I remember the very
first time she said it.
I was fixing a bike
for the little kid upstairs.

It was soft almost a whisper.
I only half heard it.
She said
I love you honey.
I was dumbfounded

Getting oil from the bike chain
all over my shirt.
Say it again.... Again...
I whispered.... please
say it again.

I love you
she uttered quietly.
I looked at her
so unsure of herself
almost quivering with
my unknown response.

But there was something
about her that grasped my heart
and I knew I would want
to hear her
say it to me forever.

Then she got braver
I Love You.
I Love You,
I Love you
she shouted at full voice.

Like the words had been
on her tongue
for a long time.
Desperately waiting to be said.
Desperately waiting to be heard.