With Love

I have loved you

in so many ways

in crowds or all alone.

When you were sleeping beside me.

When you were away

I've imagined others watching you in the street

or worse--you in other peoples' arms.

I have seen the march of the beach birds and loved you.

I have lent myself to summer sun and loved you.

And seeing naked trees

and raising my collar to the wind

and counting the minutes till chartered hours were there

I have loved you.

And the questions never asked,

The answers learned at love's expense.

I've promised myself

I will not ask where you have been tonight

I'll only say hello

and hope.