|
Lend Me A Kitten
I will lend to you for awhile a kitten, God said. for you to love while she lives,
And mourn when she is dead. maybe for twelve or fourteen years,
Or maybe two or three. but will you, till I call her back,
Take care for her for me? She'll bring her charms to gladden you
And should her stay be brief, you'll always have her memories
As solace for your grief I cannot promise she will stay,
Since all from earth return, but there are lessons taught below
This kitten is to learn. I've looked the whole world over
In search of teachers true, and from all the folk that crowds life's land
I have chosen you. Now will you give her all your love,
Not think the labor vain? Nor hate me when I come to take
My kitten home again? And my heart replied,
"My Lord, Thy Will Be Done." For all the joys this kitten brings,
The risk of grief I'll run. We'll shelter her with tenderness,
We'll love her while we may, and for the happiness we've known,
Forever grateful stay. But should you call her back
Much sooner than we planned, we'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
And try to understand. If by our love we've managed Your wishes to achieve,
In memory of her sweet love, please help us while we grieve.
When our cherished kitten departs this world of stress and strife,
Please send yet another needing soul to love for all her life.
|
