She picks the flowers in the morning Tucks just a few in her hair The joy of her mother and father As she spins around unaware She carries her song in the evening And the dreams of all little girls She carries the bread to the table She carries the hope of the world Ave Maria Ave Maria Angels can carry glad tidings Or burdens to bear in the dark Love can take both fear and wondering And hold them inside the same heart You carried hope and a promise You carried shame and disgrace Which was the heavier burden That drew lines in a little girl's face Ave Maria, gratia plena Maria, gratia plena Maria, gratia plena Ave, ave dominus, Dominus tecum Benedicta tu in mulieribus, Et benedictus Et benedictus fructus ventris, Ventris tui, Jesus Held by the love you were holding Is this what it means to be blessed To carry your hope through the darkness As it carries you into your rest Ave Maria Ave Maria