Need and Want | Teen Ink

Need and Want

June 14, 2021
By Jihwan SILVER, Pottstown, Pennsylvania
Jihwan SILVER, Pottstown, Pennsylvania
5 articles 0 photos 0 comments

There’s a difference between 

Need and want 

Just like there’s a difference between 

Beautiful and sublime,

Memorable and indelible, 

Great and impeccable 


A ray of brittle light 

In a dark, sinister cave 

A slender, silver lining 

In a dim, moonless cloud 

A gleaming, emerald gem 

In a vast, uniform night of the desert 

It’s that I need these to resist pain.  

It’s that I need these to persevere.  


They bring 

A string of hope on my face 

A rebuff to the world’s glare 

And a ticket to heaven’s train 

It’s that I need these to bear every day.  

It’s that I need these to survive.    

Not want but need. 

And you’re like these 

Precious breaths 

That I need

To cling to my life. 


The author's comments:

After pondering what to choose for my birthday present, I was able to distinguish the difference between “need” and “want.” I really wanted a pair of sneakers but needed an iPad for school. Ultimately I have incorporated the difference into the relationship between “love” and “like.” The subtle yet substantial difference between “need” and “want” accurately depicts how much the speaker loves and needs a significant other. 


Similar Articles

JOIN THE DISCUSSION

This article has 0 comments.