i long to feel arms round me
ache for touch
not lust

touch

will skin ever touch skin again
will strength ever flow from
tiny vibrations
veins that bump each other
warm flesh against warm flesh

i've noticed the critters nestle me
cradle me
best they can

hens sit in my lap
pups curl up close
ponies rest their neck on my shoulder

Sarah sleeps up tight against me

they sense my need
and so I pet and stroke and scratch

but oh!

i miss flesh.

Naomi Marshall
May 7,Thursday, 2020