You were scared of the dark

Scared of loud noises and horror movies 

Scared of the uncontrolled and unexpected

But you were terrified of saying 

"I love you, too"

If my writing ever feels like poetry,
it’s because his absence still lingers
leaving behind beauty
in the places he once belonged.

It was destiny.
Our steps were in unison.
We both knew the dance.

I can't draw for you,
a rosy picture of love,
my paints black and white.

The words do not come,
when I try to write of love.
No ink in my pen.

It was a chess game.
I was once you're only queen.
You, knight on a steed.
You chased me around the board.
Only to make me your pawn.

Love should always be.
A feeling that sets you free.
Yet I've chains on me.

I have waited
for permission
all my life—
the approval
and agreement
of others
I thought
were greater than me.

So please,
listen closely:
here is the key—
to open, to unlock
every door
you will ever see.

I am giving you
permission—
but, lovely,
you never needed it.

So go,
go-
permission free.