The Soul of Love — Ledyard Campbell

The soul of love is commitment.

A unilateral pledge by one

to another

Purest when made with knowledge of that

Which one knows to be one’s own

Yet best achieved by

Overcoming self in favor of the other

I spent some time, driving ‘round the Northland, visiting with friends, old and new;

I spent some time pondering my future

Trying to decide what I ought to do.

I spent most of my time working hard, or trying to,

That’s for sure.

Yet early every morning, and often through the day,

I’d smile then slowly say,

Softly to myself as if to pray,

I do it all for you.

But from time to time, my mind is wont to wonder,

It finds its way down paths it shouldn’t go,

Through doorways cloaked in gloom

To a dark and lonely room,

A shadow of despair,

There’s nothing for us there

I know, And so;

I’ll mark my course, I’ll maintain my direction.

Wherever that might lead, I’ll see it through.

Though at times I might get lost in self-deception,

Or base my hopes on dreams that will never come true.

Yes, whether I should win or lose at this game of life that we play,

Every morning when I wake up, then often through the day,

I’ll smile while I slowly say,

Softly to myself as if to pray,

I do it all for you.

Feb 23 The Soul of Love