Number five in the Magpie Tales series. Visit Magpie Tales to read the many responses to this prompt. Hosted by Willow of Willow Manor.
Only human hands
can cradle the infant
and sooth the cries of separation
Only human hands
can comfort the child
with grazed and bloodied knees
Only human hands
can experience
the tender touch of first love
Only human hands
can cup the swollen breasts
and smooth the rounded belly of a pregnant woman
Only human hands
can plant the seeds
of gardens for children and their play
Only human hands
can hold the final moments
of life's long days
Only human hands
pull the trigger
design the weapons
press the buttons
sign ther papers
take the salute
violate the weak
strap on the body bomb
Only human.
20 comments:
This is so poignant and beautiful,
Christine
"only"
what a truly remarkable word.
and your utilization of it in your work, to me, at least, is almost orwellian...in so much that our society is quickly becoming totally automated.
tender and tough...a worthy combination!
Powerful and lovely, Steve. A beautiful statement. Well done.
Well, it was going along very nicely and then wham! That final stanza really lifts it out of its cosy world! Powerful stuff!
The contrasting worlds - very nicely done, Steve.
powerful ending stanza!
Human hands. And powerful words. Touch me.
Indeed, as you say, the whole spectrum of being, from good to bad,only we can do it!
wow. that one took a wicked turn, yet remained true through out...scary what human hands are capable of...
Such a truthful statement presented with elegance. Very poignant and "present".
Very, very nice with the turnaround in the last stanza!
The alpha and omega of humanity in a nutshell. Fantastic.
Profound, a nice read.
that's a nice read...poignant indeed
Wow, what an ending! I was feeling all warm and cozy and then you shocked me. Sad but true though.
Wow Steve,
You sure do hammer home the astonishing dichotomy of our species. Excellent. And ouch.
Oh this was really good. Was drifting along with your words, scrolling down as I went, and then you did that clout at the end which brought me up with a jolt. Great!
At the hand of humans anything is possible! Both good & bad! What you have written is both beautiful & at it's close so despondently true!
How very thought provoking -- well written...
...rob
Image & Verse
So true. You set us up well for that one and we richly deserve it. The startling surprising turn brings us up against the painfully obvious: we are capable of the best and the worst, we exalt and debase our condition at the same time. Only human, I reckon.
First time here on your blog, Steve. I'll be back.
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