w&m by Anne Hills
©1989 Raven Heart Music / ASCAP

From Anne’s album Angle of the Light

Few of us can say that our lives haven’t been touched by a friend or loved one forced to face the decisions imposed by a terminal illness like cancer or AIDS. This song was inspired by a friend’s feelings of helplessness in the face of that struggle.

I watch you from a distance, see you struggle silent
Your body thin and weakened as if you fought a giant
If I could stop the ticking the endless hours of waiting
If I could win a battle or keep hope from abating

Standing on the edges of your sorrow
Beating like a bird against the glass
Wishing time was something I could borrow
And I would gladly give it if you asked

But I can only sit here, small comfort, indignation
So powerless to keep you from bowing resignation
And as the sun slips sideways, extinguished in the ocean
I see my face reflected in your eyes final motion

Standing in the depths of all my sorrow
Voices spilling round me like a wave
All the dreams I know you cannot follow
Still there are some others I might save

I watch you from a distance, see you struggle silent
Your body thin and weakened as if you fought a giant