How do I say “I love you”
without coming on too strong?
How do I touch you reassuringly,
without it seeming wrong?
I’d love to hug you;
my motive is pure.
To give you a friendship
strong and sure.
Not lusting,
but blessing;
Your heartbreak’s cure.
Will the world step aside that
I may your sorrows bear?
Or stand in the way and
threateningly stare?
For compassion’s strong grip,
it was you who reached first.
You knew I’d not censor
your tearful outburst.
To hold,
not scold,
when you felt accursed.
(Written during the time I worked as a substitute teacher and so many wounded kids reached out to me.)
