“Know the Difference”

“sometimes these hands are present

sometimes they lift

pick up weight from shoulders

and shift

hands handsome

creased beautifully with comfort

of holding position..

sometimes these hands carry

acknowledge open veins

tie them together and marry

sometimes these hands are attached

to open minds

to understanding hearts

to readiness for conversation

to meaning no harm

and knowing the difference

between meaning and doing

...to doing no harm

sometimes these hands

allow the ear to hear

and know the difference

between hearing and listening

...to truly listen

sometimes these hands

allow the heart to relate

and know the difference between

relative and understood

to know that you don't have to relate to understand

...to understand

and sometimes these hands are here

not to carry when the load is light

not to communicate when silence is preferred

not to direct after we've reached our destination

not to keep pouring when the cup is full up

sometimes these hands are just here

just present

know the difference"