i am big arms
and awkward but gentle hands that are
trying to hold you
drawing soft, swirly patterns on your shoulder
we can (both) pretend i'm better at this (than i am)
cupping your knuckles in my palm
i tried to hold your fingers, but mine
started trembling
so i had to let you go
a primitive murmur scratches in me, and warmth
spills over my lips
pours from my throat
hits the air and frosts over into silk
i spin it with my tongue
slide it over my teeth
keep it moving, light and soft
bring it higher if you don't smile
my mom used to do this for me
her hands were steadier
i won't touch your hair, or ask to
my fingers will stay slow and thoughtful
i haven't shifted positions in a few minutes
maybe if i can relax, you can feel safe
muscles declenching like they're shifting through a wash cycle
are you falling asleep?
you could, if you wanted to
i wouldn't mind
or has this gone on for too long?
do you want to stay?
i wish i could be more for you