I know
without a trace of doubt
that I have occupied
a large part of precious real estate
in your heart

And
the truth is
I have loved you
with my whole heart
the truth is I love you still

Yet we loved on the periphery
hidden from the world
a secret place
where lovers laugh, kiss,
then stealthily return home

Two realities never colliding
because love will end
next week, next year
& endings are hard
for the children, for others too

Untenable.
The joy we shared
was never meant to be contained
too big to be compartmentalized
too pure to be kept hidden away

I love you
Miss you with soul crushing intensity
But love on the periphery
has made a preemptive strike
with next week/next year
arriving already as an unwelcome guest