WHEN YOU HOLD HANDS WITH A CHILD

When you hold the hand of a child…you cannot help but smile

two hands joined that once were two apart

There’s something innocent and pure once they put their hand in yours

you feel it all the way down to your heart.

You may not think it matters much…when an old and young hand touch…

but a memory immediately spikes.

The moment you feel that tiny hand…at once you understand

as you remember what innocence was like.

Your memory turns back slow…to a time not long ago

when you held onto a hand …perhaps an arm

and you know this to be true…how they put their faith in you

and it’s your responsibility to keep them safe from harm.

And though you never go to church that doesn’t mean you do not search

which makes this moment both wonderful…and odd

For when your fingers interlace…as you’re two hands then embrace

you wonder it this is what it’s like…to hold the hand of God.

That’s why old people understand…when a child holds our hand

for a moment…or a littlest of whiles

for that moment we are blessed that their hand in ours is pressed

and that is why we can’t do anything…but smile.