From Hope to Heartbreak: A Valentine's Day Playlist
Curated by Morayo Faleyimu; Art Designed by Shira Feen
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.
Conversations by Amy Zhang
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.
Subway Scenarios and Sweet Surprises by Olivia Wronski
A love story that begins in an impossible subway scenario that ends with a sweet surprise.
Feelings Change by Aaliyana Garcia
”I know you say you love me; I don't really feel it sometimes.”
Summer Camp Love Letter by Sylvi Stein
Summer camp carries a particular kind of magic in your life. I wanted to capture the whimsical romance of teenage relationships in this prose poem.
Salty, with a Hint of Bitterness by Hermei Herman
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.
First Chance at Love by Lucia Kim
The poem “First Chance at Love” exposes a young girl’s thoughts and feelings as she encounters her first crush.
Lover by Claire Yu
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.
The Day I Fell in Love by Lyla Malcomson
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.
For You by Jo Rosado
The following are lyrics to a song I wrote for someone I will forever love dearly and hold close.
I Wish Love was Simple by Margareta Stern
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.