Love's

Love's flame burns a smoldering red,
Buried beneath the gray ash,
Of a fire burning not so long ago,
Still emanating heat from beneath,

Love's grip steels onto its victim,
Bruising and marking muscles,
Tightening the throat's grip,
Steeling to prevent any escape,

Love's seduction draws its lover,
Singing like a siren to a sailor,
Promising ecstacy's thrill,
And the hope of that never before had,

Love's lie speaks sincerely,
Relishing present's joy,
Spinning future's possibilities,
Withdrawing like a thief in the night,

Love's promise embarks courageously,
Leaving its port with ambitious dreams,
Surfing its seas on an ocean of hope,
Set by optimism's sails,

Loves commitment works tenaciously,
Laboring to build a sturdy structure,
Engaging its task to completion,
Availing without reservation,

Love's friendship gives freely,
Giving truth uncomfortably,
Listening without judgment,
Encouraging faithfully.