nothing comes for free

like everything in life
love has its price too
its tagged
with promise to be
when all and everyone
choose to forsake
in prickly heat of sun
where own shadow
is shy
of being seen
or be in another's vision
at a time when calamity
calls upon
penury lingers
chill pierces through bone
and there's no one
to whom to turn
to cuddle up for warmth -
that's when beloved
asks to be paid
with more than a dimes worth
more than any money
it asks for strength
and a conviction
to standby
without remorse and chin high.