Privacy Poem by Oliver Roberts

I love you when
you never remember
to switch the light off
in the bathroom
before you come to bed.

I love you in winter
when you walk around
the house in my socks.

I love you when
you've just bathed
and you kiss me
and your damp hair
sticks to my forhead.

I love you after
they've all gone home
and you put on
that piece of music
you love while
I'm washing the dishes.

I love you just before
you see me in the street
when I am waiting
to meet you.

I love you when
you do your lipstick
on a bumpy road
and it comes out perfect.

I love you on Tuesday morning
when I'm late for work
because you had me trapped
beneath the covers.

I love you lying in the dark
at two in the morning
hearing your whisper
asking if I'm still awake.

I love you at goodbye
because even now
after all this time
our parting still feels awkward.

I love you just now
when you open the door
and hold my face
delicately in your hands
as if it were a broken star.

This is how you say hello.