the thirst, the thorns, the lists br and loss of intimacy, br lust succombs br to bland familiarity at best. br at worst, a well rehearsed br contention. br the side effects of love br are seldom mentioned. br br the want, the words, the vows br and all the compromises, br passion fades br then tries to reinvent the fires. br identity br is lost, the cost of bonding br a sacrifice to love br lasts well beyond it.. br br the heat, the highs, the thrill br and then reality, br as visions pale br to shades of mediocrity at last, br at best, a bitter condescension. br this travesty, br a lesser god's invention.