Tuesday, November 02, 2010

"The Human Touch" revisited


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.

In response to a sweet reminder of this post (thank you Maria), 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

2 comments:

Suldog said...

I'm definitely a big believer in touch. The laying on of hands, as it were, always makes me feel better, and I try to give that gift to others (as they'll let me, of course, since some folks don't readily open themselves up for it.)

John-Michael said...

You, my precious SulDog Friend, have reached beyond the physical limitations of geography and touched my Heart, Soul, and Spirit, so profoundly and frequently that there exists a bond between us that I treasure, and am constantly grateful for.

I do, indeed, love you Jim.

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