my mother's hands are unfamiliar
i look at them now
i see how time has changed them
how the sun has cracked and freckled them
the once nibble fingers fight against the joint
thin
frail
i want to know those hands
know them wrapped around me
holding me
even now
i long for them
to fall softly across my face
comb slowly through
my hair
spreading over her lap
i write these words for you mom
i welcome your belated embrace
i am ready
are you?