CHECKLIST FOR LOVE©

Glenn Johnson

How can I be certain of love?

To a fortune teller go?

Read palms, leaves, or crystal ball?

Not worthy of trust.

Our hearts too valuable for dubious mystics.

Been here before . . . love’s lessons . . .  must recall.

Time to resurrect, hold thoughts and remember:

. . .  What was burn . . . What was glorious . . .

Love's experiences reside in nooks and crannies of heart.

Risk disillusion’s embers . . . rescue what warmed and fueled heart’s joy.

Mysterious voice from deep, softly whispers:

Make her place in each . . . all . . . heart's chambers.

Love’s history carefully held and inventoried . . . checklist made:

                  √ . . . Excitement and curiosity of new love.

√  . . . Requisite mutual respect.

       √  . . . Honesty . . . vocal, emotional.

              √ . . . Compatibility of interests, desires.

             √ . . . Mirror’s images, visions of selves.

      √ . . . Itinerary of journeys spiritual.

               √ . . . Mutual melding of body and souls.

√ . . .  Joyful life's sidekicks.

When checklist fulfilled.

. . . Decision to make . . .

. . . Deep breath taken . . .

. . . Leap of trust . . .

Offer heart, tender and exposed.