Candor and Cotton

Smell of winter and cotton
and something unmistakably
you
as your arms encircle me
and I let myself
fall
into your comfort.
I am not as strong
as I seem
and tonight I would
let go of all this
and lay it into your
strong hands
because I
need you.
I find there is a longing
and a wish
second star to the right
that you would
lean in
close
and closer still
to kiss me.
We shy away
from the things that
hurt too much
but still
I thank you secretly
for at least this
touch
this moment
when things seem
right
and I can rest
salient dreaming
in your arms
released
of this guilt
that plagues me
in the midnight hours
when I cannot turn
to hold you
or be held.
I whisper I love you
but you do not
hear it in the dark.
I admit I need you
with this baring of soul
secret thoughts
and my hands seeking
purchase
in the hollows of your
form.
I beg time to stop
and let me remain
holding you
holding me
with the winter chill
and the smell of cotton
and the memory of
your hand against my
cheek forever.