Always the hand
I remember
discipline
love's caress
a wave of acknowledgement

Strong
Firm
Guiding
Directing
Encouraging
Protec­ting
Possessing
Depending on the owner of the hand

The first hands
always able to envelop mine
The hands of a dad
cradling his only baby girl

Then a series of less important
man hands
never as unconditional
certainly serving a much different purpose

My own hands
miraculous in their achievements
never ceasing to surprise me
with their sensitivity

Fingers
Palms
Knuckles
Wrists
Surprisingly safe
Surprisingly ******