Final Creative Writing Portfolio!!!!!

Carrie-Ann Gomez
1261 Mohave Dr.
Mesquite, NV 89027


To Whom it May Concern,
My dream since I was a child has been to become a published writer. I have been taking a creative writing course at the College of Southern Nevada, and it has re-sparked my interest. I hope you will take the time to read my works and consider one or all for publication in your magazine.
Please note that I would also be interested in becoming a regular writer for your magazine, if my talent permits it. I am interested mainly in poetry and fiction pieces, although I understand if I would be required to do other sorts of work for an entry level position.
Thank you in advance for your time, and for this amazing opportunity.

Sincerely Yours,
Carrie-Ann Gomez



Loving Mama

She stared into the darkness ahead of her. Not being able to see any of her surroundings frightened her—where was she? Her only clue was the crunching of leaves with every step she took, and the hooting of owls in the distance. There weren’t many woody areas in Mesquite, so it gave her somewhat of a clue. Stepping tenderly, feeling around with her foot before she moved her entire body, she felt around for trees. Bushes reached out and snagged what clothing remained on her body, and she felt blood trickle down her legs as she gingerly made her way through the woods. Her heart seemed to beat out of her chest as she brushed tears from her face, and she shivered violently. Suddenly, Ali heard the noise she’d been waiting for; the sound of a car motor. She had to be near the road now, and she began moving a bit faster. Lights quickly appeared in the near distance, and Ali cried out in excitement—she had made it! She was going to be okay! As the light brightened the edge of the woods, she began running towards the road in front of her. Tumbleweeds tore at her skin, but by then, she was too numb to notice.
As she stepped onto the concrete, Ali started crying all over again. Her head was still pounding, and every muscle in her body felt as though it was on fire. Her skin was hot to the touch, but her entire body shook. Walking towards the lights of the town, her memories of the night made her sick to her stomach. Vomiting on the side of the road, she prayed for a car to drive by and see her. It had to be extremely late by now, and she didn’t have much hope. Her will to Thoughts of her mother were all that kept her walking. Her limbs ached, and her mouth felt like sawdust. Ali cried in relief as she saw that she was almost to the nearest gas station, which happened to be Maverick. It was then that she realized she must look a scary sight. Her clothes were torn and barely covered her body, her blonde hair was disheveled and full of leaves, she was bleeding in more than one location, and her face was tear stained and although she hadn’t seen it yet, was probably bruised. She gathered her remaining strength, took a deep breath, and walked across the parking lot. Pushing through the door, the cool air hit her like a ton of bricks, and she blacked out.

“Ali? Ali honey, wake up, please…” pleaded Julie, her mother. Ali struggled to open her eyes. When she finally managed to get them open, she winced at the brightness of the room. Everything was so… white. Where was she? Her eyes moved quickly around the room and finally focused on her mother. Tears filled Julie’s eyes and spilled over, as she smiled and took Ali’s hand. Ali’s head was throbbing, and her entire body felt like jello. It took another moment for her to realize she was in a hospital room. Cloudy thoughts filled her head, as she remembered the happenings of the night before. Her last thought was opening the door of the Maverick gas station. She must have blacked out, or passed out from sheer exhaustion. Either way, she was happy to be alive. Ali noticed an IV in her arm, and wondered what she was being treated for. Weakly, she opened her mouth to speak. “Mama… I love you… something bad happened.” Her mother replied, “Shhh honey, everything will be okay” in the soothing voice that caused a single tear to shed from Ali’s eye. “Tell me everything sweetie.”
Ali’s body began to shake as she opened her mouth to tell her story. Suddenly, a nurse walked into the room and noticed Ali was finally awake. “Well good morning, sleepy head,” she chirped in a high pitched voice. Ali winced. Too much for her pounding head. “How are we feeling today?” she asked, although Ali wasn’t sure if she was talking to her or her mother. When Julie didn’t answer, Ali realized it must have been directed towards her. “My head hurts… in fact, my whole body hurts… and I’m so thirsty,” Ali replied with as much of her voice as she could muster. With that, the nurse took a bottle from the counter and injected something into Ali’s IV. Almost instantly, Ali’s body felt hot and tingly, and she smiled. “Morphine,” the nurse explained. Ali couldn’t speak, as she experienced the pain melting away from every pore in her body. She began to giggle, and the nurse smiled back at her.
“Do you remember what happened last night, Ali?” Julie asked again. Still feeling woozy, Ali nodded her head yes. “I was raped.” Both her mother and the nurse gasped. The nurse jumped up and hurried out of the room, and before Ali could open her mouth to explain anything else, she was back with a box. Julie recognized it from watching one too many CSI episodes—it was a rape collection kit. The nurse gently scraped under Ali’s fingernails, poured over her body, and swapped her private area. Still feeling the effects of the Morphine, Ali barely felt a thing. “I was leaving Dani’s house after dinner, and I decided to walk home instead of calling you, mama,” Ali explained. Another tear trickled down her cheek, followed by a stream. “I stopped at McDonald’s for an ice cream cone, and when I left, a boy I knew from school offered me a ride, so I said yes.” Julie sighed and dropped her head. “I got in his car, and someone hit me over the head. I screamed, but we were already driving, and there wasn’t anyone around. The next thing I remember, someone was on top of me, and my wrists were tied together. I couldn’t scream, because something was stuffed in my mouth. He kept telling me not to move, but I tried so hard to get away, and he hit me… more than once.” Ali was shaking now, and her mother was sobbing silently as she listened to her daughter’s story. “He told me I was his now, and there wasn’t anything I could do about it. When he finally finished with me, he put my clothes back on me and told me this would be our secret. He blindfolded me and put me in his car, and dumped me off somewhere. That’s when I started to run, but it was so dark… mama…” Ali gulped. “Mama I’m sorry.” Julie took her hand and tried to console her, but she was shaking almost as bad, and tears got in the way of her words. “Baby this was not your fault!” she exclaimed. The nurse handed Ali a glass of water and some tissues. She injected something into Ali’s IV and Ali’s eyes began feeling heavy. Before she drifted off to sleep, she managed to mutter to her mother quietly. “Mama, you were the only thing that saved me…. my body wanted to give up, to quit the fight, but I kept thinking about you. You saved me mama… I love you.”



Out With the Old, In With the New (Journal Entry)
A new day, a new year, a new beginning. A chance to become a better person, a chance for new resolutions, a chance for a new start. New Year’s Day is always a day I have sat alone in my room, thinking about both the past year and the upcoming year. Another year of my life is over, and a new one about to begin.
Today I was told by a very wise woman that every week, we should make a small change in our lives. Bring in something new, and use it to replace something we can live without. Therein lies the question… what is it that we can do to make a difference in our lives, something that will in turn make us happier? Are these things material things, or do they go beyond that? How big, or how small, can a change be? Can I change myself into someone I want to be, or continue to struggle with life’s simplicity? One small change each week doesn’t seem hard to accomplish. In fact, coming up with the weekly goals seems like it will be more difficult than keeping the resolutions. Resolutions—a word today is filled with, across the world. Resolutions, seemingly meant to be broken one way or another. Can I keep my resolution, which is to make a resolution every week? All I can do is hope, wait, and see.



Wedding Day Excitement (Journal Entry)

Well, tomorrow’s the big day… and I couldn’t be more excited. Shouldn’t I be nervous or something like that? I just got back to my hotel room after the rehearsal dinner, which was great. I went to Bingo tonight too, for my first time! My sister, who’s supposed to be my maid of honor and stay with me in the hotel room tonight, made up some lame excuse so she could ditch me and go to the movies and spend the night with her boyfriend. Some maid of honor she is. Luckily Monica offered to spend the night with me. I totally didn’t wanna spend the night alone, there’s no way I’ll get any sleep!!! Of course I’m excited, but I’m so nervous! If it wasn’t for my friends in times like these, I’d be a wreck. My fiancé is spending the night at our house with his brother and friend, so I’d definitely be all alone tonight. The girls are coming in the morning to get ready with me, and Sarah’s bringing bagels and donuts and mimosas. She’s awesome. All this for little ole me! So crazy.

I can’t wait to be Mrs. Gomez. Tomorrow will, without a doubt, be the best day of my life. I’m so in love and can’t wait to make it official. I just hope we all remember everything!

Well Jennifer just came to the hotel room with foot scrub and massage lotion, so I’m gonna let them pamper me. This is probably the last time this will happen!!!

Future Mrs. Gomez J



Haiku Poems

Summertime

The smell of sunscreen
Ice cream dripping from my cone
Flip flops and laughter


Pain

Excruciating
Throbbing pain down my left leg
Sciatica hurts


Music

Radio blaring
Music is my therapy
Turn it up and dance


Mom

Unconditional
The bond is so close we share
I love you mama


Friendship

Always there for me
Pick me up when I am down
Inseparable



The Campfire

Gorgeous colors, orange and red
The sound is soothing; it puts me to bed
The delicious smell, the smoky air
It flickers long without a care
It reaches out to me during the night
It sleeps not until the morning light
The friendly gatherings by the fire
Roasting marshmallow on a wire
Cooking hot dogs, drinking beer
The fire rage, but I have no fear
It wants not to hurt me, I know it’s true
The colors are turning from yellow to blue
The heat, it grow stronger as we fall asleep
We are not alone; our company it keeps
It guards us safely until we awake
Long nights around it, the friendships we make
The campfire keeps our souls at ease
While out in the open, the time seems to freeze
When the campfire dies down, we sadly go home
But it’ll wake again shortly; it’s never alone



Puppy Love

I come home after work at night
I’m scared to open the door
What’s it gonna be today
I know not what’s in store
Will there be a giant mess
Will there be a smell
My puppies aren’t the smartest things
I’ve come to know that well
They look at me with such sad eyes
They’ve missed me all day long
I look back at them with a smile
I love when I am wrong
They run to meet me at the door
They only want to play
I’m happy to get slobbered on
I could snuggle them all day
My doggies are my babies
They white and sleep and eat
But I know at the end of the day
They’ll curl up at my feet
Unconditional love I feel
As though they came from me
They’re so much like us humans
They snore and poop and pee
Yes they love me, I can tell
They lick my face with glee
My puppies they just want some love
And they’re happiest when it’s from me


Summer

The smell of sunscreen all around
The sound of flip flops on the ground
The careless laughter in the breeze
Summer puts my soul at ease
Big pool parties, camping trips
The feel of ice cream on my lips
Aloe lotion when I burn
I apply it gently with concern
Scorching heat waves, little rain
Sometimes summer can be a pain
Misting stations and kiddie pools
Lots of panting and doggie drool
Fruit salad is such a delightful treat
Lots of watermelon I do eat
Cannonballs and belly flops
Daisy dukes and halter tops
Margaritas and ice cold beer
Summer’s my favorite time of year



Passion

The Look
Our eyes meet
You step closer
I follow
My heart races
I see you closer
You touch my hand
I tremble
I smell your cologne
And feel your hot breath
Calm, confident
You brush against me
I feel dizzy
Come closer
Our lips touch
Fireworks explode
You caress my cheek
And take me
My heart races
Slowly my body screams
You can feel it
I feel it in you
The passion rises
Take me now
Our hearts race together
And we become entangled in a web of emotions
Crazy little thing called love



My Wedding Day

I woke up on my wedding day
So nervous, excited and scared
Friends came to keep my nerves at bay
I’m so happy that they cared

The lady came to do my hair
I put my makeup on
I didn’t have to decide what to wear
My gorgeous white dress made me calm

I closed my eyes and lifted my arms
They set it gently over my head
I picked up my veil and my lucky charms
And sat on the edge of the bed

I clasped my hands in each other; this was the day
Now all I had left to do was… pray


Loving You

I love you
Like Bella loves Edward
Like a fat kid love cake
I love you
A million red M&Ms
A billion Swedish Fish
I love you
To the moon and back
Farther than you can see
I love you
Like Lucy loved Ricky
Like Mickey loves Minnie
I love you
Like an addict loves the rush
Like the desert loves the rain
I love you
More than I can show
More than I can explain


Tanka Poems

Changing Seasons

Spring time brings flowers
The summer bring so much heat
Fall has the colors
Winter brings the brutal cold
The seasons change so quickly


Softball

Hit the ball and run
One, two, three strikes and you’re out
Watch out, here I come
Pitcher, pitch the ball to me
I’m gonna hit a home run


Alcohol

It alters your mind
It makes you feel so funny
It’s pretty pricey
The taste isn’t always good
Hey! Pour me another one


Vacation

Laying on the beach
Relaxing and catching sun
Putting on sunscreen
Drinking cold margaritas
Now I need a vacation!



Mornings

The alarm it goes off
I hit snooze once more
Finally I get up
My feet hit the floor
I turn on the faucet
I lather my face
I pick up my toothbrush
And cover it with paste
I enter the shower
Scrub a dub dub
I rinse off my body
Get rid of all the suds
I exit the shower
And dry myself off
I wrap up in a towel
It’s always so soft
I put on my makeup
And brush out my hair
But most time consuming
Is deciding what to wear
I dress myself slowly
Then put on my loafers
Time to feed the puppies
And sit down on the sofa
It’s time to be leaving
Work calls my name
Man, I need some coffee
Late again—what a shame!



Formula Poems

Summer Day

One pinch of sunscreen
Jigger of careless laughter
One cup of ice cream on my lips
8 ounces of cannonballs
2 ounces of belly flops
Handful of daisy dukes
Sprinkle of halter tops
Splash of margaritas
Smidgen of BBQ sauce

Add all ingredients; please mix well
That’s to ensure your summer’s swell
If you still have some to spare
Find a friend, and then:
Share.


Love

Handful of smiles
Splatter of giggles
Heaping spoonful of care
4 cups of trust
Pinch of feistiness
8 ounces of cuddles
Equal parts of listening and understanding
Pitcher of sensuality
Friendship to taste

Mix it all together, add some more if you need it
Make sure to use a spoon—it’s not good if you beat it
Bake it in the oven, or put it in the fridge
Taste it if you want to, go ahead take a smidge
Once you have a little, you’ll love it from the start
But be careful with it, cuz it’ll take your heart



Tequila

Every night when I come home
It looks at me—it feels alone
It wants to be there in my hand
I never notice what the brand
It whispers softly through the night
Until I finally give up the fight
I walk to it slowly, inhale the smell
I pour it quickly; I’m under its spell
It makes me want it oh so bad
Whenever I’m happy or when I’m sad
It’s my comfort, my shining star
There’s always a bottle at my bar