'The Places We’re Touched’
about different places women feel touched. Some of these are geographical, some domestic, some are to do with bodies, some are to do with minds and feelings. They reflect the diversity of women’s experiences

Example

This Big Bed

I no longer
want to lie
behind the bars,
trapped in
a baby cot.

No more hug
the teddy
or tearful
teenage pillow
in a cold room.

Neither sense
the restrictions
of a half-used,
sheet and blanket
adult bed.

Nor even less
feel the clinging
of the marital
sleep place, with
snoring, insomnia.

None of this.

I want to feel
the width of
this big bed
with its comfort
and warmth.

And deep-sense
the touch of
gentle ankles,
knees, elbows,
and fanned-out hair.

And know all
the relaxation
of lying back,
replete, supine,
and drift away,

arms outstretched.
Kiss to the wind
the duet
of a whimpered,
contented sigh.

All of this,
in this big bed.

Copyright Nikki Bennett

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ISBN 978-1-907035-02-9
Email: nikki@nikkibennettpoems.com or visit www.poetryspring.co.uk.