Bilingual

 

“Drive safe.”

“I will.”

I slam your door, the stubborn one

That never shuts properly.

I daren’t look back as I climb the steps, but

I hear you shift into first gear.

 

I know those words

Seem to you a mindless phrase;

Casually said, thoughtlessly accepted.

But they are my prayer beads.

I cling to them. Count them as I go:

A blessing and an entreaty for you.

 

Those words fill me

With aching vindication,

Because despite that respect restrains

Me from saying the rest,

I rest, reminded that “I love you”

Comes in many forms.