I Love Poem by Mark Heathcote

I love courtyards embroidered with stars.
When I'm looking at you ruffling your hair
I love holding your hand beneath the moon.
And taking you upstairs to an empty bedroom

Sleeping spooned with little or few clothes on
I love smelling your French Channel perfume.
Imagining what's going on behind your eyelids
I love the palm of your hand stroking mine.

It feels like it's clutching a part of my soul.
I love the heady breaths you take when you sleep.
It's like an angel is next to me till dawn.
I love your soft ensuing morning kisses.

It's like I woke up in heaven hearing an angel call.
I love those silent moments when you dress.
And drop your night clothes on the floor.
I love all your lightness and darkness, all your faults.

I love you in all my foolishness and fear.
And when I wake and you are not near
To hold a part of my rubber ball soul
Darling, that's when I'm -wondering if you're real at all.

Darling, 'I love'—I could fill a teacup with tears.
When the milk sours, the door doesn't open anymore.
When I'm not embraced and greeted by your arms
Then there are no more star-embroidered courtyards without you.