I'm Sorry I Didn't Say It Sooner

By Jennifer Jones

Te amo

Ich liebe dich

I love you

Outer fingers splayed, middle and ring finger kissing my palm

***

All ways I could have told you

that first time around.

But I didn’t.

I told myself I wouldn’t

because I couldn't be sure,

couldn't know I meant it.

Instead, I left you hanging,

unsure,

withheld sentiments I overthought.

It would be a casual,

Love ya bye,

that first time spoken.

An automatic habit

from thousands of other calls

to other people.

I should have said

To you who waited so patiently,

***

Te amo

Ich liebe dich

I love you

Outer fingers splayed, middle and r

ing finger kissing my palm

🩷🩷🩷

Jennifer Jones, in no particular order, is a nerd, scientist, poet, wife, and mother. She teaches college level Astronomy in Colorado and enjoys blending her love of science with her love of poetry. Jennifer has anxiety, depression, and hearing loss, which influences her writing. She had called Michigan, Maryland, and Colorado home. Her twitter handle is @JenRMJones