To Say The Simple Things


Sometimes
when I'm around you,
I'm at a loss for words.
I can't say
all those beautiful things
that other people say.
I can't tell you
how I love your hair,
the way you brush it,
the way you wash it,
the way you wear it
on any given day.
I can't tell you
how your eyes transfix me,
or that I have to look away
when they meet mine,
before I act the utter fool.
I can't explain
how I hang
on your every word,
smile,
and gesture.
I can't say the simple things,
like I love you,
God how I love you,
or speak at all,
when I'm feeling this way.
I can't show you the things
I want you to see,
I can't breathe,
I can't move,
except to run away.
I can't be an adult
because the child within me
is so bubbly with love.
I love you
as if there was never anything else to do,
as if tomorrow would never come,
and yesterday was always today.
I love you so warmly,
and deeply,
with every fiber of my being,
and if I could do but one thing,
I'd chose to tell you so.


W. James Beard, Jr.