R.M. Dolin, June 6, 2024
Cold hardened steel sparkles in solidarity
as del Sol sets before Eiffel's tower,
reassuring hearts locked in need
of cliche gestures and other
nonsensical elements of romance,
affinities such as these
are still possible.
Cynics say the symbolism
of love locks fall short of ideal,
evoking imagery of
prison, chastity belts, and
other such ancillary forms of submission
having no place in a world woke
to what really matters.
My sin, I suppose, is being
an unrepentant relic
from a world canceled
by inquisitors who decide
everyone's this and that's.
Even so, dear one,
I'm steadfastly drawn to
seductive beauty,
charming romance,
and the unpardonable silliness
of feeling free . . . mea culpa.
Background poem for the yet to be started novel, “An Unsustainable Life.” Issac plays with a patron at his bar as they challenge each other on what defines grand gestures of love.
