La Rochelle 2020

BUDDING AUTHORS 

Carving Riverbeds, More networks That run dry With dead life Like the moon, Crooked smile Like the wind,

“Sophie, I don’t think that that is the best idea. I think that these figures…” “Shadow figures,” I interrupted. “I think that these shadow figures are just a figment of your imagination.” “What do you mean?” “These shadow figures are just in your mind, Sophie.” I felt the familiar paranoia and anxiety rising. The words echoed in my mind, like the echoes against chasm walls, hurting me. Stabbing me with their cruel, cutting fingers. “Stop!” I screamed, pushing all the stale, poisonous air from my lungs, “Stop! They told me that you would say that. They warned me not to listen to you!” “Who, Sophie, who told you?” the woman asked, surprisingly calm for the situation. “Them!” I shouted, pointing a quivering finger at the nearest shadow figure. Its dark silhouette pulsing demonically, as it began edging towards the door… I stand firmly by my decision to shoot at it. Sure, I missed the target, but that is not the point. As the friendly

Whispers I’m okay To the reflection In the scarlet puddle On the cold stone floor. ISABELLA COLATRUGLIO – GRADE 10

TO BE A MATRICULANT IN 2020 (Avanti) In January 2020, we as a matric group, had high expectations for a superb matric year. The thought of glamorous matric ball gowns, grand parties with friends celebrating 18 th birthdays and every other event associated with matric, clouded our vision. When the tragedy of the Covid-19 Pandemic struck Paarl,

painting clattered to the floor, its glass shattering, sending glittering splinters across the polka dot carpet, I gave a wry smile. I know that I did the right thing, and nothing that anybody says will make me think otherwise. Not the weekly therapy – with a new

BUDDING AUTHORS

these long-anticipated high school dreams were promptly dashed. As matrics we were deeply saddened by the thought that we would never experience

therapist – not the pills to treat the mental disorders that I am told I have. Nothing. I stand firmly by my decision to shoot at it. (Mental illness is no joke.) ISABELLA COLATRUGLIO – GRADE 10

the traditional La Rochelle matric year. It certainly took a long time to accept this new reality and several important lessons have been learnt along the way. We have definitely learned to appreciate the value

of an educator and being able to sit in a class and being taught. Although circumstances are less than ideal, we have come to a point where we understand that the safety, not only of ourselves, but that of our families and peers comes first. Uppermost in our minds has also been that which we have been working towards for twelve years: being able to complete our final year of school in the new abnormal ‘normal’. Even though it seems as though a great deal has been lost in this topsy turvy year, we need to remain grateful and mindful that we still have our lives and our loved ones close to us. A rich future filled with many wonderful adventures, opportunities and moments of being together is certainly worth sacrificing one year of struggles and unmet expectations.

SOLITUDE Salted, crystal Life source Bringing life To dry riverbeds That form the networks Across rose-hued Surfaces Life source Dripping from Pointed cliff edge Like a trickling Waterfall Down eroded

Permanent stone Onto intertwined Oak roots Shaped like the fingers That clutch The silver blade Bloodstained. Broken.

We truly appreciate our educators and our principal for tirelessly working to ensure that we are always up to date with our schoolwork and are able to feel safe in our school. We pray that soon this time too shall pass and a new day may dawn. Psalm 46:1-2 reminds us so beautifully that “ God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear.” LAYLA TRACI VAN SITTERS – GRADE 12

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