The OPEN PAGE is a blog written by teens in Mariposa County, located in the Western Sierra Mountains of Central California. Please include your full name and age with your submission.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Sunrise in Yosemite by Darren Shull

As I watch the night turns to day, The darken sky turn a bluish-
gray.

Silhouettes of mountain and trees, Are the only things at this time
you can see. Then an orange glow on the horizon appear, As the
stars slowly disappear. The meadow glistens in the morning light,
Like the start once did that earlier that night. Herd of deer graze
on the dew covered grass, As they drink from a river that is clear
as glass. Wild flowers of all kind, In colors that will blow your
mind. Just beyond the meadow stands Lambert Dome, Where
the yellow belly marmot makes his home. There he will be
sunning himself in the sun’s rays, Before he goes and hides the
rest of the day. People come from world wide, Just to hike it
country side. From the majestic water falls in the valley below, To
the high mountain peaks covered in snow. From the giant
redwood trees to Hetch Hetchy, You will scarcely find a prettier
place to be, Than a sunrise in Yosemite.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Arch Rock Cabo San Lucas Sunrise photo by William Brown


Dolphin off coast of Cabo San Lucas photo by William Brown


Maui Pineapple field photo by William Brown


Puerta Vallarta sunset heading out to sea photo by William Brown


Maui Sea Turtle photo by William Brown


Hoof Beats of Life on Paper by Grace A. Cassady

Hoof beats of life on paper galloping wild and free.
Hoof beats of life on paper, Oh! What a wonderful sound!
Hoof beats of life on paper; they are quickly covering ground.
Running so free like a madman.
As fast as the wind or the waves.
Galloping, galloping, galloping.
Coming around again.
Run for your lives, they are coming!
Stand still and watch the wake.
Galloping, galloping, galloping.
Heart beats as fast as hoof beats.
And now they are fading away.
Somewhere off in the distance,
Hoof beats are fading away.

Friday, April 18, 2008

A Tribute to Kara Perea by Sadie Good

We are friends –
u cry … I cry
u laugh … I laugh
u goof off … I goof off
u smile … I smile
u jump off a bridge …..
I’m sure gonna miss u!

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Joe the Black Bear Cub by Tracey Anthonijsz

There was a black bear cub, he was afraid of the dark
He lived in a place called Yosemite Park

His mother would tell him, “Joe, you’ll be alright”
But that did not help, once it was night

He peeked from his cave, and saw the bright moon
He ran back to his mother, and prayed for light, soon

But mother was asleep, and Joe was not yet sleepy
And the sounds of the night made Joe get weepy

He heard a hoot owl and a coyote or two
Mother was still sleeping, what could Joe do?

He heard a loud crack, right outside the cave
And for the first time, Joe became brave

He decided to go look and see what it was
When he got outside, he saw giant paws

He followed them up to see to whom they belonged
He saw they were his father’s, for whom Joe had longed

“Father you’re back”, cried Joe in surprise
Mother awoke when she heard Joe’s cries

They hugged as a family, for the first time in awhile
It warmed mother’s heart to see her Joe smile

No longer would Joe fear the dark
And he felt right at home in Yosemite Park

The Twig by Geneva Callegari

Tiny trusting fingers
Innocent eyes
Smiles of delight
Shrieks of surprise

Deep concentration
Learning to tie
Trying to be brave
Trying not to cry

Disappointment
Disbelief
Mothers arms
Sweet relief

Christmas magic
Santa’s beard
Overcoming
Childhood fear

The first friend
Learning to share
Treasured possessions
Learning to care

The first heartbreak
Lost hope
Bouncing back
Learning to cope

With life’s complexity
Innocence fading
Carrying on
Undaunted expectancy

In the year of the child

Meditation by Geneva Callegari

In a garden of tranquility
Beyond the realm of time
In an inner glowing aura
Of the meditating mind

Cobwebs are swept away
And cares of the world
Are left behind

A lovely secret door
And nerves stretching taut
As a violin string
Can unwind
And allow the spirit to soar

To the pure white sand
Of a far away beach
Beneath the swaying Palms
And the slow heartbeat of peace
Is felt as a soothing balm

And fragrant Orchids bloom
In exquisite perfusion
Who is there to say
It’s only an illusion?

Celebration of Life by Geneva Callegari

A subtle hint of first light
heralds the coming dawn
and with salient stealth
creeps across the eiderdown

Disturbing the pattern of brain wave
where dreams hold sway
and stealing away the night
to present a fresh day

A reluctant stirring of senses
and sudden awareness of the gift
what joy to view the morning light
the pulse of life full tilt

What joy, though aching bones protest
Will this one be like all the rest?
no, pure and untarnished yet
no bitter dregs of sad regret

What gift to offer in return?
What promises to keep
fulfilled at sunset, satisfied
praise be no call to weep

A virgin mountain to climb
with body and with spirit
The song of life can still be heard
with all who will to hear it

Oh not to waken on the morrow
With deeds undone and words unsaid
with bridges burned, no turning back
the hands of time for what we lack
and regret the loss with profound sorrow
of yesterday that’s dead

For a day in time, no greater treasure
so pay the debt in fullest measure
For the day is lost, we find in shock
in measured minutes counted by the clock

This day may be the last
for time is passing fast
So fling the window open wide
and bid the morning come inside

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Me and My Girlfriend by Juan L. Gonzales

Well, me and my girlfriend
We went up to the mountains
To play around a little
And do a bit of something
And before I knew it
She had me cutting some wood

Well at first I admit, I kind of liked it
Though my back was breaking
I couldn’t stop it
‘Cause my sweet mama, she was helping me too

Well, I was just about done
When my neighbor came over
He said “You’ve done a good job
Maybe someday you’ll come over.”
He had a lot full of trees
And he wanted them gone… yeah

Well, me and my girlfriend
We went up to the mountains
To play around a little
And do a bit of something
And before I knew it
She had me cutting some wood

Well, me and my girlfriend
We went up to the mountains
To play around a little
And do a bit of something

And before I knew it
We were cutting some wood
Yeah, before I knew it
We were cutting some wood……….end

Friday, April 11, 2008

Bunny Rabbits

Bunny rabbits hop to
and fro.
If I were a bunny I
would go…

… to a hole. Celiana
…under a tree. Claire
… to the store to buy carrots. Atumn
… to a rabbit nest. Gabby
… to a video store. Landon
... under a lady bug. Ryan
… into my house. Brooklyn
…to a dance contest. Megan
… to the zoo. Skylar
… to a tree house. Jade
… under a bush. Madison
... into the forest. Raquel
… into my hole. Quenton

by Mariposa Kiwanis Preschool Academy
(adapted from the Mailbox, Circle Time Parade)

Ode to Lisa by Kirk Ramos

Gentle as the zephyr
Brilliant as the sun
Absolute in its purity
Is that which flows from her soul

Bountiful as the ocean
Radiant as the moon
Sparkling as the mountain spring
Is that which flows from her heart

Captivating as the lightning bolt
Passionate as the flame
Resolute as the semperviren
Is that which is her love

My Pony's Nap by a. Kerkling

Every day sun or shady
She lay in the spot where perhaps
The sun maybe would shine --
Taking her nap -- in expectation sublime.
If it happened to rain she might
rise fairly early from her nap
But -- she daily visited her spot --
to take her nap !

My Cat by d. chaney

Pitter patter, Pitter patter
Pitter, pitter, pat
Velvet paws gliding silent
Leaping on my lap.

Arms outstretched, claws extent
Kneading me like dough
Piston action back and forth
Purring softly, slow.

Begging, pleading for a pet
Standing on back toes
Sidling up to nudge my face
Kiss upon my nose.

Stroking, stroking head to tail
Purring double time
Like a motor revving up
In ecstasy and rhyme.

So euphoric is my cat
Curled upon my lap
Gently purring as he sleeps
Contented little nap!

Golden Years by d. chaney

For Grandpa Bill & Grandmas Bertha & Theresa

I’ve grown old, my eyes are dim
My hair has turned to gray
I may not hear distinctly
Sometimes I lose my way.
Time keeps on its forward march
My body loses strength
All the days ordained for me
Have drawn upon their length.

Yet what you see before you
Is just the outside shell
Beneath the wearing substance
there’s much that I could tell.
For I remember details
The child I used to be
And there are wondrous stories
In my mind’s eye I see.

Though my body’s lost its youth
My heart is as before
And all the things you dream of
are in my hopes still more.
I yearn to stay productive
Contribute to the end
I haven’t lost my need for love
Nor gentle hands to mend.

And there are words of wisdom
Because of all the years
I see the path before you
would spare you many tears.
Please look beneath the wrinkles
The crippled hands and feet
For I have much to offer
Each time we’re blessed to meet.

Worm and Butterfly by Judy J. Hanson

There once was a worm all safe, snug and warm
Inside a cocoon shielded from harm.
One day it awoke feeling not quite “up to par”.
Yawning and stretching from near to far.
It was then that it noticed two bumps that were growing.
It needed to investigate so it could be knowing
Just what was up there. When on his back there was a flutter
Bigger bumps had appeared. This caused him to studder!
He spun his head around to see about those things.
Why, underneath those two b-b-big bumps were some
b-b-beautiful wings!
“Oh No!” said the worm now quite in a ponder.
“Do I stay here all safe? Or do I wander
Out in a strange world where I may not be happy?”
A decision is needed and it better be snappy!
It thought for awhile about the things it might miss.
Like the roar of the ocean,
the sun’s warm, yellow kiss,
The green grass of summer,
The sweet flowers in spring,
The fresh smell of rain drops,
and may more things…
It knew of these things but only in its mind’s eye.
So it took the BIG step and decided to Fly!
It spread those new wings, saw how strong they could be
Ventured out into the open to see what it could see.
The cocoon was in pieces falling down to the ground.
Leaving the worm exposed to new sights and sound.
It was rather surprised it felt comfort and ease.
The big world wasn’t that scary, why look at those trees!
Now in just a very short time, I can soar to the top,
See the world from that view and discover a place
That the rest of you knew
would be so safe, warm, fuzzy and fine.
A place I would love and cherish as mine.
So now you will know when you see in the sky
A butterfly flying you’ll know just why,
It decided to leave the cocoon safe and warm
Where it felt so secure, shielded from harm.
Cause it wanted to know about other places,
See the smiles on our lips and the look on our faces,
When we realized that what once was a Worm
Has taken the chance and made the right turn
To become all it could be, spread its wings,
dare to fly and is now the most
beautiful, brave
BUTTERFLY!

photo by Audrey Kee


The Rose by Audrey Kee

Life’s pathway is a bed of roses
Filled with sweet fragrances
Colors of every hue tantalize the eye
Soft and silky as the rose petal
And along the stem come the thorns
To prick your fingers.

Life has a way of planting special roses
Along one’s pathway
For one to encounter and savor
At those times that life
Pricks one’s finger.
As if to say “Look beyond the hurt
To see, to feel, to smell the beauty of the rose.”

Though the life of the rose may be short
Let its lessons be long lived
So that one may enjoy
The beauty of the rose forever.

photo by Audrey Kee


The Magic Cape by Lydia Radonic age 9

Late in the middle of the night I saw something flying over me. I felt a little weird. But after a while it was morning. I could see what had been gliding over me last night. It looked like a butterfly. It had glittery silver and gold wings that shimmered.
The butterfly said it had a beautiful present for me. She wanted me to look at my chair. So, I looked at my chair and on it was a cape. It had lots of butterflies on it that made it really appealing. I put it on as fast as a wink, it made me invisible. I was amazed and gasped, “Thank you!” to the butterfly.
I ran down the stairs and into the kitchen to tell my dad. He was making coffee. We both said good morning to each other. I showed him the cape I was holding. He exclaimed, “Where did you get that cape?”
“This morning a butterfly gave me a cape. I put it on and it made me invisible. “Isn’t that cool, dad?” My dad said it was very cool. My dad said, “I want one!”
So I asked the butterfly that gave me the cape if she could make one for my dad. She said she could. That night the butterfly knitted my dad a cape. In the morning it was finished. I ran to my dad’s bedroom to show him the cape. It had trucks and tractors all over it.
My dad said thank you to the butterfly. We all had fun being invisible.

photo by Audrey Kee


My Freedom by Carol M. Graychik

I love to look at the beautiful sky
And see the birds up there.
To see a sparkling brook roll by
And breath fresh mountain air.

To hear the whisper of the winds
Rush through the forest trees.
And stand upon a sandy beach
And smell the ocean breeze.

The glorious Rockies so majestic
them I also love.
Just to lay upon the earth
And count the stars above.

I love my children and my home
they give me so much pleasure
My husband whom I walk beside
To me he is a treasure.

But most of all it’s you dear Lord
I really hope to see.
To stand before you in your Kingdom,
And live eternally.

photo by Audrey Kee


Granite/ hawks by Daniel Williams

Whatever this is
It certainly won’t fade
As a meteor death unless
With comet purpose it explodes
Itself into granite rap below

Perhaps this stone is frozen flight
Metallic as a thousand hawks their
Power poised and balanced
circling eternal in ice-gouged rock

Easy enough as crystalline cage terminus
Through which a smashing bird
Might join the flight of its brothers

Easy enough as wing slices air

Wafting these walls above the plane
Such simple grace within their bonds
Forgetting all they knew of pain
Carrying earth through heaven

photo by Kirk Ramos


Frogs in a Swale near the Wawona Library by Daniel Williams

Early spring they rivet
From behind granite boulders
You can’t see them
Encircled by tall sedges
At the end of the library
Parking lot

At first undecided
You stop in your steps
Trying to choose between
Two books of interest-
One the library
The other the natural world

If you step through glass doors
Serious tomes quiet with ideas
To be perceived
If you trudge over
To the frogs’ pond
rhythmic voices suddenly
Silenced
As your shadow or footfall
Precedes you

Silence
The green world’s wisdom
Protecting its creatures from
Coyote owl or hawk

In the library
Its books waiting to leap
Down from its shelves
a sign tells you
You must be silent
If you would fall prey
To them

photo by Kirk Ramos


Basketweaver of Ahwahnee by Daniel Williams

(hikah.molt.pok.su)

for Totuya


Your naked feet unaware
Flex in time with the work
Of your hands

Quick brown hands
Fleet as deer upon
Wicker hillsides

They too browse bracken
Bunchgrass redbud
Willow

They too move like wind
Selecting that which moves
Gently on water

Choose that which will bend
To lessons of
Your fingers

Will come to be richly woven
Words of ancient ones
Spoken in you

Through the mouths
Of your baskets

photo by Kirk Ramos


A Journey by Cris DeHart

Some days are just days. And some days you discover something special leading to a truly memorable experience. My husband and I were coming back from Madera one Sunday when I suggested we head over to Mariposa on a side road out of Raymond. We enjoy adventures and had a few hours, so we turned onto Ben Hur Road and started on what turned out to be a longer journey than either of us expected - a journey back in time.

As we traveled down this road, it narrowed and grew less civilized. We entered a country side breathtakingly peaceful in its simplicity, seeing trees, meadows, creeks, and dirt roads seemingly untouched by anyone over the years. The trees were those of the past; the kind you could almost see a tired cowboy standing under after a long ride, catching a bit of shade for himself and his horse, returning home after taking the herd up to the fresh, longer grasses of the higher Sierra.

The rolling hills where farmers had decided to homestead were civilly divided by miles-long stretches of fieldstone fence, staking claim to the pastures of the West. We looked upon this craggy, snaking line in the golden grass with amazement at the time it must have taken to clear the fields of these stones and to stack them so that they would remain as such for 100 years or more. We thought of the pioneers and their families, working so much harder than we could ever imagine, living for the day, while proudly building the future for their children.

Then we came upon the Pea Ridge Cemetery and stopped to see the names of the people who had been here before us. Erected at random were 15 or so gravestones, some still standing strong, some slightly askew, set by loved ones many years ago. The cemetery sat upon a hill and a slight breeze rustled the branches of the old oak overhead and the grasses underfoot.

I imagined a husband telling his wife as they rested here one day: “Wife, when it is God’s will that I return to His side, rest my earthly body at this spot. When you visit, you will hear my voice in this cool breeze and remember the love we shared.” She followed his wishes.

The tombstones told their stories. Some lived to the age of 87, some were babies, and some foreseers of the future. One stone bore an unforgettable epitaph:
“Remember, Man, as you pass by,
As you are now, so once was I.
As I am now, so you shall be.
So prepare for death, and follow me.”

As the breezes picked up, we found our way slowly back to the car, a vehicle out of context in this afternoon of exploring the past. We moved onward to Mariposa, and crept somewhat reluctantly towards 2008 as we journeyed forth, leaving the pioneers back in their peaceful valley. Perhaps we will meet again, somewhere down the road of time.

Circle 9 Ranch photo by Kirk Ramos


Saturday, April 05, 2008

Poetry Month


Calling All Poets/Artists/Writers
Poets, writers, artists, photographers and song writers of all ages are invited to submit their work for display at the Mariposa County Library during the month of April, which has been designated National Poetry Month. The work will later be bound into a 2008 anthology, and each contributor will receive a copy. This year, a contest is also being held to select a title and cover artwork for the anthology. The winners will each be awarded a prize of a $25 gift certificate to Windows on the World Book Store in Mariposa.
The deadline to submit contributions to the anthology and the cover contest is Wednesday, April 30 at 5 p.m. Winners will be announced on May 5. Content must be original and suitable for all age levels to be considered. Written work, including short stories, memoirs, poems and songs, should be limited to 500 words and preferably submitted either by e-mail or on floppy disk or CD, although neatly hand written material will also be accepted. Scanned artwork is preferred; however, original pieces up to 11"x17" will be accepted, as well as photographs of original 3-dimensional art. For more information or to submit contributions, contact Katie Hertfelder at katie.hertfelder@sjvls.org or 209-966-2140.

Poetry Month

April is Poetry Month!

Everyone!
Please submit your original poetry, art, photography, songs, and stories for display at the Mariposa County Library during the month of April. All entries will be included in our 2008 anthology. All participants will receive a copy of our book!

Entries should be suitable for all ages, please.

 
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