For Sheri and Russ


the thing about love is
that you cannot plan it
or describe it
or put it into words

the thing about love is
that you cannot own it
or possess it
or keep it for yourself

the thing about love is
that you can’t predict it
or restrict it
or make it play to rules

the thing about love is
that you cannot seek it
or borrow it
or put it in a cage

the thing about love is
that you cannot paint it
or write it
or describe it in a verse

the thing about love is
that you can’t demand it
or supply it
or find it in a dream

the thing about love is
that you can’t practice it
or teach it
or know it inside out

the thing about love is
you cannot master it
or limit it
or make it sit quite still

the thing about love is
that you can’t ignore it
or expect it
or deserve its warm embrace

the thing about love is
that you can’t bottle it
or label it
or place it on a shelf

the thing about love is
that when you find it
you'll know it
and you’ll recognise its face