Why can't you love me back

When you know love is all that I have for you, he asked in his boyish simplicity 

I don't believe in love, I replied

Have you ever fallen in love, he questioned

Many times, I responded 

Then why don't you believe in my love, he argued 

Love came to me in phases 

Sometimes it seemed mutual 

Sometimes it was one sided 

But it left a gnawing ache 

When expectations weren't met 

And I was left stranded 

Alone 

Questioning myself 

That's when I decided I was done

And shielded myself from love, I finally reasoned 

He kept quiet for a while

And said even if you don't respond to my feelings

I will keep loving you not for eternity 

But as long as the pain of not having you resonates.

©LR