Abstract but meaningful

Affection is a tender feeling

Betrayal is the only truth remaining 

Charisma is a reflection of the soul

Despair is something you cannot control 

Excellence should be pursued 

Frustration should be well handled 

Gratitude turns what you have into enough 

Hatred does not make you tough 

Integrity is doing the right thing 

Jinx is a kind of malediction 

Keenness is an intense passion 

Loot is not always legit 

Morality tells you which way is the best

Nonchalance means you need some excitement 

Optimism is the last hope of the defeated 

Propaganda means paparazzi are out and armed 

Quaintness is the reflection of inner beauty 

Recklessness, not to be confused with audacity 

Success, how do I get there please? 

Timidity can keep you from living at ease 

Unity gives rise to great achievements 

Venture begets wild, courageous souls 

Wellness is first of all, a state of mind 

Xenophobia is an ethnic stereotype 

Youth never stays too long 

Zealousness; keep it up, stay strong!

By Sarah Ikhlef

Train ticket

Ben was in Los Angeles on business. When his meetings were over he went to the train station. He needed to catch the next train to be in time to deliver the wedding rings at his best friend’s wedding in San Francisco. However, Ben’s wallet was stolen in the train station. He lost all his money, his credit cards and ID as well as his ticket to San Francisco. As he was a stranger and had no ID, nobody at the station wanted to lend him money for a ticket.

While Ben was trying to decide what to do next, a well-dressed man sitting next to him on a bench left his coat unattended for a couple of minutes. Sticking out of the man’s pocket was a train ticket to San Francisco. Ben could see that the man had more than enough money to buy a new ticket.

Ben kept looking at the ticket sticking out of the man's pocket. He was thinking what could happen if he didn't make it to the wedding in time. His best friend would be furious and disappointed at the same time. Suddenly, he approached the coat and just when he was getting ready to slip his hand into the man's pocket, the latter turned around and faced him. "What are you doing?" shouted the man firmly. "I’m sorry, I didn't mean to do you any harm." answered Ben in a shaky voice. "Would you please let me explain?". "I would really want an explanation right away or I’m calling the police!" said the man angrily.

Ben explained his situation without leaving any detail behind. And even without any proof, the man seemed to be convinced and accepted to help Ben get a new ticket only under one condition; to let him attend the wedding. Ben was overwhelmed and promised he would make it up to the man as soon as they arrive to San Francisco.

By Sarah Ikhlef

Warm discovery

Fire was discovered by an ancient man more than one Million years ago. He was walking alone in the forest. It was a cold dark night. He was in desperate need of warmth and light. He wished he could find a way to make his life easier. Suddenly, the sky was split in half by a glitter and lit, becoming brighter like his future was about to, without his awareness.

Being delighted by this fascinating show, he unconsciously started running through the bushes until he found the area where the impact had taken place. He was surprised by the contemporary dance combining yellow and orange shadows. He was drawn by the beauty of the show so he decided to come closer, as an act of curiosity, to what felt like warm magic.

That was when humanity had the chance to discover what is called nowadays, fire!


By Sarah Ikhlef

There is a dark side to everything

A dark side to the moon

And a dark side to the sun.

A dark side to freedom

And a dark side to slavery.

A dark side to the clouds

And a dark side to the rainbow.

A dark side to knowledge and ignorance too.

Humans have a light side and a dark side

They are supposed to use gray cells to choose the best side

Some tend to let their dark side take over

Resulting in bad character traits and negative behavior

Hypocrisy, arrogance and greed happen to be their pros

While honesty, modesty and generosity become their cons.

Others dread their dark side

They are convinced such thing does not exist

Thinking they are living in a happy bubble

Which pops only once in their lifetime;

The day they die.

Smart are those who are not afraid of who they are

They have found a way to overcome their fear

Dark side gradually fading away in their souls

As they cherish each and every moment of their lives.

By Sarah Ikhlef