brown hands

i watched a woman
wrap some food
today
on the street
a simple snack
deep-fried bananas actually
her hands were so beautiful
brown and slow
with deep wrinkles
and a sheen that only age brings
none of this white fresh flesh
respectable hands
that have worked hard
strong hands
that could tie a tiny knot
in a plastic bag with
infinite patience and gentleness
her life was in her hands
she handed me
two small coins
and her caramel fingers
released them into my palm
so civilly
it was a moment
of clarity

denie