If Only I Were Like You

 I can hurt and cause pain

I can force tears to fall, without a reason,

The storm the strife the rain:

Are all mine.

If only I were like you.

You are gentle and forgiving,

Your touch is the caress of a woman.

Tall and tender trees in spring:

All are yours.

If only I were like you.

The crowds shrink with disdain

As I pass through the throng;

Many bless your name

As you walk through the masses.

Oh, if only I were like you.

My hands, beautifully fashioned,

Can only wreak disaster through the lands;

Your Hands, sorrowfully pinioned,

Have saved uncounted souls.

If only I could be like you.

With your amazing love

You have forgiven the unforgivable.

I, want this love from above

But, alas, I am the unforgivable one.

If only, oh, if only I could be like you.

Before clouds of witnesses, you have risen;

And to my surprise, I have risen too.

Is this that mysterious love that’s christened

My undeserving head?

What does this mean?

My broken head, I bow,

What rock of ages have you cleft for me?

My eyes were blind, but now,

These eyes can see!

Could I really ever be like you?

Your promises are true and real

Your ways are just and pure,

I bow to you and kneel.

If I but trust and walk with you:

I can be like you.

You have mounted me on eagle’s wings

When I did not deserve it,

You have given me a chance to sing

With you, forever, in glory:

Now, only now, can I be like you.