Glittery pink force I’ve never met
who supposedly fires arrows
that lodge through the heart and dull
the mind with excitable hormones.
Who tiptoes into dating apps,
ogling at algorithms and asks,
“This is what they replaced me with?”
Who ventures for a partner,
someone to honor all forms of affection,
or just someone to share
a bowl of popcorn too big for one person.
Who values communication and tears
and does not disappear after one silly
argument about who misplaced the keys.
Who gives strength and courage
beyond what ought to be human
and supplies two people with fire
to melt past grievances and forge
an entire world of possibilities.
Hello, Romance. Nice to meet you.
Please change my life.
Hello, Romance
Ariane Campbell is an award-winning author and poet currently pursuing a Master’s of Arts in English at Clemson University. She recently helped start-up Wandering Lights Literary Magazine and functions as an editor and communications coordinator. Along with books, Ariane loves traveling, studying, and horseback riding.