When we stand by the Taj Mahal, don’t tell me how long it took to build and what marvelous art it is
Tell me, instead, about the love that built it
The memories floating across the Yamuna’s waters as a king remembered his beautiful, dead wife
And his pining that took the shape of the Taj Mahal

When we stand by the Eiffel Tower, don’t tell me its height or its history
Tell me, instead, how it feels to be at the top
Do you feel as free as an uncensored thought?
Or do you feel trapped by humanity’s vanity down below?

When we listen to a love song, don’t explain its music and lyrics
Tell me, instead, how the melody dances upon your heart
Do you feel a smile, a laugh, endless joy?
Or do you feel the weight of sadness and hopelessness?

This is what I live for
Because you are more than fact or fiction
You are the pleasure on a man’s face as he strums his guitar
The en-rapture on the faces of two watching children
My heart flying out of my chest

And the crazy idea that it will never stop.
The music, the madness, the lyrics.
The voice, the shuttered eyes.
The thousand heartbeats that flutter as you play.

There is only one heartbeat in me and it is you
The world would not be empty without you
It would just be a little less
A little worse
A little hoarse.