True Love

When I was an altruistic 20
I thought  sweet Love
the treasure
pining, yearning,
melting in the night,
Passion  yearning
burning
blindly bright.
Like a poor little moth
drawn to a flame
I went straight in
my poor heart
maimed
Now
upon reflection-
I wince and cringe
for I thought all of Life
had hinged
on having a Lover
of my soul, a mate
to me there was
no other
more worthy fate...
Now I am 20 X 2
plus years beyond
and to the woman I was
I'd like to respond-
There is only
one treasure
in this short life
only one measure
amidst all the strife
it lies in your heart,
and was there all along
for Love beats there
and is pulsing strong...
it only grows stronger
when shared with another
be it a friend
or stranger
sister or brother...
there is no mystical waving
of a magical wand
to make Love grow
into a gripping bond
the secret is simple
the secret is this-
simply give and give
give and give
it's the secret to loving
and loving to Live
giving your love
is never in vain...
for when all is gone
Love remains

Sharon Frye