I'll lend you, for a little while, a bird
of mine," He said.
"For you to love while he lives, and mourn
when he's dead.
It may be six or seven years, or maybe
twenty-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 bird to learn.
I've looked the whole world over in my
search for teachers true,
And from the throngs that crowd life's
lanes, I have selected you.
Now will you give him all your love -
not think this 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 joy this bird shall bring,
the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shower him with tenderness and love
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."
Author Unknown.
from Betti - A Jersey Girl