Must hearts march
in rows of two
to this place
we call love
this sentiment
emotion
devotion
trials
of
patience
with another's
constant
drain on us?

Love has so many meanings
to so many
meaning nothing
meaning everything
meaning so much
much more than
can be summed up
in words.

But a day
set aside
for those
lovers
and
beloved
Hallmark and company
candy hearts
roses by a dozen
chocolates and diamonds
what is love
anymore
to those
of us who love
with our hearts
and not our credit cards?

And why
do so many hate
this celebration
of love
stay home and cry
because love
has been defined
as romantic
on this day
and they lack
romance?

Eros
is simply one
of many parts
of such a complicated
thing
how does one include
phillia and agape
and why can't they
be embraced as well
on such a day
as Valentine's?

Why can't one love
unexclusively
embracing all around
unconditionally
not weighing their devotion
on the expense of the occasion
and
why and when
did it become such a bad thing
to be alone?

To all those
lonely hearts on Valentine's Day:
you're not alone
love and live
live and love
but don't let your life
depend on being loved
simply love
because you live
and embrace life
because you can
go out and buy yourself
a box of chocolates
and a dozen roses
for half-price
on
February 15th.

#71

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