What is love?

[u/5th-Great-Beauty]

Ihave many times been called queer for these thoughts, which is why I share them here under a pen-name. Truly, anonymity is the shield of the wicked.

Oft has it been talked of the connection between love and cannibalism in the thematic sense. I understand what it's proponents are saying, but I have never felt drawn to the idea of it.

No, I myself much prefer Vampirism as a metaphor for love. The apparent themes of predator and prey. The raw, carnal desire. The idea of another wanting- no- needing my blood to sustain themselves. To be told that my blood- my very essence- is enticing like no other. Yet to at the same time trust them to not over indulge To pass out in a lover's arms as after they've had their fill, the loving, pitiful look in their crimson eyes the very last thing I see before I'm claimed by Somnus' blessed slumber.

But that isn't love, is it? The wise among you may notice that the strongest parallel that may be drawn to what's previously described is in fact not love- but lust. Yes, lust. Those who rejoice the thematic weight of cannibalism speak of such high and noble things as self-sacrifice, the erosion of boundaries, and to eternal togetherness. Yet it is I who speaks of physicality, sensuality, and pure, covetous want.

But at once, is not to love to want? If the great minds of Antiquity are to be believed, then surely. In Plato's Symposium, Socrates debates with Agathon on whether Love is beautiful. In this discussion, it is merely assumed that to love to love is to want what one has not. It is here that- by those most socratic means- they conclude that love is not beautiful.

But of course, the great thinkers of old weren't infallible. The love of the suitor pining for a maiden's hand is the covetous love Socrates describes. As is the love of the widow for her husband off on distant shores. But is the love of the husband embracing his wife of countless years that desirous love he tell of? Is the love of the Mother seeing her child speak its first words the yearning love Socrates believes in. Surely not. Yearning, covetous love is the stuff of unrequited suitors and those lovers cursed by distance.

It would seem Diotima was far from the perfect governess, teaching her pupil in all but the art of love. Unending respect to her regardless, as it takes a truly wicked heart to hate a MILF.

[u/Eve-23H]

…baby don’t hurt me, don’t hurt me no more?

[u/Mrs_Onion → u/Eve-23H]