Kari Bremnes: 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 realisation I've ever had is that the grown-ups are 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. How can I get a new one, my old will is so weakened, have you got a second hand one, preferably strong? Some have weak wills that forever fail them. Some have a strong will that's never tested, but so it goes.

I always trusted my protection
Such a long time to be sheltered, to be safe
I always trusted my protection
Always, always