A Child Loaned I’ll lend you for a little time A child of mine, He said For you to love the while he lives And mourn for when he’s dead. It may be six or seven years Or twenty-two or three But you will, til I call him back Take care of him for me. He’ll bring his charms to gladden you And should his stay be brief, You’ll have his lovely memories As solace for your grief. 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’ve looked this wide world over, In my search for teachers true, And from the throngs that crowd life’s lanes I have selected you. Now you will give him all your love Not think the labour vain, Nor hate me when I come to call And take him back again. I fancied that I heard them say Dear Lord your will be done For all the joy your child shall bring The risk of grief we’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 the angels call for him Much sooner than we planned, We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes And try to understand.