“You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me”
“For me, love does not exist. If I marry, I will marry for money, for financial security. I will marry for intellectual stimulation, for professional and/or social status–even for sex–but never for love.”
Please don't say you love me-- What is love to me? Love means only pain, And brief is ecstasy. If you want to marry, If you're really sure, Then share with me your money; Make me feel secure. But I must have my freedom In order to stay sane. I'm proud and free (though lone) now, But free I must remain. Never say you love me, Just reach to me your mind With thought and understanding; I'll satisfaction find. Let me status know, A great career (or two!), Good friends, good wine, and laughter, A future bright in view. And if you say you love me But sex you do not give, Then how can you expect That I will with you live? I will cook and clean, I'll do what must be done, I will have your babies, Or, if you wish, have none. Perform a husband's duties, I'll do each wifely task, But just don't say you love me; It's much, too much, to ask. For words are easy, talk is cheap, And promises are free; But love costs hurt and heartbreak-- There's no such thing for me! --10/10/73