Grandma’s Hands

1971

Grandma’s hands used to help mama work.
Grandma’s hands ached, sometimes swelled.
Grandma’s hands, they never did shirk.

Grandma’s hands lifted her child’s face,
Told mama, “Baby I give all the help I
Can, jus’ put yourself in Jesus’ place.”

Grandma’s hands prayed in church Sunday
Morn. Grandma’s hands, clapped so well.
Grandma’s hands fished me from Devils-play.

Grandma’s hands would be hard, swift.
She’d say, “Don’t run so fast ‘cause
Fire and brim-stones is not a gift.”