At the Tuesday night AA meeting

I owe my life to women who courageously kept the door open

On this wooden table

women's hands in rows 

poise side by side 

to lift individually,

telling and teaching,

with barely hidden

perfect bones.

 

Their hands, like backward

wings, fold and arc and glide.

Their interrupted flight

lights in curved grace like

a priest's inclusive motion -

holding, touching, blessing

through the air.

 

Evangels, they witness

life plain and lightened,

vast emptiness filled.

I, Lazurus shocked to life,

by hands magnificent and humble,

bow to love.

 

Reviews

[Rick Puetter]

Dear Holly,

This is a very thought provoking poem. I particularly liked the abstraction of the experience caused by focusing on a single specific aspect, i.e., the women's hands. And you paint the hands beautifully, allowing the reader to see the loving and concerned character of the individuals through their hands alone.

For me, the best aspect of the poem were the last three lines:

"I, Lazurus shocked to life,
by hands magnificent and humble,
bow to love."

indicating your return to life by accepting the love pouring from the "humble" hands that so clearly and humbly see life as it is and offer encouragement and strength.

Very nicely done.

Highest regards,

Rick

[DRIVEN]

by hands magnificent and humble,
telling and teaching....holding, touching,blessing.

wonderful write...I also enjoyed your focus on the women's hands as you take us through the poem

[Raef C. Boylan]

This is a great tribute to the people whose lessons shared helped revive your own will.
I enjoyed the leisurely pace and the thoughtful tone of this piece; it gets the reader to really focus on the skilful images you provide us with.
Thanks for sharing this poem.

[HoorayForUnderdog]

wow! excellent.

[Ken Simm.]

Intresting very visual piece with a lot to say.

[Emily_.]

Beautifuly written, some really powerful images and whilst being very powerful manages to create a soothing tone.

[Phibby Venable]

A beautiful, poignant piece of work. excellent.

[Trée]

Very powerful and evocative language. Love the image of hands in rows, like backward wings. Still, the greater whole of an experience held of love within the heart of experience shines bright. Wonderful poem.

[Orlando Murcia]

Sometimes you do have to bow to love, I like your poem hun, keep it up

[Chaotic Mind]

wow, very image filled, i love the way you wrote this, and the subject.