Cascade III
The Cascade of Love
The oldest subject, and the one people near the end talk about most. Not the falling, which is easy, but the staying.
On Choosing
“For it seemed that love was an easy thing, but my feet have fallen on difficult ways.” Hafiz, 1897
On Marriage
“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” Book of Genesis, 1611
On Staying
“Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it.” Song of Solomon, 1611
On Quarrel and Repair
“Married people should especially at the outset beware of the first quarrel and collision, observing that vessels when first fabricated are easily broken up into their component parts.” Plutarch, 1888
On Friendship
“Now friendship may be thus defined: a complete accord on all subjects human and divine, joined with mutual goodwill and affection.” Cicero, 1900
On Tenderness
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.” First Letter to the Corinthians, 1611
On Jealousy and Trust
“Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave.” Song of Solomon, 1611
On Love That Ends
“We outgrow love like other things and put it in the drawer.” Emily Dickinson, 1890