deepundergroundpoetry.com

The Softest Material In The World

What is the softest material in the world?
They ask.
I find their curiosity funny
because I know the answer,
and they don’t.

Some say it’s the wool of an alpaca
yawning in the Peruvian sunset.
Or they say it’s the clouds
   puffing away in the sky.
Or they say it’s the fur of a chinchilla
   happily rolling in her dirt bath.

Meanwhile,

others say it’s the carpet of their childhood bedroom,
   grayed from years of dancing and playing make-believe.
Or they say it’s the skin of a baby born two days ago,
   untouched by the harsh elements of the earth.
Or they say it’s the stuffing falling out of their favorite cuddle toy:
   the eleven-year-old teddy bear who still smiles.

But I know the answer.
Yes, I am well acquainted with the softest material in the world.

I say it’s the flannel of your shirt
   that smells like a winter fireplace and hot chocolate.
Or I say it’s your deep brown hair,
   somehow fuzzy and neat at the same time.
Or I say it’s your voice
   while you introduce me to other people;
   while you tell me of the worlds you’ve created in your head;
   while you repeat what I said, but you make it ten times better.

Yes, the softest material in the world must be you,
despite all your attempts to convince me otherwise.

You are wonderfully, beautifully soft, and I wish
   I could wear your flannel;
   I could lovingly tousle your hair;
   I could listen to your voice, laughing--
I wish I could be with you for the rest of my life.