You extend your hand and she takes it,
it makes it easier for her to get out of the car.
You open your palm and she takes hold
for untold pleasures reside and hide there.
You grasp hers softly, a tender caress
that relieves stress and comforts; protects.
It projects your civility; a gentility that was
taught by the gentle man to whom
you owe so much. But that singular touch
says all it can when held in your hand.
You take her face between your soft grasp,
cheeks to be stroked and loved, a dip
to sip her lips sweet nectar as you respect
her and care. You do not dare to strike out.
It is about the bond of love you share,
all told in the holding of hands.
© Walter J. Wojtanik – 2016
THROUGH THE EYES OF A POET'S HEART 
This is a perfect tribute to the magic of hand-holding, from first love to old age; loved it. Gentle touch & slow hands, right on!
Thanks Glenn. Surely a lost art!
In the world of today, when bodies are splayed everywhere I feel there is nothing as close between two human beings as really holding hands…
The first intimacy, Bjorn. Nothing as close!
Ah – Walt – how lovely to read your words again … I’m not sure where I’ve been but I feel like I’ve been far away, even though I know – I’ve been right here, at my computer, typing away … just not getting as much done as I’d like (of course, when does anyone?). Nevahmind … I’m here now and love your poem – how could I not? You always did write the most exquisite love poems – “all told in the holding of hands” – yes.
http://whenthepenbleeds.blogspot.ca/2016/03/hand-in-hand.html
Sharon, I’ve missed your work as well. Will make a habit of seeking ou out again, I promise! Thank you for your kind words.
Beautiful, Walt. All men should read this.
All of your internal rhyme (at which you are a master) is fantastic.
Love this:
a dip
to sip her lips
The play of words that we’ve embarked upon helps in a big way in honing those internals. I agree. All men should. I could use the audience!
How great of your mother to bring up a gentleman of a son ~ I admire the perspective of the man, caring and nurturing that love and respect for the woman ~
A wonderful share Walt ~ I am learning to appreciate your gentle heart ~
Mom expected it. Dad was the ultimate gentleman. Between the two I couldn’t have been steered wrong. I’m glad you can find something in my words to embrace, Grace. Thank you for your kindness.
This is a beautiful response to the prompt, from the title to the end. Your poem flows so gently to accompany the sentiment.
Thanks, Mish. I appreciate your comment.
I really like how you bring up the gentlemanly quality of hands, the art of holding out to hold on. Sadly seems to be a lost art these days.
Agreed, Doc! As I had expressed earlier, it is the first intimacy. I’m doing my part to start a resurgence! Thank you!
Sigh.. this was so touching 🙂 indeed the mere touch of our hands speak volumes when it comes to expressing emotions. Beautifully penned.
Lots of love,
Sanaa
Thank you, Sanaa. There is gentility in that touch!
What beautiful tenderness expressed by loving hands that honor the beloved!
Thanks for your kind words, Lynn. They touch equally as well!
Beautiful, Walt….a poem filled with such deep love! Indeed so much can be expressed and seen in the holding of hands! Young love, mature love — all love!
That’s so true, Mary. Thank you.
…and so it is when a gentleman treasures his lady ☺
It truly is, Majka! Thanks for visiting!
My pleasure, Walt! ☺
gentlemanly arts…lost to so many. And yes, simply holding hands means so much. We tend to forget. Well done.
So true, Brother! Thanks for this Mark!
What a beautiful sweet poem.
Thanks, Linda!
I love those gentlemanly arts and your poem. When I was a teen and dating doors were always held open for me (both cars and otherwise) and I wonder if it is a lost art with most men. I like seeing couples holding hands.
A simple expression, a firm connection… the first intimacy. I like seeing couples hold hands too, Gayle. I also like being part of a couple that holds hands. And I do often!
I wish my husband would hold my hand more.
I wish the same for you, Kim!
Tender and beautiful! I got the image of an older couple who have never tired of holding hands.
Thanks Bryan! An inspiration found through my parents who were consummate hand holders. When Mom passed, Dad was usually found next to her casket stroking her hands. That’s when I realized that no matter his struggles, my Father truly loved my Mother.
bond of love you share,
all told in the holding of hands
All of the feelings of closeness with the loved ones can be gauged within a clasp of the hand. Truly said Walt!
Hank
Thanks Hank! The touch that saves!
This really brought out your soft side Walt, such a tender love poem. Holding hands is so tender and even sexy.
Agreed, Bekkie. And thank you for your kind words!
Clasping the hand of someone you love is the best. You can feel the other’s pulse in their fingers, and that comes straight from the heart. Wonderful poem, Walt.:)
Thank you. Yes, that touch gets your heart pumping for sure!
Great sentiment expressed beautifully.
If you still hold my hand in Autumn’s blond,
I shall embrace the cold winter and beyond.
Thanks Shirley! That’s worth remembering!
Ahhhh – I’m swooning 😉
Yes, Candy! I have that way… 😉
🙃
Makes me realize how blessed I am that the men in my life are (and always have been) gentle-
men. Today, too many women reject that. Stupid! They have no idea what they are missing.
Isn’t that the truth, Victoria? Thanks for your kind words.
Hand in hand is such a perfect way of communicating love. Your poem is gentle and loving.
Thank you for your approval, Viv!
I was overwhelmed by its loveliness up until “You dare not to strike out,” which seemed to inject a dark note. Otherwise, it had me warming to the touch.
Not dark. His upbringing and matter wouldn’t allow him to “strike out”. And I’m thinking in baseball terms in reference to romance. Don’t strike out! His intentions are honorable. Thanks for stopping by.
You’ve set the bar high, Walt…….. At (nearly) 50, I’m beginning to lose hope in having someone who will choose my hand to hold.
Edison said, “When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this – you haven’t.”
Don’t give up so easily, Paula.
And as long as Barlett has lent me his book, another quotation:
“There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something tomorrow.” ~Orison Swett Marden
Gentlemen’s hands are very special to me. I remember the hands of one in particular. To this day I can picture them, long, slender, gentle, and strong.
You paint a lovely picture, Lupe. We remember the ones worth remembering. Thanks for stopping by!
Touch of Love..
Hands greaTest
feat.. feat
of touch
from
heARt oF Hand..:)