Mama's Hands: A Poem

Here's a little poem I wrote a ways back about how beautiful a mother's hands are and how many tasks they complete each day.  Enjoy!

Mama's Hands
Hands that help, that touch, that serve.
Hands with wrinkles, dimples and curves.

Small hands, big hands, plain and extraordinary hands.
Bony hands, chubby hands, hands that show age so young or so grand.

Hands that lift, support and hold.
Hands that build, that clean, that do tasks untold.

Hands that cover,
Hands that cool,
Hands that warm,
Hands that have amazing ability to transform.

Hands that create,
Hands that applaud,
Hands that protect,
and hands that make what's wrong correct.

Hands that move slow,
Hands that move fast.
Hands with scars that tell stories of the past.

Hands that work hard,
Hands that take rests.
Hands that repeat and repeat,
The same daily quests.

Hands that shield,
Hands that teach,
Hands that wipe away tears with a gentle reach.

Hands that heal,
                     that encourage,
                               that hope,
                                          that speak beauty,
                                                       that inspire,
                                                                 that believe.

Hands that without shame,
Complete one of the most important tasks in our world:
To unconditionally love and teach little hands to do the same.

Copyright Genevieve Rostad 2011 

Where I'm From...

I am from road graders and woods galore; from airplane rides, snowstorms, woodwork, vacations and lazy Sunday afternoons cleaning the garage and listening to 60s music.

I am from a large father-built house, with 4 people and 2 pets, where the sound of cicadas fill the air and golden wheat calmly dances in fields on hot days.

I am from oak trees, sumac trees, milkweeds and thistles.

I am from hard work and play, all brunettes. Grandma Josie and my mom, one determined and loves a good deal, the other full of fun and intrigue to learn all the world has to offer.

I am from dancing while we're supposed to be working, pulling tricks on my sister, late night talks and float plane rides.

Flying with my Dad over some of MN's 15,000 beautiful lakes this summer

I am from loud voices, quiet house, with a dog, Lilly, who holds my secrets and my tears.

I am from "you can do anything you want in the world" and "Jesus loves you and so do I".

I am from Catholics and non-denominationals with a touch of Nazarene, developing a love for all things natural; all the groundwork of my faith.

I am from the Bohemian heart of Minnesota, country hills and fresh, clean river water, neighbor kids who are my best friends and an intense desire to live off the earth.


My 7th grade hippie self, on vacation in Mexico

I am from homemade chicken noodle soup, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, kolaches and boiled shrimp dipped in garlic butter.

I am from a determined and generous man, a kind woman, the namesake of a great-grandmother I never knew, old and new, antiques and the newest and best toys.



I am from the trances of sunsets on the river, songs sung and echoed through the lonely woods and dreams beyond my wildest imagination.


I decided to do this after reading Stephanie's Where I'm From.  You can find the original template for Where I'm From here.

Mama's Hands

Hands that help, that touch, that serve.
Hands with wrinkles, dimples and curves.

Small hands, big hands, plain and extraordinary hands.
Bony hands, chubby hands, hands that show age so young or so grand.

Hands that lift, support and hold.
Hands that build, that clean, that do tasks untold.

Hands that cover,
Hands that cool,
Hands that warm,
Hands that have amazing ability to transform.

Hands that create,
Hands that applaud,
Hands that protect,
and hands that make what's wrong correct.

Hands that move slow,
Hands that move fast.
Hands with scars that tell stories of the past.

Hands that work hard,
Hands that take rests.
Hands that repeat and repeat,
The same daily quests.

Hands that shield,
Hands that teach,
Hands that wipe away tears with a gentle reach.

Hands that heal,
                     that encourage,
                               that hope,
                                          that speak beauty,
                                                       that inspire,
                                                                 that believe.

Hands that without shame,
Complete one of the most important tasks in our world:
To unconditionally love and teach little hands to do the same.

© Genevieve Rostad, Uniquely Normal Mom 2011