after Henri Nouwen’s study
of Rembrandt’s painting
of Christ’s parable
I look at the hands
embracing clutching caressing
the hands I can only see
because Rembrandt saw them for me
the hands as seen
in the light Nouwen shone on them
his power of suggestion & insight
making me wonder how I’d view
them on my own
The younger son in me
absorbs their reassuring firmness
the elder only considers my place
& the father I am though a faint
imitation is dancing
