Ode to touch II

She whispers his name
doesn't matter, he can't hear it

her prayer, silently given
silently returns

he stirs, and awakens
holds her to him

reassurance
are you really there, he asks

he listens to her heart
memorizes the feel of her

god help me, he cries, aside
inside, privately

don't let me wake up
don't let her go away