l.
I will French kiss your ingrown hairs, your merigold bruises, and the acne you fight wars with every morning.
ll.
I will caress your cellulite like the waves on the backs of your thighs are the fountain of youth.
lll.
I will fondle the folds of your tummy, the stubble underneath your arms, and the stretch marks that you don’t realize make you a fucking tiger, darling.
lV.
I will fall in love with your flaws, and remind you of your perfections.
I will kiss you when the boy you love breaks your heart and you just need something on your lips.
I will hold your hand when you get your nose pierced and again when you regret it the next day.
I will bring you Mountain Dew and Advil when you can’t get out bed for two days and when your dad tells you to suck it up, I will shut the door in his face and turn up the radio.
V.
I will yell at boys who hurt you and at girls who think they know you. I will tell the “cool kids” to fuck off. I will argue with your parents and curse at your exes. I will be known as a bitch as long as you know me as someone you can’t count on.
Vl.
I will love you when you hate me, when you hate life, when you hate everyone, and when you hate yourself. I will love you when it rains and when the sun beats down on us in June. I will love you when it’s 9:00 pm and we’re eating ice cream on my porch and I will love you when it is 2:30 am and you are gagging with salt in your mouth from crying for what seems like years.
Vll.
I will always love you.