Mom’s Hands
I am a child again when I hold them in mine.
Held the babies
Changed the diapers
Washed the dishes
Laundered the clothing
Raised four children
Held the steering wheel, shaking, when a dirt truck nearly pushed our big, beautiful Beauville filled with Mom and kids off the road
Knitted a toque for me during the night when she heard me mention in another room that I’d like one
Write in flowing cursive, pen skating, weaving letters over pages and cards
Hold romance novels open during the quiet hours
Cover her mouth when she laughs at her K-dramas at 3am
Cook food day in and day out for Dad while he works
Make coffee, every few hours, every day, for years
Mom’s hands have seen the wear and tear of her life
and through it all,
Mom’s hands are tender, soft.
I am a child again when I hold them in mine
The skin has been worked, and worked, and worked
And they could be rough, God, they really could be, the world could have made them so
Hot water from dishwashing makes her nails brittle
Preparing food of all natures seeps flavors and colors into her skin
Knitting for hours makes them cold, dry
They are weathered with life, wiping our tears before hers
They pat my back when I hug her goodbye
They are gentle against my face when I cry
Mom’s hands
are
Smooth
About the Creator
Lark Hanshan
A quiet West Coast observer. Writing a sentence onto a blank page and letting what comes next do what it must.
Comments (8)
This was really lovely. I could feel the love for your mother through your words.
Wonderful! Congrats on your placement in the challenge!
Beautiful piece. Congrats.
Beautiful subject! Beautiful poem! Congrats!
Awww, this was so touching! Loved your poem!
There's so much love in this poem. Filled my heart. Well written.
nice it was
Lark Hanshan your poem beautifully captures the depth and tenderness of a mother's hands—weathered by life yet always gentle and comforting. It's a touching tribute to the love and care mothers selflessly provide in the simplest yet most profound gestures." Hats off to your work! Keep it going