8 Loves

We’re too confined within a single word -
We pack “I love you” with all we’ve stored:
A child’s bright laugh, a mother’s quiet pride,
The burning flame, the warmth where loved ones reside.
But long ago, in ages softly dim,
Where Homer sang to lyre’s tender hymn,
They spoke of eight - not one - to truly show
The full, rich tapestry love’s meant to know.
Eros burns, a wing of molten gold,
Philia warms the soul with quiet hold.
Mania twists the mind in silent halls,
Agap; shines, a star within us all…
We call it “love” - one word, so thin and light,
But in our hearts, there’s depth - no end in sight.
Blind passion - Eros, wild and fierce and young -
In his fire, all sense of self is gone.
But Philia? Like sunlight through the pane -
No lust, just kinship, trust, and gentle gain.
And Agap; - pure grace, a sacred vow -
To give your all, to care for others now.
Storg;? The ancient tree with roots so deep,
Where blood remembers: parent, child, and keep.
Beware when Mania comes to stay -
She’s a trap, a cage, a jealous way.
And Ludus? Playful flirt, a fleeting spark,
Sweet joy - but wisdom’s yet to leave its mark.
Yet before you seek your peace in another’s eyes,
Call forth Philautia - meet her, bold and wise:
To love yourself - no sin, no flaw, no shame -
It’s the root from which your spirit learns to flame.
Life slips like water through your open hands,
When every storm has passed across the lands,
And years have etched their quiet, gentle lines,
Calm Pragma waits - and gently intertwines…
Eros burns, a wing of molten gold,
Philia warms the soul with quiet hold.
Mania twists the mind in silent halls,
Agap; shines, a star within us all…
For us, it’s simple: “I love you,” just one phrase,
But sometimes, ancient whispers stir - and raise
The pulse of eight - their echoes deep inside -
I’m ready to dive in, let their currents guide.
Ask yourself - right now - before it fades:
Which one breathes through you, in sun and shades?
Which little flame has dimmed, grown faint and low?
And which just flared - right here - right now - aglow?