"I'll lend you for a little while, a child of mine" He Said,
"For you to love the while she lives, and to mourn for when she's dead.

It may be for six or seven years, or sixty two or three,
but will you till I call her back, take care of her for me?

She'll bring her charms to gladden you, and should her stay be brief,
you’ll have her lovely memories, as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise she will stay, since 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 crowd life's lanes, I have selected you.

Now will you give her all your love?
Nor think the labor vain?
Nor hate me when I come to call, to take her back again?"

I fancied that I heard you say, “Dear Lord thy will be done.
For all the joy this child shall bring, the risk of grief we'll run.

We'll shelter her with tenderness, We’ll love her while we may,
and for the happiness we've known, forever grateful we'll stay.

But should the angels call for her, much sooner than we've planned.
We'll brave the grief that comes, and try to understand."