Don't Be Afraid

Don't be afraid if I say I love you.

Or think that I could ever

hurt, or lay you bare.

Or make demands you couldn't meet.

At the very least it gives a gentle meaning

to my body's urgent need of yours.

Even on this solitary level,

never touching more than a single core,

how perfect the intensity,

the dimensions of discovery,

of this kernel

that I cherish

in the recess of my soul.

So, if I say I love you,

please don't be afraid.

© Lynne Harris