Touch
 
Because there’s a virus
                        we cannot touch
 
Because of rules
                        we walk two metres apart
 
Because we forget      and are only human
            the distance is not perfectly measured
                        and may be less          or more
 
A fallen tree’s smooth bulk makes a perfect seat
                        so we sit
and take out separate flasks
                        and sandwiches not-for-sharing
 
The sky is spacious and blue
birds wheel about as if nothing has changed
and the air is sweeter and free of fumes
 
I breathe
                        and everything softens
 
because two metres is neither too far 
nor too near
and because 
we’re not in a rush
 
and time is fluid          and less important
 
I rest in your gaze
 
touching without touching
 
all distances held in one trembling place
 
 **
 
​