I Am A Lover

Is this not, possibly, the biggest and most worthy

Of “I” statements? Mark me down as an “Aye”

In modern parlance, it might read as boastful

Of sexual prowess; it is not meant that way

 

It was not meant that at all! The verb is “to Love”

“Lover” as being “one who loves”. A category

That would include the bulk of humanity, you assert

I disagree. I do not mean it to be understood in that way

 

I do not mean it to be understood in that way, at all

What do I mean? Let us consult 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13

Verses 4-8 from the Amplified Bible; in these verses

Paul of Tarsus uses the Greek term, Agape

 

Which was translated as “Charity” by the King Janes Bible

But in modern translations has been replaced by “Love”; 

in verses, 4-8 Paul admonishes the Corinthian Church for factionalism

And in four verses outlines what “Love” is, rather than isn’t

 

Love endures with patience and serenity, 

love is kind and thoughtful, 

and is not jealous or envious. 

love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant. 

 

5It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, 

it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive 

and easily angered]; it does not take 

into account a wrong endured. 

 

6It does not rejoice at injustice, 

but rejoices with the truth 

[when right and truth prevail]. 

7Love bears all things 

 

[regardless of what comes], 

believes all things [looking for the 

best in each one], hopes all things 

[remaining steadfast during difficult times], 

 

endures all things [without weakening].

8Love never fails [it never fades nor ends].

[Of the three graces, Faith, Hope and Love 

Love is supreme]

 

The desire for, want of or lust for are not included

This elevates Love to a higher plain

Power and domination are also not mentioned

Neither is greed, control of others or joy at another’s

 

Adversity. Do you reckon I can deduce at that?

I do, messieurs et mesdames, I do. I began this poem

With a statement, “I am a Lover.” Where do we go

From here. Bloating your ego, even more??”

 

Mesdames et Messieurs, you have misunderstood me

Most surely, you have misunderstood me. Did I not say

Is this not, possibly, the biggest and most worthy

Of “I” statements? An “I” statement does not mean

 

I am self-centred; it means I take command and responsibility

For this act or statement, and the repercussions of it.

To choose “Love” as the motivating force is a decision

It is a demanding and challenging decision, with vows

 

Somewhat similar to marriage; “until the day I die”.

The comparison to marriage opens up similes and metaphors

To say, “I am a Lover’’ is at best hypothetical, a goal and a journey

To say, “I Love”. A statement of intention as much as an honest attempt

 

 A category that would include the bulk of humanity:

“Lovers”., you have asserted? If so, I disagree. 

If we accept 1 Corinthians 14. 4-8 has outlined what “Love” is

It has clearly defined what Love is not.

 

Do we live in a loving environment? No sirs and madams we do not

Our world is commanded by greed, governed by stupidity

In a race to the end of time; the human race. Is love supreme?

It is not. So, does it matter if one atom of this cosmos proclaims

 

“I am a Lover.

 

You wouldn’t hear it over the screams of the embattled

The shouts of the oil industry, the screams of the stock exchange

Bartering lives, metals and bags of corn or wheat; playing Monopoly with

Our lives. People who have forgotten how to smile, can only snarl

 

In the darkness, it is my wish to light a candle

To shine a light. To say, “I hope,” I believe in humanity”.

Do you know why the bad guys, the broken and empty people scream?

To protect their fragile egos, they’ve become deaf. They can’t hear.

 

It’s all for a show, make-believe, pretend. So why can’t I proclaim

Somewhat quietly “I am a Lover”?