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This poem was written by Edgar Albert Guest in 1930. I first read this poem
after the death of my daughter when it was given to me in October 1982 by the
funeral home. The next year I read it at my 17 year old brother's funeral.
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A Child of Mine
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by Edgar Albert Guest
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I will lend you, for a little time,
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A child of mine, He said.
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For you to love the while he lives,
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And mourn for when he's dead.
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It may be six or seven years,
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Or twenty-two or three.
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But will you, till I call him back,
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Take care of him for Me?
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He'll bring his charms to gladden you,
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And should his stay be brief.
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You'll have his lovely memories,
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As solace for your grief.
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I cannot promise he will stay,
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Since all from earth return.
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But there are lessons taught down there,
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I want this child to learn.
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I've looked the wide world over,
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In search for teachers true.
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And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes,
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I have selected you.
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Now will you give him all your love,
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Nor think the labour vain.
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Nor hate me when I come
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To take him home again?
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I fancied that I heard them say,
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'Dear Lord, Thy will be done!'
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For all the joys Thy child shall bring,
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The risk of grief we'll run.
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We'll shelter him with tenderness,
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We'll love him while we may,
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And for the happiness we've known,
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Forever grateful stay.
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But should the angels call for him,
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Much sooner than we've planned.
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We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
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And try to understand.
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