Quoting the opening lines of  

Is Your Love In Vain?

 BY: BOB DYLAN

Do you love me?

Or are you just extending goodwill?
Do you need me half as bad as you say?

Or are you just feeling guilt?

novelroad.com Do you love me? An Inevitable Fate 
                                        An Inevitable Fate 

Spontaneous passion wears the mask of love. Its spark ignites on careless impulse ‘n then two independent vagabonds rage out of control for a moment of forgettable glory. Once unveiled its time is short however, for it is created from nothingness ‘n even less prevents its departure. 

The genesis of love is not spontaneous or random, nor is it by chance. Its creation and existence is not bound by politics, religion or persuasion. Love acts slow and is methodical. Quite like the sun, love radiates a powerful energy, and over time its smoldering coals heat up so much that two diverse beings systematically melt into an indistinguishable one. Its force directs these two independent souls to an undeniable fate; an amatory destiny to which otherwise they would be oblivious. Once engaged, a usual cull participant becomes the handpicked culinarian designated to satisfy the erogenous tastes of its corresponding mate. 

The characters in this story are not real, but they were chosen to help illustrate this point. He’s Robert Adam Ramon, a simple man whose ‘innocence’ and ‘ignorance to formality’ make it appropriate for us to refer to him as Bob. She’s Beatrice Eve Saint James. She’s young as well, too young in fact to be labeled Beatrice. It would please her, and be easier on us if we could just call her Bette. You’ll see these two develop and mature as love seduces them with its magical wand; so powerful that resistance is futile, so wonderful that resistance is absurd. This is not a love story. It’s simply “An Inevitable Fate”. 

                                                                                     *** *** *** 

Bob woke without reason. His room was dim, lit solely by the overcast weather conditions that hovered over his personal abode. The state of his mind could be illustrated by these atmospheric conditions, but this is the usual nature of one who has just arrived from a dormant, embryonic state and not to be confused with a troubled mood. 

Bob rose from his resting place and checked the mirror. A raised brow suggested some dismay. Unlike other days, this one conceived the notion that his unshaven stubbles portrayed indifference toward his physical demeanor. He sighed and wandered without purpose into his semi-organized kitchen area. He found the cupboards were almost bare and unfortunately the few remaining items failed to garner any interest. As the fog lifted and his mind cleared an unprecedented revelation was born. Bob’s particular circumstance warranted a change and a more focused attention on appeasing his newfangled yen for variation both in flavor and substance. 

Without further ado, the lad took strides to enhance his overall appearance. It was vital that Bob’s new look be nothing less than acceptable to anyone who observed him searching for the elements that would fulfill his new found quest. 

Bette was the independent owner of a produce stand situated on an obscure road just two blocks off the beaten path. It was this unfamiliar location and her utter distaste for self-promotion that limited her clientele and ultimately her chances for success. Bette was never fazed, however. A voice of inner faith kept telling her good fortune was just around the corner. 

Every day like clockwork, Bette began uncovering her wares at the crack of dawn. Her products were not unusual when juxtaposed to similar enterprises, but her meticulous nurturing put them in the same class as the very finest available. Her regular ritual was not stimulated by insecurity and it should be understood that she never felt threatened by those who were involved in similar endeavors such as hers. 

One day an unexpected sun forced its face through the clouds and imposed a radiant glow over Bette’s fine establishment. Through no fault of her own, this stream of energy seemed to be directed toward her exclusively and solely for the benefit of the one who sought the warmth and the light generated by this extraordinary happenstance. As if on cue and without any premeditation, Bette reacted to this peculiar event with an increased enthusiasm and vigor toward the presentation of her wares. 

Not by coincidence it was at that very moment Bob ventured out. There was mist and rain surrounding his usual path to the market he intended. Bob’s natural inclination was to the left, but today he gazed right and saw this light, a potential relief from the fate that was intended to dampen his spirits. This irregular lure caused a welcome detour and there was no resistance, for it was abundantly clear that this path had a far more positive potential. Like gravity, a whirlpool force funneled Bob to the stand behind which Bette stood. As he approached, Bob’s essence was curiously enticing to Bette; made clear by the special twinkle in her eye. Like the solar energy that brought them together, this gleam seemed exclusively appropriate for Bob; more so than for any other potential consumer. 

While Bob scanned and observed, the light got brighter and the temperature continued to rise; it aroused his untapped curiosity. He took the time to scrutinize every piece Bette had to offer and he found each minute detail to be even more enticing than he ever dared to dream. Bob felt an urge, so he offered to acquire her entire inventory. 

Without pause Bette agreed, for she couldn’t foresee or anticipate a better opportunity. With nothing left for others, Bette closed her stand and invited Bob to rest in her cool shaded place. The heat was too intense and the light too bright for him to do anything but accept her practical, yet irresistible offer. They exchanged identities and all the extraneous related information that’s required to become better acquainted and time passed pleasantly. 

It was hunger that interrupted their casual banter and it seemed only Bette’s treasured goods could satisfy their appetites. These morsels were potential jewels, but they were raw and green. Their consumption would require some preliminary preparation. Inexperience was a hindrance to Bob and though Bette was a bit more inclined, she too was less than proficient. He scratched his head and she placed a finger to her chin to contemplate. After due consideration, Bette conservatively suggested a variety of concoctions created without benefit of any temperature enhancements. All her formulas featured simple combinations of ingredients, lightly spiced and served properly with dressing. They engaged in several of her recipes and were satisfied at first. 

The sun was relentless, however. It continued feeding them seductive subliminal innuendos and the obscure quickly became the obvious. Creative juices began to flow freely at G-force speed and Bob’s innovative side was exposed. Initially his solutions were rudimentary, crude and even a bit controversial; imagine him cooking for the very first time, turning that knob to broil. Bob waited, not quite sure if his timing was right . . . Finally, he found the nerve. He reached in and slid the virgin meal from the oven. Gently, he removed the cover. The steam rose and the aroma drew Bette in closer. Cautiously, she took the first bite; the taste drew a moan. Oh that flavor! What had he done? 

“I think it was the heat, and I added a bit more spice.” he said innocently, not really understanding the hypnotic power that was simmering before him. 

Bette licked the dressing from her fingers and brand new self-confidence emerged. She smiled an alluring smile and from her lips came, “I’ve got a new twist and I dare you to try it.” She selected a piece of her very finest and slowly removed its peel. She held it out in her hand, offering up a small sample. Bob accepted graciously and was about to dip . . . but she brought him to a halt!!! 

“What?” 

She winked a tantalizing wink, then whispered in a deep bed-time tone, “. . . without the dressing, Mister.” Bob blushed before succumbing to the temptation and Bette immediately followed suit. After indulging all they could endure they came together in agreement; this was considerably more satisfying. 

                                                                                       *** *** *** 

They’re now eternally committed, but love never ends, so their lust for exceeding the other’s expectations requires and inspires them to continually refine their exotic techniques. This sort of passion and commitment, it’s what makes love grow. 

Bob was successful transforming himself from the “simple” Mr. Ramon to the “irresistible” Mr. Romance, but what about Bette? She was a saint of sort, always striving to be the very best. Whether she’s reached her peak or not is up for debate, but here’s the naked truth: 

She’s Bette R! 

From Fiddler on the Roof​ Do You Love Me?

​​​​​Do You Love Me?

​by T.L. Raasch

Do you love me? she sighs. 
Of course I do! he replies. 
Why, do you love me? she again sighs. 
Because, that's the way God planned it!" he replies. 

Please reassure me, I need it. she pleads. 
Oh, I know you do., he agrees. 
Then, tell me why, why you love me? she again pleads. 
Okay, I will. he concedes. 

I am physically attracted to you. he starts. 
I’m confused, what do I have that other don't? she imparts. 
You're a blue-eyed, brunette, but wait that's not all! he re-starts. 
I need to know!, she re-imparts. 

Love is so much more than attraction, he continues. 
There's no one else, there are no more yous. 
God made it this way, that I love you. 
There is nothing else anyone or you can do. 

What is love? Should be your question,. he suggests. 
Okay, what is love? she interjects. 
I'm glad you asked. he reflects. 
Tell me, tell me please. she requests. 

Love is wanting what's best for you, and me, and us. 
Love is extending your hand, extending your trust. 
Love is feeling your happiness, and feeling your pain. 
Love is out of control, it can't be restrained or contained. 

Love is thinking about you when I have to make a decision. 
Love is asking you, without needing the permission. 
Love is caring and love is sharing. 
Love is there when you're happy or despairing. 

Love is sharing in beliefs, and expressing your attitude. 
Love has no boundaries, no rules, no altitude. 
You are you, you are a blessing from God, I'm sure. 
And I get to be with you, over every hill, around every curve. 

I'm attracted to you, the physical you." he replies. 
I'm physically attracted to other women too, I tell no lies. 
But, I don't love them, and I never will. 
But I do love you, now and forever still.