We Are Animals

I watch as the yellow desert trees sway back and forth in the slight wind. A single bird flies overhead, most likely on the search for food. But the desert is so barren, so lifeless. There is little food to be found. Even the small ants on the ground carry not a crumb. They simply march to wherever they may be off to, in a long orderly line. Like soldiers in a war – organized, hungry, relying on one another for protection. For them, life is war. Yet to us they are nothing. Small, brainless creatures, who we would happily stomp on and destroy.
We often over-look the lives of the animals around us. As humans, most of us think we’re far more important than some dumb bird, or cold-blooded snake. We do rule the world, after all. They go about their business, and we go about ours, our lives seemingly unconnected. And why should it be any different? Animals are so small, so single-minded. How could they impact us at all?
Ecosystems – the bread and butter of life on earth. They are made up of anything from the smallest of ants to the largest of elephants. Each organism, each species impacts the ecosystem greatly. Each plays an important role of keeping earth alive. Yes, that means even ants play a critical role in life on earth.
Even humans need ecosystems to survive. Ants, birds, snakes…they all help us stay alive. They are all crucial to human survival. Yet we give them no mind. We take their habitat away from them, for our own selfish needs. Every day we are killing more of them. We’re slowly killing ourselves, without even realizing it. We can’t see the big picture. What do you think would happen to us if we continue to kill species at this rate? The ecosystems would struggle, causing even more species to die off. Even us, eventually. Without animals, we would run out of things to eat. Without tress, we would run out of air to breath. We need these tiny, “unimportant” animals to survive.
I turn around to look at the never-ending line of streets behind me. I feel bad for our society, we’ll be the end of ourselves. We forget that the earth if our home, and we need to protect it. We pretend that we don’t need our plant, that everything will be okay when we finally break it down. Flowers, grass, spiders. They’re all essential to our survival, yet we kill them. They help us live, yet we kill them. We take what’s theirs and make it ours. We turn against our own allies. Humans are animals, after all.
We need to protect nature. Not just for them, but for us as well. Not just for animal-lovers, or outdoors man. This effects every last one of us, and every single individual can help them, just like they help us. Don’t just save the environment, save yourself.

Alright, so, I sound a little like an eco-friendly freak in this. Oh well. Hope you enjoyed!

That One Guy

I dream of one day finding that guy,
The one that will take me away, into the sky.
That one romance, that won’t ever die.

He would be sweet and caring,
He would be funny and loving,
He would be faithful and forgiving,

But most of all, he would love me.
He wouldn’t get clingy,
and he wouldn’t get cocky.

Not another girl would be on his mind,
because a girl more beautiful than me he couldn’t find,
With him, I could finally unwind.

He would love me for all my flaws,
and he wouldn’t care about the love-laws,
because With him, I wouldn’t even pause.

But now I snap back to reality,
because I know a guy like that could never be.
That, I can guarantee.

The dream is over,
But I still have to wonder,
Could a guy like that ever exist?

Dream it, Believe it, Achieve it

A few years ago, in 7th grade, my middle school had a drug-free day. They showed us cheesy videos and gave us long lectures. Teachers handed out stickers with drug-free motto’s on them, and students stuck them to everything they could get their hands on. Personally, I took all my stickers and plastered them all over my binder. Well, I didn’t have anything else to do with them!
I soon, however, found out that this was not a good idea. My stickers couldn’t even last the day before they started peeling off. It didn’t help that I had a tendency to pick at them, either. So when I got home that day, I tried to save the one sticker I had left. It read “Dream it, Believe it, Achieve it, DRUG FREE!” I took it off of my binder and ran into the bathroom, where I climbed on the toilet and stuck the sticker to the ceiling. Why? I don’t know. I suppose I wanted it somewhere that I couldn’t mess with it, but somewhere that I could still see it.
So on the bathroom ceiling it stays. Years later, I still walk into that bathroom and see that sticker every day. You can’t really read it, because both of the sides have unstuck from the ceiling and folded over itself by now. But it’s still on the ceiling. How it’s stuck this long, I don’t know.
Every time I see that sticker, I’m hit with memories. Memories of not only that day, but of all my younger years. And I think of that motto “Dream it, Believe it, Achieve it.” It may be just a cheap silly ugly sticker, but to me, it’s so much more. I don’t care how old and worn out it is. To me, it’s priceless. It’s all of my memories. It’s a way of keeping my life on track. It’s something that I hope will stay there for a long time to come. I don’t know what I’d do if that sticker fell.
It’s funny how such unexpected things become so important to us. I never would have dreamed that a sticker would mean so much to me. I would have thought that a necklace my boyfriend gave me, or maybe a Christmas present from my parents would be the thing I treasured the most. But no. A sticker that I could buy for less than a dollar holds the most value to me. Memories are priceless. Hold onto them. Hold onto the little things that seem silly right now. Five years from now, they might mean more to you than all the expensive jewelry in the world would.

Appreciate What You Have, Because It Could Be Taken Away From You.

Hey everyone!

I want to take this time to remind everyone to be grateful for what you have in life. It could always be worse! And for some person out there, it is. If you’re annoyed, frustrated, tired, or just having a bad day, take this time to look around you. It’s not so bad, is it? You have food, water, a roof over your head, and probably even a computer if you’re reading this. You probably have some friends or family, too. They’re the ones you should appreciate the most. Life is so much more fragile than we’d like to think. A 5 minute trip to the grocery store can end a life. And it happens more than you might think. Remember how much you love the people around you – and how sad you’d be if they were gone. Take a little time out of your day today to do something nice for the people you care about. Something that says “I don’t take you for granted, I still do appreciate you.”
Thanks!
-Hailey

An Angel Comes My Way

I looked up at the giant house that lay ahead of me. The perfect white walls of the mansion seemed to stare back down at me, almost as if they remembered me the same way I remembered them. I stood on the sidewalk as I took in the scene. The small pond, the yellow flowers, the stone path… It was all too much for me. Despite my hesitations, I took a deep breath and walked up to the house. The door was unlocked. As I slowly cracked open the door, a familiar chill hit me, and with it came all of the memories. I remembered faces, faces of girls I would see only once and never again. I remembered my father looking down at me and telling me he only had me because he had no choice. I remember the beautiful face of a little boy…

Sorry, let me start from the beginning. My name is Josh Bolden, and I just inherited my father’s mansion. The same one I grew up in as a kid. I got a call that my father died about a week ago, though I still have no idea how it happened. I can’t say I’m too sad about it. My dad was a decent guy, but he was never around when I was a kid. I hardly knew the man. But to tell you the truth, I’m not sure if anyone really  knew my dad. He didn’t let many people in. Or maybe he really was just that shallow, I honestly don’t know. I haven’t even spoken a word to him in two years. Err… sorry. Let me start even earlier.

When I was a child, my dad was never around because he was always out picking up girls, who he would then bring back to our house and take into his room. I saw a new girl almost every day, even when I tried locking myself in my room just so I wouldn’t have to see another strange woman. I never knew any of them, or saw them more than once, but each face was burned into my head.  Each day, after my dad’s daily companion left, he would tell me he “scored” again. Like it was some sort of competition and he was keeping points. He would then proceed to give me tips on how to get girls and “score” like him when I got older. I was only 8 at the time.

 

“Daddy, everyone at school has 2 parents. They say their mommy and daddy only kiss each other and nobody else.”

“Well kiddo, that’s because they don’t have cool dad’s like me.”

“Isn’t that how babies are born? By kissing on beds and stuff?”

My dad let out a small chuckle. “Haha! It sure is, son.”

“What happens if one of the girls has a baby?”

“Don’t worry about that! It’s alright to get girls knocked up. That’s what they’re there for. They’ll deal with it.”

I paused for a moment, thinking.

“How did you get me then, daddy?”

He gave me a sideways look.”Your mother, uh… passed away not long after you were born. Car accident or something. I didn’t have any choice, being the father I had to take you.”

“Oh….” I said, turning my gaze towards the floor.

My dad smiled. “No worries, champ! I just know you’ll be a son that makes a father proud.”

I don’t know if that was the best or worst conversation in my life.

Anyway, when I was about 12, my father got “stuck” with another baby. A little boy named Michael.  Michael’s mother was a big drug addict. She was taken into the hospital for an over-dose when Michael was 2, and was soon declared an unfit mother. I remember the first time I laid eyes on him like it was yesterday. It was the best day of my life. He had the sweetest dark brown eyes and the chubbiest cheeks. I couldn’t stop smiling when I looked at him. I held him in my arms the best I could at the time, desperately making sure he didn’t fall. He looked up at me so innocently, and giggled just a bit. At that moment, I knew I loved him with everything I had.

Since my dad was almost never home, it was entirely up to me to take care of the baby. And I didn’t mind one bit. I would get up in the middle of the night, even if he wasn’t crying, just to check on him and make sure he was okay. I played with him, I hugged him, I fed him, I loved him..

I loved him so much. But when I turned 15, my dad finally decided to send me to this boarding school I had wanted to go to for so long. It sounded so amazing. I had been wanting to go since I was 10, but they had an age limit of 14 or older. They had everything there! I was so excited, I packed my bags right away and called for them to pick me up the very next day.

Michael was almost 5 now, and could talk pretty well.

“Michael? I’m leaving tomorrow. Don’t you want to say goodbye?” I asked, talking into his closed bedroom door. I heard the pitter-patting of his feet across the wood floor before he cracked his door open and looked up at me. He had his pouty face on.

“But why? Why are you weaving me? Was I bad?”

I felt a stabbing in my chest. That broke my heart, but I knew I needed to go. I needed to get out of this house.

“Awww, Michael! I’m only leaving so I can bring you back lots of gifts!” I said, pinching his nose.

His pouting continued.

“I dun wan’ more toys! I want you!”

My heart began to feel even heavier. I sighed before kneeling down to look him in the eyes.

“Michael, you know I love you and want to be here with you. But I can’t. This is my education – my whole life. You’ll understand one day….but I promise I’ll be back soon. And when I get back, we can spend even more time together! I won’t have any more homework of my own, so I can help you with yours when you get home from school. Then we’ll spend the rest of the night playing together. Okay?”

He just looked at me with this blank expression for the longest time. I was beginning to worry he wouldn’t understand, but then, out of nowhere he pulled me into a tight hug. My worried expression instantly turned into a broad smile.

“Ima miss you, Joshy”

“I’ll miss you too, buddy.” my eyes started to tear up. I was beginning to doubt myself. I really didn’t want to leave him…

I stayed up the rest of night questioning my decision. Morning came all too soon, and before I knew it my ride was honking outside the door. I reluctantly said my last goodbyes, and headed to my new home.

Boarding school was everything I had hoped it would be, and more. It was fun, it was different,  it was away from home, and I met a lot of cool people there. I got an awesome roommate, who quickly turned into my best friend. He was always there to look out for me, he was the one person I could really trust and count on (Michael being a little too young to really count on.). Well…almost. I had also met a girl there. Her name was Rebecca…she was so lovely. But more on that later. There were so many things to do at boarding school, after being there for 5 months I had barely scratched the surface.  For the first time ever, I felt like my life was on the right track. I did miss Michael dearly, though.

One early Saturday afternoon, I was in my dorm practicing for a speech I had to give on Monday. I had practiced so much, I was pretty sure I was mumbling the words in my sleep. I couldn’t help myself, I was just so excited. And ready! I was so confident I would go up on stage and do great. Maybe I’d even impress Rebecca! But my practice was cut short when I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. It was a number a didn’t know. Annoyed, I rejected the call and got back to practicing. Almost immediately, the number called again. “UGH!” I sighed, while flipping open my phone to answer.

 

“Hello?!”

“Hello. Is this Josh Bolden?” I heard a kind female voice coming from the phone.

“Yeah, that’s me.”

“We’ve received some bad news…it’s about your brother, Michael.”

I felt my heart start to hammer against my chest and my eyes open wide. A sick feeling took over my stomach.

“What about him? Is he okay? What happened!?” There was a pause on the other line.

“..I’m sorry, sir.”

“I’m sorry?! What does that mean? HELLO?!”

“There’s been an accident. I’m afraid he’s no longer with us…”

My whole world stopped. Time froze. My breath was suddenly gone. I couldn’t breath…no, no! This couldn’t  be happening! Not to me…not to my baby brother…this isn’t possible…

The last words she said seemed to echo in my head over and over again. I tried to fight with them, to reject and deny them, but my brain lost the battle and the reality started to sink in.

The world suddenly started spinning again. I could feel tears stinging at my eyes.

“No..” I just managed to whisper. I wanted to be angry. I wanted to throw my phone against the wall, but I couldn’t. I was too sad to be angry…

I fell to my knees as my palms went weak and the phone dropped out of my hand.

“No!!” I said again, louder this time.

 

“Hello? Sir? Are you still there?”

 

I crumpled into a heap on the floor as the floodgate opened and tears started to violently fall. Images of my baby brother flashed through my head. His smile, his laugh…how could that be taken from me? Just like that? I cried until I couldn’t cry anymore. I cried until I couldn’t move anymore. I laid on that floor, nearly lifeless, for almost 2 hours before my roommate came back and found me. Almost as soon as he opened the door, he rushed back out, heading towards the infirmary for help.

I couldn’t go on without Michael. I couldn’t…

 

This is the first chapter of a story I’m writing on my new blog, Hailey’s Sims 3 Stories. As the name suggests, the story is played out through the Sims 3. However, as you just read, it can be enjoyable for anyone. So check it out if you get the chance.

In Love with a Dimwit

Another silly little poem I wrote, about stereotypical teenage life. It has some humor in it, a bit different than some of my other stuff.

 

We’re so close, but so far away,

And It might sound a little cliché,

But I might as well be in Norway!

Because as much as I pray,

You never seem to notice my play,

the play that I put on every day,

just to try to sit with you in the cafe!

 

You make me so angry,

you make my heart achy,

You ignore my beauty,

and make me think of my acne,

Oh please,  baby!

Just agree,

agree to be,

be with me!

 

You’re the one in my head,

the one that makes me wish I was dead,

I just want to crawl into bed,

because it’s the day ahead that I dread,

Seeing you with that red-head,

it makes me feel misled!

You’re the one that said,

“She’s not the sharpest tool in the shed!”

 

But when it comes down to it,

I’ll never quit,

because I must admit,

I’m a misfit!

and even if you are a dimwit,

who would pop a zit,

just for a little tit,

my love for you is legit.

The Cutest Thing I’ve Ever Seen

He paws my foot as I walk by,
He looks up at me with those big green eyes,
His meow is quiet and sweet,
His fur is kept soft and neat.
He rolls on his back when he sees me,
I should show him off for a fee!
The cutest thing I’ve ever seen,
Sleeps by me while I dream.

Just a silly/cute little poem I wrote.