Old Hands

Old Man's Hands

Old man’s hands.
Flecked by age.
Lots of scars
From untold combats,
Against himself,and others.
His hands they tell about his life.
Though no one seems to care
About such trifles.
I close my eyes and see:
Women, caressed.
Children, lifted up.
His battles, Loc Ninh in 67’.
His working life
Through pain and pleasure.
Some for better,
Some for worse.
When my time comes;
Will someone
Look at my hands,
And close their eyes?

KB Harris 2011