Whenyou Hold Hands With A Child Poem by Jim Yerman

When you hold the hand of a child…you cannot help but smile
two hands joined that once were two apart
There's something innocent and pure once they put their hand in yours
you feel it all the way down to your heart.

You may not think it matters much…when an old and young hand touch…
but a memory immediately spikes.
The moment you feel that tiny hand…at once you understand
as you remember what innocence was like.

Your memory turns back slow…to a time not long ago
when you held onto a hand …perhaps an arm
and you know this to be true…how they put their faith in you
and it's your responsibility to keep them safe from harm.

And though you never go to church that doesn't mean you do not search
which makes this moment both wonderful…and odd
For when your fingers interlace…as you're two hands then embrace
you wonder it this is what it's like…to hold the hand of God.

That's why old people understand…when a child holds our hand
for a moment…or a littlest of whiles
for that moment we are blessed that their hand in ours is pressed
and that is why we can't do anything…but smile.