When I saw
the look on your face
talking about the past
the hurt, the last humiliation
your anger and disgust
suppressed by layers
of years and self-aggretion
I felt it in me
the absolute, disconcerting need
to keep you
in my arms
to keep you
safe
to keep you
warm and kind
Because I can't stop picturing
the look on your face
when I keep you
embraced