Music of the Heart

The Hands Alone

©Aislynn d'Merricksson, 2009

It is said that the hands alone

cannot tell the story of a man's life.

Can they not?

I look at my hands and what do I see?

I see a traitor's hands, stained with innocent blood,

a mark for all eternity of the crime committed.

You see a traitor's hands.

I see hands that can be oh so gentle,

despite their treacherous claim.

I look at my reflection and what do I see?

I see a killer's eyes staring back at me,

a mark for all time of the cost of that crime.

You see a killer's eyes.

I see beautiful eyes that weep for what has been lost;

no mere crocodile tears,

but precious jewels each one shed.

I see eyes that hold such generous devotion

when not filled with self-recrimination.

I look at my heart and what do I see?

I see that it is cold and empty,

full of hopelessness and guilt,

its flame long since dimmed;

a heart undeserving of love, undeserving of forgiveness.

You see a heart whose flame has long gone cold.

I see a heart struggling to rekindle itself.

The hidden flame needs but a little coaxing.

You see a heart undeserving of love or forgiveness.

I see a heart worthy of both and both are offered.

It is but to accept.

It is said that the hands alone

cannot tell the story of a man's life.

I beg to disagree.

Look to any part of this mangled body,

this mangled mind, and the story of my life can be read.

It's all there for those who can read it,

those who can speak the language.

You see a man broken in mind and body.

I see a man full of such potential.

One mistake, no matter how grave, should not define one so.

I see a body that is beautiful just as it is; something unique;

each perceived 'flaw' something to be cherished.

A man's hands alone may tell the story of his life,

but every reader will see that story in a different light.

Many may despise it, but there will be

those who will embrace the lessons it offers

and value it for what it is.

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Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed this poetic offering. Comments and votes are most appreciated!