I Am Giving Up On Love

I am giving up on love. Giving up
on the sweetness and sadness.
My clumsy tongue will no longer
have to stumble over f-words
like "future" and "forever."

I was not designed for the trappings
of love. A ring feels like a noose
on my finger. An aisle like a gangplank.
I have never been able to prevent my feet
from running away. My heart refuses
to learn the art of perseverance.

I am giving up on love.
I prefer
softer things.