The Hands of a Black Woman

Smooth skin

on strong, hard hands

that have

twisted and turned

longed and yearned

worked the soil

and tire from the toil.

Manicure and polish

hide not the callus.

For I have the hands

of a black woman.

© 1994 Sherrill Willis, from "Space Inside the Night" (Haley's, Athol)

Sherrill Willis is the author of the poetry books "Space Inside the Night" and "Lavender Rose." She lives in South Deerfield.

"Hear a Poet, There a Poet" features poetry by local authors chosen by Northampton's Poet Laureate Lesléa Newman. It runs on Wednesday's book page every other week. Poems for this column have been pre-selected. Please do not send poetry submissions or requests to the Gazette.