For The Hands That Hold Us High

For The Hands Who Hold Us High

Tonight I want to say something gentle

like we are the blankets of suckling babes,
swaddling them as we entangle ourselves

because I love my father,
his memory of my years
even now when I am gone,

and my mother,
her timely reminders,
calls like a goodnight kiss.

Tonight I imagine the weight on their eyes
is my world, kept warm by their hands,
held high by their bowing heads,

shaped like bonsais
in the care of angels
this starry night.

Tiniest branches
become my prayers,
spreading out like wings.

They gave me gentle feathers to rest my head
though I was restless and a light sleeper

tonight I am wrapped in dreams to carry worlds.

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So tonight I read a poem by my sister about her baby and about her being a mother and I began to want to write a poem based on the feeling I had. So I went with it and this is what came out. The opening couple lines is sort of based off a poem by Edward Hirsch called "For The Sleepwalkers." But as for me, I wanted feedback on what the title should be. It's tentatively called "For The Hands That Hold Us High" but I'm wondering if there isn't some more poetic way to put it.

The poem obviously pays tribute to my parents (Love you Mom and Dad!) for their love and sacrifice, but at the same time the poem isn't necessarily for them, but for those like them who look after others, whether they be parents themselves or merely relatives, friends, or strangers who reach out to others. It's not easy to take care of others, but it is so beautiful and rewarding. I think that that's the feeling I got out of this poem. The speaker of the poem wants to support those people and join them at the same time. There is a reverent tone about the poem.

So yeah, if you have a cool idea for the title let me know. And of course, let me know anything else that you want to let me know about the poem.