The hands that first held me
Were the first to sting my face
Held me up in the air with joy
Also showed me my place
Hands that lay on my head in blessing
Also ripped my clothes and left a mark
Showed me God in the light of day
And the devil after dark
The hands that carried me up in victory
Cast the first stone in defeat
Patted me on the back one day
Dragged me through mud when beat
The hand held out in friendship
So warm and bold
Taught me love and acceptance
Then tossed me out into the cold
The hands that caressed me to life
Also strangled my life out
We shall see if my gratitude
Can stand taller than my doubt
Elusive Silence 