Thirteen Ways of Looking at Fingers

As I look at my fingers
bonded by my hand
I wonder

Short stubby or long
they move along
with me

All dirty from the days events
sitting, waiting to be cleaned
with soap, water, or hand-sanitizer

When I use my hands to cook
it looks as if they devour
the food beneath or between them

And when I type
they dance across the keyboard
at a fast paced beat

Bent down pressing against objects
exercising moving up and down

Standing tall together
like a wall strong as can be
but sometimes they cramp up
delaying my function to use them

But when they need space
they depart from each other
to stretch and breathe

Resting silently in my lap
after the days end
waiting for tomorrow

My fingers are a family
functional or dysfunctional
they work, talk, walk, dance
and move together

My fingers on my hands are one unit
divided into five individuals
but bonded by my hand.