GYWC 2024 Anthology

Quiet Minds Silent Voices Summer 2024 Goucher Young Writers’ Camp Anthology

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Light & Happy Alijah Ali, The Five Years of Camp Experience

DeSiah Lee, Summers in Baltimore Dream Lee, Summer in Baltimore

Macih Mack, My First Point Ashlei Robinson, This Song Javonte Rush, My Experience with Unified Efforts

Amari Stiles, And the Oscar Goes To… Devontay Wongus, Once Upon a Time

Dreamy, Dark, & Thoughtful Nadia Ayele, Dancing in the Dark Danielle Bunting, Summer Nostalgia Maddie Burell, Question Mark: Im Sorry! Sophia Clough, Dear Sophie Sarah Davies, The Rain Woman Morgan Hall, Two Poems Ayden Johnson, Untitled Owen Rubin, Four Poems Shanthi Sethuraman, In Another Universe Kira Setty, Untitled Bittersweet & Hopeful Eve Craven, Left to Right and Right to Left Troy Mack, Jr., What I’m Thankful For Meddy Oyenuga, Fortnight Golden Shovel

Kayleb Parks, Coming to Terms Traona White, Letter to My Mom Aiden Young, 95 Till Infinity

LIGHT & HAPPY

The Five Years of Camp Experience Alijah Ali

Hello, my name is Alijah Ali. My camp experience began five years ago attending the Unified Efforts camp. I recall how safe the camp was and how there were a lot of kids, meeting new friends, waiting to introduce myself, as I was shy. As time moved on, I began to relax and realize that the purpose of helping others was the main reason Unified Efforts supported the community. Now it’s summer camp at Goucher College. I am a helper to Miss Debbie. We travel store to store buying items for the camp. I do enjoy having my alone time with her as she shares her vision. Thanks, Aunt, for picking me to be your helper. You have made me a lifetime Unified Efforts camper.

Summers in Baltimore DeSiah Lee

Reminiscing on the past eight years attending Unified Efforts program, I have learned a lot about the city of Baltimore and the many people that live there. As a camper at Unified Efforts, I enjoy many activities, museums, field trips, amusement parks, zoo, farms, historical trips, and great-tasting foods. I will always remember the harbor where we sat on the boat and floated across the water enjoying the cool breeze. It made me feel like I could do anything, if I put my mind to it! That the sky is the limit. Thanks to my aunt for her generosity. She invited me one summer to join her summer program. It’s been eight years and I continue to travel from my small town to the big city of Baltimore as a camper of Unified Efforts.

Summer in Baltimore Dream Lee

This summer visiting Baltimore, I was able to attend the Unified Efforts program, located on the Goucher campus, Towson, Maryland. I was able to tour the campus and enjoy the many activities and making new friends and how to improve my writing skills. I’m so t hankful to my aunt for letting me once again be a part of the Unified Efforts program. Thanks again!

My First Point Macih Mack

This is how I scored my first basketball point. On January 2, 2024, we was playing against Coppin State University. We was winning when I got into the game. My coach told me to go to the corner of the basketball court because that’s where I shoot the best, so I ran up the court and then my teammate passed me the ball, and I shot it, and I looked at it, then the crowd was like boom when it went in, and I was so happy because it was my first basketball career while playing basketball in high school. It brung me so much joy because it was my first point of many more in my basketball career, and my teammates was also proud of me because I made my first point.

This Song Ashlei Robinson

It started off bold and loud, something that shook my soul and turned my music choice around. The lyrics were a lot to some I showed. The young liked it, it was a roll for the old. The only song I’d play to pick myself up. It felt like it was talking to me. I was usually into songs from games, TikTok, or rap, but this was different from all that. The band was Escape the Fate the song’s name was “Ashley,” and it’s still my number one .

My Experience with Unified Efforts Javonte Rush

I have been a Unified Efforts camper for eight years. Doing this time has allowed me to me to take part in many activities that were unaffordable. My vision of the city of Baltimore was limited to destructive images. Being a camper of Unified Efforts took me beyond my everyday images of young males my age on the corners hustling.

And the Oscar Goes To … Amari Stiles

Hey John, we really need an idea about that movie.

Best regards, Management

Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I can’t think of anything. My mind is blanking out. So many movies are out there. And it seems they took all the great ideas. I mean, there are so many movies, it would take 38 years to fully watch every one. All I need is an idea, then maybe I could even get an Oscar. Yeah, I see it now.

And the Oscar goes to.. . Hold on, if I keep this up, I won’t ever get a movie idea.

Alright John, let’s get this done. Hmm, what’s a good movie idea?

Maybe good cop bad cop. No, there’s Bad Boys , Training Day , and The Other Guys .

Action? Transformers , Ocean’s 8 , and Marvel in general have that area packed down.

Adventure? There’s been like ten movies this year with that premise. Bet you couldn’t name five. IF , Monkey Man , Godzilla x Kong , The Fall Guy , Madame Web , do I really have to go on?

Ok, ok, ahha, sci-fi! WALL-E and E.T. are really all we need or can handle.

Comedy is a popular subject. Exactly, we don’t need people trying to be funny, we need new ideas. Dang it, I’m always thinking of movie ideas any other time, why can’t I now? Hold up, there’s an email from management.

Dear John, sorry to inform you that your great idea is sadly no longer needed.

Sorry for the inconvenience, Management

Great, right when I thought I was getting somewhere. I guess the Oscar goes to no one.

Once Upon a Time Devontay Wongus

Once upon a time, there was a kid named Ben. He was very happy all the time but got stuck in his head a lot about how he was very big with a deep, deep voice and everyone was scared of him. Only his mom knew that he just a baby in a big body with a dream to become a millionaire. But he hated school because everyone would make fun of how big he was, and his mom told him it’s no way he’ll become a millionaire without school, so he felt that his mom didn’t believe in him. But one day he went to church and prayed about being a millionaire and went home tried to apply for jobs, but they would not accept him because of how he looked. But Ben ain’t never quit on his dreams. He struggled with almost everything in his life, and h e always wanted to be a millionaire, but now it’s like he want it more than ever, but no one believe in him or want to take that chance on him because they believe he will mess it up. But this particular day, Ben was feeling great. He was walking to the store and ran into this rich guy named Rich. Rich asked Ben what he wanna be in life and Ben told him he just wanna be a millionaire. By the end of the conversation, Rich gave Ben $300,000 as an investment and to see what Ben will do with it. Ben went home got all his clothes from his mom’s house and moved out. His mom wondered where he was going, but she didn’t really care. But Ben didn’t spend a dollar on no clothes or anything extra. He bought himself a house and started up his own clothing brand, and he kept being consistent with his brand. By the second year of his clothing brand, he was a millionaire, and his clothing br and’s worth got up to $800,000. Moral of the story: believe in yourself, even when no one does. My name is Devontay. I am an athlete, and I am a raising 12th grader, and what made me make this story is because at one point of time, I didn ’ t believe in myself because I felt like I didn ’ t wanna step too far out the box. But when I realized my worth, I start looking at the world different, and now I just try to make up for time when I didn ’ t believe in myself and try to be the best version of myself. Theeeee end.

DREAMY, DARK, & THOUGHTFUL

Dancing in the Dark Nadia Ayele

The stars illuminating the midnight sky

A night light just for you and I

A tunnel leading directly to freedom

An escape from our broken dreams

An endless high

Sneaking out and staying up all night

Summer Nostalgia Danielle Bunting

In a golden haze of a summer’s day, Where sun-kissed meadows gently sway, And trees dance in a gentle breeze. Birds sing melodies of warmth and ease, While distant laughter echoes through the air, they are free without worries or care.

The stars shine bright over the city lights In this cool summer night A sense of peace washing over you As the night sky paints dark shades of blue.

A simple excuse to bring loved ones together, the auras of love lifting us up as light as a feather.

In celebration we gather by the fire, Cooking s’mores to satisfy our desire.

Colorful fireworks dance amongst the stars in the sky, lighting up everyone’s faces on the fourth of July. Sparkling far as they fly, many people gather to stare, delighted in awe with an amazed glare. Paradise, Where worries fade. Apart from your phone, it’s just you admiring the sunset, while savoring your favorite ice cream cone.

Question Mark: Im Sorry! Maddie Burell

Do you write Home about this Do I let you down

I thought you were kind cause I didn’t know any better yet im Getting Pretty fucking tired

The words bitter On my tongue The thought is Sharper If stated than A

Stab from a Knife To you just a cut To me me not so It cuts too deep

The Instagram post sent cold Through my body, Prickling fear, The ocean of panic rose to high- Tide and crashed over me. I knew it. The words echoed in my brain, Bouncing around yet not absorbed. What does this mean for me? Weeks

passed, reports filed. My brain in trying to protect me left me Confused

Im Sorry, For never listening or taking you seriously. For never prioritizing you over others. For making you feel like too much, not enough. For hating you harming you. For bad and worse decisions. For terrible situations. For unhealthy relationships. For never building a backbone. For only standing up when the time was wrong.

For the anger and shame. For the constant criticism.

Im sorry to myself for everything, And im beginning to forgive me .

Dear Sophie Sophia Clough

Dear Sophie,

Every once in a while, I think back to your house, your school, your backyard. Me and our parents drive past it when we can. The new owners painted it blue, so it’s no longer beige. It doesn’t really suit it well. I wonder if they took down the playground we used to play on, where we learned to swing on the swings on our own without our parents pushing us, and where we took dirt and tossed it down the slide. Your school will always have a place in our hearts. The teachers we loved, the friends we made (I’m so eager to reunite with them), the playgrounds we played on, and the uniforms we wore. For me, high school is nothing like childish playgrounds. There’s fights, drama, and things that you’re too young to know about. Friends come and go, friends turn into your worst enemies. Playgrounds turn into hangouts where people do the unthinkable. Teachers go hard on you. You’re always happy, aren’t you? I remember being happy, but that was years ago. You’ll see what I mean when you’re my age, so keep staying young. Despite the bad, your new friends are gonna love you, your family still loves you, and new things come your way. I can’t wait to meet you and hug you and maybe shed a tear or two. Whatever awaits in the future, don’t ever grow up .

The Rain Woman Sarah Davies

Four days ago is when I saw her first Outside that old door when I arose Rain trickled down against my window She possessed the expression of grief Her gaze fixed the floor, eluding mine I’d attempt to escape the woman Pretending I’d imagined that dame A figment of my grizzled judgment Even if I ignored her or ran She’d linger like a shadow at dusk

The next day I ordered her to go I screamed and cried at her solemn face Her indifference made me angrier The long face, the bland clothes, the thin hat Every small thing I tried to criticize My demeanor had changed much the next day On my knees I pleaded and begged her Anything for her to leave me be

But the woman still stayed at my side Remaining like a bloodstain on wool

I wept in bed all of that next day Although I heard her slow shallow breaths Her silent presence made itself known

Ignoring her was impossible So I only lay with my despair

Now I am walking with the woman Through life I think she’s walked alongside me A familiar friend I could not see She looks like finishing a long book Or being full after a big meal Or that last breath you’d take before sleep And as she’s guiding me through that old door I don ’ t think anyone will miss me

Two Poems Morgan Hall

Dear Past

Here lies potent terror our very foundations cannot withstand. Problems flash, leaving us too blind to see it. Dread builds long paths out, so tread, look down. What defines us is no longer whispered, we’ll ignore it every day. There’s no choice but to stay on either ends of death, what matter is what lays

From Future

The strawman

When young one’s of age they’ll love the strawman, He swims through their eyes from Boxes he stays day and night shoulders Fall to feel he’ll Swing and dance But they love his masked face

Untitled Ayden Johnson

The unknown, a floating question mark.

Unseen and unheard of.

It fills those with uncertainty and leaves even the strongest uncomfortable. While some may brave the

Storm of dusk and Thunder emanating the Will to go beyond, the will of the undiscovered Consumes like gluttons consume food Eating away at the very possibility of what’s next Under the sea of potential storing be the Unknown. Is it eating? Sleeping? Or even Breathing? The many questions. But, very. Very. Little time. As the brave venture on waves Of what could be. It’s lurking beneath the waters

Unseen. And. Unheard.

Four Poems Owen Rubin

To the Blue Jay

Resting upon a branch Its beak slightly ajar Does it know that its cries Confuse the other birds?

Does it know of its Mischievous acts?

To the Owl

The timekeeper of the night Its feathers subtly bristled By the calming night breeze A hoot escapes its rounded beak Followed by another And another still

It hoots in warning: Stay back, it cries Stay back

To the Crows

It prepares its voice for the morning squawk Knowing the dogs in the area will be set off Like car alarms

To the Woodpecker

Banging its aptly sharp beak with great precision Its rapid strikes cause the bark to fall

Making its home where it wants For it controls the current of its life

In Another Universe Shanthi Sethuraman

Maybe in another universe In another time In another place

There is a little girl with dark hair, dark eyes and dark skin Who is loved by the ones who were meant to love her.

She will sit on a red blanket in the park, Where the trees are swaying and the birds are chirping, And the ladybugs will bring her good luck.

The sun will warm her face, Giving her the most elegant glow, And when it sets, The moon and stars will guide her back home.

Untitled Kira Setty

I don’t know why my name is important Sometimes I think it’s because my parents wanted me to understand my culture In a place where culture is so fused together To the point where it becomes nonexistent Or it could be because they wanted me to work on my social anxiety By teaching people how to spell and say it accurately But no matter why I was given my name I know that I love it a lot, and that it means a lot to me

BITTERSWEET & HOPEFUL

Left to Right and Right to Left Eve Craven

Because my mother is a author: I am named after Nothing I am a palindrome, Eve spelled E V E left to right and E V E right to left My mother had no intention of a name with principle Till I got to 3rd grade I didn’t know I needed to be dominated by an Adam Till I got to 4th I didn’t know my name had become a mockery Till I got to 5th I didn’t know my name was Hebrew for “life” And till I got to high school I didn’t know my name had become Christmas I am a palindrome, Eve spelled E V E left to right and E V E right to left I am not a name I am bound to like Eva I am a name with intention of free will, able to go back and forth I did not know I was responsible for sin I did not know I was responsible for a woman’s pain I did not know I would be responsible even when I was in the 3rd grade I am a palindrome, a writer’s dream I love my name and will correct the people that my name is not Evie my name is not sin My name is Eve Left to right and right to left

What I’m Thankful For Troy Mack, Jr.

I’m thankful for family. The reason I’m thankful for family is because in tough times, your family can offer you love, emotional support, and encouragement. Family seen you go through all of life’s ups and downs, and they’ll stay by your side and help you face everything life throws your way. And you wouldn’t be where you are right now without family. I know I’m not the best person at times, but when I see a family member down, I always find a way to brighten their day up. And family is also legacy and history together and a lot of fun memories. Family also lend a helping hand when you need one.

Fortnight Golden Shovel Meddy Oyenuga

I jumped in love, heart and soul and all And dreamed of

Songs and secrets and that and this But to you, love was solemn, yet to Me, it meant affection, so I’d say ‘I love you’ every day, and ‘I ‘I hope—’ ‘Hope you feel better soon’ when you’re Down and you’d say ‘I don’t wanna talk, okay?’ And I’d say ‘okay, te amo—’ but Mi amor, you’re Already turning away and the Way you do hurts, but I’m sure you have at least one good reason .

Coming to Terms Kayleb Parks

“Is this just real life? Is this just fantasy? Caught in a landslide, no escape from reality.” —Freddie Mercury’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”

__________ __________ __________

beep beep beep

It’s 6:45 a.m. I jump out of bed and head to my bathroom, getting ready for the day ahead. I wash my face, brush my teeth, fix my hair, and get dressed. Then, I head downstairs to get breakfast and feed the dogs. Once I finish my morning routine, I grab my bookbag and head out the door for school. I get into my mom’s sick Jeep Wrangler and drive to school. When I arrive at Towson High School, I feel like running in the building, for in a couple days, I will be a junior. After everything that has happened, this moment feels extra special. I feel like a new person as I enter school. A person, not an eating disorder. __________ __________ __________ Even though I am excited for school to come to an end, there is a feeling of longing within me. A longing for relationships that I am too scared to be a part of. As I enter the building, I go to my classes for the last couple times to say farewell. I talk to people who have started to feel like friends, knowing I may not get to see them again. When I walk down to chemistry, I see Isaiah sitting at the back table. He is doing one of those finger knitting things that I have no idea how to do. When he asks how he does it, he shows me but also tells me that You can watch a super easy video on YouTube . I nod, but in my mind I know that if I try this, that the result will be a screwed up ball of yarn. By the time we finish talking, the bell rings, making me flinch. No matter how much I hear this bell, I can’t get over the loud amber alert sound it projects through the building. After the bell rings, I leave for lunch. As I am sitting outside, I see him and try to catch his attention. I remind myself to stay calm. I say hello and we start talking about our history teacher, but we end up hysterical as he plays a video of the teacher yelling at the class. He later walks away, and it gives me a strange feeling. I never really “liked” people in a way like that and it mak es me get lost in a swarm of thoughts. __________ __________ __________ When I walk home from school, I watch people and cars pass by me, sweating as the heat beams on me, carrying an overly heavy backpack. My mind returns back into a normal state until I walk into my room. I see my poster of Freddie Mercury hanging on my darkly colored wall. This makes me think back to my previous thoughts of Isaiah and my struggle with the concept of a romantic relationship due to my insecurities. I go to a place of self-destructive thoughts and actions at times, so I immediately shut down the idea of ever having a romantic relationship because I feel as though no one would want to date someone like me. My body can’t offer anything to anybody, leading up to me

feeling as though I need to accept the fact that I am meant to be alone, to get rid of that little bit of hope that still exists. __________ __________ __________ So, I think back to Freddie Mercury. He was involved in self-destructive behaviors, such as cocaine and drinking, but he moved past it. He was eventually able to accept that he was gay and found someone who loved him for who he was. My wish is that I can follow that path.

Letter to My Mom Traona White

Love is a great gift that we should never take for granted. I am very lucky to have you, Mom, and I appreciate how much you genuinely care. I never had to ask for your love, you gave it freely and without question. There are many people that are not so lucky! Thank you for never judging me, for always being by my side and for loving me every day. One thing that you always provide consistently is support for whatever it is I am going through, whether it is good or bad. You have been with me throughout the laughter and the tears. You always said I was a late bloomer, and everything I went through helped me achieve the late successes that might not have happened otherwise. You have always believed in me, and I thank you for that! You are always by my side every step of the way. I know I can always count on you! Virtue is something you instilled in me! Its importance helps me every day of my life. Even if it didn’t seem like I was listening to everything you had to say and to what you taught me, I was, and it made me become the better person that I am today. I live and love with honesty, respectfulness and integrity! Every day, I am thankful to have you in my life and blessed to be so loved! I know there is nothing you wouldn ’ t do for me. I wanted to let you know, even though I don ’ t say it enough... I love you so very much! The world wouldn ’ t be the same without you. Your love is something I cherish every day! Thank you for being you and loving me so much.

95 till Infinity Aiden Young

Many often fail, and success is not easily attained.

Time is running out, yet I remain unfazed as.

I peep the obscured, and what ain’t normally easy to observe

What’s the word? 95 till infinity time. Everyone is counting on me every time. I don’t decline, I continuously strive for higher levels,

As if my resume could get any better.

Although 95, I’m 100% certain that

Even at my weakest, I still leave them speechless.

Because some cats claim they can fly but really been landed and

And the hidden meanings are too complex to manage.

95 till infinity time.

Contributor Notes

Alijah Ali is a sports fan whose favorite sport is football. He’s a rising 7th grader at Calvin M. Rodwell Middle School.

Nadia Ayele is a Libra and a rising 9th grader attending Tuscarora High School in the fall. She owns three cats and loves to draw and watch scary movies with her boyfriend. Danielle Bunting is an upcoming senior. She attends Catonsville High School and wants to major in business in the future. In her free time, she enjoys baking and painting. Madeleine Burell is a rising 11th grader at Bard High School Early College. They have a passion for animals and good food. They want to go into research on the effects of early adolescent trauma on later criminality. Sophia Clough is a 17-year-old senior at Hereford High School who was born in Easton, Maryland. She has written stories ever since she was a kid and hopes to become an author and film writer when she graduates. She loves reading, writing, listening to music, and going to bookstores and coffee shops. Eve Craven is going into 10th grade at Baltimore School for the Arts and is pursuing dance. For the rest of summer, she is attending Ballet Hispánico in NYC.

Sarah Davies is a rising senior. She is very interested in the fine arts, including writing, art, theater, prop design, and music.

Morgan Hall is a rising senior and attends the Carver Center for Arts and Technology. He likes to draw and build video games and websites. In his free time, he loves to watch YouTube videos and movies. Ayden Johnson is a graduate from Edgewood High School. He was a part of the marching band and would play any instrument assigned to him. His hobbies include playing drums, playing video games, listening to music, and watching YouTube/anime.

DeSiah Lee is a rising 8th grader in Roxboro, North Carolina. She wants to be a neonatal nurse when she grows up. She loves her family.

Dream Lee is an upcoming 6th grader. She lives in Roxboro, North Carolina. Her favorite things are dancing, basketball, and doing hair.

Macih Mack is a rising sophomore who likes to play basketball. He goes to ConneXions Arts School.

Troy Mack, Jr. is a huge LeBron fan. He’s going into 11th grade at ConneXions Arts School. His favorite food is fried chicken.

Meddy Oyenuga is a writer from Baltimore who loves ethnic foods, music, and stories. She enjoys traveling and writing poems based on her experiences. She lives in Baltimore and lives with her cat, named Matt, and her family. Kayleb Parks is a rising 11th grader at Towson High School. He likes Stephen King, Elvis, and Freddy Mercury. He also likes learning about science, especially physics and medicine, as well as participating in athletics.

Ashlei Robinson is a rising senior interested in becoming an EMT in the future. She loves animals and has three lizards and a cat.

Owen Rubin is a rising senior at the Park School of Baltimore. He does Kung Fu and enjoys reading, video games, and coding.

JaVonte Rush is going to 10th grade. He likes playing football and video games. His favorite video game is GTA Online. He likes to hangout outside.

Shanthi Sethuraman is a rising 10th grader who attends the Bryn Mawr School. She is currently writing a dystopian novel and hopes to publish it by the end of her high school career.

Kira Setty is a rising 10th grader who loves K-pop and fanfiction. She wants to be a Spanish teacher and enjoys writing horror stories and comedy.

Amari Stiles is a rising junior from Baltimore, Maryland. He likes short stories, baseball, and mangoes.

Traona White is a rising 11th grader. She likes to sleep and watch action movies and reality TV. She has a husky named Luna.

Devontay Wongus is a rising 12th grader. He has three siblings, and he will be rich by 25. He is a very calm and chill person. He loves his family, and he is very confident. He loves talking about life, and he loves to take pictures and to put on nice outfits. Aiden Young is a freshman at New Town High School in the Magnet Program for Computer Science. When he’s not learning about coding , he likes to watch Netflix.

Acknowledgements

The Goucher Young Writers’ Camp would like to thank Ramón Jones, the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation, the Thomas Wilson Foundation, and the Kratz Center for Creative Writing at Goucher College for their generous financial support.

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38

Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker