seventy-eight

i never thought i'd say this
but i hate the words
"i love you, too"

i don't want your obligation
i don't want your automated response
i want you and you and you
spontaneous,
on fire,
completely honest
you.

"i love you, too"
is everything i didn't want from love
it's the "it was nice to meet you"
for people who know each other very well
and saying it so quick and passing
like you didn't even have to think about it
that's the worst
because i start to think
it's lost something

i don't say i love you
because i want a response
and i hope you don't either

(but don't think i'm mad
there are worse things that have happened)

at least, there's this
on monday
we say it in person
oh! darling
soon enough