I am your baby. Please touch me!
Not just when you feed me and diaper me.
But stroke my legs, my arms, my back, my head.
Hold me close in tenderness that say, "I love you!"
I am your teenager. Please touch me.
I need to feel a fond love coming through your hands, your arms.
I need to see it in your eyes ,
and hear it in your voice even
when we disagree.
Some of me is still a child. Please touch me!
I am a child with a family of my own.
Please put your arms around me, mother, father.
When my heart aches with heart aches you have known.
Now that I am a parent I see you differently.
And I love you more.
When you embrace your grandchildren, don't forget me!
I am your aging parent. Please touch me!
The way my mother did when I was young. My hair is coarse and gray, but please stroke it.
My hand is withered, but hold it.
Embrace my tired body. I need your strength.
Please touch me!