BEEN THERE (anthem for those feeling love-challenged)

we all tell ourselves
once maybe twice, been there
each time-ready
to take it to the tide, we say
love at first sight, making us two of a kind
out of every bad relationship
we will overcome, love is
like a mystery not defined, our hands to the fire

we say we tried it
as we gaze into a crystal ball
looking for that person, hoping
someone will look back, the point being
we know,  we knew better, still
there will be
no visions of happily ever after

each time it may
feel like a sermon being preached
over and over, we know
the emotion, still
love comes at a cost, hard to hold
out of reach, coming up empty handed

why is it
some of us find it difficult
to overcome the stigma, of being single
when love, comes and goes
playing elusive, with our hearts, still
the battle is hard fought, i understand
been there myself, so persevere
someone is waiting, looking to be found

By Michael Perry