A Single Tear

Constant arguing
Bitter disgrace
Sleepless nights
Frowns upon thy face.
Can you feel the wrath?
Coming across your path
What about the storm?
Can you feel it swarm?
Nothing but demise
Is left before your eyes
Closing in the the final step
Easy now just take a breath
Take a step forward
Wait take two steps back
Whatever's coming watch your back.
Easy now don't runaway
Follow your heart please don't stray
It's almost over
No more tears to cry
Wait one more sob to say goodbye.

Believe

Strike like lightning.
Feel the thunder.
Can you just listen to the wind.
Those haunting icy blue eyes,
Blonde wisps of hair stuck in the wind,
It's your turn and when I get you,
Don't act so surprised.
Demonic soul stalking the night,
Thriving on that sick adrenaline rush,
Sneaking around so tenderly, so lush.
Words being fired sharp tongue in use,
Eyes; Death locked.
Arms; Hanging loose.
You'd be stupid to run,
She's faster than you think,
The secret lies in her eyes,
She'll destroy you faster than you could blink
A scream so fierce she obtains,
Protects her heart, refuses to love,
Locks it up, no key just chains.
Fire is her element,
Danger would be her name,
Just be careful when you play this game.
Blood doesn't scare her,
Neither does a blade,
Just like people,
Scars fade.
Can't trust a single soul,
After being hurt so many times,
Revenge, Repent,
She won't undo the crimes.
You can't find her.
She won't reveal.
Just forget this ending,
All to surreal.

Julius Caesar: A Literary Analysis

William Shakespeare carefully selects his language that makes obvious use of many literary elements to create the perfect scene and to enrich the minds of countless individuals engaged in his works. In Julius Caesar he uses an immense variety of elements that contribute positively to the plot and the overall understanding of the play. He uses examples of foreshadowing, metaphors, puns, diction, imagery, and numerous others to give the play a symbolic meaning.

In Act I, Scene II Shakespeare uses several omens foreshadowing the onset of civil strife in Rome (15-32) to indicate that the ides of March are just around the corner. Casca shares with Cicero the sites he has seen while in the streets of Rome . Panting and out of breath he says he has seen a slave with his hand(s) on fire, but the skin was not burning. He then goes on telling him about the lion that walked right passed him without a bother. Given that these events happen to be repugnant omens, and both men are equally bothered. Shakespeare clearly stated these proceedings happened on the eve of the ides of March foreshadowing an appalling to nefarious forthcoming. This method contributes both positively and accurately to enhance the movement of the plot.

Cassius uses a precise pun in Act I Scene III, which has a colossal (learned this in your class) significance in the theme of the play. In lines (104-106) he quotes “Poor man, I know he would not be a wolf but that he sees the Romans are but sheep; he were no lion, were not Roman hinds. Cassius is saying the Romans follow Caesar blindly, he is essentially calling the people rear ends, and the only reason seems powerful at all is because the people are so fainthearted. Shakespeare has Cassius use this pun to give the audience yet another example of figurative language to enhance the plot, but also to demonstrate how green-eyed Cassius is towards Caesar.

But ‘tis common proof that lowliness is young ambition’s ladder, whereto the climber upwards turns his face; but when he once attains the upmost round, he then unto the ladder turns his back, looks in the clouds, scorning the base degrees by which he did ascend. So Caesar may; then lest he may, prevent. And since the quarrel will bear no color for the thing he is fashion it thus: that what he is augmented, would run to these extremities; and therefore think of him as a serpent’s egg which hatched would as his kind grow mischievous, and kill him in the shell. Brutus uses this exact extended metaphor to compare Caesar to a serpent’s egg, Caesar is not going to be dangerous until after he reaches his ambition. Brutus also says Caesar will climb ambition’s ladder meaning as he climbs toward his ambition he will turn his back on the people. This metaphor enhances Julius Caesar’s implication giving the conspirators a reason to kill Caesar, and instead of bluntly shout “we have great reason to kill Caesar”, Shakespeare uses literary elements to keep an audience on the edge, and to give symbolic meaning.

Shakespeare creates imagery when he has Brutus demand the conspirators bathe their hands up to their elbows in Caesar’s blood. He has the audience find the physical senses of blood. Blood is very symbolic throughout the entire theme of the play. He uses examples of foreshadowing, metaphors, puns, diction, imagery, and numerous others to give the play a symbolic meaning. Language is a powerful weapon and in the hands of a skilled person, it can be used to manipulate others. Shakespeare is the only exception to this quote, he uses powerful language to entertain and to teach positive messages not to manipulate.

Sometimes I think about the things I miss out on...

The days pass, and each year I always have that empty hole at the bottom of my stomach. I realize that I don't get to do the things normal teens get to do. I never went to a football game, never to a high school dance, and kept myself away from clubs that struck my interest.

I can't help but to cry when I think about it. My parents are constantly on the move I don't think I've lived in a single house for more than 2 years. I am struggling through my teenage years, with nothing but books, and colleges to worry about. I never get to just go out and have fun. I am not allowed to screw up.

I am a Stepford daughter. Apparently, I can do no wrong. I bring home a grade any less than a B and I get the largest guilt trip anybody can possibly muster onto another. But for the rest of my siblings, it's good job I'm so proud. Yes, both my parents boast on how intelligent I am for a 2 months premature baby. But really what does that have to do with anything?

All I want is 2.5 more years of being a teenager. I don't want to miss out on things that will never happen once I graduate. I don't want my parents to force me into a field that I don't want to be in. I'm interested in the arts gosh darn it. I am not teacher, lawyer, or any of that other crap they seem to think I want to be!

I think about my life when I go to bed and how much I've missed out on because of the constant relocation and how I maybe affected in the long run and I could sit there and cry cry like a baby. But it won't ever do me any good and I know this but the only thing that I have to turn to is my writing. But sometimes I can't even bare to write.

Hope ALL is well,
God Bless,
Hugs Not Drugs,
Mercedes =)

The Fort Cherry Review

On my first day at Chartiers Valley I literally wanted to cry. I had never experienced a feeling like this in my entire life I felt insecure, unloved, forgotten, unimportant, lost, and completely embarrassed. The whole experience was awkward. The building is a circle not the normal two story rectangular building I was used to. Not one familiar face in the hallway, not one familiar voice saying don't fall, but that's just the humor of being at Fort Cherry Jr./Sr. High School. Located in McDonald, Pa Fort Cherry High School is not such a big school, but for their lack of size they make up for it in a big way. Being at such a small school was terrific, everyone knew each other, the teachers 90% of the time had an extremely warm and welcoming smile on their face when you walked in the room.

FCHS was one of the most rewarding places I've ever had the liberty of being. All the classrooms have a specific calling, every single one was different. Whether it was Mr. Hallowich's [history] big mouth or Mrs. Knight's [English] blogs, something was always going on. I felt worthy of intelligence while in both classrooms. The teachers there are irreplaceable. The school had a technology boom too! Even though it was a little tedious at times was incredibly useful. CVHS hasn't really dabbed into that yet. I felt as if I was preparing myself for the future. Being at such a close- knit school I gained friendships, friendships that I hope will remain as strong as they ever were.

All throughout the school there were a significant amount of places you "wander" to. The library, one of the few places I never wanted to leave. Ms. Perkins was the greatest she really bonded with all of the students and was loved by all. The nurse's office (I've paid my dues...once or twice, ok more than a dozen times) Mrs. Cowden was a genuine individual, who I adored even when I was in an above tolerable amount of pain and or discomfort. The classroom, one of the most important place behind the walls of FCHS, where wit beyond measure was a (wo)man's greatest and most desired treasure. Every single teacher brought something (joyous or repulsive) to the table (classroom). Though we had a slight bit of advantage thanks to the technology boom.

The hallways, the halls were pretty hazardous partially, no fully because of my two left feet. As for the pep rallies, let's just say CVHS is completely lacking in school spirit. It's only my first week and already I miss the Ranger crazed high school. But what can you do?

The classes at FCHS have a little bit more diversity as well. I actually had trouble picking my electives this time around because Yearbook is only offered to juniors , and concert choir I don't think I want to go down that road at CVHS ( unsatisfactory memos about the class). As for the "major" classes I am taking IBS Honors English, a bit more demanding than Advanced I am told, Chem Lab, IBS Honors World History (supposed to be taken in 11th grade), Spanish 3 (same deal), and Algebra 2. As for my horrifying choice for electives I chose Driver's Ed, a required course at FCHS, and Journalism, which has led me to write this article.

I can honestly say that FCHS has more of a variety when it comes to choosing electives and a lot of the electives at CVHS are AGAIN REQUIRED at FCHS and I have made a very stalwart consensus that this arrangement is particularly appalling and I eminently think that this will affect me in the near future. Where as students attending FCHS won't be as affected. So put your hands together for the members of FCHS's school board. Making up with it's diversity of academics, FCHS is lacking on what is known here as the FLEX program. This program is worth one credit, so it's just like a class, only it's spread out a 1/4 credit each high school year. The program was developed so that high school students can devave elop skills and the necessary requirements for their chosen field of work. I have concluded that this is a great program expect I now have 30 hours of community service due the end of January. But luckily for me I am moving.

The Mercedes Review in FCHS is a completely honest, unbiased review I am giving the school two thumbs way, way up. Congradulations you have altered my first judgement of FCHS, for better I promise not for worse. A complete group of 5 stars. FCHS is one of the most unique schools I have attended, and the only school I thought I had potential in. Thanks go out to everybody there for making the experience worthwhile. Of all the schools I have attended, I recommend Fort Cherry because big things come in small packages.

*Read the full article in October 2008's The Ant ( There's a paragraph and a few pictures more)
Remember Hugs Not Drugs,
Mercedes
=)

Highlights of the Presidential Debate

John McCain entered Tuesday's presidential debate needing Barack Obama to stumble or in the very least the GOP nominee had to deliver a performance that could help change the direction of the campaign. Election Day is closing in and valuable time is slipping away. Obama is making gains in key battleground states as well as in a couple of traditional Republican strongholds. Have you honestly listened to what he has to say?
Am I the only one listening?
Well am I?

Last night's debate was so boring. I dozed off. But I tivo-ed it and watched it this morning.

Hello? Anyone? Are you up for higher taxes and a crumbling economy?
Well Obama seems to be!

I was pro-Obama for a short while.
I thought all through the debate closely listening to everything each candidate had to say I was appalled by the constant "shakiness" in Mr. Obama's voice and believed that he was downright lying.Neither candidate had a stellar performance. Each failed to effectively use the town hall format to express compassion for the problems voters are facing. Instead, Obama and McCain used the debate as a soapbox to tout their policy positions and criticize one another on their policy stands.
There are still 27 days remaining in what has been a triathlon quest for the White House. The election isn't over, but McCain needs a quick change of course. He's got my vote.... well if I COULD VOTE anyway.
Mr. Obama is not ready to lead.

My name is Mercedes and I approve this message.....

I could be a FANTASTIC President, right?
God Bless,
Mercedes

9 Words Women Use =]

1. Fine : This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.
2. Five Minutes : If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.
3. Nothing : This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.
4. Go Ahead : This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!
5. Loud Sigh : This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to #3 for the meaning of nothing.)
6. That's Okay : This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.
7. Thanks : A woman is thanking you, do not question, or Faint. Just say you're welcome.
8 . Whatever : Is a women's way of saying drop dead
9. Don't worry about it, I got it : Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking "What's wrong?" For the woman's response refer to #3.

There was a star danced, and under that was I born. - William Shakespeare

Happy Birthday to the most wonderful person ever that was born 15 years ago yesterday! Ha can't you tell I am bored and coughing out my lungs well you can't really tell that I am coughing up my lungs but whatever here's a poem just for you:
The Birthday Cake
Today is my birthday
I think I'll make a cake
Mix and stir, stir and mix
Then into the oven to bake.
Here's the cake so nice and round,
I'll put icing on so white.
I'll put on all the candles
To make my birthday bright!

You like it yes no maybe so?
Another?

The Wish
Each birthday wish
I've ever made
Really does come true
Each year I wish
I'll grow some more
And every yearI DO!

Do you like this one? Let me know? I am not so sure? But guess what I am going to Pandolfo's to night to celebrate my birthday that was yesterday. send me belated birthday wishes....I love you!
Mercedes

Fate* will find a way. ~ Vigil

Fate*, Predestination, Fortune, Kismet, Destiny, or whatever YOU want to call it!

The Question:
What role has FATE* (Mrs. Knight's Favorite word) played in William Shakespeare's tragedy,Romeo and Juliet?

"For never was there a story of more woe, than this of Juliet and her Romeo." (Romeo & Juliet, V, iii)

The main theme of fate*, in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, is shown throughout the play within subtle comments made by characters, the imagery in the stars, and different writing styles. The prologue describes Romeo's fate*, as well as Juliet's, which appears many times later in the play. Throughout the play, Romeo and Juliet unwillingly realize their love has no chance in their current situation of war and hate. A tragic fate* awaits them. The two families, the Montagues and the Capulets, are rivals throughout the entire play, until this tragic fate takes its toll on the lovers.
There are multiple events that foreshadow Romeo and Juliet's tragic future together. As early as the first scene of the play, there is evidence restating the information given in the prologue. "Romeo:?And makes himself an artificial night".This passage is a foreshadowing of Romeo's suicide. Montague adds to the effects of foreshadowing when he states, "Unless good council may the cause remove" In the first act, Romeo is introduced. His great sadness is obvious and the theme of love is presented. Through Romeo's mellow mood we see how desperate he is for love. Romeo falls in love with Juliet, the daughter of the "all mighty" Capulet. Romeo and Juliet were ultimately the ones responsible for their own deaths. The destinies of these two "star crossed lovers" were set from the start of the story, and almost all events that took place brought Romeo and Juliet closer to their inevitable fates.
There were entirely too many coincidences throughout the play, which further support my educated guess that FATE* has played a bigger role throughout the plan than Romeo and Juliet themselves! The first coincidence was that Romeo and Juliet, the two lovers, shared the unfortunate fate that they were from feuding families. The two of them were a perfect match, and were completely in love with each other, and the odds that one was a Montague and one was a Capulet were incredibly slim. They both showed their grief when they learned that the other was from the opposite family. "O dear account! my life is my foe's debt." (Act 1, Scene 5), and "My only love sprung from my only hate." (Act 1, Scene 5) were the two expressions that Romeo and Juliet exclaimed. Juliet had the right idea when she showed her frustration with the feud, and its influence on R&J's relationship, in her soliloquy on the balcony, and said, "What's in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other word would smell as sweet..." (Act 2, Scene 2) Besides the fact that they probably would have never been able to live a peaceful life, none of the tragedies would have occurred had they not met in the first place. The scene, where the Montagues find out about the Capulet ball is another twist of fate*. The servant of Capulet, who happens to be illiterate, was given the job of telling people about the party, but only those specifically on a list written up by his master. Since he could not read, he was forced to ask two strangers to explain it to him. Those two people could have been anyone, but they just happened to be Romeo and Benvolio. When Juliet is "buried" twenty-four hours before Friar Lawrence planned, it gave Friar John less time to get the message to Romeo. Beside that, Balthazar came in on one day only to see how Juliet was doing. If Juliet would have been able to take the potion as scheduled, Balthazar would have seen Juliet doing well and been able to come back to Romeo with a report of good news. Romeo would then have had no reason to buy the poison and commit suicide. Friar Lawrence would have sent another messenger and all would have been well. Although Romeo and Juliet were responsible for their own physical deaths, fate* still played a big role in getting the two to even think about committing suicide. The most obvious example of fate was the quarantine in Mantua. Friar Lawrence's plan was that Juliet would be laid in the tomb, appearing to be dead, and when she woke up, Romeo would be there to meet her. Friar Lawrence was supposed to get a message to Mantua, where Romeo was at because of his banishment, and inform the boy about the plan. This is a seemingly perfect plan, and gives the readers a sense of hope, but the plan is ruined when the they discover that there was a quarantine in Mantua, and Romeo was unable to get the letter. This was the point in which Romeo decided that it would be best if he committed suicide. William Shakespeare had countless times where he could have saved both of them, but he does not. He gives the reader a little hope that the two will survive, but with each event, that hope is crushed. Although Romeo and Juliet did not have to kill themselves, none of the the tragedies would have occurred, had it not been written by such an unpredictable mind as Shakespeare's. Truly, fate* is the most dominant force in the play, and is most responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet.
Fate* played the most significant role in the horrendous events that seemed to follow Romeo & Juliet everywhere they went. From whether it was the day they met at the Capulets' party or the day they both committed suicide, fate* was practically there leading the way. In conclusion, this whole play revolves around fate*. All the main characters in this tragedy have a fatal flaw that eventually leads to their doom or grievance. As said by William Shakespeare in Julius Caesar, "It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves."

*=Mrs. Knight's favorite word of all time (JK)

Love Always and Kids Remember Hugs NOT Drugs!,

Mercedes :-)