It doesn't work that way.

It doesn't work that way, like they say it does.

It's not like the movies, the stories, the plays, the poems.

It doesn't work that way.

It isn't at first sight, or in a moment of hormones.

It isn't a box of chocolates or a passionate kiss.

It isn't deep and meaningful, as if the heavens sent down a rose that you used to ask them out.

It doesn't work that way.

It isn't a game, a competition, a race to see who's first.

It isn't a collection to see who can get the most.

It isn't a show to put on for the world so we all know how coooool you are.

It doesn't work that way.

It isn't a cycle that begins and ends in an impulse.

It isn't a status or a definition of a person.

It isn't a buoy on a surge of emotions, going anyway the waves decide.

It doesn't work that way.

It has become a requirement to be an adult.

It has become a standard of living that is inflicted on the lonely.

It has become just another conversation starter.

"Did you hear about Billy and Betty?"

"I heard they aren't together."

"NO WAY! How come?! Tell me now!"

It has become a word that is used to describe anything that you want.

Your friends

Your dog

Your favorite food

All one and the same,

All one and the same.

It shouldn't be that way.

It isn't that way.

It is, unique, and a secret to the world.

It is a journey meant for two, worked by two, talked by two, and never gotten to.

It is a special creation that you can't put down, because if you do, you might break it.

It is a blessing that should NOT be taken for granted.

Because some of us don't have it, but we want it.

We've worked hard, for YEARS, and wait for the time to be right.

We build ourselves so that when they need us, we can hold them up and give them the support they need.

We make sure that they are ready, that they aren't damaged or scared.

It is fragile

It is a gift

It is not self-centered

It is tears and tears and tears

and tears.

It is waiting

It is hoping

It is never forgetting

It is praying so hard, that you know there is a God.

It is complicated

It is simple

It is joyful

It is heart breaking

It is the easiest thing you've ever done

yet. so hard.

It is known by all, but understood by few.

It is the first thing we need, and the last thing we give away.

It is what holds our homes and lives together, even if just by a thread.

It is what I NEED

and yet...

I don't have it.