Photo by Sarah Wrightstone
Embedded Files
The theme of this issue of East Pennsboro High School's literary magazine is Bloom. A bloom typically occurs at the beginning of spring when nature returns after the arduous winter. A bloom is triumphant, a rejuvenation of life where life once was not. A bloom brings beauty and joy to all who see it.
We as a world have been going through a long, hard, and trying winter, both metaphorically and literally. The past year has been a test of our patience, our mental stability, and our love for each other. Places once full of life were reduced to barren reminders of experiences we could not have and people we could not see. Our world became a mausoleum for life, interrupted.
But, we are slowly coming back to life. People are returning, buildings are re-opening, the world is waking up to a new and different normal. Our long winter is coming to an end, and our bloom is just around the corner.
~ Lexi-Olive Lambert, Editor
Table of Contents
Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
Page 5
Page 6
Page 7
Page 8
Page 9
Page 10
Page 11
Page 12
Page 13
Page 14
Page 15
Page 16
Page 17
Page 18
Page 19
Page 20
Page 21
Silent Sneaky Snowmen, there are sneaky snowmen all around me
Silent Sneaky Snowmen, everytime I look away, it sounds like footsteps
Silent Sneaky Snowmen, and they also seem like they’re getting closer
Silent Sneaky Snowmen, but when I look at them, they are just standing still
Silent Sneaky Snowmen, if I just don’t stop looking at them, then I will know for sure
Silent Sneaky Snowmen, but I really do need to get back home because it is quite chilly out
Silent Sneaky Snowmen, if I just do not look at them, I can outrun them
Silent Sneaky Snowmen, wait, when did he get that baseball bat?
Silent Sneaky Snowmen, wait, how is he holding a baseball bat?
Silent Sneaky Snowmen, oh no, I better run fast!
Silent Sneaky Snowmen, I was able to get home fast enough
Silent Sneaky Snowmen, now there are snowmen outside my house, trying to get in
Silent Sneaky Snowmen, my phone has no reception
Silent Sneaky Snowmen, my electricity cut out
Silent Sneaky Snowmen, no, my window!
Silent Sneaky Snowmen, was that my door?
Silent Sneaky Snowmen, I don't hear them anymore
Silent Sneaky Snowmen, wait, are those footsteps?
Silent Sneaky Snowmen, oh no, I need to hide!
Silent Sneaky Snowmen, is this really how I die?
⁕ Bloom 1 ⁕
The uplifting scent of sandalwood dominates the air,
as the descending snow alters the window glare.
Hoping to hear the birds chirping underneath the gloomy skies,
you hear nothing but the silence, needn't worry about the hives.
The animals have foraged shelters for their next fight.
And yet there's still a void in my heart that grows, as I witness the
dullness of the winter night.
No more flowers blooming next to the sea,
only the laughter of kids building a snowman by an evergreen tree.
Cold red noses appear throughout the play.
Far afield, fire pits are set ablaze.
No more thirsty mosquitoes longing for your blood,
only now ice crystals land on top of dead flower buds.
Some may say it's the best time of year.
But where are the others,
hibernating and slouching near?
The days pass by as quick as a wink.
Having a difficult time waking up,
your motivation also shrinks.
When the dust has settled and the snow has stopped,
the trees grow back to their original color
and the winter blues have finally dropped.
⁕ Bloom 2 ⁕
I try,
but my mind
twists and turns
and my eyes
see a different view
of what is actually there.
My reality
isn't reality.
So, when I
hear, ¨You're skinny!”
it flies through my ears
because I can't see
what truly
may be there.
I stand
and I stare,
but the spark
of love
isn't there.
My illusion is not going away -
here to stay
for a lifetime of misery.
Why just not care?
Why allow it
to rule?
You see,
I can't throw these feelings in the air
for them to disappear.
I can't change
the way my eyes
look into the mirror …
But, ever so slightly
I try … I try!
But,
to another eye,
I'm letting
my voice go
and allowing another to be chosen.
I'm told to
move on,
let it fly,
LET it fly.
Let it be a rose than a thorn!
I try to
disguise as a rose.
But, thorns forever grow.
Escaping
is being the needle
trying to find your way
out of a stack of hay…
almost
impossible
But, from the ones
who don't understand,
I need a reality check.
Photo by Kienna Sinsabaugh
⁕ Bloom 3 ⁕
photo by Samantha Kintzel
A snowflake is a diamond falling from the heavens.
A snowflake is an original piece of artwork on display.
A snowflake is cotton, descending onto the landscape.
A snowflake is a graceful feather floating down from the sky.
A snowflake is a bubble, ready to burst.
A snowflake is a thread that will contribute to the blanket of snow.
A snowflake is a person's feelings, meant to be handled with care and love.
A snowflake is an eyelash from an angel.
A snowflake is a spider web dangling in the crisp air.
A snowflake is a flower sprouting from the clouds above.
Snowflakes are delicate, beautiful, and unique, like every person to walk the Earth
⁕ Bloom 4 ⁕
I look up and see thousands of tiny flakes.
I used to think to myself, They just look like white dots,
but I didn’t know what kind of beauty the sky makes.
When you look at a snowflake in the distance,
you see that it’s just a white dot.
But when you look at it with a glance,
you see the beauty that you sought.
You see, the white flake is made up of small crystals.
The beauty of the white dot lies within.
It can’t be looked at as belittled.
It has to be looked at as what is therein.
⁕ Bloom 5 ⁕
Winter is a Christmas party, delightful family and friends accompanying one another.
Winter is a mistletoe kiss, a streak moment of hot passion for couples in love.
Winter is eating loads of freshly baked gingerbread cookies, alongside hot cocoa.
Winter is drinking hot cocoa, the warm winter drink that soothes the soul.
Winter is wearing ugly sweaters, sometimes baring its fangs during blizzards.
Winter is stockings on the fireplace, anonymous on what you obtain.
Winter is building a snowman, a prolonged and time consuming process.
Winter is going snowboarding, doing daredevil flips downhill.
Winter is ice skating, an elegant and calming art.
Winter is having snowball fights, every little kid and kid at heart’s dream.
Winter holidays are the most enjoyable times in the year.
⁕ Bloom 6 ⁕
Hmmm . . . what would I wish for if I found a four-leaf clover?
Well, I guess I’d have to think that one over.
My wish wouldn’t be like the next pageant girl saying “world peace,”
and I certainly wouldn’t be the nine year old saying “money or toys.”
To me, I would wish to see my friends again.
The past year hasn’t been very ideal,
it may even be a little unreal.
I have gone through a lot in the year that has passed,
so, seeing my friends again is all I ask.
I’m sure everyone feels this way,
watching the days go away.
Sometimes we feel scared,
trying to remember the memories we have shared.
I miss everyone . . . but doesn’t everybody?
⁕ Bloom 7 ⁕
I forget to take one pill and my whole world changes. My nose keeps running; it’s like a whole waterfall. Why can’t you just stop!? Remember tissues. Remember to sneeze into your elbow. Remember the pill tonight. Remember eyedrops. Remember nose spray.
Remember, remember, remember.
Everything becomes blurry, and I feel like I won’t ever be able to stop sneezing. I eat the following things when I don’t take the pill: chips, ice cream, vegetables, and, of course, cake! It’s junk food always because who doesn’t love junk food when you are in your blues? As trees are blowing, I sit inside and wonder what would happen if I just went outside. What would happen if I gazed outside and had a little fun; I probably wouldn’t ever stop sneezing. Besides that, would it even be bad? Well, I don’t think I should try it. It puts a stop to my normal life. I know some people don’t get that bad, but, I only missed one day and I feel like I am suffocating. There are multiple reasons why this pill is so helpful to me, but who knows which pill it is; it might actually surprise people.
Which pill did I truly forget to take? No one will ever know.
⁕ Bloom 8 ⁕
Life is how we all survive.
Life is why most of us thrive.
Life is fleeting, or long and fun.
Yet sometimes, life is on the run.
Life has joy, life has sorrow.
Life has you waiting for tomorrow.
Life has sideways, ups, and downs.
Life has countless smiles and frowns.
Life needs passion, life needs meaning.
Life needs scrubbing, washing, cleaning.
Life needs help sometimes, as do we.
Life needs days at the fair or sea.
But please don’t fret, little one,
Life is also so much fun.
For life has you, life has me,
Life has everyone you see.
⁕ Bloom 9 ⁕
If you found a four leaf clover,
what would you wish for?
Students wish for effortless A's
while teachers wish for retirement.
But everyone wants success either way
for a better living environment.
Peace is such a noble choice.
It unites us so we can rejoice.
Health, a wish for so many reasons,
especially during this COVID season.
Some yearn to escape from sadness
or for an end to all this madness.
Stars desire endless fame
while others just want to play their games.
But I just want money.
⁕ Bloom 10 ⁕
the time ticking, ticking
waiting for the day to arrive
four plus two becoming six
two families become one
that morning bright and early
the dresses, shoes, hair
all of the work just for this one day
two families become one
the bright blue sky
the heat of the sun
vows
hugs
kissing
smiling
laughing
two families become one
dancing to the music
fireworks in the air, in our hearts
father and stepmother shining
like the stars all around them the night that
two families become one
the years to come filled with heartache
joy
laughter
tears
memories after and of the day when
two families become one
photo by Samantha Kintzel
⁕ Bloom 11 ⁕
I was 10,
turning 11
and they were all so kind.
That was 5 years ago
and as I turned 16,
they all smiled and joked,
"You’ve changed so much since then!”
And I smile and laugh
at how the time flew by
and how much life’s changed
and how different it is now
than back then.
The frigid October air
is what I remember most.
The music that we all enjoyed
played in the background.
And, despite the sky being gray
and dreary back then,
I felt the pure October happiness ...
the way I used to dress up for trick-or-treat
while the trees danced and swayed in the wind.
And we still carry on traditions
That we created back then.
Now I’m 16, and I smile as the music plays.
⁕ Bloom 12 ⁕
In my younger years, there was a pot of gleaming gold,
Worn down by the blazing heat, the rain, and bitter cold.
Young and old, and rich and poor would search with moods so stout,
But none of them could find it, and they’d all sit and pout.
With that pot of gold, there was a four-leafed clover.
Its stem so old, its leaves so dry, it started drooping over.
This magic clover granted anything you’d ever really want.
It gave you things you’d need, gifts for friends, or something you could flaunt.
I searched high and low and far and wide for this little clover,
Through the Cornhusker state, to Dixie Alley, to the sunny streets of Dover.
And imagine my surprise when searching through a thicket,
I found the pot of gold- with the clover sitting in it.
The little clover spoke to me, “Young boy, you’ve found my treasure.
The arduous times have piloted a period of pleasure.
So what, young boy, is it that you want?
Things you need, gifts for friends, or something you can flaunt?”
I wished for trinkets, books, and toys.
I wished for good times, hope, and joys.
I wished for knowledge, skills, and luck.
I wished to never get quite stuck.
Then, like a genie, it said “Your wish is my command!”
And disappeared from city streets, backroads and country land
I took my precious fortune home, the hunt was finally over
My life has changed since then. Thank you, little clover.
⁕ Bloom 13 ⁕
Snow dust is falling from the sky
It’s the end of April, and it’s 30 degrees
It makes me believe it’s still winter
But I snap out of it, and remember it's spring
A butterfly landed on my favorite flower today
I walked over slowly, wondering what I should do
It was almost as if the butterfly looked right into my eye
I stood up swiftly, shooing it into the sky
A bee landed on my favorite flower today
I wouldn't dare to get close to it, yet, I couldn’t leave my flower behind
Before I could decide what to do, it was coming right at me
I ran into the house, saying goodbye bee
A ladybug landed on my favorite flower today
I happily greeted the majestic insect
But I had greeted it to harshly
For it had flew away, leaving me disheartenedly
A grasshopper landed on my favorite flower today
I cautiously sat down next to it to keep it company
The moment I sat down, it sprang to my chest
It made me nervous, so I flung it west
There were no insects on my favorite flower today
I looked all around my flower, but no insects were found
It seems as though I have taken advantage of the beauty in spring
Oh, the joy that those insects did bring
⁕ Bloom 14 ⁕
I exist
I learn about nature every day
sometimes it's like life is speaking to me
but I just can’t comprehend
the leaves fall so silently off the trees as the flowers start to bloom
purpose it shows me
purpose that the nature gives to others
so silently but yet so quickly we see ourselves reflecting on our pasts
what about our futures? they say
what about the times we are here while the others aren’t? they say
I exist
as if others don’t understand their true purpose
what is life? they say
what is our purpose here? they say
what do I even answer with?
we are all so caught up in our pasts and futures
sometimes we forget what our
purpose truly is to one another
Photo by Sarah Wrightstone
⁕ Bloom 15 ⁕
I sit and awkwardly place my weak fingers on the keys, unable to play three consecutive notes correctly.
I sit and proudly receive my first book, a rainbow scales book, admiring the cover and boasting to my mom.
I sit and play my first piece of classical music, Bach’s Minuet in G Major, frequently making mistakes and panicking.
I sit and read the notes of Jingle Bells, the jazz version, and decide that I shouldn’t have agreed to play Christmas songs.
I sit and rest my foot on the pedal, counting silently in my head before starting my performance, visibly shaking.
I sit and grin while playing the third movement of the Moonlight Sonata, ignoring the fact that I developed chronic wrist pain for this song.
I sit and email the new music teacher early in the morning, imploring to take Music History without the prerequisites.
I stand and look up at my teacher, trying to remember how many years had passed and wondering if she felt as sentimental as I did.
⁕ Bloom 16 ⁕
Spring brings forth lively wishes,
especially those filled with high ambition.
The cloudless sky beams with great energy,
one that ushers a familiar sensation that supplies such reverie.
Lines of thick bare trees aim up high,
leaving us to recognize the beauty and the longing of the clear bright sky.
Spring unleashes blissful hope,
the kind that may leave one aching to cope.
The fragrance of the gust places us somewhere beyond our presence,
reuniting us with the past and igniting memories; heedful of no penance.
A picture of humid breeze and pink buds flying by,
bright vivid colors and delicious apple pies.
A host of poppies constantly tugging at my feet,
as the sun caresses my skin with a great amount of heat.
Attempting to climb trees way up high,
I can hear chatter departed from the presence of a family nearby.
Ultimately these recollections leave me to yearn and mope,
one may disguise this as blissful hope.
Spring imitates confidence,
shown when the bright, green, brawny dahlias stem from their origins.
And despite the flicker of the raging sun,
the bluebells still remain standing strong.
Likewise, the brisk breeze runs away from its shadows,
and the craving insects return; indeed showing nothing but sorrow.
One must not remiss the soil that encourage our plant roots
even as they age,
they are the true demonstration of those moving with such faith.
photo by Tulsi Patel
⁕ Bloom 17 ⁕
Arise, young flower! Arise and come to life!
Rise through the soil, with blades of grass, sharpened like a knife.
Dance, young flower! Lead nature’s sublime choir!
Keep on moving to the rhythm, all while you keep growing higher!
From late March to way past June,
Flowers sway to nature’s tune.
And now, young flower, it’s your time to shine!
You weren’t meant to lead, but then the stars aligned.
Come and join the spotlight, you’re the star today.
Sing a song for a special skit, worthy of Broadway!
Now, young flower, no need to be affright.
This doesn’t happen often, so bask in the delight.
The sun may shine, or the rain might fall,
But that doesn’t mean a thing at all.
Getting other plants to join in is the task you must pursue,
From grapevines, to the hedges, to the balsams of Peru.
So sing through the months, and let your voice be known!
Sing louder, sing prouder, than the loudest moan!
Only then, young flower, will they realize,
That watching you is a profound prize.
Through March, through April, and way past June,
Keep on rocking to nature’s tune.
Young flower, you’ve been doing so, so swell.
If you tell them you are so shy, they probably won’t tell!
But now, young flower, it's started getting colder.
The days are growing bleaker, as nature’s growing older.
So, yes, young flower, that means the show ends soon,
But use that downtime to think up an even better tune.
Thanks, young flower, you really helped us smile.
I knew you would enjoy it, even if it took a while.
But now, young flower, it’s time we bid adieu,
But our parting won’t last very long, I know we’ll meet real soon.
⁕ Bloom 18 ⁕
I’ve learned about two enzymes essential in DNA replication: DNA helicase and DNA ligase. I was taught that DNA helicase breaks apart the weak hydrogen bonds between nitrogen bases. On the other hand, DNA ligase brings together the Okazaki fragments of a DNA’s lagging strand. I’ve also learned that humans are vastly similar to the enzymes that allow us to function.
Like DNA helicase, some humans are baleful creatures, who will destroy anyone and everything in their path. I’ve unfortunately learned that in life the people who are willing to ruin relationships to further their careers typically become the most “successful” of people.
Then there’s DNA ligase. Similar to this enzyme, some people are affectionate, altruistic, and aid in fixing the broken souls of others. Like DNA Ligase, these kind people stay behind to help the disadvantaged. Although, in our wealth seeking society, I’ve discovered that these people are easily forgotten about since their big hearts prevent a big fortune.
I’ve learned that DNA helicase is a more renowned enzyme because of its lead role in DNA replication; however, DNA ligase is also immensely important and without it survival would be impossible. Similarly, it is often the most selfless of humans who are overlooked when compared to the renowned individuals at the top of the wealth ladder who climbed on the backs of others to achieve their fortune.
I’ve learned that people who build their enormous empires by taking advantage of the common people are in no way superior to generous, kind-hearted people. It is more important we strive not for the affirmations from peers, but to do what we deem morally fulfilling. Although, unlike our enzymes, we are not forever bound to our identities or our actions. I’ve realized that anyone can change for the better, and so it is of no use to hold grudges. DNA is the blueprint of life, and whichever DNA enzyme we choose to emulate will determine the ultimate destination of our life.
⁕ Bloom 19 ⁕
I learned that coming up with a first line is hard. I’ve also learned I don’t remember a lot of things. I don’t really like school; yet, I’ve learned a lot. Like, how I’m not a good writer and my spelling suks.
I’ve learned that I love to be with my friends. They are unpredictable, like when they accidentally threw cantaloupe across the floor or when they performed a one man show at lunch.
I’ve learned that I love to play softball. I also learned I have a lot of practice to do: learn to catch a pop fly, learn to catch a ball on the bounce, learn to hit the ball better, learn to run faster. I’ve learned that my team has a special bond.
I also learned that small things can make you dislike something you used to love and you have to keep going to learn to love it again.
I’ve learned that I will never stop eating chicken nuggets, even the dinosaur ones, no matter how old I am. I’ve learned that I am a very picky eater. That’s probably why I still eat chicken nuggets. I’ve learned that I don’t like big dogs; they scare me. I’ve learned that you will break your jaw if you fall backwards down wooden stairs. I’ve learned that your friends change and that’s okay. It will hurt, but it’s okay.
I’ve learned that life keeps moving on even if you are stuck. Most importantly, I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.
⁕ Bloom 20 ⁕
You’ll soon be able to see,
from the other side of the shore.
What shore?
We’ll just be moving,
to the other side of the world.
The familiar sparkle
of this wide, wide blue abyss.
The scorching sun,
hovering overboard.
Sweat drops,
a cold touch.
Sand between my toes.
Mom’s grilled fish.
And before I knew,
a burning smell.
It slowly fades away,
just like everything else.
But like they always say,
a coin
always has two sides.
And so the ocean waves,
as I take a final breath.
With eyes shut tight,
thinking what it would look like,
from the other side of the shore.
Photo by Tulsi Patel
⁕ Bloom 21 ⁕
Page updated
Report abuse