The L Word

Poets, lovers, self-proclaimed prophets are those amongst its legions of followers. Each trying to give meaning to it, lyrics to a melody. Quite simply it has many faces and which it discloses to you depends on your own wheel of fortune. Now tell me, if you could describe it... what would it be? LOVE, the mystery, the essence.. the very reason of being. Is it many things? Or a singular secret? What does it mean to you? I have no answer to that. As for me... I've learnt....

That love is not the quickening of the heart at the anticipation of meeting. That is merely infatuation.

That love is not the way she fits so well in your arms as you lay in bed, that even when morning comes you remain content. That is merely affection.

That love is not finishing each other's sentences or knowing the right answers. That is merely attentiveness.

That love is not remembering each significant moment spent and reminiscing. That is merely fondness.

That love is not planning the future together and the colour of your living room. That is merely hope.

That love is not the catch of your breath as she walks down the stairs in that evening dress. That is merely beauty (however intoxicating it may be).

That love is not the deep passionate kiss against the wall and onto the bed or even the soft moans in the throes of passion. That is merely desire.

That love is not burning the midnight oil helping her with that all too important coursework. That is merely responsibility.

That love is not sending a million cards, writing sonnets and painstakingly planning the perfect gift. That is merely thoughtfulness.

That love is not the tears you shed alone in the dark when she said goodbye. That is merely pride taking a hit or maybe two.

That love is not the slow dance to some imaginary music in the kitchen before dinner by candlelight. That is merely romance.

That love is not the goofy smile or even the stare across the table as you look into her eyes. That is merely incredulity.

That love is not sharing a bed, friends or even coming home together. That is merely inevitability.

There are many things to which it is not and times when we mistake these pretenders for truth. It might be a let down, perhaps I don't know... but LOVE dear reader in my humble opinion is simply .....when you have a lot of TIME for each other.