*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

It may be six or seven years,
Or twenty-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 these precious 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 whole world over
In my search for teachers true;
And in the crowds that throng life's land,
I have selected you.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Now will you give him all your love
Not think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to call
To take him back again?

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

It seems to me I heard them say,
"Dear Lord, Thy will be done;
For all the joys 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.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

And should the angels call for him
Much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes
And try to understand."

~ Author Unknown ~