Fall 2000 Webslam, Round 2 Volley #2, November 6 - November 9 (Choose only 1 and respond to it) First, take an inventory of what is in the photograph. Avoid judging it at this point. Don't worry about liking or disliking it. Second, begin to assess what is implied, NOT shown or explained; for example, in the picture of Edith and Renee, the photo is in black and white. What does this imply? Based on your reading of the photograph, ask yourself what was the photographer trying to convey? And, finally, what is your reaction to the image based on all of the above? Diptych by Elena Baca, an artist living in Albuquerque Young Man on Bike Self-Portrait by Monique, an Americorps volunteer who works at the Court Youth Center, Las Cruces Edith and Renee, by Emmet Gowin, who teaches at Princeton University Bothered by Sleep Now she is bothered by the same things that she was always bothered by: Sleep, wake, sigh, and then? I would rather she had a less daring smile than this, the bravest frown. Sadness is a black satin pillbox. How can she know the difference when only the ceiling will speak? Stucco is the greatest confessor. Nothing makes sense. Only watch for long enough, and this ought to be clear: Fog and steam came from the same pool. I told her not to speak, to save her strength She remarked ‘breath is a wonderful thing to waste.' Wisdom is comforter and curtain. -Colin McIlvoy, Las Cruces High School (Rating: 9.20 Votes: 2) Untitled She shivers,quivering in the jaundiced light.Her strawberry lips pout.Naked, cold, her feet trace a patternOn the concrete floor. Green toenail polish dull and chipped, long neglected.Blood trickles down her back, a crimsonriver through the bumpy flesh of the spine.She crawls to the corner, a helpless pileof bony legs and arms.Liquid words flow from chapped lips,Low and echoing through the chamber.Never broken, she rocks herselfStimulation, the bare bulb flickersSuddenly as small to her as a lightening bug.The fire in her belly roars, crackling againstskin.Squelched daisy, she blooms again.Her song slides through the wallsIt fractures to pieces around her. -Christi Stack, Las Cruces High School (Rating: 9.20 Votes: 2) untitled Black sterility bars the way skin to dirt,she lies suspended-inner sanctum coiled and still Voices that echo down fuzz in the clots that occupy her ears. [She would have ignored them anyway.] Steps above, grind her deeper in. Light, white and warm, floats down, flooding crevices-holes; light, like needles, puncture her covering heated pinpoints prick her skin,stimulate her shunned exterior blue-veined eyelids spasm open into dirt that sticks and scraps thrusting hands forward she probs for the surface, dirt seeps away when she pulls herself up, exposed—raw roots Bright and blazing she can't see the source Wide-eyed, she straightens....and smiles Out. -Molly Staley, Las Cruces High School (Rating: 9.20 Votes: 2) She Fights For The Moment She thirsts for love, not water. While cradling her thoughts in a blanket of truth, unsure of why her thoughts skate on thin ice. I hold her head up, reading her eyes. She’s forgotten how to smile, her teeth are of scattered corn. Her skin is of sandpaper, her face pink with rash. I look into her eyes, and there is nothing behind them. I know different, she has a lot to share. She longs for emotions, not possessions, while collecting her feelings in a bottle of trust. She wonders if she will ever open to the world. I watch her head fall, observe the strain in her face. She feels no hope, her lips tremble silently. Her thoughts of happiness shattered by time. I look into her eyes, so much to live for, willing to share her life, only if you let her. She fights for the moment, not her life. while concealing her body behind a shield of pride. She seems ready to step up into the world’s light. I watch her body rise, standing on her own strength. She sees the focus in me, her heart no longer cold. Her feeling of emptiness changes in a brief moment, Looking at her I see her strength to continue, because I know, she has a lot to share. -Kimberly Laster, Onate High (Rating: 9.10 Votes: 2) Know How To Creep... Slinking silently through muddy corners, Sludge clinging to sticky skin. Heavy breathing down her neck, The stench of fear. Clutching bloody knees, Ropes of knotted hair falling over eyes. Drowning in the thigh high water, Darkness beckons coldly. Viscious is the night, And wild as a rabid wolf. Carefully creep, for fear of death. -Kumori Shiino, Santa Fe Preparatory School (Rating: 9.05 Votes: 2) Butterfly Life Full of life, quick bursts of energy, The butterfly is like you child, Elegant in its fluttering, uncontrolled way. Once that butterfly Struggled to free itself from its cocoon, Like you from your mother's womb, Into life, wings wet. And with your first step, And it's first flight, You both knew you were truly free. Yet, this fragile butterfly Will show the world its beauty only briefly, Just like you must, much too soon. -Tamara Bryan, Onate High (Rating: 9.00 Votes: 2) In a Field Alone Look at the butterfly. Admire the way he gracefully perches on a flower. His wings, so colorful. Their design, so intricate Now look at the flower itself. See its petals, how perfect they are. The fragrance, how sweet it is. Now look at me, the girl. Do you see me in this field alone? Watching? Waiting? Standing, ready for whatever could happen. Looking for the little things in life to enjoy. Just a child; simple. Not a single care in the whole world. I love my life, my wonderful life My life, filled full of the little things, The butterflies! (Response to Volley #1) -Taylor Weeks, Rio Rancho High School (Rating: 8.95 Votes: 2) Edith and Renee A mother sits gray haired, eyes unblinking, staring straight ahead trying to remember her past. She's frustrated. She can't remember her daughter's name, face, voice. Her mind is gone, but she still sits on the bed. A daughter sits, a small smile upon her lips, pretending everything's okay, though nothing is. She looks at her mother, soft skin now wrinkled with age, those unblinking eyes staring into blank walls. She tries to pull her back from that dark place, to turn back the clock, but she can't. A moment suspended. Thoughts captured. New roles given. Daughter and mother each becomes the other one young, one old. -Katie Eyer, Onate High (Rating: 8.90 Votes: 2) Freedom Incarnate An amazing machine so gorgeous and pristine. Yet so very strong rugged and always "wrong" 'You will die,' they tell me, 'riding such a thing.' Yet how can I not when freedom is the word it sings A harnessed power awaiting the hour when finally it will be released A purr and a roar and away I go off into the sunset never to forget of the first time freedom rang -Amanda Culver, Santa Fe Preparatory School (Rating: 8.80 Votes: 2) On the Diptych On the Diptych Looking at the Diptych I see images of the solitary in twain. Perched atop a flower, the first, a papillon. A monarch in its own right and viceroy to none. Both, these two, the flora and the fauna are icons themselves of fleeting nirvana. The blossom with its many parts, has much to grow yet much to depart. But through this tender butterfly caress, the flower will live on giving joy to the rest. Joy to monarchial youth viceroy to none, all who have much to give yet much to depart. Embracing all in nature's simplicity, heartfelt innocence, delicate felicity. I see in the portrait of the two images side by side the power of one. -Sean McVey, Clayton High School (Rating: 8.65 Votes: 2) Sunny Afternoon Talking on a sunny afternoon, grandma and me sitting by each other in the living room on our soft couch: her wrinkled skin like the bark of a tree her snow white hair nicely tied in a bun her deep brown eyes her warm smile she, slowly drinking a cold lemonade the trembling glass the shaky hand her sweet voice comforting me On a sunny afternoon. -Patricia Armendariz, Animas High School (Rating: 8.65 Votes: 2) Elder In this aging room My eyes are the only life. The sleep comes rare unmarred or tortured, even dreams bring on such awakenings. Each breath draws me nearer, to my Father, my Death. Now huddled, shapeless, supported to comfort. Look you toward youth and eternity in life- Just lay me to the window-wide world. (photo-"Edith and Renee") -Hallie McCormick, Rio Rancho High School (Rating: 8.50 Votes: 2) She Grows Small Not everyone grows up. She grew small And stayed in the Fetal position. Tighter and tighter She wrapped her arms Around herself. Her eyes were frozen open Because she was blind. Blinded by the tangled Mats of hair covering her face. She continued to grow Herself small Small enough to fit in the invisible world She wished to see. No one knew Where to find her She couldn't tell She didn't know. She just keppt growing Smaller and smaller. -Amber Woods, Santa Fe Preparatory School (Rating: 8.40 Votes: 2) Caged in Sorrow One day you, father, Glimpsed a bird, In flight. On the verge of discovering Her own worth. Spreading her wings To the world. Admiring this magnificence And rarity, You clipped her wings In your honor, And caged her delicacy For your adoration. Oh, how you treasured This sweet creature, Cherished her Cuddled and kissed her. A captive, yet She felt so free. Then your attention turned, Your interest in her vanished. This creature, Once irresistible to leave Now abused and bruised Ceased to enchant you. Trying hard to please you, Not a spark in your eye As you passed. Only seeing what once You loved, But now something To ignore and deplore. Once she was the joy In your life, But now the caged bird Sits forlorn and alone, Voiceless, Missing the days When she sang. -Barbara Evans, Animas High School (Rating: 8.40 Votes: 2) Speed Away The apartments rise up behind him, Windows warm, even on a cloudy day. The gnarled branches of the smaller tree reach up towards the solid straight boughs that reach out of the thicker trunk. A fence prevents the passerby from walking on the grass. On his bike he perches, arms crossed, Staring with that "Why are you wasting my time" sort of stare. His jeans stretch taught over the powerful entity between his legs. He knows at any time he can leave, speed off so to speak, on his shiny new motorcycle he bought to piss off his parents. Even so, he stays and sits, taking in the sun and smells, free to do whatever. -James Hausman, Santa Fe Preparatory School (Rating: 8.35 Votes: 2) The Butterfly Frightened, she stairs Unable to assess it’s next move Trembling, she waits Unwilling to move For fear it will Be where she goes Floating, flapping, it sways Seemingly, at random It dances to the music That it hears in the wind Inspired by the prowess Of the flowers beneath it The butterfly sings With the tune of the wind To the girl, now scared and confused, Her body shivering, she cringes in fear It flutters on past, Now diminished and sad, By the fright and disgust, Of the terrified young girl. -Jacob Subotick, Santa Fe Preparatory School (Rating: 8.30 Votes: 2) Exposed Exposed The flesh corrupted and innocence torn from the silence of her heart Whipped, beaten by the rod of correction Naked. A child stealthily stealing secrets from the eve The moon peaks down upon her smile. Eyes can no longer see salvation, only the bleak visions of a rebirth. Momentary weakness blinded by what causes destruction Twisted. Unbroken in this fury Tormented torn, but somehow unbroken. Flying over the mountains that contain fire Into a forever bonded by the chains of decision. Stolen from the one who had infinite strength Brought into the prison of fools, into the cruel essence of life itself. Mourners' trial Guilty and punished for the anger, the deception Momentary blindness Eyes can no longer see the edge so they find themselves tumbling, dizzy. Exposed. Their hearts burn for admiration but the kings and queens have fallen hearts colorless and selfish, eternal grins Exposed. -Antoinette Smith, West Las Vegas High School (Rating: 8.25 Votes: 2) Man of Tree Cold hard fast chrome. Flat proud still face. Warrior. Power. Rigid legs straddle silence, taut and certain cords of strength. Dominating. Metal eyes cut wind, glassy orbs of reflection. Unafraid. Waiting. Folded arms challenge God, curled fingers warm on flesh. Immortal. Man. Horses flare quiet nostrils, leaves drop to bare soil, and the houses are left behind. -Jo Schumacher, Las Cruces High School (Rating: 8.25 Votes: 2) a young girl a young girl trapped within an earthly tomb her movement is restricted and her hope is dwindling fast the dirt obstructs her vision of the pinhole of light shining down from far above so far out of reach she exhausts her mind, but her mind provides no help she sits and waits and ponders her revival thinks of ways to celebrate the discovery of a young girl -Richard Jimenez, Onate High (Rating: 8.20 Votes: 2) Young Man On Bike Young man on bike, Rides through the narrow, twisting roads. The cold breeze on his face, Feels like rough sandpaper. Young man on bike, Wants to capture the sweet smell of the country side. Ride among the rolling hills, And touch the golden leaves. -Patricia Gatlin Freshman -Patricia Gatlin, Valley High School (Rating: 8.05 Votes: 2) untitled The one a butterfly God's own art canvas The other a little girl In old-fashioned dress Two different kinds of beauty Flashing color, shining soul, Both transformed by the camera To something distorted and dull But while the outer beauty is erased The inner is not gone No color shows in this tableau But the spotless soul shines on For the superficial is skin-deep And quickly fades away But beauty of the spirit Will live on past the dying day It makes me stop and think About this crude flesh sheath Should I spend my time on the outer shell Or the treasure underneath? -Todd Podzemny, Clayton High School (Rating: 8.05 Votes: 2) A Mother's Pride Youthful and full of danger- Can't you tell by his smile? Not even a smile really, Just a stern look. So bold and noble, Sitting with honor on his Harley, In front of his cinderblock neighborhood where we still live today, Arms crossed, eyebrows lowered. It's as if he knows he's wanted and admired. As if he knows his dangerous acts are no longer dangerous, but still rebellious. Much like his father, so sturdy and full of honor as he glided down the streets and up the mountains his son does today. He took his picture in the same place my glorious son stands now. I look at both poses and smile. -Janel Irvin, Onate High (Rating: 8.00 Votes: 2) Figuring The Pain of Monique I see black and white I look but I can't tell if it's in the dark or light I see the presence of evil is near She'll live her life in total fear The essence of the bare body is no longer beauty She thinks what just happened to me? Feeling tormented inside I want to cry Right now even die I cried out please no! He still had to hurt me though For his lust and impurity I lied there as he hurt me -Jose Armijo, West Las Vegas High School (Rating: 7.95 Votes: 2) Freedom's Heart The brittle ground beneath my feet, The walls of hate that imprison me, Iron bars where gazes meet, Freedom beyond that I can see. Air and grass fill my view, Water trickles to tease my ears, My mind is willing to start life anew, A life of peace to which my vision seers. The door creaks open, I'm now free to draw from freedom's well, My mind is now oppressed by none, For the walls have crumbled to my prison cell. -Alvin R. Abbott III, Onate High (Rating: 7.90 Votes: 2) 'Nam Putrid sea-green gas. Unseen, but still taints the air-- A sharp reminder of a world massacre Buried deep in our shameful past. Peace time- Just a thin crust that hides the need to kill those do not claim, "Life, Liberty, and Justice for All". So maybe I'll meet you in that forgotten trench-- Where unwilling blood makes Dirt into cold mud. And while the piercing shriek of bombs Drown the pleadful cries of our fellow Americans-- You might look to me and say, "But you're just a kid." And I'll put my twenty-dollar helmet on And ride away. -Lisa Brown, Las Cruces High School (Rating: 7.80 Votes: 2) Grandma I hate seeing you like this-- Wrinkles on your face Sad eyes Shaky hands I hate seeing you Lonely Sad On these summer days Once you were like me Young Happy No wrinkles, no sad eyes No shaky hands Once you were happy No lonely or sad days But I love you No matter what: Wrinkles or no wrinkles Sad eyes or no sad eyes Lonely or not lonely Shaky hands or not. I will always be here For you, Grandma. -Luz Maria Armendariz, Animas High School (Rating: 7.80 Votes: 2) Athena Like Athena, Born full grown into this world, Emerging from darkness to light of day. I feel naked, Young, Only now crawling out of Earth Mother's womb. Was it only yesterday That my new-born cries rent the air? Or was it a millennium ago, In that sanitary hospital room, With my father waiting there? I am full grown now, Standing tall, proud, and free. But how can this be? Just a moment ago, Wasn't I your child, your precious baby? Or was that all just a dreamer's fancy? -Angel Cherryholmes, St. Pius X (Rating: 7.75 Votes: 2) Bloomers Whenever you compare the two You find out something strange. That a young girl is a catepillar Waiting to grow into a beautiful woman. And they are both the same in a way. But the only difference is that the butterfly is on a flower And he likes to drink nector. And the girl likes to be in the field because it is a place where she is at peace And where she can get rid of her bad thoughts. (Response to Volley #1) -Robert Herrera, Rio Rancho High School (Rating: 7.70 Votes: 2) Beyond Misery I never knew what I had until it was gone. I didn't know what I had lost until I found it again, withered and decayed. I couldn't feel the agony until the arrow pierced my heart. I can't see your undying love because I'm much too blind. I can't feel my emotions; they've been crucified once again. I walked right by my happiness. I watched my heart bleed from the incisions I had made. I let sanity slip away from me. I never knew what I had until it was gone. I didn't know what I had lost until I felt the pain. I couldn't understand what I wanted until it was much too late. What I'm feeling is an aching beyond misery, another pain unrequited, another scar upon my heart, an undying pain that will never go away; an agony beyond misery. -Nida Stewart, St. Pius X (Rating: 7.70 Votes: 2) My new best friend Today I met a new best friend Who new me right away It was funny how she understood All I had to say She listened to my problems She listened dreams We talked about love and life She'd been there too It seems I never once felt judged by her She knew just how I felt She seemed to jsut accept me And all the problems I'd been dealt She didn't interrupt me Or need to have say She just listened very patiently And sisn't go away I wanted her to understand How much this meant to me But as I went to hug her Somethiing startled me I put my arms in front of me And went to pull her near And I realized my new best friend Was nothing but a mirror -Marissa Luna, Valley High School (Rating: 7.65 Votes: 2) Look A Little Closer Look a little closer as they both stand alone As if almost lost with the world to roam And still content fot there's no one to please yet caught up in the silence and gone with a simple breeze We have the two so close yet so far apart yet both reach out and touch our hearts The butterfly's actions I do inquire while the child's strength does inspire To ask the butterfly why he doesn't spread his miraculous wings and flutter away And he will gently whisper,"I was tired and chose to stay. For I was roaming the sky and came upon this intriguing flower. With it's intimate color it struck me to be the very one to sit upon and contemplate the hour." And while you listen to the butterfly meekly whisper All of life's secrets to the gentle flower And tell it how in the winter it will soon begin to snow And the reason for why the wind does blow Just stand and take in all that you see and hear For in your mind this reasoning can bring no fear Stand and admire all it has to offer for most wouldn't stand long enough nor bother And notice upon the other side A lonely child you will find Staring blankly into the flowing fields left open to the world and lost without a shield Neverending fields she has to roam yet she chooses to stand on her own straight forward with her arms upon her side So secure with nothing to loose nor hide A tiny speck upon our cruel world screaming with her heart to be heard as if though from the inside she longs to cry while on the outside she stands tall amongst the sky Listen to her heart and read her mind by standing alone she has sent a sign representing our world of uncertanties and acknowledging our world of inpurities Both are yet the same and at times our hearts they do inflame to wonder, they cause our minds while we look a little closer with our hearts and eyes -Jennifer Parkinson, West Las Vegas High School (Rating: 7.60 Votes: 2) Addiction How can I beat my addiction, when my addiction always beats me? This human shell of me, is nothing more than a window to my soul. My spirit has already left me, but returns when my desires are over. I lie shaking on the ground every night, shivering in the coldness of my own waste. My body rejects everything but the one thing that it loves the most, my addiction I shall never want to end. How horrid I must look to the person who sees me. But how can you see someone who's spirit comes and goes with the tide of feeling? The light comes to brighten the day, while I hide in the shadows begging for another hit. Why does my light to the world have to be one that is taken through a needle? Why is the human spirit so feeble, and yet my blinded I shall never see, the one who paid the price to set me free. How can I beat my addiction when my addiction shall always beat me? -Adam Henley, Clayton High School (Rating: 7.60 Votes: 2) Edith and Renee Black and white is all you see no color just pictures Edith can see only black and white Renee can only see color Edith can see only color Renee can see only black and white express themselves their true inner selves Young helping the elderly no matter what you say or do always end up helping someone older than you to help someone is tough you need to know exactly what they want one day you'll be eldery and need the help you once gave. -Patricia Sanchez, Wagon Mound High School (Rating: 7.60 Votes: 2) Go Figure All those dreams and hopes we once had, All those happy ambitions , Now they only make us sad. What do you want to be when you grow up, To late, your already old, And your once alive dreams have gone cold. I'm gonna have a big family and live happy, When the bitter truth hits, It's really krappy. All those times you used to swear you were gonna make it big someday, And now you realize that dream is too far away. You can't even taste the hope in you breath , Now the only thing you long for is death. It's so hard when you're all alone and lost, The bitterness of truth, The uncraveable cost. Too bad , so sad , your hand on a triger, I never thought it would end this way, But hey, go figure. -Jennifer Sparks, St. Pius X (Rating: 7.50 Votes: 2) Young Man On A Bike Man on a bike Sitting and thinking Where will I go next Will I go to Arizona to see the Grand Canyon Will I go to New York to see Niagara Falls Will I go to North Caroline to see the beach Where will I go next Will I go to Washington D.c to see the White House Will I go to Six Flags in San Antonio Will I go to Sea World in San Diego Will I go to Diseny Land in Flordia Where will I go next Sitting and thiking A man on a bike -Victoria Willis, Valley High School (Rating: 7.50 Votes: 2) Butterflies, Little Girls & Flowers Named Fred I see the world through sordid sunglasses. Butterflies and flowers and people in pastels--like me. All hidden in a haze-- dirty. Against a bleak background, Butterflies, little girls & flowers named Fred-- on these things my mirth has fed. -mateo gutierrez, Las Cruces High School (Rating: 7.50 Votes: 2) Hope HOPE The pain, the suffering, the sorrow... it cannot be hidden from your eyes. Your sad and blank eyes. But behind the pain, HOPE How can it be that you still have hope? Hope for what? Hope for the world. Hope for you. Hope that one day your pain turns to joy Hope that someday your wounds heal. I wish I could pacify your hunger for love. I am angered at your plight... So many teens out there just like you. Cold. . . Hungry. . . Lonely. Wanting for somebody to love them. . . Somebody to feed them. . . Somebody to protect them. . . I cannot do that for you. I am also longing for love and I sit here, Hoping. . . -Erika Romero, Animas High School (Rating: 7.50 Votes: 2) Freedom As I sit here, I look at her and start to cry. She asks me why I am crying, I said, "Please don't die." "I need you here to help me out, to get me on my way." "I need you here to see me through, in my darkest days." She sat there calmly and explained to me why she had to go. She said, "It's my time now, I'll see you soon and I'll watch you grow." Then she closed her eyes and softly spoke to me. "I Love You," quietly soft and low, and her spirit was set free -Mike Price, Clayton High School (Rating: 7.45 Votes: 2) Aging Years I wish I could run but I sit in regret wishing I could have run in my younger years. I just feel so sad, full of anger, so lost. But I am going to change I am going to get up and walk. It maybe my first step to run but it's the first thing in my life I am going to be able to change. -Alvita Tracey, St. Bonaventure (Rating: 7.30 Votes: 2) My Butterfly Child Oh, butterfly, oh so alone, Why do you stand there without your own? Why do you stay away from those you love, And why do you stare at me so? Oh, child, standing on your own, So independent from your family, Why do you like the fields of grass? Do you always stay away from the trees and the storm? Or is it nature you cherish, my child, Standing on the rose next to your friend, So innocent and so beautiful? It seems so natural for you to be friends, Standing side by side near what you love. Keep what you love, sweet butterfly, My child and my heart. Grow and stay in your natural home, And keep your natural friends. Stay safe, grow and be my pride, My precious,precious butterfly. -James Klarkowski, St. Pius X (Rating: 7.25 Votes: 2) I hid myself I hid myself someplace just so I can keep myself safe I see things I don't see but I just let it be I feel so lonely God can tell only -Ryan Mariano, St. Bonaventure (Rating: 7.20 Votes: 1) Passing of Generations Old and Young Learned and Learning Haggled and Fit The young must learn from the old and as the young grow and learn, they become the old. They must then pass this knowledge on to the new generation of young. A young person who grows and becomes old is simply a product of the persons older than he. -Michael Moss, Santa Fe Preparatory School (Rating: 7.15 Votes: 2) I am . . .but . . I am frail and old but filled with love and compassion I am fragile and weak but strong and courageous in spirit I am gloomy and dull but my smile is vivid and bright I am physically slow but mentally fast. -Delrae Francisco, St. Bonaventure (Rating: 7.10 Votes: 2) the fire in the sun Dirt and skin Play in the sun Her eyes on fire Darkness closes in around This is illumination in its purest form Fear not as the darkness approaches The light still shines The fire still burns Blackness can only cover as much ground As the yearning inside twirls round and round Silence burns the fire bright Look ahead Tonight tonight -Mark Mulder and Gabe Madrid, St. Pius X (Rating: 7.05 Votes: 2) Shattered Scared, alone Broken and beaten lost, dirty, violated you ravage my soul, and destroy my mind afraid. (Inspired by self portrait of Monique) -Robert Lang, Rio Rancho High School (Rating: 7.00 Votes: 2) Look At Me Take a look at me, This rebel without a cause. Do not boss me. Do not judge me. Bend from the rules. See who I really am. Look into yourself. Then look at me. -Jody Reeser, Clayton High School (Rating: 6.75 Votes: 2) Grandparents A grandparent what is a grandparent? To me a grandparent is loving and caring, sweet and gentle. Their hands so tender and their smile so sweet. A person whose heart and soul are one. And are always willing to spread love and joy to everyone. A grandparent is honest and forgiving and never quick to judge. But most important of all a grandparent is a special person in each of our lives. -Gloria Rivera, West Las Vegas High School (Rating: 6.70 Votes: 2) Different I feel so different What should I feel left out by the outside? Should I stay or go out? Dark no light I'm cold and I'm tired I want out from this I'm scared I want out! (Response to picture #3) -Bobbi Duncan, Rio Rancho High School (Rating: 6.60 Votes: 2)