Hint Of Color

Forgive me, if I look too long
And often at your face
I hope that I don't bring offence
Between us in this place,
And further that my weakness
Will not our friendship mar,
But I cannot help but marvel
At how beautiful you are.

I love how, when I tell you so,
The color comes to your cheek.
There's a softening in your eyes,
And you hesitate to speak;
But not out of embarrassment
At what you hear me say,
How I take great pleasure
In seeing you here today.

I know you've said that you don't want
To fall in love again.
You've been burned too many times
By those you thought were friends.
And I know I'm not anyone's
Idea of a catch.
I don't blame you if you don't
Want to make us a match.

Yet, sitting here at dinner
With you by my side,
I cannot help a bit of hope
From springing up inside.
And so I dare to look at you,
And so I dare to speak,
To see that little hint of color
Rising in your cheek.