These are the hands that will hold each child in tender love, soothing them through illness and hurt, supporting and encouraging them along the way, and knowing when it is time to let go. This anthology offers a unique insight into the real experiences of the people at the heart of the NHS – from the student nurse at the start of his career to the heart surgeon on the eve of her retirement. We also hear the stories of those whose vital work is often unseen and unsung from domestic cleaning staff to sign language interpreters. The poems offer unflinchingly honest and intimate accounts from the people who care for us from the moment of birth to the end of life. In crystallising the most beautiful and painful moments of being human, they speak directly to all our experience. Above all these poems are about our shared humanity. They are about the compassion and care that lie at the heart of the NHS and in all our lives. They also serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of trying to offer compassionate care in a system that is underfunded and understaffed and the importance of showing the same compassion and support to the staff we depend on to hold the NHS together. Leading UK poets have donated poems to this anthology including Michael Rosen, Roger McGough, Lemn Sissay, Sabrina Mahfouz, Kate Clanchy, Sam Guglani, Charly Cox, Molly Case, Wendy Cope and the estates of UA Fanthorpe, Dannie Abse and Julia Darling. All proceeds from this book will go to NHS Charities Together which supports over 135 official NHS Charities raising money for NHS hospitals, ambulance services, community and mental health services across the UK.

May these hands be blessed that we see before us this day. May they always be held by one another. May they have the strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. May they remain tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love. May these hands continue building a relationship founded in love, rich in caring, and devoted in reaching for perfection. May Christopher and Stephanie see their four hands as healer, protector, shelter and guide. Stephanie, please hold Christopher†™s hands palms up, so you may see the gift that they are to you.Man is a knot, a web, a mesh into which relationships are tied. Only those relationships matter." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery, " The Little Prince" These are the hands that will tenderly lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into his eyes: eyes that are filled completely with his overwhelming love and desire for you. THESE are the hands of your best friend, loving, caring that are holding yours on your wedding day, as each of you pledges your love and commitment to one another all the days of your life. Write these handprint poems on some handprint artwork or inside a card to make a special gift for someone special.

These are the hands that will enter the Sacrament of Matrimony. These four hands will be your armor and shield against the evils and temptations of the world. Some are sad, others optimistic. All beautifully crafted and from the heart. Different poems will touch us in our own ways but each should cause us to reflect on the daily challenge that health workers face. These are the hands that look so large and clumsy, yet will be so gentle as he holds your baby for the first time. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy.There is a popular wedding poem that I cannot find the author of, so I'm hoping someone can help! There are a million different versions, but this is the one that has been turned into vows. It can also be read before exchanging rings. Coming at this difficult time it is a cornucopia of positivity, juxtaposed with poems that will challenge the emotions. These are the hands, young and strong and vibrant with love, that hold yours on your wedding day, as he promises to love you all the days of his life.

This is a truly wonderful anthology of over 100 poems from a wide range of people. Some are established poets, others are front line nurses, doctors and from many other professions including I’m pleased to say managers and administrators. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow and tears of joy.May you BRIDE and you GROOM see your four hands together as healer, protector, shelter and guide. Hands Ceremony 4

Still seeking the love, encouragement and support that each of you seeks from the other. Hands Ceremony 2 These are the hands of your best friend, smooth, young and carefree, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as she promises to passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will hold your face and wipe tears from your eyes - in wonder and awe that you would cry for her. These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and vibrant with love, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other all the days of his life. These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and vibrant with love, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as he promises to passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.

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These are the hands that will caress your body through the years, to make the passion of love come alive in you.