sensitive extreme
third degree feeling
raw; infantile;
pathetic;
it hurts to breathe
it hurts to be

life burns
like the noon sun on my white skin
like barefoot patters on the rooftop

but you,

your contact is a cool sizzle
your touch is a drop of water on the hot stove
your hand on my back
soothes the swirling, spinning
chaotic tangles of thoughts

I'm a puzzle
& you're the missing piece