What is love?

So many times we start our English class with a story, sometimes work
Our conversations cease and the Teacher starts to teach, we listen well
Our notebooks opened, our hands writing down her words through ink.

Our discussion was on the Seven Deadly Sins, and Seven Cardinal Virtues
Writing down her acronym, P.A.L.E.G.A.S.  and answering her questions..
She asks us, the whole class, her question..."What is the definition of love?"

Of course no one knows of what to say next, fearing a negative response suppose? Or maybe afraid of scolding remarks from their peers?  No one answers. 


She looks at us and says, "What is the opposite of love?"
Again, no one answers.  "The opposite of love is not hate," she said.
Everyone looked at her and wondered how that is so.

"You're brought up to believe hate is the opposite of love, but that is wrong."  I began to think on her words, as everyone else should have done the same.  What is hate then, I wondered.  What is love?


Everyone became frustrated and asked her what the answer is...she didn't say.  Apparently her 9th grade students should know, those of us who had her before.  Eyes turn around on to me and the others...none answer.


So I began to think to myself...what is love but bringing out the best in two people and surviving the worst together?  Now, I don't know if there is any real definition of love, or hate, but I like to think I have my own....but I rather not say, for I think she knows.