I’ve seen you smile on the outside

knowing you were struggling on the inside.

I’ve heard you speak words of strength and assurance

while holding uncertainty underneath your tongue.

I’ve known what other see

and I’ve known what they don’t.

I’ve witnessed your life out loud

and honored your truths in silence.

Because loving you doesn’t mean I love the parts of you that you want me to.

Loving you means

I love every part of you

because I want to.

It means I love the pieces of. you

and the entire you.

It means I love you when I tell you

and all the times I don’t.

It means I will stand with you when you succeed

and I will hold you

when you fall.

It means I pray you will see yourself

as love sees you.

It means when you’re not sure of anything at all

I am sure

of everything

in you.