Sheri's+Writing+Samples

= = SHERI'S PERSONAL WRITING SAMPLES  These could be used as examples for student assignments, and also as works in progress.

Position Papers




Short Story
Rough Draft: Conversation w/ his daughter Marina about tormentors & response (Look up “through the glass darkly” quote, 1 Corinthians 13) “Some people who are tormented for being different become twisted. They focus on future payback, on revenge against their tormentors. Their focus turns to all the negative aspects of the world. They no longer see the beauty, or the good in people, because their sight is twisted through a dark lense. They have become so defensive, afraid of being hurt, they can’t trust anyone. All motives are suspect, no good deed trusted. Soon they become as evil as those who have hurt them. They strike first, before others can strike them. Like a dog too often kicked, they snap at everyone, even those trying to help.” Evan paused, lifting his daughter’s lowered chin and meeting her tear-drenched eyes. “Do you feel like that sometimes, (ENDEARMENT LIKE HONEY, APPROP. FOR SEA, LIKE “CORAL”)?” She gave a small nod, glaring into a corner, away from his eyes. Evan nodded, then firmed his fingers on her chin. She glanced back at him. He stated firmly, “We are not dogs. We are not animals that just react to stimuli. We can analyze for ourselves, think objectively. We can refuse those dark glasses, those twisted thoughts when they arise. Reject them. Choose to see beauty in our surroundings, and in the people around us. There is good out there. More good than bad. If we see clearly, the good and the bad, we retain hope. We can hope for better.” Evan’s voice had grown steadily warmer over his speech. His daughter put her head on his shoulder, and he noticed her slight smile. Evan felt a little uncomfortable lecturing her, as he didn’t generally talk much. “Thank you, Daddy.” Marina reached an arm around him and hugged. Stretch ing up a little, she placed a kiss on his cheek. “I love you, Marina.” “Love you too, Daddy.” She settled back next to him, and they put arms around each other. “You know, you’re pretty wise for a human.” Evan laughed and bumped her shoulder. “And your pretty smart-mouthed for a mermaid.” “Careful, or I’ll put crabs in your coral bed again.” “Watch it, Daughter; you’re just as mischievous as your mother.” Evan watched her face fall, and could have kicked himself. It was her mother’s mischievous sense of adventure that had gotten her killed. Along with her compassionate nature. Marina and her mother really were much alike. “Sorry, (ENDEARMENT), I didn’t mean to make you sad.” Marina grinned wryly. “I don’t mind being compared to my mother. I just hope I have a better end.” She swam up a bit, rising away from him. “I need to go find Aquagena. Talk to you later, Daddy.” She again pecked his cheek, and swam off the reef, presumably towards the castle courtyard, where the junior sea court members hung out. Watching her awkward progress, with legs rather than the mermaid tail, caused a pang. How did it work that the magic that transformed him into a merman from human didn’t translate into his genetic makeup, so that when he mated with his wife, his daughter inherited his human legs, while he, the real human, had the tail he would gladly transfer to his daughter. Life wasn’t fair. She didn’t seem to resent him for passing off his humanity to her. Thank God. But he wished he could fix things for her. With her webbed hands, he didn’t think she’d be accepted landside either, but maybe life would be easier for her among his people in the human realm. Of course, after one hundred years, who topside would claim him as his people? They would not even know of him. Well, she was still too young to be without him, regardless, so the decision could wait for another day.
 * "Evan’s Story"**

Tick-Tock. Where's the Clock?
Tick-tock. Where’s the clock? It’s a-chiming time.

Time to go to bed, now. Time to go to bed, now.

Tick-tock. Where’s the clock? It’s a-chiming time.

Night is getting darker. Night is getting darker.

Tick-tock. Where’s the clock? It’s a-chiming time.

Washing our faces. Washing our faces.

Tick-tock. Where’s the clock? <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">It’s a-chiming time.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Moon is on the rise, now. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Moon is on the rise, now.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Tick-tock. Where’s the clock? <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">It’s a-chiming time.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Dressing in pajamas. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Dressing in pajamas.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Tick-tock. Where’s the clock? <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">It’s a-chiming time.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Stars are shining brighter. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Stars are shining brighter.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Tick-tock. Where’s the clock? <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">It’s a-chiming time.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Tucking in the covers. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Tucking in the covers.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Tick-tock. Where’s the clock? <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">It’s a-chiming time.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Owls hooting “hoo” there. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Owls hooting “hoo” there.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Tick-tock. Where’s the clock? <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">It’s a-chiming time.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Stories to be telling. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Stories to be telling.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Tick-tock. Where’s the clock? <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">It’s a-chiming time.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Saying our prayers. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Saying our prayers.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Tick-tock. Where’s the clock? <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">It’s a-chiming time.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Night to your Mommy. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Night to your Daddy.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Tick-tock. Where’s the clock? <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">It’s a-chiming time.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Bed-bye for (your name). <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Bed-bye for (your name).

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Tick-tock. There’s the clock. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">It’s done chiming time.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">I'm Movin' to Grandma's!
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">A boy of eight just wants fun <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">But in my family it’s “no games ‘til chores are done.” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">I’m tired of chores and eating healthy – <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">I want sweets and treats and cartoons until one.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Saturday at home in no fun at all <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Chores from dusk to dawn without stall. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Dusting, laundry, trash to the curb, <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">cleaning my room and hoeing the herbs. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">After a nasty encounter with Fido’s waste <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">I put my foot down – and that’s all I could take.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">“That’s it! No more! I’ve had it with this place! <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">I’m moving to Grandma’s; make no mistake!” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">I argued so well (and my chores were done) <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">So Dad telephoned his grandpa’s son.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">We’ll take him for a week,” my grandparents said. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">“Spoil him rotten. Let the rules be lax. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">It’s grandparents’ privilege Whatever he wishes <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">With a knowing look and a firm handshake <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The deed was done, the plan in place.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Day One is fun. Life here is the best! <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Now that Sunday really is a day of rest. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Games galore to meet all a boy’s wishes <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">And we ate out so no dirty dishes! <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">I have Grandma and Grandpa all to myself (Grandpa and Grandma are all mine, too) <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">No pesky sister and no dog do.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Day Two I hit my groove <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Exploring the whole neighborhood. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">No children around, no siblings neither. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">No work to do is sure a nice breather. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Bedtime’s late and without parent’s kisses but <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Monday madness leaves no time for sadness!

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Day three it’s catching up to me <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Late night talk shows until 12:23. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Tuesday I’m tired and tripping on toys <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Grandpa says I make a lot of noise. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">But it’s pop and cookies as much as a boy can take. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">God bless grandparents for goodness sake!

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Day Four “I CAN’T STAY UP ANYMORE!” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">I napped in the soup I asked Grandma to make. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Got my second wind before Wednesday was through <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Ran up and down the stairs and around the house too. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">I didn’t know Grandma could turn so blue <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">When a bumped over pot means dead plant number two.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Day Five I won’t make it out alive. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Thursday Grandpa’s threatening to tan my hide. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">I’m walking on thin ice, playing with Grandpa’s tools <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">“Not my fault! I thought there were no rules?” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">And Grandma says if I step on one more garden rose <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">I’ll be snuggled in the corner, wall to nose.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> Friday’s day six and I’m feeling sick. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">“Do you have any carrots instead of pixie stix?” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">I miss Bobbie and Mary, even their bickering <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">I miss my own bed and Fido’s fun barking. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">There’s nothing to do now except only one thing <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">“Grandpa and Grandma, Need help with anything?”

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Day Seven and my return home is heaven! <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Laughing and joking and playing with sibs <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Saturday chores and <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">My grandparents stayed for grilling and tales <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Evening prayers and parents’ hugs too Fell asleep with a grin at 8:02.

<span style="border-bottom-color: #4f81bd; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 170%; padding-bottom: 4pt; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;">Prince Alexander <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The Spoiling and Despoiling of a Young Boy

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> Once upon a time, in a land of riches and good cheer, a little prince named Alexander was born. His parents loved him very much. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">King Richard exclaimed to all who would listen “I have the best boy in the whole world! Just look at my little prince!” The people beamed smiles at the little boy, and the boy beamed smiles back at them. (ILLUSTRATION SHOWS GROUP OF ADULTS SMILING OVER BABY BOY, HELD UP BY BEAMING KING) <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> Queen Regina, his mother, would swing him in circles and laugh, giggling “Here is my precious prince! He makes me so happy!” Precious Prince Alexander giggled back at her. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> The proud parents lavished their son with all the attention, food and toys a boy could want. Alexander enjoyed a life of princely luxury. But then something happened. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> One day, Alexander saw another boy playing with a wooden truck and he desired it for his own. “I want that! I want that!” he hollered excitedly. “Momma! Gimme’ that!” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> Queen Regina frowned slightly, but then smiled. “I am sorry, Alexander, but you cannot have that toy. Benny’s father made him that truck and it is his.” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> “I want it, and I am a prince. Make him give me the truck.” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> “No, Alexander, just because you are a prince, does not mean you can take what belongs to others.” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> Alexander stared at the truck, and then began to cry. Queen Regina saw tears on the face of her beloved son, and her heart softened. “Aw, don’t cry, Alexander. Benny’s father is a toymaker, I will ask if he will make another truck that your father and I can buy for you.” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> When the toymaker heard that the prince wanted the truck, however, he demanded that Alexander take the truck. “I will make another for my son. The prince must have this one. I insist!” So Alexander got the truck after all and was quite pleased. (ILLUSTRATION SHOWING PRINCE GLOATING WITH UNHAPPY TOYMAKER’S SON BEHIND) <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> Days later, Alexander became bored with the toy, and wanted something else to do. He decided to search out his father, who was always happy to see him. He slipped away from his nursemaid and ran to the throne room, where his father conferred with his advisors. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> “Daddy, come play with me!” demanded Alexander. (ILLUSTRATION IN MEETING ROOM, MEMBERS AROUND CIRCULAR TABLE, WITH ALEXANDER ON HIS FATHER’S KNEE, SUN SHINING THROUGH LARGE WINDOWS IN BACKGROUND) <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> “Oh, well, I would like to, Alexander, but I need to work. We have some important decisions to make today.” King Richard bounced his young son on his knee. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> “But I want to play with you. Don’t you want to play with me?” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> “You know I do, and I will. Right now, however, I need to work with these men and women on important matters. We will play later.” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> “I thought you said nothing was more important than me. I am the prince.” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> The committee members laughed. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> “Oh, go on, King Richard. It is a nice day. Take the young prince outside to play. We’ll resume the meeting tomorrow. This can wait.” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> “Well, if you are sure…” So the king and his prince played in the sunshine. While they played outside, the prince noticed men on horseback. (ILLUSTRATION SHOW KING GIVING SON LESSON ON BUTTERCUP, HORSEMEN IN BACKGROUND) <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> “Oh, wow. Those horses are amazing. I want to ride on horseback, too!” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The king frowned at the boy’s demanding tone, but relented. “Well then, my young prince, let’s go horseback riding.” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">So the king took the prince to the stables and placed his son on a fine (light brown color) pony with a long white mane. The prince proudly learned to ride in the ---, his laughter could be heard across the lands. His father rode with him every day for a week, after his kingly duties were done. Prince Alexander called his pony Buttercup, and fed her sugar cubes taken from his tea tray. (ILLUSTRATION OF ALEXANDER FEEDING BUTTERCUP) <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Eventually, the prince’s lessons were moved out to the pasture behind the stables. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The prince once again saw men on large horses galloping across the lawns. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">“Daddy, there horses are bigger than mine. I want bigger!” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">“One day you shall ride on the best thoroughbred horse in the kingdom. For now, though, you will learn on a pony.” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> “Pony-shmoney, I don’t want to ride this stupid pony. I want a big horse. I am not riding stupid Buttercup.” The prince climbed down from poor Buttercup and plopped down in the grass. “I will ride no more until I can ride a big boy horse.” The prince was certain his father would relent, but the king would not allow his son to ride a horse. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">“You are too young, and it would be too dangerous.” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Prince Alexander screamed and hollered until the disgruntled father shook his head and walked away, leaving Alexander to his tantrum. (ILLUSTRATION OF ALEXANDER’S TANTRUM, BUTTERCUP HANGING HEAD IN BACKGROUND, PARENTS IN FOREGROUND WITH ARMS AROUND EACH OTHER, WATCHING AND LOOKING UNHAPPY) <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Queen Regina came outside to see what the racket was about. She joined King Richard on the lawn. They watched their son in his rude temper. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">“The young prince is not acting too princely,” King Richard mourned to Queen Regina, over the shouts of his son. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">“The other day he refused to eat his broccoli.” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">“Hm, that is no surprise. I do not care for the vegetable either.” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">“Well, he would not eat his sandwich either, or anything, until he’d been given a chocolate bar.” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">“You let him have a chocolate bar before his dinner?” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">“Well, he was so upset, and I just want my little boy to be happy,” the queenly mother lamented. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The king hugged his wife. “I think we need a better battle plan.” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">“No one wants to say no to someone they love. We all want our loved ones happy.” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">“Sometimes, though, we have to decide what will make them happiest in the long run.” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">“I agree.” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">“Besides, I love you, and his behavior is not making you happy, is it?” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Queen Regina glanced at Alexander, stomping his heels on the ground. “Not so much.” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The parents approached their son. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">“I want a horse! I want a horse now!” the boy snapped at them as they approached. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">“I hear you, Alexander. You want a horse,” his father replied. “You are too young for a horse now, though.” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Alexander screamed. “Mommy! Make him give me a horse!” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">“I love you, my son,” the queen said, shaking her head, “but you are being rude.” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">“But I am the prince!” Alexander stomped his foot in the grass. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">“You are also too proud. I think, my queen, we need to make some changes.” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">“I agree, my king. Being a prince means you are a leader. And leaders set good examples. Besides, all children need to learn manners. It is how we all get along in the world with one another.” (ILLUSTRATION SHOWS MOTHER WITH RAISED POINTER FINGER REBUKING ALEXANDER, FATHER WITH HAND ON HIS SHOULDER, OTHER HAND POINTING TO CASTLE) <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">“I don’t want to learn manners. I want…” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">“That is enough of what you want, young prince. It’s off to naptime for you.” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">“But I haven’t had my tea and snack! I want a chocolate bar!” <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">“No chocolate bar for you,” his mother murmured, and the young prince was whisked off to bed. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">The next day the parents had a plan, and they had enlisted the aid of the rest of the castle’s employees, who were long-disgruntled at the spoiled prince.