By: Charan Sattiraju

As I walk through this barren landscape

all I can see is the sand sea

The cracks in the ground and the heat

are as common as the green grass and birds back at home

The animals here have adapted to the brutal extremities

unlike me

It seems like the cactus are beckoning to me

but I must continue through the dusty land

I begin to feel thirst creeping up on me

I try to resist

but the sand and heat are too much

So I pause to ask the sky for water

but then I realize that I am in the desert.

By:Arnav J.

As I venture through the leafy darkness

The trees start to encompass me in a cocoon.

I feel the breath of hundreds of animals and plants

The birds chirpings are the annoying alarm clock that spreads throughout the forest.

Cute critters creep through the giant green grass munching on food

Dashing birds dive into the dense grass to snatch the unsuspecting prey.

My forehead felt like a waterfall as I discovered the harshness of the sun

I pleaded for an end to the drone of the chattering noises.

It then dawned on me the need for everything

The animals and plants collaborate to achieve something greater than themself

The selflessness inspired me like water to a parched man.

As I left, nature became a part of my journey to experience the world.

By: Kaurvaki Bajpai

Stress slowly consumed me, gnawing at my mind.

But it disappeared like a cry into the wind.

I was in paradise.

Ocean breeze gently blew the hair from my illuminating eyes.

Barren land stood in front of me.  Fluffy, cotton-like

clouds slowly drifted away like tumbleweeds.

Colors of the sky and hints of teal shimmered

from the great, vast ocean. Untamed

rays scorched my skin.

Running at the speed of light, I reached the forgiving water.

The icy, arctic elements cooled me in an instant.

Deeper and deeper I went, but the waves were resilient

and pushed back. Water splashed and sploshed around my neck.

Majestic birds flew gracefully into the sky, echoing their song of freedom.

Stunned, breath escaped my mouth.

I was in paradise.

By: Maritza Baptiste

I feel the rain wash over me as I watch my colors fade

I feel the memory embrace me with songs of my past days

I know we must keep walking onward we must go

But leaving time behind is not easy I should know

For some it is abundant but I never seem to have

You’d never know it’s something that can only pull or grab

I want to be rid of this fever but I just can’t seem to shake 

The villainous evil that only wants to take

I feel it closing in on me like walls nearer by the day

And as much as I wish it just won’t go away

I plead and I plead I beg and I beg

I think it must be better to be dead

I feel the water falling faster as it goes

I mustn’t carry on like this I know I know I know

The only thing to do now

The only thing I know

Is wipe my tears and blow my nose

By: Marielle Thyen

Tinted gold laces

Wrapped so tightly.

Mud stains and ripped seams.

Galloping like a stallion

On my field of dreams.

You’ve taken me many places.

With grit and glory.

From snow to sand,

In rain and heat.

Yet you still manage to hug my feet.

You’ve been stepped on

Like a forgotten insect.

Kicked as hard as a rock.

Despite the pain,

You are a fighter.

The aroma you produce

Like a cup of spoiled juice.

Soaked like a sponge, chock full of turf.

But those memories of determination,

Will take us to the ends of the earth.

By: Gurnasib Rataul

When the Thanksgiving decorations go down,

And the Christmas tree goes up, Christmas is here.

Carrying the tree down gently feeling its’ flaky and spiky bristles

The walls take in the sharp, fresh smell of the pine tree.

The tree so glowing and radiant, a rare sight to see.

Waking up from the aroma of sweet and fudgy brownies,

Rushing downstairs to see the perfect square shaped treat

Begging my mom to try the delicious dessert as it falls right into my mouth.

Savoring the taste of it forever.

Waking up the next day to Christmas morning, a day everyone wishes came faster.

Tearing the beautiful, glossy wrapping paper so quickly like a roller coaster,

Cheerful, joyful smiles, and laughter, a sight every parent wishes to see.

Ending the day by spending every second with family as the decorations are begging not to be put away.

Happiness and memories scan through my mind,

Wishing I could relive those moments for an eternity

Every little moment is worth to be happy about.