For Tex
Do I love you because you’re handsome? No.
Though your looks could make me weak
in the knees,
that isn’t why I long for you.
I don’t love you for your smile or your hazel eyes
or your athletic build or your gentle hands.
What I felt by simply looking at you
was nothing in comparison
I love you for lacing my ice skates
for not laughing when I fell
for helping me to my feet.
I love you for not making me feel young
even though you can legally drive, vote, and drink.
I love you for the idle conversation
about birthdays and vacations and private school.
You made me feel beautiful and worthy of something.
That is why I love you.
-MWE
23 March 2000
