The Hands

The Hands

A Poem by abluehorseandflowers

The Hands

On the strength of who I thought I’m not
And the weakness of who I think I am
I approached the climb rocky and steep

Though the day is bright and refreshed
The trail ascends to the clouds

It’s a track laid by other feet
Some of whom left sign posts
For those who come behind

But most just treat their way
Pausing at the bottom weighing what’s required

Much to rugged for a solo climb
When the sun dips below the peak

My valley becomes shaded and chill
A wolf’s howl echoes calling her pack
Such a lonely plaintive call

And I long for the replies she receives
I hear them coming together

While I return to my cave
I’ve stood before the climb innumerable times
And tried the trail from desperate need

Only to shun outstretched hands
If it’s not to be done myself

There’s nothing to be done
But deep in the recesses of my cave
A different story is told

Painted in primitive colors
The message could not be more clear

Amongst all the sacred animal images
Both the hunters and the prey
There are hands interspersed reaching

A spirit an animus calls them together
Which is yet beyond my ken

The torch of my understanding
Sheds only a limited light obscured
By the soot of misapprehension

So the climb yet awaits me
And the hands that I would grasp

© 2014 abluehorseandflowers


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Reviews

Your writing is great. This poem conveys much imagery, which sets the scene for readers.

Posted 9 Years Ago


abluehorseandflowers

9 Years Ago

thank you Hikari for your kind comment. If I may, what scene does it set for you?
Mercy Fae

9 Years Ago

It seems like it's about someone overcoming a major obstacle in their life, and then preparing for f.. read more
abluehorseandflowers

9 Years Ago

Well, that pretty well describes what it means to me :)

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237 Views
1 Review
Added on April 11, 2014
Last Updated on April 11, 2014
Tags: Poem, poetry, hands, mountain, sun, valley, cave, paintings

Author

abluehorseandflowers
abluehorseandflowers

White City, OR



About
I read, I experience, I wonder and write poetry about it. I'm a veteran of the US Army Infantry who has struggled with alcoholism, homelessness and mental health issues including PTSD for over 30 year.. more..

Writing