When I Tell You I Love You

When I Tell You "I Love You"
I say these words -- "I Love You"
so often to you. Sometimes I wonder
if you take them for granted.
Please, my darling, I would never
want you to think of them as just words
to begin or end a conversation.
When I say "I Love You", it is my way
of saying you have touched a place
in my heart and you are embedded there
so deeply. I feel so alive
You taught me to love again. My defenses
were broken. You touched me in places
I never knew I had and made me want things
I never thought I would need. You gave me
your care, concern, and compassion
that I needed.
When I say "I Love You", these words
are not just words. It is just my way
of saying -- for being you, thank you.
I just want to return some of the love
you have given to me.
"I Love You"