If I showed you the whole world
I worry you would realize
you have every reason to be afraid
and I, in turn, would fear for you

If I showed you the whole world
you would see it for what is really is
you could pinpoint the ugly and the vile
and see this world for the multitudes of cruelty it contains

If I showed you the world too soon
you would forget to look for the good
and you would never be able to 
find the light in the dark

Then maybe when the moon blocks out the sun
and the world is cast in darkness and shadow
you would never know to look up and find the stars

So I will show you the world
Piece by piece
Inch by inch
Slice by slice
Minute by hour by day by lifetime

Maybe, if I show it to you slowly enough
you can learn to search for the light
so someday, you will not need to look
you will already know it is there

That the light is only waiting for you
to find it, and hold it close
When the moon blots out the sun
and casts the world in shadow
you will know to find the sunrise
Minute by hour by day 
By lifetime