Touch

Posted on by In mind and out

In your empty room
my fingers touch your silence
put their ears to your mysteries,
and listen to the histories
like potent dust they gently touch and trace the lines within

In your open palm
my fingers read each page of you,
your memories like they’re written
in the braille of scar tissue
I walk into corners of your destiny
and find a space
that’s made for us to be

Artwork: Valerie Hammond

108 thoughts on “Touch”

      1. Hmmmm …. after 7 weeks in the warmer south for winter, been home for 2+ weeks … and now dealing with the craziness associated with the global virus. We are sequestered … well, not yet, but I wouldn’t be surprised if we are within a week. (Just a though on my part). People here have gone crazy at grocery stores. Fortunately, the day I got a haircut in the morning, the state closed all hair salons at the end of the day. No dances, no restaurants … but hey – I’ve done some incleaning and straightening in our storage area. 🙂 Well … I guess I’m saying life is a bit goofy and strange at the moment. On the other hand, we are healthy – and that’s a good thing. How are you?

        Liked by 3 people

      2. I am so pleased you still managed to get away over the winter Frank…. just ahead of everything closing down… it most certainly is strange times, so unexpected and so unprecedented. Here we were well behind with the spread and therefore closures, but as of the last few days that has changed with a proportionally huge increase in rates. Pools and libraries in my city closing today… but most other things are still open. Another week it will be completely different I think. But myself, family and everyone I know are all still well. Hopefully nz can learn from other countries on how best to proceed…

        So glad to hear from you Frank 😊

        Like

      3. Absolutely …. Learn from the rest of the world. Unfortunately … Less a month ago leadership here said it’s a hoax … It’s been contained …. It will pass through like the wind with very few cases … Therefore reasons for slow responses here.

        Liked by 1 person

  3. This is a penultimate mood. A dreamy and distant elegy. Walking the corners of destiny. Tracing the Braille in the scar tissue. Exceptional use of language, beautiful cadence. Rachel the metaphors feel surreal and familiar at the same time. 🦋✋🏻

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. How lucky am I to receive April praise?? Exceptionally lucky is the answer. I love the idea of being able to physically touch a history, the depths of a person and their destiny. It means so much as always that you liked this ♥️

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  7. This is fantastic Rachel. Every line is right where it should be. The search for the space ”
    that’s made for us to be” (God , this line is so powerful) is almost existential one.
    “your memories like they’re written
    in the braille of scar tissue”
    The trio destiny-memories-space is what defines us as humans.
    The composition is splendid. The verses flow like a river.
    It’s an unbelievable work of art.
    One day you will understand how talented you are. That will be a very happy day for me.
    Bravo sweetheart!
    Love and hugs to you.
    xoxoxoxo

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. Oh my goodness, this has nearly made me fall over! You are so kind to me here G. Seriously, I love this “The trio destiny-memories-space is what defines us as humans.” Only you could have written this. Thank you, for seeing my writing in this way, I’m kind of speechless over here.

      Thank you, for this, my sweet and gorgeous friend. And please, have a fantastic weekend. My wish was that you would be feeling better, so I’m beyond delighted that this wish has been granted. Love and hugs back xoxox

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. I am okay… just been very very emotional with it all the past day or so.. but I just got out into nature and am listening to the John Mayer play the blues which is a kind of medicine for me… I really do believe you have a beautiful gift with expression….. much love . hope Saturday is treating you well..

        Liked by 2 people

      2. It is such an uncertain and emotional time, things have changed so quickly. Everything is normal, and so entirely different at the same time. I’m pleased John Mayer and nature have been healing for you. Thank you for what you said about my writing. My Saturday has been very quiet, a rainy day, perfect for staying indoors and relaxing. Sending love to you my friend, stay well ❤️💜

        Liked by 1 person

  11. Rachel… this was just electrifying… from quiet, breathing, black-hole beginning, to love-filled, supernova end, my friend.

    You really do have a gift. And the image enhances the experience perfectly.

    Much love to you, for all you are, and gratitude to you, for sharing this wonderful work. You’re a shining star, in my universe.

    Liked by 3 people

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      5. p.s. “care-best Starr” 🌟😍🤩
        How did I miss this wonderful phrase before? Over-wired, I are. Tip-tapping comments over galaxies near and far. Feeling blessed to know such a wordsmithing poet, in this virtual-flying car. 🌌 xoxoxoxo

        Like

  14. Touch is the only sense, I guess, we don’t lose. How beautifully you have touched upon absence and then presence and feeling it through touch.
    “The braille of scar tissue” is really outstanding as is “walking the corners of destiny”! Your exceptional writing is such a joy to read. This is splendid, Rachel. ❤️❤️

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Punam, even if we can’t touch physically, we can still touch… gestures, words, friendship, intimacy can all be so powerfully conveyed with the intensity of an actual touch. Your latest poem is certainly a testimony to that. Thank you for your beautiful words, and I hope your weekend is going well ❤️❤️

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. My dear Rachel, this was about your exceptional writing and you deftly deflected it to mine! You are welcome, dear. ❤️❤️
        Life is now a long weekend as we are under lockdown till the 31st.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. No, not complete lockdown but Delhi and quite a few states are under lockdown.
        We are safe as of now. You too take care sweetheart.❤️❤️
        Always my pleasure. ❤️❤️

        Like

  16. Rachel, exquisite style and an exceptional flow of deeply rooted meanings… shear brilliance-

    “my fingers read each page of you,
your memories like they’re written
in the braille of scar tissue…”

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

      1. Rachel, loved this! I love the elegant and masterful way you weave your words and fill them with a magic that let’s them whisper to our soul!! Always a pleasure to share Your word, My Dear!! Happy if it made you smile!!!!
        xoxo
        Chuck

        Liked by 2 people

      3. Oh, Rachel!!! I’m so sorry I missed this in real time!! I love it when I can make someone smile with my words-especially nice for you when you needed it!! It’s always my objective to reach out and touch the readers heart. Happy it was you!! Sorry that you needed it but Happy I helped even a little bit. Hoping you are happy today and safe and healthy too!! Can’t wait to hear your voice reciting your words again!!
        Chuck
        xoxo 😊💕🌹

        Liked by 1 person

      5. I always love to support – You and your words! That’s what I love about reading and sharing the works of others – to be supportive, and to be blessed by their writing!! There is something about your writing that I really love but haven’t quite been able to put my finger on to adequately describe it. I will keep trying, by reading you more and going back through your older posts. It’s delicate, wistful, haunting and moving – its a joy to read – that is the end product and it is wonderful.

        Reread this again and your last stanza is just awesome! This would be a super piece to recite – Please? I’m not always good at begging, but please? The last stanza is crying out for you to voice it???

        In your open palm
        my fingers read each page of you,
        your memories like they’re written
        in the braille of scar tissue
        I walk into corners of your destiny
        and find a space
        that’s made for us to be

        Rachel, This is brilliant, My Dear!! Brilliant!!
        Please consider a voiced recitation – for all your adoring fans that love to her your voice – like me!!!!
        You have really captured magic in your last stanza – Please Voice it to the World??? Your words
        deserve that spotlight!!!
        Chuck
        xoxo
        😘🌹🌹🌹😁

        Liked by 1 person

      6. Chuck, thank you for saying this
        about my writing “delicate, wistful, haunting and moving” – such special praise, thank you.

        As for doing recitals, I will think about it. I’m very flattered you would like to hear them, thank you!!
        xoxo

        Liked by 1 person

  20. So tender and inviting.You built a house, and search for your rom, touching every room, the feelings hit and miss, and you keep searching for the right place, the one that is for you. And there is a place for you.
    You amaze me.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

      1. ❤️😊. You are very welcome! Nice to be reading, been playing catch up. I’ve been good, thank you. I hope you’ve been doing well and staying safe as well.🌹🌹

        Like

  22. Rachel, this is gorgeous, touching. It touched a nerve inside of me that needed to be touched. A beautiful piece of writing that resonates deeply.
    The braille of scar tissue……reading palms…..this was marvelous in creating the images and sentiments. Touching and sensual. Painfully beautiful.
    I read this over and over and continue to discover more beauty in this with every reread.

    Sometimes, we can touch without even being there. Sometimes, we can heal without touching. This was an ointment of poetry. And yes, I will use that in a poem.
    Oinment of poetry.

    Will you be offended if I mention you on my blog?

    Bravo my treasured friend.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Drew, it is exactly these sentiments that I seem to revisit in my poems, touching without touching, the power of words and connections. I think that’s one of the things blogging and poetry has taught me… An ointment of poetry, that’s a wonderful metaphor. I’m so pleased my words touch you in any way.

      Re mentioning me on your blog, cross out ‘offended’, and replace with ‘honoured’. Beyond honoured actually.

      Thank you for such kind words xoxo

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

      1. Ay Raquel, Raquel, Raquel. (That is Rachel, Rachel, Rachel in Spanish).

        Love first comes to mind, but love, appreciation, gratitude, and other feelings have a healing quality about them. They heal without touch. Well, that is if you exclude the way these emotioons touch our hearts.

        But people to can heal and touch us with words and support. Letting someone know they are not alone, or are not the first to have to face some dreadful event. These things can touch our hearts with hope. They can heal.

        Blogging and poetry have taught me, I can meet incredible, unselfish people, who know how to give of themselves and expect nothing in return. Amazing women like you, who give and give, perhaps, emptying themselves just to know they make someone else better.

        You are amazing. You writing just as incredible and touching.

        Ointment of poetry. Let’s see if I can get something done with these words. So, I better get to composing before I am decomposing.

        HEY, that was a joke. Don’t blast me. Just feeling playful today.
        I will give you a little update. My secopnd day of feeling better. That little adjustment with my meds, has helped. I am not feeling great, but I do feel stronger, and so far today, I am dizziness free.

        Honoured!!! You make me laugh.

        Let’s see what I can do.

        Thank you for everything.🌹💕

        Liked by 2 people

      2. Compose before you decompose 😂. Nice one there, vagabond poet. No blasting today, you’re lucky, I’m not awake enough yet for that.

        That you are feeling a little better today is the best news I could get. Dizziness must be an awful side effect, debilitating.

        As for the things you say blogging has taught you, I think one of the things I’ve admired about you is those very qualities. Everything you write – in post or comments is with such love, appreciation and gratitude. I’ve learnt a lot from that.

        Thank YOU for everything ♥️.

        Liked by 2 people

      3. Smiling. Wake up dear. A new day has dawned.
        Happy you learned anything from me. Never really thought I would teach anyone anything.
        Have a wonderful day.
        Looking forward to your next poem. YOU never disappoint.

        Liked by 2 people

  23. “In your open palm
    my fingers read each page of you,
    your memories like they’re written
    in the braille of scar tissue”

    This portion caught my eye, the whole work is electrifying but this touched my heart. Beautiful, just beautiful.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  27. Omg. I really can’t…. Your poem it’s so deep yet airy, it feels familiar like a loved one’s breathing but also like a deep cenote…. each line just melts into the other… please do not stop writing. You have a beautiful gift.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    2. Your words are like a balm to my heart. I’m glad you liked this and honoured you reblogged it. I wrote this with that feeling of loving and understanding someone so much that you love and know every inch of them, inside and out, past and present. Thank you again for your kindnesses about my writing.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  28. Reblogged this on intotheindigo and commented:
    Today… because the universe knew I so needed it… I happened to find two blogs….one of which is this… such skill, beauty, understanding..I just had to share this with other bloggers/readers.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  29. This is a beautiful poem. Finding each other in what’s unsaid and unwritten creates a connection that transcends spatial and temporal boundaries. It’s the fabric of soul mates and kismet. Wonderful. I enjoyed it.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

      1. I’m doing alright. It’s just springtime here, which always puts me in a bit of a funk as I mourn the passing of winter… but it’s also good to have something different too. Almost all the snow is melted. So I’ve been outside quite a bit more without socks and shoes. Watching the emergence of baby animals and the return of the sandhill cranes a few days ago. 😌

        Liked by 1 person

      2. You mourn the passing of winter… I love that, you don’t hear that very often. Despite your ‘funk’ it sounds like spring is treating you well. You obviously live in an incredibly beautiful place ❤️

        Liked by 1 person

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Published by In mind and out

I write from the corner of the world and from the corners of my mind. I'm Rachel, it was in my mind, and now it's out.