Love is not a kiss on the first date,
not a successful second date,
not the words “I do” or the promise of lifelong devotion,
and not the cry of a newborn baby spawned from that devotion.

Love is not the barking coming from a Christmas present,
not the first time he successfully rolls over on command,
not the endless stream of kisses upon walking in the door,
and not the tears caused by his final whimpers at the vet.

Love is not an unexpected snow day,
not an extra fifteen minutes of sleep,
not an extra hour to procrastinate,
and not the announcement of a second snow day.

Love is not boyfriends or girlfriends,
not mothers or fathers or sisters or brothers or pets,
and not even life’s simple pleasantries.

Love is not anything.
Love just is.