"A Nocturne for Hermes" by Rod McKuen

Love is mindless.
Give it directions and off it goes.
Provide it with purpose and lose it.
Excuse it for being only love
         and expect a confrontation.
Remind it of its duties
and it will stay in bed asleep.

But let us pretend it's a bit more balanced,
             just for the sake of pretending.

Suppose it's a rose forever opening.
A wise little child that won't grow old.
How do you keep its center
                               from darkening?
Always lean it toward the light.
Give it the afternoon off when you can,
but never a rest in the middle night.