“…People used to tell me that I had beautiful hands…there were far too many stuffed animals to hold, too many homework assignments to write, too many boys to wave at, too many years to grow. We used to have a game, my dad and I, about holding hands. Cos we held hands everywhere. And every time either he or I would whisper a great big number to the other, pretending that we were keeping track of how many times we had held hands…Hands learn to hold other hands. How to grip pencils and mould poetry. How to tickle piano keys, dribble basketballs and grip the handles of a bicycle. How to hold old people and touch babies. I love hands like I love people…You need a firm handshake, but don’t hold on too tight, but don’t let go too soon, but don’t hold on for too long…

Sarah Kay Bio:  Sarah Kay, 24, began performing her spoken-word poetry when she was only 14 years old—quickly becoming a fixture at the famous Bowery Poetry Club in New York City, and from there went on to become a featured speaker at the 2011 TED Conference, where the poem she presented on “The Rediscovery of Wonder” garnered two standing ovations and has now been seen by over two million people online. Sarah is the founder and co-director of Project V.O.I.C.E., a education organization that celebrates and inspires self-expression in youth through spoken-word poetry. Through her involvement with the organization, Sarah has taught spoken-word poetry to students of all ages, in classrooms and workshops all over the world. She is also a documentary filmmaker, playwright, singer, songwriter, photographer, and editor for Write Bloody Publishing, and holds a Master’s Degree in The Art of Teaching from Brown University.  She is the author of the book B, which was ranked the number one poetry title on Amazon.com.  (Source: speakers.ca)