Love is...
I do not love you as if you were salt-rose, or topaz,
or the arrow of carnations the fire shoots off.
I love you as certain dark things are to be loved,
in secret, between the shadow and the soul.
I love you as the plant that never blooms
but carries in itself the light of hidden flowers;
thanks to your love a certain solid fragrance,
risen from the earth, lives darkly in my body.
I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.
I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride;
so I love you because I know no other way than this:
where I does not exist, nor you,
so close that your hand on my chest is my hand,
so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep. ”
~Pablo Neruda
This has got to be one of my favorite love poems. I love it because it does not speak of love in terms of lightning bolts or thunder claps or fireworks. My idea of true love is exactly this: it grows and deepens and evolves over time. It is a solid, strong and steady undercurrent. It is deep and yes, can be dark, but also brings light and richness to every aspect of your existence. It is a true intimacy and closeness that cannot be described in words. It is an understanding, respect, and even love for not only eachother's light and goodness, but also one another's darkness, demons, and secrets... it is complete and utter trust. It is truly knowing someone: all of their faults, quirks, imperfections, insecurities, fears, etc. and loving them more for it, not despite it. It is being able to want more for their happiness than you want for your own. It is solid ground amid shaking earth. It is the entire reason for being.
And by God if you find it... don't be foolish. Hold onto it with every ounce of strength you have. And once you find it - you'll quickly realize why it never really was before it.
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