Maybe for seven or fourteen years,
or maybe two or three.
But will you, 'til I call him back,
take care of him for me?

He will bring his charms to gladden you;
and should his stay be brief,
you'll always have his memories,
as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay,
since all from earth, return.
But there are lessons taught below,
I want this cat to learn.

I've looked the whole world over,
in search of teachers true.
And from the folk that crowd life's land,
I have chosen you.

Now will you give him all your love,
nor think the labor vain,
nor hate me when I come to take
my cat back again?

It was then that i said
'Dear Lord, thy will be done.'
For all the joys this cat will bring,
the risk of grief i'll run.

I'll shelter him with tenderness,
i'll love him while i may.
And for the happiness i've known,
forever grateful stay.

But should you call him back,
much sooner than i'd planned,
I'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
and try to understand.

When my faithful bundle
departs this world of strife,
I'll have yet another cat,
and love him all his life.