Stroke my Cheek

How those fingers stroke my cheek,
So lovingly.
Without a need to strike or reach-
No plan to pinch or scratch.
That subtle skin to skin contact,
Filled with desire, anticipation, and communication.
I crave it in the evenings,
While sleeping alone,
feeling around the cold side of the mattress for home.
I crave it in the monotonous tone of my workday,
while responsibilities bleed exhaustion and my need for you grows.

Come to me, and bring me out of my head-
Let me rest on your chest and feel that connection.
Let me listen to your heartbeat while I slow my own breathing.

All my life’s stressors come to reprieve
as you, ever so lightly, lay your hand on my cheek.