Words of love casually tossed,
like costume jewelry
around the neck,
falling carelessly
across the heart;
empty of meaning
pretense at truth.
To say, “I love you,”
out of want
out of need
out of desire,
this is none other than
costume love.
If Love’s jewel is authentic,
it is an unconditional gift
no expectation of return
shining facets of diversity,
whether nestled on velvet
or buried in mud,
reflecting the highest vibration
of the Universe.
