Touch I

You cannot take back a word
once the word is spoken.
A touch may apply salve directly,
or can make pain worse

Such hurts are rarely physical,
but affect the soul.
Thus, they, in effect, become spiritual,
possibly eternal.

Then what of touch? 
Touch always requires permission,
also confession,
desire for true relation.

Only, then, does touching become
a true expression:
a hug, a gesture, a smile…
which is also a form of touching.