There are rules
a gentleman follows,
first
and foremost,
above all else.
To be a friend,
without condition.
To cherish,
without selfishness.
And to love,
without expectation.
I gladly accept
all of these things,
as they keep me
somewhat in your life.
I only wish that sometimes
I were not a gentleman,
and that I could allow myself
to linger
just a moment longer
in your wake.
That I could come closer
and not worry about consequence.
That I could be loved
if only circumstance
had chosen favor,
and worthiness
could ever be earned.