she was born with old hands

the doctors all looked at each other

her mother KNEW she'd outgrow it

the children at school stole her papers

chased her away,

it scared people who she loved -

even her name - Melissa - pretty

as it was couldn't hide her hands

LOOK AT HER HANDS - they're so OLD

people would say

her father was outraged

how could Melissa have old hands?

"she doesn't ever do anything!"

the more Melissa thought about her hands

the older they got

she tried everything

handcreams, gloves, pockets,

her own and others - drawers -

therapy, backs, mudpacks

even mineral baths,

nothing worked

finally exercise was decided on

"rejuvenate them that's what i'll do"

Every morning early before the sun

broke out, Melissa was up

in the still dark she wanted

young hands so badly

she woke automatically

she didn't need an alarm

she'd wake knowing

it's time now --- exercise

stretch and curl those fingers

wrap them around each other

stand on your head - SHIFT

to your hands - WALK

on your fingers - SHHH

quiet don't wake anyone

after awhile Melissa noticed

something strange

. . .