Because You Are Here

The hands that timidly held you when you were small and fragile just after birth
The hands that held and rocked you until you fell asleep on nights when you cried and cried and wouldn't sleep

The hands that held yours all the way to kindergarten
The hands that wiped away your tears when you fell and cried in the schoolyard

The hands that taught you how to peel an apple
The hands that taught you how to write

Before long, these hands were not just for you
One was there for your younger brother

And you happily let me share them

Before I knew it, you had grown up
You started getting good results in tennis tournaments
How many times have I held you with these hands and rejoiced with you

But suddenly, you couldn't go to school anymore
The hands that held you when you were devastated

Worried every day that you might disappear
Worried that you might have lost sight of the very value of living
I often stroked your cheeks with these hands

And now, you
Saying, "I'm off!"
Hug me
And set off into the distance with a smile

All I can do is wave my hand at you

These hands that can no longer touch you nearby
Connect with you through words, smartphone in hand

Wishing for your happiness
Always
And telling you to come home anytime

Carrying so many feelings
That are never enough no matter how much I convey
But simply
Plainly

I send you the message
That I am waiting for you

I am participating in Crystal-ru-san's article project about "#Hands".

#Hands
#Crystal-ru-san