Man/Boy

A man
a boy
wisdom
inexperience
confidence
timidness
mighty
feeble
but only at the start...
as the man and the boy
each grow through the years
the man becomes
cautious
flaccid
yet still wise
and confident
the boy transforms into a
hard - working
diligent
experienced
man

Dog Sledding

We reach the Kennel,
It is blistering cold,
but something,
perhaps the dogs,
gives us a feeling of warmth.
our dogs are chosen,
sled packed up,
Ready, Let's Go!
The first 500 meters has a hill,
we run beside,
bringing up our body heat,
we start shedding layers!
But only to put them back on,
ten minutes later.
every stop, i mean every stop
i hear Dugan's bark,
At frist it drives my crazy,
but i soon love it.
We arrive at camp;
hungry, and tired
no food and rest though,
more chores, the dogs come first,
after what seems like hours we feed ourselves,
make the sauna
and close our eyes
the morning awakes
another day in the blistering cold
the tingling, burning pain of cold metal
and Mike
the craziest of them all

Letter to Admissions Director

75 Joicey Boulevard

Toronto ON

M5M 2T4

4 December 2007

Mr. Dave Budden

Director of Admissions and Assistant Head of Upper School

Crescent School

2365 Bayview Avenue

Toronto ON

M2L 1A2

Dear Mr. Budden,

I am currently a student at The Sterling Hall School which I have been attending since Grade 1. This year in Grade 8, I have earned the role of Athletic Prefect which I am thrilled about. This is my first choice of schools and you have received my application. We first met on Tuesday December 11 for our interview. Crescent is my school of choice because I would be a great asset to Crescent and I have a growing interest in your school and all it has to offer.

I feel I would be a great asset to your school because I am an all-round, talented student. I am continuously at the top of my class academically, I play the alto and tenor sax for SHS’s “Intermediate Band”, I am very athletic, and I am a leader. Since Grade 1, I have won the Proficiency Award for academic excellence 6 times which took a lot of hard work and determination. Last year I participated in the CISMF Concert Band at Roy Thomson Hall as a 2^nd alto saxophone. This year, I am participating except as a 1^st alto saxophone! As stated earlier, I am the Athletic Prefect. I lead 4 Athletic Captains and 2 Sports Captains. I am also the U14 SHS basketball team captain. In school I participate on a team every term and outside of school I play tennis once a week, ski on the weekends, and used to play Provincial level soccer until I switched over to baseball this year. Also, I am a positive influence in the classroom, I participate in class discussions, and I get along with my classmates. This is why I feel I am right for your school.

I also have an keen interest in Crescent School. I am fascinated by all the trips that are offering such as Kenya, Honduras, and Marine Biology. Your AP program is perfect for me and the academics are extremely strong. Something that really caught my eye was when on my tour; we saw a chemistry class going outside to “blow something up”. Your athletics teams are stellar along with your facilities. All the clubs going on at Crescent School are great and I can’t think of any reason why NOT to come to this school. Their music and media arts programs are excellent and this all-round school is perfect for my all-round character.

In conclusion, I feel Crescent is the school for me and I would fit in perfectly. I am already friends with numerous students in Grade 8 currently at Crescent School; and from what they’re like I can’t wait to make more. I look forward to our interview on Tuesday and to you learning a little bit about me and me learning a bit about you.

Sincerely,

Alex Mahoney

Edited War Poem

Men shooting at each other

Risking their lives

for peace

for freedom

To make their country more powerful

To say they’re better

Leaving their families in fear

Wondering if they’re alive

Always moving, never standing still,

Always the fear of death

Always the fear of never seeing your loved ones again

One wrong step, one flinch

one mistake, costs everything

Most hearts beat faster than ever

Some don’t beat at all

this is no video game

only 1 life, 1 soul

Is it worth it?

Sacrificing themselves, for what?

More land?

Is it worth it?

All the fear involved in war?

Just to be recognized as a brave soul?

Is it worth it?

Of course it is.

Punctuation Exercise

dear alice

My names Alex Mahoney I like to play sports listen to music and have fun I hang out a lot with my friends on weekends Some things we do are go to movies or each others house what do you like to do whats your favourite hobby my favourite hobby is playing sports i love it

sincerely
Alex Mahoney

Patriotism

Men shooting at each other

Blowing Each Other Up

To make their country more powerful

To say they’re better

Leaving their families in fear

Wondering if they’re alive

Always moving, never standing still,

Always the fear of death

Always the fear of never seeing your loved ones again

Most hearts beat faster than ever

Some don’t beat at all

Is it worth it?

Sacrificing themselves, for what?More land?

Is it worth it? All the fear involved in war?

Just to be recognized as a brave soul?

Is it worth it? Of course it is.

The Wii

It sits in a basement,

Isolated from its 10 million twin brothers

It is controlled with arm movements

Displaying all games possible

Football, shooting, skateboarding, and superheroes

Wanted for so long, and finally have it

7^th century gaming technology, rivalling XBOX and Sony

The 5^th of Nintendo bringing a new revolution of game play

So sophisticated in its white outfit

Sensing all movements,

Being used everyday

Until the 6^th of Nintendo