Distance


please do not touch me
such contact i fear
vulnerability
threatens when you're near

give me my distance
without it i'll get
worried, irritable
losing my safety net

i need it to keep you
from reaching inside
and possibly stirring
something that once died

i don't want to risk it
too painful for me
if i let you closer
so much you will see

in time there is hope yet
someday ice will thaw
for now give me distance
and please do not paw



(c) 2002 Robert H. Harrison