A Child of Mine
by Edgar Albert Guest
I will lend 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 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've looked the wide world over
In search for 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 labour vain.
Nor hate me when I come
To take him home again?
I fancied that I heard them say
'Dear Lord, Thy will be done!'
For all the joys Thy child shall bring
The risk 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've planned.
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes
And try to understand.
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