Sayville Public Schools Art and Literary Magazine 2022 edition. 

Collage 2022

Samantha Salvia It Would be Neat If With the New Year It would be neat if with the New Year&nbsp; I could leave my insecurities behind with the old year. Leave behind my hatred for mirrors, And everything else I can see myself within. But my confidence depends so much upon how I see myself. At the end of my day,&nbsp; while I’m trying to decompress, &nbsp;scrolling through social media, I see such perfect people. I remind myself that not everything I see is real, but&nbsp; I stare into my mirror,&nbsp; and cannot help but see all of my flaws. It’s a habit to judge myself in a mirror, but I must remember that not everybody is perfect, even those who seem to be.&nbsp; The next time I see a mirror, I will point out what I like, rather than the contrary.

Sabrina Conte Anxiety&nbsp; Some days are bad and some days are good.&nbsp; As my friend would say, "It's all good in the hood." Some days are sad, some are happy. Other days, I just feel so crappy.&nbsp; Some days are calm, and some days are full of anxiety. On those types of days, I sit and think about my life, a million questions come to my mind. Whatif my best friend stops talking to me? Whatif I suddenly can't see? Whatif a teacher thinks I'm cheating on a test? Whatif people think I'm a pest? Whatif nobody cares about me at all? Whatif I trip and fall? Whatif I break a bone? Whatif I drop my phone? Whatif the world goes through a major drought? Whatif time runs out? Whatif the world ends? Whatif I lose all of my friends? As these thoughts rush into my head, &nbsp;I sigh and take a deep breath And the thoughts slowly drift away...

Loss of a Best Friend Photograph by Olivia Colon

Nicole Graziano Hold fast to dreams For if your dreams diffuse, Life is a lonely game of solitaire That if played wrong, all you will do is lose. Hold fast to dreams For if you don’t believe,&nbsp; Life is like a test you didn’t study for That you will never&nbsp;succeed.&nbsp; Hold fast to dreams For if they dissolve,&nbsp; Life is like a pool without water&nbsp; That has no meaning at all. Hold fast to dreams For even if they bring scrappiness&nbsp; Life is like a family with no love, That will bring you anything but happiness

Samantha Sacks Deep breaths, deep breaths, deep breaths Slower and slower, I can feel my heart rate getting slower and slower The feeling that someone is holding my heart hostage has gone away Slowly, the anxiety is taking over my body again The feeling that an elephant is sitting on my chest is back Deep breaths, I say again. As it slows, this time I feel myself fall Deep into sleep, deep breaths I repeat over and over. Such a deep and restful slumber&nbsp; No aches no pains Finally, when I wake, my body feels as if I slept for a million years Feeling as if I am sitting in a wide open field with flowers of every color surrounding me. Red and orange to my left and purple and green to my right&nbsp; Beautiful birds and busy buzzing bees surround my head. Deep breaths, deep breaths, deep breaths. Prancing quickly and quietly I make it to the other side of the field The quiet field still quiet, not a cloud in the sky Yellow and blue flowers now to my right, and violet and white to my left Feeling as if a new day is among me yet again. Deep breath I say again, deep breath.&nbsp; No more deep breaths, no more thinking&nbsp; Open mind in an open field.&nbsp; Feeling the new day surrounding me.&nbsp; Feeling as if a new day is with me yet again. My heart rate slow now, slower and slower I feel it go No more elephant sitting on my chest Deep breath I say again, deep breath.

The way we view the world and ourselves, despite being possibly warped and misconstrued, becomes our true reality. Through my artworks, I explore how having a warped internal perception can manifest into an external reality. Whether it be how anxiety affects my actions or how self-image affects the way I present myself, art continues to be my outlet. Digital art has allowed me to have endless possibilities in expressing my surreal perception of the world around me. I manipulate photography from places around my house to create a sense of familiar yet deceitful surroundings. I use colors and motifs that represent the uneasiness of being uncertain by your environment. This portfolio has allowed me to express going through the motions of struggling internally and finding myself through it all. My intention is to express my own experiences in the hopes that someone will relate to what I create. 

Angelina Sagginario Five, Six, Seven, Eight, I’m Alive.&nbsp; Olivia Reiss Exiting the stage, entering my future.&nbsp;&nbsp; Katie Schroeder&nbsp; Flowers grow, so can people. Swati Sheth Feeling motivated, tired, and nervous. Senioritis. Annika Von Eschen Who am I, If not here?

Kaylee Cummings breath of night the chill of the wind is the breath of the night cold and icy to leave an aftertaste of unease on the branch of the tree lay a nest of birds a home in which they no longer feel a sense of security with the air comes aggression there is a wrath in the drafts the nest topples over and the hatchlings are crying the adults are lost in a state of discombobulation the birds huddle and settle in need of cognition their world has turned upside down but the night does not last forever the night fades with the shade the sun allows warmth and the sun allows freedom the birds are lively but not yet safe nestless and wounded with unstitched scars a trauma unforgotten with a resolution soon to come the forest creatures now assist with reparations fallen branches and twigs used to build a new nest a shelter restored, home in danger no more there is strength within numbers that brings us together and no longer did they blame all of the forest their faith was restored and the war was won.

Digital Illustration by Lia Yeon-Hong Bickerton

Emma Como When a warm hug Turns into a cold stare, And the feeling you felt No longer is there. Your tears cease to come And you just want to scream, You are sad, and you’re hurt, It all feels like a dream. You sit on your bed With a tissue or two, Thinkin’ bout’ him And what you used to do. Then you peer out the window, Something catches your eye, Something bright, something gleaming A star in the sky. Hopeful and wondrous, Its beauty is real, The star knows what you’ve been through, Somehow knows just how you feel. The star is now shooting, Through the blackness of night; You feel a tear fall, And with it, goes your spite.

Giuseppe Ammirati &nbsp; An excerpt from The Flaws - the exposition Man, I still hate waking up in this dump everyday. It’s an abandoned factory building with lots of scrap metal and other materials. Here it’s just me, Donovan, Joey B, and Chakra. None of us have real homes or families, just each other. It’s always kinda quiet here, and we only go out when we have to because some people outside don’t like us. Not all of them, just a specific group of people. I’ve been here for about 3 years, Donovan’s been here for a whole decade and Joey and Chakra both came here about a year ago…. &nbsp;I’ve known Joey my whole life. I told him about this place because I wanted him to have somewhere safe to go; he was only 17 when he left his parents' place and came here…. I took him under my wing of course and made sure he’d be okay. No one knows how we got to this point, stuck in an old factory building with cobwebs everywhere, scraps laying around, and no parents looking after us.&nbsp;Donovan came here first, and he mostly plays video games here all day. When Chakra came along, it was really random, I barely knew her, and Joey and Donovan never even heard of her. She walked in, makeup all over her face, maybe from wiping tears. She went on and on about how her parents don’t get her and never will. I never truly understood what she meant by that, I just figured the typical parents issues… Maybe a problem with coming out to them or something.&nbsp; How I ended up here was a different story.. I had been accused of stealing from a store. This was false, but I had no other option but to run somewhere safe. I’m not taking my chances because although there are no police left, you have to worry about everyday people and what they’d do….

Annie Bench Ex- Best Friend You were to me as this was to that,&nbsp; At first, our love was never under attack. Drives together, lies together, leaning on your back,&nbsp; Yet I still didn’t think you were a catch. Closer than close but still not touching,&nbsp; Any faster a pace we would’ve been rushing. It never really crossed my mind until My best friend with all his love, wanting more than just a hug. Wanting more than what we had,&nbsp; Wanting to go home, and meet my dad. The thought of losing you made my heart shatter,&nbsp; Rain fell from my face like a pitter patter. Nothing pushing me away,&nbsp; Less holding me back,&nbsp; Finally I found something to say. I loved you so, didn’t want to say no,&nbsp; I gave it a go. I wish I could go back,&nbsp; One big retract From our story, and hold onto you like a latch. Since you were to me as this was to that,&nbsp; And now you won’t let me send you a chat.

Maleena Dionisio&nbsp; Dance&nbsp; Music playing&nbsp; People laughing&nbsp; Bodies moving&nbsp; Singers singing&nbsp; I felt myself letting go of all the worries I had.&nbsp; No fear, no anxiety&nbsp; Just freedom.&nbsp; The freedom of just being different&nbsp; By wearing a hoodie in summer&nbsp; Freedom of being me,&nbsp; Maleena&nbsp; I felt so free that I didn’t care if people were laughing at me Or&nbsp; People were talking about me&nbsp; I didn’t care. My body dancing to the rhythm&nbsp; My hair swinging to the melody&nbsp; My heart pounding out of my chest&nbsp; My legs following every beat&nbsp; Every movement I made&nbsp; I felt happy; I didn’t feel one negative emotion in my body; I felt so free,&nbsp; Free from everything&nbsp; I was free from society&nbsp; I was free to be me.

By Maleena Dionisio&nbsp; Dance&nbsp; Music playing&nbsp; People laughing&nbsp; Bodies moving&nbsp; Singers singing&nbsp; I felt myself letting go of all the worries I had.&nbsp; No fear, no anxiety&nbsp; Just freedom&nbsp; The freedom of just being different&nbsp; By wearing a hoodie in summer&nbsp; Freedom of being me,&nbsp; Maleena&nbsp; I felt so free that I didn’t care if people were laughing at me Or&nbsp; People were talking about me&nbsp; I didn’t care. My body dancing to the rhythm&nbsp; My hair swinging to the melody&nbsp; My heart pounding out of my chest&nbsp; My legs following every beat&nbsp; Every movement I made&nbsp; I felt happy; I didn’t feel one negative emotion in my body; I felt so free,&nbsp; Free from everything&nbsp; I was free from society&nbsp; I was free to be me.

Sara Probeyahn I’ve always been a strong believer&nbsp; that when loved ones pass, they spend their afterlives painting. Painting the sky, clouds, sunrises, and sunsets, So when their loved ones on earth look up, They can think about them. So whenever I notice a cloud in the shape of a mustache, I know my Papa is blowing me a kiss, And when the clouds are looking like glasses, My grandpa is whispering, “I love you.” And when there is a giant fluffy white piano in the sky, My uncle is sending me a little extra love. I think they paint the sky for me everyday, But most days I’m too wrapped up in life to notice. But when I do look up, And take a second to notice. Everything stops. Just for a moment. I think about the people I love, The ones still here, And the ones gone.&nbsp; How lucky am I to be seeing this cloud Right now? Reminding me daily that they are there, And I am loved and lovable Even on the extra cloudy days, When I don’t feel like it. There is always love there.

Art &amp; Literary Magazine Sayville High School 2022

Taylor Carpentieri Hold fast to dreams, For if they disappear Life is a cold, dark void Filled with fear. Hold fast to dreams, For as they dim Life is an ocean, But you cannot swim. Hold fast to dreams, For when they fade, Life is lonely Leaving you feeling betrayed. Hold fast to dreams, For when they come true, Life is a clear sky Bright and blue. Hold fast to dreams, For if they are achieved Life is happiness With nothing to grieve.

Caleigh Mansfield Renewal in the Morning&nbsp; In the new year, I think about all of the possibilities. And as I open the curtains of a new day, The gates of heaven smile as I contemplate the new time, And I ask for redemption from my past mistakes this past year. I bathe myself in the water of rebirth, As I start the day.&nbsp; The reflection in the mirror so eager to do something different.&nbsp; I think about my past mistakes as I put on my clothing. "Give me the chance to rise from the ashes once more," I say as I eat my eggs and toast for breakfast. The Phoenix bird watches me as I adore his beautiful, red wings and his success in renewal. Renewal. That's what this year will be about.

Sofia Cangelosi Seedling We are stuck in a soil of ignorance. Growing at a lumbering pace. In an environment where It is vital to not only grow, But to flourish. I know there is sunlight above. Knowledge above. Life above. We must overcome the weeds That sap the vital nutrients That are essential in order To break through. To grow. To bloom. The translucent rays above have the capacity to unify us. But the opacity of the dirt divides us. It obscures the purpose behind our struggle. It obscures how we can bring an end to our struggle. The weight of the ground above inhibits our growth. We need to change the way we grow. The path of our stem. The reach of our roots. We need to survive. To thrive. We require renewal.

But the sun and the moon are the most dynamic pair, consistently bringing out the best in each other Both get their moments of spotlight, until one fades away. I’ll forever rue my decision in leaving, Oh how I’ll eternally yearn for you, but parting with the one I love most is what I’m destined to do, And with every stride I take, a small fragment of you departs, But the most devastating thing is, I feel utterly fulfilled&nbsp; As if I’m leaving my past behind, letting the despairing thoughts completely slip my mind Leaving the world behind me, Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, as the poets say, I burnt to a crisp and fallen to a pile of cinders, But then, I rose once again, this time even stronger, even brighter, Now, I must continue onwards, on a journey for heaven on earth On a trek for rebirth, On an expedition for renewal.

Julianna Weinfeld Dreams are the window to your subconscious The last notion on your mind during the darkest hours A haven for the gone and the fated. Your inner child skipping rocks in the Great South Bay That old necklace from your grandmother resting just out of reach A battalion falling to repose&nbsp; Attendance at your first concert in Madison Square Visiting your childhood bedroom after you left for good. Dreams are an escape to the past A sanctuary for your future A path to fulfilling forgotten hopes .

Elizabeth McCabe&nbsp; Use of dialogue excerpt&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;My Best Friend&nbsp; “Lucy,” I managed to get out in between breaths. My legs were pushing harder and harder against the petals throwing me forward. “Can.. we.. please.. Stop!” We had been biking for some time , and my legs felt as if they were about to fall off; my throat ached for water. Lucy threw a glance back at me. Her brown eyes were asking me, “Seriously?” I nodded my head and her short glance and her rusty old brown bike came to a stop. She hopped off as I slouched against the gate, trying to slow my heart before it threw itself out of my chest. We were maybe a mile away from home.&nbsp; Lucy leaned against the gate next to me and stared up to the&nbsp;stars. “Don’t you ever wonder if there’s people up there?”&nbsp; I looked at her. “How are you not out of breath?”&nbsp; She laughed. “I have four siblings. I'm used to having a strong stamina.”&nbsp; I recalled her comment on the stars. “You mean like aliens?”&nbsp; “I don’t know what I mean,” Her lips parted and closed before she spoke. “Maybe like heaven. Like angels and stuff. You think there’s angels watching over us right now?”&nbsp; I hated when Lucy got like this. She would always get lost in her head, and I never knew when she was going to have moments. “Yes, I think so. I think they’re laughing at me right now saying ‘Girl, keep up with Lucy, biking is not that hard!”&nbsp;

Callaghan Babcock Sewing with thread, replacing the dread, burning the night spent stuck in my head, while keeping the ashes under my bed.&nbsp; Saving the old, keeping purple and gold. A book full of memories clean with a fold. All under my pillow case to be the ground of a brand new base. Skipping stones and stepping stones, The time is here upon us now. We step out smiling, ready for cap and gown.

Gianna Racanelli Counting Down The year we’ve been waiting for all of our lives Through all of the games and silly lies, The time in which we break our ties to all we’ve ever known, and say our goodbyes.&nbsp; Feeling as though there’s not enough time, ticking by so quickly it could be a crime&nbsp; Making the most of what we have left Unsure of what is truly ahead Looking ahead, the pages are blank: No structure or pattern or rules to live by, We creep unsurely into the white. Writing out the last lines of this chapter; preparing to begin a new one. Counting down.

Faith Fiorillo Whatif As I enjoy the last day of summer&nbsp; as it comes to an end, it’s a real bummer. I think about all the fun I had these last few months, But I know that summer doesn't just come once. Then all of these whatifs climb inside my head: Whatif I don't have any of my friends in my classes? Whatif I can't see the board and I need glasses? Whatif I can't remember my way throughout the school? Whatif I get called a fool? Whatif I can't remember my schedule? Whatif all of my classes are a handful? Whatif I don’t do well on my tests? Whatif I can’t do my best? All the whatifs were my anxiety&nbsp; But my happiness must be my priority.

Congratulations Class of 2022

Emma Yasinsky No, i am not the same.&nbsp; Annie Bench If it’s an if, ignore it. Samantha Salvia We are not smarter, just older.

Amber Pawloski The Journey&nbsp; Taking my steps backward, I wave my farewell with a bittersweet expression A single tear drips from my eye, despite my efforts of restraint My fingers were uplifted and fidgeting with the golden lock necklace we bought together A dainty, precious pendant, adorned with forest green emeralds The necklace seemed to seal our fate, lock our bond, show that it would be you and me, forever. But in spite of the confidence in my beliefs, evermore never lasts. We were like the sun and moon. Complete opposites, but couldn’t continue on without each other Gravity always unfailingly pulled us closer, grasping us and tugging us. I was the sun Continually brightening the world, capable of raising a smile on anyone’s somber face And a shimmering glow following me with each step I took. You were the moon, You covered my light, and took away my happiness, swiftly stole it, knowing I wouldn’t care But truly, I was blinded by my love for you.

Grace Garbarino A PAINFUL EPIPHANY OF HARSH DICHOTOMY these starry eyes had spoken to me: “Your heart is a tomb,” oh, yes! must i cry with glee! what wonderful news you have brought to me! “stop explaining yourself,” they said, alas, i knew there were things left to be said so i spoke and i spoke and i spoke, until i didn’t want to speak again. and that just i did, i didn’t utter another word no need to need no need to breathe no need to think i haven’t met my mind in ages, centuries even. i can’t think. i can’t just be, it’s hard to talk about how i feel so&nbsp; disconnected. almost: rejected,&nbsp; like my point was deflected (are you still wondering if i meant it?). my hands move, as a reflex, to see if you’ve called or texted, i’ve done all i can, it’s up to you now,&nbsp; isn’t it?

Abigail Galaris Dreams Dreams come and go,&nbsp; Like a whisper in snow Filling you up with joy, Jumping around like a little boy. They may stay or leave&nbsp; If you have no belief, You will show grief.&nbsp;&nbsp; Why must it depart, To lose one's heart? Dreams come and go,&nbsp; Like a whisper in snow.

Quinn Babcock Everlasting Leaving me abandoned for an eternity Wishing you weren’t whisked away A vacancy is left within my heart Nobody to help gather the broken fragments of my life Destroying everything I have ever known Fracturing my soul A suffering too terrible to describe My world on the verge of collapse Stuck in this incessant silence This everlasting pain The mere thought of you, enough to unleash a monsoon of emotion Left only with a faded memory of you

Sarah Dooley What It Means to Live Darkness…&nbsp; Only lit by the light of the stars captivate the wind and the sea. I look up to see Orion. Constellations,&nbsp; combining themselves forming what could only be their own version of life. People of equal pain, love, and existence, find each other in the darkness. In search of light, so bright, that the sound they hear, those of beating hearts, slows to become one.&nbsp; These joyful listeners&nbsp; adjoin one another in harmony, lay flat on a blanket of hopes, dreams, and memories. Looking up once more, staring at clusters of celestial souls finally feeling that breath of life beginning again.&nbsp;

Art Advisor Ms. J. Berotti Art Editors Kate Cassidy Kayla Kane Kara Castagna Noelle Bartolotta Andrew Person

Cover art by Nick Rampulla

Literary Advisor Ms. M. Dashiell Literary Editor Alayna Pavao

Sadie Nelson A lofty escape When the hour is late, A plague of imagination Amidst a soaring sensation, A story for your eyes only Never leaving you lonely, A twisted tale Told each night without fail, A magic carpet ride&nbsp; When the moon is high, A blessing or a curse Whilst in sleep you are immersed.

Evan Como Introversion Watching others through a screen, keeping to myself. Scarcely making plans.&nbsp; Thinking I want more but&nbsp; never fulfilling&nbsp;&nbsp; I have my outlets in sports, in school, in music, but always by myself Friends are few and far between. The ones I have, I keep them close.&nbsp; I have my laughs. I have my highs and lows, yet at the end of the day I find myself alone In my head It’s simpler this way, keeping to myself

Featured Artist Noelle Bartolotta Class of 2022

Elizabeth Bossert&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Submerged in the torrent of the new year Regretful actions of the past- Engulfed by the pushing and pulling As strong as the courage of a thousand men. Though the drought of the past, few survivors remain: Diligence, and confidence fight back&nbsp; Against a perilous tsunami&nbsp; Sweeping away regret. The new year comes with challenges Only a life raft comprised of reassurance- Will keep you afloat&nbsp; As the drawing tide demolishes any weakness in its path. The sloshing digresses, swirling and bubbling down a drain Flopping fish of power and strength remain Smothered after the tide dissipates.

you and i we’re that old clock in my grandma’s den, just pendulums swinging back and forth and back and forth, all over, again.&nbsp; you do know what this means to me i’ve pleaded in secrecy tell me what i’ve got to be for all of this to return to what was for i can’t stand who we’ve become.&nbsp;

i will lay here, restlessly, i guess that’s the way it has to be.&nbsp; yes, that’s all that’s left for me.&nbsp;

Kyla Ricevuto An excerpt from the ending of Under the Rug …Later that evening as the man got ready for his supper, he headed into the living room. The sun still stood out quite brightly in the sky, but was partially shaded by dark red curtains covering the window. They were a vibrant color that his wife had picked out several years ago; he always made sure to keep them up, as they were one of his favorite reminders of her.&nbsp; When he drew his eyes away from the window, sure enough he noticed the same lump protruding from the carpet. It was at this point that he had had enough. Making his way over to the corner of the carpet, he made sure to rip it up quickly, leaving no time for whatever was under there to make an escape.&nbsp; This time he saw it, a fairly small, almost invisible shoe. &nbsp;“Oh dear, I've been looking for that everywhere.” He heard the voice come from behind him, sounding a little too familiar. It couldn't be true, this was impossible. There she stood, almost invisible to the naked eye: his wife.&nbsp; Shock was etched onto the old man’s face, wondering how in any universe this could be possible. She passed almost six months ago now, after the cancer had ravaged her body, but she still looked as beautiful as ever. Like the day they had first met.&nbsp; “Oh it’s you, how is it you?” he gasped out loud, not able to prevent the words from spilling out. All questions soon escaped his mind as he stood staring at her. Tears were ready to pour out of his eyes; he was not sure whether they were from pure happiness or sadness.&nbsp; The pure shock and amazement almost left him frozen in place. As realization set in, it occurred to him that nothing about this was normal, and there was no reason to believe it could last. She had been dead for several months now; it was an impossible feat that she stood there now. “How long have you been here,” he asked, “How come I've never noticed you before?”&nbsp; A simple smile, that he could barely make out, appeared on her face. “Not too long, at least not that I remember. You never seemed to notice me dear, but thank you for finally finding my shoe. I’ve been looking all over for that.” There they stood—reveling in each other's company, understanding that it may not last long. The sun proceeded to set portraying a more eerie mood as the wife began to fade. “Oh would you look at that, I guess it’s time for me to go,” she acknowledged out loud.&nbsp;&nbsp; “Will I ever see you again?” Mr. Smith said, “I’m not sure I could ever live without you again?” She only smiled, “We'll meet again sometime soon,” she replied, leaving much unsaid…. The next morning Mr. Smith did not wake….As the paramedics came to take him away, they noticed immediately the small, content smile that graced his face.

Gioia Rancanelli Character Sketch Excerpt Theresa’s Antique Jewelry A woman emerged from a curtain behind the register. She was short and stout, and swayed side to side when she walked, almost waddling. Her silver hair was cut short into a choppy shoulder length bob, and she wore a long, black dress with long sleeves that flared at the wrist. Upon further inspection, Ainsley noticed a small skull pattern sewn onto the dress with shimmery thread…. The woman was the oldest-looking person she had ever seen, her face sunken with wrinkles. Her grandmother, at 92 years old, appeared juvenile in comparison….Her gray eyes stared at Ainsley, unblinking, through the folds in her skin…. “Hello, darling.” The woman’s voice was shaky, but she spoke with a kind and welcoming tone, her eyes sparkling. “My name is Theresa, what can I do for you?” “Hi, I’m just here to look around.” Theresa flashed Ainsley a knowing smile. “Alright, dear. I hope you are pleased with our selection. I like to think we have something perfect for everyone. I’ll be right here. Holler if you need anything.” She settled down in a white wicker rocking chair next to the wooden desk that held the rusted gold cash register…&nbsp; As she browsed, Ainsley felt Theresa’s eyes on the back of her skull, watching her every move. Walking out of the shop…, Ainsley…noticed the sign that hung above the doorway. Underneath the engraving that read Theresa’s Antique Jewelry, a smaller font spelled out Est. 1771.&nbsp; That’s odd, she thought to herself. That would make Theresa at least 250 years old. It must be a family name, she decided as she walked away from the store….&nbsp;