How many times I would have held you close
Like the mother who gathers her little ones
Under my skirts I would have let you play
And in my heart you are there still
Oh child knocked back from innocence
And coming again with so much love
How my heart breaks for you
How many times the world out there
Has been full of good things
The blessings kneel humbly on the loyal earth
To tell you that, indeed, you are sweet
And how proud of you I am
I will always be proud of you
Even at the end of the world
And when the world ends
I will be there proud still
A good child eats, a good child plays
And all things I would give you
Maybe a hovel in from the cold
Is second-best to heaven
In Jesus' Name,
Amen