A LOAN FROM GOD

God promised at the birth of time,

A special friend to give,

His time on earth is short, he said,

So love him while he lives.



It may be for eight or ten years,

Or only two or three,

But will you, till I call him back,

Take care of him for me?



A wagging tail and cold wet nose,

And silken velvet ears,

A heart as big as all outdoors,

To love you through the years.



His puppy ways will gladden you,

And antics bring a smile,

As guardian or friend he will,

Be loyal all the while.



He'll bring his charms to grace your life,

And though his stay be brief,

When he's gone the memories,

Are solace for your grief.



I cannot promise he will stay,

Since all from earth return,

But lessons only a dog can teach,

I want you each to learn.



I've looked the whole world over,

In search of guardians true,

And from the folk that crowd life's land,

I have chosen you.



Whatever love you give to him,

Returns in triple measure,

Follow his lead and gain a life,

Brim full of simple pleasures.



Enjoy each day as it comes,

Allow your heart to guide,

Be loyal and steadfast in love,

As the dog there by your side.



Now will you give him all your love,

Nor think the labor vain,

Nor hate me when I come to call,

To take him back again?



I fancy each of us would say,

Dear Lord, thy will be done,

For all the joys this dog shall bring,

The risk of grief we'll run.



We'll shelter his with tenderness,

We'll love him while we may,

And for the happiness we've know,

Forever grateful stay.



But should the angels call for him,

Much sooner than we've planned,

We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,

And try to understand.



If by our love we've managed,

God's wishes to achieve,

In memory of him that we have loved,

And to help us while we grieve;



When our faithful bundle departs,

This earthly world of strife,

We'll get yet another pup,

And love him all his life.