Hands

Two hands clasped tightly around a fragile cup.

One hand trying to hold the cup up to invisible lips. The other trying to steady the trembling liquid.

The saucer catches what is lost.

Hands that once were sure.

Knew things that others did not.

Hands that could lift me laughing with fear and love All the way to the sky and back.

Now they are my hands that gently lift and steady Against the fell gloaming.