Polly

God's Bird

I will lend to you for awhile, a bird, God said
For you to love her while she lives and to
mourn for her when she is dead.

Maybe for twenty or forty years,
or maybe for two or three.
But will you, 'til I call her back,
take care of her for me?

She'll bring her charms to gladden you
and should her stay be brief,
You'll always share her memories
as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise that she will stay,
since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught below
I want this bird to learn.

I've looked the whole world over in
search of teachers true,
and from the folks that crowd life's land,
I have chosen you.

Now will you give her all your love;
nor think the labour vain;
Nor hate me when I come to take my
lovely bird again?

I fancied that I heard them say,
'Dear Lord, thy will be done,
for all the joys this bird will bring,
the risk of grief we'll run.'

Will you shelter her with tenderness?
Will you love her while you may?
And for the happiness you'll know,
forever greatful stay?

But should I call her back much sooner
than you've planned,
Please brave the bitter grief that comes
and try and understand.

If, by your love, you've managed,
my wishes to achieve,
In memory of her you've loved;
be thankful; do not grieve.

Cherish every moment of your
feathered charge.
She filled your home with songs of joy
the time she was alive.
Let not her passing take from you those
memories to enjoy.

"I will lend you a Bird," God said
"and teach you all you have to do.
And when I call her back to heaven,
you will know she loved you too."