Since You Were Very Small

I am aware of what you say of me

I know the same things every day

I hope that one day you will see

That you and me think the same way.

It takes one to know one

And I know because I've been there too

It doesn't make a difference only because

I have felt the same things you do too.

For some reason I can't explain

I feel what you feel

And I feel too your pain

I chalk it up to some psychic power

But it gives me nothing to wield

Except the weight of knowing

Your truth revealed.

I wish you could just give up

And know I adore you

And that you have finally grown up

And I have to help you.

To make you be all,

Be all you can be.

To have control and make a difference

And know with you,

you hold the key.

To know the way of the world,

And men and women and all their intents.

And keep your own flag unfurled

And your fortunes unspent.

Because you are my child

and carry my love

And all that I have taught you,

Even when push has come to shove.

You are my greatest hope

And I can't control you.

Even if you were bound by rope,

Good Lord ropes would not hold you.

I hope from me you learn the truth,

The truth about yourself.

That deep down inside is something.

There lies something more, a stubborn thing,

A thing you can't ignore.

And great things to this world

you will have the power to bring.

Whatever you call it

Or, from whomever you give credit for inheriting,

You are glad it's there

To pry, to whisper, and keep you aware.

That, despite yourself and how you feel,

you must keep on going and give your all.

At least that's what I hope and pray,

and that's all I have been doing

since you were very small.