c’est la vie

C’est La VieThis is a literary magazine written for an by the students and staff of Richardson Middle School in Torrance, California. This work is original and has not been published before to the advisor’s knowledge. If you are interested in submitting short stories, poetry, artwork, and/or digital pictures for consideration in the next C’est La Vie, please email them to [email protected] with your name and grade.

Student writers, poets, artists and photographers will vary issue to issue.

If you have questions, please contact Leslie Bezich, Advisor.

mailto:[email protected]

PoetryWe don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.

Dead Poet's Society

HaikusCampfire

Fire sings stories

Of shadowed hearts and bright dreams

Till the one song ends

-Holly V.

Birthday

Get gifts and treasures

Time is here that you’ve been born

Balloons and party

-Brianna M.

Untitled

Sun through my window

Except when it it raining

I hate days like this.

-Josh B.

Stars

Shining glistening

Bright sparkles in the night sky

Miracles up high.

-Madeline M.

Flowers

Beautiful flowers

Blossom in the spring

Always to give joy

-Jamee C.

Grandma

Always understands

The person I love the most

Always cares for me.

-Rachel G.

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Birds can fly up high

Soaring through the moonlight sky

They fly high and low

-Kira B.

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Singing along with

The radio that’s booming

I feel happy now

-Nicky Lee

Basketball

Players run down fast

Dribbling to take the shot

Swoosh, as it goes through

-Kenneth L.

Haikus Continued

Untitled

Late nights, baggy eyes

Midday naps during class time

Life of a student.

-Jin Y.

Writing a Haiku

I do not know how

But I will write a Haiku

It will be awesome.

-George S.

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Surfing is awesome

Bananas are on my board

The waves are very fun.

-Stephen K.

New Years

The sun is settingIt’s the last day of the year

New Year is coming.

-Rachel B.

Random

I like the Lakers.I like to eat Nutella.Ramen is awesome.-Gabriel H.

The Graveyard

Green and red collideThe Dark Lord in the graveyardHe and Harry tie.-Michael S.

Hurricane

The forest swayingThe trees shaking in the fierce windThe hurricane comes.-Cody P.

Feel The Movement

Hands up in the airThe beat is with every stepA strong feel for dance-Annaliese S.

Doctors

Doctors are scaryThey threaten me with needlesMy blood draws slowly-Erik C.

Katana

The Katana swordIt is beautiful and coolBut deadly and sharp-Fergus L.

Books

Performing magicI pretend to be HarryAttending Hogwarts-Taylor J.

End

Depression is hereAll the tears and all the fearsNever should it end-Jamie M.

Reading

To read is to liveYou can read an adventureIt us worth your time.-Brandon A.

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Going to schoolWorking hard on all my workGoing home after-Kian Z.

Haiku Continued

A Tout le Monde

On the morrow’s wakePray tell. My soul you shall takeJe dois partir-Josh M.

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Soft and cuddlyIt protects me from dangerMy Super Cooper-Taylor B.

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Friends are lovelyThey are always there for youTill the end of time-Alexis M.

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Music tells storiesYou’ll get them if you listenThey will change your life.-Sarah B.

Water Park

The blue water flows,Down the rigid and fun streamHello water park.-Jordan B.

Bacon

Very good indeedSizzles in the pan, yummyIt’s very crispy.

-Nick G.

Haiku

Five syllables firstSeven syllables are nextThen five come again.

-Julia R.

Friends

Friends are always thereIn those nights of deep despairAlways by your side.

-Kencey C.The only problemwith Haiku is that you justget started and then~Roger McGough

Friends

My friends are all nice

We laugh, we play, and we sing

We are all great friends.

-Madison R.

Reading

Open up a book

The words leap off the pages

Flowing to my brain.

-Erika Y.

Grass

The grass is light green

So green it looked very nice

With pretty colors.

-Prerana R.

AcrosticsEstelle

EpicSisterTo EverybodyLoves her cats and kittensLove tigers like meEnthusiastic girl

-Holly V.

Karen

Knows everythingArtistically giftedRavishingly beautifulEveryone is put before herNever stops giving

-Devin F.

Brandi Is Nice

Brown and whiteA small tailNot a big dogDoes not like mailmenIs too loud at nightTakes on big dogs

Is smaller than catsSmall but speedy

Nibbles on your fingersIs grumpy sometimesCates are his only friendsExtremely cute

-Justis B.

Dance

DaringArabesqueNever leaves the stage without leaving an impressionChoreographyEnjoys performing on the stage

-Miah K.

Trajan

TrustworthyReadingA music loverJokes are a favoriteAmbitiousNoble

-Trajan M.

Maheen

Makes food once in a whileAwesome at playing handballHappy most of the timeExcited to have a partyEntertained by comedy showsNice to people.

-Maheen R.I've written some poetry I don't understand myself. ~Carl Sandburg

Ricardo

Ricardo

Intimate

Creative

Husky

Awesome

Richardo

Dangerous

-Ricardo S.

Diamantes

MustafaFunny, sport

Basketball, softball, baseballMike Lowery

Racing sitting, talkingLover, playing

Party -Mustafa A.

ParkerFunny, crazy

Shopping, laughing, talkingRomeo, Juliet

Buying, eating, bikingText, weird

Parky

-Parker C.

MonstersCreepy, ugly

Hiding, stalking, lurkingWerewolves, mummies, zombies,

vampiresChasing, eating, drinking

Creatures

-Shane W.

You don't have to suffer to be a poet. Adolescence is enough suffering for anyone. ~John Ciardi, Simmons Review, Fall 1962

Heidi

Fun, lover

Reading, hanging, swimming

Sister, teammate, student

Super cool, awesome

Hi Hi

-Heidi G.

I Used To…

I used to dream about growing up, But now I am grown up.

I used to watch people play basketball,But now I play myself.

I used to beg to quit piano,But now I love to play.

I used to eat whatever I wanted,But now I’m more careful.

I used to be the youngest, But now I’m the middle child.

I used to love TV,But now I love books.

I used to be inexperienced,But now I know more.

I used to be a child,But now I’m a young adult.

-Julia H.

I used to like Modern Warfare 3But now I like Modern Warfare 2.

I used to be my father’s only son,But now I have a brother.

I used to hate alpacas,But now I think they’re alright.

I used to enjoy Social Studies,But now it’s such a bore.

I used to like Pepsi,But now it’s all about Coke.

I used to get scared at night,But now I turn the lights off.

I used to play soccer,But now I do Tai Kwon Do.

I used to procrastinate,

But now I’m on top of everything.-Kevin J.

I used to be a baby,But now I am a teen.

I used to not like tomatoes,But now I eat them.

I used to wear diapers,But now I’m potty-trained.

I used to hate vegetables, But now they taste good.

I used to be scared of the dark,But now I’m not.

I used to get sea-sickBut now I work on a boat.

I used to hate reading,But now I have to.

I used to love video games, But now I play sports.

-Sam S.

I Used To… Continued

I Used to be shy,But now I’m outgoing.

I used to hate clothes,But now I love fashion.

I used to be scared of roller coasters,But now I ride them every chance I get.

I used to wear glasses,But now I have contacts.

I used to be crazy,But now I’m calmer.

I used to have no friends,But now I have many.

I used to be flexible,But now I’m stiff.

I used to be weird,But now I’m a little less weird…sort of.

-Margaret J.

I used to be two fee tall,But now I am five foot eight inches

I used to not care about my future,But now I am serious about my career.

I used to play football,But now I love and play basketball.

I used to be a baby, But now I am a teenager.

I used to listen to classical,But now I listen to Hip Hop.

I used to crawl,But now I run.

I used to have Dad,But now he lives somewhere else.

I used to fear my dreams, But now I cherish them.

-Greg B.

I used to think boys had cooties,But now they are my best friends.

I used to hate school,But now it’s my second home.

I used to love Big Time Rush,But now I love One Direction.

I used to hate to read,But now I can’t put down the book.

I used to hate to wear bracelets,But now they are my lucky charms.

I used to think planking was student,But now I eat, smell, breathe planking.

I use to only eat carrots,But now I eat carrots and lettuce.

- Karin S.


I used to do different kinds of dance,But now I play the clarinet.

I used to love homework,But now I don’t like it.

I used to be quiet around my friends,But now I am very loud to them.

I used to play tetherball,But now I like to hang out with my friends.

I used to wear Justice clothes,But now I wear Hollister clothes.

I used to read a lot of books,But now I don’t read that much.

I used to get injured a lot,But now I am careful.

-Alicia W.

I used to eat Mcdonald’s,But now I eat Subway.

I used to play soccer,But now I play baseball.

I used to like Disney Channel,But now I like MTV and Comedy Central.

I used to surf, But now I boogey board.

I used to hate my baseball team,But now I love my team.

I used to take naps,But now I just sleep.

I used to scooter,But now I bike.

I used to play video games, But now I get out of the house.

-Daniel H.

I used to be a kid,But now I’m a teenager.

I used to be afraid of roller coasters,But now I love them.

I used to dislike going to school,But now it’s not so bad.

I used to not like the color blue,But now my room is the color blue.

I used to like Baskin Robbins 31 Flavors,But now I like Yogurtland.

I used to love Coke,But now not a s much.

I used to dislike belts,But now they are one of my favorite accessories.

I used to hate wearing jeans,But now I like them.

-Jaslyn M.


I used to be a baby,But now I am a kid.

I used to shop at Justice,But now I shop at Hollister.

I used to play dress-up,But now I just go shopping.

I used to like Pinkberry,But now I love Get Shaved.

I used to hate oral presentations,But now I speak clearly.

I used to play Angry Birds,But now I play Temple Run.

I used to drink apple juice,But now I drink Capri Sun.

I used to read Junie B. Jones,But now I read Twilight series.

-Bianca P.

I used to hate school,

But now I enjoy it more.

I used to hate reading,

But now I can’t get enough.

I used to go to Riviera,

But now I go to Richardson.

I used to like chicken,

But now I like turkey.

I used to like cats,

But now I like dogs.

I used to hate swimming,

But now I am the best.

I used to have 3.5,

But now I almost have a 4.0.

I used to like Yogurtland,

But now I like Starbucks.

-Eric H.

Bio Poems

KateDetermined, creative, and enthusiastic

Loves parents, sisters, teddy, and ElliottFeels eager to learn more dance, to grow as an individual, and to finally be able to whistle

Who needs the company of her own home, company, and frozen yogurtWho gives time for perfection, to always have a clean room, and to explore at least once a day

Who fears high school, college, and not knowing what is coming nextWho would like to see what life is like as an adult and all animals having a home

Who share love toward her family, dogs and may othersWho is a student, dancer dreamer, and perfectionist

Who is a resident of Torrance, CAH

JustinFunny, active, and positive

Brother of BlaiseLoves scootering, dogs and the beach

Feels sorry for starving children, the homeless, and the needyWho needs fresh air every day, to be active, ad always has to have friends

Who gives people advice, money and the truthWho fears sharks, injuries, and the world ending

Who would like to see Michael Jordan’s house, the Empire State Building, and the Eiffel TowerWho shares advice, food and resources

Who is a resident of Torrance, CAB

Bio Poems Continued

JasperFunny, Korean, Juggernaut

Son of Jun and AnesLoves God, games and peace

Feels like a Juggernaut, of a Ninja, or a terminatorWho needs to play games, hang out with friend and Korean BBQWho give friendship to friends, money to charity and food to pets

Who fears wars, drugs, and fightsWho would like to see movies every day, games super league, and soccer games

Who share experiences, games and lovesWho is a student of RMS

Who is a resident of TorranceL

IanDetermined, focused, smart

Loves basketball, nuggets, donkeyFeels basketball should be on every channel, cows should be pets along with donkeys

Who needs to watch NBA 24/7, ranch with fries, Diet CokeWho gives 100% in basketball, money to homeless, and those less fortunate

Who fears donkeys invading, polar bear, dyingWho would like to see Kobe get the MVP, Lakers win 60 games, LA getting to Championship

Who shares the ball, his Xbox, and nuggetsWho is awesome, a ballerWho is amazing, a gamer

H

Bio Poems Continued

CindyFunny, prepared, happy

Daughter of Nelson and DoraLoves mom, dad, and rice

Feels joyful, sleepy, and hungryWho needs to get taller, braces, and swim more

Who gives presents to people on special occasions, laughter, and smilesWho fears cold-hearted people, rats, and spiders

Who likes to see myself getting good grade, get into a good college, and be a good doctorWho hates mean people, evil people, and scorpions

Who is a swimmer, middle school student and a sleeperWho is a resident of Torrance

C

If I Were In Charge Of The World (Imitations of Judith Viorst’s Poem)

If I were in charge of the worldI’d get rid of knivesDrink shakes during every mealHave ice shops in every school

If I were in charge of the worldThere’d be no warNever any homeworkNo need to cry

If I were in charge of the worldYou wouldn’t have to pay to go to the moviesYou wouldn’t have to make your bedYou wouldn’t have to pay for clothesOr have to watch commercials

If I were in charge of the worldEveryone would have a homeAnd no one would starveA person with a fear of spiders And annoyed by small noisesWill still be allowed to be In charge of the world.

-Aly L.

If I were in charge of the worldI’d flood the streets and paddle everywhereOwn every supercar,Own every sports car.

If I were in charge of the worldThere’d be no Priuses,No school on Mondays,No mean teachers.

If I were in charge of the worldYou wouldn’t die,You wouldn’t starve,You wouldn’t cause pollution,Or have different languages.If I were in charge of the world.

-Bram S.

If I were in charge of the worldI’d build swimming pools in every backyard,Make cards for every worker so everything is free,And ban spinach

If I were in charge of the world There’d be no wars in any country,All terrorists would be executed,And every prisoner that is guilty of major charge would die.

If I were in charge of the worldYou wouldn’t have to brush your teeth,You wouldn’t have to clean your room,You r wouldn’t lug a heavy backpack, Or clean the dishes.If I were in charge of the world.

-Chris B.

If I Were In Charge Of The World… Continued

If I were in charge of the worldI’d let things beI’d let the people decide what’s right and what’s wrongI wouldn’t want to get in anybody’s way

If I were in charge of the worldThere’d be true love, like in fairy talesAnd fairness And everyone would be equal and loyal

If I were in charge of the worldYou wouldn’t have to worry about moneyYou wouldn’t have to be mortal, you could decide when you want to die.You wouldn’t have to make nice with people you don’t likeOr you wouldn’t have to do anything you don’t want to do.

If I were in charge of the world.-Lauren H.

If I were in charge of the worldI’d make ferrets legal in CaliforniaHave my own lakeAnd go wakeboarding every day

If I were in charge of the worldThere’d be free NutellaDrive in movie theaters againA school on the beach that surfing and tanning were classes

If I were in charge of the worldYou wouldn’t have to go to college to be successfulYou wouldn’t need to pay for musicYou wouldn’t have people that come to your house to preach to you Or telemarketers

If I were in charge of the world. -Mady K.

If I were in charge of the worldI’d be a pro tennis playsI’d be a pro soccer playerI’d be rich

If I were in charge of the of the worldThere’d be security everywhereThere’d be comics everywhereThere’d be sleeping any time

If I were in charge of the worldYou wouldn’t have churchesYou wouldn’t have to eatYou wouldn’t be rushing every dayOr “Hurry up. We’re going”

If I were in charge of the world.-Lina I.

If I were in charge of the world

I’d make chocolate a vegetable,

Ice cream a fruit,

And gummy bears healthy.


There’d be no weapons, No war,

And a safe home for everyone.


You wouldn’t have messy rooms.

You wouldn’t have diseases.

You wouldn’t have polluted air,

Or homework on Wednesday.

If I were in charge of the world.

-Erica L.

If I Were In Charge…Continued

If I were in charge of the worldI’d make everything free,Have an unlimited supply of chocolate, and get rid of unhappiness.

If I were in charge of the worldThere’d be no embarrassing class pictures, lonely people, and math homework.

If I were in charge of the worldYou wouldn’t have to always eat your broccoliYou wouldn’t have to make your bedYou wouldn’t have to take your vitaminsOr be able to say that you don’t have friends.

If I were in charge of the world.-Kristy L.

If I were in charge of the worldI’d give everyone a nice house,A loving family, and a second change.

If I were in charge of the worldThere’d be an extra day in the week,With more hours in a day,And plenty of sunshine.

If I were in charge of the worldYou wouldn’t starve, or have disease.You wouldn’t feel loneliness, or heartache.You wouldn’t have disagreements and quarrels. Or major wars to fight.

If I were in charge of the world. -Lauren T.

If I were in charge of the worldI’d ban all types of cancer. Diseases. And make sure that there is not poverty.

If I were in charge of the worldThere’d be no occasional dog poop on the sidewalk, no terrorists. And weapons.

If I were in charge of the worldYou wouldn’t have annoying little brothers, Or annoying sisters,Bedtime curfew,Or scents that reek.

If I were in charge of the world.-Rachel C.

If I were in charge of the worldI’d marry Niall from On Direction,Play in a band with my friends, And never have to worry about the day ending.

If I were in charge of the worldThere’d be candy raining from the skies,Dancing all around the city,And magical nights every night.

If I were in charge of the worldYou wouldn’t have to want want want. You wouldn’t have to share if you didn’t want to.You wouldn’t care what others thought of you.Or have to wait till 11:11 to make a wish.

If I were in charge of the world. -Lydia W.

Metaphor For A Family Poems

KennelMy family is a kennel.Mom is the worker, keeping us healthy and lover.Dad is the German Shepard, keeping us protected.Tyler is the Husky, always fun and loving.And I, I am the Dachshund, shy in the corner.

-Trevor S.

FlowerMy family is a flower.My dad is the strong, but sometimes breakable stem that holds us together.My mom is the leaves that takes care of us.Cooper is the annoying pollen, that sometimes gets out of control but creates new laughsBailey is the beautiful butterfly that adds a nice touch to our family.And I, I am the petals, the one that needs my family to survive.

-Taylor B.

First Aid KitMy family is a first aid kit.My dad is a band aid that supports the family.My mom is the disinfectant that cleans things that are dirty.My brother is a tweezers that takes out the bad things in life.And I, I am an ice pack that cools down the family when family members are angry.

-Anthony C.

RocketMy family is a rocket not knowing when it will take off.My dad is the astronaut flying out there all alone.My mom is the re button saying self-destruct.My brother is the burnt out flame not wanting to go back to the huge flame he used to be.And I, I am the conductor forcing them to go the route I want them to.

-Rachel W.

BookcaseMy family is a bookcase, full of different genres.My dad is the encyclopedia that knows everything.My mom is the instruction book that guides the way.My brother is the joke book, funny and witty.And I, I am the novels, complex and interesting. -Stephanie T.

Wizard of OzMy family is like the characters in the Wizard of Oz.My dad is the Wizard of Oz; he is giving.My mom is Glenda, nice and sweet.My brother is the Tin Man. He seems to have no heard, but he really does.My sister is the Cowardly Lion, she doesn’t realize her full potential.And I, I am Dorothy, trying to find out where home is.

-Shelby F.

Metaphor For A Family Poems…Continued

Jazz BandMy family is a jazz band, trying to work together.My dad is the trombone (backbone), keeping us together playing a part that doesn’t want to stand out, a balancing of all the instruments.My mom is the lead alto, pretending to be in control, but doesn’t realize that she has to follow the lead trumpet, as well as being loud, furious and full of energy.Ryan is a horn player, following the lead.Cristian is the ten saxophone in the group, following the alto’s and backing them up.And I, I am the percussionist, making the necessary sound and rhythms that go unnoticed, but are essential.

-Barry J.

StatueMy family is a statue.My uncle is the hand, proving his high status and strength.My mother is the head, loving and always thinking.My sisters are the legs, never staying in one place for too long.And I , I am the base, holding all of them together.

-Addison W.

Box of CandyMy family is a box of candy.My mom is the chocolate, always smooth and sweet.My sister is the cotton candy, sweet and soft.My farther is the molasses chip, being sweet and clinging to your teeth.And I, I am the wrapper, hugging my family.

-Fiona T.

BeachMy family is the beach.My dad is the lifeguard, always ready to save someone when they’re in need.My mom is the lifeguard station, always watching out for someone.My brother is the sand, always lying there.And I , I am the fish in the sea, always splashing around in the ocean.

-Kenna G.

A YardMy family is a yard.My grandpa is the grass, you water him with love.My grandma is the flower, so beautiful.And I, I am the weed, I never go away.

-Conner Y.


iPhoneMy family is an iPhone.My dad is the internet, always knows everything.My mom is the art app that lets you be creative.My brother is the sports app that tell you the deats on a game.My sister is Temple Run, because she is so fast.And I, I am the singing app that won’t shut up.

-Hadley C.

Sports EquipmentMy family is a cart of sports equipment.My father is the bowling ball, strong and bold, always on the roll.My mother is the swimming goggles watching everyone carefully and closely.My do is a pair of soccer cleats, digging his claws in the earth.And I, I am the jump rope, getting tangled up sometimes, but always getting back up.

-Mina G.

BookMy family is a book, slowly building our own story.My father is the spine ,holding the book together.My mother is the fine thread, keeping the pages together.My sister is the words, bringing the book to life.And I, I am the blank pages before and after the story, still discovering my purpose.

-Emily B.


Zoo

My family is a zoo.

My father is the monkeys, always being unpredictable.

My mother is the peacocks, showing off their beauty and grace.

My brother is the hedgehogs, hiding from the rest of the world.

And I, I am the insects, small and unnoticed.

-Krista C.

Weasley Family

My family is the Weasley family in Harry Potter.

My dad is Fred and George, always making jokes to lighten the mood.

My mom is Molly, worrying all the time, but loving her family.

My brother is Ginny, shy and quiet around strangers.

My do is Pigwidgeon, always desperately craving attention.

And I, I am Charlie, easygoing at time, serious at others, and hating haircuts.

-Alice F.

Toy box

My family is a toy box.

Dad is the giant toy gorilla.

Mom is the jack-in-the-box.

Katrina is the Barbie Doll.

I am the toy fish.

-Jullian N.


Pencils and Pens in a Pouch

My family is a pencil pouch.

Dad, the official, fine ink gel pen, but occasionally screws up.

My mother, the correction fluid who finds and fixes mistakes.

Eileen is the squeaky eraser which marks out mess-ups.

And I, I am the long pencil, unofficial, but still used in work.

-Victor J.

Galaxy

My family is a galaxy.

Dad is the Sun, bright and warm.

Mom is the moons that revolve around the planets, calm and safe.

Isabella is the stars that shine bright.

Mason is the black holes, makes a mess and destroys thing.

And I, I am the Earth which holds all life.

-Michael Q.

The Tool Box

My family is a tool box.

Dad is the drill that keeps everything attached and in place.

Mom is the nails, tough and hard to break.

Lucky is the screwdriver, only there for simple problems.

And I, I am the glue who keeps the family together.

-Hannah A.

Ink runs from the corners of my mouthThere is no happiness like mine.I have been eating poetry.~Mark Strand, "Eating Poetry," Reasons for Moving, 1968

c’est la vie

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