On Having Two Hands - Rita S. Losch

[Larry Robinson]

On Having Two Hands

My right hand is in its early seventies,
maybe older. It is very smart.
My left hand has existed outside of time
all these years.

I feel my way through the world
with my responsible right hand,
but the left, trailing behind,
remembers where I've been.

The right hand holds the reins,
but the left, flamboyant,
celebrates the wild bucking.

When I touch you with my right hand,
I deliver to you all that hand has learned.
The left one, awkward and honest,
gives me away.

	- Rita S. Losch