I touch feline fur,
and feel the deep purr
it makes my heart whir
then beats in rhythm with her.
Holding soft anole
my heat warming its cold
how is it though
they feel no temp at all?
Still, they always crawl
and find the warmest hole
created by the fingers
and curls up in a ball.
A puppy’s wet nose
tickles my bare toes
and its accidental scratch
brings pain and love both.
A baby’s peach fuzz
creates such a buzz
the soft down of hair
like a live teddy bear
and sweetest warm hugs
the epitome of love.
The touch of his lips
and a graze at the hips
makes my skin not just happy
but tingling and laughing
with love and rejoicing.
– Sandra Johnson, 6/27/21