My grandest foal, he said.
For you to love whilst 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, til 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,
As solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth return.
But there are lessons taught on earth,
I want this foal 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.
Now will you give him your total love?
Nor think the labour vain.
Nor hate me when I come,
To take him back again?
I know you'll give him tenderness,
And love will bloom each day,
And for the happiness you've know,
Forever grateful stay,
But should I come and call for him,
Much sooner than you'd planned.
You'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
And someday you'll understand.