My son asked me the other day what I meant when I said: I love you. This is a poem I wrote inspired by my answer. 



When I say I love you 

I want you to be safe 
From those that harm 
And to feel safe 
Where you can lay down your arms 

I want you to have 
The basics, food, water, and shelter 
And to be fulfilled 
Have joy, connection; life that gets better 

I want to care for you 
So you never feel lonely 
And when you do 
I’ll be there love you fully 

When I say I love you 
I want what will make you whole 
A life worth living
One with memories for your soul 

I say the words so often 
Old and worn; my promise everlasting 
To care for your being 
To encourage, and listen with understanding 

When I say I love you 
I hope you hear me 
Unconditionally on your side 
My love charges no fees 

When I say I love you 
The words can never fully speak the truth 
No poem or art or song or anything I produce 
Can fully mean what I say 

When I say I love you