I’ve been thinking these past few days of sanctuaries - of how we take some for granted, how we crave for some. Sometimes both at the same time. I also think of how homes are most often our sanctuaries - but so are memories, so are our desires, as also our regrets. We regret chances we got and didn’t hold onto - we console ourselves that the chances at least stopped by at our doorstep.Of course, the shelter of first choice, and last resort, is often a person. Someone who listens, doesn’t spoil things with advice, has a broad shoulder to put our hard head on, and arms wide enough to embrace our biggest sadnesses. More than the person we love, often it’s the person who is the least judgemental that we turn to.Often mere presence helps, sometimes it’s just a coffee and a slow moving conversation discussing trifles and insignificances. But often, there is just no substitute for the physical presence of a person. I have felt real hurt inside in the region of my arms and chest, hurt with the desire to have someone sink there, to hold onto someone, to feel familiar texture of skin on my skin. To deeply inhale a familiar scent, a body odour which resides in every layer of my memory.One feels bereft without this simple physicality and the sadness is insurmountable. We realize, at such times, how much we are finally beings invariably left by the creator in the care of other beings. However much we might reject their company or shun them because of their irritations, their presence is often the difference between maintaining our sanity and losing it. In however infinitesimal degree it might be.

If you liked this poem, consider listening to these other poems on the space loves seeks to grow:

• What I Miss is the Tender Moment
• Living in a World Deficient in Hugs
• I Will Leave The Last Line For You To Fill

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Get in touch with me on [email protected]

Subscribe to my incandescent and poetic newsletter The Uncuts here - https://theuncuts.substack.com.Following is the music used in this episode -Music: Wide Worlds by Tim KuligFree download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10273-wide-worldsLicensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license