How to Define Something So Complex

We say fell in love, meaning so deeply consumed, which catches us as a surprise, passion, in a deep embrace, a kiss, a light stroke of the cheek, a delicate touch; or meaning the terror of being left and lost, the tightening ache, which is empty, since in life you see happiness, bright, giggling and kisses, like warm summer days, filling the heart with exuberance like dirty little boys playing tag in a field outside; or meaning the long lasting love of a family, which is tender and caring, delicate, with a fierce protectiveness, like a hero, come to the rescue, except that some don’t need protection, and the love is overbearing, but comforting, like a reassurance of love, a mother’s unconditional love for her children, caring, protective, singing sweetly at night, while stroking the forehead, and saying sweet dreams. The feeling of love, the flush on the cheeks, which consumes your waking thoughts and dreams, like a beautiful sickness, fever, desire, wanting without a care—we say this is what it means to be in love. But what kind of love, romantic, or the ones who heal old wounds and red scars on the heart, leaving them open and vulnerable, for more pain, scary yet wanting to take the risk, not walking away, because not loving is cowardly. The swollen lips and smiles shared on sunny days, rays of light, like listening to your heart, leaving it on your sleeve, open, for the whole world to see, no protection, letting your true self be known, utterly exposed, frightening, little pieces of hate and anger are being disposed, leaving the heart, or letting love consume you completely.