Magic (Or the Lack of It)

Love is a form of magic. This is the absence of that wonder.

Love is a form of magic. We know what it's like to fall madly for someone. We know when their touch and gaze are enchantments of their own. We've seen the red roses and blue violets. This is the absence of that wonder. This is poetry for the brokenhearted, the ones who need most to know they're not alone, even though that's where it feels like someone had left them. The resentment and regret bubbling inside pour themselves into poetry on the page, because everyone deserves to know that they're not alone, no matter how lonely they may feel. The first in the Heartspell duology, Magic (Or the Lack of It) shows the pain that comes at the beginning of heartbreak. All of the dark emotions that swirl inside of us and have nowhere to go. Sometimes, it helps to see that darkness formed into ink. Not so our pain is amplified, but because sometimes, when we see so much darkness, it's easier to notice the light. "Sweet Readers, The journey of heartbreak is a long and difficult one, filled with so many obstacles that you feel like you might never overcome. You will. There are times when you feel like you can't go on. You may think that there is nothing in life but that emptiness. Like you won't ever get better. You will. It's going to be rough; I won't lie. You learn as you go, and you take it a day at a time. Guard your heart, but don't let it keep out what may come to you. I know It seems like you'll never be able to love again. You will."

Payton Polanco is a poetess and teller of tales, inside and out(spoken). Her short story "Let it Snow" was published in The East Jasmine Review, an online literary magazine. She has won numerous accolades for her writing throughout her (admittedly short) life, including twenty two regional awards and a national silver medal from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Payton reads her work anywhere and everywhere possible, to anyone and everyone possible. Poetry slams, readings, and open mics are often where she feels most at home and free. Sharing her work is like sharing a piece of her soul with the world. Her writing journey began in second grade, and she has been creating stories ever since. On an average day, you can find her writing until someone drags her away from the keyboard or reminds her that there are other things in life than her writing (albeit less important). She loves animals, coffee, and the weight of a book in her hands.