JUST A FRIEND

You call me a friend, And I smile As a friend should smile. You tell me your secrets, Your fears, The person you really like. I listen to every word, Though some words Fall heavy inside. You ask me, “Do you think they care?” What answer should I give? I wish the name you spoke Was mine, Just once. But wishes are not truth, And love cannot be won By wishing harder. I will not force my way Into a heart That has chosen another road. So I remain your friend, Near enough to hear, Far enough to hide. Sometimes I feel brave, Ready to tell you everything— Then you smile. And that smile makes me silent, Because I fear losing Even the little I have. Perhaps one day This feeling will become Only an old memory. Till then, I will care without a claim, And carry my unnamed love.