Sincerely,

by F.S. Yousaf

I refuse to store All my joy in you. For if you ever leave, I would not know what to do.

You were the girl I wanted to charm with my writing, For I knew that average words would not work With you.

I ended up loving the moment More than the memories. I would rather be with you, And see you blossom day by day, Than remember how we used to be.

When I want to write about bliss, I think of you. When I want to write about tranquility, I think of you. When I want to write about the beauty of this world, My mind wanders only towards you.

I imagine more than What is good for me, But that is only because I am stuck daydreaming Over what we may do next.

One of my many goals in life Is to give you the type of love That I had always desired.

My mind carries your distinct fragrance, A humble reminder that I am Nowhere near you at the moment.

You made the descent look beautiful,

And brought color To the very ground you fell on.

How could I possibly be content With an outcome That is everything But you and me?

The first thing I fell in love with Was the way you wrote, So sweet, So innocent,

your smile had me at a peace, the smile you’d shelve away here and there.

Hold me until my breathing calms, When my heart is not pounding Through my chest with a rib-shattering ferocity. Hold me even after the exhausted slumber That comes with these cursed episodes. And as much as I wish for them To leave me be, Your presence comforts my mania With unbounding hope for an uncomplicated future.

Your hand Was the only one That could reach me.

We promised each other forever, And I find myself praying for that vow To be fulfilled

I am so entirely filled with love That I feel guilt In not being able to share these Emotions with others.

What would we be if we were to quit At the worst of moments?

There are speckles of art And humanity stuck within you, my dear. You are the one Who can choose to unleash Or imprison them.

So I can experience this world With no one else.

The distance was unusual, And the separation—cruel. But real love never fades, And I will ultimately Be by your side.

I came closer As you distanced yourself. I will not let you Fight alone.

The way you spoke Had me from The very first word, To the silence That followed.

You are a warrior in my eyes, One who stands tall, Pushing back against adversity. Your shadow casting larger Than you believe it to be.