If you can place love before anger
and reach into your darkness to hold on

If you can lead with heart instead of hurt
and know the difference between the two

If you can make kindness more important than rightness
and listen with your mind wide open

If you can keep your head on straight when it's screaming for revenge
and somehow find compassion's truth

If you can make gentleness and humor your way of saying hard things
and not use honesty as a weapon of choice

If you can give what you need the most
and not fall victim to being the victim

If you can make the needs of others more important than your own
yet not be afraid to ask for what you want

If you can accept that conflict is a given and trust is earned
and not expect others to reach your unreachable ideals

If you know that love is made from being a loving person
and can weave it into each day in some way

If you can be what is best about you
and know the difference between you and me

If you can keep your fears in balance
when all you want to do is run for cover

If you can let your love be the light
that leads your way back home

If you can be respectful with your words
and courageous with your heart

Then you will know what it means to love.