Love

By Keith N Fisher

Sometimes the things that may or may not be true are the things that a man needs to believe in the most: that people are basically good; that honor, courage, and virtue mean everything; that power and money, money and power mean nothing; that good always triumphs over evil; and I want you to remember this, that love, true love, never dies... No matter if they're true or not, a man should believe in those things because those are the things worth believing in. -Hub McCann in Second Hand Lions-

I’m Hub McCann. I’ve fought in two world wars, and countless smaller ones on three continents. I’ve led thousands of men into battle with everything from horses and swords to artillery and tanks. I’ve seen the headwaters of the Nile and tribes of natives no white men had ever seen before. I’ve won and lost a dozen fortunes, killed many men, and loved only one woman with a passion a flea like you could never begin to understand. That’s who I am.

As you know, I've been writing women's fiction. Part of getting it right, means I must write a love story that moves another human. Lately, I've been admiring love stories. These two quotes written by Tim McCanlies, the author and director of, Second Hand Lions, are admirable. When you consider the fact they were delivered by Robert Duvall, the effect is priceless.

Consider what Hub said above, that true love never dies. Why is that? Love is love, right? Either you're in it, or you’re not. Do people fall in, and out of love?

Now consider the opposite. Is hate so strong that it cannot be conquered? If we concede that love is good and hate is evil then we can overcome hate. To quote Hub McCann, above, . . .good always triumphs over evil . . .

In our dealings in life and with our fellowman, Perhaps we would do well to remember which is the more powerful emotion. In movies and all fiction, there are two constants that must exist. Love and hate, if they are written well, the story will move the masses.

But to answer my own question above, There is love, so powerful it cannot be overcome. Time anger, and hate cannot change it. Foster that love and you will conquer all evil.

Consider these two scenes from Murphy’s Romance with James Garner & Sally Field. I’d rather go with the Love, rather than the hate. What do you think?