Hand in Hand

In a silent walk under gloomy skies, two hands dangle but refuse to touch. Cast in shadow on a park bench, they settle at a distance. Thoughtless words and selfish acts fill the separate space—a slat’s width of wood—but wide as a chasm.

The lissom hand, soft and lined, lies flat and open with fingers tapping. The bulkier hand, clenched in anger, lies solid and tough on the splintered plank.

Hours ago, the calloused hand stroked her tender belly, caressing its way to her pudgy pearl. The delicate hand with polished nails scraped the length of his brawny back. But the perfume of sex has been rinsed away. Hands that were coupled in a steamy embrace, sharing moments of slippery afterglow, now smell of medicinal soap.

A street performer, dressed in wig and cape, strums an Elvis tune on an old Gibson.

Love me tender, love me dear,

Tell me you are mine.

The clouds begin to dissipate. Coins clink in an open guitar case. A warm, brilliant sun pokes through and strikes the facets of the fine-cut diamond nestled on her third finger. The rainbow light dances a jitterbug across his stocky knuckles like another dance from long ago.

I’ll be yours through all the years

Till the end of time.

Plucked chords ring strong and clear along an autumn breeze. The slender hand ceases its tapping and slowly turns, palm up. Her fingers open like petals, warming to the sun. The bulky hand relaxes, and his fingers spread apart like roots.

Love me tender, love me true,

All my dreams fulfill.

And two hands, breaching space, fly together in forgiveness.

For my darlin’ I love you

And I always will.

Love Me Tender

From the Movie “Are You Lonesome Tonight”

Performed by Elvis Presley

Love me tender, love me sweet

(Repeat *)