When the chalk dust has settled, her hands are empty
After the baby has suckled, her arms are empty
When the last chapter has been read, her hands are empty
After the car door closes, her hands are empty
When the phone goes down for the night, her hands are empty
After the meal has been eaten, her hands are empty
When the clothes and dishes have been washed, her hands are empty
After the bills have been paid, her hands are empty
When the mop and broom have done their job, her hands are empty
After she slips into her stiletto heels, her hands are empty
When the wounds have been cleaned, her hands are empty
After the reports are handed in, her hands are empty
When the kids go off to school, her arms are empty
After her love has been shared, her arms are empty
They are empty, but they are free
© Kathya J. Castañeda