if these hands could talk

If these hands could talk, they wouldn’t stop.
They would tell you stories of the past.
These hands would teach you lessons
of hard work and perseverance. These hands
would just because they could. All the scars,
callasses, bruises, and creases show others
that life is a long, winding road that eventually
ends. I can’t pretend that it has been easy.
But, if it were easy, what would it teach me?
These hands would tell you that it will be
okay. You will move on and see a new day.
If these hands could talk, you would understand
that I have gone to war, but came out alive.
Yes, these hands would tell you that I survived.
In this life, these hands have been wet, burned,
bloodied, hurt, and disregarded. But these hands
would tell you that we are just getting started.
If these hands could talk, they would scream:
“Hold me as I long for touch and acceptance”.
They would talk just to talk just like feet walk.

Stitches

My clothes have looked ripped,
torn, and haggard from the day
I was born. I didn’t think they
were worn down until they were
handed down. Despite the dirt,
I saw clearly. I got clothes yearly
at Goodwill, thrift stores: clearly.
I have fallen, tripped, and ripped
my clothes. It’s the way it goes.
Instead of feeling bad for myself,
I slowly got up looking for help.
It didn’t take long before I found
a queen without the silly crown.
She was happy to show me around.
Within days, I learned how to sew.
With learning to sew, I learned how
to heal. Each time I fall, I recall many
lessons that lessen the hurt and pain.
When I fall, I know my wounds will
heal and my clothes can be stitched.
When there is nothing left but love,
that’s when my life’s been enriched.

Stay Strong

During these times, we must stay
strong. Those who come along
must adjust – knock off the rust.
When the foundation is weak,
humanity’s future seems bleak.
The stronger we are right now
will, somehow, help us breathe
in times of need. Small seeds
need strong sources of water,
sunlight, and soil. To grow up
means to show up when things
blow up. In this life, we must
nurture the young and teach
them right from wrong. Long
story short: when life pushes,
we have to push back and be
strong before any surrender.
Stay strong and live your life
just how all days turn to night.

I’ve Been Thinking

Lately, I’ve been thinking
about pirate ships sinking.
I’ve been thinking of ways
to be spending my days.

Lately, I’ve been thinking
about those not blinking.
I’ve been thinking of you
and the stuff we used to do.

Lately, I’ve been thinking
about my future and what
it holds. I’ve been thinking
of what I have done right
or wrong. I’ve been thinking
of ways to become better.

Lately, I’ve been thinking
of how things used to be.
I’ve been thinking about life
and how days became nights.

Now, I’m thinking that it will
be fine. I’ve been thinking
that I must take the time
to feel alright and to be kind.