Love
Many like to talk of love, but in practice, do we see
Those you hear who talk of it, doing what they’ve said should be?
Yes, words are used so freely, but actions don't always follow,
Thereby making much that is spoken simply ring hollow.
Few among us will dispute the worthiness of love’s prose,
And the need of words of love in the midst of others’ woes.
But love expressed in action is by far the greater need,
For though it’s displayed in word, it achieves far more by deed.
Actions show we’re genuine, that we mean those things we say,
For saying, then not doing, can fill others with dismay.
That is why love never waits 'till it hears another’s plea,
But instead, sets out to find what the other’s need might be.
Love doesn't set a time frame, nor has selfish time constraints,
And where greater work's needed, its persistence never faints.
Love doesn't place conditions where conditions shouldn't be,
And neither is it selective, or displayed unequally.
Love thinks of the minority, puts its own desires last,
It protects the disadvantaged, and counters hatred fast.
Love never will agree with using force to have its way,
Nor will it intimidate, or try to wrongfully gain sway.
Love is also receptive to another’s point of view,
And where it may well differ, it gives credit where it’s due.
Love won’t wrongly cause offence during any interaction,
Knowing also in its wisdom that such will lose it’s traction.
Love’s also full of mercy, compassion, and tender care,
Love is never prejudiced, always seeks to do what’s fair.
Yes, love acts impartially, ever has a listening ear,
Always goes the extra mile, seeks another’s heart to cheer.
Love will never bear a grudge, it is faithful, and bears long,
Love won’t talk behind one’s back, and will try to right a wrong.
Love will give encouragement, make allowance for mistakes,
Never breaks a confidence, nor ever deceives or fakes.
Many when they talk of love, have such unbalanced notions,
Unmindful love is not just words, good deeds, or nice emotions.
No, love is also justice, and obviously, rightful law,
For without such, it's clear that love would simply be no more.
Love also warns of danger, it corrects and disciplines,
Love wisely upholds order -- and what's right, it underpins.
Love withholds what’s harmful, and it tells it straight and truthful,
And it expects these same things from both the aged and youthful.
Yes, love is never satisfied with mediocrity,
But seeks the betterment of all, wherever that need may be.
Love also knows that sometimes unpleasant things are needed
To achieve a turnaround where wisdom’s not been heeded.
But it’s always how it’s done, and how it’s said, that matters,
And when these two are wedded, less things end up in tatters.
And it's also how it’s lived, because love needs to be seen,
And never is it brighter than when self has left the scene!
By Lance Landall
