Receive

Don’t be ashamed.
I too am hanging
on these words and
pauses,
each a choice precise portion.

Don’t be ashamed:
I too am looking
for details,
backgrounds,
grace notes,
accidents —
each a mistake deliberately left.

Don’t be ashamed.
Did you ever hug a book? I did.
Ever lay your warm hand
on cool printed gloss, or press
your lips on glass? I did.
Ever close your eyes and send? I did.
Ever receive?

Don’t be ashamed.
Did you ever dance? I did.
But when everyone else was walking? Yes, I did that too.
Ever cry, but couldn’t
explain? I know those tears.
And did you make some art you thought no-one would
understand?
Show me.

(First published in The Word Is Out)