" Sometimes a hug or pat on the back or rubbing my leg doesn't make me feel better...

I feel no comfort when one's arms are around me. I feel more trapped in my sorrow but now in a smaller environment. I dont hug back. Sometimes I suffocate... I dont have the strength to hug back. My body is too weak from the feel of sadness and depression...

Rubbing my back pushes me forward, almost causing me to fall. It is a small push to let out a whine or a cry, but caressing my spine does not help with my troubles and sorrows. I can't see your hand. I can only feel it...

You rub my leg to try to cheer me up. Why my leg? It doesn't hurt. I feel too weak to move it. I see your hand upon it, but such an area on my body is not connected to me feeling better...

You caress my cheek, a place where you are so close to my eyes, my face, my nose, my hair, my ears: a very personal spot. I start to cry. I feel your hand upon my cheek, your thumb trailing under my eye to collect the tears that escape. I can feel the warmth of your hand pressing against that cold spot on my face. It warms me - it gives me comfort. Your fingers lace around my hair and play with it as you rub my cheek. I felt you slowly starting to take your hand away. I hold it in place and give you a small look: please keep it there. Its the only spot that you can touch that will calm me down and put me at ease... "

• Ookami Kemono

Your Hand © 2011 Alex Cockburn