i knew i loved you
when you would be my protecting ***** guard
when your face lit up over a dinosaur book
when we took ugly photos in our blues
when we slapped each other across the face
when you weren't intimidated by my height
when we were poooooosers
when you made me laugh
when i played with your hair
when you looked at me
when we hugged minutes before i left for home

i knew i loved you
when we saw each other after a year
when we would starfish under the sheets
when you whispered along my neck
when you took care of me on drunken nights
when i nestled under your arm
when you spent christmas with me
when you wanted me for new years
when you brought me food
when i put that eye mask on your face
when you left those toothpicks on my nightstand
when you were there for me when nobody else was

i knew i couldn't love you
when you told me you could never date me
when i took you to the wedding
when you never chose me

i knew i couldn't love you
even when i always did