Now Wash Your Hands

The hands that were gently rocking your cradle

And turning the pages of the nursery fable

The ones that used to comfort and sway

They never meant to push you away

Now wash your hands

The ones that so perfectly handled with care

And gleefully punched at the hospital air

They’re the same ones that blister and puncture and tear

They rip at my skin and they pull at my hair

Now wash your hands

Now wash your hands

I so want to touch you but what can I say?

You’re arm’s length from me and just one step away

I dropped the guidebook that set out the plans

The sign at the station says now, wash your hands

These turbulent winds took the air from our sails

We cover our eyes from the sandstorms and the gales

We scratch at the lice and the vermin and scales

I scrub at the dirt that’s under my nails

Now wash your hands

Now wash your hands

Now wash your hands

The stroke of the brow as the child is lulled to sleep

Soft fingers wipe at the tears that you weep

But I’m holding the ground and the ground is too steep

I grope for a light in this cellar so deep

Now wash your hands

Now wash your hands

Now wash your hands

Now  wash your hands

Now, wash your hands

(lyrics by Vin Murtagh ©2015)