Just As You Are (Rev.)

Love isn’t idyllic tender romance, it is an ideal,
a dream; while unhappy relations are built
on dependency, happy relations associate
self-esteem, respect and dignity

Your happiness derives from work and sacrifice
ignoring needs for deference, freedom and joy,
such self-sacrifice without appreciation makes
you feel alone and confused, does not teach

Manners commanding respect; love ideally
as noble aspirations, joy and integrity has to
be learned, it does not derive glibly from
what we covetously look upon

Love is a perspective, an ability to project on
all things beautiful aspects; service does not
beget love and harmony; I cannot accept the
same emotional abuse you are used to

I offer you my sisterly love as affection, not an
exploitation, will spoil you rotten as a beloved
sister, NOT as dependent or helper, I love
you because you are worthy

I honour your dignity and abhor it when
others don’t honour you too; I love you
within the perspective of a wonderful
sister – just as you are…

poem by Margaret Alice Second
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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