"Simple Gestures"

A hand
reaching for another and holding it tight--
such a simple gesture,

and yet...

I couldn't do it.

I couldn't break free from the chains
my past placed around my hands,
my lips,
my heart.

I wanted to grasp your hand in mine,
to entwine our fingers
and feel your warmth coursing through me,
melting the icy prison I can't escape.

I wanted to say the words,
to whisper them against your lips
and release the agony of emotions never told
with each and every kiss.

I wanted to shine the light of your smile
into the darkest corners of my barely beating heart,
and yet....
and yet....

And yet.