Valentine

This is for everyone who's been let down
Who's been broken and afraid
Who gave too much, or not at all
Who wasn't met.
You, who were manipulated and coerced
You, who heard only vile words
You, who cried alone at night

Know this:

That wasn't love.

Love is not enmeshed with pain
Love is not something that is taken
Or demanded, or even given
It plays no games
It takes no pleasure out of pain
It harbors no contempt
No anger or regret

Love does not depend on another
Love does not fear
Love does not punish
Love doesn't hurt.

Love is a state of being
The beauty that you choose to be
It is kindness and compassion
It is goodness and hope.

Love keeps no score
It makes no wounds
It is not careless or rude.

Love is always there
Just past the broken heart
Beyond the hiding place.

Love is found within the soul
Of those who choose to be love.

When two such souls come together
The world around them is a brighter, better place
Because they make it so.