Since I Cannot Hold Yours

I will hold my own hand
thank-you-very-much
I know how to rub one inch of skin
with my thumb

I know how to count heartbeats
in fingerprints

I know how to draw letters 
to soothe my craving for sensation 
on pads worn of prints

I know what pressure to use
and where
to tell my other hand 
I'm here
I care
I'm not going anywhere 
without you