The first time I touched your face
Sensations:
Chilling warmth,
Guarded openness,
Removed proximity,
Hardened softness

You suddenly
Seemed so, so lonely
So small,
Sad,
Lost,
Empty

And I wanted to wrap my arms
Around your shoulders,
To feel more than just a square inch
Of tender skin;
Of you

I wanted to hold you tight
So tight, you couldn't have slipped away
Even if you tried to
Pull you so close,
Not even the boundless scars
Of timeless secrets
Could come between us

But I didn't,
I couldn't,
I wouldn't
Some cowardly part of me feared
That you would disappear
Fade away
Cease to be there by my side

That I'd lose you forever,
If I pushed too hard.