WEEK 38 (Watching a gardener blow leaves off my deck)

Remember

There is nothing romantic

In declaring eternal love—First

It’s a lie because death

Gets in the way

But most of all

Love isn’t length

It’s risk—The risk of

Packing all that is dearest

And handing it over to

The chosen one

Without deposit

Without warranty

Without receipt

Only the trust your faith

Has put in them

That leap is love

The stakes you need

To keep a marriage from shrinking

Because if the wholeness of your heart

Depends on the wholeness of the one

Entrusted with it

You will do everything you can

To make sure they don’t lose interest

Is it scary

Yes

Worth it

Of course and

Far more exciting

Besides

Life’s too short

Love shouldn’t feel like

Forever