Verse 1
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Often I've wondered
what it would be like
to wander into age
as accounted by man;
to be old and dependent
on others for my care?
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Verse 2
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I've never wanted
for another to worry
or my part of the load
to ever have to share;
but with age I've learned
a thing or two from watching
little children in the things
that they love to do.
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Verse 3
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First I've learned they, like me,
want to be completely independent
but yet they always want to know
you are somewhere there;
and with their great works
loving words to show you know
how hard they worked to prepare
in childhood to be just like me.
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Verse 4
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Second I've learned they know
when to call for help
not a moment too soon
or ever a moment too late.
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Verse 5
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They share in everything
if you'll let them be themselves;
for this is the spirit from above
that Father gave them to love.
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Verse 6
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But the thing I've learned most
as independent as I've been
is the gentleness of a child;
to both let others give
then for themselves be allowed
to give to others of themselves.
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Verse 7
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So in the gentleness of my age
neither old nor yet a child;
though I'd been commanded
so to become like one.
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Verse 8
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I've learned that a child
is far more complicated
to understand than any adult
I've ever known or met.
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Verse 9
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Thus hold my hands my darlings
let just look upon you now;
these aren't tears simply sparkles
to mark my many years with you.
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Verse 10
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And if you will forgive me
I'll more attention give heed,
to all your awesome deeds.
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