"Tethered" by Sierra July

"Tether" Ink on Paper

By J. Artemus Gordon

Tethered

Sierra July

Even in day, darkness is cast

Shady eyes drawn to me, boring

Into my flesh with words

That only I can hear

I shut my own eyes

Will the words out,

Plead the eyes off

To no avail

Then feel the squeeze

Of your hand on mine

Tethering me

I blink at the light in your eyes

Brighter than the sun and I know

I will be fine

Poet's Notes:  This is a simple one about the beauty of holding hands. Thinking of how hand holding works as silent communication to express reassurance, love, or just simply allow the other to feel a presence, I created a scenario that uses all of these messages, although there are many more. I like to appreciate universal signals like smiles and friendly waves, signals that need no translation.

Editor’s Note:  Sierra poetically captures the feeling of holding hands here, whether the subjects be two lovers or parent and child.