Paper Crown

(Written June 2021)

My paper crown, my paper crown,

What will become of it when I’ve gone down

Into the depths of the cold, hard ground

In a way that causes [happy] people to frown

If my crown is my burden, shall it be passed on?

Passed on so someone can champion

Ideas from all the daughters and sons

Things by which prizes can be won

If my crown is myself, will it come with me?

Will we separate? Can it be lost at sea?

And what if I lose it? Where could it be?

Could I recover it or would I fall to my knees?

Would I relish the power it seems to bring?

Would I use it wisely and remember to sing

The praises of all the children of the King

And the rays of sunshine that come with the spring

So I’ll rest my hands gently upon my head

Close my eyes, be reminded of the words you said

And if I remember fights or the rumors instead

I’ll say, “this is where You put me, on this path I’ll tread.”