When Life Invented Love

Love is but a state of mind we choose,
or not, depending on a want or need--
a bet we make, a pot we win or lose.
It's not a magic process. Nor indeed
is happiness a right we’ve earned because
we've paid some youthful dues, accruing debt
to be collected under nature's laws,
a charged potential, not extracted yet.

By all that’s right in life, by all above,
be earnest in your choices, humble too.
The best intent can bring the best of love
or bring you back to earth to choose anew.

All such was understood before the time
when life invented love-- and lovers rhyme.