Arrows of Sebastien

While it may be the greatest source of personal acrimony, it is also an infallible truth that the greater part of humanity strives toward union with one another. We call it love, a four letter word that does not come close to coloring all the shades that it takes. Regardless, we are happier, healthier, more productive creatures when we have it, whatever it may be. So after slogging through all the pits and ARROWS of childhood, pains of adolescence, and the weights of social expectancy from the family on out, how rare and wonderful is it when one does find love?

Regardless of your space in love's circle, at this moment, imagine, or simply look at, that love.

What arrows come at you from without about that love?

Does your family approve?

Do your friends like your love? Does your dog get excited when they're around? Does your cat pee on their pillow? Does the nightly news have something to say about your love? Does your senator have an opinion about your love? Why would they?

When Sebastien loves Susanna, who cares? If Sebastien is a charming young man and Susanna a brilliant young woman, families are thrilled, a union is made. What does that union mean? Sebastien and Susanna are a 21st century digital couple, does their union mean 2 kids and a monogamous sex life? What if someone cheats... divorce? And what of divorce...

But what if Susanna loves Elizabeth, or Sebastien loves Alexander? Then the interest increases greatly. Not only are Susanna's parents despondant, but her congressmen suddenly has an opinion about her relationship. And poor Sebastien, his State had gone so far as to legislate against his love with Alexander, who hasn't seen his parents since he came out.

Imagine your love again. How would it feel if each time you turned on the deluge of of media, there were people debating the legitimacy, legality, and even morality of your love? If in this two-party democracy, one and a half of them stand against your love? If people who claim to be Christian, a religion based on compassion and charity toward humanity, wish for your death because of your love? That there are countries and religions that would, without doubt, murder you for your love?

These are the Arrows of Sebastien, the plight of love of men and women that love men and women.