Because I love you, says the uniformed

man boarding the plane to Iraq. Because

I love you, says the young woman handing

Her baby to her new mother. Because I love

You, says the boy holding his dogs paw as

She passes on. Because I love you, says the

Teacher as the student cries at her feet.

Because I love you, says the firefighter as he

Hands off the little boy to be saved while he

Slowly burns. Because I love you, says the

Daughter before the nurse pulls the plug on

Her father. Because I love you, says the

Author as she kills her favorite character.

Because I love you, says the girl to her

Best friend before giving away her kidney.

Because I love you, says the man to his

Soon to be husband, despite all the shouts.

Because I love you, says the Muslim man to

God before blowing himself up. Because I

Love you, they all say, because Love requires

Sacrifice.