I Only Love You As a Friend

"I only love you as a friend"
Tho when your face from me turns 'way
My heart, with mixed emotions, sways
Yet, myself do I betray.

"I only love you as a friend"
Tho your smile, a warmth may bring
Happiness to everything,
To this lie, steadfast I cling.

"I only love you as a friend"
Tho I look with love-haunted eyes
They are blinded by my lies,
While a captive soul, in silence cries.

"I only love you as a friend"
Tho the laws of heart I breach,
I, for self-safety, teach
To put myself beyond all reach.

"I only love you as a friend"
At a loss these words given, received
My heart, of joy and love, bereaved.
Both you and I have been deceived.