Beloved Hands
Inside warmth familiar
her hand rested,
leather smooth
against her cheek,
and remembered
the gentle hands of a strong man
intimately trailing low
calloused hands soothing away
a daughter's tears, a son's fears
disciplined hands teaching
fairness, perseverance
encouraging hands wrapped
about hers, offering security
patient hands caressing
many a fevered brow
helping hands willing
to lighten her load
faithful hands pressed together
leading them in prayer
remembered
and slowly slipped his gloves
into the box, reluctant to let go.
by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, March 30, 2012
This is for Imaginary Garden With Real Toads "Fireblossom Friday", topic: Bodies. This is the second time I have reworked this poem and I think this is my favorite version.
how very sweet...
ReplyDeleteA total tear-jerker...precious beyond words. the end is breath-taking! Yes, perfect!
ReplyDeleteThis is very touching. The hands reveal much of the personality of the person who uses them. I think you expressed that so clearly in this poem.
ReplyDeleteNice twist in the end...great retelling of memories through the
ReplyDeletehands/gloves ~
Happy day to you~
Oh. This is just lovely, and made my eyes sting. Thanks so much for linking such a special poem to my little prompt.
ReplyDeleteEverything about this is truly beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWonderful memories.
ReplyDeleteIt's a wonderful version, Margaret!
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone. I think this version is better... I find the process of "cropping" words out is difficult, but I am usually glad I did (and I'm sure, so are the readers! )
ReplyDelete