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Summary

The web content discusses the inherent vulnerability and risk in declaring love, emphasizing that this vulnerability is also the greatest gift one can offer in love.

Abstract

The article titled "In Declaring 'I Love You,' One Declares His Vulnerability to Wounding" delves into the trepidation associated with expressing love. It suggests that the phrase "I love you" should evoke fear, as it exposes one to the possibility of rejection, heartbreak, and betrayal. Despite these risks, the author argues that it is this very vulnerability that makes love profound and valuable. The author recounts their own experience of giving the "treasure" of their love to someone named Ray, knowing it would not be reciprocated, but feeling compelled to express it nonetheless. The article is accompanied by a photograph credited to Tony Marturano, depicting the intimacy of love, and a link to another piece by the same author titled "The River and the Sea," which explores the theme of unrequited love.

Opinions

  • The author believes that love is intrinsically linked to vulnerability, which is both frightening and the most profound aspect of love.
  • Declaring love is seen as an act that can lead to potential rejection and heartache, yet it is portrayed as a necessary and worthwhile risk.
  • The act of loving, even when unrequited, is presented as a valuable gift, emphasizing the importance of expressing one's true feelings regardless of the outcome.
  • The personal anecdote about giving love to Ray suggests that the author values authenticity and the courage to love openly, despite the likelihood of pain or disappointment.

POETRY | UNREQUITED LOVE

In Declaring “I Love You,” One Declares His Vulnerability to Wounding

The language of love is the language of vulnerability

The Language of Love | credit: Tony Marturano | iStock (under license)

Saying, “I love you,” is a scary thing. It should be. One should be frightened to one’s toenails. One should have no wits about oneself, they having fled on hummingbird wings out the portal. One should flutter in dread as rapidly as those wings.

To say “I love you” is the ultimate vulnerability; it’s a self-engendered exposure to potential rejection, devastation, and betrayal.

But that very vulnerability is the best thing about loving. It is the most profound treasure one can vouchsafe to another.

A quarter-century ago, I gave that treasure in a poem to Ray, who crossed my path on his journey, a comet briefly lighting my firmament though scarcely noticing me.

I knew he would not stay. Yet, I gave it to him just the same — because I had to.

Love
LGBTQ
Gay
Poetry
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