In this day of applied Programs, Plans, Initiatives, and Systems, there is a void that is all too often left wanting. That want is addressed by this work of Spencer Michael Free. He (from his perspective as a practicing physician) spoke to an elementary requirement of the Human Spirit. I ask that we consider the power and potential that awaits each of us… if we will but offer our own personal provision of “The Human Touch.”
The Human Touch
'Tis the human touch in this world that counts,The touch of your hand and mine,
Which means far more to the fainting heart
Than shelter and bread and wine;
For shelter is gone when the night is o’er,
And bread lasts only for a day,
But the touch of the hand and the sound of the voice
Sing on in the soul alway.
Spencer Michael Free (1856-1938)
Free graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the Johns Hopkins University in 1880, and practiced medicine and surgery for some fifty years thereafter. In addition to some one hundred medical papers, he wrote many poems.
IMAGE: Maria Brandstetter, BBC
10 comments:
Hello, this is such a profound write-up on the value of human touch. I remember an article I read years ago about the curative value of a hug. Hmmm, I think it is the same with touch.
Thanks Johm-Michael for the reminder.
Jun Bullan, My Friend, I am so glad that I can bring this thought to you. I thank you for your warm reception and kind response.
You have 'touched' my Spirit.
Lovingly ...
Thank you for YOUR human touch. It means more than you know.
A touch can last a lifetime. In some cases it may be all we have. But its plenty. Just thinking about it makes me recall so many happier times! Thank you JM for bringing them back to me :)
To be genuinely Human and intimately legitimate is my desire, Dear Suza. To know that you value my being so blesses me. Thank you for letting me know.
Loving You ...
I feel, from the 'music' accompanying your words, Dear Anonymous Friend, that I have been afforded the honor of escorting You back, to some cherished recollections, in your personal gallery of treasured memories. To believe that I have been so privileged humbles and blesses my Soul.
Lovingly ...
this is so very true and yet forgotten by so very many in our culture. i don't understand why.
My very first reflexive response to your question, Dear Lime, is "Fear." I do believe that the sad truth is that we have allowed ourselves to become governed by that insidious monster ... Fear. Fear of vulnerability ... Fear of intimacy ... Fear of honesty ... and on, and on. Oh, but for a bit of Courage ...
Lovingly ...
I have firmly believed in the healing power of touch for many years, John-Michael. I know, from personal experience with sick relatives, friends, even pets, that the laying on of hands has immediate benefit.
The Wonder, and Reality, that lives in our Touch is something that I am glad to bring to our collective remembrance. I easily bring to recollection special moments and instances of magical Touch that I have experienced. These never fade.
Your sharing, Dear SulDog, deepens this moment of consideration. I thank You, Jim, for joining me.
Lovingly ...
Post a Comment