Last night she asked of me quite seriously
why it was so intently I loved her
when so many others saw her differently.
And she asked me this again, disregarding my answer.

She insisted the nature of my love was Romantic
suggesting, thereby, it is transitory, less solid and less real.
How then should I love? As a mechanic?
As if the woman I loved was a second hand automobile?

Perhaps I should love as the pragmatist,
concerning myself with her teeth, feet and health history?
Will she argue and fight, submit easily or always resist?
What is her financial situation? Is there a dowry?

But I don't and can't love as a mechanic or pragmatist.
I am not a business man, farmer, welder, doctor or lawyer.
I love her afternoon smiles, her yawns in the morning mist.
She is the finest of wines and I her connoisseur.

I love romantically, yes. I love the real woman, yes.
I love to be in love, yes. I love this woman Barbara, yes.
I love the man I am in love, yes. I love making love to her, yes.
I love her enough to focus such thoughts and feelings as this, yes.

What then is the value of such a love as, "yes?"