When love beckons to you, follow him, though his ways are hard and steep. And when his wings enfold you, yield to him, though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you. And when he speaks to you, believe in him.

But if in your fear you would seek only love's peace and love's pleasure. Then it is better for you to pass out of love's threshing-floor, into the seasonless world where you shall laugh, but not all of your laughter, and weep, but not all of your tears.

But if you love and have desires, let these be your desires: To know the pain of too much tenderness. To be wounded by your own understanding of love; And bleed willingly and joyfully. To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving; And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart and a song of praise upon your lips.

Love one another but make not a bond of love: Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping. For only the hand of God can contain your hearts.

Khalil Gibran