Father’s gripcontrolling crushwarned against disobedience First loveGrade oneholding handswalking home A sister’s hand –frail flesh stretchedover aching bones –clung to mineuntil too hot to touchI had to let gowhile she surrenderedher last breath. A lover’s handlacks stillness –strokes and cajolessensuality evoking desire Held my children’s handswith my heart – never wanting to let goprideful possession … Continue reading Hand Holding