Heartbeat

by Lucia C., 17 (she/her)

I sometimes wonder if people pointed to their hearts as a sign of love before we knew what a heart was. Before we were first cut open and it was discovered that the slimy thing in our chest powered our entire being. Before we knew it was so essential to our existence. Did they still gesture to it in the same way we do now? Because, back then, all they would know was its beat. The constant panging that never once skipped or changed tempo. It was reliable as a sunrise and steady as an old tree. So pointing to it would be a sign of trust, of loyalty. It would be meant to say, “You are always there for me. Your compassion never ceases and your devotion never wavers. My love for you is like the beat of my chest. I do not know from where it originates or by what power it still remains, but I know it will be an ever-present fixture in my life. That is how much you mean to me. I love you.”

Lucia Connolly is a bisexual teen writer from Long Island, New York. She intends to major in English and hopes to inspire and uplift other people through her writing. She is in the process of editing her first play and hopes to see it performed live one day. She would like to thank her family, friends, and all those who have fought for queer rights in the past, present, and future.