To Hold a Hand
Location
To hold a hand
Not just with your palm
But with eyes and ears and lips
That bustle to form song
To hold a hand that has been shattered or bruised
Confined by stereotypes
“It’s not allowed here
To be confused”
It is simply a hand
It has neither curves nor teeth
Only creases and stories
Things that define, not complete
With the words that ricochet out of mouths
Not taking a moment
To think
To hold a hand
To feel colors flow through your lips
And not listen to someone tell you to identify with
What is between your hips
Claim the eyes that see difference as eyes of your own
Defend yourself
Defend what is known to be home
To hold a hand
Like a wounded bird
Give it time to spread its feathers
Give it longer to be heard
Look into the beady eyes
Select this box
Just a few questions left
Will you hold a hand?
Will you consider each secret kept?