The Narrowest Divide
Softy bristling beneath my nails,
Worming to the touch.
“I am only trying to help!”
A stimulus all the same,
Resistance frames your intent.
Tell me, is it trepidation or excitement?
Mutually without understanding,
Across the narrowest divide,
Your heart races against mine —
Tenderness begets impusiveness.
Trust granted then quickly revoked,
A cautious warning with enamel,
Deigning not to break the skin.
Perhaps I misjudged?
Perhaps we agree on this one thing?
Please forgive my intrusion,
“You are messy, I have no choice!”
It is better this way, for us both —
Bark once if you understand,
Twice if you don’t.
A silent conference — eyes, awkwardly averted.
Begrudged obligation, not consent.
Pristine once more, though thankless,
Repetition invited recognition.
Forgiveness? Acceptance? Either will do.
Our hearts settle, a chance to speak true:
Though I’ve barely known you,
I would do anything to protect you.
Sweetly staring back without words,
Across the narrowest divide.
