True Tenderness, Unbound
In the quiet pause between breaths,
a hand reaches out—not to claim,
but to feel the pulse of another’s world.
It rests on skin like morning mist,
soft enough that the rose does not wilt,
yet firm enough to hold a trembling leaf.
There is no ledger in its gesture,
no ledger of debt or promise,
only the simple truth that a heart can open
without asking what it may find inside.
It watches the curve of a sigh,
the subtle tilt of a shoulder,
and answers not with questions,
but with the gentle gravity of presence.
True tenderness is a river that flows
through a field unplowed—no furrow to claim,
no expectation of harvest.
It drinks the rain as it falls,
and in return gives the soil a sigh,
a quiet reverence for life that simply is.
So let us be the quiet keeper of this
unassuming grace—
a candle that burns not to be seen,
but because the darkness welcomes its light.
In that unforced, unasked love,
the world finds its most honest breath.
-
Author:
Friendship (
Offline) - Published: December 9th, 2025 06:53
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 17
- Users favorite of this poem: sorenbarrett, Katie B., Evie Baker, Paul Bell, Tristan Robert Lange, Soman Ragavan
Offline)
Comments6
I think this is my favorite of your poems. It speaks with great depth of understanding to the point of not assuming but just observing. The metaphors are wonderful and give great strength to the piece. It speaks with a calmness and the very tenderness of its title. A definite fave
Sorenbarrett, I appreciate your taking the time to read my poem and, most of all, for your thoughtful comments. This is a photograph that my dad took of me claming with him at 5:30 AM; it's an activity we all did while growing up. It brought back memories of my dad and the idea of tenderness.
You are welcome
Truly amazing poem on tenderness! You are so well written and an inspiration to me. I want to write like you!!
Katie B, I appreciate you taking the time to read my poem, and I must say that your writing is equally impressive as everyone else's in mine. Never compromise your authenticity; remain genuine, as I truly enjoy reading your poems.
Favorite as well!!
Thank you ❤️
Epic poem with a lot of dimensions running through it.
Could even be a trip through life.
When darkness becomes light we awaken.
Great poem.
Paul Bell, I appreciate your taking the time to read my poem and, most of all, for your thoughtful comments.
absolutely beautiful! I love the gentle personification. The calm, genuine care that radiates from this poem is incredible!
Evie Baker, I appreciate your taking the time to read my poem and, most of all, for your kind words.
Friendship, this whole piece breathes in that soft, unrushed way…the hand like mist…the candle burning because darkness welcomes its light. You captured the kind of tenderness that heals without trying. Beautifully done, my friend. 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦⬛
To be able to comment and rate this poem, you must be registered. Register here or if you are already registered, login here.