In something less than marriage, more than friends,
Reasonably happy with each other,
Satisfied to serve our separate ends.
There are no promises, nor should there be,
As we pursue our passions day by day,
Needing only love, which we agree
Need not be guaranteed in any way.
In such a case, there is a case for giving
Very little, just enough to keep
Each even with the common cost of living,
Relating what we sow to what we reap.
So does love die, for love loves not the measure
Allocating carefully its treasure.
Reason may with reason count the cost,
Yet love that is not generous is lost.