This Love Thing

‘Tis heavenly and hard

This love thing, my darling

This intricate balance

Of hold and release

And I never knew

In its early beginning

The finesse of love

Is both beauty and beast

Why is it, my darling

That those we love dearly

We hurt most deeply

In spite of intent

This having and holding

Is a kind, brutal molding

Compassion and courage

Comfort and torment

To love is to bear

Life’s most beautiful sorrow

We cannot love

And escape living’s grief

And yet, not to love

Is the saddest of longings

Love, a kind shoulder

And sorrow’s relief

‘Tis roses and thorns

This love thing, my darling

It's awesome heart-holding

A ruthless romance

And I never knew

In its early beginning

Both beauty and beast

Must learn how to dance

© Janet Martin