I wish I could put into words
How delighted I am to be with you
How lovely you really are

I am a mediocre musician, but I am a terrible writer
But you are ….indescribable,
It would belittle you to try to cast you in words.

I will try here yet, so you will know
In some alternative universe where you
Find my little hidden corner

That your smile - not just your mouth, but
Your entire face alight
Makes my own shine with shared delight

Your quiet demeanor
Makes me lean in closer to hear
Your dynamic truths

You are studying philosophy and math,
I am studying environmental engineering and music
Did you know our friend doubted whether we could have anything to talk about?

We talk about art, Rothko actually,
The nature of rock and what makes a painting
And how art can glow, resonate, breath

We talk about navigating the world
When people we trustingly see as beautiful and good
Turn to hurt us, confuse our sense of right and wrong

You listen to music in a way completely foreign to me
I am aching to share music with you
Would you listen to my playlists the same way you listen to album, on repeat for months?

I do not want to make out with you, ****** you, capture you in a bed
I want to kiss you tenderly after a beautiful date
I want to wake up with you in the morning, sneak to the kitchen to make breakfast

I want to make memories to fill an album and an evening of stories told to grandchildren
I want to make you happy, run holding hands through the late autumn leaves
I want to make tea for you, tuck you in bed, read aloud to you as my father did for my mother

You are a precious beautiful stone
A witty, charming, good soul
A person to spend a lifetime with

I am tremulous, blooming tenderness for you.
My love is so delicate, and has been crushed so cruelly before.
If it grows any more, I will have to present it to you as an extravagant bouquet.

Really, I want to hand you a single carefully chosen wildflower,
Placed neatly to wrap with your hand.
Tuck me behind your ear.

With love.