We've known each other
Since your mother
And my father
Married.
We were but children,
Our bond
Was instantaneous,
And for years
We lived together
As brother
And sister,
Our relationship free
And uncomplicated.
Until that one bright day
When I saw you
For the first time,
Noticed your beauty
And recognized
The woman you were
Becoming.
Suddenly
You were no longer
My sister
And I wanted much more
For us,
But dread and confusion
Kept me silent.
Since then
More than a decade
Has passed and
My love has grown,
Filling every corner
Of my being.
Until tonight when
My worst fears
Were realized,
For you have
Promised yourself
To another.
If I at last
Declare myself
Can you see me
As more than
Your brother?
Can you see me
As the man
I've become?
Can you love me
As I love you?
Dare I risk everything
For you?

c. 2020

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay