I’ve always loved reading; it gives me an escape into a world that’s not my own, such as the factions in Divergent or the Massachusetts island in We Were Liars. It doesn’t really matter where the book takes me, as long as it gives me a break from reality. I believe that my love for reading and

Dutifully crossing my arms behind my back, I listened as my superior listed my project of the week. Seated on his stool and stroking his goatee, he leaned forward on his desk strewn with papers that seemed to continually overflow from the surface. “We need to carve an inkwell out of foam. But it also must look like a boat.

My depression clung to me like a black lead cloak. A clasp held the cloak to my shoulders, bound by a lock for which I had no key. I've had various bouts of depression, and each time I shed the cloak only to pick it back up, wrapping it tightly around my shoulders, the key nowhere to be found. Instead,

Sometimes I just can’t catch a break. Sundays are wonderful days for writing. I have hours of free time where I can lock myself away in my room and write the stories that are impressed on my mind. Often there’s just one little problem—I can’t seem to get them out of my head and onto the

The trees glow under the yellow lights, And acorns crack beneath my feet. The wind whips down the leaf-strewn street, Taking little leaves for little flights. Crystal dew blankets the blue grass, And birds wait quietly for the night to pass. The middle of my forehead is marred By wrinkles, which map my concern. In a sudden fit I stop–

Crushing crystallized snow toward The ice’s edge. Brother ran and Slid long solitaire, rubber boots Rasping. I hedged, then stepped Steady out to where he stood. Gray sky hovered over silver Lake. We were silent for its Sake. Only breath in white clouds blew. The ice was solid, strong, and thick. I never did break through.

I could not climb the mountain to reach Victory. My own blood had to be shed for a clean slate— But You did it for me. Filling my cup with good deeds, I exploited every opportunity. Mastering the science of performance, I was determined to control my fate, But could not climb the mountain to reach Victory. Every meritless success

Busted boots and broken buckles            Seasoned scars and signs of struggle            Hollow heart and helpless hustle So much harm, the world is shattering— Do not conform! What you see may break you down, so don’t look into a mirror and let harm stare back at you! Break through.

I went to find a sea of gold, A sea of gold, of shining gold, A sea of the purest, finest gold Beneath a sheet of glass. I traveled over seven hills That rose and fell like dresses’ frills, Crossed seven streams that ran like quills, To find the sea of gold. I traversed seven plains beyond the hills, Flatter

“We’re staying for the whole week?” Felicity exclaimed. “But Mom, if we stay for that long, then Hayden and I will only have one day left for break.” “Felicity,” her mom chided, “we are long overdue for a visit at Grandma’s. We’re staying for a week, and that’s final.” Felicity sucked in another breath, planning one

The tale of the butterfly and the wasp is not a famous story, but I know it well. Farrah was a blonde beauty with ocean-blue eyes always filled with the brightness of laughter and hope. Her light seemed to pass to every person she encountered, for she was a social butterfly always looking for a wilting flower to aid. But

Five days ago, the city had cut down my sister’s tree, and I’d known immediately that it would be the final straw—the tipping point in my sister’s grief. There are many elms in Florence, but the elm in Spring Park by the bend in the creek had been Mendi’s tree. After our grandmother died, Mendi

Desert-grimed sandals stop a few feet away from her. The dark-haired owner of the sandals looks at her. He loves her. Questions and hurts reverberate inside her. They don’t fade, but only intensify. Vulgar, unsolicited criticisms awake from hibernation. He isn’t physically attractive. Though in his thirties, he doesn’t have a house of his own. A more