Can I?

‘Can I?’ Is such a simple question, But it throws me off balance. He’s asking my consent, When he’s touched me before. Not everyone takes Without asking. What a change This moment is to me. ‘Can I?’ Is asked In the small of that moment, A question he asks Because that’s what he does. ‘Can I?’ To him Is just polite And out of habit. Maybe even respect. To me, ‘Can I?’ Puts everything into perspective. It’s not how he says it, But when. He’s touched me before, But still, he…asks. Is that how things work, Was that how it should have been? In the past, I was never asked. There was an expectancy, That the relationship Was enough consent To touch me as he pleased. ‘Tell me when to stop’ Was all I ever got. ‘Do you want me to stop’ Was all he ever asked. ‘Can I?’ Is part of this moment, Friends With benefits As we stand, But… ‘Can I’ Means so much more Than just a question He’s asked. ‘Can I’ Shows me I’m worth more Than being taken from. ‘Can I’ Tells me I’m a person, Not just an object.