I spread my hands
and look at each finger.
Over each curve and crevice
my eyes linger.
Chapped skin, rough-hewn
but also smoothness,
untapped youth
I reach out
my white-silver nails
catching light's gleam
rings sparkling.

I wonder
what lies beyond
the knowledge of my skin
So many storms have taken
over lately
These hands
that have risen up
in prayer and supplication
to the heavens above
These hands
that have wished
to cup a certain face
in love

These hands that cook and clean
and tidy up
that have poured countless teas
into countless cups
Hands that offer hugs
smooth back hair
that put on plasters
and mend a tear
And what, I ask, will be?
Where am I?
Who takes care of me?

For these hands
connect to arms
that wish to hug and be hugged
These arms on a body
that so needs to be loved
This body a temple
to my mind and heart
that need tender care,
that need a new start

I gaze outside
The moon is ripe and round
It glows in the shadows
as the stars peek out
There is crispness in the air
Hope in the winds
I put on my gloves
to protect
tender skin