Tenderness

This lifeless deadened place

Is not where I belong

My life is only found

In an open field

Where grace is revealed

Through wholeheartedness

And vulnerability

Where I can behold with ease

Both the beauty and the savagery

Of our human scheme

I am not able to breathe any more

In this lifeless place

Where feeling lies buried

Hidden deep beneath

Posturing, lies and pretence

Succour of love and support

Wisdom and tenderness

Are the gifts that I crave

I am the salve

That recognises the open wound

That bleeds

And answers

With empathy

For only understanding brings

Compassion and mercy

While judgement cuts to ribbons

The very thing

That most needs tenderness