A dragon came down from the sky. It was a large dragon, much larger than the average five foot man of the town. The dragon was cruel, the dragon was cunning, and the dragon was crimson-red colored. The dragon was the daughter of one that lived in the town, and the people had incapacitated its…
Tag: Student
Works submitted by Aims students
Archived: A Lasting Memory For All But Me by Pi Blehm
It was a busy day, with many things happening all at once. A concert for my older sisters, both in the school’s concert band. The release of a new movie- no one remembers which. My father had just been promoted to a supervisor role. I was also there, somewhere, running up a concrete jungle. Dragging…
Archived: Adventure by Josephine Yockim
The morning was still new. Gwyn and I were both still damp from showers taken before meeting up at my house. We both lived down the street from one another, so it became our summer routine to go to each other’s house after practice. First, we would usually get up around 6 am or some…
Archived: Mujer! by Tracy Thatcher
When my mother’s father, Grandpa Vigil, passed away, my grandma moved in with our family and lived with us for many years. As I consider that time now, it was simply something our family did. There was no question where grandma would go next; she would come to live with us. At the time, I…
Archived: Toe Tag by Mariah Crawford
Death used to call me on the phone. Under the fluorescent lighting of the insurance call center, my phone would ring with the news of whom Death had recently claimed. Death has always been a shapeshifter so the voice on the other end of the phone was constantly changing. Sometimes it was the grieving husband…
Archived: These Metaphors, My Body by Mariah Crawford
I find it easiest to describe my chronic illness in metaphors. When asked how it feels to hold a chronic illness within my body, I perform a magic trick of words. With my words, the lights dim, the smoke machine whirls to life, and I become the wizard hiding behind the velvet curtain. Pay no…
Archived: Pulse by Ryan Moos
Biography: Hello, my name is Moos! Yes, that’s without the ‘e’ at the end. No, I don’t know why. I came to Aims because, about 6 years ago, the first college I attended (The Art Institute of Seattle) closed its doors in my last year of a four-year degree and left me with nothing. I…
Archived: Monkey Don’t Climb by Jonathan Gonzalez Trejo
There came to be a protective tree, planted in the middle of the gutters, It’d burst when it’s moisture dried and didn’t want to be hugged with its protruding thorny utters! It craves attention and warmth with no particular gap, But oh, Jabillo! How silly you thirst with your venomous sap! When your branches move,…
Archived: The Book of All Things Treasured by Jonah Paklik
It was a rainy night in Northern Griffdonia, and many people were already sleeping the night away. At the Fish-n’-Bread Inn in Necropolis, however, not a single guest or worker had a sleepy eye. The Fish-n’-Bread Inn was not famous for its food, although the food was delicious; it was not famous for comfy or…
Archived: Our Wishing Well is Full, Try Us Again Tomorrow by Kolby Cruz
Pennies drowning at feet of white carnation. Wishing well overflowing, dispelling words left unspoken. Transform superstitious frustration. Hopeful beings, unjust demonstration of vision once desired, they are now forsaken. Pennies drowning, at feet of white carnation. Corroded. Atrocities do lay out in procession. Of what fate can a cent be mistaken? Transform superstitious frustration. Not…
Archived: Lemurs on Speed! by Matthew J Frink
Look at them lemurs, them lemurs on speedwith their big bugged eyes, evaluating meLook at them lemurs, them lemurs on speedwith their big bugged eyes, evaluating meInvestigate the investigators,the investigators glaring at teenagersInvestigate the investigators,the investigators always glaring at teenagers,I see ‘em with my eyesI see them with my eyes!Listen to them beavers, them beavers…
Archived: My Vanity by Eli Lundgreen
It looks on me. For looking through my dense, blue eyes to think and see something could be perfect. And it disappoints me, when vision collides,…
Archived: Dinner? by Marian Hess
I found a spider on my stoop! It’s time to make some spider soup! Sous vide? Air fry? …
Archived: HAUNTED HOUSE UPKEEP, OR, E.A.P.’S QUIET NIGHT IN by A.T. Banks
The hallway-clock’s ticking and the pendulum’s sticking & the ravens are barring the door with their sharp claws they’re tapping – one might call it rapping – but maven of Morse I can’t claim My only true aim – though I know it for vain – to escape someplace safe ere night’s fall, for the…
Archived: 10.11.24 by Phillip Lara
A melodious verse enters and floats in the desert of my mindIn this unforgiving wasteland, the song begins in a whisper across the valley of sand.The notes come like a breeze stirring in the wind that wakes something inside of meAn angelic voice rises like a call to an oasis moving me forwardDeep in my…
Archived: TO OPHELIA WITH LOVE by A.T. Banks
I WOULD HAVE LOVED YOU FOREVER & NEVER CALLED YOU CRAZY I WOULD HAVE PULLED YOU FROM THE RIVER BEFORE IT STOLE ROSE-PINK FROM CHEEKS & TINGED YOUR TEETH A BRACKISH BLUE IF I HAD BEEN THERE YOU WOULD HAVE MADE IT OUT ALIVE I WOULD HAVE BROUGHT YOU DAISIES EVERY DAY & HELD YOUR…
Archived: Burnt Marshmallow of Contempt by Matthew J Frink
On a planet primarily made of waterin the state of Colorado with rushing rivers, flowing from the mountain.Wild Bobcatslapping up the winter water flowing down the mountainside.Flowingnear the town of Greeley.next to the university is a homewith a thirsty kitty. A small fountainWater sprinklingjets into a pool.The perfect refreshment for the tiny wannabe Snow Leopardstaring…
Archived: BEWARE—THE DEAD HAVE TAKEN EARTH [& SHOW NO SIGNS OF RETURNING IT] [OR, IN WHICH THE WEIGHT OF ONE’S OWN GRAVE CAN BE ITS OWN KIND OF PURGATORY] by A.T. Banks
OPHELIA OPINES ON THE SEEDS YOU CAN BUY FROM HER SPOT IN THE GREENHOUSE LOT SHE STRAIGHTENS HER SUN HAT WITH HAND HYPOTHERMIC & DEADHEADS THE PANSIES IN PASSING COUNT DRACULA’S OUT ON THE CURB THE ONE OUTSIDE THE SINCLAIR HE’S SMOKING A SHREDDED-UP CIGARETTE & KEEPING HIS CAPE FROM THE DUST JEANNE D’ARC AIMS…
Archived: Uprooted by Lee Clouston
Content Warning: Sexual Assault Emotions, Love, happiness, attraction, lust, violence. You say your affection is a seed needing to be planted so it may grow. Feelings festering needing to be freed, Released. But I am a tree in and of my own Planted and rooted in place Planting your seed uprooted me, cracked the ground…
Archived: stained glass by Aubrielle Reynolds
the past it can cut like glass why can’t i let go? look at the beauty of a stained glass window it’s so intriguing, how could you look away? so i hold on and keep the pain another day few things last forever, so to love fearlessly is quite the endeavor to be fearless is…
Archived: Worn Yarn by Brooke Capuano
I chase through waves trying to catch what has already been swept away and dragged back into something I can never hold. I strangle the warm hugs around me trying to ask it a question, and I unravel the sweater I wore when I was hurt to find what yarn it was made of. I…
Archived: Unfamiliar by Mariah Crawford
I don’t know anything like the back of my hand, even the back of my hand. These veins are not arterial streets I follow home. They are not rivers leading me to the pounding sea The center of my body is where all maps end. I’ve tried to memorize my topography. I’ve tried to trace…
Archived: THE KATABASIS OF ANOUSHKA THE UMBRAMANCER [or, A VILLANELLE ON THE PATCHWORK AFTERLIFE] by A.T. Banks
THE RED MOON WANED & THE TALLOW-WAX DRIPPED & THE BLACK DOG PACED ON THE SHORE THE NIGHT ANOUSHKA WENT DOWN TO THE CRYPT THE BLACK WATER BOILED, THE BOAT’S STARBOARD DIPPED, & THE DEAD WRUNG THEIR HANDS AT THE OARS THE RED MOON WANED & THE TALLOW-WAX DRIPPED THE FATES IN THE FOREGROUND, WITH…
Archived: There Will Always Be Monsters by Josephine Yockim
Kept around the corner is a monster of its own making It keeps a bottle, a can, a drink in its reach Never missing a drop, stumbling for another Cries are all it has, weeping, angry, joyous tears And yet there’s a pity to be had Adapt to the times of when it’s aching It…
Archived: Life, as Art by Miki Arrivas
The tentative first lines developing into a steadier stroke, then bold color and daring sweeps. Until an unfortunate spill or the sudden slamming on of brakes, as the canvas goes flying and the frame is broken. Jagged splinters jutting through the canvas. Ohmygoshisitruined??? Wounds. Tears in the fabric of life. Is it even worth attempting…
Archived: The Fate of the RMS Resilient by Marian Hesse
They left the warring island, To thrive beyond the sea. Departure was a gamble, An urgent need to flee. Hands entwined with bands adorned, New forged vows still gleaming, Their love will long endure. Lightning strikes, like gods, strode o’er the towering seas. Poseidon’s swirling winds and waves crashed even on the lee. All aboard…
Archived: Wet Pebbles by Dominic Kenyon
Why is the water So cold on my back When it steams? Why is the light So cold on my face When it gleams? I am a sack of damp pebbles They churn in hand Why do they scrape as they scream? I am shadow to warmth I am chilled to light I am Oxbow…
Archived: Deadfall by Matthew J Frink
Deadfallno-one can see meDeadfallno-one caresDeadfallsurrounded by peopleDeadfallno-one’s thereI’m trappedinside my minddon’t think I’ll make it out this timeI’m stuckhere all aloneDon’t think I’ll ever make it homeEntwinedin my own weboverthinking things I have saidI’m lockedmy own prisonit’s me, I’m a cruel wardenDeadfallno-one can see meDeadfallno-one caresDeadfallsurrounded by peopleDeadfallno-one’s there Biography: What brings me to Aims…
Archived: An Old Power Awakens by Jonah Pavlik
Admiral Kongjian of the Novus Earth Navy and his escort of ten strode up the mountain as quickly and efficiently as they could. His military escort formed a circle around him, both to provide living shields for if they were attacked and to protect Kongjian from falling should the mountain become too steep. The mountains…
Archived: Tiddleywinks! by Mathew J Frink
CHARACTERS TIDDLYWINKS: is a gnome bard who is very naive and youthful. Big eyes and dimples, she epitomizes adorableness. She excitedly talks A LOT in a sing-song voice and can ask questions for hours. Her name is absurdly long and no one has the patience to listen to her entire introduction, though she really tries…
Archived: With a Side of Syrup by Taylor Rehurek
It was 6 AM when Chloe Heard stepped into the Village Inn, her breath visible in the chilly morning air as she unlocked the door. The street outside was still wrapped in a blanket of quiet, with only the distant hum of early risers stirring. The Village Inn was a cozy little spot with checkered…
Archived: What Fresh Hell Is This? by Jonathan Gonzalez Trejo
A Person has died. Their death, unforeseen. No, it was not because their rifle self-sabotaged itself while in conflict or because they sacrificed themselves for someone in a bank heist. They simply choked on a mozzarella stick. Of all chokable things you can insert in your mouth, a mozzarella stick is quite chokable if you…
Archived: BLOODY BUSINESS [A NOIR OF HUNGER & HORROR & BAD DEALS IN SPADES] by A.T. Banks
Nikolai’s at the worst bar in the Apollyon system when he gets the call. He’s holding a glass of something dark, staring at the neon sign hung over the busted-up jukebox – don’t leave thirsty! in blood-red letters. It’s dead quiet and nearly empty. A few long-haul freighters up at the bar, heads bowed low…
Archived: Only the Moon Remained by Zachary Powell
On a dark, starry night, in a vast, grassy plain tucked away inside an old observatory, The Astronomer was all alone. He was an old Astronomer. Grey of hair, with thin, wrinkled skin. The entropy of time bit at his hands, causing a tremor through his digits. However, that did not stop him in his…
Archived: Smoke, Wind, and The Prairie by Tait Simpson
For 6 years the town of New Bellrive had been subject to Mayor Johnson’s looting and tyranny. A power-hungry alchemist from back east, he wasn’t satisfied with the fortune he made turnin’ coal to gold. Too cold and unlikeable to get elected, he decided his best bet was to round up a posse of fire…
Archived: Gilgamesh in Slavery by Malek Chevalier
This story is a revisioning of The Epic of Gilgamesh, an ancient Mesopotamian myth, set in the South during slavery. The myth and this story include themes of oppression, rape and other sexual violence, as well as other forms of abuse and violence. In the city of Montgomery, Alabama, there once stood a splendid…
Memento Mori by Lin LaMonte
Biography: Animation, visual arts and drawing have been an interest of mine since I was little. I like the effort of translating the images I see in my head onto paper and onscreen to share with others. Making art is fun for me and I came to Aims to continue my exploration and growth as…
Archived: Sunlit Swoop by Roland Pichot
This is a blue and yellow macaw mixed media piece. There is a watercolor pencil base, with colored pencil and ink on top.
Archived: The great wave of death by Azul Gonzalez
Biography: My name is Azul Gonzalez and I drew The Great Wave of Death in my art class. I like drawing and painting, so art means something to me. A lot of the time when I don’t have anything to do I’ll draw with my little brothers and we’ll all have fun together, all three…
Archived: Into the Storm by Miki Arrivas
Biography: I signed up for a drawing class in the Fall of 2024 to get back to the basics and hone my skills as an artist. It enabled me to take a step back from what I’ve been doing (painting, photography and poetry) and gave me fresh inspiration. Growing up in a multicultural home gave…
Archived: Sunset Over Taos by Cloud Kline
Biography: I came to Aims to pursue a technical career as a non-traditional student. I am studying Automotive Collision Repair Technology and have already completed a year of education here at the time of writing this. I have already learned so much and love studying here! I first began mobile photography when I got my…