These Hands
Give
me your
hand and I
will hold it for
always, caressing
each finger and soothing
your mind. Sometimes you will pull
away and I will squeeze it too
tightly but only to keep you safe,
as you traverse the adventures that make
up your life. I will tickle you gently
with soft tender touches painting your
fingers with bright hues of laughter,
watching them grow in amazed
moments of wonder. I
will wash off the stains
of all of your
mistakes, as
your mud
pies
change
to nail
polish and
lotion, as your
plastic princess rings
are exchanged for diamonds.
Then my old wrinkled hand I
will slip from your soft fingers and
another will take its place, strong yet
gentle. Shaky and twisted, these fingers
will be cold without you but your laughter
will remain and your smile will take the
place of your touch. I hope for you
that you will never have need
of them, but these feeble
hands will be here for
you for as long
as they can
still hold
you.
12/29/2016
Written for my daughters.
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