The Magic of Love

Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs.
Being purged, a fire sparkling in lovers' eyes.
Being vexed, a sea nourished with lovers' tears.
What is it else?
A madness most discreet,a choking gall and a preserving sweet.
--William Shakespeare

Once again, Will got it right! That man sure had a way with words that went right to the heart of the subject.

Remember that feeling of tortured romance when you were first in love? Before dates turned into a commitment, before the wedding, the bills and the kids?

Remember that quickening of the heart, the tingle that zipped down your arms and jumped around in your stomach because of one look at that person who you found attractive?

Wasn’t it the best formulation for a diet you’ve ever found? I think my metabolism increased to the speed of light. Wouldn’t it be great to invent a potion to replicate that feeling? On the other hand, knowing the penchant for humans to overdo everything, my bottled elixir would probably end up behind the pharmacy counter with Sudafed and the other watch-listed medications because groups of overindulgent people would drink the whole bottle and go around professing love to everyone in sight and acting stupidly giddy and then they would crash in a depressing puddle of self-incrimination and dislike for their fellow man. Self-help groups would abound. Okay, no pills or liquids.

Don’t you think that amazing feeling is the reason that romance novels and romantic movies do so well? We are trying to “re-feel” that quick kick of attraction that is oh so brief, but remembered for a lifetime. The timbre of his voice, those funny little quirks and mannerisms that are so cute and endearing (disregard the fact at this point that they will someday turn into the cause for serving divorce papers—that’s fodder for a different Blog).

I think the first feelings of love and attraction is akin to magic. You have an empty top hat and suddenly a rabbit appears. You have an empty life and suddenly “he” appears. The ordinary becomes special. Your senses are heightened. Everything smells better, tastes better, looks better. A dreary day is atmospheric. A sunny day is inspiring. Will he call or won’t he? Just to swirl his name around on your tongue is intoxicating.

Perhaps this is our momentary visit into heaven. Any more than a peak would be too much for our weak system.