Unrequited

You don't know that I love you.

You probably never will.

I've hidden it in idle laughs

And gilded satire.

Unrequited love is nothing new;

It's part of humanity's bill

For being alive,

For playing with fire.

Like your hair,

Strands of flickering flames

Pulled back to show eyes

Of ever changing hues.

I'll always care.

I'll always cherish your name.

I'll hide behind not-so-false-lies,

Because that's what's best for you.

I'm a big girl;

"No" no longer terrifies me.

I'll smile on your wedding day

And always lend a hand.

Plus, it's a big world -

I won't always be lonely.

It'll take time and that's okay;

I understand.