Love is Not Paid For in Advance

They don’t like the word “deserving”
But they fear taking too much
They use different words
But I hear “undeserving” in their message

I ask
Who in this world is
More suitable than they
To receive the care they describe?

I can say with confidence
What they’ve given just me
Can replenish wells
So I’ve no doubt
If they could receive even half
Of what they’ve given others all their life
Their heart would surely want for nothing 

They fear they will not “earn”
They fear they will rob another 
Are they blind to their own worth?
Do they not understand
The world needs more like them?
I want to tell my dear friend
If not they
Then who?
I can think of very few
Who I feel have “earned”
As much fierce compassion
And fearless love 
As they have

To hear this fear makes me…
Angry?

To think that they would deny themselves 
Something they want someday
Something they could have
On some ridiculous notion
Like an outstanding prepayment 
Hurts 

Beloved friend!
You’ve more than “earned” your share! 
Give fortune a shot
Let the universe pay it forward
Be ok with chance naming you
As the collector for once
Should that be the path
And speak no more of “pre-earning”
Your heart’s desire 
When it comes your way!

November 23, 2024