MAMA'S BEAUTIFUL HANDS

Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon
the land which the LORD hath given thee. Exodus 21:12 (KJV)

Mama's fingers were so long and slender,
   Her nails painted in colorful hue;
Her wrists draped in rhinestone bracelets
   of which she had so few.

Mama's hands kept up from falling.
   They caressed whenever we cried.
They were cool when we burned with fever.
   They punished whenever we lied.

They applauded when we made achievements.
   They shook when temperaments flared.
Mama's hands let us know she loved us.
   Her tender touch showed she cared.

When we hurt, they made us feel better.
   They never pushed away in the night.
She clasped them in despair and anger
   when her daughters got into a fight.

Mama's hands were never more lovely,
   as when she folded them tenderly in prayer.
They brought the presence of God nearer
   until you felt His Oneness there.

Mama's hands were the hands of a lady.
   Her gestures showed that so clear.
They demanded respect of those who knew her,
   and the love of all she held dear.

Through the years Mama's hands changed little.
   They show all the love she commands.
Nothing can hold such wisdom
   as the love in Mama's beautiful hands.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, MAMA.

Father, I have honored my mother, and therefore,
    I also honor You in all things. Amen.


© 2017 Evelyn B. Ryan