From deep in the earth, the roar of the river rises. The rhododendron leaves along the precipice are burnished silver, but night still fills the steep ravines where southbound migrants descend by day to feed and rest. The golden birds fall from the morning sun like blowing sparks that drop away and are extinguished in the dark.

Author
Elizabeth Shreeve is the author of The Adventures of Hector Fuller chapter book series from Aladdin/Simon & Schuster and Oliver at the Window, a picture book from Front Street/Boyd Mills Press.

Using Your Hands

Use your hands to be human.

Pull off the covers, pet the cat. Make the bed, boil the tea. Touch the loved one—gentle, strong.

Make the day happen with hands.

Feed yourself, swipe a sponge, drive the car, wave hello. Log on, swipe left, click right.

Fingertip or full grasp. Hold hand, handshake, hold tight.

Brake the bike, open the throttle, change gears, unlock, keep track. Notate, rotate, adjust, reassure.

Express yourself—wiggle those digits! Count up, point out, flip off, come hither. Tickle the ivories, grasp the racquet, hold the oars.

Go ahead, be human. Delicate painting, feather stroke, embroidery stitch, lover's touch, eyelash in eye.

Feed the family, dig in the dirt. Use your hands to be human.