How to tell someone you love them?

When the fear

in your stomach

grows arms and

clutches at the words

as they try and exit your throat.

When awkwardness

so tangible,

you could touch it with all ten fingers

forms

in the silence between your assertion and their reciprocation.

When your not even sure,

that your like

has transformed into love

but you know that you feel something,

and it’s special.

When I want you to say that you love me first,

because then I can say that I love you too

and hide in the safety of our mutual affection,

so your words can shelter me from pain

and make my words glisten with clarity.

When your smile makes me happy

and holding your hand is everything I’ve ever needed.

I no longer feel so empty.

When you hung the moon and the stars

to guide my long drive home in the dark

as late Friday skies transition to early Saturday mornings.

How to tell you that I love you?

Is soon soon enough?

Because I promise,

soon is coming.