The sight of tears

And the cause of my aching

The contortion of their expression

The scrunch of their nose

The twitch of their smile

And the effort to be strong

Choking on their breath

Forcing down their tears

And stifling their emotions

The pain

The gratitude

The grief

The love

The movement

A sharp throb

And a warm pulse

The need

To feel their warmth

And give them warmth

A silent support

A touch of courage

A squeeze of comfort

To let them know

That they are loved

That emotions extend beyond the flesh

That feelings can transcend the powers of time

That they can reach out their hands

And pass the boundaries of distance

That emotions

Felt and lived

Can journey

From me

To you

And you

To me

All through a touch

Stronger than a hand

Safer than their words

A connection

Physical

Spiritual

Having no bounds