I asked you what you loved about yourself

and pressed my lips to your silence

as if I hoped

I could make you understand me

by osmosis.

I will kiss you until the final breath leaves my lungs,

and if you only take in

a tenth of my love for you,

even that would be enough.

You will know there is no one alive more beloved than you.

*The NewsLeather Editors graciously thank JustAsheli for allowing us to reprint this poem.