As A Child I Waddled On Behind You, Poem by Gert Strydom

in my childish tongue we had long conversations
and when darkness came
your eyes were still full of joy and new hope

but far too quickly those days did pass
and my happy childhood days could not remain,
as I went to school, university and work
and now there is a lifetime between you and me.

In my greatest trouble you were still there
to protect me like in childhood days against danger
like only a mother can
and still God has kept you for me

but my hands are empty and never can I compensate
for love that goes much further than for only your own flesh and blood.