Don’t ask me if I love you.
What is love?
I know how I love my son and my sister,
Unconditional, without limits.
It’s my only guide to love myself.
I know attraction and limerence,
The unrequited care I pour,
Inconsistencies and confusion received.
But what is love beyond what I give?
Can you take me there,
Through presence and action,
Consistent, reciprocal, and rooted?
Do you have capacity and safe space
For my experience, and to share yours?
Show me.
I haven’t had the pleasure yet.
Until then, don't ask me if I love you.
-Melissa Donley