But I Know This
You can’t fool me.
I am not six years old
Hiding from bedtime monsters on my own
“Because I love you but don’t think you should be scared of the dark anymore.”
“Because I love you
But_______.”
Is not a reason.
It is a mask for cowards to hide behind.
You’re too afraid to love me.
Instead you love your ideal of me.
If you loved me, you wouldn’t be afraid.
I could be me
Instead of me “but______.”
I know this.
At four in the morning listening to her talk about her nightmares and her questioning why I listen.
“Because I love you.”
I know this.
Burying my face in the snow-white, fluffy tufts of my best friend’s fur, knowing she’s in pain and I need to let go.
“Because I love you.”
I know this.
Shoving aside my pride to ask for his forgiveness and repair a bond so I don’t have to lose him forever, even if it wasn’t my fault.
“Because I love you.”
To love unconditionally.
To love unafraid.
To love without the “but ______.”
Because I love
You.