A Hug At Arms Length

by Robert John Meehan

An inveigled law impossible to define

Or a ratiocination barring sensations sublime

Now be it a resolution

Benumbing meaningful hugs

While reassuring arms are brazenly shackled

As if we were thugs

No longer a caring a closeness

Dare be perceived

Nor a lasting acceptance possibly believed

A new forbiddance of sharing souls

Now mandated by the court

By a purblind law demanding

Denying hugs now be tort

Relegating a closeness a bonding forbiddingly conceived

Dare a bad touch to a child be mistakenly perceived

Hence a comforting shield from unannounced harm

Now regulated by law to a securing glance

Or meaningless words of charm

Now be it...A warm welcoming smile dissolves undiscovered

With only chance eye contact diminishing hope it's discovered

No longer a child shall a teacher's caring soul to greet

Nor our soul's selflessness without sharing hugs when we meet

A law regulating human hugs

They would deceivingly bestow

A hug at arms length...

Is no way to greet a child we know