1. ‘Because I Love You’
would it matter now
if i told you that i love you?

that i’ve loved you
for the past two years
and been too scared
of your rejection.

would you come to me
to mend your heart
after he breaks it?

because i’d take you.
i’d take you without a single thought
and i’d wrap my arms around you
even though i know you could never
love anyone like you loved him.

2. ‘Independent Love’
i’d notice
how your eyes
don’t sparkle when you see me

i’d notice
how your lips
don’t smile at the mention of my name

i’d notice
how your skin
doesn’t fill with goosebumps when i touch you

and i’d still love you
because my love for you
is non of your business
unless you love me too

because unless love was
independent and unconditional
i don’t think it’s love at all

and because
i wouldn’t accept anything less or more
i wouldn’t give anything less or more

that’s why i’m leaving

i’ll live my life
and i’ll let my love for you
be the standard to which i will be loved

3. ‘The Choice to Leave’
i respect you too much
to let you stay in a relationship
with someone you’re not madly in love with

and i respect myself enough
to save myself from this feeling
of unworthiness and unlovableness

—

photos from Book of Dreams