On my birthday, you were with her While I wished for time with you. Then you told me I was beautiful, Someone else would want me too. I had wanted something simple: To feel wanted by the man I love. You offered me a stranger When I’d been asking for us. You meant those words to comfort me. They cut where you couldn’t see. Someone else isn’t you. That’s why it hurt like it did. I wanted you to want me, Not tell me someone will. On the day I wished you’d hold me, You spoke of someone new. I didn’t ask who else could love me. I was asking you. Only when I said it hurt me Did you say you didn’t mean You could bear another holding The woman you might lose. But I’m tired of finding comfort Only after I explain. I want tenderness that finds me Before I have to name the pain. You say you couldn’t watch me go. Then why am I still here alone? Someone else isn’t you. That’s why it hurt like it did. I wanted you to want me, Not tell me someone will. On the day I wished you’d hold me, You spoke of someone new. I didn’t ask who else could love me. I was asking you. I finally see: There’s no future here for me. I’ve been making room for two Where you haven’t made room for me. There’s nobody waiting. I’m not leaving for a kiss. I just want more from being loved Than learning to live with this. Someone else isn’t you. For so long, that made me stay. I wanted you to want me; I can’t wish that into place. I want love that comes towards me, Want to feel desired too. I won’t reach for someone else Just because I can’t reach you. You said someone else would want me. I wanted you to say, “I do.”
