Love isn’t taken, it’s just given

Seeing the parents loving the new-born,

When the little one could barely respond;

Seeing that old lady,

Daily taking a flower to her husband’s grave;

And that young girl, oh my

Praying for her husband in the army,

Knowing that he does love the country more;

Each one emphasized the fact that

Oh, my dear, pure love doesn’t expect it to return,

Love isn't taken, it’s just given.

But one day, I questioned myself,

What if I get drained loving everyone around,

From where would my soul get its refill from?

Then again, a thought crept into my mind,

"Wait, whom did I call a loving soul?

It's me, isn't it?

So, why can’t I love myself?"

Then I realized,

Yes, I should pour it upon myself first,

Only then would I be able,

To wholeheartedly love others.

Yes, love isn’t taken 

It is just given,

But one needs to shower it on self too,

Then only one can fulfill the purpose true.