(un)touched

untouched, we know not we are a separate being

touched, we learn our parts and limitations

untouched, we feel no attachment to any other 

touched, we learn empathy and understanding

untouched, we have no investment in compassion

layered against what’s real

layer on layer

tee, shirt, sweater, jacket

yet chill wind penetrates all

stabbing shivers through my being

inviting me to imprison myself

in warmed shelter rather

than experience Ma’s awe

another way we humans

have barricaded ourselves

against Nature