One Touch

Cradle me, let your arms

be a touchpoint, take me back

to where I don’t remember

but feel like I could —

This holding that shows me

that I am beloved,

my perfect belonging

wholly assured 

(If there is one body

then there is one touch

that all of us yearn for 

and each one can give)

No need to settle

for that which is partial,

provisional, grudging,

for sometime acceptance

Let this touch assure you, too,

that you have always 

been welcome here.

©Wendy Mulhern

July 14, 2018

Touch Wisdom

Touch teaches tenderness,

teaches bones to soften their approach,

teaches the curl of the snuggle that,

coming in close and quick,

still doesn’t crash

Touch teaches affection

regardless of intent —

even mundane creature care

(diapers and washing)

leaves a connection that lingers

after the touch is released

My cerebral world taught me

the mind must decide first

if touch has been earned, is permitted,

but now my helping arms have learned

touch doesn’t need a reason.

©Wendy Mulhern

July 9, 2017