If you would chase me,
You might be surprised
At what you find
My reaction
To be.

I would probably greet you
With open arms,
A smile
And
A kiss.

I’m sure fear
Would rear
Its ugly head.

Fear of commitment.
Fear of rejection.
Fear of repeating past mistakes.
But if you wanted me,
If you chased me,
I may forget all of that
Just to try again.

Call me stupid,
But I won’t run after you.
I don’t like it.
I refuse to be the chaser.
But if you would chase me -
Just to start the exchange -
I promise
I will meet you halfway.

You wouldn’t have to run far
to secure my affections.
If you were right
and willing.

Until you start the pursuit,
Though,
Let it be known
That I play the “friends card” well.
Very well.
Maybe too well.
And I would rather have you
As a friend
than as a lost lover
Heartbroken
Over something gone awry.

So I’m here
Waiting
To meet you halfway
Even if it is
Three steps forward
And two steps back.