In a world made of gifts, no oneis empty-handed or lonesome.The hands with which we accept andgive back are precious gifts themselves.They unwrap packages, pears, twigs,hard-boiled eggs, shoulders and wounds.Some beings lose their skins with gleewhile others hold the wrap tightlyas if strength grows in resistance,as if the skin hides the treasurewe need in order to create.We touch petals, water, small cats—everything—and fulfill our needswithout depleting the sources.The hearts with which we give our thanksradiate like trees and weeds,recognize kinship. We belongamid a ceaseless gift exchange.And some days we willingly knowour place, and some days we forget.
the earthweal weekly challenge: GIFTS
My blog poems are rough drafts.
Please respect my copyright.
If you quote, credit this page.
© 2020 Susan L. Chast
Please respect my copyright.
If you quote, credit this page.
© 2020 Susan L. Chast
This is beautiful and wise. I love the hands, unwrapping all the gifts!
ReplyDeleteThis poem is full of gratitude. It's so true, 'some days we willingly know/our place, and some days we forget.' It's always good to be reminded!
ReplyDeleteWhat common and extraordinary gifts, these hands, all of us have these appendages of reaching and grasping and touching and holding. Thanking hands as gifts makes them extensions of wonder. All we had to do was thank them ... Well done Susan, thanks for bringing this to earthweal. Important work in times like this ... Brendan
ReplyDeleteI love the detailing in this poem, and the hands holding it all together. So many gifts.
ReplyDeleteRecognizing kinship...that's the key.
ReplyDeleteWonderful food for thought. We are all in this together aren't we.
ReplyDelete