fathers day poem

wise hands

daddy has wise hands
his hands know rhythm
taught mommy drum beats
at coffeehouses in college.

daddy has wise hands
they moved when he talked
sharing grace with the needy
in Jesus' name.

daddy's hands are so wise
he made that shelf
you can pull your toys down
it won't fall, babe.

daddy has wise hands -
he squeezed your mama's.
she was scared and excited
you were coming so soon.

coffee stained
flipping the pages
cupping our faces
held open with love.

daddy's hands are wise
held you right
from the very first time
we laid sweet eyes on ya'll.

i see those wise hands
throwing you
lifting you
I shudder, then secretly smile.

daddy has wise hands
and loving
and trusting
and just like his fathers.