Hour 10; What is love, pray?

“What is love, Amma?”, asked my five-year old
I stopped the train of sick thoughts
And complaints and lamentations
That were steadily building in my brain
Lodged themselves there, permanently
I paused, I must have looked stupefied
For she ran to me, put her hands around me, ” Amma ok?”
Not ok, I thought for I had allowed everything else in my life
Except love; when did this happen?
Scooping her in my arms, I whispered,
“What is love? Love is not beating yourself up
For not being perfect and waiting perfectly for when it will be spring again!
Laughing at her confused face, I scooped her up in my arms,
” Love is kissing my baby a hundred times!
And I could feel her pretty giggles and love spreading across my humble and messy home…