Deep in coldest January,
While at home or in the library,
Out with friends or all alone,
The secret, it did stay unknown.

Except for you and me, of course,
I didn't want to make things worse,
But I may have told a few trusted souls
From whom I couldn't hide my dreams and goals.

The secret weighed heavy on my mind,
And it chafed like ropes that bind.
All I wanted was to shout,
From a rooftop - scream it out!

But silent I did try to stay,
Thinking of it every day;
Waiting for when we would be rid
Of the powers that forbid.

Could I hold it in until next winter?
Oh, how my nerves began to splinter
From the constant, breathless feeling
Of how you always left me reeling.

Then the winter, it marched on
And new life continued anon.
Still the secret was with you and me,
I think we both longed to set it free.

I never will forget the night
The secret finally came to light.
Oh, my dear, you were so brave,
And our efforts finally were repaid.

The next day, the secret was put into words,
What I'd always wanted was what at last I heard!
What was our secret that lasted the winter through?
The secret was simply, "I love you."

**written in memory of our forbidden love**

© P.M. Turner