GEEK AND MD 1119 fifth floor of the faded brown apartment building was heavy with the odors of Irish, Italian, and German evening meals. For Johnny Hanan this was hana. He had been born on the fifth floor in the faded building in a cheap bed, the youngest of seven children. There was no doctor,... Show moreGEEK AND MD 1119 fifth floor of the faded brown apartment building was heavy with the odors of Irish, Italian, and German evening meals. For Johnny Hanan this was hana. He had been born on the fifth floor in the faded building in a cheap bed, the youngest of seven children. There was no doctor, only Mrs. Leyla Marie Hayward, who acted as mid-wife and doctor that night. Across the hall from the Roman‘s that same night another child was born, Marlayna Wickmsnn, more fortunate than Johnny, for she was an only child. Like Johnny, Marley-ha was oblivious to the cold harshness of their tarnished world. This was fifteen years ago. Now Johnny Roman was a proud fifteen, too proud to be doing this task his mother had sent him to do. For the previous fifteen years his mother, Martha Roman, had made the monthly journey into the outside world to collect the Welfare check. Now it was her son's turn to go. Johnny approached the modern office building slowly and hesitant- ly. The aluminum easements reflected the sun's golden rays, and the pale green window glass revealed a richness of life, with soft carpets and modern gadgets. It was a new world. It scared Johnny. In all his fifteen years, he had never realized that a different world lay within his reach, nor had he known that the woman who delivered him in that crowded and cold room lived in this world of untamished green and gold. As Johnny entered Mrs. Hayward's office, she rose to her feet. "Gene in, come in, Johnny. You do want me to call you Johnny?" "Yes." Wow! What an office—4nd I have to ask for money, Johnny said to himself. 26 Show less
"Close the door and please be seated." He closed the door and took a chair as far from her as was pos- sible. “You're Martha Roman's boy, aren't you? My, how you have grown since I last visited your mother! How is she?" "Fine, just fine. . .ll Maybe he should tell her the truth, for his mother... Show more"Close the door and please be seated." He closed the door and took a chair as far from her as was pos- sible. “You're Martha Roman's boy, aren't you? My, how you have grown since I last visited your mother! How is she?" "Fine, just fine. . .ll Maybe he should tell her the truth, for his mother was actually sick. Oh, well, she probably knew about every- thing anyway, he thought. "And how is your father?" What a strange and different boy, she thought. The Roman family is unusually aggressive. "The same as ever. Nothin' changes in my part of town. You know that.“ "What I meant was how is his health?“ "All right, I'd guess. Don't see much of the old boy. He don't come home much now that Maw isn't feeling her best and since Hemv got mixed up with the cops." "Hem mixed up with the police? When?" “Last month it was-for stealin' or somethin'. He'd gotten thrown in the can, too, if Mom hadn't been sick and pleaded with the cops to let Hem go. I thought you'd heard about that." ''No, I hadn't, but lately things have been so busy around here, I probably just forgot. See that file cabinet? It's full of names and reports." When she had given him the check, Johnrw left. As he walked away ban the modern office building, his grim world came back with its dilh ty streets, tin cans, and rotten smells. What a vile place it was. From the windows, not pale green, but dirty yellow, hung wet clothes flapping listlessly in the wind. Dirty little faces looked up at him 27 Show less
as he walked down the street of his world. He dared not look back, for to look back would mean seeing once again that wonderful. mrld in which he had no part. Today, he had entered it—he had come face to face with his dream, and it had scared him. Cltrtching the check frcm the Social welfare... Show moreas he walked down the street of his world. He dared not look back, for to look back would mean seeing once again that wonderful. mrld in which he had no part. Today, he had entered it—he had come face to face with his dream, and it had scared him. Cltrtching the check frcm the Social welfare Agency, he ran up two flights of stairs, and walked the remaining three. Martha Roman stood in the doorway waiting for her son. I'What the hell took you so long? Can't buy amthin' worth while now at the store. Give me the check!“ she shouted at him. Johnxw extended his hand as his mother snapped up the piece of yellow paper. "Only seventy this month, the cheap bastards." She stepped back into the two-roan apartnent, closing the door loudly behind her. Johnny stood for a moment staring at the door, the gray and ugly door which separated him from the world of his dreams...a cat cried , a baby cried as the odors of stew, wine, and beer drifted past him. He clung desperately to the van and sweet fragrance of Mrs. Hayward's office. Turning back towards the stairs, Johnny thought of homing the damned place down. The smell, the cat, the baby—all of it. Seen the hallway was filled with the shri‘lls and screams of his world. What a hell of a place to live in and die in. Johnny laughed to himself and walked up the steps leading to his favorite hide-out—the roof of the building. Marlayna was up on the roof waiting for Johnny—her Johnny. It was night, and the stars blazed in all their glory above her. She was waiting for the only love she knew. But no one could really ever have Johnny. His life belonged sanewhere else, in another world and in another time. m Show less
"Johmv, is that you? Please don't play games with me. Johnny!" "Scare you, pet?" "Yes, you did," Marlayna said. "You are always doing that. Why?" "Just to be different. Heck, things are always the same around here. We don't change. Every night we meet up here.” Marlayna stood silent for a moment,... Show more"Johmv, is that you? Please don't play games with me. Johnny!" "Scare you, pet?" "Yes, you did," Marlayna said. "You are always doing that. Why?" "Just to be different. Heck, things are always the same around here. We don't change. Every night we meet up here.” Marlayna stood silent for a moment, staring out into the blackness and emptiness. It was her world and would always be her world even if Johnmr didn't know it or accept it. Johnmr's dream was up there with the stars, and just as far away and unattainable as those very same stars. Johnny put his arm around her waist. "Give you a penrgr for your thoughts." "Johnny, the night is so beautiful. I wish the sun would never come up and we could live forever like this." "I love you, Marlayna," Johnny spoke softly, kissing her lips firmly and passionately. A fire of passion raced through her for a moment. "Don't say that, Johmv, we. . ." Her words were drowned in her throat as he cov- ered her mouth with his and pulled her against him. 'Marlayna, you are all that is beautiful in this world. _ Like a thousand diamonds, the stars play in your hair." "Johnmr, Johnny, you are the very best and I want you until it hurts, but I know I shall never have you.’I "What are you talking about? You are here, and I love you." '’I know, Johnny, but it's better that we love each other in anoth- er time and place than destroy ourselves here and now, when every- thing is so imperfect.u "Imperfect! . . . Marlayna, you're as crazy as that falling star." 29 Show less
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/ \—
