The Secret Heart
I wonder, sometimes, if you know how much I need your love
How much I crave a compliment, how much I want a hug.
I wonder if you share my fear of always falling short
Of thinking I'm the only one with faults and sins and warts.
Do you, like me, put on a face that says your life is swell,
But shake and tremble deep inside that fragile outer shell?
Please don't be fooled by my facade, I've worn it now for years
But often, just below my smile, my throat is full of tears.
Are you convinced that others here are worthier than you?
They know the gospel, pay their tithes, and shine in Sunday School
Their kids don't fight, their house is clean, they never raise their voice.
You'd gladly trade your life for theirs, if you just had a choice.
Well, please remember, sisters dear, that life's not all it seems.
The lives that other women live are only in your dreams.
They worry, struggle, cry and pray, and never have enough
Of love from women like yourself, of gentle female stuff.
I need your love like you need mine: I need forgiveness too
For falling short of my ideals, and wishing I was you
So if you like me, tell me so, just tell me to my face
I need to hear that, oh so much: I need your warm embrace.
Do you like my dress, my hair, my smile, the lesson I just gave?
Well, tell me every Sunday, please; I'd love it if you rave.
You see, I'm not as smart or strong or good as you may think;
Life gets me down; you'd be surprised how low my moods can sink.
Well, who am I? I'm everyone - I'm every woman here
Who needs a friend, a confidante, a nonjudgmental ear,
Who wants to feel important and to know somebody cares,
Who needs to feel she's up to all the burdens that she bares.
So please don't be afraid of me; draw near to me instead,
Pour out your heart and soul to me and get inside my head
Let's be a whole fraternity of inter linking hearts.
That's how the Savior planned it, if we each just do our part.
by Claire Helmers
