Her hands had known
and touched and felt
the best and the worst
that life had to offer.
They’d held a newborn
they’d kneaded bread
they’d mended sweaters
they’d caressed her man
felt a rose petal
petted a cat
soothed a boo boo
prayed to God.
Her hands had seen
their share of toil
and despair
triumph and joy
sorrow and love.
