I do not love you straightforwardly

Back to the basics, one at a time

Breathe in, breathe out
Love and be loved
It's simple, but simple is hard
Nobody said it was easy
But what's hard is simple

I do not love you like the flight of an arrow
I love you like the wind that takes it off course
There is pride in that love, and in who it's for
Yet I will veer away and find an easier target

I do not love you straightforwardly
Shadows blend with the soul
I love you in cryptic messages
Simple words are for simpler people

I know how, why and I know from where
I forgotten all else to make room in my mind
Plants that never bloom must become the flower
I love you like still air loves the wind

But my hand, my eyes will never find yours
I keep my eyes open so you may sleep
The hand on my chest feels a dying heartbeat
A complicated rhythm, out of sync with the world

Back to this basics, but wiser this time
Breathe in, breathe out
Play the game and hope to lose
I wish I could love straightforwardly
I'm a simple man
But it's hard to be simple