The Dreaded Words

The hated phrase , the one to dread .
The one you all one time have said .
The hardest words to say when true .
The most feared words , yes , I love you .

Though it may come to cross your lips ,
No one has cared to give you tips
On how to say it to a friend
So your relationship won't end .

And that is why we hate it so .
It terrifies the friends we know .
But though it's very hard to say ,
True love demands it be this way .

So speak obscurely , and with rhyme .
And add some charm when it comes time .
But never say , however true ;
The dreaded words , yes , I love you .

GREENWOLFE 1962