The Stone Circle Volume 13 Number 2 Spring 2014

McLennan Community CollegeStudent Literary and Arts Journal

The Stone Circle (ISSN 1931-3381)published twice each academic year

November and April

Printed by Waco Printing Co.

Copyright McLennan Community College1400 College Drive

Waco, TX 76708Volume 13 Number 2

Cover photo:Collin Kubacak“Delicate Arch”

Mario PortilloColorful Umbrellas

From the Editor’s PC:Dear readers!

After all the crazy weather this winter -- so uncharacteristic of Texas -- we are all glad to see the arrival of spring.

As we bring our 13th year of The Stone Circle to a close, I want to commend the excellent effort by countless students who contributed to this issue. The decisions we have to make get harder every year.

A lot has happened on the campus since we published our first issue in 2001. New and refurbished classroom buildings, garages to shade our cars from the intense Texas summers, and a whole raft of new faculty, staff, as well as a few new administrators.

Meeting and working with new students every semester -- we have quite a few new writers and photograpers for the spring edition -- is always a great pleasure and lots of fun. I think that keeps me young.

So, to faculty, staff, administrators, new and returning students and their families, thanks for all your help and support!

--Jim McKeown,Editor

Jason ButcherThe Right Order

1

The English Faculty Prize for Fiction

The Elevator by Ashley Schmidt

“Up or down?” The lift operator’s voice pulls my gaze away from the pavement. His white-gloved hand beckons me forward. Cautiously, I take his hand and step up into the elevator. There’s an instrumental tune coming from the speakers above, barely loud enough to mask the electric hum of fluorescent bulbs. “Fluorescents?” I ask, pressing myself into the back right corner the moment he releases my hand. He shrugs. “They’re better for the environment. And we don’t have to replace them as often.” “Oh.” I shift my weight from one leg to the other, listening to the music, uncomfortably. The operator on the other hand is calm, and I can tell he’s resisting the urge to hum along. “I thought I had to take the stairs,” I blurt. “Oh, we took those out years ago. Surely you can understand? Climbing all those stairs on a day like this...” In the corner of my gaze, I saw him smile. “Technology is amazing.” “And what about the highway?” “Had issues with people speeding. It was pretty messy, especially when you consider that a lot of people were traveling it on foot. Drivers figured they might as well have a bit of fun on their way. I blame video games.” He gestured widely to the interior of the elevator. “This is a far more practical approach. Safety, privacy, time efficiency. Optimistic and pleasant company for the journey.” “I guess so.” “And speaking of time efficiency, I’ve really got to ask again.” His hand rests on the metal grate, ready to slide it shut. “Up, or down?” I perk up, hopeful. “You mean, I get to choose?” His teeth flash pearly white when he smiles. “No. I just like to hear what people think.” “Oh,” I say, shrinking back into the corner. “Well, I’d like to go up.” “I’m sure you would,” he laughs, and closes the grate.

2

These Hands by Elisabeth Grace StanleyMy hands long, strong, and beautiful.

These hands will touch over a million lives.These hand will hold the hurting and guide the weak.

These hands.My hands long, strong, and beautiful.

These hands have the authority to build or destroy. These hands will tear down nations and build foundations.

These hands.My hands long, strong, and beautiful.

These hands give and forgive.These hands will love and discipline.

These hands. My hands long, strong, and beautiful.

These hands will one day caress my husband’s face.These hands will safe guard my children.

These hands.My hands long, strong, and beautifulThese hands will defend and protect. These hands will praise and worship.

These hands.My hands long, strong, and beautiful.

These hands will do much.Your hands, what will they do?

Julia Jirovsky Graphite Drawing

3

Shelby Thomas Working on Chemistry

Aquarius by Alec NavaHolding the flow of life in your hands

Spilling wisdom amongst the unknownsWhy must I trust Aquarius, the Water-Bearer?

The servant of the mighty ruler UranusStubborn and determined

Rigid and opinionatedDeep and persistent

Whatever the cause may be Aquarius shall never falter

Not quick to admit defeat but willing to understand the cause of the lossFixed to a set of standards and morals to live by

Powerful and strong where they may standWhy must I trust Aquarius?

For we are the water-bearersAnd life is in our hands

4

Sigma Kappa Delta -- English Honor Society First Prize for Poetry -- The Spirit of a Warrior

by Elisabeth Grace Stanley

What is the spirit of a warrior? Is it the kind of spirit that craves conflict? Or the kind that craves peace at all time?

What is the spirit of a warrior?What is the spirit of a warrior?

Is it the kind of spirit that confines itself to solitude?Or that kind that thirsts for comrades in arms?

What is the spirit of a warrior?What is the spirit of a warrior?

Is it the kind of spirit that longs for the rush of battle in the blood?Or the kind that longs for the steady pulse of rest?

What is the spirit of a warrior?What is the spirit of a warrior?

Is it the kind that longs for the feel of weapons in hands? Or the kind that longs to pound it’s sword into a plow share?

What is the spirit of a warrior?The spirit of a warrior.

It craves the character that is built in conflict,So it can be kept in times of peace.

That is the spirit of a warrior.The spirit of a warrior.

It knows the importance of solitude, But also realizes the value of those who march with them.

That is the spirit of a warrior.The spirit of a warrior.

It is familiar with the rush of battle,But knows there is a time for rest.

That is the spirit of a warrior.The spirit of a warrior.

It takes care of his weapons and realizes their importance,But is also understands the importance of breaking ground and growing.

That is the spirit of a warrior.

5

Second Prize Beauty in a Silhouette

by Nakina Fikes

With the sunset behind me making me solid black, You can see the detail of every limb I do not lack. From my trunk to the end of my braches, The wind choreographs my midnight dances. With the natural light making up my background, My interior has no feature to be found. My flawless stature, Hiding the disaster. No defects into the night, Until the rise of morning light. My undying elegance fades with the moon, Leaving me vulnerable and bare so soon. With the sunrise in front of me making me vivid, You can see every detail of the stiff and rigid. The sun unmasks my imperfection, No possibility of resurrection. Attraction meets its tragic demise. The silhouette is my only disguise. Beauty stolen by the flame, Only a strike of lightning to blame.

Andrew Ward Flowers and Teacup

6

Third Prize Ode to My Country: Oga Di Cha Nma (It Will Be Well)

by Chiderah Moghalu

My people sayIt is well

Even when the sky is burningThe ground explodingThe politicians lootingThe youths languishingIn the failed systemThe worst is yet to comeButOga di cha nma

Remember BiolaThe smartest girl in our classShe is a night crawler nowIt was bad alreadyHer father then diedShe will work the streetsThe streets will leave her dryIn the end We will wonder what went wrongA bright future she hadButStill we must sayOga di cha nma

The masked menBombed a school of kidsWe criedLamentedCursed the system that continues to fail usWe will go home Lock our doorsQuickly forget the painEat our steaming plate of riceLeave it beBecause Oga di cha nma

Nnamdi is a kidnapper He knows how much your father stoleThe high gates That protects your stocked garagesYou talk about Paris and RomeHe knows aboutHunger-ris and poverty back homeHe was given a few choicesHe took the one with highest wageSo as you negotiate ransomRemember Oga di cha mma

It is a democratic nationWe still deceive ourselves with this notionThat a man votedLoses to a man without a ballotFor a week or twoWe all falloutBlame it on a brother or twoAfter that Fade outAs we sit still and nagWith eyes red and hearts fullWe will still sayOga di cha nma

My people sayIt will be well

Even when we see the end of the tunnelThere is no lightNEPA has not restored power My people say it is wellI do not knowBut I tooI am hoping That if we say it well enough Oga di cha nma

Have a safe and fun summer!

7

Honorable Mentions

The Drawn Curtainby Autumn Lewis

SmilingLaughingTalkingAre all seen on the frontFearSadnessGuiltAre all buried in the backThe curtain drawnThe act closedThe truth no one knows

Seeing your heart beat is such a treasure to me.Life’s not broken into numbers read from a screen.It’s that first breath, when your body doesn’t want to breath.God carrying you when everyone’s on their knees.Your heartbeat is an unconscious melody.It sings a song of life, one of many.I thank God for you in every way.And praise him for every extra day.

Idly Byby Joshua MacFie

8

My Secret by Kristy Kujala

Stress, anxiety, doubt, fearOverwhelming my brain, my thoughts, my soulFeeling like there is no one who can helpCertainly they won’t understandI don’t understandHow can I expect anyone else to?Can’t deal with it anymoreTears falling but I don’t feel them in my eyesI don’t feel anythingI am no longer meA supernatural being has taken overThe monster that I keep at bayBut I cannot control itIt claws at my fleshBlood flows everywhereI watch it happenI hold the bladeBut I am not making the movementsSomething else is commanding my body,My thoughts and my soulAnd just like thatI am back againLooking down at the ribbons of crimsonI slowly wash it awayDisinfect and carefully wrap it all upCannot look in the mirrorNow I can feel endless streams of tearsAnd now, as beforeThe pain is less and I can copeBut I am tired, And I hate my secret

9

Kristy Kujala Cricket Magnification

Autumn Lewis Peek-A-Boo

10

Brailey Sembera A Texas Summer

Melissa BlyDonkey Basketball

11

Carol A. Love Birds

Stephanie Copeland Nature’s Simplest

Travis HampeYoung ‘un

Self-Protection L.P.

I don’t want you to reject meSo I’ll reject me firstThereby taking away your powerTo hurt me.

Lately L.P.

The people who know meCan see that I’m falling apart.

The people who don’t know meJust thinkI’m weird.

12

McCalmont Awards for Creative Excellence in Photography

First PrizeTrey Lumley -- A Hard Day’s Work

13

Second PrizeMichelle Olivares Little Superman

Courtney GromanGuitar

14

Arlen WoolfUnless You’ve Walked in My Shoes

Margaret Garcia Tulips

15

Carlos LopesCerro Castellan

Samantha AnsaniSunset

16

Melissa Bly Crying Flower

Patti Cummings Bee in Her Bonnet

17

Eric Hasbun Borrowed Time

McCalmont Award – Third PlaceAurieona Berryhill Sun Flowers

18

Two Poems by Shaylee Gutierrez

Many, many thanks to Dr. Johnette McKown & the Board of Trustees,

Dr. Donnie Balmos, Dr. Fred Hills, and Dr. Bill Matta for financial support and encouragement.

A special thanks to all my colleagues and students who assisted with the selection of poetry, photography,

and short fiction: Cheryl Bohde -- Brenda Bradley -- Londa Carriveau

Linda Cook -- Christopher Dickinson -- Glenn Downing Yolanda Gonzalez -- Mary Hall -- Carol Lowe

Bill Matta -- Lynn Pachelli -- Katherine ProctorRyan Thompson -- Nicholas Webb -- Marianna Whiteley

Animals at WarWhat the mind calls rational,the heart calls cruel.What the heart calls love,the mind calls insanity.The constant war between the twois what separates man from animal.Imperfect creatures, capable of creation, and life,as well as destruction, and death. The true difference is we get to choose,and that makes us the most inhuman of all.

ColorlessMisunderstood, is a world in black and white.Blind, are the people who see it that way.Would we not describe ourselves in color?Yet condemn others to dull shades of gray?Opinions are married to all, but belong to those who seek the truth.Question everything.Trust nothing.Discover what you believe.Blocked minds are robbed of knowledge.Filtered ears protect ignorance.Closed eyes will never see color.

19

Kevin Washington SmithUntitled

Jimmie Estrada Desert Clouds

20

Hannah Lewis House

Sweet Dreams by Hannah Lewis I’m sleeping in the dark breathing in poison airOverwhelmed with revelations and dreams of despairAll these things yet to beHiding from the walls closing in on meI’m in a crowd where everyone’s the sameWe’re all one person called by a single nameMy emotions are mocked and hung up to dryInvisible reflections of the see through tears I cryThe walls are imaginary, the faces are unrealYet the reality of my situation, is enough to break my willYour face haunts my mindPremonitions scare me blindI’m running so fast, but getting nowhereMy spirit is naked, scarred and bareI’m lying frail on the floor tracing my fingers across shapes that aren’t thereThe creeping shadows, the darkness they wearPulling at my skin and yelling in my earsWashing away my memories and all that I hold dearAll the things that touched my life and all the things I fear

21

Different Day, Same SequenceDoes the human race have something to prove?I stare at the star; the sky is bright blue.Vivid sight goes blind, yet knowledge held true.If darkness comes, none will shine as bright as you.Did knowledge or wisdom gain only a few?So, truth is what they seek; it falls from view.Proof must search but not too close to construe.Ra’s day will end and begin again too.Oh, but night returns like déjà vu.Let eternity wait on time and cue.Epic humans by day and night pursue.Soon lifetime ends; till then go and redo.

Two Poems by David Sproles

Professor to StudentProfess

Share, teach,Subject, knowledge, content,

Logical, essential, successful, personalAcademic, expectation, education, professional, inspiration

Assessment, acknowledge, creative, versatileConnect, perfect, respect

Learn, reachStudent

Waiting for You by Hannah DuvallWhat’s done is done.

Have your wayI just pray

He will open your heart one day.To see what has been done

To right what has been wronged.I just pray

You will come back to us someday.

22

Submission deadline for Volume 14, Number 1 of

The Stone Circle will be posted in September 2014

The LineThe line drawn in the sandWind can blow it awayWater can wash it awayThis is not true….The impression etched there will be visibleBe visible to my eye though I must look out of the corner to seeJust as a ghost of what used to be

Three Poems by Autumn Lewis

Can It BeCan be cracked like a mirrorNever to be the same-in piecesCan be picked like a flowerNever to be there-deadCan be lost out at seaNever to be found-goneCan it be that trust is something that pieces have to be glued togetherflowers replanted and what is lost be found a new

Part of Life

What is this part of life that is equally good and bad?

That others seek for it, while others toss it away…

It’s fleeting as time

It’s easily torn like paper

It’s precious as a pearl

It’s memorable as an old photograph

It can provide such joy to life

But also it can bring sorrow

I believe the part of life I search for is…..

Friendship

23

Survival by Kristy Kujala

She dropped the phone when she heard the newsShe stood there shaking, so confusedHow can this be?How can this happen to me?Once so strong, she turned into a crier

“You have cancer” rings in her earsThe very worst of all her fearsSo many tests,What comes next?Her skin burns, like she’s on fire

So many pills, her hair is goneThe nights seem short, the days so longHer sagging shirt,Can’t stand the hurt,She prays to God, please take her higher

One year later, she walks the trackGod’s breath of love, blows on her backShe hears the cheers,Her joyful tears,She praises God, she’s a survivor

Two classes of interest this coming fall:

English 2307.01 -- Creative WritingDon’t only read Stone Circle, participate in its creation.

English 2341.01 -- Forms of Literature -- MythologyExplore the world of myths and legends.

24

ConsolationI fell in love with you todayI didn’t think my heart was capableBut somewhere in the mangled carnageA flicker of warmth I never expected someone like youEvery day there is a common bond revealedSo many interests that are sharedIt isn’t just the physicalYou know the pain in the depths of my soulYour soul was tormented tooDo you believe in kindred connections?We are so much alike it is as if we were oneI just want to hold you, to kiss youJust onceIn fantasy I take you To a place you’ve never been

I cried myself to sleep todayOnly in my dreams will we be togetherThe cruelty of life is hard to bearIs this a test?To see you every day, to hear your voice Knowing that we can never be?In you I have a friend, I can feel loveMy heart is breaking amidst this consolation

Two Poems by Kristy Kujala

In FantasyThe last light is turned offTime to head homeIt’s been a rough dayYou move to hug me goodbyeBut something is differentYou’re not letting goEmbrace is getting tighterYour fingers stroke my hairOur lips touchA flame is ignitedWe soon become oneTrembling in the aftermathI hear bells, no, a phoneI snap back to realityAs I answer the callI look across the roomI will never feel your touchAh, but there is always my fantasy

Kylie Moreland Looking down at Cape Cod

Sarah GallimoreBlue

Elizabeth Redding Fox Mask