My knuckles sting
From an icy gust of lovers lost

Calloused are my palms
That gave up their soft beauty
To a beautifully temporary green

Nails short or jagged
Sometimes they cut and bleed
A snag between your skin and mine
Not all of my ventures bring me peace

Small and stubby fingers
Thin bones just below the skin
Overused muscles and tight tendons
My hands are ugly and they often ache
They are broken --but they serve me well.