The First One to Say

romantic love is a dance that has to start when someone puts on the music, but the other person has to be ready to move.

And the snow fell in traces, revealing the wind hiding your cute cap as it pointed at me while your 

eyes turned down.

"I have fallen in love with you."

I nod, knowing the thing to do. I raise your chin with a finger. Looking for connection your eyes 

question as they search.

"I suppose it had to happen to one of us. I'm so sorry it was you."

You relax your face, turn your eyes. I take your hand and squeeze gently.

"I don't mean that I won't, or can't, I'm just not..."

I drop your hand and lift your chin with a finger once more. I want you to see my eyes telling you 

what my lips are saying.

"Yet."  

I see question still in your eyes, but mostly there is a calm now and if you only knew what is 

inside of me...

the storm, the guilt... I would glady have the pain surgically removed from it's home in your heart 

and permanenty tattoo'd on my own if it were possible.

I would throw myself under a bus to save you from my guilt, your pain.  And some day, I hope and pray that I can...

and then...

I will lift your chin with a finger, kiss your lips softly, and tell you that from this moment to 

the end of my life, 

I love  you too.

Reviews

[mandy]

Oh how vulnerable we are, when we say those words first!....and what sensitivity he showed by ackowledging this and responding in a way that didn't leave her feeling rejected. You have great insight Mark.

[Mark]

Thanks hon!

[The Random Writings Of ..]

This is the hardest thing to say to be the first. The gut wrenching feeling of "maybe" he/she won't say/feel it back. I have only ever loved one person truly. In my three relationships that were long term, I could never say it back to the other two, but said it first to the only one i loved, and it was so hard. Thankfully he was in love with me too.
The way you describe the tender conversation of this piece is so beautiful. I can't think of another word.
"I don't mean that I won't, or can't, I'm just not..." and then
"yet"
I could never even say yet to the other two, I knew I would never feel that way. I love how you ended this, it is not quite a promise, because there are no guarantees in life, but I still feel that her mind may have been put at ease knowing that he cares a great deal for her.
This is beautiful.

[Mark]

Thanks for your thoughts Random. :) I'm glad you enjoyed the work.

[The Random Writings Of Me..Kates]

You are most welcome!

[Coyote Poetry]

A very good story. I like stories with happy endings. Good description led the reader to a good ending. Thank you for sharing the story. A excellent story.
Coyote

[Mary]

Wow! That amazing moment when one musters up all the courage within, and dares to give voice to love, aware that it might not be returned. Not only that, but you have succeeded int letting the reader experience the heart and truth of the one who is not yet ready to return that love. Delicate moment well written.

[Mark]

Thank you Mary.

[Little Whisper]

The beginning of forever, each day unwrapped gently together. The birth of a couple is an amazing moment... This poem gave me that visual and a feeling of hope.
Where there is love... A rare gift... there is hope.
This is a lovely poem. :)

[Mark]

Thank you for the nice review LW :)

[Marie]

Lovely......the inevitable three words...leaving the speaker wide open and vulnerable,for they may not be returned...or they may...

[Mark]

thanks Marie, glad you like it.

[Shimmerbliss/CAF]

Ah, yes, that is the chance we take when we are "the first one to say". This is like a snapshot in time, realistic, and moving.

[Mark]

... a snapshot in time.. I like that.

[Mockingbird]

i picture this to be a scene from a play. there seems to be tension. this is a great narrative poem.

[Mark]

thank you MB :)

[lee von cleef]

I love the movement up and down,finger to chin,love is a contact sport,our minds play with their bodies.

[Mark]

thanks lee, I tried to give this a visual feel by describing actions. :)

[Stanley Wilson]

aww mate this is really good deep sensitive just great work you're writing this one from the heart

[Mark]

Thanks so much Stanley. ;)