To Richard Poem by Charlotte Ballard

When I say
I love you.
You ask me
Why-
I smile and make
A Joke but
Inside, inside deep.
I know
It's because you
Touch each kitten born
Too soon with gentleness
Like that of a May breeze
Painting the leaves silver-black
It's because you remember
My words tumbling
Over each other like waves over
Lichen covered rocks, endlessly.
And then do what I had
Only casually mentioned.
It's because you try so
Hard to do what's
Right-like a Warrior
Prince guarding a Rear Retreat.
Of course, you say.
Of course, you say again,
Shrugging your shoulders.
I love you still.