Love is the Answer

 

Ashley Merkley 

Thursday June 27th, 2019 

 

 

 

Over the years 

I have learned what it is to love 

And what it is to be broken by the hands of hate...

And I have learned that love is the answer.

The hands of love are gentle 

They are the comforting look in my mother’s eyes 

When she tells me I don’t have to cry for my sadness to be valid

But also that it’s okay if I do. 

Love is how you feel upon seeing the curving smile 

Of someone you hold so special in your life.

I have learned that indulging in self-hate 

Just to make a work of art is a form of emotional suicide.

It’s not hip or edgy to cut your emotions off 

Or only allow yourself to feel negative emotions- 

It’s dangerous, it can be deadly. 

Over the years 

I have learned that I am worthy, 

That I deserve good things 

Despite how many people have told me that I don’t, 

I do. 

And that although sometimes I feel weak 

Because of the illnesses, because of the abuses, 

Because of the wars I wage with myself in my head, 

I am strong. 

I deserve beauty in all of its forms

I deserve to love myself and put my emotions first, 

And in fact- I need to do so. 

But most of all I have learned,

That this world would be so much better off

With more love. 

 

Comments

AshleyLaurenM

Submission for the #Glow-UpGrowUpScholarshipSlam . This poem details some of what I've learned, including that love is the most powerful force on the planet.  

Additional Resources

Get AI Feedback on your poem

Interested in feedback on your poem? Try our AI Feedback tool.
 

 

If You Need Support

If you ever need help or support, we trust CrisisTextline.org for people dealing with depression. Text HOME to 741741