As a Feather

Let your touch be as a feather,

A whisper of velvet,

The barest wisp,

But let it not be more than that.

The stir be gentle,

Not as an offense,

For I will have no more

Then the softest velour.

Delicacy is my defense

Against the texture of burlap,

Its strategy too rough,

When silk would be enough

To brush against.

And the rude slap of coarseness

Assaulting my skin,

Serving to irritate,

My nerves to punctuate

With the cruel end of a pin,

Is not welcome.

But a caress can soothe,

And just a touch

Need not be very much.

Only a breath

Or even less.