First- why she has to tell you
as if there needs to be
a reason, a justification

Second- a warning- a request
dontsayanythingyet
not that she doesn't want an answer
more that she doesn't want the wrong one

Lastly-whispered affection
spoken with dry lips,
averted eyes;
unconcealed hope

eyes don't shine,
smiles, but mouth only.
in her mind you're a puppy,
just not the one she took home
from the store.

she would never say it in words,
she cares at least that much,
but she's been telling you for weeks
with the way she leans in the doorway
always on the jamb
farthest from you.