Handprints

For the people in my life, two in particular, that have made a difference to me


I plaster five-year old handprint in a circle
While pencil-finger scribbles my name
Present it to you like an ancient fossil
Make little girl love the frame

I paint adolescent handprint on scholastic wall
The swirls have stretched like the soul they’re sewn to
Elongated fingers self-discovery in sharpie scrawl
Placing me only brush strokes away from you

I place grown girl handprint in the air
Hoping somehow to leave one meaningful mark
A personal part of me that I can share
My lighted candle in the dark

~DaLe 12/30/08