Poem

I will lend to you, for a little time, A child of mine He said
For you to love the while he lives, and mourn for when he's dead.
It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three,
But will you, till I call him back take care of him for me?
He'll bring you his charms to gladden you, and should his stay be brief
You'll have his lovely memories, as solace for your grief
I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return
But there are lessons taught down there, I want this child to learn.
I have looked the wide world over, in search of teachers true
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, I have selected you.
Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain
Nor hate Me when I come, to take him home again?"
Dear Lord", Thy will be done
For all the joys this child shall bring,the risks of grief we'll run
We'll shelter him with tenderness,we'll love him while we may
And for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay
But should the angels call for him, much sooner than we planned
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.