The Love I Never Knew

The Love I Never Knew

I searched for love in many places,
In strangers’ eyes and passing faces,
I held onto every little sign,
And wished that someone’s heart met mine.

I gave my trust, I gave my soul,
Believing love could make me whole,
But sometimes hearts can hide their truth,
And leave you questioning your youth.

I learned that love is not a game,
It isn’t always wild with flame,
Sometimes it’s quiet, soft and true,
And sometimes it leaves a scar on you.

I’ve loved the ones who loved me wrong,
And wondered where I did belong,
I thought that love meant holding tight,
Even when nothing felt quite right.

But love should never make you small,
Or make you frightened of it all,
It shouldn’t leave you feeling weak,
Or steal the words you want to speak.

Real love can laugh, real love can cry,
It doesn’t need a perfect sky,
It stands beside you through the rain,
And doesn’t disappear with pain.

Perhaps I searched too far away,
For something sitting there each day,
A love that doesn’t need disguise,
A love that’s honest in its eyes.

No perfect story needs to be,
No fairytale was promised me,
For love can grow through time and tears,
And still become more strong with years.

So now I know what love should mean,
Not something cruel or cold or mean,
But something gentle, something kind,
A place where two good hearts can bind.

And if I never knew before,
I understand much more than more,
Love isn’t perfect, love is true,
And sometimes love must start with you.