To All Parents
"I'll lend you for a little while 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 'til 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, since all from earth return,
But, there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn
I've looked this wide world over in my search of teachers true,
And from the throngs that could life's lanes I have selected you.
Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain,
Now hate me when I come to take him back again?"
I fancied that I heard them say " Deat Lord, Thy will be done,"
For all the joy 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 shall the angels call for him much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.
