In measuring affinity, there's so few ways,
Such as the depth of love that's found in a gaze
Or in its shortened breaths that come out with a sigh,
When with the one who makes your heart fly high.

Affinity brings a much quickened heartbeat's pace,
As well as the rush of blood brought to the face,
Sweaty palms and widened pupils when you are near,
Is a sign of the passion that you hold dear.

In those intimate moments you've shared between,
It's the mutuality where love can be seen,
Measuring affinity is more than words,
It is in the way that love ignites and stirs.

So if you're wondering if love is true,
Just pay attention to what your body will do,
For in the breaths, heartbeats, pupils, face, and more,
You will find the measure of the love you adore.

Love is not a fortress.
It cannot keep us safe,
It cannot guard our hearts,
From the pain and strife we face.

It can't keep us from hurt,
Nor can it stay our tears,
It can't protect our lives,
As it can't hold back our fears.

Love is not a fortress.
It's so fragile at best -
So easily broken,
Even for those who're blessed.

Love is not a fortress,
It's the bridge gladly crossed,
It's the path we must take,
No matter what 'ere the cost.

Romantic marriage is illogical.
Nobody is despised, who can
Successfully make marriage work.
Illogical people are despised.
Therefore, all romantics are not married.

I dwell in Plato’s cave, a silent guest,
Bound by the chains of shadow and sound,
Where flickers and echoes parade as truth,
And senses, so easily fooled, attest
To a world of illusion, uncertainty-bound.

How can I know what’s real, what’s mere disguise,
When sight and scent are veils, not guides?
Why search for meaning in this shifting gloom,
Or hope for anything this world denies?
When words collapse, I let the silence bloom.

I dance.

Feet tracing freedom on the cavern floor,
Moving to music only I feel-
No truth in the flicker, nor faith in the wall,
I dance to a rhythm only I adore,
For in this moment, only this is real.

In movement unchained, I step beyond fear,
Past every shadow that held me confined.
Dancing is the ultimate freedom,
For in this wordless surrender, it’s clear:
To dance is to live-unbound and undefined.

When Hamelin's least favorite visitor departed,
Many of the township were broken hearted
At loss of their youth, but 'twas not perfect justice.
But where to find another pack, swarm or mischief?
Did Washington, DC ever come to mind?

Rin Tin Tin,  Rudy, Charlie Gray, Sandy,
Dodger, Spike, Uggie, Maui, and the *****
Moose, Aleister, Comet, and Benji,  
Buddy, Spuds, Stella,  Mo: all the best,
But did you know they were shelter pets.

Which means they had been forsaken
For very good reasons it may seem,
But THAT someone was quite mistaken,
Because with patience, understanding,
And even love, each could be redeemed.

I too came to a fork in the path
And also took the less trodden lane,
But one misstep put my arm in a cast
A low branch badly hurt my brain.

I  didn't miss the poison sumac site
Or the nest of swarming bees,
But it turned out to be a splendid day,
When I met my wife in the pharmacy.