They say writing is therapy, so I had better start cultivating the use of my pen | Teen Ink

They say writing is therapy, so I had better start cultivating the use of my pen

August 28, 2009
By Juliet Carrington BRONZE, Greensboro, North Carolina
Juliet Carrington BRONZE, Greensboro, North Carolina
1 article 0 photos 0 comments

As an experiment,
the doctors gave me a heart for a brain when I was born.
Like the creation of Frankenstein, but with a penchant for singing the blues and the eyes to prove it, “Love” was my first breath, my first step, my first word.
In kindergarten, as we learned mathematics, all I could understand and fathom to the answer for the
equation 1+1 was “love.” And when asked what makes the world go ‘round, it wasn’t the laws of physics or the dynamics of the sun and planets, but love.
“Juliet, what do all humans need to survive?”
“Love.”
“What is the most abundant element in the world?”
“Love.”

But as I’ve grown older, the questions have become more difficult and my answers don’t seem to suffice anymore.
“What is the first step towards dismantling various systems of oppression?” “How do we lessen the gap between the haves and the have nots?”
“Love? Love?”

I have had and have had not, but this four letter word which has been the foundation of not just my existence but my choice to live intentionally, is causing complications in my head and chest (And I’ve
become immune to these pharmecutical heart menders).
"Teach her," but Teacher, I can’t give you the “logical and sensible” answer you want because I’m too emotionally invested in every word that I claim as my own. I
can’t see or understand this cold reality that has been constructed because I was force fed anthems about how there ain’t no mountain high enough to keep me from you and that all you need is love.

These four letters, this one word, this endless story, this
international song- “Love, love, love” has been something I have dreamed of since conception, an obsession for possession that’s never been mine to safely and proudly hold.

But I still think in terms of dedication and converse in regards to vulnerability and openness. I have to believe that “what the world needs now is love sweet love” or else all of these words become senseless and naive, rather than hopeful, optimistic, and willing. I can’t walk around with my hands in my pockets anymore because they are too full with wishing pennies and shooting stars, so I step with my eager fingers, searching for other fingers and smiles and laughter and fragility and hurt and joy and hearts. I have to believe that love is a many splendid thing, that love CAN make these mountains move because even though they say love is blind,
love has proven to be the most effective prescription for my clearer vision.

However, sometimes my sight becomes clouded by a mixture of ingrained insecurity and tears, and I fall. I still have bruises that have yet to fade. But I’ve come to learn that these stumbles, sticks and stones may bruise my heart and break my bones, but love will always
move me
heal me
teach me.

And I’m still learning.


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This article has 17 comments.


on Aug. 24 2021 at 3:01 pm
Crazywolfiegirl2 PLATINUM, Kington, Other
26 articles 3 photos 284 comments

Favorite Quote:
There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature—the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter. —Rachel Carson

I love this

dinooo BRONZE said...
on Nov. 14 2020 at 5:04 pm
dinooo BRONZE, Raleigh, North Carolina
3 articles 0 photos 27 comments

Favorite Quote:
All that glisters is not gold;
Often have you heard that told.
Many a man his life hath sold
But my outside to behold.
Gilded tombs do worms enfold.

This is so beautiful and heartfelt. I loved it! Keep writing!

on Aug. 23 2015 at 7:37 am
TabithaL SILVER, Suffolk, Virginia
9 articles 0 photos 16 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Speak only if it improves upon the silence"- Mahatma Gandhi

This is truely amazing. Your choice of words is so captivating, and your voice is so unique. This is what writing is about. You kept me interested the entire time, and had me hooked from the first sentence. Great job! It was quite far from anything tedious.

on Jan. 29 2015 at 12:46 am
BradyLauze BRONZE, Stratford, Other
3 articles 0 photos 3 comments

Favorite Quote:
"So we beat on, boats against the current, bourn back ceaselessly into the past." (Scott. F. Fitzgerald)

Absolutely amazing, your writing style and diction is so captivating that it just keeps my eyes attached to every word. Fantastic job!

on Oct. 3 2014 at 8:47 pm
Vallichor SILVER, Bloomington, Indiana
7 articles 0 photos 31 comments

Favorite Quote:
Everyone goes through hardships, we just have different stories.

Ah, you write so beautifully! Your emotions play so powerfully throughout your writing. Great job!

on Jul. 28 2014 at 4:48 pm
listeningtostars GOLD, Kirkland, Washington
11 articles 0 photos 1 comment

Favorite Quote:
"You know one me. Just like I know one you. But you can't know every me. And I can't know every you." -David Levithan

This is probably the best article I have read on this site. I'm absolutley in love with your writing style. 

on Jun. 26 2014 at 6:41 am
leftblank SILVER, Essex, Other
5 articles 0 photos 3 comments

Favorite Quote:
'I don't hate people. I just feel better when they aren't around.' - Charles Bukowski

this waspowerful :) awesome work

G.rata BRONZE said...
on May. 24 2014 at 4:37 pm
G.rata BRONZE, Manchester, Connecticut
3 articles 2 photos 4 comments

Favorite Quote:
Imagination is more important than knowledge ~ Albert Einstein

I realy enjoyed this piece! It had a good rhythm and an almost poetic side to it. I found it very engaging and now i'm sad i'ts over... 

on Nov. 6 2013 at 6:54 pm
theblondechick GOLD, Kingsport, Tennessee
14 articles 0 photos 104 comments

Favorite Quote:
I want to live and feel all the shades, tones, and variations of mental and physical experience possible in life.
And I am horribly limited.
-Sylvia Path

This was beautiful! I really emjoyed it. You've left me with something  deeper and profound to think about. Great job!

on Aug. 27 2013 at 9:10 pm
RelativetoWriting GOLD, Brecksville, Ohio
13 articles 0 photos 34 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Do I contradict myself? Very well, then I contradict myself, I am large, I contain multitudes."
-Walt Whitman

Wow, what a piece! I enjoy reading the rhythm of your  sentences. 

on Apr. 18 2013 at 5:12 pm
beccalynn1663 GOLD, West Milford, New Jersey
14 articles 2 photos 41 comments

Favorite Quote:
Let your smile change the world. Don't let the world change your smile.

This is so original! i loved reading it!

on Feb. 22 2013 at 9:14 pm
Emily_96 BRONZE, Lake Worth, Florida
2 articles 0 photos 3 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Don't grow up, it's a trap."

Poetry in story form. I rarely read a story where someone has mastered it and yet, here I am, reading one of the few. Honestly beautiful, and something everyone can relate to.

on Feb. 22 2013 at 2:27 pm
hudsonbytheday PLATINUM, Toronto, Other
23 articles 0 photos 6 comments

Favorite Quote:
The mind is a place in its self, it can make a heaven from hell, a hell from heaven.
- John Milton

Wow, you have mastered writing to a theme in a way that is unique. Your style has all the qualities of poetry but in a story

on Sep. 17 2009 at 5:33 am
haana114 PLATINUM, -, Other
22 articles 2 photos 26 comments
a piece nicely written.very unique too.

on Sep. 16 2009 at 7:08 pm
Jefferson_Aero SILVER, St. Joseph, Missouri
7 articles 0 photos 4 comments
This, quite blatantly, is the best piece of teenage writing that I have ever read.I will make sure that me LA teacher and all of my friends read this. You are a truely amazing writer, and this piece sent chills down my spine.

ZoeMi BRONZE said...
on Sep. 16 2009 at 2:48 pm
ZoeMi BRONZE, Wernersville, Pennsylvania
4 articles 7 photos 9 comments

Favorite Quote:
“Someday I shall become a tree, and the wind will sing in my branches, and the sun will dance on my leaves, and I shall be strong and beautiful through all the seasons.”

I enjoyed this piece very much. Your writing style is very visual, and it's one of my favorite styles to read.

on Sep. 16 2009 at 1:39 am
Freetorun BRONZE, Prosser, Washington
1 article 0 photos 4 comments

Favorite Quote:
"It's not what you are that holds you back, it's what you think you are not." --Denis Waitly

Wow, this is a strong piece. There's a lot to be said in what you're talking about. Continue to use your gift :)