GODS LENT CHILD

“I’ll lend you for a little while a child of mine” God said
“For you to love the while she lives, and mourn for when she’s dead
It may be one or two years, or twenty two or three;
But will you, ‘til I call her back, take care of her for me?

She’ll bring her charms to gladden you, and should her stay be brief
You’ll have her lovely memories as a solace for your grief.

I cannot promise she will stay, since all from earth return;
But all the lessons taught below I want this child to learn.

I’ve looked the whole world over in search of teachers true;
And from the throngs that crowd life’s lanes – I have chosen you.

Will you give her all your love?
Nor think the labor vain?
Nor hate me when I come to take this lent child back again?”

I fancied that I heard some say, “Dear Lord, thy will be done.
And for the joys this child will bring, the risk of grief we’ll run.

We will shelter her with tenderness; we’ll love her while we may
And for the happiness we’ve known, forever grateful stay.”

But, should thy angels call for her much sooner than you planned
You’ll brave the grief that comes your way
And try to understand.