Double Standards

Unquestioningly I expect,

and would be offended

if I didn't get,

your absolute belief

in what I tell you.

When I say how I feel,

you should see truth.

No doubts, no reservations

or misgivings.

Absolute confidence,

absolute certainty.

I expect nothing less

when I lay myself on the line...

open my life's book

to the chapter of my heart.

And on my part,

I find,

much to my own disappointment,

that I do not return the favor

in kind.

I am the place where "I love you"

meets the arched eyebrow,

and "I miss you"

encounters "Oh yeah??"

*side-eye*

I am the contradictory ground

where saying what I mean

meets skepticism

of what I hear,

failing to believe.

And I know it sounds cliche,

but I'm gonna say it anyway,

it's all me,

and not you.

There's no reason for disbelief

based upon reality...

but in my mind,

dangerous ground.

That's the place

where the arguments thrive,

between myself and I.

Where, "I love you,"

meets "right....why?"

Where, "I only wanna be with you,"

meets "Until something better comes along."

Where "You're beautiful,"

and "He's full of it,"

battle it out for days.

And days

and days....

I'm careful, though,

not to let it show

on the outside.

Regardless of the battle

raging on the inside,

I bluff.

Conceal the doubt,

and insecurity.

I am covert in the questions

plaguing me.

Allow nothing to show.

A confident front

for you to see.

Only that

and a demand

for your confidence in me.