Embrace

Handling you
with a delicate touch

Is my grip too weak
as to be alarming?

Or too strong
as to be suffocating?

How can I open my arms?

so clumsy

When you had always
done this
for me.

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Lighthouse

A sentry posted at the ends of the earth
Watches the ocean on a serene day
On a railing, the seagulls perch
Facing inland or seaward
He does not know if they have a preference
But from his tower, he spreads his arms;
They are wide enough to embrace both.

Swiss Army Knife

Your hands:
Soothe
Knead
Play
Caress
Tickle
Punch
Grasp
Draw
Write
Mold
Scratch
Dab
Braid
Weave
Carry
Smooth
Massage
And embrace me.

Do not let the world diminish who you are: A wonder.

Palmistry

On a wintry night, I lay my hand against your cheek
And told you a fairy tale my grandfather once read to me.
In that forgotten memory, he sparks to life once again.
A bittersweet joy rouses in my heart,
Makes rich the honey of my words,
Provokes the desire to hold you carefully in comfort;
To adore you as he simply once adored me —
That giving reserved only for children,
And although we no longer laugh so freely
I press my palm to yours
And in the silence know, our heart lines have met
And embraced each other.

My Favorite Hour

The warmth of three o’clock
Is hot cocoa after the steam melts
Into a white-ghost wisp
Is the sun suspended on her swing, falling
Just below the apex
Is the lingering memory of a kiss
Embraced before it grays
Recalled on the last note —
The splendor of a serenade

Nature Break

An hour of sun
Who sees me forever young
A hug, a promise