A Poem from Jill, for Timmy's anniversary

I’ll Lend For You

“I’ll lend you, for a little while, a child of mine,”He said

“For you to love while he lives and mourn when he is 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 shall his stay be brief, 

you’ll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay, as 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 of teachers true,

and from the throngs that crown life’s lanes, I have selected YOU.

Now will you give him all your love not think the labor vain 

nor hate me when I come to call to take him back again.”

I fancied that I heard them say “Dear Lord, Thy will be done.

For all the joys thy child will bring the risk of grief we’ll run.

We will shelter him with tenderness, love him while we may—

And for the happiness we’ve known forever grateful stay.

But should the angels call for him sooner than we’ve planned,

We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes And try to understand.”

Written By: Edgar A. Guest