"I will lend to you for a little while, a child," God said, " For you to love him while he lives, And to mourn for him when he is gone. Maybe for ten or fourteen years, or maybe only two or three. But will you, til I call him back, take care of him for me? He'll bring his charms to gladden you, and (should his stay be brief) you'll always have his memories as solace for your grief.. I cannot promise that he will stay, since all from earth return. But there are lessons taught below I want this child to learn. I've looked the whole world over in search of teachers true. And from the folk that crowd life's land, I have chosen you. Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labour vain, nor hate me when I come to take my child back again?" I fancied that I heard them say, "Dear Lord, Thy will be done" "For all the joys this child will bring, the risk of grief you'll run? Will you shelter him with tenderness, will you love him while you may? And for the happiness you'll know, forever grateful stay? But should I call him back much sooner than you've planned, please brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand. If, by your love, you've mamaged my wishes to achieve. In memory of him that you've loved, cherish every moment with your little bundle, and know he loved you, too."
~~~~~~~~~ Author : Edgar Guest ~~~~~~~~~~~~
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