I stutter you -
Lips fumbling,
Blushing,
Tongue-startled
When you hurdle
Past, gone.

I utter you -
Whispering,
Gushing,
Open-mouthed
Syllable housed
Sighs, stretched long.

I said you -
Trembling
While hoping,
Fist clenched,
In defiance, quenched
The fear of no.

I answered you -
and this time
you heard

"Who do you love?"

You.