When You Talk Of Him

You talk about him like a song
That's played for you your whole life long
Your smile draws shapes the moon would chase
I nod and try to keep my face
Each word you speak, a soft parade
Of dreams you think will never fade
I hold the silence like it's mine
And drink your joy like borrowed wine
I'm happy when you talk of love
Though every word cuts deep enough
You shine for someone not in view
While I keep burning just for you
It's strange how peace and ache can blend
How listening hurts and still won't end
But when you glow with every line
I learn to love you without mine
You count the ways he makes you laugh
And I pretend it's not my half
Of what I hoped you'd one day feel
For someone real, for something real
You light the room without a clue
That I see skies inside of you
And though I'm quiet, I still stay
To hear the joy you give away
I'm happy when you talk of love
Even if I'm not enough
Your words draw portraits I can't be
But still I frame them silently
There's warmth in watching you confess
Even while hiding my unrest
You bloom for someone far from here
And I just smile to keep you near
I never tried to change the thread
Just sat and stitched the things unsaid
If love means more than being seen
Then this is love, in everything
I'm happy when you talk of love
And hold it like a fragile dove
Your laughter hangs in every pause
A melody that won't be ours
But still I stay, still I admire
The way you spark, the way you fire
And if you never look this way
At least I loved you, come what may