What does the poem a leaf for hand in symbolize?

In the poem "a leaf of hand in," Mary Oliver uses the image of a leaf to represent the speaker's hand. The speaker states that their hand is "as big as a leaf" and that it "lies open in the sun." This suggests that the speaker is vulnerable and open to the world. The leaf is also a symbol of nature and the natural world, which is a recurring theme in Oliver's poetry. In this way, the poem "a leaf for hand in" can be seen as a meditation on the speaker's place in the natural world and their relationship to it.

Here are some additional interpretations of the symbolism in the poem:

* The leaf can be seen as a symbol of growth and change. Just as a leaf changes color and falls from a tree, so too do people change and grow over time.

* The leaf can be seen as a symbol of impermanence. Just as a leaf eventually falls from a tree, so too will all of us eventually die.

* The leaf can be seen as a symbol of beauty. Just as a leaf is beautiful in its own way, so too are all of us beautiful in our own way.

Ultimately, the meaning of the poem "a leaf for hand in" is open to interpretation. Each reader will find their own meaning in the poem, based on their own experiences and beliefs.