Encircling warmth of

Tender flesh and

Tender words

A soft whisper over

Pitiful sounds

Quieting the shakes and aches like a

Soothing balm

Antidote to the nightmares

Relief from the pain

And confusion

Sweet lips brush

Heated skin

Fingers drift through

Dampened hair

Loving caresses smooth away

Sobs and gasps

Ignoring rivulets streaming over

Tear-streaked chest

As arms envelop

The weakened spirit

Sheltering

Protected and safe

Blanketed in affection

Until sleep quiets all

And gentle kisses upon

A feverish brow

Casts the weak-hearted into

Sweet, dreamless

Darkness

Cocooned in the arms of

Her Guardian