These Hands

These Hands 

Curled and soft

Clinging to my thumb

Startled fingers open wide

Clumsily clasping my glasses

Gently grasping my hair

Pulling on my skirts

Patting…tapping…cuddling

Wound tight around my neck 

...as sobs crash around me

Gently rocking your baby dolls

Smearing finger paints 

Delicately blending clay

Dimples

Faded away

Never forgotten

Sweeping the crayon

…and then the pencil

Mixing, stirring, baking

Expressing

Storytelling

Praying

Delicately tucked under your pillow

Finding me in the dark

…asking for comfort

Growing more independent

…each passing day

These hands

Forever holding my heart