Daddy's Hands

His hands were wrinkled and scarred from a life of grueling toil,
From years spent working in a factory and tilling the loamy soil.
They were firm but gentle hands that disciplined me as a boy;
Hands that could fix anything, especially a broken toy.

Daddy's hands were always there to help neighbors in despair.
His gnarled hands were folded when chatting with God in prayer.
With devout hands he studied the Bible for his daily meditation,
And they held his Bible in Sunday School teaching religious education.

When from the path I strayed, his hands steered my direction.
With gentle hands he held mine when giving needed correction.
When life seemed to overwhelm me and I became discouraged,
His hands lay upon my shoulders to ensure that I was encouraged.

Affectionate hands held Mother's hands as they advanced in age,
To assure her of his love and all her anxieties to assuage.
He considered his grandchildren God's own precious treasure,
And cuddled them in his hands with a love beyond all measure.

His hands embraced four sons whom he loaned to serve the nation.
Respectful hands honored his nation's flag with great dedication.
During life's quest, with time-worn hands, so much he sacrificed,
But was rewarded when he reached out to touch the face of Christ!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
(© All Rights Reserved)
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Beer Avatar
July 5, 2010 at 4:06 PM
Bob, I can't come up with the proper words to express this beautiful tribute. First place was to low for this poem. It was hard when I lost my dad and I don't think I have accepted it yet. It will be 5 years on the 7th since Billy went to his deserved reward. It is hard but it is our oldest daughters 51 birthday and I have to get control for her sake. God Bless your wonderful father and your poem. Cile
Beam Avatar
April 20, 2010 at 10:22 AM
congratulations very touching write thank you for sharing
Johnson Avatar
April 19, 2010 at 2:48 PM
I am happy that your wonderful poem in honor of your daddy won first place in the kindheatness contest. Congratulations. Joyce
La France Avatar
April 19, 2010 at 1:32 PM
Congratulations on first place, with this outstanding poem.. love constance
Green Avatar
April 19, 2010 at 12:29 PM
Wonderful win, Bob! Well deserved!
Taylor Avatar
April 19, 2010 at 12:15 PM
Congrats on your win, Bob. Great poem. You certainly deserve it.
Sweetheart Avatar
April 19, 2010 at 12:04 PM
Congrats Bob and a well deserved 1st place win... enjoy...luv.. "Sweetheart"
Murphy Avatar
April 19, 2010 at 9:42 AM
very nice congrats on your win faleshia
Richards Avatar
April 19, 2010 at 9:41 AM
What a wonderful winning poem.....Congratulations Robert...a well deserved honor! Love, Carrie
Freeman Avatar
April 19, 2010 at 8:09 AM
Sure enough Robert, I just remembered this was a second place winner in my contest a while back. Restores my confidence in my own placing of poems, now that Dane has seen the quality in your poem. Way to go man, Agape, Moses
Freeman Avatar
April 19, 2010 at 7:57 AM
Congratulations Robert, I happy to see a first place for you to enjoy. Thanks for you comment. Agape, Moses
Devonshire Avatar
April 19, 2010 at 5:42 AM
Congratulations on taking first place in Dane Ann's contest, Bob! Love, Carolyn
Scripca Avatar
April 19, 2010 at 3:35 AM
Such a great poem by a man to his father. It's really impressive. How lucky you had been having a Dad like yours. Congrats.
Mehta Avatar
April 1, 2010 at 7:15 PM
Congrats on the win. A fine tribute your dad
Sweetheart Avatar
April 1, 2010 at 12:42 PM
Congrats Bob on your 2nd place win in Moses contest.. an excellent write and special win for u my friend... will u escort me to the winners circle with u? luv.. "Sweetheart"
Freeman Avatar
April 1, 2010 at 11:10 AM
Oh Robert, awesome job. "The firm but gentle hands, that disciplined me as a boy." My own Dad's hand were not so gentle, but I learned what he meant, when he said something.Smile! BIG CONGRATULATIONS' Thinks,for supporting my contest. Agape, Moses
Devonshire Avatar
April 1, 2010 at 10:48 AM
I knew John would love this poem, too, Robert! Congratulations! Much love, Carolyn
Johnson Avatar
April 1, 2010 at 10:35 AM
You were blessed with wonderful parents apparently, as was I. We can never repay them but they didn't expect us to. Congratulations on your second in the contest. Very well deserved. Joyce
Kendrick Avatar
January 29, 2010 at 4:42 PM
Great write to honor your father. Sounds like you loved him very much and he was one who deserved your love. Keep the creative pen flowing. Sara
Devonshire Avatar
January 28, 2010 at 9:54 PM
Your father's hands inspire our admiration, not only for the love he showed to you and your family but also for the sacrifices he made to preserve our freedom. He would really like this dedication, Robert. Love, Carolyn
Culverhouse Avatar
January 28, 2010 at 12:22 PM
beautiful poem, great tribute.
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