My Child Will Forgive Me

Mrs. Phagan, can you describe for us, please ma'am, the outfit your daughter Mary wore to town last Memorial Day?

It was her Easter Sunday outfit—the little lavender cotton pongee dress I made her, straw hat with a parasol to match, white stockings, her party shoes. 

Would these be the clothes?

My child will forgive me for raisin' her poor

And for taking her out of the school

My child will forgive me for not doin' more

To protect her from men who are cruel

And my child will forgive me for closin' my eyes

To the dangers of growin' too fast

My child will forgive me with tears in her eyes

When we're reunited at last

My child will be safe in the arms of the Lord

And as pure as the day of her birth

My child will be cozied and blessed and adored

As she never could be here on Earth

And my child will be watchin' me, givin' me faith

In a future that's golden and new

My Mary will teach me to open my heart

And so I forgive you

Jew