being young
and stupid
expectant of his missing me
I easily
hopefully
recall the feel of his hand in mine
smooth
calming
as it slips into mine
fingers
long as branches
from a hand
unhesitant to touch
his thumbnail
wider
and flatter
than mine
careful as I was
to touch
to memorize
and my palm
more damp than his
warmer
he said
smiling
tightenting grip
fingertips eager
to caress
skin
wrists bending
to reach
careful to conceal
hopeful to remain
and so many weeks later
I can recall
in the heart of me
every crease of his fingers
every contour of a nail
every softness of his arm
and I know that my hand will never again
touch
tighten in
caress
his hands

08/11/2002

Posted on 08/11/2002
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