can i keep you?
have i dazzled you yet?
is it enough, all that i've said?
no? not yet?

catch your fancy,
have i done that already?
i certainly hope so,
no? not yet?

could it be that i have made you
happy, warmed you, enthralled you,
influenced you, made you adore me, caused you to
need me, long for me, miss me?

crept, little by little, into your
heart, made a place for me
inched my way, slowly, silently
nicely, smoothly, removed most of your barriers?

could it be that i am just dreaming
harboring another unlikely thought, just wishfully thinking?
i know i won't be who i hope i can be
never, ever, i won't reach you. . .

all i can do is teach myself
to finally get that,
i have to,
i ought to