Having recently had reason to consider the subject of romantic relationships*, I’m drawn back to an essay I’ve sketched several times and never finished.  Consider this piece an outline of that essay.


The most famous romantic story must be that of Romeo and Juliet.  For them to be together it would almost certainly destroy one or both of their families.  In the end, all was lost – but for their love that could never be lost or betrayed – an ending without potential flaw.



Think now of the oldest story, that of Helen and Paris, who’s love would pit a united Greek nation against the lady’s walled city.  They persisted despite the near certainty of her entire people being wiped off the map – their home sacked, their men slaughtered, and their women enslaved to faraway lands.



So much for the classic take on this subject.  My true favorite love story is very modern.  You may have not heard this edition of the theme – it comes from a concept album from the band Symphony X.  In Paradise Lost a universe in eternal conflict is revealed to the listener.  The dark forces are raging, driving once again to overrun the eternal protectors, the forces of light.  The battle has been fought innumerable times before, though the lines have barely ever moved.  But this time, a betrayal will tip the balance.  To be together with his muse a young angel will abandon his post, and betray his masters so that they will not be separated again.



All that is goodness and light in the universe will be lost, hope and despair will become one, and the rampaging horde will never be stopped,

so that one pair can find love together.  

Yeah, I’m ok with that too.



[* For those playing the at-home game, this opening remark has generated seven (7) curious head cocks and three (3) wry knowing smiles.  Check your score sheets against these stats.]