i dream of hands steadier than mine
                                    to hold a sometimes nervous heart
                                    a clammy palm
                                    and a tired face
                                    with calm fists
                                    worn and experienced and wise

of a mouth that kisses my brow                                       
                        and hand and jaw                                       
and don't neglect my collar nor lips                                       
                                     

but hands that are strong and gentle and beautiful
know how to hold my face
my dreams
my weakness
my heart
with care and love and curiosity

eyes that see and wonder with mine                                       
once in a while kiss with open eyes                                       
and a nose that breathes me in                                       
digs into my neck to find my clavicle                                       
                                   

but hands that understand and know
veins that tell old stories of passion and anger
knuckles that have healed
scars and lessons learned
truth and joy and wisdom

                                        And love.