Poem: Lover’s Creed

I have lived
A lonely life.
I have
A broken family
Friends trying to
Simply find their way.
I have never
Shared a kiss
Known the pleasures
Of womanly flesh
Of full-blown romance.
Yet I have loved
Deeply and fully.
I know love.
Love my family
Each and everyone
Broken as we are.
I love my friends
All of them are dear
We help each other through
The messiness of life lived right.
I have known the love
Of a boy for a girl
And of confused teens.
Though we were young
Inhibited by fear
It was love all the same.
As a man
I’ve struggled with love
Unrequited and unreturned.
Some say,
“That isn’t love.”
I respond,
“Love is love.”
I recognize and celebrate
The diversity of love.
I have learned
To let my heart
Love open and free
Without possession
Without reward.
Open to hurt
Open to pain.
I cannot
I should not
Cage my hear.t
I control my actions
Never cross the line
From friend
To more than friend.
I will keep loving
With an open hear.t
I will love
My family and my friends
And those who my heart desires
To be more than friends.
Thought I know not
What the future holds
One thing is certain.
I will always love.