what did it mean before, to be touched?
what it means now
feels sacred,
vital like water or blood, or love,
as if we are holding our breath,
waiting for the oxygen to return.

touch is a flame we pass
between us to keep warm,
it is the river the whole
valley drinks from.
did we even notice it before?

I crave touch now 
like a hunger pain,
deep and hollow in my belly.
I want to be held as if to say,
“everything will be alright”
but also, “you are good.”