ONLY MINE

I told you, love, a hundred times,
That when you smile, the whole world shines.
That joy is mine when you're with friends—
At least that’s what my voice pretends.

But truth, it trembles in my chest,
A secret ache I can’t suppress.
For though I cheer your world so wide,
I long to stand alone beside.

You are my heaven, earth, and skies,
A sun that sets behind my eyes.
Yet when you laugh and turn away,
I lose a little more each day.

I want to hold you, just for me—
No crowds, no noise, just quietly.
But chains of love must not confine,
And I can't make what isn’t mine.

So I will love you from afar,
A silent wish on every star.
And when you shine where others see,

I'll whisper, “Come back home to me.”

BY JOSHUA PATRICK MAGEZI