Grammar Mini-Lesson

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Grammar Mini-Lesson


Love is.


Subject-verb.

Despite appearances, a complete

thought. Implies existence.


Love your neighbor.


An independent clause

about dependence,

giving us, yes, pause 

as we look for the subject

hidden right in front of us

and just to the left of

“love,” like a neighbor. 


Because love is nearing


In one sense another thought

that needs nothing, the way

“because the train is nearing”

doesn’t bear prolonged reflection 

on syntax but decided action

in getting off the tracks,

or in this case on them. 

In another, entirely dependent 

on what comes after, so 

therefore incomplete. 

Please take your pencils 

and fill in the blank. 

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