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Wisconsin | Wellness > Sex + Relationships

A Love Not Returned

Natalia Iding Student Contributor, University of Wisconsin - Madison
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Wisconsin chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

A poem about an unrequited love

I like to believe that everyone has an art. Art obviously encompasses paintings, drawings, sketches, sculptures, and writing. It can also consist of athletic and mechanical ability, and many other aspects; essentially, whatever you do, you can make it art. My art is poetry, and it’s something I’ve held close to my heart. Now, I want to share one of my favorite poems I’ve written, and Her Campus is a great place to share. 

A Love Not Returned

I don’t think I can do this anymore
Sell my desire and dignity for you
And I wonder why I have no self-worth
I take it all and wrap it up for you

I don’t think you’ve opened my present yet
You’re holding it, letting it burn like a cigarette
And I’m shaking like a wet dog in the cold
Wondering why am I the only one who holds
The warmth between us that has just slit my throat

Do you see my bones aching?
For a love not returned
Can you feel my heart breaking?
I’m piled up in my own hurt
Your smile comes takes it all away
Then you disappear for the next 5 business days

I just wish you could see
The hell you bring me
I try to write words full of adoring
But it’s just a blank sheet staring

I have nothing left to give to myself
I left it for you on the top shelf
But it’s too far to reach
And I don’t think I can bleed
Enough for you to come save me

You don’t know my middle name
My deepest secret that drives me insane
My insecure thoughts I make into a game
You don’t bother to ask how I am
You just dive right into your wonderland past
And tell stories that I’ve never ask

But I adore the way your eyes meet mine
The way our fingers touch for a second in time
The words that leaves your lips, oh damn oh my
How I wish you were all mine

The way you captured my mind on that Friday afternoon
You haven’t left my head since I first spoke to you
When I gave you my number I thought
“This was too good to be true”
I found the one, she is the one, my muse

Tongue-tied truth I can’t deny
How I yearn for you all day and night
But I know I never cross your mind
You keep me tied-up with your white-lies

You know I would give you the whole world
No hesitation, just say the word
But as for me?
It’s a love not return.

Natalia Iding

Wisconsin '23

I'm a Sophomore at the Univerity of Wisconsin-Madison and planning to double major in Human Development and Family Studies and Gender Woman's Studies. In my free time, I like to watch Netflix, play sports, and hang out with my family!