LOVE ON  

in the warmth of a first kiss  
or the chill of a relation in flux
we were better then this

with everything we have known
once truly believed in, our love slowed
each leaf of passion, fallen to the ground

what is left to say
as we stand like strangers
here now, arms out- kept at bay

we cannot explain
for being careless with our love
is it possible, have the strength to change

can we love on,  or have dreams deferred
save it within reason, have a plan
somehow make it right; explain the unexplainable

do we realize this
or apologize in vain
when feelings hurt-whose to blame

who were we protecting
with words that trivialize
emotions caught upending

can we love on, give up all we had
or should we make another go
face it all, the good, the ugly, the bad

by Michael Perry