When You Were a Child

Words and Music by Laura Larkins

When you were a child, I loved you;
It was I who taught you to walk.
I picked you up in my arms and wrapped you
In human kindnesses.

Now, how can I let you go?
How can I hand you over?
My heart recoils at just the thought!
My compassion grows warm and tender.

I will not act in my anger
I will not act in my wrath
For I am God and no arrogant mortal
I will not lay you flat.

Though your mother forgets you,
I have engraved you on the palms of hands
And when I roar, you will hear me and come back
‘come back home to this land.

I was like a mother who lifted
an infant up to her cheek.
It was I who bent down to feed you,
Now, how can I let you go?

Now tell me how can I give you up?
How can I hand you over?
My heart recoils at just the thought!
My compassion grows warm and tender.