I’m sorry I can’t
feel that way
about you

I wish that you didn’t
feel that way
about me

No matter what we’re called

we will be just the same

and yet I’m always asking -

just what is in a name?


Don’t want to call you boyfriend

(though we never got that far)

we’d act the same no matter what

no matter who we are

I promise I’m trying my best not to back out

and I promise and I promise and I know that you’re okay with me being unsure  

but it feels like I’m just a lost cause waiting for the inevitable day when you see

that this is it

this is all you’re getting from me

it feels like a lie though from day one you knew what you were getting into

and I tell you all the time that I can’t even figure myself out

and you offer to help me solve the puzzle but I don’t understand why you’re so willing

when I give you no guarantees

I guess you must love me

not weighing up the pros and cons like I do

you love unconditionally

like you're supposed to

and I can't help feeling like I'm not holding up my end of the deal

and even though I do all I can

I don’t think I'll ever feel the way that you do  

is that enough for you?

I could make you breakfast
I could hold your hand
If that might be enough
To make you understand

That although I may not show it
In ways that others do
Believe me when I say
That my love is just as true.

A rococo armchair
a balcony with a view
pale in comparison
to you.

We run from the downpour
to the safety of the car
a warm glow of paper cups
steam rising from their mouths
now silenced by water

I say,
“I hope he likes his hot chocolate
with a shot of rain"

You respond with a laugh;
Small and fleeting
and sincere.

Your love like coltsfoot
is fraying at its edges
with golden intent.