Not Love.

You think you love me

When all you really love

Is how my smile reminds you
Of the mother you never had.
Her gap-toothed smile

Watching from the picture frames

In your father’s house,
Its dusty hallway empty

Like his heart.

It’s easy to fall in love

With someone who feels like home –

Their breath on your skin

Like the storm against your window.
The light in their eyes

Like fireflies in the dark.
Their voice is music

Because it's not yours.
The blisters on their hands

Are cotton against your palm.

Tell me how you love me
On days you don't love yourself?