Lend Me a King Charles Spaniel
I will lend to you for a while,
King Charles Spaniel pups, God said,
For you to love them while they live and
mourn for them when they're dead.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe two or three.
But will you, 'till I call them back, take care
of them for me. They'll bring their charms to gladden
you and (should their stay be brief) you'll always
have their memories as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise they will stay, since all from earth return.
But there are lessons taught below I want this pup to learn.
I've looked the whole world over in search of teachers true
And from the folk that crowd's life's land I have chosen you.
Now will you give them all your love Nor think the labour vain,
Nor hate me when I come to take my
King Charles Spaniel back again.
I fancied that I heard them say "Dear Lord Thy Will
be Done," For all the joys this King Charles Spaniel will
bring, the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter them with tenderness we'll love them while we may
And for the happiness we've known forever, grateful stay
But should you call them back 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, your wishes to achieve
In memory of them we loved, to help us while we grieve,
When our faithful bundle departs this world of strife,
We'll have yet another King Charles Spaniel and love them
all their life.
Author Unknown
"Praising what is lost makes the remembrance dear"
Shakespeare