The Hypocrite's Song

To hear “because I love you”

Is never a bad thing—

If the phrase be said with truth.

But rarely is it so, it seems,

The saying so oft abused.

Exploited to justify cruelty,

It pretends that love is selfish.

And such is how it masquerades the beauty

Of what true love really is.

Love is a drive to behave

With another in your mind;

It is as altruistic as one can get,

And necessitates one be kind.

Therefore, the reply “because I love you”

Often contradicts itself.

For if it’s used as a wrongdoing’s excuse,

Then the love is in poor health.