Author Archives: theatala

Since the formation of the political spectrum, liberalism and conservatism have existed on opposite ends. Where liberalism places emphasis on equality over the law as well as social freedom, conservatism places value on tradition and maintenance of societal status quos. At their core, however, the two political beliefs hold many common tenets. For example, bothContinue reading “The Dichotomy of Political Ideologies in “The Handmade’s Tale”: An Argument for the Validity of Centrism”

Even the summers were undeniably hot at night, but eerily cold. Not like the cold that meant we had to wear jackets, but the cold that put enough weight on the environment that it could drive one to suspicion. The abandoned alleyway reeked of moldy lunches and urine. The lights were strung low and flickered.Continue reading “…All Day Long You Will Have Good Luck”

Alzheimer’s: they forget how to move, walk, eat. ALF: assisted living facility. Rehab rehabilitation to postpone inevitability. PT: physical therapy. Hospice: where they go to “peacefully” die. The wake: a gathering held before a funeral. Apparently, you’re supposed to wear fancier clothes at this event. The viewing: where you’re expected to go, walk up. SpeakContinue reading “Reaper’s Vocabulary”

Abby Santos is finishing her sophomore at Pembroke Pines Charter High School, where she has been taking 2D Studio Art 2 Honors. Abby enjoys working with graphite the most. “Rainforest Resident” was made with charcoal and graphite.

Sticking my teeth together With gum. I can’t smell the lavender on My tongue, Only the mist of Japanese Cherry blossoms on my skin. Oh Dionysus! I’ve come to swim in Your pools of wine I’m off to find this passion of mine. I’ll cry tears of gold joy When sparks fall as my feetContinue reading “Scenic views of life and death inspire me to say yes”

‘Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.’ How often had Mirabelle heard that phrase repeated to her in broken Spanish? First from her Abuela, then her father, and now her mother. Well, she thought that was a pretty crappy response to give to a girl. Like seriously, whoever cameContinue reading “Finding Happiness”

Rebecca Castillo is an AP Drawing student finishing her junior year at PPCHS. Her favorite medium to use is graphite. She has always enjoyed drawing and also creates digital art such as “Two-faced,” the piece selected as cover art for the Spring 2022 Issue of the atala.

The world teaches us that we must fit into a box. What do you do when you can’t fit into all the many boxes? What do you do when every action you take goes against what society deems as normal? What do you do when your very skin goes against what the world sees asContinue reading “The Box”

*A sonnet is a fourteen line poem written in iambic pentameter and following a particular rhyme scheme typically dictated by either Italian or English form rules. This sonnet qualifies as an English sonnet. I amputated my arm yesterday Blood relentlessly spilled out of the wound I watched it pour and I began to pray MaybeContinue reading “Adiela”