before you hurt her
please remember the moment
that you knew you were in love.
you couldn't even breathe because the feeling overwhelmed your lungs.
the first kiss, the first touch, you couldn't get enough
even the fighting was alright because at least you were in love.

before you touch that other girl,
remember the one you have
the way she sleeps so peacefully
and the way that she makes you feel less sad.
remember her smile when you make her laugh, and the way her eyes look when she cries. the way she talks about the things she likes, the way that she kisses you goodbye.

before you get in bed with that stranger, remember the way she writes. the way she blows out cigarette smoke. the way she always tried to be nice.
remember the way she looks at you, and even the way she complains. remember the way the seasons changed but the feeling seemed to never fade.

and when you hurt her anyways, say she's not to blame. remember that when you break something it doesn't work the same. remember that loud silence, the way that she couldn't look at you. the way you couldn't breathe, the things you wish you could undo. hold her one last time, say goodbye with a hug. It's when you hurt her that you'll finally remember that you are still in love.