My Reason

I swore off of love poems some time ago

when I decided that they were as mainstream as 

those fake glasses with the thick, dark rims and 

little metal ovals in the corners. 

I mean, I haven't totally gone back on that promise,

but recent events have proved to me that I need to explain something,

the reason for all I do.

So this is my love letter.

My love letter for you. 

It was August 23rd, I remember, that we 

sat down on cold steps that 

were warmed by the smiles across our face and 

out of nowhere, you saw the lock inside my heart 

start to turn at the press of your lips against mine.

I felt it but I didn't say it because to guard your heart is to guard your home and

back then,

I didn't know just how wonderful you are.

I walked down the street in December by myself and 

it was a cold night with glitter spilled on a black canvas and 

the beat of my heart provided the metronome for the 

symphony of the universe around me.

I heard your voice in my head.

You said,

you're a moon rock in my asteroid field, stardust inside my wand.

I replied,

listen here, wave-breaker. I'm not amazing as moon rock or fragile as a speck of dust but thanks for the compliment I guess.

That was months ago and I promised myself back then that 

it would all end, that 

somehow this night would fade and this star would cease to shine.

I'm pretty sure I'm not stupid and I'm not usually wrong about these things,

but you've proved that stars do burn for billions of years

and one beautiful day can last forever.

because one night we stood in your driveway,

not caring that the neighbors were probably watching with bowls of popcorn 

from inside their windows 

while we danced by your car,

my head against your shoulder and my feet entwined with yours.

You found my lock and you found the key 

I carefully hid away so well,

but I didn't care.

That morning in August you were the only one I called 

and you came over with nothing to say and only tears in your eyes.

I hope you know that meant the world to me.

I hope you know that's when I figured out I need you.

Now people ask me what I love about you and I 

don't exactly know what to say.

So, I smile the same smile you have and try to feel you next to me

to spread your aura. 

I say the only words that I can to attempt to spit out the 

tangled emotions and memories that

float inside the faulty safety deposit box in my mind.

"I just do."

I must show it, because somehow, they always smile

too and nod, saying "I understand."

If you live to be a hundred,

I want to be a hundred minus one day,

so I never have to live without you.

If a day should come that we must go,

I'll stand and wait for you up in a tree, and when you 

find me, you'll help me down.

Until that day comes,

I love you,

I love all of you, 

simple,

true.

I hate poems that rhyme,

but you bring it out in me.

You do.

And my reason?

My reason is you.