I love you
because
when I spontaneously
spout Robert Frost
you know exactly
where
to pick up with
the next line.

I love you
because
you read The Bell Jar
& felt it
in your womanly bones
before those
other girls tried
to grab my attention.

I love you
because
the studs in your
nose are like stars
between
the sun & moon
of your marble
green-flecked eyes.

I love you
because
you tell me how
you feel & don't
try to claw out
my eyes
but claw my back
instead.

I love you
because
the air in your room
is just cool enough
for love
& the light just
dim enough
for love.

I love you
because
you regard the scene
with cool intellectual
librarian eyes
& step on the tiles
with ballet fairy
feet.

I love you
because
you have known
false love &
the Colossus of
false piety &
you know that I worship
you,

above all the pagan gods.