How Does On Touch Really And Where? Poem by RIC BASTASA

empathy does not have hands.
neither does sympathy
have lips.

the touch contemplated is not the kind
that gives the birth of conflict

or scandal that which is based
on malice

or molestation of the innocent bleeder
or the soul that walks on the ship's corridor
screaming

for help,

you ask how do you do the touch
and where

the gentle tap on the shoulder
the handshake

the soothing words of comfort
and condolences
like a shower of rain to the
roses that have not felt the water
for weeks

straight from your heart
right in my heart.