According to Buddha

Love gives without expecting anything in return. I never think of anyone in terms of what he can do for me. And I never profess love to someone because he has done something for me. If I didn’t actually feel love, I wouldn’t pretend to give it; and since I feel it, I give it. Love cannot be had for the asking; it comes only as a gift from the heart of another. Be certain of your feeling before you say to anyone, ‘I love you’. Once you give your love, it must be forever. Not because you want to be near that person, but because you want perfection for that soul. To wish for perfection for the loved one, and to feel pure joy in thinking of that soul, is divine love; and that is the love of true friendship. 

but i’ve got a horse out in the country
i get to see him every second sunday
he comes when i call him,
yeah, he knows his name
one day i’ll saddle up
and the two of us will ride away

***

Whitemud Equine Learning Centre Association, Edmonton ~ February 2016.