**published in The Shinnery Review 1998, Abilene, TX
Worlds Unspoken
If I said that I love You the world would not stop spinning, or collectively gasp. It would calmly shake Its mighty head without surprise and in slight disbelief (springing, or rather not, from Its hearing me utter those words to many a boy many a time). words are so cheap. But if I say naught, and that old adage holds true, then my actions are screaming raging becoming hoarse from telling You (and only You) I love You silently. And if You said You love me I would smile, I might kiss those uttering lips, but my world would not stop spinning or collectively gasp. It may even harbor a touch of disbelief (only because It has heard those words from many a boy many a time). words are just noise. But if they remain unspoken, and that old saying holds true, then I’d swear in Our silence I am deafened by the roaring thundering constantly in my ears of You telling me (and only me) You love me silently.