The Dare
You walked across
The empty street and
Reached out your hand
It seemed like a giant’s hand
A threat
A dare
Be human again
Incarnate
Just for this moment
With all of the voices
Shouting disapproval
I reached out in surrender
I took your hand in mine
Cool in the sunshine
Your palm larger than my own
Meaty flesh against my flesh
The softest definition
Of touch
And I knew
There is no substitute
For the open hand