The world wants to be touched—
thin spikes of grass push up to bare soles,
the near weightless of the paper wasp nest
graces the open palms.
Cool earth crumbles between fingers.
Onion starts celebrate smoothness.
The chill rush of the river.
The comforting heat held in south facing cliffs.
The cactus spine was made
to prove how sharp it is.
The thorn bush tugs on the legs because it can.
And I, though I can be pricklesome,
I, too, long to be held, to be cradled,
to be kissed. I long to know myself
through the hands and lips of you,
the way the piano is most itself
when it’s touched, the way
bread becomes bread
when kneaded.
How gorgeously evocative this is! And so timely for a social distancing time as this. Creation sings out its beauty and whispers an invitation to us to see, appreciate and touch it. Thanks for reminding us, Rosemerry. 😊💜
I think for those of us who love touch, this is an especially difficult time!!!
You’re right, Rosemerry, it definitely is difficult! Sending virtual hugs to loved ones and friends isn’t quite the same, is it? We’re more or less carrying on as normal at home with just the two of us, but maintaining social distancing otherwise. Neither of us could survive as well emotionally if we didn’t hug one another. But we know that would have to change if one of us got sick with the coronavirus. One of our neighbours, a key transport worker, thinks he might have mild symptoms so he’s isolating himself as much as possible from his wife and two sons within the house. Not easy at all… 🙁
so hard. Every morning, every night, I hold my children. It’s life saving, this snuggling.