La Rochelle Yearbook 2024

BUDDING AUTHORS

many times since her arrival on the second floor. Perhaps she is clutching onto something else entirely? The breeze is chillier above ground. The winter cold is protected by the warmth of the residence on the third floor. From here I can see the now flooded Checkers parking lot and can hear the subtle cries of a baby. Her hair peeks through the window and an arm wraps around her back. An act of comfort or protection, I’m not sure. She holds her baby tight and sways it with determination and elegance. I am wiping down the windowpanes in unison, but the cold numbs my fingers, and the trail of rain droplets guides me to warmth. I flick on the ceiling light, and my single bed, scattered clothes and mini stove are dimly illuminated. The rhythmic steps from one, two, three stories above me echo through the ceiling, muffling the cries of a cold, nagging baby. Leaning back, surrounded by the foul stench of waste, I can see her sitting on her balcony. She is alone in the penthouse, which unofficially forms of its own. She’s perched so high that she can see the subtle yellows and oranges that rise from behind the mountain. She can hear the industrial trucks zoom past, the blue font too far to recognise. Her movements are slow, every change in position as heavy as bricks. I recognise her movements on my own. Lamees Dulvie – Grade 11 “Melancholic beauty” In the depths of human emotion, a paradoxical longing lingers- the desire to be sad. Like a melancholic whisper, it beckons us to surrender to sorrow’s dark allure. This enigmatic yearning is a mysterious and bittersweet embrace, a search for meaning in the shadows of our souls and a fascination with the tragic beauty of melancholy. Like a moth to the flame, we are drawn to the sombre hues of sorrow, finding solace in the depths of our own despair. Melancholy’s mystique lies in its ability to strip away the facade of happiness, revealing the raw, unbridled truth of our existence. In the silence of our sorrows, we find a strange, quiet comfort- a sense of authenticity that eludes us in the din of daily life. Our hearts resonate with the sombre harmony of the universe, echoing the whispers of our own mortality. And so, we embrace the sadness, letting it seep into our bones like a winter’s chill, for in its darkness lies a strange, solacing beauty that makes our existence more precious. Melancholy becomes a siren’s call of despondency, beckoning us to surrender to the darkness within. We find meaning in the shadows, for it is there that we confront the fragility of our lives. Our sorrow is a testament to our capacity to love, lose, and endure — a reminder that our lives are but a fleeting whisper in the winds of time. “Memento mori.” Remember death. The verity of death is what gives life meaning. To love, learn, and live is a temporary state of being. In melancholy’s embrace, we discover the beauty of vulnerability, the strength that lies in surrendering to our true emotions. Our tears become the canvas of our souls, painting a picture of our deepest fears, our most profound loves, and most haunting regrets. We find solace in the knowledge that we are not alone in our pain, that others have walked the same path and emerged on the other side, scarred but radiant. Our desire to be sad is a search and longing for connection, a yearning to transcend the superficiality of our lives. In the depths of our sorrows, we find a flicker of hope, a reminder that even in the darkest of moments, there is always the promise of transformation, always the possibility of rebirth. For in the tragic beauty of melancholy, we discover the resilience of the human spirit -the gift to find meaning in the shadows and the strength to emerge, scarred but radiant, into the light. Larike Schmidt – Grade 11

Society has become so unempathetic that we question and overthink the genuine kindness of strangers, assuming they want something in return. We have lost our shalom as time has passed, and without it, there is no hope to restore and rebuild the severe destruction that we have caused. The lack of shalom in the world has led to the depressed and anxious setting that we are internally drowning in. Every second, every minute, every hour from Monday to Sunday, we pass through life meaninglessly because we have lost our sense of shalom. Shalom is strong it holds the power to reconcile broken relationships and flourish communities

In Jewish culture, “shalom” is not a passive state but an active pursuit to compassion, love and divine order Shalom is woven into the hearts of every soul. Shalom is an ongoing process of “tikkum olam”, which means the healing of the world

Let us strive to sow seeds of peace wherever we go to achieve the promise that shalom will transform our tainted hearts to gold and every corner of the world will flow with ever-lasting waters of

tranquillity and harmony Leah Johnson – Grade 10

Filling the Blank Spaces In the midst of the Mother City, where bright neon lights and the roaring crowds brought the streets to life, there was an unusual shift in the atmosphere. As the sun set below the horizon, darkness descended upon the city. The entire city was struck by a blackout, where the absence of light stirred a combination of fear, curiosity and intrigue. At first, Capetonians stumbled through the unfamiliar streets, their footsteps cautious and uncertain. The once vibrant streets were covered in a spooky silence, broken only by the distant melody of generators and the whispers of anxious voices. Yet, the darkness held a certain attraction, a mysterious call to explore the unknown. As the night progressed, the city transformed into an expectant canvas waiting to be painted with the imagination of the people. Street artists and vocalists emerged from the shadows, equipped with extraordinary voices, bright paint and brushes. On the faded walls, they sketched stories of Ubuntu, hope, faith, and unity. Their marks brought colour to the darkness, a breathtaking exhibit that captured the hearts of all those who witnessed it. Meanwhile, in the heart of Cape Town, a group of musicians gathered in a dimly-lit room. With their instruments in hand, they began to play in perfect harmony with melodies rising. The absence of light only enhanced their senses, allowing them to wholeheartedly feel the music flowing through their veins. The symphony of African sounds echoed through the city, filling the empty spaces left by the vanished lights. In the midst of this blackout, families discovered the beauty of connection and quality time. People became companions as they navigated the dark together, relying on their senses, instincts and trust. Conversations bloomed as the absence of everyday distractions allowed for a deeper level of engagement and reflection. In a world that had become so consumed by screens and electronic equipment, the blackout became a flourishing improvement for genuine connections and shared experiences. As the night came to an end, the first few signs of dawn began to emerge on the spectacular horizon. The city systematically awakened from its temporary drowse, the lights flickering back to life one by one. But the impact of the blackout existed in the hearts and minds of the people. It served as an important reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimpse of light just waiting to be found. The blackout was not just a disruption but a life-changing experience. It taught the city to embrace the challenges, to make the most out of every moment, to dance in its dar kness and find beauty where it was empty. Maxine Mckenzie – Grade 12

A call for peace “Shalom” is a Hebrew word meaning peace

But at its very core, shalom isn’t the absence of conflict. It is a state of being your mind, soul and body united in tranquillity and harmony. Shalom is the very essence of humility Shalom sets you apart from an arrogant and egotistical mindset that has become so dominant in the heartless world we live in today

Hoër Meisieskool La Rochelle | Girls’ High School | 37