Young Writers Project is a creative, online community of teen writers and visual artists that started in Burlington in 2006. Each week, VTDigger publishes the writing and art of young Vermonters who post their work on youngwritersproject.org, a free, interactive website for youth, ages 13-19. To find out more, please go to youngwritersproject.org or contact Executive Director Susan Reid at sreid@youngwritersproject.org; (802) 324-9538.
“It’s the thought that counts” is rooted in the idea that we give freely and with affection, even if the receiver of our gift is ultimately nonchalant toward it. But when we use our precious time and energy to create, craft – bring into being – the special baubles or baked goods or artworks we present to our loved ones, that phrase takes on a whole new meaning. This week’s featured poet, Rachel Brassard of Montpelier, reveals that she stashes a sliver of her heart in everything she makes for others.
Where I keep my heart
Rachel Brassard, 15, Montpelier
In my attic I keep my heart.
I hold it there, safe among pillows, blankets, and childhood stuffed animals.
When I make things, I break off a piece of my heart,
and sew it into pillows,
hide it in sunsets,
pour it into inky words.
Then I gift it to the people I love.
I keep my heart in the attic,
but I always leave bits of it in my art –
so my loved ones always have a piece.
