From the recording Bookmark (2004)

I wrote this many years ago, but Danielle has never let me let it go, either for good or for long. The song title is taken from an e.e. cummings poem of the same title.

One of the most powerful pictures of God’s restorative grace is that of adoption. We are the ransomed sons and daughters who, thank God, have, at long last, one in whom the title “Father" is entirely justified.

Lyrics

Please, sir, take these children
Both are crippled and both lame
The girls’ hands are useless
The boy doesn’t know his name

I am of no relation
Though of human bond
The girl was found trembling
And he so poorly shod

I know of no ancestors
Just winnowing fork and seed
Yet you who lift the helpless
Brings the proud to their knees

If you could hear the cries of a helpless angel voice
If you could only see their joy

I want to see them healthy
I want for them to live
But of what I have to offer them
Only you can give

With a carpetbag of provisions
I sent them to your door
I beg you, sir, please take them in
As I am old and poor

If you could hear the cries of a helpless angel voice
If you could only see their joy