I am forever tracing in my mind
The creases in your palms,
When you pressed it close to mine ~
Your last strong grip,
Our last hand shake
Then we bade goodbye.
We met again,
We said hello.
I anticipated a hand shake
That never happened.
I waited.
And then,
In an unexpected moment
Your reach out your hand
For a hand shake.
I accepted.
In that brief moment
Beneath your usual firm grip
I trace the creases
In your palms I missed,
But they’re not there.