February 2003 Third Prize "Heart's Truth" I wish love could be taken out of the dictionary. Love, ornery, stubborn thing that defies meaning, denies knowledge, and confounds me completely. Just when I think I have a grasp of it, it slips from my hands and flutters away, smiling enigmatically, urging me to chase it again. I have loved often, well and badly, lost all to love, and still, pursue it with mindless purpose. Like a drug addict after a fix, wanting the one thing that can ease the emptiness inside of me, the loneliness, the desire for human touch. I'm convinced Cupid is a little diaper-wearing sadist. And saying the words, oh God, those dreaded three words. What does is mean, anyway? The statement 'I love you' cheapens the concept of love. Show me what it means! The eloquence of the tongue carries no weight with me; I want the honesty of heart, of hands, of earnest eyes with real intent. And give me not your tokens, your petty bow-tied heartfuls of sweets and fresh-cut flowers. Pare your feelings down to the core, and give me that, instead. A more precious gift cannot be bought, than the open heart, vulnerable and willing to risk all. I don't want expensive gems and jewelry; I'll settle for the silver in your hair as we grow old together. No ballroom dances, just the music of our laughter as we enjoy each other. Love is imperfect. Love is flawed. Love is all too human, frail in flesh and strong in spirit. It is also divinely sent, timeless and ultimately true. And that is how I want it, in simple terms. I don't want all the extra trappings. Just to grow in love, know myself, and love myself as well as others. Just another honest and slightly worn human heart, to beat along with mine. Contributed by Honor74 (S) Copyright © 2003 Cristie Gould. May not be used without the author's written permission. To get back to Contest Winners, just close this window. Submissions to Scribe contests are all offered by members of Sisters of the Golden Moon. If you are a member and would like to contribute to future contests, please contact Galaxy Star Honor74 . Except where noted, all articles, submissions and graphics are copyright © 2004, Sisters of the Golden Moon, all rights reserved. To the best of our knowledge, all entries submitted to Scribe contests are the original work of the person submitting them. Graphics created by Heronwing for Sisters of the Golden Moon. "Devotion" image copyright © 2002 Amy Brown Art. Note: This webset was created prior to Ms. Brown's new restrictions on use of her art. To the best of our knowledge, Ms. Brown has allowed continued use of the sets made prior to those restrictions. We thank her for her continued generosity.