Heart in Hand

A damaged heart held tightly in her hand, so tightly for so very long that her fingers are immovably stiff, frozen in place, unable to let go. She wants desperately to give her whole heart to him (and thought she already did), but it is broken in many pieces. Some of the pieces are missing, parted out to others who thoughtlessly squashed them and tossed them away. Some of the pieces were pecked at by railbirds that could not be brushed away. Some were kicked around and played with by the trusted few who are expected to be safe. Yet now, when the safest place for her heart is in his hands, she is unable to open her bony old fingers and let it go. She is ready. She is willing. She believes that this is best. She is confused. Why is it still in her hands? She thought she gave her heart to him long ago. She holds it out to him again, wishing she had let go of it the first time. He will have to help her release it with great patience and his strong yet very gentle touch.

By: Paula Dean Nevison