Hands

Strange, how this smooth and supple joint can be
Put to so many purposes. It checks
And rears the monsters of machinery
And shapes the idle gallantries of sex.

Those hands that light the fuse and dig the trap,
Fingers that spin the earth or plunge through shame--
And yours, that lie so lightly in your lap,
Are only blood and dust--all are the same.

What mastery directs them through the world
And gives these delicate bones so great a power? . . .
You drop your head. You sleep. Your hands are curled
Loosely, like some half-opened, perfumed flower.

An hour ago they burned in mine and sent
Armies with banners charging through my veins.
Now they are cool and white; they rest content,
Curved in a smile. The mystery remains.