The poem expresses unrequited love for Beth Cooper, as the speaker declares their love for her in 5 words, but Beth misunderstands and takes it as an insult rather than a confession of love, revealing that Beth was afraid of love.

1. Beth Cooper I love you beth cooper That’s all you ever said And yet those 5 words Aren’t inside my head Those words were meant for someone else Someone without my name I though beth cooper was a metaphor But She and I are not the same I love you beth cooper The last confession ever made And yet you took it as an insult I never said love was forbade I always knew you were afraid