Unmasked Love

"Because I love you,"

I'll cover my mouth and my nose

with a mask

that makes it hard to breathe

and talk.

"Because I love you,"

I'll stay away

on holidays and birthdays,

those days we should be celebrating 

together.

And weekdays--

regular days that don't mean anything at all.

"Because I love you,"

we'll set up a Zoom

and stare at a screen

even though I’m tired from working on the computer.

And I’ll take a breath

when we try to talk 

at the same time.

"Because I love you,"

I'll yell at you 

if you walk into the house 

unmasked,

even if it’s just to drop something off.

"Because I love you,"

I might snap

if you come over unannounced,

even though I know

you just wanted to say "hi."

"Because I love you,"

I’ll leave gifts on your porch 

and honk the horn

as I drive away.

"Because I love you,"

We can talk in the doorway

but only for a minute

and only in good weather.

"Because I love you,"

I'll get you presents 

like individually wrapped treats

and hand sanitizer.

"Because I love you,"

I'll feel the pain of missing you,

your physical presence,

in the same room.

Then, "because I love you," 

I'll sneak a hug

And tell myself it's OK,

it's worth the risk 

of getting Covid.

Not of giving it though.

So, only if we both wear masks,

And I’ll hold my breath,

And yank my neck in the other direction 

as far as possible

So we don't breathe on each other.

See, because I love you,

I'll allow myself to contradict the warnings.

It might look to a passerby

like I don’t care

or I'm selfish

But I do care,

Absolutely,

Unquestionably,

And forever,

Because, I love you.

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