Through the painful and pleasant experiences of this life,
      have I learned but one thing which is important above
          most others, when held in regard to love.
      That the only thing more prohibitive and crippling
          than regret, is the fear of regret.

Such a fear has been a plague I've known for far too long.
Such a fear has been the culprit to keep an unhappy
      cloud over this man's heart, destined to be left wanting,
          should such a fear not be overcome.

For is it not said that fortune favours the bold?
        But this man's fortune will not be found in a chest
    of gold, but in the love of another, and others still.
So then lies the true wisdom of the fool who is in love,
        for he would sacrifice everything for but a chance to
  find such a love, with no guarantee of success.

    Be that fool then, I say.  Delay not, for it is such
a delay that breeds that despicable regret which might
        keep an unhappy cloud forever in its place over my lonely heart.
                                - end -

        - February 17, 2006