If they ever knew what you meant to me,
If they ever knew the truth:
If they knew how much I love you
And have loved you since my youth

They would make of me an outcast, love --
It becomes not my profession
Once they knew, they would surely find
Judgement clouded by affection

If to show my love is forbidden me,
Then let it take this form:
That I only strive to paint your likeness true
While yet my inner heart stays warm

You will remain, though silently,
My hero, my best friend
But may all who chance to read these lines
Never truly comprehend.