What Does It Mean to Fall In Love?

I love the way your eyes fill with light

and your passions kindle that light to something bright

like a fire

and when you smile, my God, you see every tooth

big, goofy because it makes people smile back at you

When you offer a loving caress or hug, your touch is always warm

I love that you pick yourself up after every storm

When it's 2 am and you're sitting on the floor

thinking you can take no more

You once were so critical of yourself, of other, but now you're so gentle

you've learned it's okay to cry a little

When you were so sure you couldn't go after that church destroyed you

you prayed and pushed through

I love that you are genuine and honest

I love that you know how to work hard, but when to rest

I love that you're not afraid to be wrong

and to lean on me when you don't feel strong

I love your faults too

When you stutter cause you can't slow your words

or get lost in your own little world (especially when you're reading)

or when you talk so fast as if the person listening

will runaway soon

or when you cling tight to people who only want to leave you

or when you try your hardest to help someone

but they don't want help from anyone

Most of all, I love your scars-

the ones you glance at from time to time

that remind you of a time you weren't fine,

but you are now;

I'm so proud.

The person I am talking about stands in the mirror

I learned to fall in love with myself, if I hadn't been any clearer.

That's what it means to fall in love.

Author's Note

I feel like loving yourself is just as important as loving others. It's been a long road, but I think I understand what it means to just accept myself, flaws and strengths. I feel like there's enough poetry about self-loathing.