love in my throat, caught stuck, then swallowed-- dulled razor blades descend, hit my stomach, and dissolve into honeyed drink that soothes me. it is rough to start, as we may all know, and eases itself into our core when we let the right one in. and i did, without question. we may fight, sometimes, about the silliest things, but that fire is what heats my heart when i'm at my lowest. she's beautiful beyond words, and sweet and cute and kind, but never tell her that or she'll curse you with her evil wizard magicks. i love what she is and what she isn't-- patient (no), passionate (yes), and that she cares about me in a way that invalidates my previous hurt. i worry that i won't be good enough, that she'll find someone better for her, or that i'll do something stupid to ruin it all. but the essence i've consumed by living teaches me to improve, compels me, not just for her sake but mine. love is teaching me, warm honeyed drink in me, and i listen. all that i can say after this is: thank you.