Love is strange

Unexpected, but welcome

Sought out, and disappears

Sometimes it’s dark and twisted,

Holding you in a tight grip

Watching you struggle with glee

A foolish game of cat and mouse

Where pleasure is derived

From seeing love suffer

Other times it’s a warm embrace

Sunshine on a sticky summer day

Or eating popsicles on the front porch

Laying in bed with a good book

Or with your cat laying on its back

Sometimes it reminds you

Of cloaked figures and masked faces

Nightmares and anxious nights

Crying and praying for a better tomorrow

Other times it’s bright colors

The smell of freshly baked cookies

And giggling with your friends during break

Love is molded

Love is shaped

We control what love looks like

To ourselves and the people around us

If it’s lonely nights or hug-filled mornings

Locked doors or open windows

Hurting or healing