you are what laughter is

at 3 am after a long conversation

unexpected, loud, bright enough to fill

every empty crack with light

smile strong for all the hope

that is possible

stand tall for all the strength

that is potential

you are whipped cream melting

off a cake in the summer sun

are the lilting high notes of a violin

yet carry the lower registers too

looking at you blinds me and

draws me in at the same time

and I don’t even have a crush on you

all I’m saying is you carry joy like

other people carry a title

swing it through rooms like a signature

that promises not to be

inauthentic, forced

you talk of your flaws like

a jeweler trying to make a bargain

by exposing anything that might

bring the seller to drop the price

you don’t need to buy what you already own

don’t need to prove to me you are

validated in selling yourself short

I won’t believe you

I may not know all of you but I can see your glow

I may not be close enough to count your scratches

but I can tell you bring your own warmth