"Skin Hunger"

I was talking to a friend on the phone the other day. We were talking about relationships and what we miss most about not being in one at this time. We both agreed that the little things, such as sitting on the couch reading together and reaching over and touching, is one of them. Or when someone walks by your chair and ruffles your hair. Just those little things. He said, I call that "skin hunger". I responded with how beautiful and poignant that phrase is in that context.

His comment caused me to pull out a favorite book of poetry by Merritt Malloy that I have read and reread many, many times over the last thirty years. The illustrations in the book take ones breath away as well.

Here is a poem that I think goes along with "skin hunger"..........

ATROPHY

He's away from me now,
Not in space
But in time.
And yes, I'm lonesome.
But not for him,
Only for the way he made me feel.

I wonder if skin has a memory
As well as the mind?
I can't remember what he looks like anymore,
Only the way I felt
When he touched me.

There was a time
When I loved him so much
Just the air
Would hurt me.
It was frightening
To need someone
That violently.
But I'm finding that
It's even more frightening
Not to feel that way
Anymore
About anyone.