For C.R. Mackintosh)



From city streets you came with something true

From dirt and smoke you breathed in something new

And when you laid all before you

They took what you made

And threw it away

The gift that you gave



With hands of gold and images strong

You cast the shape of things to cling on

And when you tried to show them

They took what you made

And gave it away

The gift that you gave



And in return I give you honest love

These things I see around me

I see with my soul

I feel in my heart

The gift that you gave



And in return I give you my respect

That's all that's mine for giving

I've learned from it all

The textures and form

The gift that you gave



And when they ask what prize I treasure most

What legacy I cherish

I say from the heart

The passion and art

That's the gift that you gave



Words and music: M. Ure