Tag: gentleness

The Night Nurse

by Lucy M. Young

photo by Ani Kolleshi on Unsplash
She comes into my room so quietly, I hardly know she's there.
Her cheery smile, her air of confidence allay my fears
And slow my racing pulse.
She comes on silent feet
With soothing words and gentle hands
To ease my pain with medication,
Or maybe help me to relax
With just a little friendly conversation.

All night she's near and I can rest
Knowing a simple touch upon the call bell
Will bring her quickly to my side.
May God be always with her
And bless her richly for her sympathy,
Her quiet strength and patient understanding
Throughout the long dark hours of what could be 
A sleepless pain-filled night without her.

My Father’s Hands by Lucy M. Young

Gnarled and twisted with arthritis, Scarred and roughened by hard labor on the farm, Gentle hands God meant for healing broken bodies, Steady, careful hands for surgery.

Circumstances forced my father to renounce his calling And the talent in those hands was sacrificed; But they never lost their magic. They could calm a fevered, restless child with their soothing touch.

They could heal a horse’s harness gall Or a little child’s stubbed toe. They could carve and whittle clever toys, Build sturdy furniture for our home, Or a dainty doll’s bed for a little girl.

My memories of my father are wrapped up in his hands, Inarticulate and shy, he let his hands speak for him – Those gentle, patient, work-worn hands, Showing all the love he was unable to express in any other way.