I will lend to you for a
while a puppy,
God said,
For you to love him while he lives
and to mourn him when he is gone.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years
or maybe for 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 always have his memories
as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise that he will stay,
since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught below
I want this pup to learn.
I've looked the whole world
over
in search of teachers true
And from the fold that crowd life's land
I have chosen you.
How will you give him all your love
Nor think the labor vain
Nor have me when I come
to take my pup back again.
I fancied that I heard them say
"Dear Lord, Thy Will be Done"
For all the joys this pup will bring.
the risk of grief you'll run.
Will you shelter him with tenderness
Will you love him while you may
And for the happiness you'll know
forever grateful stay.
But should I call him back
much sooner than you've planned
Please brave the bitter grief that comes
and try to understand.
If by your love, you've achieved,
in memory of him that you've loved,
cherish every moment
with your faithful bundle
and know he loved you, too.
