Punkin by Alice

Lend me a Kitten

I will lend to you for
awhile a kitten God said.
For you to love while he lives
and mourn when he’s dead.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years
or maybe two or three.
But will you “till I call him back
take care of him for me”?

He’ll bring you 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 kitten to learn.

I’ve looked the whole world over
in search of teacher’s true.
And from the folk that
crowds 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 kitten home again?

My heart replied
“My Lord Thy Will Be Done”
For all the joys this kitten
brings the risk of grief I’ll run.
We’ll shelter him with tenderness
we’ll love him while we may
And for the happiness we’ve known
forever grateful stay.

But should you call him back
much sooner than we planned.
We’ll brave the bitter grief
that comes and try to understand.
If by our love we’ve
managed your wishes to achieve
Then in memory of him who we loved
please help us while we grieve.

When our cherished kitten
departs this world of strife
Please send yet another needing soul
for us to love all his life.

~Author Unknown~
Adapted from ‘Thy Will Be Done’
by Edgar Guest

Alice