We whisper “I miss you” instead of “I love you”. Because that’s all thats ever meant anything. “I miss you” exchanged with glances across the room. I miss you in your arms. I miss you laying next to you. I miss you when you show up. “I miss you” as I tell you about the dream I had. It was about you but you don’t know that. I miss you as we lay in silence. Sprawled across the floor waiting for yesterday. I miss you when you wrap your arms around me and when you touch my face. “I miss you” as you walk away. You’re across the room but you may as well be across the globe. I miss you as I leave the room. You’re alone for less than a second. I miss you when I walk back through the door. I miss you in the brief second when I’m in the car and you’re not. The echoing silence and your muffled voice outside the window. I miss you when I can’t hear you over the song we’re singing. I miss you in the hours I’m not awake. I miss you when you’re miles away and I miss you when I can reach out and touch you. I miss you through January and May. I miss you when my eyes are closed. “I miss you” as we fall asleep. When tired eyes steal my time with you. I miss you in the air between conversation. When the words float across the atmosphere. I miss you when my guard is down and I’m not afraid. I miss you when the lights are off and I can’t tell which way you’re facing. I miss you in the morning when you have to go back home. I miss you in the darkness when I’m leaving you. I miss you while I hold you while I cry and beg you to stay. We both know. I ask anyway. I ask every time. I miss you when I ask. I miss your voice when you answer me. I miss you when I’m laughing through my tears. How dumb we must look this way. Ive missed you for years and I’ve only known you a day. I miss you I miss you. I love you I love you. I miss loving you I love missing you.

But I really wish you’d stay.