Progression Poem by John Madden

I fell in love with her before I knew
That love was more than googly eyes and lust.
Surprising none, except perhaps for me,
When "we" was quickly trodden in the dust.

The next time that I fell was not as hard,
Though still I had a lot to learn of love,
And when we parted on our separate ways
The pain was more of sting than boxing glove.

Prepared for yet a third, I made my move
And found no glad companion for my life
Agreeably, as friends, we still remain,
Though she in time became another's wife.

Once burned, twice learned, thrice gently as a song,
That's made our time together last so long.