For Keeps Poem by Lonnie Hicks

The synonyms below for what is Love
only illustrate how complex the thing is.

Is Love affection, sex, brotherly, motherly
or infatuation?

Is it strong attraction,
Mysterious Intensity
which cannot be defined?

And what of Love of God
which of these below
fits best that loving style?

Forced to look at this
in detail
I had not noticed before,
I now need to decide
which is best in my regard-
the passionate soul-mated-ness Love,
the Hungry Style,
the Affection Model
the Devoted Lover
stable but less exciting fare?

Should Love-
the kind I give
and prefer-
be the dangerous kind,
heart leaping,
or the more adult
view of love
as Foundation Building?

Perhaps we love in different ways
which vary throughout the years;
so no one loving style fits all.

But, forced to choose, my choice
is clear;
I will take Devotion as my best way
of Love
given and received.

Here's why:
Devotion is Focused Beam
steady and unrelenting
and implies a certain Unconditionally.

My Love is devoted to me and I to her
seems a good basis for Eternity.

Devotion never veers,
in storm or adversity
and that gives comfort
in treacherous times as these.

I'll trade the flaming kind,
for while it burns brightly,
soon flickers
makes apologies
and leaves
never to return.

No, give me the long-haul comfort
of a Love that's there when these hands
wrinkle,
for then and there
is when I will need the most
steadfast loving care.

Others may take the photos out
of flaming loves
gained and lost.
I for one
am playing for keeps
I want my love
here beside me
always

And you know,
she is
for keeps
I mean.

WHAT IS LOVE?

Synonyms: These nouns denote feelings of warm personal attachment or strong attraction to another person. Love is the most intense: marrying for love.
Affection is a less ardent and more unvarying feeling of tender regard: parental affection.
Devotion is earnest, affectionate dedication and implies selflessness: teachers admired for their devotion to children.
Fondness is strong liking or affection: a fondness for small animals.
Infatuation is foolish or extravagant attraction, often of short duration: lovers blinded to their differences by their mutual infatuation.