shores of compromise

an emotional tattoo
burned into the tissue
of a warm and loving heart
love is a bitter reminder
of failed expectations
of fairy tales passed
from the dying breath
of one generation to the next
love is all you need
love will keep us together
love makes the world go round
legends built upon the bones
of the broken hearted
love is not the retirement party
a gold watch, a handshake
and goodbye
love is the application
love is the interview
a career chosen
a path explored
a shared vision
of a lifetimes journey
not upon a golden street
or upon the calmest seas
but one upon which
the roads are unpaved
one way
with ten thousand foot drops
for those who travel unawares
one upon which
the seas are fraught
with hurricanes
and sixty foot waves
love is a journey
on which survival depends
not on how many
i love you's
are exchanged
but on the compromise
and sharing
that make up a life
where each is ready
to give there all
to share the bitterness
to share the joy
found at journey's end
when two old souls
in faded wooden rockers
clutching trembling hands
can look upon the sunset
with pride
built upon accomplishment
with eyes
burning bright
whispering
i love you now as i did
on the day we said i do
but today i like you even more.......