Why I Should Not Love You

The things I have learned about how to deal with that dysfunctional relationship.

I could count the things for which
I should not love you, but how would that benefit me?

So cliché: these, those, and the other things.
If I dwelled upon all your nastiness,
I would have the most bitter of souls.
Once vibrant and indicative of new life,
my mind would wilt as a deadened lily.
Vigor and joy dashed and smashed,
my will to live and love would go astray.
A black eye given to my emotions,
they’d be dirty and defiled,
but once they prospered with harmony and peace.

However, I cannot dwell upon those things,
for I have learned to love beyond my soul.
From my spirit comes the love of my Creator.
I allow that love to overtake bitterness,
to wreak havoc on hatred,
and forgive where resentments once resided.

Now, your angry heart only invokes in me pity.
Your filthy mouth reminds me to keep mine silent.
If I am “worthless” in my intelligence,
then what are you in your ignorance?
I am commanded to love you regardless,
and even as I do not deserve God's love,
neither do you deserve mine.
That, my dear, is what grace is about.