Our Hands

Walking through the dark night I felt the warmth of his hand holding mine
I looked down and saw the familiar sight of our fingers carelessly laced together
Eleven years
On the night we met, my fingers deftly twisted a napkin into a rose
I offered it to him with a playful smile
The first time he took my hand was on our second date
It started as a joke but I couldn't deny the way that my heart skipped when our hands met
For the first year of our marriage his hands would tenderly braid my hair every night
When I cut my hair, braids turned into bedtime back scratches for him
Our hands have worked side by side in our little gardens
Planting seeds, pulling weeds, watering and then gathering the fruits of our labors
There have been long nights with hands rocking babies and wiping tears
Anniversaries have brought thoughtfully arranged flowers
Birthdays and barbecues have found his hands working their magic at the grill
Softly my hands have touched fevered brows and his have given powerful blessings
Together our hands have made our house into a home
Working hand in hand, lifting as one, strengthening each other
I am so blessed to have his hand to hold


Happy Anniversary, babe.