Hands

i never knew hands until
mine became as calloused as the branches in winter
trying to block the rain and the sticks and the stones
fingers etched in cuts, palms dark with bruises
falling backwards, shielding my face, my heart with desperation

never knew hands until You took mine in both of yours
and the war ceased, finally, after years and years and years
of heaviness that chains could not sound
of crimes the soul dare whisper once
you take my hands, and i'm crumbling

wanting to fade into the darkness but you say,
Hey, look at me.

and in your gaze
every single fear i have ever known is swept away

this feeling,
like morning
like knowing dance, knowing song, knowing freedom
without moving a muscle.