Willie

I'll lend you for a little time

A child of mine, God said

For you to love while he's alive

And mourn for when he's dead

He'll bring his charm to gladden you

And should his stay be brief

You'll have his lovely memories

As solace for year grief.

And there with you on Earth

This child of mine I lend

For the many souls that he will touch,

With the lessons that I send.

Now will you give him all your love,

Nor think the labor vain,

Nor hate me when I call around

To take him back again?

We sheltered him with tenderness,

We loved him while we may,

And for the happiness we've known

We shall forever grateful stay.

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 looked the wide world over

In my search for people true,

And from the throngs who crowd life's way

I have selected you.

I fancy that I hear you say,

"Dear Lord, Thy will be done .., "

For all the joy this child has brought,

All fateful risk we run.

But you came around to call for him

Much sooner than we had planned ...

Dear Lord, forgive this grief,

And help us understand.