Love Is Immortal Poem by Margaret Alice Second

Not being romantic I think reality is even
better than the stories and fantasies we
conjure and life teaches people should
stay the same, not change into princes
as in fairy-tales, a lovable Beast should
stay as he is, Beauty is to accept him

A frog need not change, his chosen girl
should love him croaking in slimy body
or find another with the qualities she re-
quires for happiness - Queen of Hearts
shouldn't marry Conan the Barbarian -
she cannot accommodate him

Attempts to change him is self-delusion,
make him retreat into barbaric behaviour
to assert himself - Christine forgave the
Phantom, he realised she was too good
for him and set her free; this way one
makes an impact - not fighting back

When bitter Phantoms attack to spread
their own despair, the victim can choose
to remain the same, attackers will flee or
learn the secret of a forgiving life, we are
always in charge of our reaction to life -
though we descend into the pit

With despairing types, we can seek help
at the widespread fountains of wisdom
and get up again, love is immortal
if we choose to make it so…