Last night it came in segments,
A triplet wonder chain.
Three stories of our meeting
And talking once again.

The first, involved a lesson
That you might give to me.
On how to play it better;
A tennis match, you see.

The second, was of pulling
A thorn out of your arm.
You didn't scream or holler,
Consistent with your charm.

The third, more complicated.
A story of a loss.
You came to me for comfort,
A tale I might emboss.

It seemed the home you cherished
Was all but falling down.
You said you had to leave it,
And might move out of town.

I put my arm around you.
It seemed to be so real.
I know how losing something
Is hurt you can't conceal.

We walked together slowly,
And closely hand in hand.
For holding you so gently;
Is love, you understand.

We talked in gentle whispers
So close the words were clear.
I can't recall I ever
Had held you oh so near.

You seemed to want to be there.
You didn't pull away.
It struck me, you responding
And wanting me this way.

Twas then I knew the answer,
The source of every tear.
The pain that comes from knowing
You never held me near.

But this was what I live for,
A pleasant dream of you.
It doesn't happen often,
So this is what I'll do.

I'll take my pen and write it,
So it won't disappear.
This dream I dearly cherish,
The Time You Held Me Near.

GREENWOLFE 1962

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-time-you-held-me-near/