The L Word

What makes people either over use the L word or fear to?  Frankly, I prefer the latter. Love is not an easy word.  To say it, is a promise, an obligation.  There is strata. You open yourself to rejection, inundation, even damnation.  At first, love is all encompassing. It disallows clear consideration of direction or consequences. But always, like new blown glass, it cools. It has dangers. It can shatter suddenly or grow mis-shapen or rarely, become strong and clear. Also, like glass, it's complex: sometimes, showing trapped flaws or mysterious shades or bubbles of air not meant to be there. You have to accept what you have created. It forms. Only time and use can clear and verify its meaning. Love like glass, can be placed on a shelf to admire and be seen or with use, create a unique patina. It can be hidden in a dark place, occasionally, to be admired for its once beauty.  Above all, if you are fortunate enough to have love, hold it lightly and well, tightly so not to let it break.