“I’ve Gotten Good at Writing Breakup Poems” by Tyler Hurula
I am Schrodinger’s heart—both bruised & brimming
depending on who is paying attention
to me. I am a revolving door of requitement,
both bathed in affection & rendered empty
depending on who is still paying attention
& I’ve gotten good at writing breakup poems
bathed in an absent affection. I’m rendered empty
by the people who have not loved me back.
I’ve gotten good at writing breakup poems
& when I ask my lover who stays if I’m dramatic—
as one of the people that has continued to love me back,
her answer is laughter because it is obvious.
I ask my lover, the one who has stayed, if I’m dramatic.
She says I just find the biggest ways to express myself
& obviously, the answer is always laughter.
I love loud, but break louder
because I find the biggest ways to express myself—
like when I wrote a breakup poem after a promising first date.
I break loud, & choose to love louder,
cry from what broke & piece together
the love poems I also wrote after that promising first date.
I am a revolving door of requitement
always crying, but making peace with the broken pieces,
both bruised and brimming from my Schrodinger’s heart.
About Tyler Hurula
She/They
Tyler Hurula (she/they) is the pinkest poet and explorer based in Denver, Colorado. She strives to be the most queer and polyamorous person they can be and much of their poetry reflects these themes. Author of chapbook Love Me Louder (Querencia Press). Their poems can be found in numerous publications including Anti-Heroin Chic, South Broadway Press, Boats Against the Current, Gnashing Teeth Publishing, and more. They are the assistant editor and events coordinator with Beyond the Veil Press. You can find her on Instagram @theprettypinkpoet.