What is love?

love burns your
nerve-endings,
even if it's gone.
love's that
lingering thought;
love is lip-biting,
nail-biting,
the hankering,
the innuendos
that leave you smiling,
surrounded or alone.
it's charitable,
it's unquenchable -
that spot you can't
stop scratching,
till it's left a scar,
an indelible mark;
and so you give it
a name in a heart
with an arrow across.
love's the jealousy
of not being that 'her'
you put on your arm;
it's the non-perishable
good you must keep stocked
out of fear and paranoia
of running out.

Reviews

[barleygirl]

I'm not a big fan of love poems becuz so many are written, all sounding similar . . . that said, your love poem here is banging on the originality meter! Right out of the gate, you present the ironies & contrasts: "even if it's gone" . . . plus you use and refer to cliché phrases/ideas with a fresh twist: "a name in a heart with an arrow across" -- one way to make some of your sentiments relatable, while the rest of your observations are unexpected & vividly imagined in words (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Maxwell Ryder]

I always say that love poems are the entry-level writing we do to becoming writers, whether that’s just for a hobby or professionally. Love brought me to poetry, but poetry kept me there. I tried as you say some things to make it less cliched. I think I revisit it actually to see if I have any residual feelings. I assert if I can still write it, that means something is still lingering. Dunno. Don’t want to beat a dead horse either. Thanks, Margie

P.S. had to take a break here

[barleygirl]

I'm really glad you pointed out that first "love poem" comment, becuz it helps me have more understanding about the way that happens!

[Papaya]

I really enjoyed this.
I think you do a great job here describing all those little things that create big feelings.

[Haley]

nailed it. i really enjoyed reading. :)

[Maxwell Ryder]

Oh, thank you, Haley. We nail love every once in a while, I guess ;-) Thank you for reading and the compliment:)

[Lost_Soul]

I've been to the point where I have fallen in love with a boy, which I'm still in love with him, but I'm having to move on. It's really hard to do something that you don't want to do. I hope it doesn't tear me anymore before I move on.

[Maxwell Ryder]

All in due time, my bard friend. Let your heart go at its pace; it will anyway. And you might just actually thank your experience after (as strange as that sounds). Many times love takes us to a better place, a better person or situation. It was just a stepping stone for learning. (Sorry for the cliches, but...) Good luck. And thanks for the read. I really appreciate it.

[Lost_Soul]

You're welcome. And thank you for the support. I hope that it's as easy as it sounds.

[Maxwell Ryder]

ANY time. And I mean it.

[Lost_Soul]

:) :) :) :) :) :)

[Joltara]

oh your poem is so beautiful - i wish for you the happy ending of putting 'her' on your arm!

[Maxwell Ryder]

Maybe the other arm, Joltara. Thanks 🙏🏼 many blessings and success in your writing.

[Govind singh]

Loved it... So deep..thnks for sharing Ur wonderful thoughts

[Maxwell Ryder]

Govind Singh thank you for these lovely words. Are you new to Writer’s Cafe? What kind of poetry do you like?

[Govind singh]

I'm here for the last 2 months:)) ...I like ever writting written by heart.. however I write romance;)

[Maxwell Ryder]

Welcome to the group. Can you suggest a poem of yours for me to read?

[Govind singh]

Well there r only 4 poems of mine...I think u should read them all my frnd...thnk u..best wishes:)