The Touch

A Poem by Alex Cook

lonely

The Touch

by Alex Cook

How I long to be touched by another, it has been so many years

When I was young I guess I didn't notice the importance of that touch that said I care.

The touch that was first learned from mom and dad. It said I love you, you are important. A hug that made it better when I was hurt or sad.

Then I came of age and found love for another and I used that learned touch to show her how much I cared. A simple holding of hands and two hearts shared.

The embrace that said I care.

This goes on for many a year.

Our children we raised with this love and they grew and moved on to have families of their own. Leaving us to start a new.

Fifty two years, she nor I ever untrue. Now she has gone without me. I wish I could have gone too.

Now I am old and alone. No one touches me to show they care.

No more tenderness do I get to share. I am still me but I have grown old. I have become an island all to myself at the time in my life when I need love

to see me to the end. It has been so long that it embarrasses me to say.

How I long for the touch of another if only to say, I know you are still here.

I realize you were not always this way.