Falling in Love is like owning a Dog

I heard this poem at a wedding I sang at this past weekend. I didn't know the couple too well, but what I did know of them, I admired. I truly believe that they have what it takes to make it in this world where "making it" is becoming more and more rare. They had this poem: "Falling in love is like owning a Dog" read during their ceremony. I know that I don't own a dog, but I LOVE this poem. ( I thought a few of my Dog-owning friends might enjoy the read)

Love is like owning a Dog
By Taylor Mali

First of all it's a big responsibility,

especially in a city like New York

So think long and hard before deciding on love

On the other hand, love gives you a sense of security:

when you are walking down the street late at night

you have a leash on love

ain't no one gonna mess with you.

Because crooks and muggers think love is unpredictable.

Who knows what love could do on it's own defense?

On cold winter nights, love is warm

It lies between you and lives and breathes

and makes funny noises.

Love wakes you up all hours of the night with it's needs.

It needs to be fed so it will grow and stay healthy.

Love doesn't like being left alone for too long.

But come home and love is always happy to see you.

It may break a few things in it's passion for life,

but you can never be mad at love for too long.

Is love good all the time? No! No!

Love can be bad. Bad love bad. very bad love.

Love makes messes

and leaves you little surprises here and there.

Love needs a lot of cleaning up after.

Sometimes you just want to get love fixed.

Sometimes you want to roll up a piece of newspaper

and swat love on the nose.

Not so much to cause love pain,

but just to let love know to never do that again.

Sometimes love just wants to go for a long walk.

Because love loves exercise.

It runs you around the block and leaves you panting.

It pulls you in several different directions at once,

or winds you around and around

until you are wound up and can't move.

But love makes you meet people wherever you go.

People who have nothing in common but love

stop and talk to each other on the street.

Throw things away, and love will bring them back

again, and again, and again.

But most of all, love needs love, and lots of it.

And in return love loves you, and never stops.