Degrees of Love

The first time you fall in love,
the break-up is absolutely traumatic-
you can't eat, sleep, or function at all
and depression becomes automatic.

The next time you fall in love,
the break-up keeps you awake-
you eat a little and think a lot
maybe this whole love thing is fake.

The next time you fall in love,
you are the one who calls it quits-
you go back and forth, uncertain,
but eventually, you see, the heart forgets.

The next time you fall in love,
it's not with one person, no particular name-
without hesitation, you turn and walk away
from all, laughing like it's a game.

The last time you fall in love,
you know that it's true and real-
what you searched for all your life,
the way it's supposed to feel...

something that you put your heart into,
something you never second-guess,
living life for and with each other,
both dedicated to happiness.

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