It reminded me...

I once read a story written by a lesbian about her lover's hands, and how those hands were so intimate to her since they were used to bring her to such tumultuous joy. She describes seeing her lover shake hands with others, and her jealousy over such a casual touch to an appendage that she holds in such high esteem.

I remember the first time I encountered that feeling, watching a friend hold my precious and bend his spine back until it cracked. I had to look away, it was such an offense to both him and myself. I cradled him after, pressing his spine back in place, regretting ever having allowed her to touch him.

And again today, I offered a small taste of another precious to a man who looked at him longingly. I sat stone-faced and disapproving as the man dragged him closer and flipped him over so carelessly. I cuddled him to my chest later, as I walked swiftly away from that man's dirty fingers.

Don't look so shocked...books are my only lovers these days. But every page turned, every whiff of ink and fresh paper is to me a caress from a gentle hand.