Lullaby
© Maria Dunn, 2012
Inspired in part by a Vietnamese lullaby that Kim sang and translated for us during her interview.
***
My little child, my little one
May you grow to be so strong
Always know how loved you are
That’s why mommy works so hard
Grandma, grandpa, daddy too
All sing lullabies for you
And I know you love them, yes
But your mommy you love best
Now I sing this song for you
As you’ll sing one day for me
Now I give my hands to you
As you’ll give them back to me
We’ve crossed the open seas
For prosperity and peace
And the life of which we dream
Now, will lull you, child, to sleep
Rolling English off your tongue
With the ease of the young
You’ll have schooling and a home
A destiny your own
Someday I hope you’ll come to know
The place I called home
And I hope you will see
Why we had to leave
We have traveled shore to shore
Like all pilgrims have before
Though we found no streets of gold*
You are the treasure that I hold
Maria Dunn vocal, acoustic guitar
Michael Lent upright bass
Jeremiah McDade whistle