Pain of Love II - 5. Nothing in Return

I feel so inadequate.

When I need, you are right there,

your every word, every gesture

a gentle teasing comfort.

But when you need, I am lost,

my feelings overwhelming me

to the point of non-expression.

My hand reaches out to you,

but my fingers halt just short of a touch,

unsure of their welcome,

unsure if they will just make it worse.

And my hand falls to my side.

And my words die on my lips.

And the thin membrane of glass between us

becomes a wall worthy of a fortress.

And I raise my hand to that wall

and press it against the cold stone

and whisper that I’m sorry.

And I hope you understand

and hear the words unspoken

and feel the hand against the stone.

And I hope you forgive me

for always being empty handed

when your hands have given me so many gifts.