a thread on love

I remember when I didn't know how to say "I love you"
as words had not yet met my tongue.
And when they did I felt no need to say the phrase
but proposed marriage to my little brother instead.

I remember when I didn't know how to say "I love you"
As I'd never had the reason to.
My eighth grade boyfriends surely never provided one,
And I learned to substitute a kiss instead.

I remember when I didn't know how to say "I love you"
As I'd given away my heart
And without my heart what could I say?,
But I ran away instead.

I remember when I didn't know how to say "I love you"
As I didn't know what that meant.
And meaningless words will always steal the sense from others,
And I believed the imposter instead.

I remember that I don't know how to say "I love you"
As I sit here on this hill.
And I'm not sure when you learn it or if I'll ever say it,
But as the wind blows and I don't see it, I know that in me love is there.