Love

Hold it close to your chest

The fire you were born with

Shelter it from bitter winds and regretful sighs

Nurture it as you would a child

Gently teaching it how to thrive

For this world will be cold

And life will be cutthroat

Almost no one will stop to notice it

Much less support it

But fear not, dearest

Life will still ensure it is worth the strain

For love will help you find the best friends

The best lovers, and the happiest end

Hold on tight to them

Their warmth will be worth the forgiveness you extend

And for those who are passing through

Love will outlast their "truth"

The temporary advantages of their callouses

Let them win, let them revel, let them run

When all is said and done

You will be the one to bask in the sun

Guilt-free in humility

If you can stay the course

Without being deceived by so-called victories,

One-ups, ladder-climbs, and burnt-out nights

You will be evergreen

If you can let go of the pain

You will feel your heart once again

Love means you will not die alone

Your final thoughts will not be of doubt or shame

You will only feel blessed

Crossing to the unknown

Fearless