When You Have Nothing To Pay For Love At All. Poem by RIC BASTASA

early morning
you grumble
about love
saying that if it
is given because
you beg for it
do not receive it

it is not love but
pity and pity is never
love

such a pride you
have there
beggars do not choice
they cannot
they must receive
what is given

if pity is given
take it
when love is not
there
do you have any
choice at all?

take compassion
it is mercy's cousin.
take pity
it is love's neighbor.

if you need love
and it is not there
take other options.

pity at least helps
when tomorrow is
uncertain
when psychiatrists
are nil
when you have nothing
to pay for love
at all.