Nothing Rhymes with Forgive

Man... Look at these hands.

They could swing a fifth of rum

Like a sledge hammer, or

Rest in silent prayer.

Or hold a child.

Or break a nose.

A stare.

These hands could help

A boy become a man, or

Crack open one more can.

They could hold a cigarette , or

Carve a handle out of thin gray air.

They could write a poem, and

Try to make things square.