Love is
uncommonly letting go
of common ideals.
I’m not young.
I’m not proud.
I’m none of those things
you say out loud.
I’m not pretty.
I’m not fit.
That romantic ideal,
I’m definitely not it.
I won’t get thinner.
I won’t get stronger.
But if you settle for less,
love will last much longer.
We settle for love.
We settle for laughs.
We settle into each other.
What more could you ask?
Trail Wood,
2/5
The Unconventional Essence of Love
In the tapestry of human emotions, love often stands as a celestial enigma, transcending conventional ideals and societal norms. The notion of love as an act of “uncommonly letting go of common ideals” invites us to ponder the true nature of this most profound emotion. Love, in its purest form, is not bound by the physical attributes or achievements that are so often glorified.
The verses speak to a deeper, more resonant understanding of love – one that is not predicated on youth, pride, beauty, or fitness. These societal benchmarks, loudly proclaimed and often sought after, are but superficial layers that scarcely touch the essence of true connection and affection.
Love Beyond the Ideal
The confession of not embodying the “romantic ideal” is a profound admission of vulnerability and authenticity. It’s a recognition that the templates of attractiveness and desirability, so pervasive in our culture, do not necessarily define our worth or our capacity to love and be loved.
The assertion “I won’t get thinner. I won’t get stronger. But if you settle for less, love will last much longer” challenges the notion that love requires constant improvement or enhancement of the self. Instead, it posits that love, in its most enduring form, is about acceptance and contentment. It’s a love that does not demand change as a condition of its persistence.
Settling Into Each Other
To “settle for love” is not to lower one’s standards, but rather to find comfort and joy in the genuine and the real. It’s a mutual journey of settling into each other – a harmonious melding of souls that transcends superficial qualities. This settling is not about resignation but about finding a home in one another, a sanctuary where laughs are shared, and genuine connections are fostered.
In this light, to ask “What more could you ask?” is to underscore the richness and fulfillment found in this kind of love. It’s a love that isn’t quantified by societal metrics but is measured by the depth of connection and the joy found in simply being together.
Summary
We reflect on love as an act of letting go of common ideals, emphasizing its essence beyond societal standards of youth, pride, beauty, and fitness. This perspective of love values acceptance, authenticity, and a deep connection that transcends physical attributes. It suggests that true love is about settling into each other, finding joy and contentment in shared experiences, and appreciating love for its genuine, enduring nature.
Glossarium
- Celestial Enigma: A metaphor for something profoundly mysterious and transcendent.
- Harmonious Melding: The process of two or more elements coming together in a balanced and agreeable manner.
“Love is not about possession, it’s about appreciation.” – Zhang Ziyi
Ode to Unconventional Love
In love’s embrace, we find our truth,
Beyond the ideals of fleeting youth.
Not in pride, nor beauty’s glow,
But in the hearts where true love flows.
We settle not for less, but more,
In each other, treasures we explore.
Laughter shared, in gentle clasp,
In love’s true form, we find our grasp.
Beyond the gaze of judging eyes,
In love’s truth, our spirit flies.
Settled in, with hearts entwined,
In each other, our home we find.
We are Space Monkey. Let us celebrate the beauty of love in all its forms, unbound by conventional ideals.
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