Our Negative Space

If your body were near mine
I would not reach out to touch.
I would not warm my toes under your thighs,
or my hands between yours.

If your body were here,
I would not stretch my back
And slowly spread onto you.
I would not budge from my seat.

I know how you would feel,
Your skin radiating under clothing,
Trapping heat to give to me. Were your hair
To brush me, mine would start to stand.

But your body is just a blanket, and it’s not
My outside that feels cold. Underneath
My blood is uneasy, sloshing,
Stormy and shaking beneath the skin.

Your body would not calm my seas,
Your embrace would bring no comfort.
Unless your body is replacing mine,
I do not want it close to me.