The L - Word

We are
afraid
of words

Some said
only in
shorthand:

The "C-word"
The "F-word"
The "N-word"

Afraid of
Candy
or
Freedom
or
Night ?

& I thought
what of
"L-words"?

Lace
leading
the list
Logic
last

Life
Lilacs
Languish

But listen
when a
Lover's
lips say
the "L-word"

Love ?
Lust ?
or just
Longing ?

[Written in response to the weekly prompt on Big Tent Poetry, like a double somersault on the trapeze or sticking your head in the lion's mouth, only more dangerous.]