Instinctively,

my arms reach out

to touch a piece of heaven

but realization

halts the thought

and slowly arms withdraw---

In sick hypnotic trance, then,

I stand and watch the scene,

while others clamor forward

for a chance to touch and see;

and numbly my mind races

to thoughts of you and me...

            I long to hold you close to me--

            to touch, caress

            and hold

                        Wanting to reach out—

                                    and yet…

Inwardly, I’m searching

for a place for me to hide

instead,

I stand here watching…

while another holds you tight

Unable still, to turn away,

arms hang limply at my side--

aching from their empty load

and wanting what’s not mine…

            That piece of heaven…

                            so close,

                            yet completely out of grasp

The cheerful chatter of the group

wakes me from my trance,

and finally I find strength enough

to turn and walk away--

trying to stem the empty pain

that comes each time you’re near…

When aching arms

reach out to hold…

a tiny bit of heaven.