I'm struggling with the arms

that surround me

clutching at my body

my thoughts covet their touch

my body shoves them away

I curl up, my body tense

with pain and anger

I cry with longing

your arms reach out

and gently brush

my convulsing shoulders

I lash out to strike you

you take my hands and

turn them kissing my palms

your mischievous smile felt

through my body

you refuse to let go

I push you away,

but you just come back

to hold me again�

I shudder at your closeness�

Giving up my isolation,

I fall into your comforting embrace

my pain lessened

by the arms I was trying

so vainly to escape...