They provide defense

They build shelter

            Survival lies within the hands

They pluck oranges from the furthest limbs

Creating a sweet nectar juice, derived from a simple fruit

            Promise lies within the hands

They pick up a pen to write a letter to an old friend

A single gesture that means so much

            Communication lies within the hands

They brush and braid your sister’s hair

when she is having a bad day

            Care and concern lie within the hands

They throw a softball time after time

until they are caked in dirt and the throw is perfect

            Dedication lies within the hands

They build a snowman when the first soft snow drifts down to Earth

Generation after generation teaching their children the beauty of winter

            Tradition lies within the hands

They pat your dog’s head when he greets you at the door

Chocolate brown eyes gazing at you in silent devotion

            Trust lies within the hands

They hold things tight

Pictures yellowed with age, friends moving away

Never wanting to let go

            Possession lies within the hands

They carefully clutch a needle and thread

Knitting a blanket that will hold their legacy for centuries

Creating warmth wherever it goes

            Comfort lies within the hands

They turn page after page of a favorite book

Warming from the hot embers of a fire

No place they’d rather be

            Happiness lies within the hands

They mask sadness in one quick swipe

Erasing a tear stained face to help a brave one return

            Strength lies within the hands

They intertwine with those of another

A lasting mark of true affection

            Love lies within the hands

They wave goodbye

To a past life, an old friend and the former you

A final farewell before moving on

            Because letting go lies within the hands