"Hidden Feelings"

There are feelings here that can’t be hidden any longer.  

Forever trying to force them down, I find they’re growing stronger. 

Is this a tentative friendship, or the clumsy lover’s dreams?   

Am I experiencing love; is that what this confusion means?   

I’m lonely when you’re gone, and resigned when you are here   

because you’re always far away, even when you’re near.   

I can’t tell where desire ends and where the lovin’ starts.   

Is this what the fairy tales mean when one gives away one’s heart?  

I want to touch you softly, to talk with you and to share.   

I want to say a simple phrase, just “Darlin’ I do care.”   

I'm not asking for eternity; I’m just hoping for one day.    

For I need a chance to show to you the feelings I’ve hidden away. 

Copyright 1977 Elizabeth Abrams Chapman