I extend my gratitude
to the women in my life,
as their hands have always
been open to me.
And though, at times,
I have suffered on their account,
or have caused them to
suffer on mine,
open, mine too, shall be.
For theirs are the hands
which have built
or have broken,
and each had a purpose, yet.
And not soon their company
will I regret, or their influences
will I forget.