Unrequited love

I loved you quietly,

like a song I hummed to myself

in the dark,

hoping you’d hear it somewhere

and turn.

I watched you laugh

and felt a hollow bloom in my chest—

wanting to be the reason

behind that light,

knowing I never could.

I traced your shadow

on the sidewalks,

followed the sound of your voice

through crowded streets,

but you moved through the world

like I was nothing but air.

Sometimes I catch myself smiling

at the thought of you,

and it hurts,

because I know

you’ll never feel the weight of this love

pressed quietly against my ribs.

I am learning to love the ache itself,

to find beauty in a heart

that loves without return,

because even in longing,

I am alive,

and I have known you—

even if only in my own silent way