TO ALL PARENTS

“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, ‘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,

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 my search

for teachers true,

And, from the throngs that crowds life’s lanes,

I have selected you.

Now will you give him all your love?

Not think the labour 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 joy this child shall bring,

the risk of grief we’ll run.

We’ll shower him with tenderness

and love him while we may,

And, for the happiness we’ve known,

forever grateful stay.

And, should the angels call for him

much sooner than we planned,

We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes,

and try to understand.”