In Our Hands
~~~
It was not all that long ago
When an offered hand
Was the measure of a man
And mutual respect did show
~~~
The pandemic hit fast
And bolstered our fear
Much less being near
Closeness now in the past
~~~
Oh, the simplest of things
The most common greeting
To people we are meeting
Steeped fear that it now brings
~~~
With our smiling eyes
We hope to convey
What our words cannot say
As bonding meets its demise
~~~
Staying safe we must do
But when times are such
That we avoid touch
I still have a hand for you
~~~
commonsensiblyspeaking 
It seems we are in danger of losing any sense of humanity to our fellow beings since ways to “reach out” – a hug or just a smile – have been taken from us. Your words speak that though eloquently!
I need another hug from you already, I seem to always run out. Love you sis!
so bittersweet, but the eyes have it
So true!
Such a beautiful post. When all of this is over, I hope people will learn to appreciate the simple beauty of a stranger’s smile and a handshake when meeting someone new. I hope the make time to see extended family, long distance friends, and hold them just a little bit longer. The world needs that right now, but unfortunately…..
Lovely poem, as always, my dear. ❤
Thank you Kristian! One inappropriately long hug for you pretty lady!
I graciously accept your hug and inappropriately hug you back!! 🤗🤗🤗
Such a nice verse, Brad. Thank you for that comforting last line..
Thank you Yassy!
Lovely, Brad, and so true 🌹
What a beautiful poem my friend. It is an such important reminder to our world.
These words are so tender and stunning Brad.
“Staying safe we must do
But when times are such
That we avoid touch
I still have a hand for you”
Lovely my dear friend. I have heard from many bloggers how affected they are by missing seeing smiles. This poem made me smile.
Sending love, hugs and blessings my friend. Also a hundred virtual hugs but real ones from my heart. Love ya 😘💕❤️Joni
wonderful tribute to such a simple and friendly gesture.
I just shook hands with someone the other day; I think it was the first time in a looong time. Felt good…
Good for you, Jim! I sure you both appreciated it!
I certainly hope that at some point in the future, we can return to a time when we can hug a friend, share a high five or a fist bump with a buddy, and shake a stranger’s hand when we meet someone new.
I think that someday they will return. They are too much a part of our human nature. Thanks for reading and commenting Pete! I appreciate you!
So true my friend, so true. And you’ve expressed it perfectly and directly but with such taste and art. Great poem my friend!
Thank you brother Francisco!
My pleasure brother Brad!