Hands

by John Collins / August 26th, 2018

The hand, fluent in speaking many languages.
Hands signed the Declaration of Independence,
the constitution, as well, the Dred Scott Act,
It’s hands that issue death sentences, and birth notices,
signing marriage certificates, as well as divorce papers.
It’s hands that hold keys to lock as well as unlock .
They light candles, and hold the snuffer to extinguish.
Hands deliver babies, and attend at closing the caskets.
Hands are there to help, to lift, as well as accost.
Hands start life with wiping the rear, ending with wiping the brow,
Hands, how they play music for dancing, as well as playing Taps.
Whether firing a weapon, or waving a white flag,
offering a hug, or pointing an accusatory finger,
it is all in the movement of the hands that brings
the beginning, or declares the end.

John Collins ia a retired pharmacist from the coastal Virginia area, now living in Central Virginia. His work has appeared in the Dissident Voice, Merak, Fourth and Sycamore, Aurorus and Blossoms, Pangolin Review and Galway Reiew. Read other articles by John.

This article was posted on Sunday, August 26th, 2018 at 8:02am and is filed under Poetry.