God's Lent Child

Red sandstone memorial.  Photo by MMB

"I'll lend you for a little while

A child of mine," God said -

"For you to love the while he lives,

And mourn for when he's dead.

It may be six or seven years

or forty-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 all your memories

As a solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay

Since all from earth return,

But there are lessons taught below

I want this child to learn."

"I've looked this whole world over

In my search for teachers true

And from the things that crowd life's lane

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

This lent child back again?"

"I fancied that I heard them say,

Dear God - 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

We'll love him for while we may,

And for the happiness we've known

Forever grateful stay.

But should Thy Angels call for him

Much sooner than we've planned,

We'll brave the bitter grief that comes

And try to understand."

                                                       Anon