hugs

not all hugs are equal
nor all kisses
or looks
for that matter

a dollar may be a dollar
and a nickel worth five cents
but hugs follow a different ethic
live by a different code
where flesh is just
the messenger

when you've been held
by the love
of a five-year-old
who sees in you
the world
the whole world
you know love

ask a soldier
or his wife
on the tarmac
of goodbye
where souls tear
as eyes
by a cause
little understood

they know the hug
the refusing to let go
the refusing to hold on
of fingers that can't lie

those hugs brand memory
a light in the darkest hours
a reason to carry on
to touch again
love