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.