Love's Promise

It isn't enough to state your love

lips trembling, eyes moist

armor shiny, sword at the ready

willing and able to slay beasts and dragons

hands clasping the tiny velvet covered box

that should fill my heart with desire.

Rather I ask simply that

your lips not tremble before truth, that

your eyes remain dry and clear when faced with temptation, that

your sword is ever ready

(even when the armor is rusting)

to slay the dragons of discontent that ride in on wings of familiarity

to subdue the beasts who wait in dark corners

whispering, enticing, taunting

promising ... more.