The other side of joy is pain, the dark shadow that lurks
As joy resonates its fullness and draws you into its embrace.

Joy flourishes in abundance unknowing of the meanings
while pain waits patiently to bring you down when not watching

So is Love, that soars above all other reason and rests in clouds
of ecstasy, mindful of the elation and splendour and euphoria

aware that pain stands nearby, watching and waiting ever for slight
tumble that he may walk in and toss his horns about your wonder

and unsettle you as much as he can. But Pain also makes Joy
feel better, more fulfilled and last longer and more understanding.

So it is with life and love and longing all sides of the coin
that we toss high into the air to clasp and cuddle, waiting anxiously

to see what surrenders. Heads or Tails? No matter. The other side
stays underneath waiting passively for the next toss.

© Marshall Gass. All rights reserved, 24 days ago

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