A.R.Ts (127)

Once upon a time, there was a shyness about saying I Love You.

It took a lot to say it. At first unsure. Tentative.

Then slipping it in slowly. Waiting for the reaction.

Wondering if it was ok to say it.

Wondering if you said it too soon.

If you ought to wait till the relationship thawed a little.

If it was the right moment.

If you had screwed it up.

A heartbeat thumping as you said it.

The ground beneath your feet breaking away.

It's different today. You say it as easily as you would say Good Night.

Take care. Sleep well. Good night. Love you.

Easy. Effortless. Even casual.

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You say it to a parent. You say it to a friend. You say it to your kids. You say it to someone special.

Many times publicly. No childish nervousness.

Sometimes as a matter a habit.

Not expecting a reaction. Not longing to be heard.

Just a phrase. A tag.

It was never so easy.

Sometimes I long for it to become difficult again.

I long for that struggle.

Laced with excitement.

Layered in intimacy.

I want it to be a whisper.

That tingles my nerves. Makes my throat dry.

That you strain your ears to hear.

I want it to be just you and me. And the difficulty of saying it.

Filling up our hearts. Drawing us closer. And keeping us together.