If I seem to you stand~offish
too aloof or laissez~faire . . .
it could be I've been wounded
tasted way too much despair ~
If I am not warm and friendly
please do not give up on me . . .
someone I thought was my dear friend
betrayed . . . though you can't see ~
Or it may not be my attitude
but the color of my skin . . .
that causes you to turn away
caring and kindness paper~thin ~
The wall that separates us was
built with stones that struck my heart . . .
leaving well~intentioned bridge unbuilt
so filled with pain that fiery dart ~
Perhaps I seem self~righteous
rigid ~ haughty ~ filled with pride . . .
PLEASE DON'T PUT ME DOWN
'til you take a closer look inside ~
There's more to me than meets the eye
just as there is more of you . . .
let's join hands & pray for one another
ask the Lord to see us through ~
Sweet Shepherd, I entreat Thee
PLEASE . . . DON'T PUT ME DOWN . . .
closer hold me to thine heart
I'm soothed so by its sound ~
Until these wounds are truly healed
apply sweet mercy's balm of grace . . .
when strengthened by Your mighty power
life's struggles again, Lord, I can face ~
