A Valentine's Day Playlist: From Hope to Heartbreak
This bittersweet Valentine’s Day collection chronicles the evolution of a romance from its earliest sparks to its eventual demise. Consider each piece as a track in a heart-centered playlist and savor how our writers use poetry, fiction, memoir, and multimedia to capture the intangible nature of young love.
I am shy. I don’t seem like the shy type with my friends because I’m the loud one. But when I talk to someone who doesn’t know how I tick, I act like I’m listening while I am melting inside.
This piece is about the two sides of love that many people shall experience in their life. Because no matter where you are, or who you may be, you’ll be able to relate to the emotions displayed in the story.
This poem depicts a dysfunctional relationship in which the protagonist feels constricted by the person they love, but nevertheless wants to be with them. The color schemes and backgrounds used heighten the emotional complexity as well as the aesthetic of the piece. This poem was inspired by many books I have read in which the characters have an unusual romantic relationship, and I wanted to show the intricacy of the emotions the characters feel.
This is dedicated to my boyfriend, who helped me overcome something I didn’t know I could get over: my insecurities. It’s also dedicated to myself, as I am slowly learning to love myself more and more every day.
These poems are inspired by my experiences with love. Through writing these pieces I was able to express myself and get closure from the past, which has made me the person that I am today.