is it flowery words that come so easily off ones lips

maybe a flower plucked and presented with ceremony

or is it a foil for someone to gain what they want?

A gesture because it is expected?


is it her coy smile full of promise

her flirtatious flip of her hair

or is she taking the bait of society

accepting the gesture because it is there?


Romance, a word so easily used

Romance so desired by so many,

but delivered by so few.


or is real romance taking the time to get to know someone

to know what they would like to do before they actually even know themselves

or a small surprise, of no monetary value, but presented with precious feelings that cannot be purchased


internet dating at times seems devoid of romance

a quick fix to an emptiness inside some

filling the void with s*xual desire

wanting a "lover" but giving nothing back

promise of monetary gain to ease the emptiness of the bargain gained


I say I am not a romantic

but on reflection maybe I sell myself short

I want none of these quick fixes, and their emptiness

If that is what modern love, modern romance is,

it is not the path I would chose for myself