Kay,

Scott Whitby, 2023

When I didn't say

your dress was pretty or that

you were pretty in it, it didn't mean I

didn't notice,

just that I'm no good at that

When I didn't say

you're adorable and that

I adore you so, it didn't mean I

don't think you are

but how to say that, I didn't know

When I didn't say

I'd do it again with you and

this time I'd be frantic, it didn't mean

that I forgot...

I may have taken you for granted

When I didn't say

I missed you when you were gone

and couldn't wait 'til you were home,

that's on me

It was another thing I should've told

When I didn't say

you're the one for me

and no one else would do, it didn't mean

I wondered

about getting old with you

But...when I say I love you

like roses red and violets blue,

at least as deep as the sea, I hope that

you believe

it's what I really mean