DigitalCommons@C.O.D.

Strassman, Anita

Can I Fly?

This paper examines the symptoms, pathophysiology, genetics, prevention, and treatment of HAPE. It also includes a brief overview on its manifestation in children and the radiographic spectrum of the disease. This review also addresses some of the cases of high-altitude pulmonary edema. High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), is a life-threatening condition where there is fluid accumulated in the lungs. HAPE is a condition where the effects are completely reversible, which is why it is crucial for patients to have adequate and timely treatment. High altitude pulmonary edema, (HAPE), is a non-cardiogenic form of edema that can be life-threatening if not treated properly and promptly

Ricardez, Diana

Harris, Gregory

Quach, Trucly

Singh, Arpitha

College of DuPage 
DigitalCommons@COD 
RESP 1102 Intermediate Respiratory Care Student Scholarship - Respiratory Therapy 
4-30-2025 
Understanding High Altitude Pulmonary Edema and Impact on 
Overall Health 
Diana Ricardez 
College of DuPage 
Gregory Harris 
College of DuPage 
Trucly Quach 
College of DuPage 
Arpitha Singh 
College of DuPage 
Follow this and additional works at: https://dc.cod.edu/nhs_student_resp_1102 
 Part of the Respiratory Therapy Commons 
Recommended Citation 
Ricardez, Diana; Harris, Gregory; Quach, Trucly; and Singh, Arpitha, "Understanding High Altitude 
Pulmonary Edema and Impact on Overall Health" (2025). RESP 1102 Intermediate Respiratory Care. 4. 
https://dc.cod.edu/nhs_student_resp_1102/4 
This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Student Scholarship - Respiratory Therapy at 
DigitalCommons@COD. It has been accepted for inclusion in RESP 1102 Intermediate Respiratory Care by an 
authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@COD. For more information, please contact orenick@cod.edu. 
1 
 
 
 
 
 
Understanding High Altitude Pulmonary Edema and Impact on Overall Health 
 
Diana Ricardez, Gregory Harris, Trucly Quach and Arpitha Singh 
College of Dupage  
RESP-1102-001 
Christa Brennan, MS, RRT-NPS 
April 30, 2025 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2 
This paper examines the symptoms, pathophysiology, genetics, prevention, and treatment of 
HAPE. It also includes a brief overview on its manifestation in children and the radiographic 
spectrum of the disease. This review also addresses some of the cases of high-altitude pulmonary 
edema. High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), is a life-threatening condition where there is 
fluid accumulated in the lungs. HAPE is a condition where the effects are completely 
reversible,which is why it is crucial for patients to have adequate and timely treatment. High 
altitude pulmonary edema, (HAPE), is a non-cardiogenic form of edema that can be 
life-threatening if not treated properly and promptly. 
Keywords: high altitude pulmonary edema, HAPE, hypoxia, altitude sickness, oxygen 
therapy, pneumonia, COPD 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3 
Understanding High Altitude Pulmonary Edema and Impact on Overall Health 
As a pulmonary edema that occurs in healthy people at altitudes greater than 2500m, it is 
one of the leading causes of death at high altitudes. Its symptoms include shortness of breath at 
rest, cough, fatigue, chest tightness, tachycardia and tachypnea (Paralikar, 2020). The condition 
is triggered by exaggerated pulmonary vasoconstriction in response to hypoxia and exercise. 
This leads to elevated pulmonary pressures and alveolar-capillary leakage (Yanamandra et al., 
2021).  High altitude pulmonary edema, (HAPE), is a non-cardiogenic form of edema that can be 
life-threatening if not treated properly and promptly. 
Special attention is given to the presentation and management of HAPE in children, 
which shares similarities with adults but differs in clinical presentation and management. There 
is also a brief overview of HAPE and the varying subtypes of the disease. Additionally, this 
paper describes the diverse radiographic manifestations of HAPE, including bilateral symmetric 
perihilar opacities, diffuse opacities, unilateral involvement, and lobar consolidations 
(Yanamandra et al., 2021). The importance of conventional chest radiography as a diagnostic tool 
in resource-limited settings is emphasized, underlining the need for timely recognition and 
treatment, which often involves supplemental oxygen and bed rest (Yanamandra et al., 2021). 
HAPE can potentially affect medical personnel, military members, climbers and travelers. 
It often manifests in otherwise healthy individuals without warning (Swenson, 2020). It can also 
have extreme repercussions if the disease is not treated. Now that air travel is more common, 
climbing recreationally is an increasingly popular activity, and more tourists enjoy traveling to 
places of higher altitudes, HAPE is expected to be more prevalent. For these reasons, raising 
awareness about HAPE, especially in areas of high altitude, is essential in order to come to a 
diagnosis and prevent fatal consequences.  
4 
High altitude pulmonary edema is a very prevalent condition affecting populations living 
in environments excessively above sea level, as well as individuals who rapidly ascend to these 
levels. HAPE is also considered a severe manifestation of high-altitude illness. It is also the most 
common cause of admittance to hospitals in geographical locations of high altitude and presents 
a high morbidity rate (Yanamandra et al., 2021). With the condition originally recognized in the 
1960s, the disease process and its effects and concerns are still being studied.  
Now that air travel is more commonly used, as well as more accessible, the prevalence of 
the disease has also seen an increase (Yanamandra et al., 2021). According to Christina A. 
Eichstaedt (2023), “HAPE is the main cause of non-traumatic death at altitude” (p. 8). This is 
why it is extremely important to know and identify the symptoms of HAPE so that it may be 
treated immediately. This disease process usually starts to occur in individuals ascending above 
2500-3000 meters, regardless of altitude above sea level (Woods & Alcock, 2021). When the 
disease process manifests, fluid will accumulate in the lungs and cause severe shortness of breath 
(SOB), chest tightness and tachycardia.  
Due to only approximately one percent of the entire world population living in 
geographical areas excessively above sea level, HAPE is not a very prevalent disease. In 
populations living in high altitudes, HAPE has approximately a 6% incidence rate, and if rising 
to higher altitudes of 5000 meters or more, the incidence rate rises to approximately 15 percent 
(Swenson, 2020). People with pre-existing pulmonary history, heart disease and complications 
and COPD are at higher risk of obtaining HAPE.  
There are also genetic risk factors linked to HAPE. There is research suggesting that 
variations in gene makeup that regulate vascularity, nitric oxide synthesis and inflammatory 
5 
pathways can increase susceptibility (Eichstaedt et al., 2023). This is essential for HAPE 
awareness in the general population.  
For hundreds of years, High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) was an unrecognized 
and poorly understood medical condition. It was frequently misdiagnosed as pneumonia due to 
its overlapping symptoms and the lack of awareness among medical professionals at the time. 
Many evidence-based reports detailed cases involving otherwise healthy young men—with no 
prior history of complex medical conditions or comorbidities—suddenly experiencing what was 
believed to be severe cases of pneumonia (Paralikar, 2020). Especially given the rapid 
progression and fatal outcomes in environments where pneumonia alone would not typically be 
so aggressive. 
It wasn’t until 1960 that HAPE was officially recognized as a distinct pathological 
disease, thanks to the work of Aspen internist Charles Houston. Through careful observation and 
interpretation of radiographic imaging, Houston identified something inconsistent with 
pneumonia and unrelated to any other known condition. He concluded that the condition was a 
form of acute pulmonary edema that happened separately from heart disease. This was a 
groundbreaking discovery that significantly altered high-altitude medicine (Paralikar, 2020). His 
work laid the foundation for the clinical understanding and diagnosing of HAPE that are still 
used today. 
While HAPE was once considered a highly fatal condition, it has evolved in recent times 
due to advancements in medical research, awareness, and treatment protocols. According to 
Santiago et al. (2022), “Traditional literature on HAPE presents this condition as a highly lethal 
disease and descent as an urgent priority. In high-altitude cities where there are adequate medical 
care resources, HAPE resolution is seen between 24 and 48 hours with adequate treatment” (p. 
6 
7). This shift reflects how the healthcare infrastructure has improved as well as increased 
knowledge with altitude-related diseases that have played critical roles in patient outcomes. 
The progress made in the understanding and management of HAPE over the past fifty 
years is considered remarkable. There has been a significant increase in knowledge and 
awareness of this condition. What was once a mysterious and fatal disease has become a 
manageable condition—provided that it is recognized early and treated correctly. These 
advancements not only highlight the importance of medical breakthroughs in the medical field 
but also the importance of continuous research, especially in the face of environmental health. 
(Woods & Alcock, 2021).  
HAPE can also be known as mountain sickness. According to Santiago et al. (2022), 
“Frequent clinical features found in High Altitude Pulmonary Edema include dyspnea, deep 
hypoxemia, and alveolar edema on a chest radiography” (p. 1). A respiratory therapist seeing 
HAPE for the first time would most likely give the patient supplemental oxygen and some 
diuretics after seeing the chest x-ray. One might think the patient has pneumonia, a COPD 
exacerbation, status asthmaticus, or even a pneumothorax. These conditions all share similar 
signs. That’s why being knowledgeable on where a patient lives or if they recently traveled to a 
high elevation is crucial. Asking the right questions during the assessment can make a huge 
difference when trying to figure out their diagnosis. 
HAPE can be deadly if not caught early, but the important thing is that it will improve 
fast once the patient gets to a lower altitude and gets oxygen (Santiago et al., 2022). Acting 
quickly is critically important as well. The condition doesn’t always exhibit symptoms right 
away—it may progressively get worse. At first, the person might have unrelated symptoms, 
almost like they’re dealing with motion sickness or regular altitude sickness. Then the symptoms 
7 
can turn into a cough, shortness of breath, and trouble breathing when lying flat, also known as 
orthopnea (Woods & Alcock, 2021). Doctors usually suspect HAPE based on a mix of 
symptoms, oxygen levels, and recent altitude exposure. Listening to the lungs can show crackles, 
and a chest x-ray will reveal patchy spots in the lungs. An ultrasound or echo can show 
“comet-tail” artifacts, which also help confirm the diagnosis (Woods & Alcock, 2021).  
To prevent HAPE, ascend high altitudes slowly and avoid physical activity at high 
altitudes. For treatment, the important things are getting the person to a lower elevation and 
giving them oxygen. In some cases, if those are not effective fast enough, or the patient is 
extremely ill, doctors can give medications like nifedipine, which helps lower pressure in the 
lungs (Song et al., 2025). All of these treatments together can help patients make a full recovery. 
Recently, HAPE has been categorized into several different subtypes. There are currently three 
different identified subtypes, with a fourth being recently discovered but not yet studied. Classic 
HAPE (C-HAPE), occurs in people ascending rapidly to higher altitudes (Santiago et al., 2022). 
This is also the most common HAPE subtype. 
R-HAPE is the most prevalent among all of the different HAPE subtypes in males. It is 
also commonly known as re- entry HAPE. R-HAPE occurs when someone who lives in a remote 
area with a high altitude travels to an area with a low altitude but then returns back home. 
According to Santiago et al., 2022, “The peak age incidence was seen in children between 6 and 
10 years old. HAPE was more frequent in males and was rare in children under 2 years old” 
(p.1). Boys are more likely to be affected than girls (Santiago et al., 2022). We don’t see too 
many cases of children dealing with HAPE , because we don’t receive enough data from other 
regions in the world. This makes it difficult to diagnose a child with a specific subtype of HAPE.  
8 
The most common type of HAPE in children is re-entry (R-HAPE). The symptoms are 
caused by the loss of acclimatization (Ucrós et al., 2023). High Altitude Resident Pulmonary 
Edema (HARPE), is a subtype that is seen in patients who are residents living in a high-altitude 
area with a late symptom onset. This is oftentimes due to another underlying respiratory 
condition, the most common being a viral infection (Yanamandra et al., 2021). There is a fourth 
subtype of HAPE that has not been formally named yet, but already identified. This is a subtype 
that occurs in patients living in moderately high altitudes that only exhibit symptoms when 
ascending to a higher altitude than their residence (Ucros et al., 2023). 
Although all of these subtypes differ in clinical manifestation and demographic 
tendencies, they respond to the same treatment and have the same pathophysiological effects on 
the lungs. 
High-altitude pulmonary edema is caused by a rapid increase or decrease in altitude, 
resulting in fluid reaching the lungs. People with HAPE usually develop symptoms within 1-2 
days. This includes shortness of breath, coughing, fatigue, and in severe cases, cyanosis and 
difficulty with physical activities. Climbers, trekkers, and military personnel are at risk of HAPE. 
While it is still being studied, its prevalence emphasizes the need to be recognized early as well 
as intervention. 
Imaging is very important in diagnosing a HAPE, along with knowing the severity. But 
not all imaging devices are accessible for this condition. According to Uday & et al., 2020, 
“Extensive radiological studies such as computed tomography or chest ultrasonography are not 
always possible due to environmental, geographical, and resource constraints” (p.1). Since 
HAPE has similar symptoms to other lung conditions, chest X-rays are often used as an effective 
9 
diagnosis tool. The X-rays often have bilateral opacities, sometimes, unilateral, which can appear 
to look like pneumonia or heart failure (Yanamandra et al., 2021). 
HAPE is extremely similar to several other pulmonary disease processes and conditions 
such as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), or cardiogenic pulmonary 
edema due to its overlap in symptoms. Which is why it is crucial to use diagnostic tools such as 
chest radiographs to discover hallmark symptoms. In addition to diagnostic tools like imaging, 
patient history such as recent exposure to high altitudes is essential to confirm a HAPE 
diagnosis. Improved medical knowledge and awareness, as well as facilitated access to treatment 
has greatly contributed to the decreasing mortality rate of HAPE. (Woods & Alcock, 2021).  
This paper talked about the background of HAPE, its epidemiology and impact, 
underlying pathophysiology, clinical presentation, pediatric considerations, and imaging. 
Understanding all of this is important for effective treatment and outcome in high-altitude 
environments. Although it is uncommon, it is still a serious condition, the potential severity of 
this disease should not be underestimated or overlooked. It affects people who travel above 3,000 
meters, including climbers, trekkers, and military personnel, with a mortality rate reaching up to 
50% if it is left untreated (Woods & Alcock, 2021). Awareness as well as early identification of 
potential symptoms is highly crucial to preventing major complications. 
HAPE occurs when the low oxygen levels at such high altitudes causes blood vessels in 
the lungs to constrict, increasing pressure and leads to fluid leaking into the lungs making it 
difficult to breathe (Swenson, 2020). High altitude pulmonary edema is serious but preventable. 
Early recognition and correct treatment is important, especially for those going up to high 
altitudes. With early recognition, most cases will improve with treatments like oxygen therapy 
10 
and going down to lower altitudes. This can help relieve symptoms quickly as well as help 
reduce the risk of other major complications or death. 
Ultimately, due to all the clinical advancements and research we now have, it is relatively 
simple to treat a case of high altitude pulmonary edema once it is recognized. While this disease 
process is rare, it can be extremely fatal if not treated. The early signs of HAPE can be subtle and 
go unnoticed, which is why education on this condition is important. Raising awareness about 
HAPE, especially in areas of high altitude, is essential in order to come to a diagnosis and 
prevent fatal consequences. High altitude pulmonary edema, (HAPE), is a non-cardiogenic form 
of edema that can be life-threatening if not treated properly and promptly. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
11 
 References 
Eichstaedt, C. A., Benjamin, N., Cao, D., Palevičiūtė, E., & Grünig, E. (2023). Genetics of 
High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema. Heart failure clinics, 19(1), 89–96.  
Paralikar, Swapnil J. (2020). “High Altitude Pulmonary Edema-Clinical Features, 
Pathophysiology, Prevention and Treatment.” National Library of Medicine. 16(2), 59 
–62.  
Song, D., Wang, M., Zhao, X., Zhang, Y., Zhang, Y., Hao, X., Yuan, J., & Tang, H. (2025). 
Aldose Reductase: A Promising Therapeutic Target for High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema. 
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(1).  
Swenson, E. R. (2020). Early hours in the development of high-altitude pulmonary edema: time 
course and mechanisms. Journal of Applied Physiology (1985), 128(6), 1539–1546.  
Ucrós, S., Aparicio, C., Castro‐Rodriguez, J. A., & Ivy, D. (2023). High altitude pulmonary 
edema in children: A systematic review. Pediatric Pulmonology, 58(4), 1059–1067. 
Woods, P., & Alcock, J. (2021). High-altitude pulmonary edema. Evolution, medicine, and public 
health, 9(1), 118-119.  
Yanamandra, U., Vardhan, V., Saxena, P., Singh, P., Gupta, A., Mulajkar, D., Grewal, R., & Nair, 
V. (2021). Radiographical Spectrum of High-altitude Pulmonary Edema: A Pictorial 
Essay. Indian Journal of Critical Care Medicine, 25(6), 668–674. 
  
           
 
 
 
 
 
                                            
 


Understanding High Altitude Pulmonary Edema and Impact on Overall Health

Jurinek, Gabriella

The Prairie Light Review 
Volume 47 
Number 1 Spring 2025 Article 32 
Spring 5-1-2025 
Between Life And Death 
Gabriella Jurinek 
College of DuPage 
Follow this and additional works at: https://dc.cod.edu/plr 
Recommended Citation 
Jurinek, Gabriella (2025) "Between Life And Death," The Prairie Light Review: Vol. 47: No. 1, Article 32. 
Available at: https://dc.cod.edu/plr/vol47/iss1/32 
This Artwork is brought to you for free and open access by the College Publications at DigitalCommons@COD. It 
has been accepted for inclusion in The Prairie Light Review by an authorized editor of DigitalCommons@COD. For 
more information, please contact orenick@cod.edu. 
Between Life And Death 
Gabriella Jurinek
Film photography 36
 There’s blood on the deck. None of  us have bothered to clean it. It’s been three days 
since the Captain went below. Three days since, most of  our men died. Dead or gone. It only took 
one grave mistake for all to go to hell– sailing into siren waters was the worst that was made. We 
heard their call before we could see the beasts. Once men started to throw themselves from the 
ship– willingly diving into those dark waters, desperately calling to those lost– doom was bound 
upon us. 
 Now, we’re left with the gore of  who the beasts didn't eat– cleaning it would’ve been a 
fool's errand; anything left that resembled a corpse was left covered in rags and dirty sheets. We 
could only try to ignore the boards that were soaked through with blood as we packed for the 
journey ahead. 
 The sun was setting– a high fire over the horizon. They decided to leave after three days 
of  waiting for the captain to re-emerge from below deck– he never did, and I’m sure they made 
the decision to leave a long time ago. Whether it be pity or loyalty that kept them here, I still had a 
duty to the Captain to fulfill. They allowed me until sunset for my work, but if  I didn’t return, they 
were leaving. 
        -:-  
 Below deck was dark; all lanterns and lights had long been extinguished after all the sup-
plies had been taken. Creaking as the ship swayed from side to side, the worn floorboards groaned 
under the weight of  my boot with my approach. Beneath the rickety wooden door,  the glow of  
lamplight peeked through the cracks. Whispers of  song softly echoed from the dark, louder with 
every step. A song so hauntingly familiar…
 The old door groaned with a high squeal, hinges battered from years at sea. Lanternlight 
invaded the pitch as the heavy stench of  sick oozed from the dark. The soft light emanating from 
the candle inside the broken lantern–the only comfort within this wretched ship– barely penetrat-
ed the suffocating dark, but what it did reveal only struck terror.
 A monster— a siren, hidden in the dark alongside our captain.
 The beast had its hideous claws tangled in his hair, with his head resting upon the 
creature’s scaled breast. It cooed a haunting melody as it rocked him gently with the waves. As it 
cradled him with such care, its song almost sounded… mournful. Its chirps and coos laced with an 
overbearing sadness. It would bring tears to any man’s eye. 
 The Captain lie still upon the beast, no blood had been drawn by its gangly claws. His 
lungs hissed as his breathing grew shallow. His body was sheen with a cold sweat, hair thick and 
muddied while the scent of  sickness hung heavy in the air. 
 The board creaked as I drew towards the beast, placing the lantern away. Its eyes shot 
out of  the dark at the noise. The beast looked on with a hunger in its eyes, hands growing tighter 
around the weary body of  the Captain. Its poignant melody ceased with my approach. 
 “… Captain?” 
 Whispering in the deafening silence felt like a noose wringing at my throat. I stood there 
for a moment as his dreary eyes flickered in the lamplight. I cautioned against being near such a 
creature, but my warnings fell on deaf  ears as the captain sank further into its cold embrace. With 
a shaky hand, I drew my pistol towards the creature.
 “Captain, get up. We have to go. A boat’s ready to leave–” 
 “Quiet lad.” His voice was hoarse as he hissed– but there was no fear in his voice, only a 
muted anger in his eyes as a violent cough seized him. 
What Lies Below
Breane Barrios
371
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Between Life And Death

Barnes, Devona

The Prairie Light Review 
Volume 47 
Number 1 Spring 2025 Article 44 
Spring 5-1-2025 
Rhythmic Essence of Spring 
Devona Barnes 
College of DuPage 
Follow this and additional works at: https://dc.cod.edu/plr 
Recommended Citation 
Barnes, Devona (2025) "Rhythmic Essence of Spring," The Prairie Light Review: Vol. 47: No. 1, Article 44. 
Available at: https://dc.cod.edu/plr/vol47/iss1/44 
This Artwork is brought to you for free and open access by the College Publications at DigitalCommons@COD. It 
has been accepted for inclusion in The Prairie Light Review by an authorized editor of DigitalCommons@COD. For 
more information, please contact orenick@cod.edu. 
 Betty stumbled back at that, never in her life did she think she would hear something 
like that come from Sylva’s lips. Much less directed at her. It made her see red.
 “You’re just angry that you never made it! I’m working my way up in the industry and 
you’ll be stuck here for the rest of  your life! You said you would’ve done anything to be an actress, 
Sylva. Well, guess what? This is that, I’m doing whatever it takes!”
 “I would’ve never slept around just so I could get five minutes on a stupid show! You 
have talent, I don’t know why you’re choosing to do it like this!” 
 “I’m choosing to do it like this because I don’t want to end up like you!” Betty yelled, 
a finality to her words. Before she had time to regret it, to think about how Sylva made her life a 
million times better, how she loved Sylva like a mother, Betty opened the front door. 
 “Keep my things. You can sell them when I make it big.”
 With that, Betty turned a blind eye to the tears on Sylva’s face and slammed the door. 
Outside, her breaths came out uneven and her eyes filled with tears. Behind the door everything 
was comfortable and secure, Sylva would take her back in even after this. If  she just turned 
around, everything would be okay again. 
 But, with a deep breath, she pulled a compact out of  her purse and fixed the mascara 
that migrated under her eyes. Betty dusted the red blush over her cheeks and rolled her shoulders 
back. She almost laughed at the irony, as she stepped off the porch: everyone does say that red is 
the color of  a harlot.
Rhythmic Essence of  Spring
Devona Barnes
Abstract photography
Dear boys and dear girls I have yet to find and love
Valeria Garay
You terrify me. You scare me to the depths of  my soul
 I say I want your body and mind
I wish I could tell you I’d choose you over myself
My independence is my air
sleep in the warmth of  my own blankets
Not tugging for one end
I am scared that you’ll see me
The champagne problems and omens will flood your vision
 Handwriting on the walls of  my bedroom
 I wouldn’t have to explain my relationship with my father
 How he is the reason I am clinically depressed and go to therapy
He is one reason you terrify me so deep to my core
I cannot let you see me fully, behind the curtain of  my regrets
You will inspect me
 Become the judge of  me
 So instead I will choose myself  and bodies
So I can feel the heat of  them pressed up against my own
Hot breath against a car window
Sweaty skin meshing into one
Just fucking a new person every once in a while
When I need a reminder of  what skin feels like.
50 511
Barnes: Rhythmic Essence of Spring
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Rhythmic Essence of Spring

Washington, Maya

The Prairie Light Review 
Volume 47 
Number 1 Spring 2025 Article 49 
Spring 5-1-2025 
Love Me as If Violence Doesn't Exist 
Maya Washington 
College of DuPage 
Follow this and additional works at: https://dc.cod.edu/plr 
Recommended Citation 
Washington, Maya (2025) "Love Me as If Violence Doesn't Exist," The Prairie Light Review: Vol. 47: No. 1, 
Article 49. 
Available at: https://dc.cod.edu/plr/vol47/iss1/49 
This Selection is brought to you for free and open access by the College Publications at DigitalCommons@COD. It 
has been accepted for inclusion in The Prairie Light Review by an authorized editor of DigitalCommons@COD. For 
more information, please contact orenick@cod.edu. 
 I created crack addicts to stack Pateks
I take baking soda and make magic
I believe money maligns all maladies
I sold purple to make my reign a principality
I invest in stocks not related to celery or salary
I was 15 doing bumps with Alyssa and Rochelle
I kill, lie, cheat, all willin’.
I’m a villain 
Do you really think it’s that easy?
 To lie with such an effect? You’ve been tricked
           Had
           Bamboozled
You want the truth? Pretending I could ignore it all is impossible.
Through thick and thin, sickness and health
 Who said they would stick with me? 
Spending every dollar, who cares as long as it’s mine?
 Who’d get a job my resume qualifies me for? 
  Shoot, I shot outside most of these places
Crew member? Retail Key holder? That can’t pay for my child
 Brewin’ up my mystic mixture can allow me to foster 
   many.
     Your new man is not my child’s father.
Drew’s 12, and I still can’t see him.
   But his uncle, Ben Frank will.
      Lose your attitude baby, that’s
        my child.
                You won’t let him see the cash? I’m excited for him to see 
 sense. 
    It’s a tradition.
Dawn dims on foul lands should he      
        Be just like me to
don a crimson cowl and red hoodie
Crimson Cowl and Red Hoodie
John Santaga
54
Like you’ve never known locked hidden doors or secret alleyways,
because my spirit is too bold, too bright, to be hidden.
Strong—like the love we leave behind
is all that remains when everything else fades.
Love me as if  leaving my presence
feels like a country falling into a million pieces,
the universe crumbling into its core,
folding over into itself.
On fire, as our ashes of  love rise from the turmoil.
Love me like it’s never been a question—
as sure as the color of  our eyes, skin, and blood,
as sure as the sun comes up and the moon goes down.
Tomorrow is never promised,
but promise me I will find your love
in this life and the next.
Love me like our souls are connected,
like the air I breathe in is the air you breathe out.
Violence doesn’t exist in the world we love in.
Wars are silenced when we kiss.
The sidewalks never crack.
Hearts are never broken.
People are never stolen.
Things are fair, and the people are kind.
Love me—
like you’ve never known a world
except the one we stand in.
Just you and me,
where love begins
and violence is nonexistent.
Love Me as If  Violence Doesn’t Exist
Maya Washington
551
Washington: Love Me as If Violence Doesn't Exist
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Love Me as If Violence Doesn\u27t Exist

Krzeczkowski, Sebastian

The Prairie Light Review 
Volume 47 
Number 1 Spring 2025 Article 50 
Spring 5-1-2025 
Distorted Faith 
Sebastian Krzeczkowski 
College of DuPage 
Follow this and additional works at: https://dc.cod.edu/plr 
Recommended Citation 
Krzeczkowski, Sebastian (2025) "Distorted Faith," The Prairie Light Review: Vol. 47: No. 1, Article 50. 
Available at: https://dc.cod.edu/plr/vol47/iss1/50 
This Artwork is brought to you for free and open access by the College Publications at DigitalCommons@COD. It 
has been accepted for inclusion in The Prairie Light Review by an authorized editor of DigitalCommons@COD. For 
more information, please contact orenick@cod.edu. 
Illuminated Hope 
56
Sebastian Krzeczkowski
Photography
Sebastian Krzeczkowski
Photography
Distorted Faith
571
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Distorted Faith

Schrage, John L.

The Prairie Light Review 
Volume 47 
Number 1 Spring 2025 Article 57 
Spring 5-1-2025 
In Search Of 
John L. Schrage 
College of DuPage 
Follow this and additional works at: https://dc.cod.edu/plr 
Recommended Citation 
Schrage, John L. (2025) "In Search Of," The Prairie Light Review: Vol. 47: No. 1, Article 57. 
Available at: https://dc.cod.edu/plr/vol47/iss1/57 
This Artwork is brought to you for free and open access by the College Publications at DigitalCommons@COD. It 
has been accepted for inclusion in The Prairie Light Review by an authorized editor of DigitalCommons@COD. For 
more information, please contact orenick@cod.edu. 
Bitten by mosquitoes in dark bayous.
Crawling slow as lizards. Without applause
Moon strums a lonely banjo.
Riding into Jackson Square through fog
on a flat tire. One last saxophonist
wails in early morning hour.
Seeking a lighting café, to live on
with chicory coffee.
Trying to find the hopeful poet
that I was last year. 
Morninghawk
Mardelle Fortier
John L. Schrage
Digital photography
In Search Of  
Wooing at the Writers’ Gathering
 “Welcome to the first ever get-together of  the LaGrange, Brookfield, and Western 
Springs writers groups,” Hannah announced.  She was a member of  the LaGrange group and 
was the one who came up with the idea of  having a social gathering of  the three groups, which 
was being held in the cottage behind Irish Times in Brookfield. “Remember, this is for fun. There 
will be no writing exercises and no prompts.” Laughter from the crowd. “Just enjoy the evening 
and get to know each other.” 
 Howie was planning on enjoying the evening and getting to know one person in partic-
ular, Riley McNicholas, who was a member of  the Western Springs group that Howie had joined 
about three months ago, though he’d been fairly quiet at the five meetings he’d attended.  She 
probably didn’t even know who he was, but he knew who she was.  She was from Ireland and was 
probably about 28, his age. She was headlong into writing a book that she’d been workshopping 
at their writing group. In his estimation, she was a very talented writer... and a very pretty writer. 
He would have a beer, circulate a bit, and then approach Riley for a real conversation.  
 And that’s what he did. After about thirty minutes, he saw Riley sitting on a stool with 
her back against the bar, clad in tight blue jeans with one leg crossed over the other.  She looked
John L. Schrage
Jim Swinehart
Biking to the French Quarter
60 611
Schrage: In Search Of
Published by DigitalCommons@COD, 2025


In Search Of

Keough, Ana

The Prairie Light Review 
Volume 47 
Number 1 Spring 2025 Article 35 
Spring 5-1-2025 
Mudstick 
Ana Keough 
College of DuPage 
Follow this and additional works at: https://dc.cod.edu/plr 
Recommended Citation 
Keough, Ana (2025) "Mudstick," The Prairie Light Review: Vol. 47: No. 1, Article 35. 
Available at: https://dc.cod.edu/plr/vol47/iss1/35 
This Selection is brought to you for free and open access by the College Publications at DigitalCommons@COD. It 
has been accepted for inclusion in The Prairie Light Review by an authorized editor of DigitalCommons@COD. For 
more information, please contact orenick@cod.edu. 
Dangling on the cliff precariously,  
There was only my walking stick preventing 
Death, as I glanced below the northeastern 
Mountains. Feathers floated from the highest 
Peak. In my peripheral view, an eagle caught
My eye, lifeless on the ground. The dull colors
On its back matched its decrepit visage. Muddy 
Sticks encompassed the dead vertebrate, similar to 
A nest. At that moment, I decided to call the bird 
Mudstick. Inching closer to the corpse, I silently
Crunched tiny stones. Peering closer, the gleamy 
Dead eyes reflected a familiar figure. As I glanced 
At bush birds snipping fiercely at me, I circled
Backward, leaving whirlpool 
Trails in my wake. 
The next day, I trekked through mountain terrain,
Grassy patches of mud and fawns grazing towards
The northeastern skies to meet the eagle once again.
But when I arrived at the top of the cliff, Mudstick 
Was not alone–He was being torn apart and thrown, 
Ravaged by vultures. It happened in the blink of an 
Eye. Mudstick suddenly transformed into my father.
I don’t know how, but 
The mess of feathers
And the musky bones
And rot dissipated,
Replaced with a six-foot man. I saw him–
His ruthless fingers, sweaty from hours spent 
Slithering in and out of strip clubs. 
I smelled him– hard liquor erupting from his mouth,
Reaching and tickling my nose. 
And finally, I felt the familiar bubble of fear rising in
Me. I backed up as he howled and moaned, 
Whacking at the vultures. The righteous birds
Persisted on the man. The scavengers eventually
Leapt up, and the man was replaced with the eagle,
Small and mutilated. As I stared into its cold eyes,
His cries echoed in a deep chamber of my mind. 
My father, once a respected powerhouse, had rested
In the hands of karma on the tip of death. I watched 
The scavengers spread their wings and beat upwards
To the highest peaks against the current of the newfound 
Season. All that was left on the mountain was my vacant
Body and a hint of bourbon unfurling in the breeze. And
That day, I could have sworn the vultures clasped 
Pieces of a shirt in their beaks. 
M
udstick
Ana Keough
40
Tender Lumplings
Mikayla Ryan-Hicks
Ceramic Art
411
Keough: Mudstick
Published by DigitalCommons@COD, 2025


Mudstick

Fortier, Mardelle

The Prairie Light Review 
Volume 47 
Number 1 Spring 2025 Article 55 
Spring 5-1-2025 
Biking to the French Quarter 
Mardelle Fortier 
College of DuPage 
Follow this and additional works at: https://dc.cod.edu/plr 
Recommended Citation 
Fortier, Mardelle (2025) "Biking to the French Quarter," The Prairie Light Review: Vol. 47: No. 1, Article 55. 
Available at: https://dc.cod.edu/plr/vol47/iss1/55 
This Selection is brought to you for free and open access by the College Publications at DigitalCommons@COD. It 
has been accepted for inclusion in The Prairie Light Review by an authorized editor of DigitalCommons@COD. For 
more information, please contact orenick@cod.edu. 
Bitten by mosquitoes in dark bayous.
Crawling slow as lizards. Without applause
Moon strums a lonely banjo.
Riding into Jackson Square through fog
on a flat tire. One last saxophonist
wails in early morning hour.
Seeking a lighting café, to live on
with chicory coffee.
Trying to find the hopeful poet
that I was last year. 
Morninghawk
Mardelle Fortier
John L. Schrage
Digital photography
In Search Of  
Wooing at the Writers’ Gathering
 “Welcome to the first ever get-together of  the LaGrange, Brookfield, and Western 
Springs writers groups,” Hannah announced.  She was a member of  the LaGrange group and 
was the one who came up with the idea of  having a social gathering of  the three groups, which 
was being held in the cottage behind Irish Times in Brookfield. “Remember, this is for fun. There 
will be no writing exercises and no prompts.” Laughter from the crowd. “Just enjoy the evening 
and get to know each other.” 
 Howie was planning on enjoying the evening and getting to know one person in partic-
ular, Riley McNicholas, who was a member of  the Western Springs group that Howie had joined 
about three months ago, though he’d been fairly quiet at the five meetings he’d attended.  She 
probably didn’t even know who he was, but he knew who she was.  She was from Ireland and was 
probably about 28, his age. She was headlong into writing a book that she’d been workshopping 
at their writing group. In his estimation, she was a very talented writer... and a very pretty writer. 
He would have a beer, circulate a bit, and then approach Riley for a real conversation.  
 And that’s what he did. After about thirty minutes, he saw Riley sitting on a stool with 
her back against the bar, clad in tight blue jeans with one leg crossed over the other.  She looked
John L. Schrage
Jim Swinehart
Biking to the French Quarter
60 611
Fortier: Biking to the French Quarter
Published by DigitalCommons@COD, 2025


Biking to the French Quarter

This text examines the negative impact of SUVs on the environment and society, arguing that they are more dangerous, contribute to pollution, and cause traffic congestion. It challenges the belief that SUVs are safer and more spacious, highlighting that alternatives like public transportation offer a more sustainable solution. The author also critiques electric vehicles for similar environmental issues and calls for stricter regulations on large cars to reduce their harmful effects

Ivanov, Simeon

Die negativen Auswirkungen von SUVs auf die Umwelt und die Gesellschaft 
by Simeon Ivanov 
Abstract 
This text examines the negative impact of SUVs on the environment and society, arguing 
that they are more dangerous, contribute to pollution, and cause traffic congestion. It 
challenges the belief that SUVs are safer and more spacious, highlighting that alternatives 
like public transportation offer a more sustainable solution. The author also critiques 
electric vehicles for similar environmental issues and calls for stricter regulations on large 
cars to reduce their harmful effects. 
 
Heute sehen wir immer größere Autos auf den Straßen. Neulich kaufen Familien diese großen 
Autos, weil sie glauben, dass diese Autos sicherer sind. Sie glauben auch, dass diese Autos mehr 
Platz bieten. Aber in Wahrheit ist das falsch: Neue SUVs sind gefährlicher für Menschen 
außerhalb des Autos. Der Platz in einem SUV ist auch ähnlich wie bei anderen Autos, wie zum 
Beispiel Kombiwagen. Sie verursachen mehr Umweltverschmutzung, weil sie mehr Benzin 
verbrauchen. Der einzige Vorteil ist, dass sie sicherer für den Fahrer sind, aber ansonsten gibt es 
nur Nachteile. SUVs verursachen mehr Verkehr, weil sie mehr Platz einnehmen. Sie machen 
mehr Umweltverschmutzung als andere Autos. Zudem sind SUVs einfach teurer. Man kann ein 
altes Auto kaufen, das benzinsparender, billiger und sicherer für Fußgänger ist. 
Wie ich schon sagte, haben SUVs einen negativen Einfluss auf die Welt. Sie verbrauchen mehr 
Benzin und erzeugen mehr Abgase. Diese Abgase sind gefährlich für die Umwelt, weil sie die 
Erde aufheizen. Es gibt eine bessere Alternative, die dieses Problem lösen kann: Öffentliche 
Verkehrsmittel. Wir brauchen bessere Alternativen, sodass Autos und öffentliche Verkehrsmittel 
als Optionen zur Verfügung stehen. Öffentliche Verkehrsmittel können mit Strom betrieben 
werden, der keine Abgase erzeugt. Wenn mehr Menschen diese nutzen, fahren weniger 
Menschen mit dem Auto. Das reduziert die Anzahl der Autos in der Stadt. Viele Menschen 
glauben, dass Elektroautos das Problem lösen werden, aber sie haben auch ähnliche Probleme. 
Sie nehmen viel Platz ein, und die Rohstoffe für Elektroautos sind ebenfalls schädlich für die 
Umwelt. Ich glaube, dass es für SUVs und andere große Autos strengere Regeln geben sollte. 
Diese Autos verursachen mehr Schaden, wenn wir sie nicht regulieren 
 
1
Ivanov: Die negativen Auswirkungen von SUVs auf die Umwelt und die Gesell
Published by DigitalCommons@COD, 2025


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