I Started Writing

©2022 Juliet Altmann

I started writing because I was up at night and could not sleep.

I started writing because my heart was broken and I was sick of weeping.

I started writing because I read great writers and I wanted to be great too.

I started writing because I was in school and in order to pass I had to.

I started writing because I needed lyrics to go with my songs.

I started writing because I felt like an outsider and like I didn’t belong.

I started writing because I wanted to find the words to describe the feeling.

I started writing because I was at rock bottom and desperate for healing.

I started writing when I couldn’t seem to speak, let alone ask for help.

I started writing when I realized that I had something to offer myself.

I started writing because I could, I was lucky enough to be taught.

I don’t know what would’ve happened if I didn’t start writing but I can’t even stomach the thought.

©2022 Juliet Altmann

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I Started Writing was originally published in CRY Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.