Not Just Because

Because I love you 

I will treat you as my equal 

Not on a shiny pedestal 

or below me, looking up 

Because I love you

I will respect your personhood

Where you came from 

Who you came from 

or what makes you happy 

Because I love you 

I will not use knowledge about you against you 

Like that one button 

you want no one to push

Because I love you 

I will trust you wholly 

when you tell me something

or want to see an old high school friend

Becuse I love you 

I will always be honest

Because you value truth 

and I value you 

Because I love you 

You will never have to feel like

Netflix with me 

is more important than seeing your mom 

Because I love you 

I won't shame you when you're sad

or hurt, or angry, or need space

Because I love you 

I will not lay a hand on you

Unless for an intimate moment

where consent is expressed

with soft lips

Because you love me

I will not use those words against you 

Because words are everything

and I will use them to empower us 

not tear us down