As so much emphasis is being placed on staying safe by frequent and thorough hand washing, I thought I’d share this poem acknowledging how important they are to us.
Stay safe people, and keep up the hand washing.

Hands

Hands that unpick stitches

Hands that hit or hurt

Hands that cradle babies

Hands that shovel dirt

Hands of holy worship

Hands that take a life

Hands that make a masterpiece

Or paint one with a knife

Hands that create harmony

Hands that cook a meal

Hands that speak a language

Or read on as they feel

Hands that work the fields

Hands that heal wounds

Hands that pluck upon a string

Or conduct symphonic sound

Hands that hold a champagne glass

Hands that serve up trifle

Hands that hold a sweetheart’s hand

Or hands that hold a rifle

Hands that tuck a child in

Hands that make mud pies

Hands that bear a coffin

Or mop sad tears from eyes

Hands that hold a pencil

Hands that turn a page

Hands that write down poetry

Or create a play on stage

Hands can do so many things

They serve our whole life through

For good or bad, with joy or sad

The choice is up to you.

© Hands August 2015

By Alexandra Carr-Malcolm

First Published in – Counting Magpies (Limited Edition) 2015