So many hands
grow callused from the wear of work
that others do not even see.

So many arms
grow weary from their long labor,
lifting and lugging into the wee hours of darkness.

So many hearts
grow worn and torn
from secret cares and undesired distances.

So many lives
grow the long shadows
of dreams gleaned of hope and void of faith.

So many hands
grow stronger day to day,
willing to lift the burdens of others
whom they encounter along the way.

So many arms
grow their reach in spite of the leaching sun,
shouldering the shared work
that is done in the spirit of humble helping.

So many hearts
grow larger with each added sharing,
somehow finding strength and air
while moving in the midst of smothering cares.

So many lives
bring light into darkness,
knowing that hope is stronger than dreams,
that overwhelming faith can grow from the smallest of seeds,
and that love abounds beyond the needs of our faint perceptions.

H. Arnett
5/31/18