Speak to them in hushed breaths
A wisp of air formed from chapped lips
Glide warm palms over scarred skin stretched smooth
Trace veins and leave a trace of your scent
On raw hearts and bruised body parts
Scratch sharp nails down the backs
Of those you have loved
So you can leave your mark
Rest your head on the chests
Of those you wish to be linked to
Hear the breath leave the lungs
Of those you hold close
And be soothed by the swell
Of cages of bones that hold back
The weighted hearts of once free men