Have you ever been first in a relationship 
to say those three little enchanting words
that rock the world?

The moment before . . . 
Your stomach scrunched in huge knots.
Heart racing.
Will he leave?
What if he’s silent?

But when it’s whispered back?
Relief.
Ecstasy.
Uncontained joy of mutual connection in
sharing that magical phrase for the first time.
The unique excitement of budding romance. 

And years later, if we’re lucky
The euphoria might mellow 
But nothing compares to the assurance 
That each time you say it to
your one and only
It will be echoed in response.  
I love you.

By Melissa Hinnen, February 14, 2022