God's Dog

I'll lend you for a little while

My grandest dog, He said,

For you to love while he's alive

And mourn for when he's dead.

It may be one or twenty years,

Or days or months, you see.

But, will you, till I take 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 treasured memories

To bring solace in your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay,

Since all from earth return.

But, there are lessons taught on earth

I want this dog to learn.

I've looked the wide world over

In my search for teachers true.

And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes

With trust I have selected you.

I know you'll give him tenderness

And love will bloom each day.

And for the happiness you've known

Forever grateful stay.

Nor hate Me when I come

To take him back again?

Now will you give him your total love,

Nor think the labor vain,

But should I come and call for him

Much sooner than you'd planned,

You'll brave the bitter grief that comes

And someday understand.

Author Unknown (adapted from the poem “God’s Foal”)