Static Skin

The fluorescent hum

of the office,

the low, constant whine.

I was leaning in,

shoulders tight,

when his hand landed,

just for a second,

warm on my arm.

A jolt. Not pleasant.

Like static discharge

when the air is too dry.

My own skin felt

wrong, suddenly.

Too thin, too exposed.

My arms pulled in,

like bracing for impact,

waiting for the next

unsought warmth.