Doves

Simplicity, innocence, passion, sincerity, bonding, softness, feeling, unity, devotion... and more -- so many ways to describe important aspects of how it all began.  Perhaps only one major thing was deficient -- money.  But it didn't matter, or so I thought.  Love should be able to keep the flowers blooming.

But the material world, external influences, envious desires, and a discontented mind, proved too difficult for them to ignore.  And so I was pressured to seek out more money, because I thought this would keep love alive and the flowers blooming.

I did eventually succeed in finding gold, but the endeavor came at a cost.  My health would suffer and time was lost as I threw myself into the labor of extracting the wealth.  The money I produced, they collected, and I was proud to give them joy and comfort.

But over time, as I wasted away and became lost in my work and monotony, I became dull and uninteresting to them, if not taken for granted; and the bond that was once so strong began to unravel as they became distant and preoccupied by other people and other activities they deemed more entertaining.

The simple things we did, the basic but powerful acts, the closeness and the meaningful talks we had, the tenderness and compassion, the core memories, and all the roots that linked us together -- all began to fade and dissipate.

I've tried, and still continue to try, to put the pieces together again and revive what once was.  But, it's difficult, because it was way too late before I realized that the money I had been feeding them was a poison all this time.

Now, they've run away, seeking freedom, novelty, entertainment, and a lifestyle that brings more superficial joy.  And so the money that I thought would deepen love, had actually caused them to fly away.

I'm now alone and exhausted, but unfortunately, unlike them, my wings are sliced off, so I cannot fly to rest and enjoy what remains of my life.  Tax debts and responsibilities keep me digging for gold in purgatory, while I can only wonder where they are and wish that they'd come back and remember me, and how we used to be.

Song 1:  Open Arms by Journey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMJDaATmfp0

Song 2:  Through the Years by Kenny Rogers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhivatZZefQ

Song 3:  Glory of Love by Peter Cetera
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufh95mftXEs