Hands by Charl Landsberg

hands are power
animate … alive
tools of the empire
beckons of the oppressed
things that hurt and heal
that give and steal
that snatches food
or makes a meal

hands are power
a finger to trigger a gun
a palm to cup blood
suppress the run
a fist to break bones
to shatter stones
and wrists that relent
and embrace
a knuckle to brush
that tear from your face

hands are power
that make or break
that turn or brace
that hold or shake

for all we do
with these two hands
that begs the world
for love or gold
our hearts are shaped
so intimately
with what we do
in what we hold

Charl Landsberg is a South African poet, writer, academic, and musician. Their work often focusses on social commentary, social justice, LGBTQIA+ issues, feminism, and anti-racism. Their work also involves fantasy and science fiction themes sometimes, or sometimes just random thoughts.