For Lianne, aged One
As far as is possible, stay as you are,
with the eye clear and open
and washed clean of fear,
with the skin untracked
by the sad workings of the heart,
lips unskilled in spite.
As far as possible, stay as you are,
the morning's first light
cause enough for joy,
each passing face
judged only by the colour of its smile.
As far as possible, stay as you are.
Gaze out at the world
with its mystery and noise,
but refuse all offers to join.
Be backwards in evil,
advanced in love.
As far as possible, stay as you are,
with the upturned face
and the open palm,
with the stumble of faith
and the shout of hope.
For of such is the Kingdom.
- Steve Turner
... and with a gap of fifteen years ...
The Original of the Species
Baby slow down
The end is not as fun as the start
Please stay a child somewhere in your heart
I'll give you everything you want
Except the thing that you want
You are the first one of your kind
- Bono/U2
