When I was a Child

When I was a child I thought I knew
what was right, what was wrong.
And as I grew I learned anew
that the melody is not the whole song.

When I was a child it was all so clear.
I set my course by the brightest star--
What I held dear, nor did I fear
That I'd get lost or wander far.

I did not know that shadows confuse
That the heart and the head may disagree,
That what we accept and what we refuse
May wear a disguise we cannot see.

When I was a child I thought I knew,
And now that I'm grown I realize
That what is false and what is true
May look different when seen with grownup eyes.