The Hitch Hiker - By Elliot Hawes

It was a lonely afternoon drive. Just me and the growling engine cruising along the gravel road. As the stones belted out the back of the car like bullets, the speedometer reaching over one hundred mph. I was swerving around the cars before me. I saw something in the distance.
As I came closer and closer it came to be a grotty old hitch hiker. He was wearing a grotty coat , munted up boots, ripped jeans and he had scraggy hair, not to mention an unshaven beard that had bits of rotten food in it. It made him look really disgusting. Before I approached him I put a towel down on the seat, so no filth would get on the leather.

Why I pulled over, I don't know, maybe pity. I finally came up beside him and I said “ Do you need a lift ?” He just shrugged and hopped in the car. He said his first word, “Freeze!” and he pulled out a gun and said “Hop out “So I did that then he started to cheek my pockets he found $150 of mine , my drivers license , my ring , my phone and my i-pod.
“Pass the keys”
“WHAT!” I said.
“I said pass the keys”. Fine, so I gave the keys to him and he speed off into the distance. Lucky he took my fake phone my real phone is in my shoe.

By Elliot Hawes

The Robbery - By Moss

As I trudged up the weathered and chipped steps, gazing at the old antiques and tattered signs, I started to have some second thoughts about what I was doing.

Picking up my nerves, I pushed open the door, creeeek!! My stomach tightened. “Is this right?” I said to myself as I crept further into the decrepit antique store. Dust filled the eyes and covered the room as I brushed it off the old gold figures. “Man this is cool” I said to myself. as I scanned the rest of the room. I heard a groan coming
from the gloomiest part of the store. A shadowed figure gazed at me with an evil grin on his face “I’ve been expecting you”, he chuckled...

By Moss

The Joker Shop - By Harry

As I started to walk up the grey, wet and slimy stairs, I felt them begin to crumble under my weight. I look at all the old signs hanging and wonder what is behind the big grand doors. The door creaks when I opened it and my feet squeak on the lino floor. I entered the ‘Joker shop’ and found some ‘joker cards’. I then realized that this was an interesting place to be. It had a lot more than just cards, and then I realized it is a haunted evil joker shop. I see a blur in the distance, it slowly creeps towards me. I ask myself questions. “Can he see me?” I hear a slam. I look behind me. No one there. I look to the figure again. It is a meter away from me, I realize it is a real joker. It looks me deep in the eyes. It was the last thing I saw...


By Harry

Investigation - By Zara Costello

As I stood glancing into the deserted antique store, curiosity drawing me closer, to the magnificent broad brown doors. I slowly heaved open the tall doors and cautiously slipped through. Cobwebs rested on the old and unsteady walls, the windows were smashed. I heard footsteps pounding against the brown wooden floor. “It’s okay, Anna” I said reassuring myself. “No one would call a run down place like this home”. The wind was howling outside, the whole place was filled with dust and it smelt old and it looked tatty and unwanted, it was horrible. Then I herd a loud slam, I looked behind me the doors were shut. “I don’t remember closing the doors” I thought to myself, and I had to heave them open I can’t imagine the wind being that strong to close them shut. I was beginning to feel scared as if someone was watching me, why did I always have to investigate things. “Who are you, what do you want?” I screamed. I heard echoing footsteps coming closer. “Leave me alone, please!”
“ What are you doing in my house?” the voice bellowed sounding loud and deep.

By Zara Costello

The Hitch Hiker - By Xavier

It was a joyful afternoon. Just me cruising up the coast in my brand new ride. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a very dozy man. He was glaring out to sea while waiting for a ride. I pulled over and asked him “Do you want a ride?” He said nothing. It was as if he was in his own world. “Hey you! Want a ride?” “OK” He finally replied. 

He was very strange! I decided to carry on with my trip. I looked in the rear mirror, the man looked very unusual. Shocked, smashed, destroyed. I was unsure if I had done the right thing.

I was so scared so I calmed myself down by listening to the radio. But in the silent of sounds the radio announced ‘a prisoner has escaped from jail’ then he described the hitch hiker sitting in the back of my car. I thought to myself, “what do I do? Should I kill him? No!”
“Hey you” he said. He had a gun to my head. “Listen! Do what I say and I wont hurt you.” He took me to a random place in the bush. He looked mad as a wild bull then I took my opportunity and knocked him out with one punch. Grabbed the gun and then called the police.

A close call!

By Xavier

The Toddler - By Moss

I honed through the deserted road pumping my music, singing along. Suddenly, I saw a small figure standing in the middle of the road. He looked young, too young for my liking, however I decided to stop. He appeared to be three years old, he was just in a diaper and a T-shirt, with ‘No Rules’ on it. He was holding a baby bottle, filled with warm milk. “You want a ride,” I said. He let out a sneeze and cocked his head suspiciously. I went to drive on, but he stopped me. “Where you going?” he said in a perky voice. “Mt Ruapehu” I said. “I come?” he said strangely. I smiled, “Hop in”, I said, “Yay!”, he said. As we drove off, I asked him, “How’d you get here?”. “Longe storie” He replied, “Well I’ve got a long time”...

By Moss

Fear - By Xanthe

I stumble up the creaky wooden stairs, looking around and wondering if this house is actually abandoned. I reach the top and look down at the termite infested stairs; it looks as if I’ve just walked up a few panels of cracked wood...

Suddenly I hear the screeching noise of a police car pull up outside. I run in the nearest dark room. I can hear the police man knocking on the rusty front door. I look round the room panicking
“What type of room is this?” I think to myself as I scan the surroundings. I see a humungous fire place or what seems to be a fire place.
‘BANG’ I hear the door smash into smithereens. I panic... “ What have I got myself into?”


I feel fear hit me, scared, shaking, I can already hear the rusty bar gate of the jail clatter closing me in forever. ‘Creek’ I hear loud footsteps stomp up the broken stairs, closer and closer, I feel an icy breath on my sweaty cheek. I look round franticly, there is someone in this room and I know it!

By Xanthe

Immortal Child - By Kahlia

I was driving through the outskirts of London, searching for a big white house which belonged to my sister Imogen. Then I saw her. She was pretty in all her features. She sat miserably on the long dry grass at the side of the road.

I slowed down to get a better look. She stared at me with tears streaming down her face.
I had an over whelming urge to reach out and touch her, to wipe away the tears clinging on her face. I stopped and pulled over next to her “ Do you want a ride” I said as sweetly as I could.
“Yes” she said in a lovely voice.

I thought about what to do. I didn’t know if my sister would approve of me bringing an orphan girl but I didn’t particularly care. I said “hop in” and she did obediently. She was relieved to be somewhere warm. Then there was a very loud noise and a scream echoed from out of the car. I realized bullets were shooting to aim for the orphan girls heart. “What was that” I asked. “ They are trying to kill me because I am the immortal child”

By Kahlia

Underground Girl - By Jared Baines

I was a shy girl, walking down the almost light, claustrophobic hallway. The only light I had was the tatty, glitching, light bulb that covered 3/4 of the hallway, it didn’t scare me, I was used to it. I was scared, I froze, put my shoulder in front of my face, cowering, as if I knew that it was going to happen, the door at the end of the hall opened, but there was no one there, it sucked me in like a black hole.

I was unconscious but I was aware, where was I?

What I thought was the next day, I woke to some dark, strange, restricting place, again where was I? I realized, I was in a coffin 10 feet underground.


By Jared Baines

The Toy Shop - By Charlie

As I walk up the old, crumbled stairs I look up at the once grand toy store. Now covered in ripped up closing down sale posters.
As I reach the top of the stairs, I notice some barrels of fireworks and some other toys starting to decay. I approach the top and eye up the big green doors, hoping that this will be over quickly. As I open the big green doors and steer inside. It’s dark and appears to be full of toys.

I hold my breath. Then step inside…

The first thing that strikes me is the spooky clown figures staring down at me from above, hanging on strings attached to the rotten roof. The store is filled with old, dusty wooden toys. It is nearly completely dark in the room with the only light creeping in through the cracks in the thick red curtains. I noticed that the store smells musty.

Chilling water- By Becky

I sunk into the bleak and chilling water. The rope slicing my numb fingers as I clasped it tightly. The bitter salty air brushes my face as I brace myself for the ride. My lips are dry and cracked like the ground of the Sahara Desert. The sun lit up the sea’s glassy surface and the hills around me glowed.

I stared forward at the beastly boat the engine growled like a mad dog. It heaved me forward but I fought back, it was like an evil game of tug-a-war which I would never win. I stood up on top of the rippled water and glided along smoothly. My arms and back ached as I moved from side to side like like a sneaky slithery snake. I forgot everything as the wind smacked my face as if telling me to stop.

Suddenly I fell through the air, the water sucked me under and flew up my nose sending a rush of adrenaline through by body, I rose to the surface and relaxed. A huge smile crossed my face. I had water skied for the first time!

The Hitch Hiker - by Sam

Sun streaked the dusty windscreen. The wing mirror reflected the tired circles beneath my eyes. My eyes a shade of grey, so clear they didn’t fit. A patch of rust sprouting on the bonnet distracted me for a moment, almost causing me to crash. Dead ahead, beneath crowded trees and lazy afternoon sun, stood a shadowed figure. An arm, tense and long, lay outstretched in mid air. A ray of light suddenly illuminated the young mans jagged face. His hair stuck out from his head at odd angles and the fuzzy line of his face made him resemble and unfinished sketch. He wore a soft smile, showing his pearly white teeth. But below his calm exterior I could sense guilt, desperation.

As I pulled up beside him I saw what he was wearing. A shirt hung limp over his bony shoulders. His dark wash jeans, far to long for his bandy, skinny legs, settled in the dirt surrounding his feet. At a closer look I saw that his face was crude and misshapen. Scars ran across his muddled features. He backed away slightly as I leant over to open the door. His eyes were a timid green. They didn’t seem to fit.

My long, auburn hair flayed across the stained seat. A small screech rang out as the door jutted open. As I leaned back, my body grazing over elements of the ancient car, I looked up. A smile curled over my slender cheekbones as he edged his way into the passenger seat.

As we slugged along the road, a trail of smoke behind us, the trees thinned to reveal a serene meadow. Flowers bloomed along the edge of the growing dirt road only to be flattened by the silent swerves of my old Ford.

I felt like I was wandering through the the dark. I knew this man but I knew nothing about him. Like a match I tried to strike up a conversation, only to have it produce a small flame, falter slightly and then plunge into a familiar darkness.

Handcuffs by Lily Andrew

Handcuffs

I’m racing along in my new car. It was a gift from my brother, an old Toyota Starlet with a bright red body, huge exhaust and a flame thrower with low seats and a loud engine. I was on my way to work. The sun was streaming in through the windows. Over on the horizon I see an old woman. Her hand gesturing for a ride. She had a fat ginger cat on her shoulder, her hair in a long ponytail, old worn sneakers and a frail face with wrinkly skin that lay limp on her jagged check bones. As I neared her she gave me a lonesome sad face like a crying child. I couldn’t just leave her there under the blazing sun, so I pulled over and winded the passenger seats’ window down.She leaned in and put a shriveled arm where the window used to be and said “ could I get a lift?” I eased back in my seat and tried a smile “Um yeah sure, where do you need to go?” she licks her cracked, dry lips and mumbles “Airport.”
She gets in the back of the car, I feel slightly uneasy. I punch down on the accelerator. As we race along I try ask her questions like “Where are you from? and “Where are you going from the airport?” she doesn’t say a word, only a purr from her cat.
I have a feeling I have seen her before, as well as the cat.
As we come round the last corner we see a plane take off and one land. I look in the rare view mirror I detect a slight smile on her face.
I pull up at the nearest car park she says a simple “Thanks” and leaves.
I see a little boy waving around the Dominion post and yelling “Woman with cat steals from ANZ bank” I jam on the brakes and see a brigade of police-men run into the airport.
The next thing I saw was a fat ginger cat waddle out of the airport with hand cuffs around its little feet.

By Lily A

Hitch Hiker-Tom Walsh

I was on my annual Sunday drive in my week old Lotus slumping in my summer sun heated leather seat. My window half down on the dusty desert road feeling the cars joy as it screamed across the grainy tar. Suddenly I see a tall thin man’s silhouette rise in the distance, With a big thumb slightly bent sticking out of his body. I decided to pull over since I was in such good mood. He was smiling heavily with gray teeth and undernourished lips. His eyes were beady and hypnotizing. his clothes were baggy and soggy looking.

“ Were ya heading”
“Nowhere really”
“Will you pass Taupo on your way”
“Sure hop in”
And we were off the man jumps in the passengers seat were off cursing down the barren land.
“Your car is absolutely brilliant!” he expresses to me
Thats when I like him that little bit more.
A couple minuets later I ask were he’s from he says my mum’s stomach and he lets off a bellowing laugh and lay back in his seat. have a feeling he wont take me seriously so I just play along and have a good time with him until we reached the destination. I’ve never seen him in Taupo. I think I once saw him on the news for a bank robbery though.

The Hitch Hiker- By Gus

I was racing along gloriously on what seemed to be a long, endless road as if I was in the Salt Flats in Nevada. My 1960’s Rolls Royce engine was rattling loudly, but in a way that made me feel great. I was proud of her, big, round, silver rimmed wheels, main coat was a crimson red and she had a top speed of 160mph. I was lucky to have her and she was lucky to have me.

She seemed to have a life of her own, as she happily zoomed along on this glorious day. Her open roof allowed me to feel the wind in my hair, which was a fresh feeling. As I peered out the window, I saw a silhouetted figure standing on the side of the road, thumb in the air. I slowed and halted beside him.

A rough looking man with big, bulky arms glared at me. He was a short little fella, but he looked like he could flatten me in seconds.
“Where you off to?” He asked in a rough voice,
“Just taking my new ride out for a spin, hop in” I said cautiously, I didn’t really trust him, although I didn’t want to let him down. I mean, just imagine waiting on the side of the road in a place like this, where you don’t see cars for hours and hours.

The Hitch Hiker - By Hazel

I sped down the familiar road, in my sparkling new Mini, stabbing my stiletto down harder on the pedal, as if I wasn’t going fast enough. I hadn’t been here for years. I tried to re-apply my make up, a good impression couldn’t hurt. I dropped my lip gloss into the footwell, it was probably the nerves. I ducked my head looking for the small bottle, my hand locked on it. As my head came up, I turned a blind corner and nearly collided with a hitch hiker. My heart stopped with surprise. Inevitably I had to give her a ride, seeing as I nearly killed her.

She was short, fat and filthy. Her tatty patched up overalls were probably denim underneath all that mud. Although she was short, she was fierce. A martial arts expert, quick and nimble. She smelled of manure, it burned my nose like acid. She looked less human than suckling pig. Entirely opposite from me, in my cashmere coat.

I couldn’t believe we were SISTERS!

By Hazel

The Mystery! - By Meg

I stared up at the ancient, concrete staircase leading towards the house.
Nobody knew what was inside and the secrets it held. However, there was only one thing that drove the children away. The Mystery!

No one believed any of the rumors that were told because everyone had their own beliefs of what lay behind those cracked, haunted doors.

I was here now and nothing could urge me away!

I bit down hard on my lip and I felt the warmth of my own blood trickling down my throat. Innocently I took my first step towards my potential doom, my frightened dog hiding behind my legs. Second by second I made my way to the door step.

I felt my heartbeat starting to flutter like a butterflies wings. I can’t believe I was here, it was every kids nightmare. I had been kidnapped by curiosity and there was no going back.

I closed my eyes, clenched my stomach, twisted the door knob and gently pressed open the door. I stared at the heavily drawn curtains letting in no light like it had a secret to hide. I tip toed quietly along the rotten, decaying, wooden floor. My dog had no choice but to follow. I urged down the hallway to the first door, slightly ajar. I opened it and was stunned at my sight.

The Museum By Liam Brandwood

I approach the museum and make my way up the cracked stairs which crumble underneath my feet, showing their age. I am faced with huge marble pillars, which are struggling to hold the 500 year old building. Vines seem to hug the building and weeds grow through the concrete. There is a chill from the wind so I pull my ripped clothes around me and take one step with my muddy cut feet.

Each step I take and each bit of the marble that chips away. I start to realize the danger. If I get caught I will get killed.

Determination pushes me on as I creak open the door but it falls to the ground before I pull. The dark, spooky room sends shivers down my spine and my stomach tightens. The light tries to overpower the darkness but the ancient curtains block it out. My curiosity drags me to another room. The dust stinks the room and clogs my throat. I look at the old fashioned castle stairs but my second thoughts prevent me from wandering up it.

I hear something move, then a thud. It’s coming from upstairs, I stand there. Frozen. My eyes glued to the staircase. I quickly hide behind some rusted bird cages. Rats dart away from the stairs screeching like an attacked animal. The sound of someone slowly creeping down the stairs gets closer. The ghostly figure comes to a halt in the middle of the stairs, my heart skips a beat. He disappears in mid air. I am mystified yet scared to death. I start to ask myself questions. ''Where is he going to reappear? Did he see me?'' Suddenly all the rats and flies drop dead as I see the white ghost less than a meter away looking me dead in the eyes. ''Am I going to die?'' I think. That was the last thought I had.

Life and Death of a Bohemian By Sean McElwain-Wilson

Paragraph One, Solace.

I stared, mesmerized at the vivid display written on the sky above.An array of stars, distant and bright lit up the panorama.The lake before me erected an exact replica of me, he smiled and I smiled back.Age had taken its toll on me, it ravaged my body, toyed with its very existence, and now after so long, had left my soul to live in a decrepit husk.”The has hollowed me out and wearied me, but here I stand, right here, right now.’’ I felt at peace, all worries now a memory, the grass offered me some hospitality as I lay. A tall, thin figure blocked the light and the stars receded.Solace stood before me and offered his hand.With no hesitation, I took it, half-heartedly, not knowing what to expect...The world spun, its fabric contorted and blackening, then it escaped into a void of black...

Paragraph 2, Betrayal

In the blink of an eye, the world regained colour, however this one was different.It was a marble chamber surrounded with tapestries and paintings of legend.A force threw me to the ground...I looked up at the ceiling, a lone figure meet my gazed along the way.His cloak obscured my perception of him, his face shrouded with mystery.An eerie presence hung over the creature, like a cloud of fog.Something wasn’t right, then it hit me...The room flashed and briefly disappeared into a hazy white light, I rubbed my eyes, Solace had gone, leaving me and my disorientation and the same cloak-clad figure.A rusty scythe gravitated into his skeletal hand.It was then, with fatal realization that I knew I was meeting my demise...

Paragraph 3, Into the Unknown

“Welcome, old one.”The voice resonated all around.”Move towards the light.” It said.A void of bone white enclosed this mysterious plain.”Who are you?”I said, my voice a mere squeak by comparison. “I am not man, nor woman, it replied in a reserved tone.”Walk towards the light,” it repeated.I made pace, flooded with great apprehension.The rift escape warped and shone brighter on my arrival, as if to greet me.”Here Goes...” I thought.The rift became impatient, I had no time, with no precaution, I leaped...

Paragraph 4, Reality Once More

Cough, cough! Croaked my Lungs.My throat wheezed and spat, as if I had been suffocated with ashes.Men, clad in protective suits and gas masks stood, speaking an alien language.”Welcome back,”they echoed.They took out a syringe, filled to the brim with a flourescent green fluid.My eyes darted across the room, they stopped, dead in their tracks at a vial, a vial saying TOXIC.A hallowing cry jumped from my mouth, my cry died into a howl of agony.Everything fell silent, then I saw, that small, glass needle protruding from my arm. The world took a turn to the worse.Shadows sprung from the ceiling above and circled my dilapidated body.I couldn’t watch, I couldn’t stand this, I wanted to be home, with my family. The ghouls let off a high-pitched scream and bound at me...

I woke, gasping for precious air. My nightmarish encounter was over, and the feeling of safety and comfort stuck like condensation. My eyes returned to sight and saw Solace sitting next to me, I smiled, and she smiled back...

The End

The Gypsies - By Eva

It was a cloudy December afternoon when I picked up the hitchhikers. The gypsy woman and her children. The runaways.

From a distance it had looked like a sweet old lady with two adorable kids. However, it turned out to be a jumpy, scared looking woman who kept glancing nervously down the road. A boy who had a sly smile on his face and an evil glint in his eyes, these I had initially mistaken for a cheeky grin and a happy sparkle. The seemingly sweet looking little girl holding a fluffy golden teddy bear was the worst of all, close up the teddy bear was grey, worn and ragged. Her hair was long, uncut and unwashed. She looked hurt and scared, she looked...used.

I could hardly say no to them, but they climbed in before I had a chance to say a word. The little girl began urging me to start the engine, her mother frantically shushing her.

After the worlds longest silence and fruitless attempts to find out who these people were, where they were from and where they were going, I heard a faint “clip-clop” the girl turned in her seat and screamed in terror.

I almost laughed, at that moment the red-faced man on a flailing horse attached to an extravagant gypsy carriage bouncing along the road looked pretty funny. I didn’t even think to speed up. The old lady had gone white as a sheet, illuminating the deep red scars covering her face. That’s when I knew.

I was to late, try as I might, I could not escape, I could not save these people. In a last desperate attempt to save these virtual strangers, I spun the wheel and the car skidded across the road. This only made it easier for them.

After we were caught we were blindfolded and knocked out.

I woke up in a camp full of rowdy men. But I know they’re there somewhere, other women, and children to, hidden away behind bars like me,

and that’s how I became a gypsy.

The Skeleton Key by Hazel Sisson

As I crept up the ancient marble stairs, my footsteps echoed against the walls on either side of me. I felt claustrophobic. I was having second thoughts, it was just so creepy. The seemingly derelict candy shop stood before me, cracks running down the walls. A flurry of wind flew up the alleyway. It knocked all the courage out of me. I steadily I picked the broken pieces of my nerve up from the ground. I took a deep breath trying to slow my heart. Scared someone might hear it. I stood still, frozen. I was staring at it, I was staring at the shop.

The shop that seemed to whisper to the night. The shop no one dared to enter. The shop with the flickering lights. The shop I am so unwillingly going to enter.

But I had to, I had to find it. The skeleton key. The key that opens all the doors. I slowly grasped the brass handle. My heart thudding in the back of my head. I pushed with all my might. The door groaned as I forced it open. The light flooded the room. A layer of dust rose up from the untouched floor. A damp mustiness hung in the air. It smelled of smoke. Darkness filled the room, only the light from the door allowed me the gift of vision. AAAAHHHHHH! Was that me? I don’t know. I had lost the power of thought. I took a step into the unknown.

The Dare - By Marguerite

Dark mist covered the building. Wendy started to walk up the cracked steps. She had been dared to enter the ancient house on the block. It had been abandoned for years, slowly rotting away like an old carcass. In return for the dare, Wendy was to be given a set of tennis player collection cards. Looking up the stairs now, Wendy wasn’t sure if the dare was worth it.

Being the easily-scared, red-haired girl she was, Wendy was shaking like a leaf, wondering whether she should turn back now or keep on going.

She took another slow step, only to feel her foot drop away as the step crumbled away. She stood there, frozen. Her right foot dangled in mid air. Finally mustering the little courage she had, she stepped over the empty space and finally reached the ledge where the large, medieval door stood, chipped and broken in some places, but still standing proudly.

Wendy gulped and took a step back, almost tripping over because of the broken step. The air around the door smelled musty and the mist seemed to get stronger as Wendy stepped closer. Slowly, Wendy wrapped her hand around the rusty door handle, opening the door to the nightmares that laid ahead

Wet, Windy Sailing - Harry Quinn

It was wet and cold as I sailed out to sea.
The birds seemed to be flying just above me.
The waves were rough, the sea spray strong, I knew what I was doing was very wrong.
I sailed on into the night, moving fast from the light.
My arms were eching from holding the rope tight.
My boat bounced around as we head out of sight.
I look overboard and I'm surprised to see a grey fin swimming close to me.
My heart does a shudder as I turn my rudder to head back to the bay, which looks so far away.
The wind whips up and pushes me through, the sea looks a horrible blue.
I see the land sparkling in the dull night light, and wish I was in my bed tucked up tight.
The fin speeds past, but leads the way right up into the bay.
I jump on out and leave my boat floating on the waves, I rush away from the bay leaving behind the frightful day.

Three Poems - Mackenzie

I couldn't thing of one big poem so i made 3 small one's

They say

Poem 1:
The Trees
As i look out among the trees, i feel the gentle sea breeze,
I look around nothing but me,
Just me and my sea breeze trees.

Poem 2:
The Endless Sea
Floating on the evening breeze,
i settle down beneath the trees,
looking out at the endless sea.

Poem 3:
The Calling tide
As i sea the never ending sea, I swear I hear it calling to me,
I step out, helped by the breeze,
and let the sea embrace me.

I'm Beached as Bro! - Mia

I jumped onto my board
with eager determination
my hands cupped
as the salty sea grabbed my attention

I feel a sudden urge
to turn around and catch the next wave
I see Tessa beside of me
With the exact same gaze
so I turn around and the next thing I know
me and Tess are speeding towards the beach
with a blistering blow

When I look back behind me
the sun is just setting
there is a buzz in my spine
and the waves are just spinning
when I wave my goodbyes
the sun twinkles with light
goodbye I say
as we drive out of sight

Hahae Beach by Robbie Lowe

(Everything but the shark is a true story)

The squawking seagulls

fought angrily over

the fluffy little shrubs
lying silently
in the abandoned dunes

Down by the water
massive white waves
angrily attacked
boiling sand burning my feet

On the horizon
huge islands with treacherous cliffs
stood over the glistening sea

The river rapids
rushed rapidly
roaring wildly
on the hot summer day

A little boy
swimming quite far out
got eaten by a little shark
the life guard said
we had to leave
and because of that
I was not pleased.

I taste, I see, I feel-Harry H

I feel the gritty golden sand flying against me.
The cold sphere sea merges with the gleaming sand.
I am at the beach.

I feel the wind blowing against my face.
The clouds above me like candy floss slowly danced gracefully in the breeze.
The sea salt rapidly spits on me as if I were a problem.

I taste the salt and bitter breeze.
I taste the salty wind as if it where a salty drink.
I taste the tainted fish ’n’ chip breeze as it came from a family feast on the beach.

I see swopping seagulls as they glide through the wind in a swarm.
I see people soaking up the 30 degree Sun.
I see the blades of grass swaying side to side as if they where an army of solders marching on parade.
I see towering yacht clubs beside me.

I am in paradise.

Jessica's Poem

A hot day in a small bay...

Waves gently roll upon the sand,
liking at my toes.
The pumas feels sharp-to-touch,
like the thorns upon a rose.

The birds ahead swoop and fly,
and let out squawks like a baby’s cry.
They sound as if they want to die,
but I know they’re just crazy,
as they fly by.

I hear the waves,
I see the sun,
I smell the bush,
I start to run,
I feel the rocks graze my knee,
I taste the water in the sea.

The big blue birds,
and the frisky, friendly fish,
make me feel enchanted,
like I could have any wish.

Now as I look out to the white wash waves,
that keep on growing day by day,
I think back to when the water was flat,
on that hot summers day,
in this small, small bay.

Tessa's Poem-Memories

Memories

Wild waves wash with wisdom,
Sand swishing swaying in silence,
The tide tumbling to my toes,
Gazing goes,
And Autumn appears,
Searching for summer,
I reappear,

Then I noticed,
In the sand,
My florescent pink board,
Outdoing the silky golden sand,

Clutching my board,
I float in the rushing water,
Thinking of my younger sister,

By Tessa

Litora-Oscar C

The sand and sea proved my lonely company,
as I stand on a silk scarf of sand it snakes along the shore
separating land and sea as close as they may be. As I stand on the sand my eyes admirer the blanket of the sea as quietly smooth as it can be.
Eyes closed my ears see the wonderest sounds that call to me from all around, like 100 mice the sand squeaks beneath my feet, the waves sigh like broken harts, that rumble in the wind like a storm so far away. So as I stand on the sand, admirer the sea and hear the sounds that call to me, I realize that the sand and sea really do proved my lonely company.

by Oscar J.D Connor

Mount Maunganui - Tom C

The wind suddenly blows
and then just as quickly,
it goes.

The maze of waves
splash on rocks and sand,
making white water and
reaching the land.

As I lay there in
the sand, I think to myself,
oh, how grand.

Although I ran away
from home.
I still have the beach,
but nobody knows.

Dreaming by Abby Barclay

Dreaming

While crouched by the sea side,
The wind whips through my hair.
Thy felt so peaceful so lost in thy thoughts,
In the distance the soft but beautiful songs of the birds,
I could feel myself flouting as if I was a cloud,
So I dear not move.

The wind was swirling around me,
Carrying the salt from the sea with it
Stinging my eyes as it flew past.
The crashing of the waves so soothing
I felt in a dream.

I felt at peace as the soft gold sand
Fell between my toes
As I picked up the shells around me
My heart filled with joy.
They were all so beautiful I just couldn’t let go.
All my thoughts were lost in my head.
I don’t know why but I felt so dead.

Oh, how I wish I could stay in this beautiful place,
But it’s just a dream, my eyes are closing with dread
As I watch the waves crash on the shore
I start to drift off and soon fall.

The Dark Beach

Cold day,
Murky sea,
Shadowy sky,
Seagulls screeching,
Grainy sea,
Waves colliding at
my feet.

Waterless driftwood,
Dry seaweed,
boats rocking
side to side,
Fish hide behind the tide,

And wait for the sun to come out again

By Ruby Donnelly

The Beach - By Daniel

The sand shifts under me,
I stare and sit,
Past the beach, out to sea.
The faint, murmuring breeze,
Is calm and peaceful,
So unlike the wind, that blows between the trees.
So far from here,
Far from the peace of the beach.

The emerald sea makes and endless hissing,
As waves form and break on the sands of the tranquil beach.
Seaweed clings to the sand,
Cloaking the shoreline with black and gold.
Impassive pieces of driftwood,
Adorn the sandy shore.
I am alone, but not lonely,
I have the beach.

The serpents of grass,
Hiss and dance to the murmuring breeze.
The sun sends down light,
And the pale sand sends it back.
The azure sky is broken by a single, pale cloud.
The squawks of the seabirds,
Pierce the quiet air.
The breeze changes the sand dunes,
And shapes the beach.

Stormy one day and peaceful the next,
The beach is my friend.
Majestic sand dunes, made of soft, salty sand.
The beach is my friend.
Heavy, dark driftwood,
Against the pale of the shore.
The beach is my friend.
Around me,
Under me,
Keeping me safe from city and people,
An untouched paradise.
Thank you,
My friend, The Beach

Verity's poem-The Sea Grass

Planted here
By the beach twigs over there
The whisper of the salty wind soaks into my icy skin
The storm erupts and the ocean and wind combine.
The wharf fights back
It holds steady and creeks “I’m Ready”.
I get ripped like my heart got pulled apart.
I am flying freely frightened
The storm dyes and the concrete sky disappears.
An hour later a girl arrives by my side at high tide
She picks me up and says “how funny”
as she glances to see it is now sunny
“Strange. What is a piece of sea gass doing out at sea?”
She says to me.

The Batch

Escaping the wind.
My feet trotter onto the hot sand,
familiar scenery.
We finally reach land!
The water swims up to my ankles,
and greets me.
I let the waves carry me.
I can never see what you see.
Why can’t you come play?
Put all your electronics away.
I see beautiful glistening sand,
While the wind is whispering secrets in my ear.
Sea breezes take you away,
Snow white sea gulls,
Hunting for there pray.
Who cares if you’ve got sandy shoes.
Maybe some tender pipi’s on the b.b.q?
or pipping hot soup made just for you!
It’s getting late lets go to bed,
and hope that we can say...
That you’ll give waimarama another day.

The Beach

Seagulls soaring overhead,
Boats bobbing on the large rolling waves,
Children playing in the golden sand,
That is the Beach.

Sand-dunes towering over the sea,
Scratchy plants on top of the mounds that are sand-dunes,
The wind blowing the sand,
That is the Beach.

The warm sun heating the scorching sand,
The Piers reaching into the sea,
The wonderful smell of salt surrounding the beach,
That is Himatangi Beach.

By Thomas

Solitude - By Henry

Solitude...

The waves are
my only company,
Their rhythmic beat
surrounds me.

The wind whispers
it's secrets in my ears,
as I walk alone in the wind,
down the wooden pier.

Poem- by Kieran

Solitude

I see seagulls,,
Soaring, swooping for seafood,
In the icy iron grey sea,
And dropping their catch,
like bombs from an air ship.

Solitude.

Two islands in the distance,
Shimmer in the mist,
And I taste the salty sea air,
Cold on my tongue.

Solitude.

I hear the birds screeching,
The wind blowing across the sand,
And the waves,
Crashing against the shore.

Solitude.

I feel the smooth, slippery sand against my skin,
And the wind whipping my hair.

The waves, the birds and me.
Solitude.

The beach by Finn Janssens

I ran, silent as a statue,
That stands there day and night,
When all of a sudden, at a glance,
I see the dark blue sea,
Over the hill,
Beside the mill,
The sea shimmered and shined.

As nice as the vast night sky,
The sea was a mirror, glinting in the sun,
With waves that engulfed the soft white sand,
waiting to be seen or heard.

Fish danced in between the waves,
But the shimmering sea out-did the dancing fish with glee,
I watched and watched,
until my eyes grew heavy
and my sight grew dim.

I go back to that beach every night and every day,
To see the dark blue sea,
And in my dying moment,
Within my long last breath,
I see the ocean smiling up at me

Peace - By Sergio Cotogni

I lie peacefully, the bees buzzing
above me, the trees swaying,
the flowers blooming.

One catches my eye,
the center of the crowd,
so strange this flower is,
that I forget all else.

So wonderful this flower is.
A wonder to me, the lightest
purple, but the darkest blue,
the stem rising into the sky,
holding it's head up in pride.
So strange as I say.

I remember that flower 'till
this day, were
I lie peacefully.

Fate - By Sergio Cotogni

My feet curl into the warm,
soft sand, as I hear the song
of the seagulls, squawking
overhead.

The sea breeze fills my mouth
which starts to water, as I try
to think of more pleasant things
apart from what I have to do.

I walk slowly towards the calm sea,
and I slip soundlessly through the ripples
to the bottom, were I shall rest,
'till tomorrow.

Calm - By Sergio Cotogni.

As I crouch on the sand,
lonely,
I wrap my arms around
my legs hopelessly,
like the tangling seaweed
around me.

The waves pounding like
the beast inside me, trying
to find his way out.
The win roaring
and the bushes raging.

But in that second, those
feelings were washed away
quickly, like the receding tide.

The waves became soft, silky
ripples, the wind to the most
gentle breeze whistling
past me, the sand dunes changed
into joyful bushes,
dancing with the wind.

All was calm.

Sea Memories By Lucy Bird

Feet sinking into the hot, soft sand
I let my carry bag drop from my hand
I sprint down to the water leaving my jandals behind me
Oh how happy I am, down here by the sea

Waves lapped at my feet like a puppy
Eyes closed, toes curling in and out, I am happy
Ears filling with the squawking of gulls overhead
The smell of salt is different, so unlike my bed

The light breeze breathes my hair across my face
The air held it airbourne with a beautiful grace
I dived into the cold blue water
But I don’t feel it
I feel I’m its daugthter

Back on land drying off in the trees
beneath the fronds so no body sees
Theses memories I will treasure
and like a floating feather
they will remind me
of my days at the sea

By Lucy Bird

Windy Beach By Flossie Bleasdale

The sea, the sea calling out to you and me
Waves rush in to the sand
Only to roll out again

The sea, the sea calmness in its water
But in one fowl swoop
The calm has turned sour

The sea, the sea breeze bitter cold, fierce
Salty hard mist meet our lips
The soft sand beneath our feet

The sea, the sea it is beautiful isn’t it
Wind whipping through our hair
Our feet sinking in the shingle

The sea, the sea our ally and friend
The seascape drawing us in
In triumph, two sweethearts together
Creating Minstrels in the sand.

By Flossie Bleasdale !!!

Home By Grayden O'conner

Sprinting through the twigs,
I catch my foot.
Falling over,
I remember the road I took.

Hatred and decipt,
Overwhelming me with lies.
I’m sorry to say,
I’m a fugitive of my own mind.

But, this beach,
Where I stand,
I feel safe and fine,
With all I possibly can.

The waves surround me,
The sand, endless grit,
It all comes together,
Bit by tiny bit.

So to say finally,
With all the power I know,
I love this beautiful world,
I just want to go home

Grayden O’Connor

Te Tatahi (The Beach) by Finnegan Fahey

I lounge in the crook of the wall,
feel the beams of encompassing warmth,
they swallow me up,
into oblivion.

The wall compassionately shelters me,
from the biting breeze,
almost nurturing.

Seagulls swoop and dive on updrafts,
calling to the wind.
Gravel crunches under feet.
Waves wash old memories away.

The harbor sparkles,
a beautiful foreground to the majestic city,
Wellington,
the heart of the long white cloud.

DREAMING OF THE CARRIBEAN-Mykala

the sea shimmers
waves crash onto the sand
birds swoop
turtles swim

lying on the golden sand
soft as fur
feet burning on the hot sand

pram trees sway
blue sky
dogs leaping
kids playing

by Mykala

A Day At The Beach - Claudia

Hot sun,
Light breeze.
Sea gulls squawking,
Palm trees swaying.
Soft sand,
Hot rocks.
People talking,
Beach greenery.
The beach.


Dried seaweed,
Driftwood in the sea.
Sea life in the water,
Cold water,
Waves crashing,
Hot rocks.
Under the sea.

A fun day at the beach.


By Claudia

The Haunted House - By Mia

As I approached the rusty gates I feel a shiver down my spine. Mist grabs my feet and leads me forward. I can see mist running through the old cracked gravestones. I look up and see the moon looking back down at me. I close my eyes and keep on walking, as I approach the wooden steps I observed them closely. There is mold in the cracks and a spider scampers in front of me, to a place that I can not see. I knock on the door and it flings wide open. The last thing I hear is “ Who is it ”...

The Spook House- By Lucy Bird

As I trudge towards the rusted iron gates, a dull light in the house flicked on. It casts a shadowy, gloomy glow across the garden. The leafless trees whisper and rustle in the light breeze. A giant furry spider scuttles across the cracked, stone path. The reflection of the white, shiny full moon sits on the roof of the house. Silhouettes of bats make shadows on the ground as they pass in front of the moon. The night was crystal clear when I left my house, but now the sky was began to fog up. The air around me is collecting the mist feeding off the moon.

Suddenly, I hear a loud, wretched SCREECH from behind me. I spin around to see and hear the gate swinging back and forth slowly in the light breeze, scraping the ground. The air smells musty and old. My nostrils recoil as I get nearer to the house. I admit that I was frightened.
I'm normally not one to be scared, but this house could make anyone jump out of their skin! The sky is brewing up a storm, grey clouds cover up the moon and a breeze sweeps by and ruffles my shirt. I reach the door. Just walking up the path seemed like an eternity. I rap, a short, shaky knock at the door. It creepily swings open by itself. I step inside...

The House-By: Oscar

The light seemed to fade as if it were scared of the house that stood before me. Its towering profile watched me like a prison guard poised to strike, yet as patient as a brick. The ominous green light shone from the window like an illuminated eye forever searching for a the next victim.

The Haunted House-By Claudia

Claudia
Monday 26th July

I stumbled up to the gates of the old house , my heart pumping wildly. A thin mist hung around my legs. The gargoyles stared down at me with their beady red eyes. . The gates swung open creaking on the hinges. A wolf howled in the distance. I continued my way up the path. The house looked cold and damp. Screech! The gates swung closed behind me. Now I had no way out. I was nearly there. Several bats circled around the top of the house where a tall tower was. Ahhh! I thought I heard some one scream,but maybe it was just my imagination. The front door swung open some was standing at the door...
The old man at the door eyed me as I stumbled up the path. Preparing to run, I picked up a pebble and held it tightly in my hands it was the only thing I had to defend myself. The old man slowly made his way down the path towards me. “Come” he whispered. I was terrified. I felt like screaming help me, but no one would hear me out here in this deserted village. I still had the pebble in my hand. I aim it at the gates and threw it. Whoosh. The pebble flew through the air and hit the gates. Slowly they opened. Wow, that was lucky. The man just stared and shook his head.

Haunted house-By Kieran

As I approach the old rusty house, the mist shimmers in the luminous old oil lamps. There are Gargoyles perched atop the crumbling brick pillars supporting the rusty iron gates, and their eyes seem to stare at me malevolently I shake myself mentally. “gargoyles don’t stare, stupid.” I murmur to myself.
“We Don’t?” squeaks a voice behind me. I spin around, tripping in my haste to find the owner of the voice. “Stupid human” comes a second, much lower voice. “of course we talk.”
I’m hearing things now, this place is really starting to creep me out.
I stumble through the graveyard, imagining the rotting corpses buried in ornate coffins beneath the damp brown soil.In the distance I hear a howl in the distance The decking creaks as I gingerly climb the stairs, expecting the rotten boards to collapse under my feet at any moment. As my hand reaches towards the door knocker I hear a cold, high cackle from the top of the house, where a lamp suddenly flickers to light. The door creaks open and a shriveled face wearing a tight, black skullcap pokes out of the doorway. “Come in, come in Mr Thompson, we’ve been expecting you.”
The old man beckons me inside, as a dark cloud of bats rise up from the apex of the musty old house, and a full moon comes into view.

The Haunted House - By Ruby

As I tramp slowly towards the damage, my heart thumping. The gargoyles staring me dead in the eye make me feel unsafe and breathless. I take one large step forward as I hear the moreporks and bats making spooky noises. As I keep on walking the moon shines down on this damp and icy cold abandoned house. I get to the old rusted misty door. As the gates shut they make a high pitch creaking noise.Then I proceed to old ancient wooden door. There is a whole heap of mist that comes towards me, suddenly the door flies open no one is there, it is pitch black and very very scary.

Trapped by Maddy

I creep through the deserted forest. My feet freeze as I look up to see the mist cover up a cold damp house that stands strong before me. I feel a certain breeze coming from nowhere. This cold breeze turned into a firm ghastly wind, blowing me over and picking me up! I am weak... I am scared out of my head. My finger tips turn into dust, my long fair hair is deeply tied round my aching arms and legs, my hair is firmly rapped round my mouth to keep me from screaming. I was lonely for years and forever trapped. All that I could move was my eyes as they glanced from side to side, watching little innocent boys and girls just like me being dragged into their sudden death.

My eye sight is the only sense I have left. I grew older and my eyes played tricks on me. I see things that give me horrible thoughts, I miss my family, I want to go home, even though I know they are well gone on this planet. My skin is gray, I can’t imagine how many decades have pasted. One fine morning the mist had disappeared and the house released my soul! I was free with the wind! I had left this world, I couldn’t believe it “FREE!!!!” I shouted to the world! I was in my happy place, fulfilled once again!

Harry Q's Scary House.

Harry’s scary house. By Harry Q

When I walked up to the house ,I had a shiver down my spine as I entered through the rusty gate, I saw grave stones and then I saw bats flying and the wind howling through the trees. The front steps were moldy and very slippery and I knocked on the door.
A mystery person opened the door and said ‘hello’ do you want a cup of tea? I was shocked to hear an ordinary person, living in such a scary house.

Fear floods through me By Flossii

As I approach the gloomy abandoned house fear floods though me and I shiver with terror. The moon makes the house glow and that makes me very uncomfortable. There is a slight breeze and the ancient rusty gates squeak in pain as i hobble in. The full moon gives enough light for me too be able to see a grave yard covered in a ghostly white blanket of mist. All my instincts are telling me to turn back and never return but i can’t. There is a light on up by the front of the house but all i can see from it is a closed glass front door as i look more closely i see a broad grim shadow a still as a statue just standing there on the opposite side of the door, my heart begins beating my chest with its powerful thump. My hands are beginning to sweat and i feel a frigid breath down my neck it sends a shiver down my spine, i swivel around. but there is nothing there the worst thing of all when i look back at the door the shadow is completely gone, vanished of the face of the earth I turn my attention to something else slightly higher up i see a roof that looks so pointy, that you could easily slice your thumb open if you were ever to go up there. This house is colossal bigger than i have ever seen, as I look to my right and i see the shadow of whooping great tree overpowering the house it creeps me out and gives me the heeby geebies and thats just the icing on the cake i turn back and bolt down the loose gravel road to safety.

The haunted house-by Harry.H

I trudged slowly along the abandoned road looking for safety. I slowly approach a hairpin corner the gravel crunched underfoot. I look around for any thing, an abandoned shed or windmill by chance but it was very hard to see through the thick ghostly fog. I was starting to get really cold and then I saw a lantern or an oil lamp in the distance I thought I must have been dreaming but no! I definitely saw a flickering light in the darkness. As I approached the lantern it became more and more clear as the moonlight shone through the fog. I saw a rusted gate hanging on some ancient pillars with creepy gargoyles on the top the sort you saw on horror movies. I was definitely not sure what do, but then the moon revealed a dodgy hunted house in the distance, what now? I thought to myself...

The house across the road-by:Abby

“Ha” “I’m going to bet you” I teased my friend he knew I was better then him at Soccer, but he didn’t show it. He tackled me smashed into me but never got the ball. When I got close to the goal I kicked it, but sadly it missed and kept on rolling down the path. It stopped at the house across the street, the one we call “The hunted house” A big tall mansion with big iron gates. Now I was scared... As I step through the rusty old gates a sting of fear hits me. The moon floats over the house like a ghost I creep along the path way, shivering as I walk. I walk Towards the ball then suddenly it roles away and through a open window. through the house, I let out a little annoyed sigh, because I have to walk further into the creepy environment. I look around me at the graveyard I can hear the skeletons breathing. I want to run to hide and never come back, but I knew I had to be brave. Step by step I climb up the stairs to the abandoned house a dark sensation floods through my body. The door lets out a horrible shreek as I slide it open. when I step into the house I’m blinded by smoke and pure blackness I can’t see a thing. I hear faded laughs in the distance of the big house, my hearts beating so fast I can’t stop it.

Verity's Story Granny's Grave.

I froze at the entrance of the abandoned house. I could feel the mist ooze round my feet as they tightened and pulled me towards my Granny’s grave. It was like I was getting sucked into a tornado. “Emma“ .I snapped round and looked at a figure poised in the door of the house. The light flickered on and off. She made me fixated on her. I blinked and she disappeared. I gradually looked up the house and noticed that the moon was making the house glow. This house was freaking me out now. My Granny’s grave was right next to the steps of the house. I tried to walk over to the grave but I was getting pulled up towards the door of the house. I tossed the now dead rose’s to the cracked grave. I was standing deathlike at the door of the house, unable to move any muscle in my body. My arm was getting forced to ring the door bell. I was trying with every possible muscle in my body to not ring that doorbell. My strength grew weak and I could no longer fight the demon inside me. I could feel fear trickle down my forehead then I began to cry. That single drop of tear plodded down onto the squeaky floorboards then my body flung backwards and a green spirit emerged out of my fear struck body and dashed into the house. I fell on the ground in shock. All of a sudden a little girl emerged out of the house and ran up to me. She leaped into my arms. That's when I realized that my daughter was still alive.

The House On The Corner-By: Jessica

Dark shadows loomed overhead, gravestones creaked in the ghastly cold wind, a loud thump came from the top story of the murky prehistoric house. The rusted gate groaned in the ice cold breeze .I became a statue, frozen with fear. I saw something move swiftly behind the cracked window, the door handle turned gradually, the smell of must filled the air, everything stopped, the door bolted open...

The Haunted House - By Mykala

As I creep up the jagged path the bats swoop past. Suddenly lights flicker but I still carry on. Gargoyles stare at me as the mist creeps up towards me. Where am I? I wonder to myself. It is as black as coal. I can’t see anything as I stand here in the cold waiting for the moon to come out from behind the clouds. I feel the damp mist clinging to me. I shiver. I take a step my foot slips out from under me. I fall against something hard.

Petrified by Grayden O'Connor

I was running to my apartment from my friends cottage at quarter to twelve at night . That's how I came across it. The mansion on the ridge was directly beside me. Mist swirled around it all. I recognized the unearthly frozen breeze glide through my clothes. I stood there... frozen with fear. The houses’ wrought iron gates suddenly creaked open. It was scary, but cool at the same time. I suddenly subconsciously trudged forward. I only had control of my head. I studied the broken landscape. Gravestones, mangled and trashed, lay mercilessly in the misty air. The hedges were all running wild and the trees cast creeping shadows over the destroyed, muddy terrain. The gerbera plants were all dark and droopingly low. The moon was somewhat larger by the house. The giant menacing full moon. But I knew the worst was still to face me. What couldn’t stay out of my freaked out mind was the luminous green glow emitting from the dreaded, green flaking mansion.
I stepped onto the veranda and the glow suddenly flared and instantly burst off. I opened the door slowly. It creaked uncontrollably. I was terrified, but still walked forward. The sinister force was still beckoning me forward. At the dusty stairs it left me there and held me. A hazy white form emerged at the head of the stairs.
I was completely petrified. I stayed in my scary nightmare for two seconds and then passed out.

The House - By Mackenzie

Prologue

As I walked up the small gravel path, I could hear the glass crunch underfoot. The door hung lazily on its rusted hinges. As i got closer to the house i was engulfed by the fog’s thick arms, as the fog cleared i could really see what had happened, glass lay on the ground shattered by the blast, shards of wood were scattered all around. I walked up the steps and peered inside.



Emotions flooded me as i remembered my old bed room, I could hardly believe what had happened. The old Grandfather clock lay across the living room floor, miraculously still ticking even though it looked as though a invisible hand, had thrown it across the room. I ventured further into the house weeds were winding all along the hall. I knew I had to get revenge. I walked slowly out of the house and headed home. `

The House - By Henry

The house stood there in the early morning light, half obscured by fog, looking lost and alone. Most of the windows were smashed in or hanging off their hinges, making an eery ‘creak ... creak’ in the slight breeze whistling through the air.

Trembling with fear, I took a few shaky steps down the rough gravel path towards the house. I knew why I had to go there but I wasn’t sure I wanted to do it. I walked up the crumbling stone steps, my walking stick making a clacking noise against the ground.

I opened the rotting door, and screamed.

The Wooden House - By Tessa

As I approach the rusty gates they screeches open in front of me. I peek in and see the cracked moldy gravestones. As I step on the dark green undergrowth the mist swallows my feet and I run to the fractured wooden steps . I run toward the house. I can hear my heart beating over the sound of the wind screaming through the surrounding trees. The moon hovers over the old, unpleasant, scary place as I step on the wooden steps they feel as they moving under my feet pulling me away. I force my hand and I hold the cold door handle my hands are shaking as I open the door. Fear floods through my face.

The Old Haunted House By Finnegan

The cast iron gates swung silently open as I approached. Gravel crunched underfoot as I passed through. The long grass almost hid the weather beaten tombstones that were dotted around the vast paddock. As I drew closer to the house it cast its shadowy veil over me, shielding me from the icy glare of the full moon.

The steps were worn smooth with years of usage. The heavy oak doors were cracked with age but I could see they were still very strong. As I reached for the handle the doors creaked open revealing smothering darkness inside its gaping maw.

Evil Gargoyles By Robbie

As I walked towards the gloomy rusted gates the evil gargoyles eyes lit up blood red. They started to stretch their concrete wings and flew down to attack me. I ran towards the foggy lawn but then I realized they weren't bushes, but old forgotten gravestones. when I got to the door it open automatically so I walked inside. the mantle piece was stain with blood and a bloody human carcass lay stranded on the floor with bite holes in their neck. A familiar shadow crept up behind me and attacked me. I ran outside through the old grave yard but got trapped by the gargoyles. The vampire sliced at me with it’s blood stained claws and almost took my head off. The concrete gargoyles glided down to eat me. I couldn’t get out out of this situation.

Entering the house - by Sergio

As I strolled toward the house, the mist engulfed me, all I could hear was the slow and rhythmic creaking of the rusty gate...Slowly but surely the mist faded away, I walked inside the gates, which suddenly closed behind me. My heart racing, I slowly make my way to the door, stopping to read a grave stone R.I.P Porky the hamster “weird”, I muttered to myself.

I continued down the road, bathed in the moonlight for some seconds...The old leafless trees sway steadily with the breeze. I approached the door, my hand reaches slowly for the handle, I open the door and walk inside...I can barely see, apart from a small flickering light coming from upstairs. I gather my courage and creep towards the staircase, the wood creaking underneath my feet.

I reach the stairs, step after step, suddenly a part of the staircase breaks from underneath me to uncover a gaping black hole, “Damn!” I whisper under my breath, looking up to the light to see if whoever up there heard me, luckily, and very strangely no-one did, “maybe there’s no-one up there..” I muttered. I continue my journey to the top of the stairs, trying desperately not to make the stairs creak under my weight.

I finally make It to the top, it seems like 20 years has passed, I slowly walk into the room, and then it hits me, bamn! A tennis ball in the face, I hold my nose in pain, while I look up and see him for the first time, his hood is on, and he has no face, just a gaping hole...and the next thing I see is blackness.

The House - by Daniel

I walked slowly towards the house, apprehension in every step. The house stood in front of me, decrepit, ancient, a lonely beacon of death and decay. Illuminated by the eerie light of the moon, the deteriorating gravestones turned a deathly bone colour, casting long, misshapen shadows on the ground. The mist swirled through the leafless trees, giving a ghostly feel to the land surrounding the house.

My feet crunched on the loose gravel path. I glanced nervously at the spiny gargoyles perched atop mossy pillars of stone as they glared at me with malevolent granite eyes, watching me, waiting for me to make a wrong move. Shut up I told myself, there’s no such thing as live gargoyles. However these ones seemed real, looked real, and the way their eyes seemed to follow me... I pushed the thought away as I slipped through the half open cast-iron gates and proceeded towards the house.

I reached the crumbly stone steps. The moment I put my foot on the first step, bats erupted from nowhere, I recoiled in fright and waited until their leathery wings disappeared into the shadows of the trees. I cautiously placed my foot on the step again, expecting something to leap out at me, but all stayed silent apart for the quiet whisper of the wind. I reached the door and tapped on the rotten boards, the door swung open silently despite it’s aged appearance, and I was hit by a wave of musty air...

WATER CYCLE NARRATIVE - By Sofija

I’m glideing through the lush greenery, close to the heart of the forest where Tane Mahuta, our King and gaurdian rests. I observe the blue curtain of velvet that flows down the rocky hills, sparkling and buzzing with life. The forest of Aoetearoa has always been a place of music and life. Rich with food and cover, a place for all animals.
From my treetops I take off and fly over the stream, fluttering the tail that earns me my name ,everything seems peacefull and harmonious. But all at once a hot sensation overcomes me, and I fall from the sky to be engulfed by the jaws of my most feared predator.

Yes that was me, the eel. I have just finished the greatest journy of my life and have not eaten in days. As I gracfully slide my cunning body through the slippery rocks, I finally feel at home. I have been traveling for years, looking for a place that will shelter me untill the time come where I must bear my kin. And know when I slide under the shelter of an overlooking ridge, watching te schools of fishes glide past. I feel closer to Tangi Roa, my gaurdian and King, then I have ever been.

by Sofija

Take Action For Water Trip - Holly and Ina

Tuesday 9th brought wet weather and cloudy skies for our Take Action For Water Field Trip. It didn’t mean that Room 23 from Muritai School couldn’t go. The T.A.F.W Program was supplied by the Greater Wellington Regional Council for schools around Wellington. We were very lucky to have the opportunity to learn about our waterways and natural ecosystem.

We first arrived at the Rimutaka Forest Park in Wainuimata at about 10am. Room 23 split into 2 groups. Group Two went for a bush walk up the catchment for an informational talk, while Group One tested the stream and identifies aquatic insects. The information on the forest walk was based around the native birds of New Zealand, which we then had to identify the birds as we walked, eg: tui, fantail, grey warbler etc. We also learnt about the kawakawa plant. The leaves could be burnt for insects repellent, to settle your stomach and also used to make tea. When Group 2 arrived back at the main venue, we then rotated with the other group and went to do stream testing.

We tested the Catchpool Stream, located at the middle area of the catchment. Group 2 first tested the stream habitat, looking at the stream bed, algae, stream shade and the bank stability. This determined the habitat’s condition, which was excellent. We then examined the insects of the stream with the samples that Richard, our guide, collected earlier. We found that there were mayflies, stoneflies and cased caddisflies, which was considered excellent. One person even discovered a banded kokopu hiding under a rock. Group 2 then tested the water quality, using thermometers and clarity tubes to define the water’s clarity.

Both groups met back at the main venue for lunch. Afterwards we went back onto the bus and headed for the second stream. This stream was in Wainuimata also, called Black Creek. The standard at which the stream was, both in habitat and water quality, was very poor. We didn’t test the water, but just from a look we knew it was very polluted. There were no animals present apart from a few ducks, but guessed that the only water inhabitant would be worms and snails. There was even a broken scooter at the bottom and lots of stormwater drains and piping. Everybody was disgusted at the quality of the stream.

We headed back to school on the bus at about 1:50, and settled down in class for silent reading. Our homework that we had been given was based around the field trip. We had to draw up a healthy and dirty stream and name the key points. There was a Vienn Diagram to complete listing the differences and similarities of Rimutaka Catchpool and Black Creek. the field trip was a great experience because we got to learn a lot about the habitat of a catchment.

Report by Holly and Ina.

The Beach

Hovering over the sad lonely beach the sky drips down on sand,
To create what’ll look grand,
With seagulls flying in the high breeze,
Boats float upon high seas.
With sand dunes glaring at the skies,
While the seaweed gently dries.

Seagulls circle around me,
Like some vultures that are hungry.
As a giant hand pokes into the sea and sand,
Fishermen fish off there fingers
As their fishing lines lingers.

Staring at the skies and seas,
Brings back lots of memories,
Like playing in the sand and stones,
While a wave cries and moans.

Being miles from the nearest house,
Makes the land quieter than a mouse,
Now realizing the beaches beauty,
Makes me think of the beach truly.

By Sam Weber

The Red Tree - Ralph Morley

Inspired by the works of Shaun Tan

The Red Tree
Sometimes your words just have no meaning to others,
And at times, time seems to laugh at every slow tick it takes,
And everything around you doesn't fit,
You just feel like you are bottled up and forgotten,
And you slowly float around waiting and hoping for something to happen,
When all along happiness was right by your side, and it just needed to be found.

Hitchhiker

(Focus on character development)
“B-ring, b-ring, b-rrrrrring”. I decided to pull over as my cell phone rang fiercely. It was my brother, he’d had another accident, and I had to go to the hospital immediately. I was about to twist my key in the ignition when I heard a soft rapping on my car window. I wound it down. There was a girl with acid pink long bubblegum hair, a slim pointed face and deep blue eyes. “I hear you’re heading to the hospital” she said in a soft sugary voice. I noticed her bulging belly. She was wearing baggy army pants, and a thick fleece. She looked in her late teens, so I let her in. “nice car” she says looking around the inside of my comfy convertible. “Thanks, what are you doing on the highway?” I say.“I need to get to the hospital”, she says sadly.“So what is your name” I whisper in a curious voice. “My name is- is- Saffron Winter” she says unconvincingly.

By Sophie McElwain-Wilson

The House

(focus on developing plot creating tension and building up interest)


The peeling paint on the gate scratches my hands as I push it open. The house looks like one big mound of bad luck, about to fall down into its own foundations. By this time I’ve reached the door. I reach my hand out to knock but pull it back as if the house is a vicious animal that hasn’t been fed in a long time. I have a second attempt to knock but after waiting 40 seconds I try the door knob. To my surprise the door swings open and throws me on the carpet. It slams shut, I go to check but all I can hear is the eerie sound of an organ playing. So quiet it could be in my mind.


By Billie Bishop-Ash

Steam punk town

Steam Punk Town - Axel (focus on Setting)

Everything was a blur. Where am I? and why was I here?
As everything slowly came to me I saw a dim foggy light. It was the only thing that made it possible for me to see, I nearly choked when I took a breath of the dirty industrial air. I walked over to a tube marked with pollution. It was labelled “C the world” in large letters, there was a small capsule inside. I decided to get in it, it jerked me forward and I slowly sped through the tube, the brown misted air seemed to stare at me, the only sign of colour was a small glint from the small mossy tiles that lined the street, I couldn’t take it any more I pushed a button and I sped to the end of the tube I had to get out of this place. I ran to a sky dock and grabbed the first Zoom I could find. It made me speed out of Steam Punk I felt so relived I was out of that disgusting place which might have been mans worst mistake.

Axel co. products

The House -

By Rhy - (focus on developing plot creating tension and building up interest)

I walked through the dense bush, pushing small rotting trees out of my way. “Are we there yet?” Tim asked
“I don’t know” I replied, and then suddenly the bush track gave way. We slid down the hill stones and leaves rolling down under us. I stood up and right in front of us was an old rickety house it looked like it had been standing for a thousand years. “Shall we go inside?” asked Tim
“Ya” I answered. As we slowly walked over to the destroyed door, I tapped it, and then it slowly creaked open. As we took a step inside, the damp air was cold on my skin and the paint on the wall was rotting away. Under my feet was a puddle of murky slime. We walked up to the stairs to the sound of a thousand screams in my head all at one time. “GO AWAY!” I screamed
“Why?” Tim replied.
“The screams” I answered.
“What screams?” Tim asked again.
“Nothing, nothing” I said. We continued up the stairs. I blinked and saw shadows all around me. The peaceful sound of a clock ticked away tick, tock, tick, tock. I followed the sound of the clock, a rotting wooden door stood between me and some thing terrible. I pushed the door it didn’t move so I pushed harder it bust open I fell to the floor and looked up to see blood all up the walls and bodies of tortured souls the clock had stopped ticking Tim was gone and the shadows were coming.

By Rhys Feeney.

SteamPunk Town - By Hugh

Focus on Setting / orientation

I feel comforted as I come through the hazy clouds, as smoke pumps out of my flying machine. The wind blows forcing dark smoke into my bare face. Distracting me from the spectacular views. I come slowly gliding down to Steampunk, on my search of a strong standing town. The gleam of the lighthouse reflecting off the water making me want to swim, but I know that that’s not what I came for.

Even as I know that the town is as gloomy as a dark bedroom on a lonesome winter’s night, I feel a sense of warmth.

The deathly smog coming through the yellow sky is making me fan the grotty air in front of me, just for a breath of fresh air. But I’ve seen worse where life has choked on thin air.

Hugh.C

SteamPunk

Steampunk Story - By Rosie
Focus on Setting / orientation

The swirling mist tickled my nose as I slowly drifted to the ground, my rickety old hot air balloon just coping with my weight. The last time I had visited Steampunk was over 50 years ago, now my hands and face were as wrinkly as an over ripe tomato.


My package thumped like a drum in my chilled hands, as I slowly walked down the moss covered cobblestone steps. I immediately noticed the city leisurely waking up, as if I had broken an endless curse. Without delay I set off towards the old and weary pencil factory. The steam from the chimneys puffed out as if being smoked from an old pipe. I remembered playing on the old pier which now sat motionless on the mirror like harbour. The only ripples were being made by an old steam boat, puffing and gliding towards the old and bleak lighthouse.


I lightly laid my package on the front step of the factory, its walls now covered with mould and rotting wood. A small shiver ran up and down my spine, as I remembered what the once beautiful Steampunk used to look like. The rich colours of the cool blue of the ocean and rainbow tinted sky had now been taken over by the smoke and smog of the run down, and exhausted industrial buildings.


A silent tear fell from my bewildered eye, as walked back to my ancient balloon. Gliding into the clouds I longed for the old Steampunk to return, to my old and favourite town.







By Rosie Reid

The Deadly House

By Daranee
(focus on developing plot creating tension and building up interest)

I stood on the sharp gravel path leading up to the house. The rusted, once grand, gate swing airily behind me. My head is trying to steer me away. I felt as though I was meant to come to this house.
The garden was seriously overgrown, stacked to the brim with dead wrangly flowers. I fragilely amble up to the French windows and peer inside. I get a strange chilling feeling as I gaze inside the crude lifeless room. I make my way over towards the dark dingy doorway. The door handle is in the shape of an eye. It is cool and damp as I place my hand on it. Before I make my way inside I take another glance around the garden that looks like a barren wasteland off the Lion King. I turn the handle and scamper inside. The wallpaper is cracked and falling to pieces off the walls. The stairs going up to the next level look as though they will crumble any second, yet I still retreat up the stairs. As they creak they send echoes howling through my ears and around the house.

By Daranee Bolger

Hitchhiker

Daes - By Samantha Gorham
(Focus on character)

My car cruises smoothly across the long and old road. Mailboxes and driveways rush past. I begin to see a dot of a person in the distance. The hitchhiker has a look in her husky eyes that says ‘Another car speeding past’, so I stop. “Thanks for stopping,” her clear voice has hardly any accent. “Are you going to Ratahi, mate?” the words seem to darken, like she didn’t want anyone to hear them, but me. “Sure,” I reply as I study her. The beanie she is wearing has a worn and dusty look to it, as so did her grey hoodie; and the jeans had seen better days. I slyly notice a dark cord wrapped around her neck, like a snake constricting its victim. “Name?” she asked
“Uh, personal,”
“Fine. Same here,”
I sighed inwardly. “It’s Kane,”
“Cool. I’m Daes,”

By Sam. G

THE HAUNTED HOUSE

By Luke - (focus on developing plot creating, tension and building up interest)

I limp through the over grown grass, the moss which is taking over the old forgotten path slimes through my toes. The cracked yellow cobbles cut my feet. The ghost like stone cold door handle sends a freakish shiver down my now spiky haired back. I hear a horrid creak, the chipped door that is hanging on one hinge opens. I hear a scream and turn to run but I get sucked into a lifeless room



BY LUKE SEARLE

Stranger on the Loose - Character by Andre Chumko

My rusty Suzuki was vibrating calmly, almost purring, as I see a Hitchhiker thumbing for travel. I pulled my car up, almost 3 millimetres away from him. He didn’t even flinch. He knocked fiercely on the smoggy window-pane and blurted out these words in a frustrated manor: “Can I get in already”? In a shallow, low-pitched tone of voice coming from hairy lips that were dry, and the surrounding face, badly shaven. He was wearing black, shiny sunglasses, a beanie that was a musty grey colour, very tattered and bold. A black woollen sweater, with patchwork on the left hand side of his pocket, almost right by his leather gloves, which looked expensive. I quickly analysed him without being suspicious and muttered back to him with a daft expression: “Sure mate”. His belt was a crackling black shade that squeaked whenever he moved. It had a polished silver ring in the middle of it. And he scrambled hastily into my vehicle, as if he were startled by something. I felt like exploding! His deodorant smell was hideous! I wanted to have an argument with him right now. But I couldn’t. I was too afraid. He looked like he had some sort of weapon, and he could strike me at any time.

Andre Chumko