I Love You

How do you say, “I love you,”

When you don’t know if it will last?

How do you tell them, “I need you,”

When all you’ve touched hurt in the past?

How do you say, “I love you,”

When you’re afraid its not true?

How do you tell them, “I need you,”

When you want them to need you.

How do you say, “I love you,”

When they love someone else?

How do you tell them, “I need you,”

When they want someone else?

How do you ask, “Do you love me?”

When you don’t know what you feel?

How do you inquire, “Do you need me?”

When you don’t think it’s real.

How do you ask, “Will you love me?”

When you hate what you’ve done?

How do you inquire, “Will you need me,

When you find that special someone?”

How do you ask, “Can you love me?”

When you don’t know who you are?

How do you inquire, “Can you need me?”

When you haven’t helped them so far?

How do you say, “I love you,”

When you don’t love yourself?

How do you tell them, “I need you,”

When you think you only need yourself?

November 1996