SOMETIMES LOVE

love does not
always arrive
like a lion in winter
sometimes it approaches cautiously
as a blinking light
at an intersection
waiting for the right moment
before proceeding
before acceleration
before proclamation
before acknowledgement
before association.
love does not
always arrive
like a lion in winter
sometimes it arrives
as a jigsaw puzzle
with scattered pieces
with no instruction
with no hope of completion.
sometimes love arrives
with its own baggage
other times...
 love does not
arrive at all.

THIS CAN'T BE LOVE

this can't be love
not the way
i'm hurting
not the way
these tears
stream down
my face.
not the way
your curses
stab and slice
my heart.
not the way
you look at me
with contempt
and with anger.
not the way
your fist
keeps pummeling
my face.
...this can't be love!

LOVE COME SOFTLY

love come softly
to my heart
don't approach
too fast or too furious
for i am battle weary
my shield, my soul
torn and bleeding.
but come to me
as spring comes
after winter
a gradual warmth
a new beginning.
hold me
keep me
safe in your arms
comfort me
in times of trouble.
...love be my friend.