habits.

i could learn to love you, i swear.

i could hold your smile to my lips and your fumbled thoughts in my arms
where i can hug them to sleep at night. i could brush my fingers
against the dusted freckles on your cheeks, whisper for every one
a haiku for the night we sat laughing underneath the deep sky.

i could learn to hold every part of your soul tenderly
in my careless hands
so i never forget strength, kindness, generosity --
all the things you are made of.
you are the strength of the summer sun
and the peace of the full moon
                               and you are beautiful.

so don't turn away when i cry in the middle of the night
and can't tell you why.
hold me close to you, hold me close
with your jaw resting on my hair
and your arms around my shoulders
and please don't ask me why i cry.


_{when i find the strength to tell you i will.
but baby, there's nothing to fear, because
no one will ever make me stop loving you.}


so if i ever stumble, or accidentally twist
your heart in my callous hands,
teach me the habits of romance:
      evening walks together and the touches, the glances,
      the quick secret smiles,
      all the words to say when i open the door and find you
      standing with flowers on my doorstep.

teach me all the languages the love speaks,
and i will hold my smile to your lips
and kiss your freckles
and whisper your favourite three words
softly
into your ear.