I Love You

Why did you say those words, so long ago, their meaning now lost in time. Why did you make me believe you, I was OK by myself, yeah lonely perhaps, but OK. Your body excited me, your touch, your smile, but they were mere superficial desires, easily obtainable needs. You weren’t my first there were others before you. You knew that. I was open and honest with you. You weren’t the first to say what you said, but I believed you, I believed you felt the meaning of the phrase, the conviction in your voice, the promises you made. You knew what you were saying when you spoke the words, yet you said it anyway, You knew what it would mean to me. I wanted more. I guess you could say I needed you, but needs are easily satisfied. You never understood that. You never understood needs can be satisfied by anyone. Your desire is what I craved. Your desire to be with me, to hold me, to touch me, to spend your life with me, to show unending affection for me, to want me to want you, and to want me in return, but you didn’t want me, you needed me. You needed me to be there when you cried. You needed me to keep you from being lonely. You needed me when the girls were born, when you had your Lasik and your wisdom teeth pulled. You needed me to do the dishes and to cook meals and to show off to your friends. You needed me to help you to escape from a life you no longer wanted. When your needs were satisfied, you were gone, not physically at first, but gone just the same as was your desire for me. Why? Why! Why did you have to say those words. Why, did you have to say, I love you.
10/09/2017
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

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Breidenthal Avatar
October 29, 2017 at 5:14 AM
I love this open honesty, this spill of emotions and truth. There is evident hurt in these words which easily invokes sadness to the reader. "You needed me to help you to escape from a life you no longer wanted." There's a lot of power in the truth. It can leave one weak and wanting more. Always, Laura
Inman Avatar
October 29, 2017 at 2:26 PM
A beautiful comment Laura. I sometimes like an earthy casual tone in writing. For me it gives the feel of a one on one conversation, especially when combined with open emotion.
Daniel Avatar
October 10, 2017 at 8:58 AM
I feel very sad after reading this, James, heartfelt and honest poetry:)
Inman Avatar
October 10, 2017 at 2:51 PM
I'm sorry I've made you sad, but the compliment is implicit in your emotions Jo, for there could be no better way for you to show your favor than by sharing your emotions. Thank you.
Williams Avatar
October 10, 2017 at 1:22 AM
Powerful but sad too. A great choice f words James...Maria
Inman Avatar
October 10, 2017 at 4:27 AM
Thank you for your nice visit Maria. I read on one of your comments that you were born in India. You have a rather unusual name for being born in India? A Spanish first and English last, sounds Puerto Rican.
Tor Avatar
October 9, 2017 at 11:34 PM
Wow. A favorite James. I can surely relate.
Inman Avatar
October 10, 2017 at 4:22 AM
Thanks, but I'm sorry to hear that Michael.
Pandit Avatar
October 9, 2017 at 4:02 PM
This is such a powerful poem--about what it means to love and be loved--well done James!
Inman Avatar
October 9, 2017 at 4:35 PM
Thanks Vijay.
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