Don't Turn Away

I've always loved you--
your hands, your eyes.
You are beautiful, you know,
Not quite like anyone.
"Baby girl," you laugh,
"that's just the way I am."
I've always admired you--
so strong, so sure
like you would never break.
But I've seen glimpses
of something locked inside,
it snakes behind your eyes
and twists your smile as you turn away.
I've always wondered
what had to burn
for those flames to dance so brightly
behind your eyes.
Will you tell me one day?
Let me gather the ashes
scatter them with my breath and
quench the flames with a kiss.
Let me love you.
I always have.