If I Still Love You

If I still love you,

should I say it out loud?

Or should I let it rest quietly,

like a trace of sunlight left on my shoulder?


Some things don’t need to be spoken,

because just thinking of them

already hurts enough.

Like hearing an old song again —

you still know every note,

but you no longer have the courage to sing along.


I still remember you —

softly,

the way one remembers the scent of a café

where they once sat with someone

on a rainy afternoon.


It doesn’t ache anymore,

but sometimes,

when the wind passes by,

my heart sinks just a little.


If I still love you,

I won’t look for you,

won’t send a message.

I’ll just keep one quiet wish in my heart —

that you are at peace.


Because some loves

don’t need to end in pain.

They only need enough tenderness

to stop

while the heart

still cares.