The Romantic Dream

The romantic dream sold to us
dictates a high price
for all who risk its treacherous path.

We must be everything to her,
and acts of devotion to him,
in order to be worthy of its prize.

Equally, we've to be ourselves
whilst selling the idea
of a life with us as used cars are sold.

Come, see me shining,
but don't look too closely,
there's a reason certain features are free.

The romantic dream is just that,
a dream,
an escape when the hope for self-love fades.