Because I Love You

I see the way you flinch when I hold you

The slowing of your heart as you realize I'm offering my love instead of hate

I notice the way you hide in your own shell when asked to discuss feelings

the way you push me away just to hope I'll come back, because he did not.

I see the scars

Not only the ones on your thighs but the ones on your heart

The way he ripped it apart like it was his social security number going in the trash

But, my love, I only see you

Standing

Looking in the mirror 

There you are

I see someone broken by a vessel of hate and sadness 

I see someone broken, used for sex and empty promises

But most importantly, I see You and I

Everything opposite of what had been

Everything beautiful

Nothing hateful

Only Love

When my hands touch you it will only be to hold you closer to me

When my words hit you, they will be sweet and gentle and only words backed up with love

Because I love you, I will be there when the past comes running back into play 

Because I love you, you don't have to fear

They say time is the ultimate healer, so my love, let's spend time

But not waste that time arguing or hurting one another

Lets spend time like it's supposed to be spent

How love is supposed to be lived out

Something you lacked before

Freedom.

Faith.

Trust.

Happiness.

One day you will look in the mirror and see a warrior rather than a broken heart

One day you won't flinch when I hug you or grab your hand to hold it in mine

One day you will love yourself, not harm yourself

One day you will come to understand that I am not him

One day you will come to understand that love does not mean dealing with the hateful words he spat at you but rather sweet music that plays when we dance together

Love is patient but also rushed. Love is kind but not always easy.

But love is not an act of playing pretend. 

And one day when I pull you close to hold you, you will simply melt into me and be completely whole

All because I love you.