Pause

The words sit at the tip of my tongue,
like a forgotten ballad gone unsung.
I wait to speak, a pause because
my heart’s too weak, this love’s too young.
My silent response could break his spirit
to say only once, begs not to hear it.
He said, “I love you,” my voice runs dry
I would reply, I miss my cue.
I have no choice.
My tongue is tied, I feel unsteady.
Silence hung as I’m not ready
To vocalize I love him too.