at three years of age,
love was
your imaginary friend Jessica
or the battered hippo toy you got in your baby basket
or being able to eat dessert before meals.

three years later,
love was
when you could stay up past 9 watching the tv
or getting to play with friends past sundown
or waking up in your own bed after falling asleep on the couch or in the car.

three years ago,
love was
whichever boy would ask you out
or hold your hand
or touch your face.

three years from now,
love will be
staying headstrong in your career
or marrying your soulmate
or fighting for what you believe in.