What is Love? (poem and *aside*)

Real love is a rare gift.
It is more than passion,
More than friendship,
Yet these are contained within it.
It is desire and affection,
Physical and spiritual,
Attraction to body and soul.
Real love knows no age, no limit, no expiration date.
It does not fade with time, but
Grows stronger with each shared moment.
Two souls in love need not fear the years, for
Passion is strong when hearts are connected.
Love is not infatuation, not a sickness of obsessive desire.
Real love takes time; it is built with care and tears.
Heart ache is part of love, as real life can hurt.
Fantasy is pressure free, a harmless dream,
But not real.
Many hide behind such fantasies,
To protect their heart and shield off hurt.
Real love takes courage,
Because here a soul must stand alone.
There is risk of hurt, fear of pain,
But without courage there cannot be love.
Real love is a risk and life's most precious gift;
For if it is found, it is a light that lasts forever.

**As an aside:
Love can be wonderful and cruel. I've been in love myself, as many of you probably have as well. Twice, actually. And I've known heartbreak, deceit, thoughtlessness, and deep hurt. Ironically, I've never known what it feels like to have someone love you back. I mean truly love you back. But I'll share what I have learned. Real love cannot be one-sided, it cannot be rushed, but I believe it can be overlooked at first. Because in order to happen, both people need to be brave and recognize it. That's where time comes into play.

And love and insincerity do not mix. I know excessive flattery and flirty sweetness are usually meant in fun, not intending to hurt anyone. But what if the other person believes you? I speak from experience. Someone once wrote me that it was fate that brought us together, fate and music, and it scared the crap out of me. But then I chose to believe them and see them in a different way. I just wish that it had been sincere, as I later realized that it probably wasn't. Anyway, things happen, life goes on, yada yada yada.

And one more piece of advice. Please don't feel that you have to use beautiful words and over-the-top flattery or craziness to get people to like you. Don't get me wrong, craziness is cool, beautiful words are cool, and sincere flattery is great -- but you have a beautiful heart. People should like you for who you really are, and if they can't see that, then it's their problem. Just believe in yourself and be true to who you are...and if craziness ensues, then by all means go for it! Just remember that sometimes, it's ok to slow it down and put away the mask. You might even find new sides of yourself along the way.