A teenage love poem

A teenage love poem

To those who gave me their love in return for very little

I love you because you write poetry on the urgent edges

of your empty room. Because you've attached verbs to the pain

that invades you and even when you can't remember I’m Sergio

it's me who accompanies you through the travesty of names.

And because you say, you’re beautiful, and leave with the dawn.

I love you because you took me to the river

and the flight of birds that nest in the water. You place your hand

on my shoulder to give me the encouragement I sometimes lose.

Because you stare me down

and wink your eyes to make me follow,

you inspire,

and welcome me, sustain

me in the air when I'm flying aimlessly

or when I've lost my bearing.