I caught my babies as I birthed them
With these hands
I cloth diapered, ec’d, bathed babies
With these hands
I put tiny clothes on tiny bodies
With these hands
I peeled apples, cut off crusts, and kneaded dough
With these hands

I held hiking sticks and fishing poles
With these hands
I threw balls and Frisbees
With these hands
I flew kites up to the heavens
With these hands
I held on tight at the amusement park
With these hands

I support myself with canes
With these hands
I propel myself in my wheelchair
With these hands
I struggle more often than not
With these hands
I type words of frustration and inspiration
With these hands

I still
Nurture babies and children
With these hands
Make nourishing meals
With these hands
Hold little hands, and big ones
With these hands
As I live with psoriatic arthritis
With these hands.