A broken heart

To my dear friend,

I am terribly sorry to see you in pain. Unfortunately, we live in a broken world where we cannot escape suffering forever. I understand that you are upset, and you do have reason. It is okay to be sad, because everyone feels sorrow  eventually. However, do not let it take over you. We all face trials in our lives, and we must remember to not let them to get the best of us. Just remember that there is a plan for you, and that you are loved by many people.

Keep your head up, because you do not know what will come out of this situation. Perhaps you have been spared worse pain. I understand how you feel, because I also have known sorrow at times. Take time to grieve, but keep hope. Better times are just around the corner. This sorrow will not last forever. Remember that I am always hear to listen or comfort you!

Sonnet

Recognition

The little bird sings happl’y on its own

He joy’flly sings and does not care who hears

And not a single sad mel’dy is known

Yet when he sings he does not search for cheers

 

The bird does not care if he goes unseen

He does not sing to bring himself some praise

And he does not wish to make a big scene

 

And he’s not finding joy in others’ ways

 

Yet he finds joy without any applause

Perhaps more joy than those who are noticed

True joy does not require worlds to pause

The happy bird does not care if he’s missed

 

Others’ consent will not make us content

Your song does not need to be an event

 

 

 

So many questions

• Why does Haemon love Antigone?
• Why is Antigone so free-spirited?
• Does Antigone realize the true consequences of her actions?
• Why is Antigone at ease with dying?
• Does Antigone die for glory and honor?
• Or for the law of the gods?
• Or for her family?
• Will the world miss this girl?
• Who was the cause of Haemon’s death?
• What provoked his death?
• Will Creon learn reverence?
• Has justice been reached?

The kid that ate fire

Because I am not much of a creative writer, I decided to write about an exciting happening during Spring break instead. So, this story takes place during a youth group retreat that I went on. One of the many fun activities that was planned was a “talent” show. People were able to demonstrate actual talents, but it mostly consisted of goofy skits or dances. After watching about ten of these “talents”, a kid named George takes the stage.

Now this kid is very quiet and tends to keep to himself. He walks up to the stage and begins to deliver a speech about doing something new everyday. Then, he tells everyone he will be eating fire. He takes out the lighter and some strange torch thingy. I was sitting there expecting him to laugh and say he was kidding and proceed with some sort of funny act, but then he sticks the torch in his mouth. I screamed, and he showed us the flameless torch. All was well and the show continued, but I now know to never underestimate that kid that ate fire.

Antigone or Ismene

         Antigone begins with two sisters (Antigone and Ismene) who must decide what to do about their brother’s burial. Antigone wants to give her brother, Polynices, a proper burial. However, Creon “forbids anyone to bury him” (Sophocles 34). Ismene believes they should follow the law and stay out of trouble. However, I think Antigone is making the right choice. Burial was something of great importance back in the days of Ancient Greece.  Antigone sees this law as something that will have temporary meaning. According to their religious beliefs, she will “have a lot longer to please the dead than please the living” (Sophocles 88). Antigone keeps had her priorities and stays consistent with them.

“Knowing what is right doesn’t mean much unless you do what is right” -Theodore Roosevelt

She also knows that letting her brother go without a burial is wrong. I believe that we should follow the law, unless we know it is morally wrong. While she is disobeying Creon, she is not “dishonor[ing] the laws the gods hold in honor” (Sophocles 92). She recognizes that it is more important to submit to the gods than it is to submit to a mortal man. Finally, it may seem like Antigone is disloyal because she does not obey her king. However, her actions make her even more loyal than before. This is because she sticks with her family, no matter the punishment. Her loyalty to her family makes it so no one can justly “convict [her] for a traitor” (Sophocles 57). Antigone is doing the right thing by knowing what she should value most.

  I most identify with Antigone, and I would like to think that I would stick to my beliefs. However, I can also easily see myself acting as Ismene did in order to avoid trouble.

Post Script: I did not think of this until after reading some other blogs, (and this may seem irrelevant) but I did make a connection about our decisions to something that we did at the beginning of the year. If you recall, we did a Myers Briggs personality test (remember that 4 lettered personality type you got?). Well one of the letters you get is “thinking” or “feeling”, which helps determine how you make decisions. Now this is not always the case, but whether you agree with Antigone or Ismene can come from that. Just an interesting thought!

 

 

 

500 word short story

Rose began to open her tired, tear-stained eyes. She struggled to find any worth in life. It had only been two weeks since her fiance, Philip, had died. He managed to survive the Great War, but did not survive the Spanish Flu pandemic.

After forcing herself to eat a small breakfast, she made her way downstairs. She walked quickly- trying to avoid her father. Every time she saw him, she had a terrible flashback to that dreadful night. Philip had taken ill early on in the evening. It did not seem to be a serious case, so no one seemed too concerned. Rose thought they should call for a doctor, but her father, Lord George Herbert, convinced her that it was not serious enough. When Philip took a turn for the worse, the doctor could not make it on time. If her father had called the doctor, Philip could still be alive.

Rose made her way outside to walk around the handsome estate. She walked around the gardens for a while, but could not stop the flashbacks of that night. Without Philip, Rose felt incomplete. It was like a piece of her was missing, and it was replaced with a nasty scar. It was windy outside and being out there was not helping, so she decided to make her way inside. Her maid, Anne was in her room straightening things up.

“A telegram came from Doctor Mason this morning,” Anne said while handing her the folded paper.

“Thank you Anne,” Rose sighed.

She did not know what the Doctor wanted to say, but she decided it must be somewhat important, because he sent it as a telegram and not a letter. Anne finished tidying up and left the room, as Rose sat down to read the message. She could not believe what she read.

Rose rushed to the parlor to find Lord Herbert. She quickly handed the message for her father to read. He hesitated for a moment, and was shocked that Rose was talking to him again.

The telegram read:

Lady Rose, I have come to a discovery about Philip’s death that I believe you should be aware of. As you know, Philip suffered from a moderate injury during the war. However, his weakened heart was strong enough to keep going. After he came down with the Spanish Influenza, his chances of survival became impossible, because he was simply not strong enough to fight it off. My being there would not have changed the outcome. At the time, everyone overlooked his heart condition, but after further research, I now know that no one could have saved Philip. I am sorry for your loss, but I felt you should know all the facts.

                                                                                                           –Doctor Mason

This meant that Philip’s death was not Lord Herbert’s fault. Rose let go of her grudge against her father. She knew it would take more time to recover, but realized she was wrong in blaming her father. Now, she could turn to him for support.

Tragedy

Tragedy is a common genre, but not one that I usually enjoy. However, I was able to think of one tragedy that I enjoyed. It is a movie called Hachi. Now I will be spoiling the ending, so if you plan to watch the movie, you may not want to keep reading. Anyway, the movie is about a man and his dog (named Hachi). Hachi follows his master everyday to the train stop, and waits there for him to come home. One day, his owner dies at work and never comes home. Hachi continues to wait for him to come home, and he ends up waiting there for years. Eventually, there is a flashback on his whole life and he dies there.

This movie causes catharsis because you feel like you were stuck in that spot with the dog. It feels like it has been 10 years, but it really has only been around an hour. The flashback causes happiness, but then the dog dies. Everyone knows the movie is even more tragic when the dog dies. All these mixed emotions cause you to be in a daze, and experience catharsis. Even though the movie has a sad ending, it is a great movie to watch.

   

A continuation of affirmations

This week, I decided to continue on with the affirmation idea. I wanted to write mini affirmations for everyone in our class, because you are an amazing class! I never have the opportunity to affirm everyone during our affirmation circles, so this seemed to be a great opportunity. You can just scroll and find your name, or read everyone’s if you have a lot of time on your hands. To anyone in fifth period: I am sorry that you are not included, but I do not know all of you (but I am sure you’re great too).

Ms. Brooks: I truly admire how wonderful your work ethic is. Your devotion to your students shows how much you care about what you do. You are a lovely person, inside and out. I look up to you, and hope that you will continue to use your gift of teaching. *PS, you are way cooler than Mr. Kuiken 🙂

Henry: Based off of reading a few of your blogs, you seem to be a fantastic writer. I think that you are always willing to give everything your best shot, which is a very admirable trait that should take you far in life. I also enjoy your sense of humor and comic relief that you bring to the classroom!
Hannah: I love how lighthearted you always are. Even on days when I am stressed and freaking out, you always can do something to make me laugh. I admire the way you stay true to who you are. Your positive outlook on life brings joy to everyone around you, and I hope you will continue to be that happy person you always are!
Rae: Even though I do not know you very well yet, I can tell that you have great leadership qualities. During our body biography project, you were ready to help wherever you were needed, and you were open to new ideas. I admire those traits, because that is something I struggle with sometimes! I’m sure those qualities will take you far in life!
Claire: From the first week of school, you have always been a kind and helpful person. I still remember you having to help me find my geometry class and choir (twice!). I love the way that you are always kind and supportive to all those around you, and I hope you continue to be a light to everyone!
Rachel: Your work ethic and intelligence are probably the two first things I noticed about you. I love the way you put forth your best effort in everything you do, and how you always have a great attitude about it. You are such a kind and loving person, and I do not think that I have heard you say one bad thing about anyone. I think anyone can take a look at you and be inspired (including me)!
Paige: I look up to you in so many ways. You are always in such a good mood, and I think that impacts everyone around you. I admire the way you are so open with people, and how you are not afraid to be wrong. I hope you continue to be a friend to everyone!
Justin: The way you hold true to your beliefs is really inspiring. It is so easy for ideas to be swayed by peer-pressure, but you do not seem to be afraid of sticking to your guns. I think that is something most people fear, but it is something you have already mastered. I hope you continue to not let your beliefs be altered by others.
Chloe: I admire the way you are always such a bubbly and happy person. It is so easy for me to get dragged down by everything around me, but you always remind me about what is important. Whenever you walk in a room, the heavy atmosphere seems to lighten up. I hope you continue to be a happy person and positively impact everyone around you.
Juno: I am so glad I have gotten to know you better throughout this school year. I admire the way you can find the fun in almost anything, and how you spread laughter and joy to all those around you. I love your sense of humor, and I hope we become better friends as the school year continues!
Riley: I admire the way you can complete any task put in front of you, and never complain. I think you are a very self-driven person, which takes a lot a strength. I think you inspire others to do their best (myself included), and do everything with a good attitude. I hope you continue to be an inspiration to others through your work.
Kayla: I think that you are a beautiful person. Your great personality shines, and sets you apart from the world. I admire how positive and supportive you are. I am glad that I have quite a few classes with you, because you radiate joy wherever you go!
Rayna: I admire your fantastic social skills. You are ready to talk to anyone, and you seem to get along with everyone. Anyone can call you a friend, because you are so kind to everyone. While this may seem like a weird affirmation, you have to remember that this is coming from an introvert. Anyway, I truly enjoy seeing you brighten up other people’s days.
Christian: You do not talk much in class, but when you do, it is always something positive. I admire the way you always have a good thing to share, when called on. It reflects you positive outlook on life, and your happy personality. It inspires me to see the good things that come with everyday!
Adie: I admire the way you stay true to who you are. You are not afraid to express how you feel, even though it can be easier to bundle up emotions. I also thoroughly enjoy reading your blog, and I am always so impressed by what you write. I hope you continue to express yourself so wonderfully through your writings.
Theresa: I love the way you are so eager to learn. I do not think that it is a very common trait found in people our age. You are also extremely intelligent, admirable, and humble. Your openness to new ideas is so inspiring, and I hope you continue to inspire everyone around you.
Trystam: I do not know you that well, but I do know that you are pretty funny. I think our whole class appriciates the comic relief you provide. You also seem pretty nice, because you share your food with Ms. Brooks. Anyway, I admire the way you can make any atmosphere more lighthearted.
Ashley: You are probably one of the most bubbly and exciting people I know. I admire how you are not afraid to say what is on your mind. While everyone else thinks it, you are the one who says it. I think anyone would agree that you bring lots of humor and joy to the classroom environment!

Through the eyes of Miss Havisham

Oh Estella,

what have I done

You had a wonderful heart,

and now you have none

 

 

Oh Estella,

please forgive me

Through you I’m creating

even more misery

 

Oh Estella,

don’t miss your shot

see the boy who loves you

and forget all that I’ve taught

 

Oh Estella,

you don’t want this fate

now melt the ice away

before it’s too late…

 

 

 

 

Prosecuting Criminals

I spent quite some time reflecting on how we should treat criminals. I am still slightly torn between some ideas, such as capital punishment, but I do know for sure what needs to change. To start with, prison should not be a comfortable place. It should be a place where criminals learn their lesson, and never want to return. I believe they should be put to work. This has to actually be hard, manual labor. However, some prisoners are eager to learn to be law-abiding citizens. We see this in Great Expectations when Provis/Magwitch telling Pip that he no longer acts in a “low” manner. While Provis is a fictional character, we can still learn something from him. Many people actually do learn from mistakes, and would go back and change their past if they were able to. So while I do believe prison should be a punishment more than anything else, they should also teach correction.

I believe everyone should be severely punished in prison, but some should get punished more severely than others. If someone commits a small, petty crime, then they should not be sentenced as long as someone who has committed a large-scale crime. I also believe in large-scale punishments, such as prison for life, or in extreme cases, capital punishment. Solitary confinement ends up being useless, because it is achieving nothing except driving the prisoner insane. People should get the chance to correct behavior, but the death penalty should be used when that ship has already sailed. While it would be a shame for Provis to be hanged, he should have stopped trying to escape from prison. If criminals are not accepting their punishment, and are still deliberately going against the law, then capital punishment could be considered. However, it should never be be the first option unless it is a case dealing with extreme crimes such as homicide or rape. In the end, prison should be an uncomfortable place for punishment, and a place to teach correction at the same time.