Hands

Two criminal hands

Dipped in blood and

Guilt, caught in the act

Sentenced to death and

Nailed down, now

Outstretched toward

Two innocent hands

Bleeding purpose and

Mercy, open to receive

Dying for love and

Sharing pain, now

Offering complete

Forgiveness and

Salvation to both

But one is clenched

Into a tight fist, holding

On to pride, and to the

Pain of deserved shame

And punishment for

The sins of fathers

While the other is

Taken by love, hopeful

Humbled by an image

Of blameless self-giving

Asking, reaching for

The touch of heaven

Which criminal are you?

Which hand is yours?