The Child Within

The Child Within

When I took form upon this earth

It’s as a child I came,

Aware and loving, full of joy

I made this place my home.

But all too soon I learned that fear

Rules most of humankind,

The child we are goes deep within

To avoid the pain we find.

We’re told we’re wrong, it cannot be

What children know is true.

I lost awareness, joy and love

And fear engulfed me too.

To laugh, to play, to dance, to sing

To run, to climb a tree,

To live our lives in love and joy

Is how we’re meant to be.

And so my world began to change,

I knew I must begin

To live again in joy and love

And be the child within.

I’m told and I know that it’s true

All those who seek will find.

I sought to free that child within

So lonely, lost and blind.

I saw the heavens open wide

And love descend on me

And I became a child again

Made innocent – and free.

Ian Downard