Opposite of Love

Opposite of Love
by Vivian Gilbert Zabel

The opposite of love is not hate,
For hate means passion remains.
With hate, a chance still survives
That love’s embers might flare again.

I once loved you completely.
I worried when you were gone,
Fretted when no word came.
Joy exploded when you smiled.

As time passed, and you withdrew,
My heart felt bruised and torn.
Each time you ignored me,
I searched for my failings, faults.

Finally after years of the dance
Where you advanced, retreated,
I discovered I didn’t care,
At least as much as before.

Where once you sat close
To the center of my heart,
You moved out to the edge.
Soon you’ll be outside, gone.

Bit by bit, the love dies
When not fed or watered,
Like the flowers ignored
In the thirsty, parched yard.

No, the opposite of love
Is not hate, passion of flames.
The opposite of love, instead,
Is indifference, not caring at all.