Lesson From Hopkins

Wretched hands reach, stretch, for my own
Two which cling, fingers bound, binding wrist to wrist.
Unbuckle! Seek less familiar partners! Open
And UNclasp the grasp that arms the soldiering fist.

Nails! Trench other skins, quench another’s need—
Mark, mar, scar another’s fleece, alms! Unfold and clap
Clasp another heart to moan, to beat, to bleed
To breast, smothering, covering, warming with Love’s wrap.

But Good Pilgrim, do not wring your hand too much
By fixing one, lingering INtERTwined with but one
Ten. Move! Shake! Reach and Stretch! Clutch
All. Choose All. UNrung, UNencumbered. To All UPend.
Append full, All in awe your heardent prayer, to fasten
For a life-moment each hand-held heart, then pass on.

Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844-1889), an English poet and Jesuit priest.