Title: One Can Never Love

One can never love

until you bare yourself

and let others inside your shell.

For loving is the Closeness of Souls

which also brings the Risk of Hurt.

And if you keep your shell intact

ever Defensive,

Precluding all,

Arrogantly demanding Life follow your Personal Drummer,

you Relegate Yourself

to the cold grey twilight of “Mere Existence,”

And may, at age 40,

wake up cursing yourself

for having abdicated Life’s Joy.

So come Outside in whatever manner you choose,

The Sunshine is Warm.

Robert Jorrie,
1975