I love you not because you are wise,
Though you clear the shadows from my eyes.
I love you not for your supportive strength,
Though you have offered it at such great length.
I love you not for your softness and care,
Though it warms my heart just to know it’s there.
I love you not for the depth of your love,
Though it heals my soul with all it is made of.
Not for your gaze that steadies my mind,
As you offer your presence that helps me find mine.
Not for your loyalty and commitment that stays,
And helps me through on my darkest of days.
Not for your voice and the truths you share,
That inspire me and heal me, coming out of thin air.
Not for your silence when you listen so well,
And hear the place within where my spirit dwells.
Not for the dreams that you help me to see—
Dreams from which I find more of all I can be.
I love you not for all these things,
Though I treasure the gifts that these do bring.
I love you just because you are—
Whether happy or sad, near or far.
I love you just because you are;
Love as unending and unconditional as the light of a star.