sweet girl

i knew it right away

and still

i messed up

i should have stayed silent
should have taken a breath
should have stopped
should have taken a moment to calm myself
but the words spilled out

missed connections 

distance that i wish was not there

oh sweet girl 

close to my heart but far from my arms

those moments on repeat
going over them again and again
i know what to do
what not to do
promises made to myself
promises to you

i yearn to wrap you in my arms

sweet girl

to show you my love

to heal the hurt

you bring such joy

i wonder if you realize

just how much i treasure

laughter bubbling up and overflowing

radiance shining from your smiling eyes

warmth in your contented presence

contagious reach of your carefree spirit

but the words spilled out

you did not hear my love

only the critiques

i should have stayed silent

should have taken a breath

oh sweet girl

i messed up

and i am so sorry

again

you are precious

you are loved

you are perfectly you

you are enough

you are