Shown, Not Said (Poetry)

I’ve lost all faith
in love’s sweet legend
I don’t believe it
anymore
I’ve locked my heart
against its story
closed the book
and chained the door

That simple word
has lost true meaning
overused
it cloys the breath
commercialized
and prostituted
love displays
its fickleness

It hangs around
the scent of money
uncoupled from
old partner ‘peace’
Saint Valentine
gets such a payday
that share price wonders
never cease

The ghost of love
lies in a manger
a plastic halo
round his head
that image tells
the quiet spirit
such love is shown —
the word unsaid