Love

does not exist between

paper-maché facades adorned with

rhinestones, velvet trim, or gold leaf.

Of satin dresses and rayon suits,

it can’t commence by dancing with one

of the finest apparel, the finest lips.

It isn’t felt when a blush is chafed

onto cheeks by an “amorous” phrase

or if manipulative words

kiss the mind.

 

No.

“Because I love you” is merely

an ornament on his paper disguise.

If he has not yield

his sculpted face,

you have yet to question-

what beauty is held,

what sorrows are grieved,

what hopes are dreamt,

what secrets are kept

underneath.

Then what is there to share?

 

If he has not given you

a piece of his heart-

not to expect you to give him a piece of yours

in return,

but allowing you to make it yours-

are you really a piece of his?

 

If you are afraid

to be left alone on the

dance floor,

did you love him enough to

let him go?  

 

Love is an action,

not just a feeling.

It isn’t a dance of the mind

spinning or

the heart skipping.

It isn’t a burden to show that someone is

important to you and

it doesn’t have any room for jealousy.

It is working together,

as a partnership without hesitation.

It is the revealing of the masquerade to share

trust, communication, thoughts, and emotions.

It is the respect, the care, the compassion that

you have for each other from a simple greeting.

It is the value that you each have for the

little things that you do for each other without

expectance.

 

Our world is a masquerade,

filled facades between strangers.

But

because I love you,

I take my mask off

to you.