Loving

When you were 4 years old

You asked your mom if the stove was hot,

But you touched it anyway,

And you learned.

You learned to not touch the stove

Because heat causes pain.

Even now at the age of 17

You remember the pain.

You do not want to experience it again

So you shy away from stoves,

Even when they are off.

When you were 11 years old

You came home to your childhood

Pet sleeping.

Except, he was not,

And you learned.

You learned that everything is temporary.

You learned to not think something is permanent

Because it will fade.

Even now at the age of 17

You remember the pain,

You do not want to experience it again,

So you shy away from dogs,

Even when they’re adorable.

When you were 17 years old

Your heart was broken,

And you learned.

You learned that people leave,

You learned not to love

Because love hurts.

And even now at the age of 19

You remember the pain,

But you have not really learned.

You still chase the charming smiles

And the soothing voices.

You imagine lips as a stove,

You know it will hurt,

But somehow you do not care.

So intil your brain can learn

You will touch the stove.

You will buy pets.

And you will continue to love.

-Maybe I don’t want to learn