I LOVE YOU

I love you

not because I have learned to tell you so;

not because my heart suggests these words,

not even because faith has made me believe

that you are love;

and not even because you cried for me.

I love you

because you have entered into my life

more than the air in my lungs,

more than the blood in my veins.

You have come and entered

where no one could enter;

when no one could help me,

each time no one could console me.

Every day I have spoken with you.

At every moment I have looked at you

and in your countenance

I have found the answer;

in your words the explanation;

in your love the solution.

I love you

because for many years

you have lived with me

and I have lived with you.

I drank from your love,

and did not know it.

I was nourished with it,

became strong in it

I found new courage,

but I was unaware of it

like a child who drinks its mother's milk

and still does not know

how to call her by that sweet name.

Help me to be grateful

- at least a little -

in the time which is left to me,

for this love that you have given me

and has compelled me to tell you

I love you