Arms that wrap, tight, safe
fingers holding firm on shoulders.
Massaging tired body, mind
release from the daily hounding.
Even if it’s just for a moment, less than a minute,
a second snatched in a silent room,
a quiet corner free from the hungry
crowd of nattering, gossiping, whispering
eyes that see much
yet nothing at all.
A hug
they think.
A promise
we say.