Touch

It is an incredible thing to be a part of a species, any species, even if it be a rat in a city. Instilled deep within every portion of a species is a feeling of commonality, a sort of safe and homey feeling. Humans are of course included in that feeling. We (humans) are an intelligent race, we conceive self awareness, understand the benefits of companionship, and have even been so advantageous as to suggest the understanding of a euphoric emotion such as love. Some people forget how important it is for a species that has come so far that it can withstand lack of communication for great lengths of time with no struggle for survival, to continue to interact and be near each other. Some need companions more than others, sort of dependent spirits who whither when left alone too long. It is to those, and to everyone else for that matter, that the act of touch is so very important to upholding a connection.

Premature babies are a prime example of the importance of species connection. It is common knowledge that infants are helpless, lacking the proper communication skills as well as skills to sustain their own lives. Premature children live in plastic boxes, shielded from the toxic world around them, hooked up to monitors, they know nothing of which is happening to them, that is their entire world, their reality. They are perhaps the most alone out of all of us, so much so that without the touch of another human being, they die. Small things, not even being held, just the stroke of a hand over their body helps them breathe. That power continues throughout the course of a humans life and it is still small gestures that remind us that we are not alone.

A handshake is something looked upon as almost pointless and completely mechanical at this point. However, we need to be reminded of how important that handshake really is, that premature baby needed a small thing to live, and an adult needs it to carry on. Imagine how many times someone is touched during the course of a day, even just by accident. It is most definitely taken for granted. Now imagine going through an entire day without any touch, what could possibly be the most shocking and lonely day ending in the reality of insignificance.

Small gestures, a handshake, a pat on the back, an accidental bump, can make a world of difference in some one's day, and they may not even realize. The larger things, a hug, a kiss, holding hands, being wrapped in the arms of someone safe, are what we live for. As an intelligent species we have overlooked that which is most important to us, the knowledge that we are not alone. Never take that for granted and never take it away from a person, it is such a strong power and we must believe in its strength. Touch is a reminder of the existence of other humans, a reassurance that you are not alone.

"I only kiss your shadow/ I cannot feel your hand/ you're a stranger now unto me/ Lost[...]" The Dangling Conversation, Simon & Garfunkel