touchy-feely

I'm the one who won't pass on a hug

And will squish you like a koala hugs his favourite spot,

His perfect view from above the eucalyptus.

I'm the friend who will link arms and skip with you,

Catch your eye in case you didn't notice how my giggle erupts from my chest

I will remind you every day, with a trace of your palm or a tickle of that spot near your chin

That you are -

...

Never, ever alone.

...

You say you're misunderstood,

Well; I've seen the galaxies in your grey and great eyes

Eye've seen them.

I know how when you don't speak, it's because your mind is being mean

And you're scared the words you think will hurt more out loud.

I remember the first time you realised, late at night

That if you say it out loud, it disappears

Because the atmosphere gobbles up thoughts like that

And it's always hungry for more.

...

I remember the way you will fidget unless you can flick the pages of a book

And how that became my habit because it show's I'm listening.

I remember every little hint of your love of comedy.

The joy it brings when we are all cosy,

And we lead the laughter because we didn't see it coming.

...

I will squeeze your hand under the table,

A reminder that this isn't it, it's not make or break.

Mind changes, a second thought

There is never a reason against it.

...

Go with your gut

We play games together

And my dog likes you, which is a win.

...

I never hear you sneak up on me

But I'll remind you of the wonder you were on the dance floor

How you spun when I spun you.

How your dress parted and flowed like a balloon

And your jazz-curled locks were elegant, as you were.

...

I'm surprised at your quietness

But I see you slowly come out of your shell.

The judgemental crustateon

Who wants to be left alone, in company.

Just because it gives you more people to think of.

...

We looked at the star-signs

And realised how the click we felt wasn't chance.

We looked up at the stars

And realised how much we try to understand

In moments such as now,

There should be less worry for the outside of the bubble

I'd prefer to laugh in the open way I can now,

Explore in the gentle way, the vulnerable way I can now.

Because in the life those years ago, I couldn't.

...

I look at myself,

And the darkness that stains my face is not ugly.

I see my bruises and stitches as funny cow-spots.

They are patterned, purposeful.

They glow from underneath,

The rough and worn surface is beautiful when it wants to be.

I have discovered diamonds in my fingernails.

They litter the floor in messy corrugations now

Because you've seen how I can spiral

How my own thoughts let me freefall

Until I find the familiar surrounds of the ocean floor

That I've decorated bright with more diamonds

And you've helped to jazz-up with your own.

~