You grew on me so quietly. You barely spoke ten words.
Just the same, I fell for all those things I never heard.
It never was about that - those things you never said.
The sweetness in your actions was what I saw instead.
Remembering when I'd fallen, how you'd run to help me stand.
If I had to do it over, I'd probably fall again...
To see that care inside your eyes shine "just for me" once more…
Surprised by the concern there that I'd never seen before.
There was that time I'd shyly sung, when I hadn't thought you'd hear.
I never would've done it had I known you stood so near,
But you'd stayed hidden right beside the bleachers I was in.
Emerging once I'd finished, asking me to sing again.
On that trip we took together, when you chose to sit by me?
I listened when you spoke, instead of setting my truth free.
The silent tip of frightened tongue held words I couldn't say.
I had the chance to tell you then. I let it slip away.
You confronted my despondency and asked what you'd done wrong.
After you had noticed we'd not spoken all week long.
Had you really thought of me for longer than an hour?
You'd paid that much attention? My sadness had that power?
Then, that day you saw me -- you saw my soul laid bare.
Your gaze had nailed me to the floor, and open to your stare.
Since then I've wondered many times, had you finally seen my truth?
You shared with me such peace although your look was so astute.
The last time that I saw you, your face had shined so bright.
I finally got you talking when I asked, "Are you alright?"
But I saw that light grow dim when someone else approached.
He dared to hold me closely, I could've punched his throat.
All you would've had to do was reach for me that day
And I'd have left him there alone and followed you away.
You nodded though - with sad respect - and made a move to leave.
My heart broke into pieces when you turned your back to me.
Suddenly I knew you'd hurt, because I had been hurt too.
Then suddenly all that mattered were the things I knew of you.
Day by day we took it, day by day we both improved.
Until you went for surgery, until they had you moved.
That day I never had with you, things I never got to say…
Each and every single one was ripped from me that day.
And all I did was sit there, I couldn't even cry.
That silent, foggy morning when you didn't say good-bye.
Yes, you were front and center of a church packed full that day,
And we're forever unrequited for the things we didn't say.
(My thanks to EiAnderson at DeviantArt for the image!)
