Holding Hands

The well of a palm curved over the heel of a hand

Thumb stroking thumb

The tips of fingers lightly caught in the soft webs

Like silk worms pressing against their cocoons.

Did you know that the part of your hand between thumb and forefinger

is called the Purlicue?

Four digits draped over the purlicue, with thumb wrapping round to meet them.

Four knuckles trapped between knuckles, bone against bone, lifeline to heartline

Those fingers sliding together until they lock gently,

Palms tenting like a shelter

One whole palm cupped in the other, as though to catch water

One whole thumb engulfed in a hand, like a baby clinging to life

One whole hand against one whole hand, in imitation of prayer

The well of a palm curved over the heel of a hand

This is how I sleep each night

Alone

Holding my own hand.