l'Did you make a wish?“ “Uhh7. . . No, that's for kids.‘ Marleyna turned away fran Johnny. His heart and mind were not here. Strange what tricks life plays on people, she thought. Now if they had been on the other side of the dark curtain and were parked sanewhere, satisfaction would come easy.... Show morel'Did you make a wish?“ “Uhh7. . . No, that's for kids.‘ Marleyna turned away fran Johnny. His heart and mind were not here. Strange what tricks life plays on people, she thought. Now if they had been on the other side of the dark curtain and were parked sanewhere, satisfaction would come easy. Why was it that once you're down, life always seaned to kick Just that much harder? “Cruel life, why do you kick us?" she asked softly. “Talking to me?"1 "No, just to the world." “Like you're a poet!“ Marleyna laughed and kissed Johnny lightly on the cheek. I'Maybe, I don't know and right now, don't care. . . . Good night!" "Good night, pet." Marleyna disappeared into the darkness. Johnny walked along the roof's edge, his gaze passing lightly along the top of the retaining wall. It was anight forthinking andMarlaynahadbem thinking. She was beautiful—almost too beautiful. Johnny had seen how others looked at her, passion and lust flaring up in their eyes. She was like a god- dess sent into this world of ugliness. She belonged in the world of bright easements and pale green window glass, soft carpets, colorful roans and well-dressed people. New, Johnny, now, over the well and into the world which calls to you! There. . .just reach out and take it, Johnny. Here it is, the green and the gold of that world. Hurry, for it waits for no man! Johnny turned and left the roof with its stars and his dream. He approached the grey, ugly door, his eyes heavy with the desire to escape. Slowly he stepped inside, and closed the door on his world of green and gold. 3) 5011 michaal Show less
TRIUMPH Through moldy walls the dust motes creep— Restless particles of earth Forever floating, sifting through 01:! houses of decay; Through grimy windows, bleak, forlorn Rays of sun peep feebly through, And in a time of glory brief, Each dust mote dances on a stage or warpy boards and plaster... Show moreTRIUMPH Through moldy walls the dust motes creep— Restless particles of earth Forever floating, sifting through 01:! houses of decay; Through grimy windows, bleak, forlorn Rays of sun peep feebly through, And in a time of glory brief, Each dust mote dances on a stage or warpy boards and plaster cracks. Julie Medbery TEMFUS FUGIT The night is dark And the wind is strong, The trees tremble and The waters rear. The moon has hid And the stars have fled, The ocean screams and The earth means. The carrions dance As the phantans play, For this is the night I die. Ermon L. Deen Show less
SOCIETI We make small talk; While m? blood is filled with singing And any minute now It will overflow and fill the roan. I want to shout. I'I love you so." I won't, of course. The small talk goes on; A nod, a smile and than we separato— Still miles apart. Emon L. Dean
We poets are (upon a poet's word) Of all mankind the creatures most absurd; The season when to come, and when to go, To sing, or cease to sing, we never know. Alexander Pope; Epilogue 13 t_h£ Satires. Dialogue _1_. Augsburg College, Vol. V, 1962 AULbBbRG CULLES; ARCHSVES
EDITOR‘S FOREWORD Arkai is a Greek word meaning first principles, beginnings, or authors. This aptly describes the efforts represented in this little magazine, in many ways. For some of the contributors it is the applying of their knowledge of the first principles of literary and creative writing... Show moreEDITOR‘S FOREWORD Arkai is a Greek word meaning first principles, beginnings, or authors. This aptly describes the efforts represented in this little magazine, in many ways. For some of the contributors it is the applying of their knowledge of the first principles of literary and creative writing, for others it is the beginnings of a literary career that will be their life, for all of the contributors it is the opportunity to wear the title of "author. " The members of this year's Writer's Club and all the other con- tributors to this year's 5% hope that our efforts may prove entertaining to you and also helpful, in time of indecision and temptation, in guiding you along the path of God's will. Preparing us, the students, for the Lord's service throughout our life is the greatest advantage that Augsburg gives to us and if we, the Writer's Club, have contributed to or furthered this aim in only a small way, we are humbly grateful. Ermon L. Deen Show less
THE SCHOOLHOUSE By the day I see the school Standing alone in its meadow of clover. Above it, the sky. Around it, the moldering earth Grown deep in f10wers and grass, asks, 'Why are you here ?' The steps, rotting and collapsing, Hold memories of the firm tread of teachers And shorter steps,... Show moreTHE SCHOOLHOUSE By the day I see the school Standing alone in its meadow of clover. Above it, the sky. Around it, the moldering earth Grown deep in f10wers and grass, asks, 'Why are you here ?' The steps, rotting and collapsing, Hold memories of the firm tread of teachers And shorter steps, Running, stomping, pattering amid shoves and pushes, They brought life between the dark walls, Into the room now musty and sad. The walls quietly watch each other And share their secret. The once—solid windows Now sit smashed and torn Looking out over the peeling grey of the decayed timber. The schoolhouse is silent. Only the wind whines through its walls; Only the birds sing, Echoing the songs now memories; Only the flies buzz indifferently Around the collapsed landing. But at night the schoolhouse Stirs in her bed Raises herself noiselessly Into the sky. Silently she disappears into the darkness. Where does she go? Sit with me at night And we shall see her flight When she drifts away to memories If you will listen carefully You will hear the whispers That fill her soul. Linda Hanwick Show less
BOUNDARIES I form boundaries; Set others in irrevocable forms, Label them, Conforming the individual to his group. I have already rated the group. My acceptance of the individual Rests on my approval of his class, Club, clique, church or color. Those with the temerity To belong to the wrong group... Show moreBOUNDARIES I form boundaries; Set others in irrevocable forms, Label them, Conforming the individual to his group. I have already rated the group. My acceptance of the individual Rests on my approval of his class, Club, clique, church or color. Those with the temerity To belong to the wrong group Disturb me: Many times they are too delightful! Boundaries help me to know the man-- Must they condemn him ? Gracia Grindal DEAR ALMIGHTY COD 0 Leader that led thy people through all the ages, 0 Lifter that lifted up the martyr's head, 0 Comforter of children and of sages, Lead on, lead on, as thou hast always led. Now once again for help that never faileth, I bring my grievous burden unto thee, Give me thy strength -- for nothing else availeth, Bless than my bowing head, my bending knee. Oh, that-I may rise and go forth from thine altar, To hear the load I could not bear before, With mind serene, with step that does not falter, Yes, knowing thy hand with open every door. Take all I have and mold me to thy will, This empty soul please lead to Calvary's hill. Bill Chartrand Show less
VIGILANCE Stiff Deformed Static Sticks and straw Stand guard in fields Where golden crops wait for fall Blank Stares Frighten Seeking Birds Away from fields To leave in peace autumn‘s yield; Lone Ragged Speechless Man of straw Remains in fields Unscarred, as harvest comes. Solrun Hoaas EVIDENCE... Show moreVIGILANCE Stiff Deformed Static Sticks and straw Stand guard in fields Where golden crops wait for fall Blank Stares Frighten Seeking Birds Away from fields To leave in peace autumn‘s yield; Lone Ragged Speechless Man of straw Remains in fields Unscarred, as harvest comes. Solrun Hoaas EVIDENCE FOR HOPE I think sometimes with wonder On the universe and all its miles And the thousand little isles Which lie somewhere yonder; Eternity of endless space Of rolling balls and shining suns Never-ending tons and tons Unseen by this our tiny race. Lest I think on death too often And my mind in fetters be Bound by doubts, uncertainty, Let me think on the Creator And doubt to hope enlighten. Harry T. Cleven Show less
THAT ISN'T IMPORTANT The telephone rang. Judy ran into the hall and picked up the phone. The clock at the end of the hall of the dormitory corridor said 8210. She hoped it was Jim. She closed her eyes tightly while she waited. She could picture him standing there in front of her as she had many... Show moreTHAT ISN'T IMPORTANT The telephone rang. Judy ran into the hall and picked up the phone. The clock at the end of the hall of the dormitory corridor said 8210. She hoped it was Jim. She closed her eyes tightly while she waited. She could picture him standing there in front of her as she had many times in the last few months. He had such curly brown hair and deep blue eyes. She was startled out of her dream by a voice speaking harshly. "Miss Judy Simpson. " "Yes. ll "Go ahead please. " "Hello. " Her heart leaped. Yes, it was Jim. She was so afraid he wouldn't call. After the accident that had happened only a few short months ago, she waited anxiously for each phone call. "Hello Jim. How are you?" "Just fine, Judy.‘ Say, could you possibly get out for a few minutes to- night? I have something very important to tell you. " l'I think so. Come in a few minutes. " She practically danced into her room. She told her roommates, happily, that Jim would come for her. Later, sitting in the car with him, she thought how glad she was that he cared enough to see her. "Judy ? ll "Yes ? ll "Judy, brace yourself. I love you and want to marry you. Can you find it in your heart to say yes ?" She gasped. This! This was happening -- to her. She couldn't believe it. "Jim, would you repeat that? " "Will you marry me ?" "Oh! Yes, Jim. But --?" "No 'buts. ' You're not to worry about that. Promise ?" "Yes. Oh, Jim. I love you so much. ” At last her dream would come true. Mrs. James Collins. The words had a lovely ring to them. She could almost see it written. But doubts still floated around in her sub-conscious. "If it only wasn't for that, " she thought. When Jim walked her up to her dorm later, he looked up and saw the name of the building. Fair Cities School for the Blind, Girls' Residence. He looked fondly at Judy. "It doesn't matter at all. " "What?" she asked him. "Nothing. It isn't important. " Larayne Graham Show less
The black turmoil of angry clouds above; A rough disturbing turbulance in space, Peace destroying; yet, awe-provoking rove 01" mass and power, in gigantic race. The grey and lifeless stratus clouds lie low, As dimming brilliance, slewing pace of all And calming restless hearts, in peace can flow.... Show moreThe black turmoil of angry clouds above; A rough disturbing turbulance in space, Peace destroying; yet, awe-provoking rove 01" mass and power, in gigantic race. The grey and lifeless stratus clouds lie low, As dimming brilliance, slewing pace of all And calming restless hearts, in peace can flow. While soul is stilled the beauty sounds her call. The white and wispy cotton puffs go free, The stars at night and gentle breeze at day, The bright and cheery sparkle, gaiety. To zest of life they bid us, "Come and play. " Do not just the happy ones alone Enjoy; add, deeply rich, the dark ones too. Sharon R. Bergstrom ONE LITTLE WOMAN Two little hands that pray each night Two little knees that bend One little heart that pours its love In prayer that knows no end. Two little eyes that always know Two little ears that hear One little voice that prays and tells My son you must not fear. One little woman serving God With all she has to give Never holding one thing back And knows just how to live. These little hands and these little knees And this little heart of love With these little eyes and ears and voice Serves her King above. Jesus knows you and your faith He knows just what you've done And so do I, my mother dear; I’m proud to be your son. Raul Anthony Jackson Show less
POSEIDON I come from the sea, The living ominous deep. A sea alive with creatures. Swarming and seething, Through liquid paths they pass, Slipping and gliding, shimmering. Deadly and harmless, together W They cover my abode. 2% Barbara Johnson‘\ ‘ I , eg/ \—
CONTRITION Cry a little, sinner. Tears never hurt after the first sting. Cry and let your sins Turn into water and flow away With the eternal flood. Cry— No one will see behind your c105ed door. Cry and let your hands cup your face And catch your sorrow. Maybe—- Through your tears- You'll see a... Show moreCONTRITION Cry a little, sinner. Tears never hurt after the first sting. Cry and let your sins Turn into water and flow away With the eternal flood. Cry— No one will see behind your c105ed door. Cry and let your hands cup your face And catch your sorrow. Maybe—- Through your tears- You'll see a light And it will grow brighter and well up Into abrilliance of splendor Illuminating your face, your heart, Your soul. Then, sinner, You will be free from pain. You‘ll stand and shout your joy. You‘ll let your voice sing praise. The tears will come again out of ecstasy And peace. Cry, sinner, And let your heart Melt In His forgiveness. Linda Hanwick 11 Show less
SHADOWS Who are they That give life to the silence Of this small—town? Who are they That speak into the soggy walls Of the old houses lining the breathless streets ? Their faces melt into one, Behind the yellowed lace around the windows. Their voices are hidden in the grey Of the shadows Who are... Show moreSHADOWS Who are they That give life to the silence Of this small—town? Who are they That speak into the soggy walls Of the old houses lining the breathless streets ? Their faces melt into one, Behind the yellowed lace around the windows. Their voices are hidden in the grey Of the shadows Who are they. . . ? Who are they That move invisibly through the shaded streets? Their footsteps echo hollowly Across the cracked slabs of sidewalk, Across the beaten earth of the road. Their whispered voices seldom dampen the air Shrouding their thin forms. Whose feet have trodden the path Across the grass lawn? Whose hand has touched and opened the peeling door? (That curtain fluttered in the silent breeze. . .) The whispers I feel Sigh stronger in the evening winds. And the eyes f0110w me As my feet echo loudly Against the sagging porches. Lining these streets of silence. Linda Hanwick 12 Show less
SENIOR YEAR FRUSTRATION: A NEW LIFE NOW? Jane was in high school, her senior year to be exact. She had been look— ing forward to this year for many years and now it had arrived. A few weeks after school had begun, Jane began to let things slide. Her homework was never done anymore, outside... Show moreSENIOR YEAR FRUSTRATION: A NEW LIFE NOW? Jane was in high school, her senior year to be exact. She had been look— ing forward to this year for many years and now it had arrived. A few weeks after school had begun, Jane began to let things slide. Her homework was never done anymore, outside activities did not interest her in the least. Her mother thought it strange to see such a usually energetic girl sitting at home all the time. Many of her friends would call and want Jane to join them, but she always had an excuse so she would not have to go. Noticing this, her mother began to wonder if something was physically wrong. She ruled this out, however, because Jane had had a physical one month before school started. Her parents talked about it and decided that it must be some "teenage phase" she was going through. It was nothing to be- come alarmed about. All parents had these to figure out in their children. Jane continued in school with her grades continually getting worse instead of better. She was always tired. It was difficult for her to move from class to class. Climbing three flights of stairs was a real chore for her and seemed to take an eternity. Her attention span was short and she was very restless in class. Nothing held her interest anymore. The things she craved most were cold, cold water and sleep. Of course, many people had various cures for her ailments but none of these worked. Many said, "She should be taking vitamins. If she would get some fresh air and sunshine, she would be better off too. " One day she came down with one of those "fall colds. " This was then thought to be her major problem. "As soon as she gets rid of this cold every- thing will be fine, " was the opinion of many. This opinion did not last long because Jane's cold did not get better, but worse. Her mother, realizing something was radically wrong and not caring when Jane had had her last physical, called the doctor. A day later Jane was sitting in the waiting room of the clinic, half asleep. Her mother sat with an anxious expression, glancing often at her daughter. Jane‘s name was finally called. She wearily got up and walked into the exam- ination room. First she was weighed and was found to have lost thirty pounds in two months. Then various tests were given to her. She was then told to go home and to come back the next morning without breakfast for a sugar- blood test. This was a fine suggestion to Jane because she could not wait to get back to bed and to sleep. In the doctor's office the next monring, Jane found that she had an in- curable disease. Jane was a diabetic. She would be able to live with it and keep it controlled if she would take care of herself. No more could she en- joy those many sweet delights. Besides not being, able to eat many of her favorite foods, Jane had to orientate herself to the idea of giving herself injections of insulin. This was the one thing that bothered her the most. How would she ever jab that horrid needle into her skin? 13 Show less
At three o'clock of that afternoon, Jane was admitted to the hospital where she stayed nine days, during which time she learned many things con- cerning her disease. One of the first things she began to practice was that of giving an orange an injection of sterile water. This was in preparation... Show moreAt three o'clock of that afternoon, Jane was admitted to the hospital where she stayed nine days, during which time she learned many things con- cerning her disease. One of the first things she began to practice was that of giving an orange an injection of sterile water. This was in preparation for that future day in which she would first inject herself with insulin. The doctor told her that when she was able to give herself her shot she would be able to go home. For three days the nurse watched her go through the prep- arations of giving an injection: sterilization, filling the syringe with insulin, and finding a place to give the shot. Then came the hardest part of plunging the needle into the skin. Many times she would get the needle close to the skin. Her hand would be shaking like a leaf. The nurse would casually say, "Just a little farther and you will be in. " Then she would give up. After a few days of this, Jane was sick of her hospital room and did eventually make the courageous "sta . " She was released from the hospital at noon that day to begin a new and different life. It was at first hard for her to remember what she could eat and could not eat but she struggled with her diet and today eats better than many normal people. Jane will always have to take insulin and be on her diet the rest of her life; but when she is tempted to complain she often says, "What if I didn't have insulin?" Nancy Johnson A MIGHTY THANKS As twilight spreads its misty veil o'er all O'er peaceful slumbering lake before the night, Far -distant echoes of a blackbird call I hear; and mallards quacking in their flight. The fiery, blazing sphere is gone to lie Behind a vague and hazy row of pines; I gaze through fading hues of paling sky As crimson tints caress all the narrow lines. A cricket sends through me with simple talk A chill to make thoughts wonder aimlessly. I feel the might around me as I walk; The feeling - passes on eternally: I hope that peace will be throughout the land. I thank Him for the peace where now I stand. Gary Ellis 14 Show less
