Crushing Angst

we’re really good together,
except for one thing.

i enjoy her company.
she’s sexy,

perceptive, devoted, compliant.
she loves me.

i feel guilty,
like i’m taking advantage.

i enjoy her intellect,
her kindness, her generosity, her sexuality,

but can’t
reciprocate her feelings.

i can’t say the words
she wants to hear,

the words she craves
will not issue forth.

she says
she understands,

making me feel
even more uncomfortable.

i can sense her pain, but
i can not be insincere, so,

when she says “love”,
i remain silent.

© 2024 Raibeart Bruis