Love, In Spite Of Fear Poem by Maurice Harris

I can love you in many ways and with much ardor,
But if you are too afraid to love me, it makes it that much harder;
With my love, I wish you the courage to love me, in spite of your fear-
With my love, I can pretend, in spite of miles, that you're near-
As near as my heart, always within arm's reach,
So that I may keep you safe-out of harm's reach!
It is entirely up to you whether to love me in return,
I do suspect, however, that you could very well learn,
If you listen to what your heart has told you;
Let the truth that only it may gift, mold you
And your actions, in spite of all your trepidation-
Embrace its presence, without a moment's hesitation.

Ask yourself: 'does this love meet all of my needs? ';
If so, follow this path wherever your heart leads,
No matter of fear, irrespective of impediment-
Love knows naught, but its own adorement!

Do not accept what I offer, because I offer it,
But do not give liberty to your heart, then coffer it
Out of fear, of something hitherto unknown-
Love is the only thing that you may give, but still own!

You may not truly love, until you do, without condition-
Until you have no excuses, fears, or contrition;
Do not announce it, unless it is all you may feel;
Do not say it, unless it is something you may not conceal!

Love is its own reward, it gives always more than it receives;
Love is always the truth, it enlightens, yet never deceives;
To benefit from it, you must not only acknowledge, but accept it!
Nothing is so altruistic and benevolent, except it
Also gives life to all other positive emotions;
To truly embrace it, you need to dispense with all negative emotions!
It does not apologize for its perceived inconvenience,
Nor will it allow a simple, nonchalant acquiescence-
It demands a committed and resolute presence;
Love is enigmatic and e'er-powerful, yet this is its essence!