Michael Peterson
1970
It is this that is the beginning,
that reaching out and hoping
to touch another,
the brief tremor of the inner smile
that burns a realness deep within,
When in terror and desperation
horror sinking and screaming
and empty and oh so lost from home
I jump to far below
the deathly, agonizing coolness
cushioning air
falling
Oh god !! I'm hurting!And then there are arms
reaching out and picking me up
soft but strong
loving
falling dizzyness and tension
taken by security
the enfolding, encircling
protecting cushion of those
who love and care.