I would prefer you to take
my heart and break
it in two.

It can't hurt more than this waiting
for signs, picking up hints and bits
of could-be longing. I spend my time hating
and loving this and me and you
and it's breaking me.

Breathing halts and blood bolts
through my veins at the sight
of you; I spend the days wandering if tonight
will be the one I say or you say
what may or may not be mutually on our minds.

Sometimes I come close to the words
and stutter. The thought of your turn-down turns
my stomach - and so I stay waiting
for you to be braver than me.

And so you stay waiting
for me to be braver than you.

Because cowards can only love
alone.