Like so many things:
if you want to know how much you need it,
go without it.

The body and spirit, two receptors —
waiting always for emanations,
freezing, lifeless, without them.

The cold can be bracing, filling our lungs
(as when we breathe the air of solitude)
but only when relieved
by the warmth of companionship.

We need the heat between two people,
the glowing pyre of connection
in passing or for keeping.

Bring me in from this Winter!
I’ve done without for too long.
Invite me to share you,
don’t leave me shivering here.

I now truly know:
if you want to know just how much you need something,
go without it.