Because I Love You

“Because I love you”

These words are an explanation,

Not an excuse.

When the words and the blows

Become too much

And the tears come,

So too do the words

Of false affection:

“Because I love you.”

When the door is open

And the hurting soul

Goes to leave,

The door slams shut,

And the bolt is driven

Through the door frame

With the words,

“Because I love you.”

Kind and empty deeds

Are done in a last attempt

To make you stay.

“Why are you doing this?”

“Because I love you.”

And so you stay,

Because the guilt is too strong

And “it won’t happen again.”

But it does and it will.

And it is always accompanied by those cruel words;

“Because I love you.”

Finally the lies

Become too transparent

And in a final clinging plea,

To answer why you should stay:

“Because I love you.”

But this time,

You turn away.

Time goes by,

You become happy.

You learn to trust again.

And this time,

The formerly dreaded phrase,

Is grounds for a smile.

When asked the reason

For cute dates, sweet surprises,

Loving words,

The answer is a smiling,

“Because I love you.”

When questioned

For the unwavering kindness

And why they care so much,

They respond

With a confused but sure,

“Because I love you.”

Bad days happen to all,

But this time

Someone is there

And supports you

Through your struggles.

“Because I care.

Because I love you.”

There are pranks and jokes,

That end with only laughing,

And a playful,

“Why are you doing this?”

The answer is delivered

With a hug and a kiss on your cheek:

“Because I love you.”

And when one is on one knee,

And feelings confessed,

And happy tears shed,

The speech concludes

With that important phrase.

“Because I love you.”

And this time you know it’s true.

“Because I love you,”

Is not an excuse.

It is a confession

Of caring, trust,

And honest love.