Tolstoy wrote that youthful love, when
first it appears,
Holds one hostage to many fears:
'In being myself, will I seem
ridiculous?
What if I come off as fatuous? '
In maturity, Tolstoy believed
First thoughts are thus:
'Love fills my soul with joy rapturous! '
As time moves we look forward, hoping
When it appears,
Love will not find us bound by our fears.
Self-consciousness plagues young lovers
With time to waste...
Older ones know to savor love's taste.
Esther Leclerc
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/tolstoy-on-love/
