Back in 10th grade, our English teacher tasked us to memorize a poem and recite it as part of our performance task. It was titled “When Love Arrives” by Sarah Kay and Phil Kaye. Of course, like any other student, doing it is not without complaints of how long and dragging the activity would be. But we did as told, and little did we know that the poem would leave a lasting impact on how we would perceive love.
Five years later, I stumbled upon the same poem while scrolling online, remembering the same verses I memorized and recited over and over. The poem still speaks and projects the moments that we do not often associate with love—those quieter, more subtle expressions of care and connection.
The poem itself is an exploration of different versions and perspectives of love—how it is something that we cannot control, nor something that arrives in the idealized and romanticized form that we might expect.
In its honesty, the poem sheds light on the reality of love, which often comes wrapped in moments of discomfort, uncertainty, and growth. It reminds one that love is perfectly imperfect. It is a work in progress, built in trust, openness, and a willingness to be vulnerable with another person.
Since time immemorial, love has since then been painted and described in various interpretations, like 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 from the Bible; Mr. Darcy declaring that love has bewitched him, body and soul; or the timeless words of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, where love is described as “too rough, too rude, too boisterous,” yet still impossible to escape.
Whether in sacred texts, films, or literature, love has been explored from every inconceivable angle—its joys, sorrows, complexities, and simple moments of connection.
Of course, all of this yapping is easier said or written than done.
Just like how Lara Jean from “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before” put it: “So, love and dating? I love to read about it, and it’s fun to write about and to think about in my head, but when it’s real… It’s scary. Because the more people you let into your life, the more that can just walk right out.”
But if it’s any consolation, at least unlike in any other movie scenes or book chapters, you’ll know it’s better because it’s real.
And so, when love arrives say,
“Welcome, make yourself comfortable
”If love leaves, ask her to leave the door open behind her
Turn off the music, listen to the quiet
Whisper,
“Thank you for stopping by.”
(An excerpt from When Love Arrives by Sarah Kay and Phil Kaye)
