Embracing Love’s Essence

I feel foolish seeking love from mere mortals—

Humans still fumbling through life without laughter.

I fail to see how I am guilty of the same sin for which I blame them,

For I do not reciprocate the love I receive as expected.

Perhaps I should define love on my own terms so that I don’t have such high expectations.

Flowers are beautiful, date nights are magical, road trips bring solace.

Do these embody the love I yearn for?

Or is there a specific affection I crave to label as love?

What shapes my perception of love now?

Is it the love I witnessed in my parents’ bond,

Or the surreal love depicted in TV dramas?

How will I recognize love? Will I acknowledge it when it’s in front of me?

I’ve experienced it firsthand; it was like oxygen, and once it was taken away, I struggled to breathe.

I will not settle for what seems like halfhearted affection.

My feelings have matured to understand that love is the noblest quality,

And I have every right to expect the love I wholeheartedly offer in return.

Love, to me, is trust; entrust me with your deepest emotions and truest self.

Love entails shielding me from my fears and embracing my imperfections.

Love, to us, is patient and kind; it does not envy or boast, nor is it proud.

It is not self-seeking or easily angered; it keeps hoping and persevering.

Thats the love we yearn for

This beautiful piece was co-written with my dear friend Esther and we had the opportunity to present it in BlackTones- A community for black and brown storytellers.