By Jennie Harper
I was 39 when I learned
how to make a proper fist.
“I know,” I protested
as my date adjusted my hand.
“The thumb goes on the outside.”
But my father only passed down
part of the protection.
The thumb must also wrap around
the middle bar of knuckles,
hiding while reinforcing —
a solid trick.
I still haven’t
thrown a punch,
but I have been loved
by two people who wanted me
to know how.
Sometimes, love is
sharing knowledge
you hope goes unused.
Jennie Harper lives in North Carolina in the U.S. and spends her days sharing tiny, beautiful moments with her sprawling, beautiful chosen family.