all along...

Ever have moments so shocking that you didn't know what to do with yourself, so awful that you literally cannot believe what you're seeing, but so impacting that you find yourself propelled toward change? I still remember. I don't really know what to say to explain this song I wrote two years ago. But what I can tell you, and those who were there with me that evening can attest to this: we will never be the same after this experience. The scene ever imprints my mind, and I wonder... how can I be Jesus' love? Can you forgive us for looking away?

How may years have you lived here, under my sidewalk

In the dirt and the filth, trying to keep out of the rain?

And how many times have I trampled on your ceiling

While unnoticed, alone down below

You wondered what life would bring today?

Up above, all the noise and the bustle of the city

Waking up, early morning lights glow in full array

As I passed you by with the crowds, did you see me?

Did you see us all carry on by

With much less than a wave?

Did you ever wonder what you could gain

By suffering through another day

Did you shed a tear in your pain?

How could I not know you were there all along

Alone and in need?

How can my ignorance be bliss?

Were you watching me?

Well I never knew you, never knew your name or your story

That you lived in a wall, down the bank, under my streets

But just today I heard a little bit about you

I wanted to ask for your pardon

But 'I'm sorry,' sounds so weak

And I didn't really know what to say

When I saw the suffering you'd been through, today

But the tears are welling in my face

How could I not know you were there all along

Alone and in need?

How can my ignorance be bliss?

Were you watching me?

How can I say that Jesus loves you?

Have I been Jesus' love to you?

How can I be a sister to you?

All Along | (c) 2007 Katie Preston | "To "Jared", I'm sorry just isn't enough...."