What follows is Bill's response to my request for a contribution to my site. I hope to share more of his wonderful perspective in the months to come. Enjoy!

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Keep in Touch

When wishing to convey
affection for another
Whether friends or college roommates
a sister or a brother
After all goodbyes are said
and we kiss and hug and such
We wave our hands and wipe our tears
and say "Let's keep in touch!"

So let us now consider
exactly what we mean
And try our best to thus address
 and benefit and glean
from a topic oft ignored
a mighty subject unexplored
the concept we embrace so much
the mighty power we call touch

Connections are essential
for living things to grow
Within connective pathways
the breath of life doth flow
From simple to complex cells unite as one
A fabric held together
connected one-by-one
And what provides the strength
Much stronger than a crutch
The blessing of connection
Maintained in constant touch

This act of touch, though physical
goes far and way beyond
Simply sensing pressure
maintained within a bond
There's more than simple nerve cells
talking to the brain
Registering pleasure
or registering pain

Think of touch more like a bridge
whereby emotions cross
Carrying their messages
when words are at a loss
Sharing thoughts much deeper
and weightier by much
Words alone could ne'er convey
The truths found in our touch

Transmitting and receiving
a silent communique'
Revealing all our true intent
no matter what we say
The need to be connected
the need called 'sense of place'
A basic need we all must heed
throughout the human race
Is sought by those who feel apart
 from loved ones and from friends
It's touch that keeps them in our hearts
and touch affection sends

So when I say "Let's keep in touch"
what I'm really saying
Is I value our connection
and wish that you were staying
But if our paths should separate
and if depart you must
Then again, I'll say my friend,
"God bless, and KEEP IN TOUCH!"

©2008 Wm. Bryan