A day can seem like a very long time, especially when many things happen to someone. My personal experience goes to prove that one seemingly ordinary day can turn out feeling like a year. What I mean by this is that so many things can happen, that they all seem to blend together and seem to go by so fast. One of these days occurred to me just this week, on the day of the election.

I was driving to work when I saw light flashing up ahead. That was when I thought it might just be cross-town traffic. Of course, it wasn’t. What it was police officers pulling over every car and inspecting them. Not just looking at the driver and looking under the car. We are talking about full out searches. There were police officers tearing apart the cars that they had stopped. I so hoped that I would not get pulled over. All I had intended to do this morning was to go down the highway a few exits to the local high school, vote for Barack Obama, and be on my way to work. My day was much more complicated than this.

Upon reaching the roadblock, I was waved over to the side of the road by one of the officers. I pulled over, and rolled down my window and greeted the Police officer. After looking at the officer for a second, he exclaimed that I had to exit my car, and go with him. Of course I was opposed to this, and told him so. I asked him why should I go with him. I hadn’t done anything wrong. I was just on my way to vote for our next president. The officer demanded that I come with him, before he took me by force. Still not receiving an answer, I become very enraged. I then proceeded to start the engine of my car.

Upon starting my engine, the police officer pulled out his gun, and threatened to shoot me if I did not exit my vehicle, and come with him. I do not know what compelled me to, but I felt the need to go, so I floored the gas, and was on my way very quickly. I did not know why I had just done what I had, but I decided that there was no turning back now, so I proceeded to speed down the interstate, and off at my exit. Looking in my rear view mirror right before getting on the exit, I saw what appeared to be a storm of flashing lights behind me. The police had perused me, and I did not even know why I was in trouble to begin with.

All I could think about in my mind was getting to the high school, and voting. That was my biggest worry, and I felt that it was my duty to vote. My vote makes a difference, and I wanted to voice my opinion. After racing past countless blocks of non-descript buildings, I reached the high school, and hastily got out of my car. I ran into the lobby and prayed that there wasn’t a big line, and thankfully there wasn’t.

Receiving my ballot, filling it out and turning it in seemed amazing to me. It was the first time that I had voted, and it felt great to know that I had a part in the future of my country. While leaving the school, I had totally forgotten about the police offices chasing me. That was when the beanbag hit me, and I passed out. What a wonderful place America is.

Dear Lexy,

I know things are going great for you. You love the second grade, you are having so much fun at ballet, and I am making your favorite dinner tonight. But sweetie, things are going to change a little bit. Your dad and I have something to tell you. I am really sick. I have this thing called cancer. Sometimes the doctors can help people with cancer get better, but I have had it for too long. I am only going to be at home for a few more weeks, and then I have to go away. I know it is hard to understand, but it’s going to be just you and dad after that.

I know this is hard for you Lex, and it’s hard for me too. I’m going to miss when we used to do our nails; your color choices are amazing. I’m going to miss taking you to the mall to buy cute outfits. I’m going to miss baking cookies with you and watching Disney movies. I’m going to miss your dance recital in June, but I know you will do a great job.

There are so many things that we aren’t going to be able to do together. I won’t be able to buy your first set of makeup for you. When your first date comes to pick you up, I won’t be there to embarrass you. I won’t be able to help you pick out your prom dress. I won’t be at your high school or college graduation. I won’t be able to help you get ready for your wedding.

Even though I won’t physically be there, I am always with you, Lexy. Every time you get a good grade or have a good performance or make a new friend, know I am proud of you. Even though I won’t be there, there are so many people that will take great care of you. Dad, Auntie Rose, and Auntie Denise will make sure you have everything you need and will always be there for you. They are all so great and I know they will help you be the best person you can be.

Remember it’s ok to be sad. You do not have to put on a brave face for me. It’s ok if you cry, because I cry too. I am going to miss you and Dad more than anything in the world. You are the best daughter in the world. I love you so much. Just please remember one thing: Don’t stop dancing.

Love Always,

Mom

Photo Credit: LarimdaME

I have never felt worse in my entire life. I am so unbelievably sick; I cannot get out of bed, or even function. This sickness all came on just the other day. I woke up in the morning to go do my daily routine. Breakfast, take a walk, and then take a shower. I have always had absolutely no problem getting up and doing these things. At first I thought that I was just tired, and stayed in bed for a few extra minutes. After lying in bed for a few minutes, I tried to get up, but realized that I could not m move. It was then that I realized the severity of the problem I had. Because my apartment was small, I did not have a phone in my room, and my cell phone was nowhere near my bed.

I tried to roll onto my side, with no avail. This was when I started to think of my options, what I could do. I could try and yell, and see if either one of my neighbors would come and assist me. I could also just wait, and see if I could move in time. After careful consideration, I decided to just wait because I thought it would be a good time to just ponder, and get a little extra rest.

So, I thought, what did I do that could have possibly done to render myself in this condition. Well, last night I had dinner by myself in my apartment, and watched Saturday Night Live, since it had been, in fact, Saturday yesterday. For dinner I made a microwaveable dinner, lasagna I think it was and I don’t remember it being very old or strange tasting. So what else had I done? After eating I had done some papers for work, but there was no possible way that the papers had anything to do with my health. What else was there to my evening?

Before watching TV, I had gone out on my balcony, had a beer, and just looked out at the city. Nothing to extreme there, or anything that would make me sick. After that I had come inside, sat down on my couch and watched TV, again, nothing that would make me sick there. After the program was over, I went into my bathroom brushed my teeth and washed my face, and then went into my bedroom to change. After getting into my bedroom, I changed and then got into bed. I had been sitting in bed for about an hour now, and I was getting a little worried. I hadn’t been able to move an inch. That was when I decided to try and speak, because I hadn’t tried talking yet. When I tried to talk, my mouth would not open, and I could not vibrate my vocal chords. This was when I became very worried. I was all-alone in my apartment, I could not move or talk, and it would be five days until the next person came into my apartment, the cleaning lady.

I needed help, and fast because I did not know what the tolerance for the human body not doing anything for days. What had brought me to this paralyzed state? Why did this happen to me? And then, it hit me, that the other day, my friend was in my apartment with me, and when I came back from the bathroom, he was in my freezer looking through my things. I had asked him what he was looking for, and he said he was just looking. I had believed him then, but now realized that he must have done something to my food. I did not know what was to happen to me.

Photo Credit: Lorrie McClanahan

This was the happiest moment in Marjorie’s life. Not her own wedding day, God knows how that turned out, but the wedding of her only granddaughter, Christine.

“Oh yes dear, one of those cute little hamburgers please,” Marjorie said to the passing waiter.

“They’re called sliders ma’am, and all the au dourves have already been distributed amongst the guests. Your entree should be out in a few moments, “The waiter rattled off as he continued to walk away.

“No rush”, she said to the waiter, even though he didn’t seem the least bit interested in her aged ninety-three year old face.

She reminisced on the days of adolescence while she looked at Christine sitting next to her new husband. Although Marjorie always believed Christine to be beautiful; it was in this moment of utter bliss that she saw the outstanding resemblance between herself and her granddaughter. Oh, how she longed for the happiness that was so obviously radiating off Christine.

“Soon” she told herself. “I’m going to get me a date.”

The steak was superb and the cake was even better. Marjorie’s stomach rumbled with approval.

“Bouquet time!” Christine exclaimed with glee.

Marjorie fought against the crowd of anxious women waiting to catch the bouquet. Although it took her twice as long to reach the dance floor as the others, she was able to hold her own in the sea of young females.

“1…2…3!” Christine yelled as she heaved back the flowers over her head.

Arm, legs, shoes, and anything else imaginable went flying to catch the sacred flowers. When the recipient finally emerged from the pile of girls everyone gasped in awe as she flashed a smile.

“What? Do I have something in my teeth?” Marjorie exclaimed to the audience.

“No grandma” Christine said, “But where ARE your teeth?”

Marjorie ran her tongue against what should have been her mildly expensive Cu-Sil denture, but only felt her raw gums.

“Well…” she said with a single toothed smirk “It looks like I got me a date with a dentist.”

January 20, 2021 12:00 pm

Sidney Hussein steps up to the podium to address the United States of America. The crowd is filled with Americans as President Hussein puts on a beautiful display of his oratory skills.

Febraury 27, 2021 1:07 pm

The stock market crashes. Millions of Americans are instantly in debt. The country panics.

February 27, 2021 1:30 pm

President Hussein addresses the nation. He assures every American that these types of things happen and that America will get through it. He mentions that the stock market crashed twelve years ago and America got through that easily.

February 27, 2021 2:00 pm

Hundreds of Americans protest in front of the White House. They chant things like “Impeach him!” and “Hussein sucks!” Vans full of National Guardsmen pull onto Pennsylvania Avenue. The National Guardsmen slowly surrounds the crowd with an attempt to intimidate the crowd. Suddenly, there are shots fired into the crowd by a National Guardsman armed with a M4 rifle. Two hippie-like men hit the ground and are engulfed in a puddle of blood. Screaming ensues as the crowd flees. More gun shots echo. This time they come from an elderly looking man wearing old fatigues from the Iraq War era. The .40 caliber bullets, which the old man shot, hit the National Guardsmen with the itchy finger. The old man holds a 96SF Beretta but not for long. Two bullets rip through his head and he drops his weapon as he collapses to the ground. Security droids whiz through the air to get to the scene of the crime.

February 27, 2021 2:03 pm

A massive EMP detonates thirty-five thousand feet in the air above Kansas. The droids fly out of control and they drop to the ground. All of America loses power, including the White House and the Pentagon. The sound of the emergency generators never starts. All smart phones instantly become useless pieces of metal. Every car’s engine shuts down. Helicopters and planes plummet toward Earth. Waves of fighter jets come across the Atlantic Ocean followed by cargo planes.

February 27, 2021 2:05

The National Guardsmen inspect the scene of the shooting. They discover that the National Guardsman who killed the protestors is carrying a detonation device and has Russian dog tags around his neck. The detonation device falls to the ground. The White House gates explode open, injuring near by Secret Service agents.

February 27, 2021 2:20 pm

America becomes a war zone. The fighter jets launch air-to-land missiles at New York City, Boston, D.C., and Atlanta. Thousands of paratroopers fill the sky above the East Coast. Americans watch the sky in amazement and melancholy.

February 27, 2021 9:41 pm

Neighborhoods on the East Coast, once full of families, house the Russian soldiers, who clean up millions of the dead bodies.

February 27, 2021 11:59 pm

The West Coast remains uninformed of all these events.

Photo Credit: Tony the Misfit

Photo Credit: Jim Frazier

Photo Credit: www.nature.com

Photo Credit: www.infoaddict.com

]]> http://wamash.com/2008/11/february-27-2021/feed/ 1 http://wamash.com/2008/10/the-amazing-game/ http://wamash.com/2008/10/the-amazing-game/#comments Wed, 22 Oct 2008 23:47:18 +0000 Kaitlyn http://wamash.antonioviva.com/?p=550 The time’s ticking to the thump of the ball

As number 44 dribbles it against the wooden floor

Not thinking of the crowd at all

She takes a deep breath and releases the ball

Swish, up by two, nine seconds left

Pass, catch, drive to the hoop, number 44 steps up

She fell ten feet back, hitting the ground

Like an elephant stampeding all around

The whistle was blow…

The shot went in…

The ref went over to half court…

“Offensive, no basket!”

Photo Credit: *Your Guide

Winter has finally arrived, in the first few days of December as the first blizzard of the year sweeps through the New England area. Christmas is nearing and a family reunion is taking place in the Back Bay of Boston. A couple by the names of Jeffrey and Jessica Angelo make their arrivals at the family reunion when Jeff suddenly remembered he forgot something at the house, which was only a couple of blocks away from the location of the party. He let Jess out of the car and before he could leave, Jess told him to be careful and that she loves him. Not thinking of what lay ahead in the future, he sort of shrugged the idea of her affection and just said that he would be back in five minutes. As he was exiting the street his car started to slide on the snow-covered streets of Back Bay. He tried to gain control and he could not figure out if he was screaming or if the tires of his car were screaming. The car spun several times and his heart,  felt as solid as a frozen knot in his chest. Tragically, it was too late as Jeff hit a curb and slid driver side into the corner of a building. Jeff passed away on impact not feeling an ounce of pain. Before the impact, however, he was just listening and remembering the words his wife had told him prior to his departure and in his last few breaths he whispered the words “I will always be in your heart” into the clean, crisp air of the December night.

Jessica, waiting for her husband, suddenly knew something was wrong when he had not yet returned. She was eventually told that her husband was involved in a car accident and Jess knew the outcome of the accident without being informed. Although Jessica was extremely hurt by the death of her loving husband she felt the presence of her husband with her at all times and knew that he loved her and that he was lucky to have left her at the party.

This story is loosely based from the song So Damn Lucky by Dave Matthews, which is an artist with exceptional talent. However, this song in particular is fascinating because the story being told among the specifically chosen words of the song is a great story. I personally think that the moral of the song is that your loved ones will always be with you in your heart even if they are physically not there. My grandfather passed away as he was a great guy and a great influence. He was one of the hardest workers I knew hearing stories from my dad’s side of the family and this is why I specifically idolize him. This song reminds me of him and reminds me to never forget that he lives in me or that he will always be with me throughout my life.

Alex Mazza

Creative Writing

October 13, 2008

Photo Credit: Pear Biter

Conrad Morgan

My friend lives in Burrillville

It ain’t up on a hill

It’s down in a ditch

The cops really love to b****

When you’re chillin in the park

It aint even after dark

Now you got nothin to do

So you try somethin new

You’re sittin in the lot

Your friends got the pot

So you climb up on the cliff

You’re feelin kinda stiff

So to loosen up

You take one big deep puff

Your feelin kind of weird

Did that dog have a beard?

You know this isn’t right

You should have flown a kite

Now you don’t know where you are

You could be in a car

Now you played the game

And your the one to blame

Your flunkin out of school

Now do you feel cool?

Because you smoked that pot

It caused your brain to rot

You couldn’t hold a job

You lost your best friend Rob

And that’s the price you’ll pay

When you smoke your life away.

2:13—that was the time.

Although school only ended at 2:35, it almost seemed like an eternity away. Time seemed to be passing by slower than ever. I looked away from the clock, and back to the board to copy the notes. I looked at the teacher, but heard no words coming out of his mouth. I was completely zoned out. We had our first basketball game today after school, and I had to make sure I got to the gym right away to shoot around and warm up before the big game. I drew a picture of a basketball on the corner of my paper, but then quickly erased it. That was about the tenth ball I had drawn this period. I looked once again to the board, and started scribbling down something about conversions, but didn’t pay any attention to the material. I looked at the clock again.

This time it read 2:15.

What the heck is going on here!? It was almost as if the clock was working against me. I had an idea. It was pure genius. I pushed my chair back, and got up out of my seat. I put my pencil down and walked toward the door; I was going to the bathroom. I didn’t need to use the bathroom, of course, but it ought to have killed some time. I made it to the bathroom, and checked the time on my cell phone.

It read 2:17.

It was working like a charm. As I entered the stall, I realized something: I actually had to use the bathroom. I did my business, and washed my hands, very slowly. Maybe it was because I wanted to waste more time, or maybe it was because I wanted to make sure I eliminated any chances of there being germs on my hands. Who knows…? It was definitely a time-killer. I dried my hands, and left the bathroom. I pulled out my cell phone, and glanced at the time.

It was now 2:24.

As I re-entered the classroom, I happily looked at the clock, already knowing what time it would read (2:25). Only ten more minutes. I sat back down, and picked up my pencil. As I looked at the board to copy the notes I missed, I couldn’t focus. I tried, but soon gave up. I found myself thinking about what would happen in the game, what big play I could be a part of, or what shot I could make. I sat there in wonderment planning out in my mind how everything would go. I looked out the window at the big blue sky, and continued to zone out. I looked back to my notebook, and drew another basketball. This time I left it there. This one came out nice. As I finished the basketball, I looked up at the clock. I couldn’t believe it.

The time read 2:32.

I was amazed, because it seemed like only seconds ago that I checked when it read 2:24. Well, I wasn’t complaining! I closed my textbook and tucked it neatly under my notebook. I did likewise with my planner. Everything was arranged in a way that when the bell rang, I could just scoop them up, throw them in my bag, and head out.

I was ready.

I looked at the board, and then to the teacher, and at least acted like I was paying attention. That was the least I could do. After all, I had already spent the past ten or fifteen minutes thinking about everything other than conversions, so I kind of owed it to him. I looked toward the teacher, but once again, no words came out of his mouth. I couldn’t do it. I looked at the clock once again, and this time, I was almost there.

It read 2:34.

One more minute. I closed my textbook, and pushed it towards the center of the table, so it wasn’t visible to the teacher. I smiled, and knew the gym was waiting for me. Every tick on the clock was like another minute, and I sat there, anxious. I looked down at my planner, and read the words across the cover. The words read, “Worcester Academy”. Wow. This is a really good school. I looked out the window at all of the buildings and trees, and just thought about how fortunate I am. Not everyone gets an opportunity like, “RING!” The bell rang. I snapped back into reality and almost effortlessly threw my books into my bag. I ran down the stairs so fast it was almost like I teleported. The game started at 3:30, but the earlier I got to the gym, the better.

I arrived at the locker room, changed, and bolted up the stairs. I got to the gym, ball in hand, and I was the first one there. My uniform was perfectly clean, as were my sneakers. I walked onto the court, and looked up at the basket. I did my routine stretches, and started to shoot around. My teammates began to arrive, and joined in the warm-ups.

A little while later, I saw a bunch of unrecognizable players walk in, and they were putting their bags down. Then, it hit me. It was the other team. They were today’s objective. It was my goal to send them back to their school on a bus full of quiet and disappointed players. I continued to shoot around, as the other team prepared in warm-ups. This was going to be a good game. I couldn’t wait until, “RING!” The buzzer on the shot clock rang. I looked up at the clock, and stood there silently.

The time was now 3:30.

It was game time, and I was ready.

Photo Credit: ToniVC

Photo Credit: Joel Bedford