Hospice

These hands feel the heartbreak of a lovers blow They elicit healing from the overhead slow crow Callous parts that have worn away Fists of fury rage out of war led betray

These hands send messages of embrace

Open arms bring shelter in the darkest days

Closeness comes as experiences interlock Caressing softly through touch and thought, little talk

These hands can amend damages woe

Delicately sewing together the pieces lost long ago Licking a finger to turn the page White knuckling while awaiting future's change

These hands wrinkle and wane with age

Pronounced veins still provide comfort for no wage While Nature preserves biological authenticationthese hands are left to wither in alienation

Kyle McLeod Rutgers Scool of Physical Therapy