The Stages of Love

I remember the ecstasy

as a twelve-year-old girl kissed me.

I suppose it was puppy love

that i have a memory of.

But, i know puppy love can be

a special kind of memory.

Before that first kiss i was not

interested in girls a lot.

After that my passion has grown

for most of the women i’ve known.

When i fell in love with Louise,

i discovered the birds and bees.

I know what erotic love is,

and puppy love was not like this.

Walt Abbott–2-14-2011