Love Poem: What Love Isn't
Edward Ibeh Avatar
Written by: Edward Ibeh

What Love Isn't


love,
if indeed true,
isn't putting on pause
affection, approval, respect
until a condition, 
or two, is met.
it isn't employing 
control tactics
over anyone;
vote
with your feet
whenever handcuffed with
"or else"
cash in your chips
and walk away.
love isn't obligation
to keep someone content.
it isn't pressure
to be someone you're not,
to do anything you'd rather not do.
love,
if no strings are attached,
isn't being made 
to feel pangs of guilt
for driving in your own lane,
it isn't being made 
to feel indebted
to repay a favor done.
love
is not love if 
it feels
one-sided,
looks
crooked.