I’ll lend you for a little while, a tabby cat” God said,
For you to love her while she lives, and mourn her when she’s dead.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or only two or three,
But with you till I take her back, take care of her for me?
She’ll bring her charms to gladden you and, should her stay be brief,
You’ll always have her memories as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise that she’ll 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 lane I have chosen you.
Now will you give her all your love, nor think the labour vain,
Nor hate me when I come to take my dear cat back again?
I received them I heard them say, “Dear Lord Thy Will Be Done”
For all the joys this cat will bring. the risk of grief well run.
We’ll shelter her with tenderness, we’ll love her while we may,
and for all the happiness we’ve known, forever grateful stay.
But should you come to call her back much sooner than we’d planned,
We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.
If by our love we’ve managed your wishes to achieve,
in memory of one we loved, to help us while we grieve.
When our loving faithful bundle, departs this world of strife,
we’ll have another tabby cat and love her all her life.
| Joanne |