PDA Policy

Brushing fingers as we walk is the closest we'll ever come to holding hands.

treading old places
in a head with a new face is-
differential.
i suppose in these Haz-Mat-suits
its a hopeless pursuit 
if I were to reach out and
touch you-
slide down the length of a straight-and-narrow
Gig Line
and search desperately for the parts 
that make you wild.
There is no wilderness here.
It's like i'm reaching over backwards
bending sideways
twisting clockwise
trying to scratch an itch
in between my ribs
which rattle, out of breath
running miles and miles, in the midst
of pounding feet and marching 
beats which falter as we round a corner
sing a little faster
and i'm running with chest unlatched,
heart, free flying banner, displaying
all my pride and all my strengths
but chained up here
in the confines of an inadequate body
which tingles with the static of
unquenched touches
and words that paint pictures
of undone wanton wanted actions-
i desire to run again. 
i'll follow in your wake
and pray for the day when our uniforms unravel.

 

Author's Note

At my new home, in Naval Weapons Station in South Carolina, we are not permitted to touch one another- not even casually- while in uniform.
A gig line, btw is the line made by the buttons of your shirt, down to the zipper of your pants. It has to be straight and lined up with the buckle of your belt.

Reviews

[.]

Another fantastic piece! I couldn't imagine what such a boundry would do to a person's psychy over great lengths of time. Touch is one of a humans most needed sensations. The way you describe the need in the piece is riviting. It pulls on the heart of those who read. With a smooth dynamic flow to your ink, it comes out to an A++ in my book!

*Big Hugs!* - Tara

[Antonio Valentino]

Peach, I thought that this was an exceptional piece of writing. Reminded me of the movie, Hurt Locker, as far as being in those big cumbersome suits, which represents any kind of barriers that we find in the way of those we would love to have closer to us. Wonderful poem, thank you for sharing it with us.

Antonio :)