With love the subject of the poems and songs,
and love the object people crave the most,
philosophers assume that love belongs
atop the list of human wants. A host
of minds agree on that, excluding mine.
We know our creature comforts must come first
but after those, I count a third of nine
before your love, before a life is cursed.

I value health so much I exercise.
I have to bring to choice integrity.
I need to like myself without disguise,
which makes me stand to battle entropy.
And when I seek those prizes, I transmit:
I broadcast and receive love’s benefit.