Afraid

You said to me “I love you”

you expected me to say it back

I never did

It wasn't because I didn't

oh how I know I did

I knew because

my heart was screaming it

I love you

I never said it.

Not once.

Not because I didn’t

Just because

my lips were sealed shut

In fear of giving myself to you

My mind raced back and forth

time after time

my heart screamed

I love you

but my lips could just not make up the rhyme

I love you

You tell me about how great I am

and how much you love me

You say the rhyme once more

I don't say it back though.

My heart screams back

“I love you”

But then again

my mind trembles

and my mouth just cannot make up the rhyme

so I just smile at you.

        I love you

You tell me you love me

but I show that I do

you show your love by words

I show it by actions

I still cannot say it though

without my mind racing

and my mouth sealing shut

and my mind not remembering the rhyme

of the three worded sentence.

I show my love

but I cannot say it

You say your love

but you cannot show it

I love you

You say it one more time

hoping you'll finally hear the rhyme

come out of my mouth

and into your heart

I try so hard to let you know

but I can't.

And once again

my mind races

and my mouth seals shut.

Afraid of giving myself to you.

And again

you are disappointed.

And as time passes

Your heart got tired of waiting

and you left

with my heart screaming

I love you