A cliche (2021-2026)

What is love in the age of unrealistic expectations?

A cross-referenced dictionary-definition textbook experience,

sex and struggle and fairytale feelings,

moments flash-captured through fancy camera lenses,

every picture-perfect instant spent in ecstasy.

Emotion which tends to miscommunicate—

feelings are misconstrued as bait, 

perfectly placed seaweed in the fishtank, as

hopeful buds of a juvenile tree stretch towards the sun 

and just as quick are washed away, 

no more than a reflection in a cold winter rain, 

human and heavenly tears falling 

all the while all the same.

Lazy strings of words just like this parading around, 

falsely assuming to be claimed profound—

as if there’s just one way to experience the world,

box in the effects of humanity itself upon the beating heart,

the network of emotion flash-flooding through the veins

of every soul-bearing person on and beyond the planet.

Assumptive labels, cheap words 

and a ‘cheap dimepiece’ everyone wants 

to put their ten cents into, proclaiming prophethood, 

to present their own persuasion, 

teach children over-thinking is a villain

that will only break their over-eager hearts in the name of love.

Must it have a definition?

In the age of unrealistic expectations?