What Love Is…

By Marzia Seemat

Explore the beauty of love alongside its downfall… Only love someone who can love you back… the same way…

You told me, you were. 
You told me, you are.
I trusted you,
Not because you were my wife, 
But because you were my life. 
Not because of the gifts,
But because of the care. 
Not because of the wealth,
But because of the soul.

I didn't love you at all. 
No, I didn't. 
If love is a commodity,
Then I didn’t. 
If love brings jealousy,
Then I didn’t. 
If love is concerned with physical gratification, 
Then I didn’t. 
If love is only about our abilities,
If it's only about receiving,
If it’s measured by prosperity, 
Or — as a scorecard, 
Then I didn’t. 
If love is nothing about our souls 
Then… I didn’t. 

If worth of the heart means nothing to us
Then we don't know what love is. 
Love isn't only about sharing joy
But you wouldn’t understand… 
Cause you just treated me like a toy... 

Love isn’t an infatuation,
It’s a special sensation. 
Love isn’t about any sympathy,
It’s more about empathy. 
Love isn’t about any distance, 
It’s more about trust. 
Love isn't about any fulfillment,
It’s more about empowerment.
Love isn't about any contributions,
But about the responsibilities. 
Love isn't about any commitments, 
But about stringed-hearts.

True love will never restrict,
Even though it can addict. 
It can also liberate, 
Alongside with fate. 

Love — could have been our strength forever, 
If we both preserved it like treasure.

That’s why I say — 

Love can sustain one,
But it can also break one. 
Love can bring happiness, 
But it can also bring emptiness. 
Love can build one, 
But it can also destroy one.
Love has the power to build hopes,
But it can also dare to elope.
Love can bring tears.
Sometimes tears of delight, 
Which can change overnight. 
Love can be a passion, 
But it can also take a different transition. 

Being loved is a blessing, 
Don't ever make it loosening. 
But loving someone can either 
Be a relief or a burden.

Process

‘What Love Is’ is the first poem that I have composed. Poetry has changed my perception on writing, making it more intriguing, distinctive, and also enjoyable. ‘What Love Is’ was greatly inspired by my beloved parents. I observed my parents and their sweet-chili love for each other, connecting it to my own life or rather my perspective of love. Throughout my journey of composing each sentence of this poem, I have come to conclude that not everyone’s love ends with a happy ending. Not every fight ends up patching up. Not everyone’s love is as pure as it seems at the beginning. However, that doesn’t mean real love doesn’t exist; it just means we have to wait for that specific soul who fills our hearts with joy. Throughout this poem, I tried to use poetic devices, such as rhythms, hyperboles, along with many repetitions. This poem showcases the beauty of love alongside the detrimental effects love can have on earthlings. My main intention is to remind people in this generation not to feel lonely or heartbroken when love isn’t feeling as magnetic as before, as this poem reminds and assures them about the uncertainties of love.