Sweet child of Innocence

detail from a 1515 Flemish painting (The Adoration of the Christ Child) showing an angel and a shepherd perhaps showing signs of Down's Syndrome

Sweet child of Innocence

You sang a song for me

And in your own but simple way

You set my spirit free

You Caressed away

My hardships

With you’re gaiety and show 

And in your own but simple way

I know you let me know

That your love for me was bottomless

Over 3000 fathoms deep

And no dam could stop that love you have

Laid down for me to reap

Sweet child of innocence 

Sweet child of innocence

Your mind has got one simple tread

Of a pure yet magical weave

That was ment to love and glorify

never ment to deceive

For deception has saddened many

Who refuse what they receive

And look for other answers

For they Just cannot believe

That this child is just a messenger

Of a love thats rich and pure

And it’s we that are too oft’ times sick

Too blind to see the cure.

Sweet child of innocence

Sweet child of innocence,

Anybody that has met Diarmaid o Connell will know how special those born with Downs syndrome can be they give us hugs and love when we need them most, they are unconcerned with social conventions and get to the heart of the matter when words cannot be found. This is a poem/song I wrote celebrating the sun shine they bring to our lives but also lamenting those pre-occupied with a dis-appointment, not opening their hearts to the many blessing that such children bring to a family and those around them.