After Happily Ever

"Happily ever after"

That tried and true
phony feel good closing
found only in fairy tales
and romance fiction

but

we continually
perpetually
sign up for the dream

Chasing that
ever after phrase
through 
the lose your mind fields
of romance ruins

Sprinkle 
"this is the one"
generously
over past disappointments 

Savor that sliver burst
of passion possibilities
we incessantly
wax poetic about

As if our pretty words
and epic denials
can somehow transform
our ugly reality
into a beautiful swan

Love will always be
a great place to visit
but
a palace few
ever get
to permanently
reside in