By Patrick Johnston
If I were in love with the idea
Of you
I would see the flawless skin
Of your profile pics
And the hidden hair
Behind your hijab
And your hidden body
Beneath black hoodies
And baggy jeans
If I were in love with the idea
Of you
I would see that your skin is not flawless
And I would see your anger
And the way the world saps your strength
And although you might never admit it
Your need to be understood
And accepted
As you are
If I were in love with the idea of you
I would have given up
On the idea.
