tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55616699621324819682023-11-16T06:03:05.850-05:00English 9 CMr. B-Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628569059610320379noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5561669962132481968.post-30051555329467766582008-05-02T12:58:00.001-04:002008-05-02T12:58:27.460-04:00You Set My Heart on Fire by Jessica R.<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Liar, liar,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">You set my heart on fire,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Then walked away<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">And left me to expire.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The heat is creeping through my veins,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The oxygen draining from my brain,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Adrenaline rising, I feel the rush, <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">As my blood begins to gush.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">With my body violently shaking,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I feel my heart start aching,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The fire’s within my soul<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">And I’ll lose all self-control.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Please douse the fire away,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Before I begin to decay,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I know what I have felt<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">And I don’t want to melt.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Save me from the flames you’ve made<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">And all the little games you’ve played,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Just lay me in my grave to rest,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">This is all at my request.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I’ll never forgive you <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For what you’ve done,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Even though I thought<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">You were the one.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Liar, liar,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">You set my heart on fire,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Then walked away<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">And left me to expire.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Mr. B-Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628569059610320379noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5561669962132481968.post-11501519734043914112008-05-02T12:57:00.001-04:002008-05-02T12:57:48.188-04:00Rain by Sam C.<p class="MsoNormal">The brilliant sun dies like a rainy cloud</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Raindrops fall into puddles on the street</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Soon thunder might come and it will be loud</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The water droplets and sidewalks will meet</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Staring at the clouds in the sky above</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The wind whips in a cold and bitter breeze</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dark clouds fit around the sun like a glove</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hopefully the furious wind will ease</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Raindrops splash down intensely on a tree</p> <p class="MsoNormal">When the rain goes away we can play</p> <p class="MsoNormal">It seems to be all that children can see</p> <p class="MsoNormal">When we get to waste the day away?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The brilliant sun will appear again</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Through the gray clouds it will break through, but when?</p>Mr. B-Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628569059610320379noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5561669962132481968.post-80262503046157679012008-05-02T12:56:00.001-04:002008-05-02T12:56:55.412-04:00Just Words by Melanie D.<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 18pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Everything that is said is just words;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Words rule the world,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Words satisfy the heart,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Words are the aristocrats of vulnerability.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Tahoma;">They seize our beliefs and take away pride,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Tahoma;">and cause tears from the pits of our souls.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Words can’t be proven, <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Words can’t be shown as true or false.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Tahoma;">The only power they have is to manipulate our minds.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Just words, and words alone <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Tahoma;">will always mean nothing.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Action takes control of empty words,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Actions are what show the difference of truth and lies.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Actions seize the day,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Actions save people, save the world. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Actions are what cause change, <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Tahoma;">they inspire hope with proven miracles.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Tahoma;">They tell our history, <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Tahoma;">they lead our decisions<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Tahoma;">and speak our future.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Take action and show that <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Tahoma;">your words are not hollow.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Mr. B-Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628569059610320379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5561669962132481968.post-80087271165142788012008-05-02T12:55:00.002-04:002008-05-02T12:56:17.911-04:00Dust by Julia L.<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">My angel, guardian, and keeper of peace</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">I lean on you in times of grief.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">I need you, my angel, to keep me straight.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">I need you more than ever, to keep me safe.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">When filled with self-doubt,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">You are dripping with hope.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">You calm me, my angel,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Keep my anger at bay.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Please save me, my angel,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">So I can see the light of day.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">But what happens, little angel,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">When you fly away?</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">When you disappear?</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Or when you get preoccupied</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">With some other peer?</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">What happens, guardian,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">When you turn to dust?</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">And leave me here to wither and rust!</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Shall I wait for you, angel?</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">In this one little spot</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Planted right here on this very dot.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">I’ll wait, little angel, but don’t take too long</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Or I might soon be gone.</p>Mr. B-Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628569059610320379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5561669962132481968.post-29867713673556786362008-05-02T12:55:00.001-04:002008-05-02T12:55:48.841-04:00Will It Always Be There? By Emma M.<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">As I go back into my past,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">I wonder why it did not last.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">I pass the park where I learned to swing,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">I hope that it will always be there.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">I pass the field where I flew my kite</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Feeling once more that old dog bite.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">See the balloon fly in the air,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">I hope that it will always be there.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">At the house with the lovely dove,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">In my heart I still feel the love.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Where I had learned to sing and play,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">I hope that it will always be there.</p>Mr. B-Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628569059610320379noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5561669962132481968.post-8575113137387852342008-05-02T12:54:00.002-04:002008-05-02T12:55:22.284-04:00Lowered Down By Rachel L<p class="MsoNormal">People arrive wearing black clothing </p> <p class="MsoNormal">They stare silently at the grave </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Teardrops roll down their faces</p> <p class="MsoNormal">And mascara runs down</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Loving prayers are said</p> <p class="MsoNormal">One last goodbye </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The casket</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Lowered</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Down</p>Mr. B-Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628569059610320379noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5561669962132481968.post-44780680942238760072008-05-02T12:54:00.001-04:002008-05-02T12:54:43.864-04:00First Sign of Spring by Danielle L<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">So beautiful for all to see<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Everyone’s heart fills up with glee<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Like soldiers ready and alert<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Small signs of spring stuck in the dirt<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Delicate seeds all fly away<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Ready to sprout another day<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Right above my dear Uncle Burt<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Small signs of spring stuck in the dirt<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Swaying in the nice, cool spring breeze<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Until frost comes and makes them freeze<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">All the bees come over and flirt<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Small signs of spring stuck in the dirt.<o:p></o:p></b></p>Mr. B-Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628569059610320379noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5561669962132481968.post-28298635099687981122008-05-02T12:53:00.000-04:002008-05-02T12:54:01.546-04:00As I Swim… by Caulien Cockley<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Gautami;">The cold water splashes my face, <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Gautami;">while I swim at a steady pace.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Gautami;">The water is blue and clear,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Gautami;">as I swim, the finish is near.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Gautami;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Gautami;">Other swimmers are passing by, <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Gautami;">but it’s only practice, so I sigh.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Gautami;">Those faster swimmers I do fear,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Gautami;">as I swim the finish is near.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Gautami;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Gautami;">Now I a swimming quite fast, <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Gautami;">I don’t plan on coming in last, <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Gautami;">The kids on the sides start to cheer,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Gautami;">as I swim the finish is near.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Mr. B-Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628569059610320379noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5561669962132481968.post-23045726450785381452008-05-02T12:51:00.001-04:002008-05-02T12:51:42.445-04:00My Bright Blue Kite by Melissa O.<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">My bright blue kite<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">It is very fine<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">It is all mine<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">It shines very bright.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">What a sight <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">I think it’s a sign<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">My bright blue kite<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">It is very fine.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">You can not see it at night<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Not even a line <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">But it can shine <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">With a strong light,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">My bright blue kite.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Mr. B-Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628569059610320379noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5561669962132481968.post-33075699352938193072008-05-02T12:50:00.001-04:002008-05-02T12:50:54.942-04:00Ode to Eminem by Lauren B.<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Raising your daughter Hailey,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Always dealing with the cops,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Divorcing your drug addict wife,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Man I give you mad props</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Always getting shit,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">And hated on for being white,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">You proved yourself as a rapper,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">And never gave up the fight</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">You grew up in the hood,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Your life wasn’t that great,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">But then you started rapping,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">And you knew it was fate</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">When you spit on the mic,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">And rhymed about your daughter</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">You blew all the other rappers,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Out of the water</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">You went from rapping on the streets,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">To sold out shows,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">From rags,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">To very expensive clothes</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">One of your songs is my ring tone,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">I hear it when I get a call,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Posters of you and d-12,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Cover all my walls</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">You have tons of money,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">And are known all over the nation,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Your songs are played non stop,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">On my favorite radio station</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">You went from being unknown,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">To the greatest rapper alive,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">I know if you ever met me,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">You’d want me to be your wife</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">You’ve got tons of girls,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Screaming your name,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Tons of money,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">And tons of fame</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">You are the greatest person,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">You could ever be,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Eminem,</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Will you marry me?</p>Mr. B-Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628569059610320379noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5561669962132481968.post-42142961008192094742008-05-02T12:49:00.000-04:002008-05-02T12:50:12.583-04:00Him by Jess G.<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">She looks at him from a distance<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Not knowing what he thinks of her.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">She is assuming the worst<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">So her heart doesn’t break.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">She thinks he’s so cute<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Has gorgeous eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">…..<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">He thinks the <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">same of<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">her.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Mr. B-Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628569059610320379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5561669962132481968.post-65717444876684117432008-05-02T12:48:00.002-04:002008-05-02T12:49:35.304-04:00Paradise by Melissa B.<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">The clouds are low and the sun is setting<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">The ocean is calm and it’s very clear<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">To my left there is some tangled netting<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">Schools been boring and I wish I was here--<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">I close my eyes and feel the soft, calm breeze.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">I can see mountain peaks in the distance<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">If I were in </span><st1:state><st1:place><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">Alaska</span></st1:place></st1:State><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";"> I would freeze,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">I wish my dream land was an existence <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">Me, myself, and I are away from things, <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">A bright sun is shining upon my face.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">With a point of the finger…poof…there’s swings<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">I really home I can come back to this place.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">Done daydreaming and finishing my test,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: "Century Gothic";">I studied hard so I can be the best.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Mr. B-Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628569059610320379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5561669962132481968.post-69585310188096818232008-05-02T12:48:00.001-04:002008-05-02T12:48:40.179-04:00Cali By Julia M.<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";">The world I first saw,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";">full of shinning suns, and shimmering blue-green waves.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Famous for the twenty-four hour raves.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";">I long for this world, as I sit, waiting for this ground to thaw.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Mr. B-Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628569059610320379noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5561669962132481968.post-22761124682469344392008-05-02T12:47:00.000-04:002008-05-02T12:48:09.632-04:00Memories by Erika D.<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Footprints fading in the newly wet sand</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The sun is now set low in the blue sky</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Memories only we can understand</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The laughter remembered will never die.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Holding hands and jumping the rolling waves</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We smiled as we had read each other’s minds</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We knew how to test if we were each brave</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Diving under water for ocean finds</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Collapsed together softly on our backs </p> <p class="MsoNormal">We watched as the clouds transformed above us</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Each of us are as equally relaxed</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We found the simplest things that we discussed</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now I’m sitting here on the weathered dock</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The time now passed is like a ticking clock. </p>Mr. B-Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628569059610320379noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5561669962132481968.post-42555954553364688922008-05-02T12:46:00.002-04:002008-05-02T12:47:20.438-04:00ODE TO LEMONADE By Tessa H<p class="MsoNormal">Lemonade quenches my thirst</p> <p class="MsoNormal">When I don’t have it I want to burst</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Lemonade is fresh and tangy</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I drink it even if it’s rainy</p> <p class="MsoNormal">In the summer when it’s extremely hot</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I like to drink my lemonade on the spot</p> <p class="MsoNormal">On the swings or by the pool</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Lemonade is refreshing and cool</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I like it in a cup with ice</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Oh, that lemonade tastes nice<o:p></o:p></p>Mr. B-Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628569059610320379noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5561669962132481968.post-85042461116389318722008-05-02T12:46:00.001-04:002008-05-02T12:46:31.702-04:00taking it for granted by Olivia N.<p class="MsoNormal">we whine about ugly shoes</p> <p class="MsoNormal">but what to wear? how can we choose?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">our silly american blues.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">we are blinded with ignorance.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">i met kids, happy as can be,</p> <p class="MsoNormal">with only sandals and a tee,</p> <p class="MsoNormal">or pants with a hole in the knee.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">we are blinded with ignorance.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">how can we say, i won’t eat that!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">when some know nothing about fat?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">are so hungry they’d eat a cat? </p> <p class="MsoNormal">we are blinded with ignorance.</p>Mr. B-Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628569059610320379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5561669962132481968.post-33058545946274684192008-05-02T12:45:00.001-04:002008-05-02T12:45:51.150-04:00Ode to Summer by Chloe S<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">It only comes once a year</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">When it does all the children cheer</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">People have lots of fun</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">out in the summer sun.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">There’s swimming and sleeping in</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Beach volleyball games to win</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Vacations and popsicles too, </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">So many things to do.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">The sky is sunny and bright</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">The air is fresh and light</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Then just like a smack in the face, </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">School falls back into place.</p>Mr. B-Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628569059610320379noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5561669962132481968.post-90188774680680851422008-05-02T12:43:00.002-04:002008-05-02T12:45:05.379-04:00Jason Varitek by Sam P.<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p>Captain of the Red Sox, <br />leader of the team,<br />a great hitter in the box,<br />to be like him is a dream.<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Mr. B-Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628569059610320379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5561669962132481968.post-54419799649226738862008-05-02T12:42:00.000-04:002008-05-02T12:43:27.411-04:00Cape Cod by Kyle C.<p class="MsoNormal"><st1:place>Cape Cod</st1:place> is a wonderful place to be</p> <p class="MsoNormal">It is beautiful and there are many things to see</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I go there for vacation every summer </p> <p class="MsoNormal">When we leave, it is always a bummer.</p>Mr. B-Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628569059610320379noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5561669962132481968.post-42986748390901948992008-05-02T12:41:00.000-04:002008-05-02T12:42:38.384-04:00Ode to Naruto by Alex H.<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">A boy named Naruto <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">The demon residing within<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">A boy named Sasuke<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Anger residing within<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">The copy ninja sees the anger<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">But is helpless to do anything<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Naruto makes a promise<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Will he be able to keep it?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Or will his word be broken<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Like a vase dropped.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Itachi's words echo in Sasuke’s mind,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">With his goal in mind he follows the curse<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">He has chosen his fate<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">He will revenge his clan<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">He knows he is wrong but he has gone too far<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Can Naruto save him or will his choice be his demise?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Only time will tell. <o:p></o:p></span></p>Mr. B-Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628569059610320379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5561669962132481968.post-52987097486570589982008-03-23T22:40:00.002-04:002008-03-23T22:41:20.474-04:00Never Give Up by Taylor H.<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">I've never been the kind of person to give up on something I believe in, and I think that's something <st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:city> and I have in common. <st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:city> loves to fish, and he never once gave up on himself, or the fish. It takes a lot of strength, courage, and pride to stay out on the ocean, for cold endless nights just to catch the one fish of your dreams. “There are many good fishermen and some great ones. But there is only one you." (23)<span style=""> </span><st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:city> knows how strong he is, and he’s never going to give up on what he loves.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">When you want something really badly, you have to fight for it, and you can't give up on yourself or it no matter how hopeless it seems. For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to become the best soccer athlete that I was capable of becoming. Days on end I would take my soccer ball to my back yard, and I'd just get a feel for it everyday, never giving up on my dreams. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">My dad has always had a huge impact on how I play on the field. He's the one who made me have such a positive attitude towards the game and everything that I love. Since the day I stepped a foot onto the soccer field, I always knew that this was it. The soccer field was my home, my passion, and my place where I knew I could get away from everything. I not only looked upon all the outstanding athletes like Mia Hamm and <span class="yshortcuts">David Beckham</span>, but I looked further than that. I looked through the eyes of my seventh grade teacher. She was an amazing athlete who always knew exactly what words to say to keep me going. She drove her inspiring words into my head, and made me want to work harder, and become the athlete I am today.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">After hooking the marlin <st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:city> realizes he can't kill the fish quickly, and it begins to tow him farther out to sea. The old man soon begins to recognize a bond between him and the marlin. "Now we are joined together and have been since noon. And no one to help either one of us" (50). This shows me that maybe the marlin could have been one motivate his mind, and keep him from giving up.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <span style=";font-family:";font-size:12;" >If there’s one lesson you should learn in life it’s to never give up on your dreams.<span style=""> </span>No matter what you do, always tell yourself that you can do it, because if you set your mind to it, you can do it.<span style=""> </span>If someone tells you that your dreams are too big and unrealistic, tell them that maybe there’s aren’t big enough. "Fish, I love you and respect you very much. But I will kill you dead before this day ends." (54) Even though </span><st1:place><st1:city><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12;" >Santiago</span></st1:city></st1:place><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12;" > loves the fish, he won’t give up his dreams to catch the big ones. If you have doubt that you can’t do something, or can’t be the best at something, overcome that, and proceed to doing your best, because the best things in life don’t come easy.</span>Mr. B-Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628569059610320379noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5561669962132481968.post-90146133874222188352008-03-23T22:39:00.002-04:002008-03-23T22:40:03.746-04:00by Sam P.<p> As in many other stories, the main character faces many obstacles which they have to beat in order to reach their goal. This book is no different. The obstacles the <st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:City> manages to overcome are pretty impressive considering the conditions he was working in. The three main obstacles that <st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:City> is confronted with are his physical shape, equipment, and pride. All three of these took their toll on <st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:City> physically and mentally.</p> <p> This fishing trip was extremely strenuous for the old man. First of all he was trying to complete this trip at the age of 84. I know of no other 84 year old who would even think about attempting this grueling trip alone. Also, <st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:City> suffers from rigor mortis in his left hand. The rigor mortis causes him a lot of pain during the trip. “God help me to have the cramp go,” (60). The pain that <st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:City> endures from the cramps is a major setback on a fishing trip. Another problem for <st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:City> was fatigue. <st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:City> is 84 years old and was out at sea for 85 days. He had very little food and very little water. With nothing to give <st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:City> energy, he grew very weak which made catching his dream marlin that much harder. Also, being out at sea for that long with little food and water made <st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:City> go a little crazy.</p> <p> The Old Man and the Sea takes place in the late thirties early forties. The equipment that fisherman had back then was nothing compared to what it is now. <st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:City> really was unfortunate because not only was his equipment out of date but he was poor also so he couldn’t afford any new equipment. First of all <st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:City>’s boat is extremely small. The marlin was just as big as his boat. Boats today are much bigger and aren’t made of wood. “He is two feet longer than the skiff,” (63). <st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:City> also didn’t have the best fishing gear like rods and bait. All these things show what a disadvantage <st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:City> was at.</p> <p> The third obstacle that <st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:City> faces is pride. <st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:City> was only supposed to be gone for about three days. He stayed out much longer than that just so he could prove to everyone that he was still a skilled fisherman. “<st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:City>,” the boy said. “Yes,” the old man said. “Can I go out to get sardines for you for tomorrow?” “No. Go and play baseball. I can still row and Rogelio will throw the net.”(12). This quote shows that the old man didn’t want the boys offer because he didn’t want other people to feel sorry for him. <st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:City> still had some pride left and he wanted to keep it.</p> <p> As you can see <st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:City> overcame the challenges he was faced with and proved to everyone that he was still a worthy fisherman. <st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:City> used courage, bravery, and toughness to get through his long, laborious fishing trip and has earned the respect of many people.</p>Mr. B-Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628569059610320379noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5561669962132481968.post-25536163048406436592008-03-23T22:39:00.001-04:002008-03-23T22:39:35.951-04:00by Sabrina M.<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">In The Old Man and the Sea, one character struggles a lot through powerful forces and obstacles. That character is <st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:City>. Poor <st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:City> is an aged man that is born to be a fisherman. Little does he know that there is a fish out in the sea that will make him go through many obstacles. This fish is not your ordinary fish, this fish has a tremendous amount of patience that the old man doesn’t have. In the end, the old man never gives up catching the fish.<span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:City> is a poor man. He struggles to get money and buy food. “Have another coffee. We have credit here.”(27) In this quote it shows that the old man can’t even afford a cup of coffee. Not being able to afford food affects him in many ways. One way is by not having food or water to get stronger; he will be a weak fisherman. Without food or water, there is no chance surviving. On his journey, he was able to catch some albacore and other little fish that kept him full while trying to catch the fish.<span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Fishing for this Marlin took a lot of strength out of the old man, which made him suffer in many ways. He became weak, he began to cramp all over his body and he ran out of food and water. But the main suffering was cramping. He could barely feel his hands from holding the fishing pole in one position for a long time. “God help me to have the cramp go.”(60) <st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:City> is at the point he is begging God for help. This goes to show you that <st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:City> doesn’t give up. He is still striving for what he wants.<span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Just as <st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:City> thought the Marlin belonged to him, it sure didn’t.” It was an hour before the first shark hit him.”(100) the Marlin is a gigantic fish that a lot of people would die to have. It could feed many people and sharks. And I guess you could say it did feed many sharks. On his way home, he had to face sharks. He didn’t have the appropriate weapons to do this. He only had a knife, harpoon, ore, little piece of rope and his bare hands. But each time a shark came around, <st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:City> prepared him self for whatever was coming next. Each shark had taken a piece of the Marlin whether the shark died or not. In the end, he was left with nothing.<span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">To me, <st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:City> can’t get anymore successful then he has. I mean, I’d like to see someone today go out there on a little paddle boat and sit there chasing a Marlin for a number of days and at the same time try to survive and fight sharks. Also, he had to try to take care of himself. Honestly, I don’t think anyone could do it. That is why I think <st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:City> is a successful man. Even though he came back with no Marlin, he still came back with unforgettable memories<span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Mr. B-Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628569059610320379noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5561669962132481968.post-54442198749513900092008-03-23T22:38:00.002-04:002008-12-08T19:08:54.624-05:00by Melissa B.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZ5TmzKlcTus9lYWPlqUmhT4c0auZkSICDZuifVQS9xA6buxpIm0axxhHU1EyrAy0abTxkmzifKiBdhJGM3OpiufzoqmA9fFWHVqpEqxsO8djeW4cnD-OFYRcGmIcdZ8GnrjV-tVH1XM/s1600-h/Melissa+B..jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZ5TmzKlcTus9lYWPlqUmhT4c0auZkSICDZuifVQS9xA6buxpIm0axxhHU1EyrAy0abTxkmzifKiBdhJGM3OpiufzoqmA9fFWHVqpEqxsO8djeW4cnD-OFYRcGmIcdZ8GnrjV-tVH1XM/s320/Melissa+B..jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181132069999599730" border="0" /></a><br /> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:14;" ><span style=""> </span></span><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:13;" >In the book <u>The Old Man and the Sea</u> </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:13;" >Santiago</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:13;" > faced many challenges. </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:13;" >Santiago</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:13;" > had bad luck for 84 days straight. But that didn’t bother him. He was so convinced that he will go out in the smallest boat beyond where the other fishers go and catch the biggest fish. A few of the challenges he had were, him trying to catch the big marlin, his rigor mortis in his hand and the boy Mandolin. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:13;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:13;" ><span style=""> </span></span><st1:city><st1:place><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:13;" >Santiago</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:13;" > tried so hard to catch the marlin that he would do anything to get it.<span style=""> </span>He had bad luck of catching one for 84 days then finally the 85<sup>th</sup> day came.<span style=""> </span>As </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:13;" >Santiago</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:13;" > reeled in the fish for hours he grew very tired, dehydrated, impaction and his rigor mortis started to get to him.<span style=""> </span>“For an hour the old man had been seeing black spots before his eyes, and the sweat salted his eyes and salted the cuts over his eyes and on his forehead. He was not afraid of the black spots. They were normal at the tension that he was pulling on the line. Twice that had worried him. “I could not fail myself and die on a fish like this,” he said.”” (Pg 87) This quote is showing how he is getting dehydrated from all the hard work that he is doing to try to catch the marlin.<span style=""> </span>But the part of the quote where he spoke shows that he is not giving up soon and will do anything to get that Marlin.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:13;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:13;" ><span style=""> </span>The old man’s rigor mortis in his had got to him and made his hand cramp-up while fishing.<span style=""> </span>He tends to talk to his hand and gets mad at it.<span style=""> </span>Since his hand was so cramped up he could not catch the big fish.<span style=""> </span>He had to try to straighten it out so the he could hold the line and catch the fish. “What kind of hand is that,” he said. “Cramp then if you want. Make yourself into a claw. It will do you no good.” (Pg 58) In this quote the old man is talking to his hand and he is questioning why it is cramping up because it is not helpful and there is no way he can use a cramped-up hand.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:13;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:13;" ><span style=""> </span></span><st1:city><st1:place><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:13;" >Santiago</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:13;" > is always thinking about the boy.<span style=""> </span>They have a very good relationship together.<span style=""> </span>They spend a lot of time together talking about baseball and fishing. “The Yankees cannot lose.” “But I fear the Indians of Cleveland.” “Have faith in the Yankees my son.<span style=""> </span>Think of the great DiMaggio.” (Pg 17) This conversation between </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:13;" >Santiago</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:13;" > and Mandolin shows how much they talked about baseball together and share the love for the sport. Mandolin looks up to the old man and wants to fish just like </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:13;" >Santiago</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:13;" > when he grows up.<span style=""> </span>Since Mandolin’s parents wouldn’t let him fish with the old man he went out to sea trying to catch fish by himself. He often thought about the boy when he was out there and wished that he was there with him. “If the boy was here he would wet the coils of the line, he thought. Yes. If the boy were here. If the boy were here.” This quote shows that Mandolin could have been a very big help to the old man and good company as well.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:13;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:13;" ><span style=""> </span></span><st1:city><st1:place><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:13;" >Santiago</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:13;" > finally caught the marlin that he wanted so bad.<span style=""> </span>Although a shark got to it he still had a big piece of the fish left.<span style=""> </span></span><st1:city><st1:place><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:13;" >Santiago</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:13;" > worked so hard to get the marlin; he never gave up. He also worked through his rigor mortis and had his hand cramped for days because of it. </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:13;" >Santiago</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style=";font-family:Garamond;font-size:13;" > missed Mandolin a lot when he was on the boat. Because he was always thinking about Mandolin he never gave up.<span style=""> </span>Mandolin kept the old man going while he was alone and fishing for his dream. </span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:14;" ><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Mr. B-Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628569059610320379noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5561669962132481968.post-26097177187118748612008-03-23T22:37:00.001-04:002008-03-23T22:37:41.789-04:00By Kyle C.<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 14.4pt;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> In real life and in novels, people battle conflicts that they must get through in everyday life. This is no different in The Old Man and the Sea. </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Santiago</span></st1:place></st1:City><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> is an 84 year old man who has many obstacles in his way to conquer his dream of catching a marlin. </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Santiago</span></st1:place></st1:City><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> has to overcome obstacles that are physically and mentally draining. Obstacles that </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Santiago</span></st1:place></st1:City><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> must fight are fatigue, lack of equipment, and doubt. All three of these are bringing </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Santiago</span></st1:place></st1:City><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> down and he wonders if he will ever capture the marlin.</span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 16pt; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 14.4pt;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> While trying to capture the marlin, </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Santiago</span></st1:place></st1:City><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> is affected by fatigue. </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Santiago</span></st1:place></st1:City><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> is 84 years old and he is trying to capture a 1,000 pound marlin. </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Santiago</span></st1:place></st1:City><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> does not have the strength that is equivalent to the marlin and the fish is slowly fatiguing the old man. “I’m tireder than I have ever been, he thought, and now the trade wind is rising.” (89). </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Santiago</span></st1:place></st1:City><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">’s energy is also wearing down because he knows that either he or the fish will be injured from this incredible battle. Fatigue is only one of the many obstacles that </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Santiago</span></st1:place></st1:City><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> must go through to capture the great marlin.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 14.4pt;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 14.4pt;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Another obstacle that </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Santiago</span></st1:place></st1:City><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> is dealing with is lack of equipment. </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Santiago</span></st1:place></st1:City><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> is a skilled fisherman, but his lack of equipment makes it tough for him to fish at his highest skill level. His fishing line is very thin and is not the size you want to capture a gargantuan marlin. Also, because of his lack of supplies, he had to use his hands to hold onto the line and he started to get cramps in his hand. “It was only a line burn that had cut his flesh. But it was in the working part of his hand. He knew he would need his hands before this was over and he did not like to be cut before it started.” (57). Having these cramps in his hand, </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Santiago</span></st1:place></st1:City><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> was not 100 percent and struggled to fish with practically one hand. He has to create his own weapons to fight off sharks and other predators and this whole trip would be much easier if </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Santiago</span></st1:place></st1:City><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> had the proper equipment.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 14.4pt;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 14.4pt;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Throughout </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Santiago</span></st1:place></st1:City><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">’s long journey, he doubted himself and was unsure that he would ever catch the marlin. </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Santiago</span></st1:place></st1:City><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> was extremely unlucky and the other fishermen at the tavern would make fun of him and laugh at him. This didn’t bring </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Santiago</span></st1:place></st1:City><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">’s hopes down, but after being out on the ocean for so long, having cramps in his hand, and not having the correct equipment, he doubted himself. “I do not know, the old man thought. He had been on the point of feeling himself go each time. I do not know. But I will try it once more.” (93). </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Santiago</span></st1:place></st1:City><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> had doubted himself many times, but he had a little determination left and he knew this was his best chance to catch a fish of a lifetime.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 14.4pt;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 14.4pt;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">All three of </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Santiago</span></st1:place></st1:City><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">’s obstacles while trying to catch the fish were all intriguing in different ways. They all show that if you want to achieve your goal, you are going to have to work hard for it. There are always going to be obstacles between you and your dreams, and you have to find away to get around them. That is exactly what </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Santiago</span></st1:place></st1:City><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> did, finding different ways to catch the marlin with many disadvantages. He was fatigued with injuries and didn’t have the correct equipment, but was persistent and ended up catching the marlin. The Old Man and the Sea gave life lessons that are helpful in life. The book shows that if you have goals that you want to reach in life, you need intelligence, determination, and effort. </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Santiago</span></st1:place></st1:City><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> had all three of these traits and that is why he was victorious in catching the great marlin<o:p></o:p></span></p>Mr. B-Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00628569059610320379noreply@blogger.com7