And I love it when you say it back to me. As a friend. As a blessing. I love you and what you are. What you have shown me. I don’t believe in potential anymore. The future isn’t promised but i love you now. I love you in the depths of your suffering and in the glory of your happiness. I love the simple things: a quiet garden, meeting a beautiful stranger’s glances, drying my clothes on a clothesline, making Mac and cheese hung over in my kitchen, running my shaking hands over your body with the awe of a man looking at a god and other small moments. We are drowning together in a sea of blood and I love you. We have exchanged worms, ideas and lies. You have me by the teeth in absolute loyalty. The threshold is crossed. When you leave a dog on the side of the road he feels confusion instead of betrayal.