shelter me

Feel the life in my tiny fingers

Opening up is my tiny hand

Reaching out for warmth and comfort 

Confused, am I, of this bless-ed land.

I am alone within myself,

with you I cannot conversate.

I see the fear in feeling eyes,

I feel the sorrow, love, and hate.

Touch my nose, my tiny face,

you and I are made the same.

Yet, you know more about our world,

and I don't even know my name.

Feel that I am just like you,

know that I have lonely fears.

Keep me safe, for I am weak,

I need your strength to dry my tears.

I'd like to do the things you do,

this world, to me, is all brand new.

As I grow, please don't desert me,

Love me much and never hurt me.

Please take special care of me,

without your love, I can't survive.

Weak and helpless, here I lay,

amazed and dazed, for I'm alive.

-D. Erick Bryan, 1995