My Grandmother’s Hands

by Arlene Geller (East Petersburg, PA)

Her hands, swollen with arthritis, don’t fail her
as she plucks the chicken for the Sabbath meal
kneads the dough for her must-be-dunked poppy seed cookies

Her hands once supple worked her Singer machine
                          (prized possession)
sewed my clothes, homemade creations 
marked her status as a working-class immigrant

She and my grandfather
tailors from the old country
opened a store and plied their craft

The old Singer humming along
sustaining their livelihood
as they raised a family, three sons and a daughter 
                          (prized possessions)

Fulfilling their Russian dreams of an American life
now envisioned through the rolling fog
as they drew nearer to Ellis Island
the Statue of Liberty waving them in

Poet/lyricist Arlene Geller has been fascinated with words from a young age. Two poetry collections, The Earth Claims Her and Hear Her Voice, were published in 2023 by Plan B Press and Kelsay Books, respectively. Her poetry has also appeared in Tiny Seed Journal, Tiferet Journal, The Jewish Writing Project, White Enso, and other literary journals and anthologies. Collaborations with composers include commissioned lyrics, such as River Song, featured in the world premiere of I Rise: Women in Song at Lehigh University and since performed in numerous national and international locations. Learn more at arlenegeller.com.