My Mother’s Hands

20140316_164435_resizedAs I was writing one morning, I found myself wondering when my mother’s strong hands had become like my own.

Ever since I fell last autumn and injured my “writing” hand, I have felt a deep gratitude for my hands.

The ability to grasp anything in reach.
The realization to let go and create anew.

My pen gave way to this poem about my mother’s hands and what they mean to me. I had the privilege of reading it to her on her birthday this past March.

In honor of my mother and our hands, I share this tribute with you. May you cherish the hands that have strengthened you.

My Mother’s Hands

Hands that hold our family together.
Hands that express love and beauty.
Hands that make one feel safe.
Hands that stroke brows to ease worry and pain.
Hands that sew, mend and iron clothes.
Hands that knead dough and bake cookies.
Hands that prune roses and plant flowers.
Hands that write words of encouragement and belief.
Hands that gather wood and build fires.
Hands that rub sore muscles and heal.
Hands that create and wrap gifts.

Honest hands. Giving hands.
Scarred hands. Working hands.
Praying hands.

Hands that have held hope and longing.
Hands that have nestled soft babies and grandsons.
Hands that have wiped tears and caressed cheeks.
Hands that have clutched heartache and loss.
Hands that have flipped burgers, canned and cooked many meals.
Hands that have worked the soil, fed animals and seeded fields.
Hands that have hung IV bags and passed instruments.
Hands that have made beds and pulled up our covers.
Hands that have strewn popcorn and decorated trees.
Hands that have washed, brushed and curled hair.
Hands that have soothed many souls.

Strong hands. Loving hands.
Holding unto dreams and faith.

A blessing to behold. The gift of my mother’s hands.

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About the Author | Te' Werner

Te' Werner is an artist, coach and writer. Her writing journey began over twenty five years ago and continues to be a daily transformational experience. She mentors and encourages women to find their voice and create space for freedom in their lives.
"I began to write as a way to express myself. I found a place to be heard amidst the pages of my journals. Later I would learn that through my writing...I could listen to my soul speak. Writing is my breath on paper."

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18 comments to "My Mother’s Hands"

  • Wanda

    So beautiful! Reminds me of my precious grandmother who passed in 1999. No words can express my Love & Repevt for her! Thank you for your beautiful poem!

    • Te’

      Wanda thank you for your acknowledgment on my poem. I will again hold my mother’s hands this weekend as I celebrate her birthday.

      And I will think of your dear grandma and your hands that hold her love close to your heart. Blessings to you! Te’

  • Gwinnette

    Absolutely beautiful expression of mothers!!!!

  • Anne Winchester

    So beautiful.

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      Te' Werner

      Anne thank your I for you kind words! Blessings to you! Te’

      • Kerrie Shepherd

        Hi te’werner,
        I read your beautiful poem. I lost my mum last year and I took a photo of mum and my hands. I’m am the founder of Women’s Sacred Circles, which I’m in the process of setting up, and hope to go live in 2020, and start running Women’s Sacred Circles. I was wondering if I could use your poem on my website.

  • Sadiq

    How very nice. Brought tears to my eyes, as I lived my moment. Lately..and since the past few months, ever since my 95yr old Mother took a fall and broke her pelvic bone, adding to her existing broken hips of a few years ago. Therefore, have had priceless, endless moments, sitting by her hospital bed and just cupping my hands over hers…. embracing her love that I recieved from the very hands. Actually these hands were our benefactors of love and everything learnt from this great teacher and guide. Hands now aged and wrinkled, her ninety year old skin so fragile like a parchment of gossamer holding onto its integrity. Ahh MaMa.. how many times have these very hands held my face as you looked every so lovingly into my soul…content, and happy to live the moment. She taught us how to write for Pete’s sake…! Love defined itself through her hands…still does…. as she does, reaching out in a bright alert moment…her weak hands stroking my face and beard..a smile only I as a child can feel deep deep inside. Thank you Mom and God Bless.

    Now allow us to give you back more than you ever deserve, keeping you safe and comfortable and never short of our loving hands to help you along.

    I love you, we love you.

  • Lorraine

    Beautiful

  • Marilyn Mahoney

    I love your Mother’s Hands
    May I use it at my Mothers funeral?

  • Alison Frye

    My mom is In the process of transitioning from this life. I found your poem and it gave me comfort and the exact feeling I needed to express the love I have for her. Thank you’

    • Te' Werner

      Alison I send you peace dear one. Thank you for sharing your experience. You are so strong. Such a gift to have our mothers nurture us…now to honour your mom and yourself. Blessings and love to you, Te’

  • Beverly Dittberner

    How can I print this off to put in my Mother’s box of things?

  • Timothy L. Lumpkin

    Awesome, heartfelt structure. I wish my mom was still around so that I would’ve had the opportunity for her to experience your work. Thank you so much.

  • Anjali

    The most relaxing moment is , when my mom puts her hand on my head and says- my sweet daughter..love you. I can’t express the power in that action and words.

    Recently my dad clicked a pic of my mom’s hands holding a flower in it…I felt it was our lives in it…This poem is so much full of expressions and heart touching.

  • Amanda Leathers

    This is beautiful! It describes my mother’s hands so well. She was raised on an apple farm and lived through the depression. May I share ?

  • Jim Tobin

    I have been asked to give a Mother’s Day sermon on May 12. As I am writing my text, I came across your pose “My Mother’s Hands”. I would like permission to share it and have cards made up to give to the congregation. I will have you as its author.

    • It has been a decade now since I was inspired to write this poem. I AM deeply blessed to have it touch so many hearts. Thank you for asking to share! Blessings to you!