Yes we can — as long as I don’t
look you straight in the eye when you are talking to me because
I will be mesmerized by the depth of your soul.
As long as I don’t ever hug you and feel the warmth that
comes with your embrace.
As long as you don’t hold my hand as you talk to me
because I won’t be able to let go.
As long as you don’t whisper in my ear because your voice
is my lullaby.
Yes we can — as long as you don’t
dance with me because no one moves me like you do.
As long as you don’t smile at me, because I lose myself
in your smile.
As long as you don’t listen to me when I tell a story
because I will want to tell you all my stories.
As long as you don’t tell me intimate details about your
life because I will want to fix it all and be there to heal
your scars.
Yes we can — as long as you don’t
put your hands around my waist as we walk into a crowded room,
because then I will feel the security that comes with knowing
you are behind me.
As long as you don’t tell me about that other girl that I
will envy so much.
As long as you don’t text me in the morning because I
will not be able to stop thinking about you all day.
As long as you don’t kiss me goodbye because the taste of
your lips still lingers.
Yes we can still be friends — as long as we keep this
distance and keep pretending that there is nothing more between
us.
Yes we can still be friends — as long as I hold my words
in, silence the voice that wants to scream that I am madly in
love with my friend.
—Rania Naim, Can We Still Be Friends?