I knew I loved you when

The clay was yours and the thumbs
that pressed into your bare flesh
Were mine and not theirs

I knew I loved you when
You released those scarlet fangs
Sunk deep into your smooth skin
And the raw wounds began to heal

I knew I loved you when
The horizons awash in liquid gold,
Blended into rosé and twilight
That kissed indigo-blue waters,
Were etched into your eyelids

I knew I loved you when
You stopped peering over white picket fences
at other lush thickets
And watered your own emerald earth

I knew I loved you when
Those salted, warm tears melted your tongue
and you tasted truth
That you were good, and that you were enough

I loved you when
You molded me,
Your self-hatred diminished,
You wouldn’t stop dreaming,
You focused on your own growth,
And when

You loved me.