Love

Love just is
By John Butterfield

“I love you”
is a phrase that never
should be followed by “but” or “even if”

for if it does then it is not love

Love does not have pre-conditions
does not require exemptions
is not qualified

love just is
and being so
is enough

for love does not notice imperfection
love does not count faults
love transcends petty annoyances

so love is not easy
and love does not happen often

and if it does
treasure it
nurture it
keep it safe from harm

for though it is strong
like all living things
without care and attention
it will wither and die.

I love you
never with a “but” or an “even if”
for love just is.