Beloved Hands
The gentle hands of a strong man
are what she noticed first.
His teasing smile and keen wit
not too far behind.
Let go, he didn't, throughout the years;
her fingers often tucked under his arm,
his securely wrapped around hers. The
intimacy of their hands, often enough.
His beloved hands taught their children
discipline, fairness, and perseverance; a
slightly calloused touch that soothed away
a daughter's tears and a son's fears.
Over the years his hands showed them love
and caressed many a fevered brow.
Hands willing to lighten her load
and lead the family in prayer.
She found his leathered gloves
in the drawer and slipped her hand inside,
the warmth familiar, and laid the softness
against her cheek reluctant to let go.
by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, May 20, 2011
This is for "Poetry Jam" and the topic is "Father". I reworked this from a poem I wrote for "Magpie Tales" entitled "Memories" back in December of 2010. I also linked "Beloved Hands" to One Stop Poetry's "Friday Poetically" with Brian Miller.
* * * * *
This is Newhall Audubon Nature Preserve at Hilton Head, SC. Its description is: "Features a wide variety of fauna and flora, this scenic nature reserve also serves as home to many species of birds". Well, we didn't see many birds, but we did attract the attention of a baby alligator. It was a short hike around this place; the pond was the highlight for us. The above photo is for "Weekend Reflections".
I thought the leaves on his nose added a bit of a comical look.
There were a number of turtles darting about as well. He didn't pay them any mind. I realized he was watching US. My daughter moved away and his eyes followed her, and he backed up and followed her down the path for a bit. I think he gets fed tidbits from visitors. I'm sure that is not a good idea...
22 comments:
so touching...
Oh Margaret, That is so lovely-I actually started to tear up while reading it. Such a beautiful poem about a warm, loving relationship.
So nicely done. Have a lovely weekend. Mickie :)
What a lovely poem, Margaret.
Thanks for joining the Poetry Jam. Like I said in the theme comments, we're not very rule-bound. Monday is a target to get poems posted by, or things just slip into the next week, and the next. Early is fine. Late is fine too (though people will eventually stop checking to see if the Linky has been updated).
Your Beloved Hands poem was just beautiful. Lovely write...
Your jammy poem is lovely ... photos are absolutely unbelievable!
smiles - your comment on my blog..
and yours is about hands as well..really beautiful margaret - there are so many good things one can do with his hands...
and where on earth did you find that crocodile...
what a beautiful poem...so much in the hands of one that truly knows love...and glad you let it ripple out to the lives touched by the them...
we used to get gators in our pond when we lived in FL...
What a very generous post, you could have made several different ones out of it, all equally good and interesting.
It's often hands we notice, there is something about hands which speaks to me too. As if warmth and kindness could be expressed through them.
You are brave to come close to alligator, baby or not. Great series, and love your image and writing on hands as well.
The leather gloves image wrapped itself around my heart!
It's a pleasure to meet you and that awesome alligator with leaves on his nose.
Love that final stanza! And love the alligator pictures!
Choosing the hands as a focus for this love poem was so effective. They tell the whole story.
So sweet...so sad. Just lovely.
The set of picture with the alligator is amazing ! This leaf on its nose is so precious... Nice work !
Thank you! Hands say so much about a person, I think. ... although the alligator said everything with his eyes... really sinister even for a "baby".
Moving poem, and I particularly liked the image of the leather glove at the end.
Amazed at the alligator!
"Beloved Hands" so tenderly told. really lovely!
Focus on the hands made it so intimate and moving. I, too, felt a twinge in the tear ducts.
The leaves on his snout tickle me to no end, Margaret. I've never seen that before!
Thank you so much as this might be one of my favorite poems I have written. Hands say so much, I agree. I'm busy with graduations, recitals, and visitors this week and hope to swing by each of your blogs in the evening.
A poignant,heartfelt poem - very touching.
I like the photos of the alligator. He looks as though he's concentrating hard to keep the leaf on his snout - a reprieve for the turtles, no doubt.
The poem sits beautifully with your fine image of the hands. A delightful post.
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