Box

By Muriel Palanca

I want to give you something of myself,

whether it be my laughter, a story or a smile

because my love will have to wait

in a box marked “Return to sender”.

But I’ll keep It safe, like the secrets you told me

when you were the little spoon

and the applause you gave me

after my innocent song beneath the rain.

Until then, I’ll make my mistakes

while you keep your promises.

The space between us with

things left unspoken, untouched, understood, until another time.

All I can say is:

Honey, I hope you’re ready to be dazzled

because I will love you

so very much

someday

when we are both better people.