Hands

By LJ

(I am resurrecting a piece by an Anonymous Author that I used in a previous story in order to pay tribute to Canadian Artist, Steve Walker’s painting ‘Hands in the Sand’.)


They lay side-by-side, stretched out on the deserted expanse of sand a little ways off from their privately-owned dock. Both men were winding down together after an exuberant exploration of each other's body.

“I love it when we both climax at the same time,” Darby softly mused, reaching for Rowan’s hand.

Large fingers gently interlaced with slightly more delicate ones, sending a message of love without a word being spoken.

Several more minutes passed, when a low voice broke the silence.

“Do you remember the words the Reverend spoke at our wedding concerning these?”Darby held the joined hands up.

“Well enough to be able to recite it by heart,” was the somewhat surprising response.

“Really?”Darby’s eyes lit up with happiness as he glanced over at his lover. “I know you have a terrific romantic streak, but I would never have expected you of memorizing a poem. Prove it by reciting it for me…..please,” the younger man pleaded. His head fell down on the rumpled towel, his thumb gently rubbing circles on the back of the hand holding his and he sighed contentedly when a mellow baritone voice began to recite:

“These are the hands of your best friend.
These hands are young and strong and full of love for you.
These hands are holding yours on your wedding day as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever.
These are the hands that will work alongside yours as together you build your future.
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years.
These are the hands that, with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.
These are the hands that will tenderly hold you when fear or grief fills your heart.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes.
These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.
And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, and still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.
They will always be here for you. My hands. ”

The End