Haiku

the grasping cradle
fingernails and sweaty palms
holding hard for love

with unopposed thumbs
fingertips feel knuckles clenched
to press palm to palm

the grandfather tree
lifts children up up and up
on his big strong arms

tugging the towel up
she smiles at me smiling back
seated on the bed

one of each's hands
held high to be held by Mom
as we walk across

Rider red wagon
you can hold only so much
hold something holy

Summer 2005