Blame Cupid

Love—no other four-letter word
Has ever been so confusing or misunderstood.
Blame Cupid, that mostly-naked perverted cherub
Striking unsuspecting hearts with bow and arrow.

Blame Cupid for Tinder culture, tawdry paperbacks,
For gooshy puppy love ditties
Flooding senses with false pretenses—
Promises of eternity only to be abandoned
When they see someone prettier,
After roses fade or reality hurts.

Love is a lifelong commitment to one person
Done with thought, care and intention.
Not an infatuation, a bodily attraction
Or a one night stand.
True love is hard work, maintaining a solid home,
Being a responsible adult and considering the future.

(If I were entirely honest, I would admit:
To me it seems more trouble than it's worth.
I remain single because I am not mature enough to love another
In the way they need it.
But I digress…)

Cupid makes it seem all too easy-squeezy
Like love is a hug, some chocolate and wine
A movie, warm fuzzies and bedding for two.
I mean, it can be all those, but it's so much more
Than Valentine's day would have us believe.

Cupid commercializes, cheapens love
Into a sleazy frivolity of low expectations,
Shallow, self-indulgent pleasure,
Where hearts are tossed around like confetti
And fleeting feelings reign supreme.

Blame Cupid, then, for broken hearts,
Misguided lovers,
Flaws too deep to overcome.
Blame Cupid for children asked,
"Do you have a boyfriend yet?"
Made to feel they're emotionally stunted
If they prefer books over boys.

Blame Cupid for people obsessed with finding a romantic partner
Losing themselves in match after match
Never finding that one perfect person
When they should have been alone the whole time
Tending to their own health and wellbeing.

Blame Cupid for divorces, breakups, broken homes,
For kids shuffled from stepparent to foster care
When parents give in to self-fulfillment
Dissolving a sacred bond of trust
For a moment's empty passion—
"The kids will be fine" has long been disproven.

Blame Cupid for love gone wrong:
An irresponsible brat
Telling people they're meant for each other
When clearly they have no idea
What they're signing up for.

Love—will we ever understand
The most powerful four-letter word?
Blame Cupid for mangling it.

57 lines, 366 words.
Written for the Bard's Hall February 2024 "Cupid Slam."