like the spike
of healthy heartbeat
welcome sound
of happy child’s feet

everything
within me jumps, leaps
at the thought
of mem’ry heart keeps

as reflex
causes knee to kick
mosquito
makes my finger flick

all that is
ceases and recedes
when you’re near
I forget all needs

wild horses
sense threat and stampede
wounded hearts
retreat while they bleed

still I stand
resist urge to run
welcome you
beneath pulsing sun