the Dance

the Dance

love is more than

a box of chocolates

in a heart shape

or a dozen roses

that entertain

and then die on the stage

love is more than

promises

and dreams

love is what survives

remains

and then one day reminds us

of what was

and what is

just with a different 

flavor and bloom

but still

in a heart shape.

erin-cilberto

2/16/26

Reviews

[Brandon Houser]

Very sweet and heartfelt. Every one should be searching for what remains after the flowers and chocolates are gone. This a beautiful reminder. Nice piece!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your kind words, Brandon.
j.

[Curly Grace]

This feels like the kind of truth we only learn by living it.
The chocolates and roses fade, but the way love keeps changing shape...
keeps reminding us of what stayed...
That’s the part that lingers.
I love how you return to the heart at the end, not as a symbol but as something weathered and still blooming.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your insightful review, Curly.
You sure have been missed here.
j.

[Curly Grace]

Thank you, j. You were my first friend here, and that still means something to me. I’ll try to wander back more often... your work is always a place worth returning to.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

And the fact we still are friends after all this time means something special to me as well.

[Laz K.]

from the divine to the down-low, it seems that love is the prime mover on every level of existence.
it's amusing to watch every new generation "discover" it, thinking no one else ever stumbled upon this magic. your poem (and my rambling) is proof that we shall never know or at least agree on what "love" is. it shall remain one of life's great mysteries. :)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Oh my goodness...yes, a great mystery...and it is what it is...different for each person.
thanks, Laz.
j.

[Betty Hermelee]

love is from our inner self, our undivided attraction and willingness to share ourselves forever...though I still like chocolate and perhaps a rose now and then...or any sweet gift that i will cherish....
but no valentine please....
Warmly, B

[jacob erin-cilberto]

ha ha, thank you, Betty.
j.

[Betty Hermelee]

A pleasure J🌹

[Chris Shaw]

The chocolates and the roses don’t last. Love does. The dance tells me everything. Makes me smile j. Beautiful poem.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you, Chris.
j.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Love is hard work, responsibilty, accountability and sacrifice. But the greatest measure is sacrifice. Love is giving and its reward is in itself. Love is never a trade or an expectation, it isn't loud or flamboyant. It doesn't need to be. The sacrifice speaks volumes and the greater the love, the greater the sacrifice.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I remember my first ex telling me she thought love is something we shouldn't need to work on, it should just flow....Ah, But at times, work is definitely needed.
Thank you, Fabian.
j.

[Light and ashes]

"and then die on the stage,"
Reminds me of the quote, that is by Shakespeare.
"Life is just a stage, and we are all just players," or something to that, effect.
I think, that's true,
to a degree.
Anyway, love that line, and I of course,
love your work.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your kind words, Light.
j.

[Soren]

Jacob if it were possible to put romantic, practical, poetic and real all into one this would be it. Love much more than words, words much more than wishes, and wishes the basis of actions. Very nicely done my friend

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Such a clever response to this, Soren. Thank you.
j.

[Soren]

You are most welcome

[Pete]

a dance with steps we all need to learn. well said, just don't tell russell stover that.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

No no no, Pete...I won't tell him.
thanks,
j.

[John the Baptist]

Like the man said, Love never faileth.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thanks, John.
j.