Touch: a poem

Touch my shoulders, feel the many worries that I've had-
The strain of struggling on the streets, a life without a dad-

Touch my chest then understand the heart that it contains-
A heart that loves, compassionate, a heart that has it's pains-

Touch my skin and hear the drums of African descent-
From the shores along the Nile, to State side discontent-

Touch my back, feel the strength of those that came before-
A people sold to slavery, they fought our freedom war-

Touch my thighs and see a hunter, running strong and free-
A man that runs a thousand miles, to sustain his family-

Now touch my mind with yours, delve deep within my world-
Let questions become answers, the mystery unfurled.

Touch my spirit, talk to me in ways that lifts me up-
Be my soul's sanctuary, my overflowing cup-

You've touched me, now you know me, I now belong to you-
I'll only give you honesty, a love that's pure and true-

But now that I lay here exposed, my walls rendered askew-
I pray and hope that you will please allow me to touch you-

~Jalil