And I guess love’s not at all

what I thought it was going to be

when I was so young

and broken hearted

and I’m happy about that

nothing really is

how it once existed in my mind

the romantic dies in age

but this is a happy death

there’s less screaming

and crying in the pouring rain

fewer rose petals scattered

fewer grand gestures

mostly what I cherish now

is a good quiet conversation

over a decent meal

a walk under the stars

or on these warm spring days

somebody to call

when I see the foxes

in my front yard

playing like children

joyous and light footed

no it’s not what I imagined

in my teenage dreams

but this is the only real sort

a doing dishes love

a grocery shopping love

a slow morning love

a canceling plans

and going to sleep early

pressed so warm together

sort of love

Alexander Shalom Joseph is a writer from Gilpin County. He has two published books and one more forthcoming in the Fall of 2022. For more information and to subscribe to Alexander’s Newsletter go to alexandershalomjoseph.com