slow burn

I never believed
in a slow burn kind of love
the kind that lasts decades
until I met you

All I'd ever known
is love that lies
that hides
that keeps secrets
and turns a blind eye
to things shouldn't
live in the shadows

I don't know
how to be loved
without leaving the door open
and the windows unlocked
in case I have to fall
into a bush in the middle of the night
on my way out of town

But you tether me
without threats
or binds
or intimidation

When I let you hold me down
you hold me with the kind of love
that understands
that "no" is a full sentence
and that stop isn't a rejection
but a breath in between moments

In the middle of the night
when my demons come for me
and I wake up with memories
of a long dead life
you're there to hold me safe
and wrap me in your arms
the warmth of you there
to lull me back to sleep

I never believed
in a slow burn kind of love
the kind that lasts decades
until I met you

Seven years in
and I can't imagine
loving anyone else  
but you