The Water of Life

A long time ago, Gideon had to go into battle with what God seemed to think was too many. The warriors were led to the water where they were to drink in a test not known. Those that drank from their hands after dipping into the water were chosen. The others rejected. The battle won. Dip your hands in yourself. I will drink. I will not search them for your past. I will not scrub them free of germs. I will find them beautiful. And I will drink. Would you drink from mine?

hands of hardened labor
and dirt's remorse
speak of the story
that stories can't tell
and soap could never wash clean

come
dip your hand in yourself
let me drink
of the water of your life

you who've dug in trash bins
and pushed the needles plunge
and swung and missed
but sometimes hit
the only one you've really loved

you who changed the diaper
and wiped the flu away
who put the pen to blotted mess
gave the touch of soft caress
and cared enough to pray

come
dip your hand in yourself
let me drink
of the water of your life

your hands have touched the many
your fingers have walked the way
you've given you've taken
you've held and let go
handled the hammer
and brushed the soft snow
and gripped in love's fine play

the dirt, the grime, perfume all in layer
history in line's unfold
silken soft in leather strong
a touch rejected and sometimes sought
the scars the blood
from battles wrought
sometimes right and sometimes wrong

your hands are my hands
your touch my release
the soil you hide
the life of my soul
the wear of life
the grip of control
all of it I accept
if only you will
offer it
to me

come
dip your hand in yourself
let me drink
of the water of your life
that we both may live

~Rick