“You Were Alive”

When you were small and needed me
    tiny and frail with so many wants
    food, sleep, learning to be your own person
    your growth top priority

When my strength was there
    you had it all

It was important to let you be independent

How hard it was to keep up

My youth, life, conquered by your needs

Did I dream it would change
    as I let you grow?

Now you stop my living

Oh to be free, to have youth
    to come and go and live

As I gave you life
    you take mine, slowly
    taking my things, my freedom

The cycle turns

I’m at your mercy
Let me still be myself
    right or wrong
    rich or poor

Don’t forget I still feel

I’m alive

Helen Laurelie