Lovers, They Say

By Lina Kim

Lovers, they say the most beautiful lies to each other

“Your beauty surpasses that of the setting sun or the starry sky,”

And as I read that

I think, “as if,”

But then

I think of you.

Lovers, they say, “I would take a bullet for you,”

And as I hear that

I think, “Could anyone even move so quickly?”

But then

I realize I would for you.

Lovers, they say, “I would walk to the ends of the earth for you,”

And as I process that

I think, “Wouldn’t one get tired?”

But then

I know I would for you.

Lovers, they say, “I want to spend forever with you,”

And as I ponder that

I think, “Forever sounds like far too long,”

But then

You’re there, in my head.

Me? I say, “I love you,”

And as I speak,

I wonder, “Can this even be true in the way that it is?”

And then 

I know it can be.

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Biography

I am Lina Kim, a freshman. When I’m not doing homework or writing, I’m probably at rehearsal for theater, or in my ballet class. I also spend my free time playing music on the ukulele or bass while singing.

What message do you hope to convey through your piece?

I hope to show readers that love within friendships is just as important and beautiful as romantic love. I hope that this message will resonate with people on the aromantic and asexual spectrum with close, loving friendships, but also with others who love their closest friends just as much as they might love a romantic partner.

How do you resonate with your piece? Why is it personal to you?

I wrote this piece about my best friend. It is personal to me because I let go of any worries of it being misinterpreted and wrote from the heart. I knew that people might read it and understand it differently, and they have, which bothered me at first, but I think it’s important to be able to see different perspectives and stories within the same work of art.