Love's Introduction

With life, comes love.

That feeling of warmth,

Of concern,

Of acceptance,

Of safety

So lovely that

You simply bask in it.

It's everywhere.

From that very first gentle caress,

The kisses peppered to your face,

The careful yet caring cradle

Of arms lifting you up

To show the world love's product.

It transforms, shifts

Into different forms.

It becomes

Thoughtful gestures,

Words of praise,

Sudden hugs,

Greetings,

And farewells.

Later on, you realize that

It also hurts.

It cripples.

It results in actions

You never knew you were capable of.

It results in sacrifices made,

And tears shed

While ensconced 

By the darkness of the night

Under the sheets,

Seeing the smiling faces,

And bright eyes,

Features filled with gaiety

In your mind’s eye

And thinking, "It's worth it."

It changes once more.

Definition altered into

Soft smiles,

A musical voice,

Bright eyes,

Affectionate words,

Clasped hands,

Longing gazes,

Searing touches,

Passionate promises,

And that phrase breathed in your ear,

"I love you."

It's always there,

Ever-present,

Surrounding you

Even when you don't realize it,

Don't appreciate it,

Don't know it,

Don’t want it.

You're surrounded by love

From the start and,

Until the end.