These Old Hands

A look at life

Getting old is not for sissies and my hands will prove this true, the joints are worn and rugged and the scars both old and new. My hands are bruised and ugly with ragged fingernails, but they are the hands with memories of all that life entails. That old scar on my middle finger is a gift from childish rage, it brings back thoughts of Granny Bird a wise old native sage. Getting old is not for sissies as the lines of age do tell, that golden ring upon my finger brought pride and joy as well. That awesome day our hands first touched with youth and beauty fair, and today we touch with age and smiles and gentle loving care. I have led a life of danger with many scars upon my hands, they are the scars of battles fought in many distant lands. Getting old is not for sissies as my rugged hands will tell, but these old hands stood by me and brought me back from hell. They have held the birth of children as they passed that birthing fjord, and they have been held in silent prayer in homage to the Lord. The scars are there from years of work and steady honest sweat, and these old hands have witnessed fear and shook in nervous fret. Getting old is not for sissies and takes many things in stride, getting rid of indecision and doubt and ugly pride. There are the scars of bitter anger and of hope and harsh despair, for these hands have known much sorrow and toil and bitter wear. But I will keep these ugly hands and the memories that they hold, because for each and every one there’s a story to be told. Getting old is not for sissies for it takes a pair of rugged hands, and they may be worn and old and ugly and bled in distant lands. But God has lent them to me to help me through this life, through times of joy and happiness and times of bitter strife. But when I reach the other side their beauty will shine through, they bear the scars of a fruitful life known by very few.

Reviews

[lee von cleef]

Our family used to write these poems to each other, much like yours here, I think a much more "Civilized" way to communicate. Dam this is good !

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i like the repetition of the refrain...really solidifies the poem...keeps the thread burning through it.

and yes, we carry scars with us, but those all tell the tales of who we are and what we went through to get where we are in life.

very nice reflection ...and you do the form quite well.

jacob

[Will Neill]

When my grand childern ask me what its like to be old I always tell them to look at my hands and face and tell me what they see, they study me carefuly enquiring about the lines and scars that I have obtained with my journey in life-each is a icon of history and each has it's own story. I loved this poem, I will let them read it. First class writing.
Will

[Angi]

I love my husband's hands. I have written about them so many times. Men's hands may be ragged, scarred and worn, but they are a tribute to the man himself. Love this piece. Angi~

[Angi]

I am going to add this piece to my library, Warrior. The message is that good. Angi~

[Beccy]

'But they are the hands with memories of all that life entails,' That line is the perfect summing up of a quite lovely poem.

Beccy