Protection

I always trusted my protection

Such a long time to be sheltered, to be safe

I always trusted my protection

Always, always

I was a Sunday's child

Forever walking in the sunlight

Tender voices, loving hands

A coat against the cold

I had immunity from danger

A world so young

Songs unsung and tales untold

I always trusted my protection

Such a long time to be sheltered, to be safe

I always trusted my protection

Always, always

I thought that you can always find protection

I grew up with my father and mother

With my sister and brother

Good people, kind people

They gave me food, clothes, shelter

They kept me safe from the burning sun and the winter cold

They watched over me and made good choices for me

The best choices

I came to believe that I would always be protected in this way

That it was the natural state of things

When I went out into the world

I presumed I carried their protection with me like a shield

Like a membrane

And it led me to seek out the good in everything

Oh, but the most shocking realization I've ever had

Is that the grown-ups have left and there is no protection

I always trusted my protection

Such a long time to be sheltered, to be safe

I always trusted my protection

Always, always

The only protector you have in this world is your own will

And so it will be as when the lion lies down with the lamb

They're supposed to rest peacefully side by side

But the lamb won't get much rest

If your own will weakens, what have you left?

Instincts, intuitions, feelings to make your choices with

You're unprotected

Your will is your coat in the storm

And if it fits, you're lucky

You can easily end up with the wrong coat

There should be a fitting room to try it on

Before you agree to take it