Do I ever resonate with this one, Odin. Your introductory two sentences set this writing up from the beginning as a ‘study’ for me, reason being that the word ‘jettison’ got mistakenly skipped over by me, creating a confusion born of my having skipped it. Key word: ‘jettison.’ Then the ‘blast’ of these three words: “suffocation-induced worship,” had me eagerly read ‘Absence Spawns Acuity.’ My hot yellow mental highlighter painted across these four lines: “Even as it also discerns vacancy/Masquerading as substance” and “Few deserve emptiness/From ingenuous need for connection.” I savor the ripe experience and wisdom of this contribution. Fits me like the right-sized pair of slippers, which I want to wear everywhereallthetime. ~~ djl

You're still remembering how you were hoodwinked. So, I'm glad you didn't fall into despair, but realized what had actually happened almost immediately and continued on without superficial love offered for the wrong reason.

For the same reason, I didn't mourn when my ex-wife left, because I knew she was looking for something other than me even in our relationship, but I let it happen because the only way that love can truly happen is to be together and let it run out. Either the two will become more bonded or find more reason for not being together.

But no one should go unconnected unless you are an aesthetic monk or totally discouraged. Perhaps you can find companionship again… and perhaps, love.

Ron

How beautiful, Odin. How wise, pointing toward real love.