Beyond Grasping
Scrambling to finish the second draft of the final revision of my book (hopefully, the final) so, I’m resharing a poem for this week’s post. This is one of the few poems that I have written easily – which, of course, makes me doubt that it’s good. As I would love to make changes to improve it, please make suggestions in the comments. Thank you!
What sparks jump
between two lovers,
what intimate whispers
and erotic juices flow
from flesh to flesh,
when hand is holding hand?
It is merely possession,
some may say,
a claim of property;
a way of seizing and keeping
what is rightfully owned
when hand is holding hand.
But, there is a magic
beyond grasping,
a mysterious link
that is only made visible,
tangible and speakable
when hand is holding hand.
Lovers and leaders
know the truth,
that there is giving
in the taking of another’s hand,
a transmittable substance
of love, wisdom and concern,
that guides the wandering home,
and makes single lives complete;
that emanates the faith of promises,
and opens the door
with every new acquaintance.
If you hold a hand,
and look not into the person’s eyes
and care not to see
God’s own reflection there,
then you know not the miracle,
the blessed, human miracle,
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Christina Chase View All
Although crippled by disease, I'm fully alive in love. I write about the terrible beauty and sacred wonder of life, while living with physical disability and severe dependency. A revert to the Catholic faith through atheism, I'm not afraid to ask life's big questions. I explore what it means to be fully human through my weekly blog and have written a book: It's Good to Be Here, published by Sophia Institute Press.
Christina Chase 
Words turn into such beauty just chokes me up.
I just want to keep reading more of this, and could not come close to elevate or equal to what you already have begun ,
Joining Divine Incarnate .com was the best gift I gave to myself.
Warmest wishes
Warmest wishes
Joan Bussiere
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I, too, am glad that you are reflecting with me! Thank you for your kind words! Your support is very much appreciated.
Pax Christi
Christina
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Christina, I do like the freedom you have to write in many forms, and they all work, if you ask me.
And if you ask me for suggestions, I’ll be honest; e.g. I was so surprised at the negative tone of the final stanza that I wanted to cross out the three “nots.” In fact I did that (in my head), and feel better already. But either way, it is a poem worth remembering.
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That is a great observation, Albert – thank you! What bothers me about the poem is the repetition of “hand holding hand” because it doesn’t flow easily off of the lips. I’ve tried ways of getting rid of it or changing it, but without much success. I think I can work with your honest suggestions, though…
If I edit the last stanza to be positive instead of negative, should I simply say the same things without the word “not” – like,
“If you hold a hand, and ignore (or “avoid”) the person’s eyes, and fail to see God’s own reflection there, then you miss the miracle, the blessed human miracle, of hand holding hand.” ?
Or, should I make the last stanza completely positive. Like,
“If you hold a hand and look into the person’s eyes to see (or “and find”) God’s own reflection there, then you know the miracle, the blessed human miracle, of hand holding hand.” ?
I hope you’re not regretting sharing your honest thoughts. 🙂 I truly appreciate this, Albert. Thank you very much!
Pax Christi
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