existence

In an embrace, my head rested on your chest for what seemed to last a few minutes, but in reality only a few seconds. Our bodies met not with electricity or spine-tingling epiphanies, but in comfort, as if we had embraced in a previous life, in a previous memory. I had forgotten what difference a tender touch could do for the soul. Reawakening the body, screaming to the mind, “Hey, I’m here. Pay attention to me. I need fulfillment too.” Not necessarily romantic or sexual in any way, but just the feel of the existence of another person, of the existence of yourself, your relationship to another.

I wrote those words in 2008. I was compelled to dig them up again because of a conversation with a good friend. It is a strong human need to be physically connected to another being. I was reminded of that just now. Reminded that those connections have been few and far in the past several months. Reminded how one simple hug or touch is life.