Love poems of Frederick Douglas Harper

MEANING OF ROMANTIC LOVE 
omantic love is two dynamos that turn on and 
Feed into each other; 
It is total energy directed toward another that 
Makes one oblivious to time and space; 
Romantic love is that emotion that contradicts and 
Obfuscates rationality, reality, and responsibility; 
It is that acted-out fantasy realized for the moment 
And hoped for forever; 
Romantic love is two persons alone in the universe 
Who prize each other’s presence and consume 
Each other’s essence for every moment and in 
Every good way; 
It is the visceral excitement that compels the 
Fulfillment of one’s capacity for sensuality, 
Sensitivity, and possibility; 
Romantic love is that ecstatic, good feeling that 
Provides a secure feeling, enhances worldly 
Appreciation, promotes confidence, and overhauls 
Physical and psychological health; 
It is the force that drives people out of their skin, 
Pushes them to a higher level of emotional 
Realization, and overpowers human control; 
Romantic love is giving for the joy of giving, sharing 
For the sake of sharing, and enjoying each other 
For the pleasure of each other. 
Reprinted: Harper’s Romantica: On Peace and Romance, 1988. 
R

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Frederick Douglas Harper 
 
20 
A PHONE CALL’S WAIT 
I’ve lived today in wake— 
From morn to night this date, 
Just to hear your voice once more 
Across the miles; 
I’ve anticipated the breath of 
Your energy’s space to make my 
Day by phone, to complete my 
Night hitherto alone—with exciting 
Thoughts of you; 
I’ve lived this day in wait for 
Your call of tone’s ring of phone 
Here alone; 
I’ve lived all day just to hear the 
Breath and sigh of your sweet 
Voice for me; 
I’ve lived all day, in my patient 
Way, just to hear you say, 
“I love you.” 
 
Reprinted: Harper’s Romantica: On Peace and Romance, 1988. 

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