Sweetheart

Yemaya Gaspard ‘24

"Sweetheart" was a spin on a screenplay I had written in sophomore year formatted to be easier to film in a school setting. During our Halloweenish time limit, I collected as many props as I could to try to set up a witchy, vampy 'environment within the film studio. Having a visually striking setting helped to add depth to the film and make it feel more realistic. Jason Monaco and Violet Lay were involved in the final production of “Sweethearts,” from which these stills are taken.

Isabella Ticker '24

Limerence

I hear heat in your breath, 

while I try listening for your heartbeat. 

Mine thumps louder, 

itching to synchronize with yours. 

Blood rushes, like a kid 

left behind on a playground, 

as your feet pound against the pavement.

I want to forget you in four months, 

but I’ll let you linger,

like charcoal toothpaste on my tongue. 

I’ll leave you stuck, 

staining my teeth, like smeared pink lipstick.

Remnants of our bliss remain under my gums, 

like spinach, as I smile for a photo.

Soon, I’ll be a stranger you can’t forget.

I’m la-la-la-lyrics to a pop song 

on a radio that won’t turn off.

Volume raised so high, you can’t tune me out.

Bass bumping, begging, booming

until I flood your ears with my throat’s hoarse melodies.

For now, 

keep studying my pupils like a formula.

Scribble notes you’ll pretend to remember.

Carve my curves and crevices into your mind 

— but anticipate deviation.

I’ll be watching you search for skewed slants with a broken ruler.

Limerence is a state of involuntary obsession with another person. This poem is written from the perspective of someone who recognizes how temporary love can be, but they know their partner won't let go. I tried to play on the idea of limerence and how present it can be in relationships nowadays.