I fear
If I don’t rub my thumb on the back of your fingers,
I might forget what holding your hand felt like.
I fear
I will lose my sense of touch first
Out of all the human senses.

I fear
If I don’t hug your body with all my might,
I might forget if I ever had strength.
I fear
I might forget I had a companion once
Who held me through lonely nights.

I fear
If I don’t find your eyes on me,
I might not remember how it feels to be looked at.
I fear
I might never understand desire,
Or feel if your gaze can endure this long.

I fear
If I am not looked after,
I might not remember how to care.
I fear
Becoming reckless
And failing to keep hope in despair.

I fear
If I don’t read your lips,
I might forget if they ever called my name.
I fear
Not being able to know if they had any sweetness,
Or if they ever carried a taste.

I fear
If you don’t lie to me again,
I will remember all the truths between us.
I fear
I might forget the one truth
And begrudge the other man.

I fear
If I don’t see you now,
I might forget you ever existed.
I fear
My bad memory might wipe you off
Like tears off my face.

I fear
If I don’t feel your breath against mine,
I might never feel alive.
I fear
If I don’t breathe unto you,
I might forget how to breathe at all.