ROBYNN MURRAY

HANDS

Hands can tell the story of one thousand words never spoken.
My hands were used for holding that of another, interlaced,

a mere spark of passion yet to come.
These hands have labored to write my thoughts and life.

A person with rough hands is no stranger to work.
A person with nails bloody and bitten is usually anxious

and apprehensive.
A soft manicured hand is not a construction worker.

My hands have held my nieces and nephews.
My fingers have been on the trigger of a gun

pointed at another human being. 

They are bitten fingernails and rough palms.

They are tattooed with a story of war, regret, yet pride.

My knuckles read "Vet" to show the world the sacrifice

I made for you. To show you I would have died for you.

I want everyone to know.

I have broken rifles that are so much more than pictures to me.
They represent my guilt, my disenchantment for the army

and most of all that I wish to never have my hands on any trigger or gun that could claim the life of another human being.