Each week we will publish a short poem, written by some of our Manx Bards and other local poets.

These poems are short, fun or thoughtful little pieces, written to last around 20 seconds and can be recited during the time it takes to wash your hands.

This week’s poem, entitled ‘Handy Pandys’, has been submitted by Sharon Kearns of Ramsey and could be read with younger children.

We will publish more of readers’ poems over the next few weeks, along with a selection of poems written by some of the five living Manx Bards.

We will print one short poem a week in the pages of Island Life.

Why not try writing your own 20-second poem?

Send your own poems to [email protected]

Handy Pandys

Wash your Handy Pandys,

many times a day

Wash your Handy Pandys,

wash the germs away

Wash each and every finger

and every little crease

Wash each and every nail,

each hand has 5 a piece

Wash for 20 seconds each

and every time

Wash for 20 seconds

and sing this little rhyme

By Sharon Kearns