you ask me why I look at you
but never say a word
and you tease me--
with the sweetest lack of mercy--
to chase the sadness from my eyes...

but I am afraid.

I fear to shatter the essence of the warmth I feel for you.

for,
if I could tear my heart from myself,
and offer it to you,
though my hands tremble,
and my eyes fade,
and my lips turn gray with stillness,

I would--

if only to answer your question.

if only because,

"I love you"

is not enough.