Frescoes is the literary magazine of Ewing High School, located in Central New Jersey. Our literary magazine showcases the talent of our students and staff in creative writing and the visual arts. Students and staff may submit work electronically to Frescoes each month via email; Frescoeslitmag@gmail.com . Work can be submitted for consideration for both our online showcase and for publication twice a year in our magazine.
"Unwanted" by Jalea Gibson
FRESCOES Meetings: 2nd Thursday of the month.
Students who join Frescoes will also be included in information about poetry festivals, creative writing and journalism workshops, and art shows. Off shoots of Frescoes include Poem in Your Pocket day in April, National Poetry Month, poetry oration, Open Mic events, and trips to connect with local college lit groups.
Anariah, 2027
Samaris Santos, 2026
Aren't meant to be..
by Layla Arrington, 2026
You’ll never truly know how I really felt,
What every interaction would do to me,
The intensity when our eyes would meet,
I’d always watch you pass me in the halls,
Oh how my heart would skip a beat,
Not even i yet knew what it was,
But we aren't meant to be
They’ll never know what you meant to me,
And how they abused your kindness,
If only this was just what they called “puppy love,”
Then maybe I could get over it,
But they don’t know about our bond,
How they could never break it,
But we aren't meant to be
Oh but they’ll never know,
They’re too naive to see past rumors,
They’ll never really see your pure heart,
You’ve always seen the best in me,
When i think back in life you’re one of the best parts,
But now it’s time to let you be free,
Cause we just aren’t meant to be..
Created by Jai’Onna Highsmith, 2028
I've been dancing for the past twelves years
Ever Since I was two..
But why do I do it?
All of those “Sorry I can't Gos”
And all of those long spent hours
But why do I do it?
The aches and pains I could never explain
And the constant adrenaline rush and anxiety that passes through me.
But why do I do it?
The feeling of wanting to be great or known
Or a feeling I have a talent that yearns to be shown?
Or to prove something right by losing?
But why do I do it?
Do I just like to get yelled at?
Is it just to be better?
Looking in the mirror picking at everything that's.. Wrong
I need to be Better.
Better..
Better..
Better..
Dancing till i cant breathe, till my toes go numb all I want is a break.
Somehow I still can't remember my two counts of eight.
But why do I do it?
“Point your foot!”
“Straighten your arms”
“FIVE, SIX, SEVEN, EIGHT.”
Why do I have to be at dance this late?
I dance because in the end of the day
My movements explain all the things I can't say.
The Cage of Emotions
Nayisha Dorval, 2028
Welcome to the Cage of Emotions!
Where all emotions are kept “safe”!
Only positive emotions have a key to be let out!
The others are locked in, they can’t escape no matter how hard they try!
Negative emotions have no right to be let out!
They always cause damage like a tsunami breaking down buildings in a city!
Welcome to the Cage of Emotions!
Where everyone is safe from the monster you may become from your negative emotions!
Only your beautifully normal side will be shown with your calm emotions!
Welcome to the Cage of Emotions…
Where negative emotions are kept hidden.
Only your pretend emotions can be let out.
Welcome to the Cage of Emotions…
Where you have to pretend to be someone you’re not.
Show a side of you that everyone thinks is perfect.
And you don’t know how to find that key …
To let your true emotions out no matter how hard you try.
Welcome to the Cage of Trapped Emotions.
Qua'Niyyah Willams , 2025
Israel Lopez, 2026
Holy Guacamole, Victor Tiwari Drawing and Painting Color Pencil, Akira Thomas
King Ivory,
song lyrics written by a collection of EHS students
I was lost I was looking for something
I thought that you could turn my pain into nothing
I was down, Stuck on the sidelines
That's when I met you for the first time
King on the field you got me out of my trench
They said I don't need you anymore but you keep me off the bench
Right before games you gave me a kick
But I took you so much I started feeling sick
This highs were so high I could ignore the lows
You lifted me up and softened the blows
But they caught us together and said I have to go
Doesn't matter I don't need them I want you
Fentanyl you kept me tall even when I started to fall
They left me they didn't see what you did to me
They said I could’ve been a star
But without you I wouldn't get far
They scolded and shunned I needed an escape
Late night meetings to get a break
At parties, only place I fit in
But I didn’t know my time was thin
Molly pills ecstasy
They couldn’t see what you did to me
Abandoned alone nowhere to go
You’re the only thing I know
Things I did to be with you
Can’t see straight can’t see this through
Answers.
Amirah Rodriguez, class of 2025
Questions…
Perplexing, confounding , unanswerable.
A collection of elusive ideas wandering through the world's vastness.
But where can we discover the answers to these questions?
Wow, yet another question I ask myself for an abundance of my day.
Yet in the heart, soul and mind is the last place we check.
Questions exist because of the curiosity that lingers in our minds,
If only we took a second to understand our questions
We would be but so complete.
Questions, the awakening to the self’s essence, a conscious dance unfolds from deep within.
Temporal is the flesh, yet the soul's essence endures beyond the finite.
What To Be?
Genesis Barrera, class of 2024
In a small town, there lived a young woman named Emily. She had recently graduated from high school and found herself at a crossroads in life. Emily's parents had always envisioned her following in their footsteps and becoming a doctor. However, deep down, she had always dreamt of pursuing a career in the arts, specifically as an artist. Emily found solace in drawing, painting, and expressing herself through various art forms. Each stroke of her brush, every curve of the pencil, brought her immense joy and fulfillment. But the societal pressures and expectations weighed heavily on her, leaving her confused and uncertain about her future. One sunny afternoon, while strolling through a local park, Emily stumbled upon an art exhibition. The vibrant colors, intricate sculptures, and captivating photographs mesmerized her. As she immersed herself in the artwork, a surge of inspiration coursed through her veins. It was in that moment that she made up her mind - she would pursue her passion for art. Excited yet apprehensive, Emily gathered her courage and shared her decision with her parents. Their initial reaction was a mix of surprise and concern. They worried about the financial stability and job prospects that a career in the arts might bring. Despite their doubts, Emily stood her ground and explained how important it was for her to follow her heart. To strengthen her case, Emily also decided to explore the world of medicine. She shadowed doctors, observed surgeries, and volunteered at hospitals. Although she found the medical field fascinating, it failed to ignite the same fire within her as art did. This experience solidified her resolve to pursue her artistic dreams. With her parents' reluctant support, Emily enrolled in an art school, where she learned different techniques, honed her skills, and discovered her unique artistic voice. She embraced the challenges that came with her choice and dedicated long hours to perfecting her craft. Over time, Emily's talent blossomed, and her artwork garnered recognition in local galleries. People were drawn to the emotions that her pieces evoked and the stories they conveyed. Through her art, Emily touched the hearts of others and found fulfillment beyond measure. As time went on, Emily's parents began to see the happiness and fulfillment radiating from their daughter. They realized that her decision to pursue art was more than just a passing fancy; it was her true passion. They grew to appreciate the talent she possessed and the impact her art had on others. Emily's journey served as an inspiration for those who found themselves torn between societal expectations and personal dreams. She proved that following one's passion, even if it strayed from the path others had planned, could lead to a life filled with joy and purpose. And so, Emily embraced her artistic calling with all her heart, forever grateful for the courage she had mustered to pursue her dreams.
Right Person, Wrong Time
By Genesis Barrera, Class of 2024
In the twilight of our hearts, A love that blooms, but sadly departs.
Whispers of affection, yet so sublime, Loving the right person at the wrong time.
For the stars aligned, but fate's cruel twist, Kept our souls from the embrace we missed.
In this dance of life, our steps don't align, Loving the right person at the wrong time.
Time becomes a thief, stealing our days, Leaving us longing in a bittersweet haze.
Yearning for love's touch, the rhythm's chime, Loving the right person at the wrong time.
But take solace in this, my dear, if you may, True love transcends the chains of delay.
Though circumstances may challenge and bind, Love finds its way, even through wrong time.
For love's flame burns brighter, never to fade, Across the boundaries that time has made.
And maybe, just maybe, our stars will realign, To love the right person, at the perfect time.
Sophia Patience Class of 2024
Paid In Full
There was a girl named Giselle who believed in true love with all her heart. She lived her life with kindness and warmth, always spreading love and happiness wherever she went. One day, she met the love of her life, a charming young man named Timothy. Their love bloomed like a beautiful flower in spring, filling their days with laughter and joy. However, unbeknownst to Giselle, she had a debt to pay with karma from her past. As their relationship deepened, challenges began to arise. Misfortunes struck, testing their love in ways they never imagined. Timothy faced unexpected losses in his business, and Giselle struggled with personal setbacks. Despite their love for each other, the weight of these challenges grew heavy on their hearts. As the struggles persisted, Giselle started to question the very foundation of love. She wondered if her belief in true love was merely a naive fantasy. The pain of disappointment and heartbreak crept into her soul, casting a shadow over her once bright spirit. The girl who once radiated love and light now carried a heaviness that seemed unshakeable. With each passing day, Lily grew more distant from Timothy, her heart weighed down by the burden of her past karma. The love that once felt so strong and unbreakable now seemed fragile and fleeting. Despite Timothy’s efforts to mend their relationship, Giselle couldn't shake off the feeling of despair that had settled within her. In the end, Giselle’s belief in love was shattered. The wounds of her heartbreak ran deep, leaving her scarred and disillusioned. She withdrew into herself, building walls around her heart to protect it from further pain. The girl who had once been a beacon of love and hope now walked through life with a heavy heart, unsure if she would ever find true love again. And so, Giselle’s story serves as a testament to the power of love and the complexities of karma. Sometimes, even the purest of hearts must endure hardships to find their true path. Love may be tested, but it is in overcoming those tests that its true strength is revealed. And perhaps, one day, Giselle will rediscover the beauty of love in a way she never thought possible.
Stuck Loving The Past
In a bustling city filled with dreams and desires, there lived a young woman named Emily. She was a kind and compassionate soul, with a heart as vast as the ocean. Emily had always believed in the power of love, and she wore her emotions on her sleeve, unafraid to show the depth of her feelings. One day, Emily met a man named Alex. He was charming, witty, and had a magnetic charisma that drew her in like a moth to a flame. Their connection was instant, sparking a flame within Emily's heart that she had never felt before. But alas, there was a catch Alex was someone she couldn't have. Circumstances beyond their control kept them apart, leaving Emily with a bittersweet longing for a love that could never fully blossom. Despite her growing feelings for Alex, Emily found herself unable to let go of her past. She was still entangled in the memories of her ex-boyfriend, Mark, who had once held her heart in his hands. The love she had shared with Mark was deep and intense, filled with moments of joy and sorrow that had left an indelible mark on her soul. As Emily navigated the complexities of her heart, torn between a love she couldn't have and a love she couldn't forget, she found herself caught in a whirlwind of emotions. Her days were filled with longing for Alex, intertwined with memories of the tender moments she had shared with Mark. The contrast between the two loves left her feeling adrift in a sea of confusion and yearning. Despite the whispers of doubt and indecision that plagued her mind, Emily knew deep down that she needed to make a choice. She couldn't continue to hold onto the past while reaching for a future that seemed just out of reach. With a heavy heart and tear-streaked eyes, Emily made a decision to follow where her heart truly led her. In the end, Emily learned that love was not always a straightforward path. It was messy, complicated, and often riddled with obstacles that seemed insurmountable. But through it all, she discovered that love was a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and ultimately, acceptance. And as she took a step forward, leaving behind the ghosts of her past, Emily found a glimmer of hope shining on the horizon, a new beginning, where love awaited her with open arms.
Jackie Gonzalez, 2026
Lauren Harris, 2026