Protecting Love

when two people fall in love
they always know what to do to please one another.
but as they grow forward together,
they grow accustomed to each other
and
forget the little things like “i love you”
in more than the verbal, habitual sense.

they no longer see.

when i feel myself growing
accustomed to having you around,
taking you for granted,
forgetting passionate beginnings,

looking at you without seeing

i stop and realize
you could NOT be here,
you could slip away.

then
i do all the things necessary
to keep our love alive
and
protect your heart

that sees me so clearly.

Poem Copyright © 2005 Nan C. Loyd