Even If They Never Ask

I’ve learned a lot from you
whether you know it or not.
The best things happen with time,
although it’s never defined
how much time it takes.
Sometimes, it takes a lifetime.

When I see you,
I take my boots off
leaving the rest of the world
behind,
by the door.

The weight of all the questions,
being there for everyone else
stays there.
I do not check my phone.
I do not listen
for notifications.

They don’t know
the shape of your face,
or the sound of your voice
they can’t tell you your favorite songs
without having to ask.
They don’t smile
the moment they see my face,
or hear my voice.

I cannot explain
how plate tectonics work,
but to see you smile
and watch your shoulders drop
is a direct reflection
of how I want to make you feel.

My earth has two equators:
one that starts at your waist,
and the other
runs parallel across your shoulders.

To live,
to walk,
to breathe
in the places that light me up
without apology.

All of my favorite places
are small,
and I choose them
over everything else.
You, too,
are one of those places.

If the world catches on fire
as a result
of me taking off my boots
to spend time with you
they’ll have to understand.

Even if they never ask
I’ll tell them
I learned it from you