Category: Portfolio

A Purgatory of Trains

Sarah McLaughlin ’23   You are Plato, turned to heaven’s forms, I am Aristotle, here on Earth.   You are Dante, looking up beyond the wall of rock, I am Virgil, eyes upon the ground, my own consultant.   But are you really the sturdy tower, unshakeable? What secures your soul in stringent grip? What […]

trogers5

Chocolate-Colored Mousse

Grace O’Connor ’22   She waits for hours as her hair is bleached,  Piece by piece slowly being painted,  In order to not expose her dark roots.    She uses a mitt to spread the chocolate-colored mousse on her skin,  Spreading it over every inch of her body,  Waiting for it to slowly melt into […]

trogers5

Recurring Dream

AJ Worsley ’22 “I didn’t even realize it was the same place until this morning. My hands were vibrating, and I had no idea where I was. The side of my face, only mildly sticky from drool, glued me to my pillow. My bed was no longer the only familiar environment.” I am standing in […]

trogers5

Book Review: Anxious People

Book Review: Anxious People A Clumsy Mischaracterization of Anxiety Tully Mahoney ’23 Fredrik Backman is a multi-time bestselling author, making his novel Anxious People utterly disappointing and tacky. The premise of the novel is a bank robbery gone wrong that turns into a hostage situation in an apartment complex in Stockholm, Sweden. Simultaneously, it is […]


Book Review: American War

Book Review: American War One Girl’s Ruin in a Country at War Madison Palmieri ’22 If asked to free associate given the phrase “American War,” chances are you would immediately think of the Civil War: a conflict that, while nearly tearing the United States apart, took place in the distant past.    In American War, […]


Criseyde

by Mariela Flores ’23 This poem gives voice to Criseyde from Chaucer’s work, Troilus and Criseyde.     There is no honor in loving you, Troilus.   There is only shame that roots itself in between my bones  until my movements grow stiff and my choices none.   There is no beneficence in loving you, Troilus.  There […]

The Cowl Editor

Yes, that’s me.

by Marelle Hipolito ’22 It was a Thursday morning when the second grade substitute went through the roster.   “Lianne?” Yes, that’s me. But that’s my first name. I go by Marelle, my middle name.     That afternoon I asked my mother why. “Mama, why am I called Marelle? Everyone at school goes by their first […]

The Cowl Editor

Listomania: Things to do over the long weekend

Things to do over the long weekend: Attempt to salvage my grades Take the plastic wrap off of those textbooks Catch up on shows I’ve missed Binge watch Too Hot to Handle Make arts and crafts Catch up on all of The Cowls from this semester Actually buy groceries to cook real food Finally pick […]

The Cowl Editor

Tiff and Earl

Dear Tiff and Earl,  I slipped and fell on the ice in front of an entire civ class coming out of Ruane this morning. No one even helped me up (what happened to “Friars Hold Doors”?). How do I recover from this embarrassment? Sincerely, Professional Ice Skater Dear Professional Ice Skater, The best way out […]

trogers5

Performative Activism Sucks Ass

Taylor Rogers ’24   Performativity’s persuasive lies pour out of your pale mouth,  Claims that are far from true stretching out your already thin lips. The more you speak, the more my stomach resembles a worn-out washing machine,  Churning your chilling words and soiling already clean clothes.    Each second feels like days as you […]

trogers5