Found my first love
holding hands
walking home
from school –
grade one.
Father’s grip
crushed,
controlled,
warned against
disobedience,
held on until
compliance
was assured.
My sister’s hand –
frail flesh stretched
over aching bones –
clung to mine
until her internal heat
burned the touch
and I had to let go
while she surrendered
her last breath.
A lover’s hand
lacks stillness –
strokes and cajoles,
employs sensuality
to invoke desire.
Held my children’s hands
with my heart –
never wanting to let go,
prideful possession.
My granddaughter’s fist –
still pink from birthing –
wrapped around my finger
gripping the unknown
with the ferocity of
one hungry for life –
My husband’s hand
reaches out for mine
conveys support
for unsteady legs
offers strength
to propel me forward.
Hands convey
what the mind cannot –
a secret language
nuanced for life’s moments,
leave deep impressions.
(Tonight is Open Link night at dVerse, and our host Lillian has invited us to celebrate with her, as August 9th marks many National celebrations, one of which is National Hand Holding Day. To see the others and join in, visit here.)
You sent my emotions on a roller coaster ride with this one. You have captured hand holding beautifully.
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Thank you Irene.
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I love all the perspectives you use to illustrate the power and softness of holding hands. It is very touching (no pun intended!). I just read an interesting article on hands the other day from On Being called The Work of Hands. You might enjoy it: https://onbeing.org/blog/carolina-hinojosa-cisneros-the-work-of-the-hands/
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I enjoyed the article. I listen to the On Being podcast – always such great insight. Thanks, LuAnne.
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I love all those aspects of hand holding, except maybe a hand that is too strong to lead you… all those elements from birth to death.
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Thanks – touch is forever a language of its own.
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What a wonderful poem.
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Thank you so much.
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A beautiful personal history of hand-holding. Truly moving, with poignant images that remain!
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Thanks Frank.
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I love this one V.J.! I love hands, and you painted such a beautiful picture of them.
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Thanks, Terri. They are such a central part of interactions.
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Hands should definitely be celebrated…I like the way it circles round. (K)
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Thanks!
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Oh what a wonderful post! Actually, since it’s OLN, folks didn’t have to actually write about one of the holidays (IE National Hand Holding Day) — but I’m so glad you did. I was “in” these words with you! You’ve engaged the reader so well here….we travel with you through these different moments/times of hand holding. Somehow, I actually felt the “pressure” of those different hands through your words and the images you convey. The strict father made me grimace a bit.
And this one
“My granddaughter’s fist –
still pink from birthing –
wrapped around my finger
gripping the unknown
with the ferocity of
one hungry for life –”
just tugged at me heart. It’s true….a newborn / infant’s little hand just naturally wraps around your finger 🙂 I remember that! And I thank you sooooo much for that delightful memory this morning!
Oh yes……..hand holding leaves definite impressions and I am smiling here after reading your post!
Happy Friday to you and have a wonderful weekend! Perhaps reach out and hold someone’s hand today? 🙂
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PS: don’t think I’ve ever told you….I have always been fascinated by the blue glassed image at the top of your blog! Is that you? I’ve always wondered if you took that picture and somehow manipulated it to look like this?
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It is me! And yes, I did. Thanks for noticing.
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LOVE it!
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Thank Lillian – your words are so encouraging. My granddaughter is coming for the weekend, and my palms are itching, lol.
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Such lovely and touching reflections on hand holding.
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Thank Merril!
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You have left me speechless! ❤ Exquisite write.
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Thank you! What a compliment.
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Nice lines: “Held my children’s hands
with my heart” The heart is the best hand to hold someone.
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…and the best one to be held by. Thanks, Frank.
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A very nice job. I loved all the pictures…even the sad ones. I liked the one of the newborn holding on…
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Newborn’s are the most precious hands to hold, for sure.
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Yes they are…
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