Taking the Time

Taking the time to love
is what it's all about--
what makes the clocks turn
and the sunsets come
true and without
            complication.

That doesn't mean
lying close
        in shut-up rooms
or staying always
      face to face.

It's meant to cover walking,
being apart and knowing
that coming back together
makes small distances
            even smaller.

And taking the time
                  to love
is, most of all
            caring enough
to not hold on too tightly
and yet not run too loose.

"Taking the Time" copyright 1972 by Rod McKuen.