Love Is Hard (a poem)

Love is hard.
And it seems to get harder.
You would think, with time, it would lessen its grip;
would ease its burden;
would allow you to breathe.
But it doesn't.

It grips you
Grabs you
Constricts you
and controls you

It picks you up in its tearing talons,
and drops you,
without checking the path of your fall.

It renders you weak, ruins your planning,
dominates your psyche,
and empties your soul.

It reminds you of your failings,
diminishes your worth,
revisits your shortcomings,
and shackles your belief in yourself.

It whispers in your ear, when you're feeling worthy.
It belittles your abilities, when you're feeling sane.
It convinces you you're not enough, when you're more than you thought you could be.
And it tells you you're hated, by the one you adore.

Love is hard.
But it's worth it.

RC 15-3-24