How to Love Other People

They say the golden rule

is to treat others how you want to be treated,

So I would wake you up slowly

with a kiss on your forehead

and your favorite cup of coffee,

ready,

beside the bed.

I would tell you that you look beautiful,

hair a mess,

oversized t-shirt on,

and I would smile with you,

undercovers,

stealing away quiet moments,

good mornings on lace pillows,

keeping the world that is waiting at bay.

I would tell you how the copper strands

in your hair

remind me of the last glimpses

of the setting sun,

dark orange streaks clinging to the day

and its vibrancy.

I would tell you how your amber eyes

shine like tiger iron

glinting golden brown, red jasper,

and occasionally black.

I would tell you how I wish I had time

to count all the freckles on your face,

and chart constellations in them

that would tell the stories behind your smile.

I would dance with you,

barefoot in the kitchen,

while we make breakfast,

laughing over burnt toast and spilled orange juice.

I would listen to your every dream

and tell you to chase them.

I would build walls of glow sticks, LED lights,

and candles to keep out every shadow.

I would tell you every morning

and every evening

that you are more than enough,

that you are wonderful, just as you are.

I would love you,

as I want to be loved.