How long would we embrace
If there were no judgement
Not from ourselves
Not from others

How long would we embrace
If it brought joy to others
Not jealousy
Not discomfort

How long would we embrace
If we had time to spare
Not rushed
Not in a hurry to leave

How long would we embrace
If there were no pressure to embrace at all
Not forced
Not expected

How long would we embrace
If we waited for the other to let go
Not pulling away
Not thinking about the ending

How long would we embrace
If we were present in each other’s arms
Not thinking about other people
Not thinking about other places

Handshakes and fist bumps
Head nods and pats on the back
They all show that we are reaching out
They all have their place

But when the time comes
Enjoy the embrace