even through all the strife; Our bond will last for the rest of my life.

9. My First Alaskan Adventure Greg McCord It all began with the tiniest dream We all packed our bags and it’s time to go As the excitement grows it almost seems That the fun I will have is all I know The friends I met and the people I knew The tours I took and the knowledge I gain Cruising in the sea, along with the crew And the traveling on the old time train Much time has passed and the fun has been lost But I know that this place was meant for me Within the days to come our paths shall cross One day, I know, just wait and you will see Although the distance be’n so far away I am sure that I will come back someday Bonnie Chan

10. Paradise Marissa Fess The bright, cool waves that roll onto the shore, The crystal sand that shines under the sun, The seashells swept up from the ocean floor, A paradise that draws in everyone. How often I do wish that I were there, I dream of it upon a winter’s day, A dream, I know, that many people share. Yet my reality is far away. But on the beach the sand does scorch my feet, And salty waves do cruelly batter me. The breezes that I first did think were sweet Whip angrily back towards the roaring sea. A place may look like it is paradise, But maybe you should think about it twice. Remember Me Caroline McCusker When pain gives out, and we can hear them pray, the darkness of the void of forever. No, there is not a hope for us this day. All we can wish for is to remember. The twinkling lights of stars, they start to fade. The night is becoming our dearest friend. We wish to close our fatigued eyes. We’ve paid the debt owed to the sun, no more to lend. Now we must go to greatness far absent, and leave our remnants behind before noon, for noon is when bold sun demands payment, so instead we shall answer to soft moon. When life tires and it’s time to give in, let us be remembered for who we’ve been.

11. The Blizzard Tim Dunn Look all around, the snow covers the ground Each flake unique, a masterpiece of art Outside there is nobody to be found This sight will stay forever in my heart. Excited children run outside to play A snowball fight begins, snow hits his head and soon all of the others join the fray. They throw the snow until their arms are dead But soon the winter’s coldness takes its toll and bitter winds keep howling through the night. The animals retreat into their holes, It snows and blows and turns that whole world white. Though right now all the children cannot play, they will just wait to play some other day. Bonnie Chan

12. Special Memories Liz Ferrara My Mother and I are one in the same. The Kitchen is where it all begins, food and laughter that we hear, smell; it’s a game. Oh cooking closely we make a great mood. The mall is where we love to be, so fun. With colors, fabrics they feel so soft. Shop, shop, shop, we hurry so. Clothes for the sun, or clothing for cold, shop until we drop. I have grown up and we have grown apart. High school brings out differences in us, we fight and argue of small things. A dart goes through my heart, the changes make a fuss. But, love for each other will ne’er change. We are bonded forever with so much glee. The Hermit Crab Rachel Ooyama-Searls Trapped inside this empty shell I see the world through glassy eyes The light, the dark, and the colorful all blend into the nothingness of grey. Sometimes I peer out from behind my shell convincing myself that I still can. But fear soon seizes me. Back to a shell I flee like the hermit; living through the hours that feel like years, breathing through the days that are as seconds, I find myself again. Trapped forever inside this empty shell.

13. The Box and Its Shackles Katie Pendelberry There is a constraining box I live in It is always there, hanging over me It’s small, but vast, an empty, endless bin Within my grasp I hold my future’s key. I am forever tied within its ease A prisoner of my own design. Bound, chained, free to stray. It is for change I tease the pleasant shackles of constraint I found. To be free of the bindings of my pick To dream of freedom I can seize. Lacks a force I do not possess. My yearn to kick through my box is great. I shall try someday. I dream of leaving that constraining box But leaving for me is a paradox. DownonYourLuck Jamie Argento You say never again you'll feel okay. Your entir' life now seems to be askew. I know how you feel. Having a bad day feels like the world has turned its back on you. But of course no matter how hard you try, you can not ignore plenty of good times; the times we snuck out and then had to lie, when we tried to make lemonade with limes. Remember your luck always comes around. Life is just like a roller coaster ride; both good and bad times are sure to abound. On life's bumpy track, good times will preside. We all have days when we feel really down, but I don't want to ever see you frown.

14. The Joy of Singing Abby Coughlin The sound of music whirling around me As I sing to the rhythm of my mind. By humming I make music quietly. It flows from me to help my soul unwind. Emotions are let go and soon I turn Them into songs of what I hold inside And as the pressure melts away I learn That music will always be at my side. The future I see has a stage so grand With bright spotlights that shine upon my face. When I am done the audience claps their hands And compliment me on my gorgeous grace. Will I step out of dark shadows and see The spotlight centered directly on me? Bonnie Chan

15. The Old and the New Abby Davis When I took my first steps, I was a child, Naïve and young I held my dad’s bare hand. We‘d great times together when I was mild And petite. To me, this life appeared grand. But soon arises a telephone pole And we lose our touch as we let go of Our hands. I’m independent with a goal And dream of mine. I’ll make a couple of Mistakes and he’ll be my shoulder. As I Get older I will choose a separate Path. On my own I’ll know he’ll wait close by In his lounge chair for a call that I’m great. We’ll both make new memories, but we Will cherish the old memories with much glee. The Race Sarah Cok I walk in and I squint at the bright light, Anticipation washes over me. I bring my bag up to the line in fright. I step onto the track and my nerves flee. The gun goes off, the journey has begun. My blood is quickly rushing through my veins. I hear dull noises, I am having fun! I am so focused, I can’t feel my pains. Going by the last turn my foot brushes The track so quickly. As I go around My name is screamed. The finish line rushes Towards me then suddenly I hit the ground. I ran so fast I could no longer walk, So when I won then I could only gawk.

16. The Last Summer Rose Tess Perry Oh, the last summer rose stands tall and proud It is blooming in all of its glory It shines with dew and a color so loud And emanates with an unmatched beauty Although I admire it with fond eyes Time is wearing away its memory I know all that will come is its demise But still the rose will remain dear to me So swiftly the seasons have come and gone Marring what the last summer rose once was Its withered petals are strewn on the lawn And it is unfamiliar to us Now it is fall and I’ve come back to find The last summer rose that I left behind Bonnie Chan

17. What Are You? Skye Smith I am a coin. Sometimes I feel like I am worth a lot, while other times I can be worth very little. I have many small, intricate details that seem to go unnoticed. I’m very cold when you first meet me, but I warm up the longer you’re around. I’m hard and stubborn, nothing near malleable. I can be outdated and confused of which time period I’m in. I can care about the economy – and I’m even a bit political. I am very good at helping others make decisions, but I’m not so good at making my own. I can be generous and help get you what you want. Some people may find me very important, while others do not. I’m not easily impressed, but I do have impressions on my surface. I can come in many colors and sizes, and I do like mathematics and numbers. I am different in other countries. People call me by different names. Even through rough pockets in my life, I manage to stay strong, and I don’t get bent in the process. I am a coin. Writer’s Block Katie Pendelberry What I'm about to share is something that Most people have met many many times Something more irksome than a pesky gnat Something to get rid of like mucky grimes It's found when you need it not in the least When it's stuck to you like gum on your shoe It's like a rampaging and hungry beast More bothersome than a cow going moo! It comes to me, and I want to throw it Throw it out on the street, sent to die If it had a throat, then that I would slit After plagues of it, now I find it wry I suppose it's not really a dish clout It's given me something to write about

18. I AmA Clock By Mitchell Rybak I am a clock. From the outside I sometimes don’t look very special and my face changes often, but if you open me up and look inside me you will see that I am very complex. I run great almost all of the time, unless someone messes with me. I am often look to for information when people need me. I have things that make me run and things that make me tic. I also love using my hands. I am full of gears that each have a specific purpose that makes me run the way the way I do. I am very punctual and almost never late unless someone give me the wrong information, and if you tell me a time will remind you about it later. I am important to the people around me because they sometimes need me to get through the day, and I am glad to help. There are times when I break, but I will be fine when someone winds me back up again. I am a clock. Anthony Williams

19. Spectrum 2011-2012 StaffEditor-In-Chief: Stephanie FernaaysAssistant Editor-in-Chief: Michael CallariLayout: Caroline McCuskerArt Editors: Bonnie Chan and David FantoTreasurer: Rachel Ooyama-SearlsSecretary: Alexis ConnersCopy Editor: Katie PendelberryAdvisors: Mrs. Strong, Mrs. BatesContributing Advisor: P. FerraraCover Art: Brooklyn Bridge by Chris Gnam, Spectrum “S” by David Fanto Chris Gnam