I Didn't Fall In Love With You

I didn't fall in love with you

because I needed you.

I didn't need the way you mumble in your sleep,

reaching out to pull me against you.

I didn’t need the way your stubble feels on my neck,

lightly tickling the skin,

light giggles free falling from my lips.

I didn’t need the way my heart skips a beat

at the sight of your smile lines,

or the feel of your hands moving through my hair,

I didn’t need the way my breath catches in my throat

at the sound of your laugh,

or the smell of your skin,

or at the taste of your breath.

I didn’t need the way I adore your coffee,

or the bad jokes you pull from the air just so I smile.

I didn’t fall in love with you

because I wanted someone to love.

Love was foreign,

a twisted myth designed to raise hopes and expectations

then crumble the ground beneath you

causing a free fall.

I didn’t want the late night confessions of affection,

the way you tell me I feel like home,

or the way you brush my hair behind my ears

while muttering your love of me.

I didn’t want the photos hanging on the wall across our bed,

molding in with your family like I am a part of it.

I didn’t want the habit of calling out the words “my love".

I didn’t fall in love with you

because I needed you to make me feel happy,

I fell in love with you

because you showed me what home is,

what it is like to give love and receive it back in equal measure.

I fell in love with you

because you showed me

what it is like to need and want someone,

more than needing air to breathe.