What is Love?

What is Love, that feeling kindled in the hearts of mankind? Be it emotion, or action, or a process of the mind? Many people wondered since the days of yore Until an idea arrived that had never come before 'Twas John, enlightened by heaven, who had writ "God is Love" and love, therefore, is this: A gentle hand to guide you home If from the light your spirit starts to roam Open arms of forgiveness, errors all forgot, That always welcome easily, without second thought Protection and safety given like a mother, A holy and perfect safeguard unlike any other Fulfillment of each promise; no vow left to neglect, In word and deed the epitome of respect Selfless sacrifice for happiness and health Be it loss of life or land or wealth You may try to change to find that love for which you yearn But it is a gift freely given, not that you can earn And though not at the surface of it always found, It is forever present, always all around