"The Inner (Dys)Functions of College Debate and JCCC" by Arooj Bhatti (Editing)

            

"The Inner (Dys)Functions of College Debate and JCCC" by Arooj Bhatti is a blog post that I exclusively edited last year. I am incredibly proud of this piece and feel honored to be friends with such a brave, intelligent, classy, and independent woman. Arooj is a true role model. Her story is one of overcoming discrimination and adversity with powerful grace. Please read below: 

  The Inner (Dys)Functions of College Debate and JCCC (wixsite.com)

Julian and The Dinosaur Bunch

 

Julian and The Dinosaur Bunch

By Michelle Stiles 

Photo Credit: LewisLeigh & Co. Photography

Website: lewisleighco. 

Facebook: LewisLeighCo

A curious boy named Julian was playing one day,

With his dinosaur toys, made from rubber and clay.

His fuzzy dinosaur toys were also on the loose.

With them he’d share his cookies and juice.

The big T-Rex’s teeth were sharp and large.

When it came to the dinosaurs, Julian was in charge.

He made the T-Rex chase after the Stegosaurus.

The real dinosaurs were here long before us.

Small dinosaurs had better make some room.

When he stomped his feet they went, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Julian let out a big load, “ROAR!”

Just like his friend the dinosaur.

The Pterodactyl flew through the skies

Julian looked up with his big brown eyes.

Where is he going? The dinosaurs want to know, “Where and why?”

Julian couldn’t find him but was determined to try.

Perhaps he went find water or to forage for food?

Maybe he was just in a frightened mood?

Julian wanted to play with him some more.

“C’mon y’all. Let’s find the dinosaur!”

Julian and the dinosaurs searched all around.

Was he still in the sky? Or land on the ground?

For the Pterodactyl couldn’t have gotten far.

Plus Julian is way too young to drive the car.

Suddenly he heard a rustle, could it be?

Yes! He found the Pterodactyl up in the tree!

Julian and the dinosaurs all cheered, “HOORAY!”

The Pterodactyl flew down into Julian’s arms; where he’d stay.

He was so happy to reunite with his friend.

Julian knew their love would never ever end.

Then Mommy called out, “It’s time for lunch!” 

Julian’s had a blast with the Dinosaur Bunch.

A Feminist Prayer

A Feminist Prayer

         by Michelle Stiles

Us women have to stick together. Rape is no joke. A guy says something inappropriate/gets too close. How dare he touch you like that! Knee him in the groin! That’s what you think you should do. Or punch him in the face. Yell, “FIRE” or “HELP” or “RAPE”. But it’s not always like in the movies. Sometimes you freeze and do the only thing you can; wait and hide into yourself, hide into your mind, your sister, your brother, or someone who can comfort you through it and tell you everything will be ok. Just remember you are not alone.

            So see your niece? Think of the first time a man’s touch is too rough or lingers on her pearls for too long. Teach her that it’s not ok. No means NO! To not walk alone in the dark or alone at night unarmed. Stay in well-lit areas and away from strangers. Stay away from people who give out a bad vibe—“family” and “friends” included. Protect yourselves and protect each other. A-men!

When I was a Crusher

When I was a Crusher

By Michelle Stiles

When I was thirteen I had a crush on this boy.
When he looked at me it gave me joy.
His eyes were green and his complexion was tan.
I could tell he would be handsome as a man.
My friend had told me he liked me before I knew his name.
I thought he was somebody else that was lame.
When I found out who he was I said, “Oh so that’s who he is?!”
I had said that in front of him and I knew my chance was missed.
For I had told my friend that I didn’t like him, thinking it was the other guy.
I regret saying that in front of him and for being shy
Because I never told him how I felt.
Even when I se him now I melt.
But he’s had a girlfriend for a couple of years.
Seeing how I missed my chance gives me tears.
Who knows though, there might be hope.
But thinking about it now makes me mope.

Salt

Salt

by Michelle Stiles

I am salt.

You know me for making food taste better.

My best friend is my old buddy pepper.

We are always together.

I wish to taste good forever and ever.

My mother is sodium.

My father is food.

I live in a shaker and I love to shake because it gets me out of my room.

My enemy is sugar because we always get mixed up.

I fear people stepping on me when roads are icy and rough.

I may just be an ingredient but hey, that’s not my fault.

I shouldn’t be complaining but hey, I’m only salt.

Amelia

Amelia

by Michelle Stiles

    Her name is Amelia. Amelia is waiting for her husband to get home from work. She just spent the whole day rocking in her rocking chair. A typical housewife; homely and quaint. For some reason she is all dressed up.

    Amelia placed a bouquet of yellow flowers in a big round vase. Hoping to have the flowers bring out what beauty she does possess. She's simply waiting in her English country home. She knows her life won't go anywhere but she's content.

    Amelia is waiting for her husband to sweep her off her feet. Her thoughts contain the lovely picnic in the park that she will attend with her husband. They will drink bubbly wine and feed each other cheese. It's been awhile since she's had a good time.

    Suddenly, a feeling of impatience overcomes her mind. Where is he? Its getting late. Is he with somebody else? It isn't typical for him to stray. 

    Then she feels peace. He is home.

AA (Screenplay)

AA

by Michelle Stiles

INT. - COMMUNITY CENTER - NIGHT

JONATHAN (30s), tall red-head family man gone business man down on his luck, attends an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. A GROUP of alcoholics sit around a large circle in metal fold out chairs. A small table of COOKIES is in the corner.

Jonathan stands up to introduce himself.

JONATHAN

Hello my name is Jonathan and I'm an alcoholic.

ALL

Hello Jonathan.

Jonathan appears nervous. He holds his hands in his pockets and clicks a pen.

JONATHAN

Umm (beat) I've never done this before.

The therapist, HECTOR (40s), hefty bearded man with thick framed glasses and a friendly disposition, encourages Jonathan to continue via hand gesture.

HECTOR

It's ok Jonathan. We're all friends here. You're very brave for being here. (Beat) Go on. Tell us your story.

JONATHAN

Well, I guess I started drinking badly when my wife and I started to drift apart. Her name's Hilary. We have a couple kids together and on the surface we appeared fine to others. But it's like there's this demon inside of me that craves the escape of a drink. It's real sinister and unforgiving.

Jonathan taps his foot on the title floor.

JONATHAN

I, uh, realized that I needed help this morning when I saw the sunrise. Most nights I usually come home and go directly to the bottle. Pour myself a stiff martini and zone out into my tablet. Then once I have a couple and loosen up things become somewhat bearable but then my wife nags me about things needed to be fixed around the house. I'm usually up to my ass in alligators and when I come home I just wanna chill y'know?

A couple MEN in the group nod in agreement. A WOMAN in the group rolls her eyes.

JONATHAN

Most nights I just drink to get to sleep. I've had some bad stupors where I just pass the fuck out on the couch with the TV blasting. It helps clear out the racing thoughts.

Jonathan sheds a tear and withdraws a crumpled up tissue from his pocket to wipe it away.

JONATHAN

I usually end up waking up by noon but this morning I had to piss like a race horse at 5 A.M. When I got out of the john I looked out the window of my living room and saw the most beautiful orange sunrise peeking through. It made me realize how many sunrises I've missed in my life. The only ones I see are tequila sunrises.

Jonathan makes a nervous CHUCKLE. The group remains silent.

JONATHAN

So yeah I think I need some help.

Jonathan sits down with downcast eyes. Hector stands up and clasps his hands together.

HECTOR

Well that's why we're here to help. Although we all face struggles in our lives there's always going to brighter days ahead. Thank you for your contribution Jonathan. Welcome!

END SCENE.