by Marc Gunn, October 25, 2004

A few weeks back, I had an interesting look at love and the reasons behind some of my past relationships.

Ever hopeful,
More often hurting.

As a child I gave friendship and love with fervor;
Only to see it closed behind a cold door.
My fraternal love was scoffed,
But I still offered the other cheek.

Ever hopeful,
More often hurting.

My cheeks were red and sore by high school.
I learned a lesson too well.
I hurt my friends,
And I'm sorry for it.

Ever hopeful,
More often hurting.

By college, friendship gave way to love and romance.
The story didn't change.
Until at last the hurt became too much.
I cast aside my self-inflected virgin sacrifices.
The fires dimmed, and I grew cold.

Never hopeful,
Yet still hurting.

Then one night, I was amazed to find love
That broke the cast.
I gave, and she gave too.
Until the bonds of giving imploded,
And I didn't know how to close the door.

Always hopeful,
Yet still hurting.

The cycle returns once again
As I knock at love's front door.
I see my childhood friends reborn.
They peer out to tell me they can't come out and play,
And I'm left lonely and confused.

Ever hopeful,
Again hurting.