Suddenly

Suddenly—

She stood open,

Visibly rattled,

Beseeching—

Uncloaked, she awakened

Something in me—

Compassion?

And I was drawn to her.

Next day,

She’d pulled

Herself back under her

Wrap of insecurity—

Arms folded,

Hands withdrawn.

And I could not reach her—

For I could not touch her fingers.

D. Borkert 8/15/11