the beautiful picture
so fragile
the slightest contact risks 
a crack in its color

so close it seems
and yet I can't reach out
don't want to break it
destroy with a touch meant to heal

my admiration
of the beautiful design
works against itself
rushing, gushing, pushing too far

my feelings unbridled
overflowing
threaten to topple
shattering the work of art

nothing but to admire
from a distance
memory alone the interval of safety
insulation from my best intentions

your precious heart's thoughts
now a hidden mystery
no way I can see
from so-near-so-far-away

so I travel back in time
to when I could hold you
without fear of breaking
back to when you were holding me

Orion glows down
from the deep night sky
and I smile at the memory
of holding you gently in sleep

I close my eyes softly
and drift into dreams
with the memory
of your arms around me