Love

Love doesn't have to compromise, adapt, adjust or sacrifice.
It doesn't offer promises
That it can never meet
It doesn't come wrapped up all nice
In colourful paper, pretty and bright,
With a shiny bow
To make the lie complete.
Love doesn't smile, full of charm
Or walk into our life, bouquet in arms
And sing a serenade that sweeps us off our feet.
It doesn't lead to happiness,
Or build the bridge across the void

For us to cross
To a happy place
Free of pain and loss

Or wrap us in a cloud of ecstasy

That's all just a selfish dream
An illusion and fantasy
To pass on responsibility
For things we want or think we need

Real love hurts and stings and burns
Offers nothing in return
Torturing the soul until it screams
It passes through
Free and true
Leaves us broken
Black and blue
Amongst the ruins of our shattered dreams.
Love doesn't stop and wait
Can't be kept safe
Won't be contained
Doesn't bring pleasure without pain
But we keep on loving anyway
Because to love for nothing
Is what loving something means.