That Hand

Modern poetry modern verse contemporary poetry contemporary verse modern poem contemporary poem

I cannot understand why everyone

Misunderstands that hand raised up, that palm

Turned towards the viewer.  Black and white keen nun

Assumes that Jesus blesses her.  A psalm

Of praise arises from her brainwashed teeth.

When Vishnu gives that sign, his lovers think

That he is sanctifying prayers beneath

Him in the temple, chants with incense stink.

When Buddha’s big bronze digits and his hand

Are held before adherents, they presume

He means some sort of sacred sign, though bland

With insincerity inside his tomb.

  These hands mean only, “Stop and go away.

    Wise gods (whatever) think of you as prey.”