I've needed a hug
  for about three months now.

Ever since my girlfriend left.
  Or I left her.
     It's hard to say.
She's the last person I've touched,
  yesterday, when I was helping her move
     far away from me.
She turned to ice when I hugged her
  I was
     someone unpleasant.

Sunday, I'd hugged my mother ---
  uncomfortable these days with
     her dating again
  and saying she wishes she could find
     men more like me.

Funny, she may be the only person left
  who feels that way;
     I've chased the others off.
Her and the homeless guy who
  tried to pick me up last week
     laying a hot arm -- so warm -- across my back.

Wait, three -- the high school friend who rang
  the other day to look me up
     reminiscing about love notes -- then unrequited ---
         I'd sent years ago.

But I'm very fragile now, afraid
  to throw myself against another unwanted
     and I haven't called her back.

                         -- CSA, 03-Aug-1999.