Hands

Each day I watch my hands,
To see how used they are.
For I do not want them soft and white,
And free from mar.

To earn their keep...is what I want,
I want them touching sod.
To do their deeds from day-to-day,
All worthy unto God.

I trust that they won't have to wait,
As chances pass them by.
And other hands will push ahead,
To give themselves a try.

I hope no idleness will come,
Nor efforts on them sours.
What they can do...will be their call,
In all their precious hours.

Hard-working hands...I want them so,
Who try and try again.
Who gives themselves unto their God,
To serve their fellowmen.


E.P. 1908 - 1989