Unresolved

I want a hug but I don’t need more reminders

My friends should be able to place a hand on my arm

I should be able to receive that kind of reassurance

but traces of you linger, and I can’t help but flinch

My mom should be able to place a hand on my back

I should be able to accept her guidance

but traces of you remain, causing me to shy away

A joking hand on my thigh takes me by surprise

Unresolved

I want to touch, but this language is now foreign

My friends should be able to tease me

I should be able to take a dumb joke

but traces of you choke me, and I suffocate

My brain should be able to catch a break at night

I should be able to get some good sleep tonight

but traces of you cloud my view, and all I can do is scream into my pillow

I jump when a girl helps me tuck in the tag at the back of my shorts