well, I guess I know what it's not....

love may be perceived by some
as a blinding flash of light
eye's like magnets in a crowded room
and both just know it's right

others treat it as a game
to win or lose a heart
once they know which role they play
how quickly they depart

some use love to subjugate
the object of obsession
they think love is really just
a matter of possession

others think that what they feel
in the moment or on a whim
is all there is to know of love
and it's only ever about them

I have my thoughts on all these things
but do not call them love
love requires something else
a blessing from above

I really could not say I've known
that of which I speak
but I have given it much thought
here's what it means to me

love requires two good hearts
each in itself entire
neither seeking to control
nor self respect acquire

love is not a feeling
or emotional condition
love takes deep commitment
and a generous disposition

kindness, patience, honesty
a willingness to understand
an eagerness to listen
and to ask but not demand

love is not a prison
nor a golden guilded cage
love is not a battlefield
where bitter wars are waged

love, in its ideal form
is deep appreciation
for quality of character
and lusty consummation

it's the sound of laughter
the wiping of tears
a promise kept
and the easing of fear

it's warm arms on a chilly night
slow, soft kisses to light the fire
to know you're always by my side
then, baby, it is all desire

there's so much more
that I could say...

but I really don't know
how this love would play...

sometimes it seems impossible
but I still believe in it.

perhaps, love, at the end of day
is what we do, not what we say
an agreement - we will always try
and suffer only one goodbye